Come on over
September 30, 2009 by Melissa · 2 Comments
Hey, I am Beth Kery’s blog today chatting about stepping out of the comfort zone. I am giving away a signed book:)
Also, I just wanted to shout out there that I am still under a rock writing, and the muscle spasm is being a bitch this week. Today is the worst day for it so when I stop writing, I am away from the computer. Sitting front of it makes the spasm worse, so I am usually laying down somewhere when I am not working. Starting next week I should be back to full force:)
Mel
Shayla Black: Seduce Me in Shadow
September 29, 2009 by Melissa · 3 Comments
Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 2 — Caden’s Story
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1416578447
ISBN-13: 9781416578444
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders
Simon & Schuster | Books-A-Million | Overstock
Read the FIRST CHAPTER!
When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black’s seductive new paranormal series.
Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book’s existence, she will jeopardize magickind’s most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard’s number one target. Caden has never trusted magic’s cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic—even if it means risking his heart.
Rated HOT “Dramatic… A page turner!” ~ RT Bookclub
Recommended Read! “Emotionally charged conflict and sizzling sexual tension add to the page-turning quality of this paranormal suspense. Once again, Black delivers!” ~ Fallen Angel Reviews
5 out of 5! “SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW is highly addicting and emotionally gripping. The plot sizzles with twists and turns that kept me engrossed long after I finished reading. Highly recommend…” ~ Romance Junkies
“…full of the same excitement, sensuality, and suspense as its predecessor…Seduce Me in Shadow is engrossing. The Doomsday Brethren is an intriguing series and I look forward to the next installment.” ~ Joyfully Reviewed
“Ms. Black blends magic, mystery and romance into a suspenseful tale. Her masterful storytelling comes through on every page.” ~ Paranormal Romance Writers
“I really enjoyed this book. Seduce Me in Shadow hints at the next book, teasing the reader into wanting more. I cannot wait!” ~ ParaNormal Romance Reviews
“This book is chock full of action…and twists and turns that leave you craving more. How many days do I have to wait until “Posses Me At Midnight” comes out?” ~ Naughty Editions Books
“Captivating… SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW should not be missed.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
Thank God it’s Friday
September 18, 2009 by Melissa · 5 Comments
It has been a rough week. Well, actually, yesterday was just the day from hell for me, professionally and personally. Writing not working, dealing with stuff I just don’t have time to do, and the kids…it was just bad all around. But, I am ready to push that behind me and just concentrate on my book. I have a goal of 4K today, which I should have no problem getting to, if things do not rise up and cause havoc.
We have a family outing planned tomorrow, so I have to met my goal today or we can’t go:( The girls would not be happy if I didn’t make it, lol. They might even suggest going without me. But, for those of you who live in the DC area, there is a really good blog, Wonkabout, that gives you the great things to do in the city. I am off to write for the day.
Oh, and since it is Friday and we all deserve it:
In the Cave
September 17, 2009 by Melissa · 8 Comments
So, I am getting a lot of writing done on A Little Harmless Obsession. My posting has been light because of that and because of my work on the new historical proposal I came up with. I really didn’t think it would amount to anything. It was so different from anything I had done before, and well, I had not had a lot of luck with NY, even with an agent. But, still, I thought, what the heck. My agent told me NY kept asking for this particular genre, but I really didn’t want to do contemporary. That had been done and I wanted something new. With the help of Kris Cook and Shelley Bradley, I built the world, and now I am particularly attached to it. It is going out in the next few weeks and I am just crazy about it. So, to keep myself from obsessing about it tomorrow, which I did that today, I am going to be off the Intertubes tomorrow with my head buried in ALHO. I am sorry that I have been neglectful, but I am leaving you with a couple men who inspire two of the men in the new proposal:
Oh, take a gander at the new haircut.
Retro Writing Wednesday: Nourishing the Reader Within
September 16, 2009 by Melissa · 2 Comments
I orginally wrote this in 2006, and it got a lot of response. I thought I would share it with you because as writers, I think it is always important to read–in or out of your writing genre. There is a lot to be learned from reading other writers, and hell, it is great to take that break and allow yourself to escape.
Nourishing The Reader Within
© by Melissa Schroeder
Can you remember when you would, without a shred of guilt, steal into the bath for a relaxing read? Up until about two months ago, I had forgotten that feeling. I’d been too busy. And, in the game to get ahead, I lost perspective of what is important.Just a little background, I had fourteen, yes, fourteen, novels, novellas, and short stories released in less than twelve months. And, by the end of those twelve months I was not only tired, I was on my way to a major burnout. I have two kids, a husband who is military and not always around, so my life is full. Count on all the promos, the editing, and trying to carve out time writing books that weren’t contracted, and I had very little personal time. Heck, I didn’t have time to get my hair trimmed, and after a fall down the stairs thanks to a Barney book, I was behind on my contracted work.
So, a couple months ago, during one of those days when I thought about throwing in the towel, I listed things I missed. Number one was time with my family. But you want to know what the second one was? Reading. And not reading because it is in my genre. But reading because one of my favorite authors has just released a book.
Let’s face it. Most of us became writers when we read a book and thought, “I want to write like this.” It is what brought us to writing to begin with. For me, I accidentally picked up the Linda Howard book, All the Queen’s Men, thinking it just a suspense novel. I had never read romance, but when I read that book, I couldn’t get enough of romance. I practically devoured books. So, after some planning with my husband, we carved out time for the family, we made an effort to do family outings. Then, I had to get back to reading. Is it a priority? You betcha.
When I read a book, and reread(my copies of many Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts, and Christina Dodd books are so worn it is almost embarrassing) a book, I can escape. And don’t all of us need that escape? Sure, when I write, I live in that world, but am I really escaping? I need to step into another author’s world, experience those characters. I had not realized that it was very important to my writer’s soul. That need to feed, for lack of a better word, on another writer’s creativity for the joy of it, is vital to me. It replenishes my own creativity. By ignoring that need, I was actually starving a part of my ability to create.
It seems simple, but it isn’t. We put ourselves behind others, at least I do. And, to many people, in the great scheme of things, reading isn’t that important.(I know, disgusting aren’t they? I think they actually walk by bookstores and don’t look!) But, think of the first time you read a MacGregor book, or maybe your first vampire romance, or you remember the first time you read a Crusie book and laughed so hard you were worried about the state of your underwear. Don’t feel guilty when you go by a bookstore and see the newest book from your absolutely favorite author. Pick it up(and don’t forget to pay for it) and indulge. It might get you out of a writing slump, give you a new idea, or just get your jazzed about writing.
Website Design
September 12, 2009 by Melissa · 16 Comments
UPDATE: I want to thank everyone again for giving me suggestions. I am still playing with ideas, talking to a few designers to get estimates. I do want to keep it simple as possible because I hope soon I will have to add another site for my new historical series(fingers crossed, it goes out soon).
Anyway, LAURIE K, you are the winner. Email me, babe, and let me know what book of mine you want:)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, I am stuck again. Had a designer lined up, even paid for the design, and then got dumped two months later. This was after waiting four months just to get into the que. Oh, and this happened two years ago. I am getting a complex here. Mel is not a happy camper.
So, now I am back at the drawing board and I need some suggestions. I have been playing with the idea of seperating my sensual and erotic books, like different sites. They could all be accessed through the front page. That would also allow me to add things, like if Clan or By Blood gets picked up. Would that make it easier for you all? I just want to make it super easy to get around the site. I also think that would work for people who just read my sensual or just read my erotic.
Thoughts??? If you could give me suggestions on things you like and dislike, maybe anything you think authors miss, post it in the comments.
Give me a suggestion and your name will go in the pot for a free print book from me.
I’ll run it until Monday morning.
Perfection by Kris Cook-Now On Sale
September 7, 2009 by Melissa · 1 Comment
One of my best friends and critique partner, Kris Cook, has his first release today! It is a wonderful paranormal menage and the start of what I think will be a spectacular series! Here is a little taste of it.
(c) 2009, Kris Cook
Menage Amour 104: Erotic Paranormal Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, Public Exhibition]
While searching for her missing brother, Micki Langley visits a nightclub with a notorious reputation as ménage a trios central, and comes face-to-face with two amazing men straight from her fantasies.
Ancient jinn Jared endures heavy guilt and wants nothing to do with the human girl. Tripling is necessary to keep immortals alive, but his hunger for Micki is far beyond normal.
Though warrior angel Bradley completes their threesome, he despises Jared for his tainted reputation. He vows the jinn won’t hurt the gorgeous human and has no problem fighting him to prove it.
But when the threesome comes together, they share more than an exchange of energy, they share an unshakable bond that generates astounding power. Their enemies seek to destroy their perfect triad, which could unsettle the balance of power between angels and demons. Will the threesome be able to stand strong together – in trust and love – to defeat the relentless evil?
Praise for the Book
“A sexy, intriguing paranormal world you don’t want to miss. It IS Perfection!” – Shayla Black, National Bestselling Author of Tempt Me With Darkness
Excerpt
“Micki, do you like me touching you?” Jared murmured.
“Yes.”
His mind swirled with desire and his cock hardened again, making him grit his teeth. Could he really keep the dark lust that beat inside him at bay?
Bradley moved down from her mouth to her shoulders, licking the entire way.
Jared felt Micki’s pulse quicken.
Don’t stop, she thought.
“We won’t stop.” Bradley’s blue power swirled around Micki’s red.
“Not until you’re dripping with desire.” Jared sent his green energy to join with the blue and red surging around her. “Not until you’re begging us to take and fill every part of you.”
Ease off, Bradley warned.
Fuck you.
Micki turned to him. “I—I’ve never begged.”
“By the time we’re done, I promise you’ll be very comfortable with it,” Jared vowed, watching her shiver as the angel sucked on her lobe.
Her breasts demanded his attention. He gladly complied, cupping them through her blouse. Taking both delectable taut nipples between his thumbs and forefingers he pressed. She gave a long moan and titled her head back, delighting him to his core. He pinched harder. She grabbed his forearms and gasped, blasting his centuries of self-denial to bits.
He released her nipples and caressed her gorgeous mounds. His reason scattered, overtaken by need. In the back of his head, he knew he must stay focused, but something about her made that impossible.
Bradley sent, Slow down!
Don’t tell me how to triple, infant!
The angel reached around Micki’s back and grabbed his shoulder and squeezed hard enough to break a human bone. But Jared wasn’t human.
She wiggled between them, distracting them, flushed and unaware just how sensual she looked. Energy gathered and swirled, unlike anything Jared had ever seen or experienced. Her skin burned hot under his touch.
Mentally, he probed the power Micki radiated. An enormous jolt shot through him, stronger than anything he’d ever felt. They didn’t have time to slow down. They must triple now.
“I’m nervous,” Micki fidgeted.
“That’s okay, sweetheart.” The angel shot him a glare when Micki closed her eyes. “I understand, but you’re safe.”
Though Micki’s red energy didn’t shrink back, that would take a tripling, her worries faded from her expression.
The angel promised her, “This will be incredible for you.”
And for us, Jared’s thought.
Micki opened her eyes. “I’m not sure how far I can go tonight. I didn’t come here for…you know.”
Her gaze burned him up to the core, and his insides threatened to explode. The need to move his mouth over hers, dip inside for another delectable taste, scorched him, leaving him weak-headed as all remaining blood rushed to his cock.
“We’ll go only as far as you want,” Bradley lied.
Jared looked up at Micki. “Believe me, you’ll want everything we can give you.”
He touched her soft lips with his forefinger before he replaced it with his mouth. She tasted wonderfully warm and sweet. He pressed harder into the kiss. Urgent need engulfed him.
Desire filled him for their coming orgasms and energy exchange. He puzzled over this new ache she’d brought forth, more compelling than any before. Her energy continued to grow, spanning the entire room. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to consume it all. He must try for Micki, but terror gripped him. What if the tripling didn’t work? What if he couldn’t hold the seeds of darkness inside him from taking her last breath?
Still fully clothed, Bradley gently rolled Micki to her left side, then pulled her back to his front. Was the angel testing him?
Her thoughts skated into his mind. I can’t believe my fantasy is really coming true. I’ve never been so turned on.
Her silent confession summoned his need to dominate her. Still, he tried to tamp it down as he unbuttoned her white silk shirt and found the mounds that had been tempting him all night long. Her firm, reddish nipples jutted out to him, begging to be touched, tasted. He took one at a time between his thumb and forefinger and pinched.
“Yes, yes, yes.” she repeated and then screamed silently, Please, take me!
“We will.” Bradley moved his hands under Micki’s breasts, offering them up to him.
Jared hesitated. Could he control his hunger enough?
When Bradley rolled her nipples between his fingers, and Micki moaned, his question dissipated. Jared leaned in, nipped the hard tips back and forth until he took in one quivering berry in his mouth and sucked hard. Micki’s swirl of energy and power inundated him.
Jared sat Micki up and dropped to his knees in front of her. As he stared in hunger, Bradley sent him a warning glare. He wondered if the angel had his sword ready to conjure.
Jared turned Micki’s hips toward him and removed her skirt, leaving her soaked pink panties clinging to her swollen folds. Micki leaned back into Bradley.
As the angel tossed her shirt to the floor, Jared dipped down and licked Micki’s inner thighs. She moaned. Jared delighted in the sounds roused by his and Bradley’s fondling.
Micki’s trembling revealed her passion and Jared couldn’t wait another second to turn up the heat in her. He kissed her swollen mound under the fabric.
Rivers of lights raced around them, a deluge of power. Desire. Passion. Ecstasy. All of it overwhelmed his better senses, trapping him in a vortex of Micki’s sensual power.
Jared struggled to remind himself to stay in control, to not loose all of his hunger, but when Micki’s red color exploded inside his head, it obliterated all rationale.
He ripped Micki’s panties from her body. His primal need twisted for release. He lapped her clit with his tongue.
Micki’s moans brought a flood to his balls. He needed release, especially when Micki fisted her hands in his hair and pulled him in closer between her legs.
He tensed as the power coursed through him, totally explosive.
“Do you want more?” he said, spreading her legs wider apart.
Apologies
September 4, 2009 by Melissa · 1 Comment
Hey, everyone!
I apologize for the half post and my absence. Last week it was migraines and this week it was strep. I have not had that horrible bastard for 19 years and I have forgotten how horrible it was. Especially when you wait so long to go to the doc. But, I am filled with penicillian, able to sleep through the night and ready to go. I am still buried in working on my new vamp story, hope to hear something really soon on that, and A Little Harmless Obsession is getting there. I have a due date of Oct 1 on that one:)
I hope everyone enjoys their last weekend of summer. VA is gorgeous right now and I am glad I can finally go outside again:)
