Retro Friday Leslie Ann Dennis
October 30, 2009 by Melissa · 8 Comments
Everyone welcome Leslie Ann Dennis! Leslie not only writes about hunky Scottishmen, her alterego Paisely Scott also writes hot romances! Her story, Sugar Shack, will be releasing
in print this December.
And, she is running a contest. Comment here by tomorrow morning, and get a chance of a free download of Reason to Believe!
Bio
Leslie lives in Northwest Louisiana with her hero-husband and three cuddly mutts. She’s been writing romance for over ten years and believes nothing is more satisfying than escaping into a love story that captivates the reader all the way through to the Happily Ever After ending.
Website: http://www.leslieanndennis.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/leslie_dennis
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/leslieanndennis
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lesliedennis
BLURB:
Reason To Believe
by Leslie Ann Dennis
Available NOW from The Wild Rose Press
Lane Douglas is a die-hard realist, so when her superstitious grandfather tells her he will die if the tree planted long ago in his honor in Scotland is chopped down, she doesn’t buy it for a second. But when her grandfather’s health starts a downward slide, Lane hops on a plane and flies across the ocean to convince the landowner to spare the old, diseased oak. To her surprise the landowner is a devilishly handsome man named Conlan MacGregor. Practical Lane came prepared for a fight to save a silly tree, but she soon finds herself fighting to save her heart from falling under the magical charms of the hunky laird of Wolfscrag castle.
Buy it:
Paperback: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/reason-to-believe-paperback-p-3267.html
PDF: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/reason-to-believe-p-908.html
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Reason-To-Believe-ebook/dp/B001FA0YXM
EXCERPT:
“Tis my favorite song, lass,” drawled a deep brogue from across the room.
Startled, Lane glanced up to see Conlan’s tall body filling the doorway. Arms folded loosely across his chest, he had one broad shoulder propped negligently against the frame and his jean-clad legs crossed at the ankles.
Jesus. He looks even sexier than I remember.
He flashed that lopsided grin.
“Wow.” She took a deep, calming breath. “I, uh…” She pointed at the stereo dumbly. “I’m listening to your CDs.”
His long strides carried him across the room to her. “I see that.”
“I hope you don’t mind.”
“Why would I mind listening to my favorite tune?” he teased softly, taking a seat beside her.
Lane didn’t look at him, but he was so close she could feel the warmth radiating from his body; smell the intoxicating, masculine scent of him. “So, you’re home now?” she asked, mentally thumping herself for pointing out the obvious.
“Aye.”
“I’m glad.” She looked up at him. “So we can get to work on Poppa’s tree, I mean.”
Conlan reached out and gently grazed her cheek with his knuckles. “I missed ye, Lane.” His gaze lowered to her parted mouth, and he ran the pad of his thumb lightly across her bottom lip. “I missed your lips.”
In that instant, Lane knew that she had missed him more than she dared admit. What was happening to her? And how did he—a man she hardly knew—awaken such intense feelings within her? Long-dormant emotions bubbled to the surface whenever he was near, making her second-guess her priorities concerning relationships.
She had been perfectly content with her life—sans a man—before meeting him. But now… now she felt such an overpowering void in her life when he wasn’t with her it nearly choked her.
Why him?
She watched his mouth lower toward hers. “You did?”
His breath, warm and cinnamon-scented, fanned her cheek. “Aye.”
REVIEWS:
“Reason To Believe is a lovely, emotionally satisfying read with lovable characters and an ending that made me go ‘awww’. If you’re looking for a heart-warming read, I recommend this book.”- Cocktail Reviews
“Reason To Believe is a delightfully mesmerizing novel that grabs the reader on page one and doesn’t let go until the very end.”- Fallen Angels Reviews
“Reason to Believe is a light, easy read that will leave you with a deliciously warm glow.”- Between the Lines Reviews
“In Reason to Believe, Leslie Ann Dennis has crafted a story as magical and beautiful as the Scottish Highlands. I loved every word! Open the cover and let her lyrical voice weave its sensual spell around you.”—Gina Ardito, author of The Bonds of Matri-money and A Little Slice of Heaven
“Reason to Believe is a magical, heart-warming tale, steeped with Scottish folklore and superstition that will leave you with a smile of satisfaction. Conlan and Lane spark the pages from their first encounter to the end. I loved it!”—Amanda Cummings, author of Bound by Magic
“Sexy, funny, and incredibly romantic, Reason to Believe is one of those unique stories that stays with you long after you’ve finished it…and oh, how I didn’t want it to end! Conlan and Lane’s heartwarming, magical road to true love will leave readers anxiously awaiting this talented author’s next novel.”—Shelby Reed, author of The Fifth Favor and Midnight Rose
Cleaning House-in more ways than one
October 24, 2009 by Melissa · 1 Comment
Demon Seed the Second, DSS, wrecked my office. I haven’t been using it the last few days and so the kid got into the games we keep in there. <G> So, today, the family office and my office are getting a good cleaning. Once I get done with that, I am going to get down to working on the plot for Hands On Training for WCP Torrid. It is the sequel to The Hired Hand, and was orginally released in 2005 but it is a short story. I am expanding the plot and after reading thru it the other night, I am super excited about it:) While I am writing that, I will be plotting The Spy Who Loved Her, the next historical in the Once Upon an Accident series for Samhain.
It feels good to be working on my ebook releases again, visiting old characters. It has my creative juices going. Also, be looking for some news on my old Bounty Hunters Inc series. It is an old futuristic series that went out of print and I just haven’t had the time to send anywhere for rerelease. I am mulling over a few options, but I think I’ll decide pretty quickly.
And, for your Saturday viewing pleasure:
RETRO FRIDAY: SHAYLA BLACK TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS
October 23, 2009 by Melissa · 6 Comments
Shayla is in the midst of two releases. One, Seduce Me in Shadow, just came out at the end of Sept and her next release, Possess Me at Midnight, is out next week(but you can preorder it now). They are both from the Brethren Series, what I like to call Harry Potter for adults. It is a truly great series and I do believe Possess Me at Midnight is just going to KNOCK UR SOCKS OFF. And, don’t forget to get the free Brethren short story, Fated, available for download.
But, let’s go back to a little over a year ago to Tempt Me With Darkness
He’s an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction. . . .
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray, he’s sure they met in eons past. He’s felt her soft, gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own powerful body. . . Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur’s warriors, has endured a terrible curse the witch cast upon him when he spurned the witch.
She’s a modern woman about to discover ancient magic. . . .
Olivia shares a mystical—and irresistible—connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful—and intimate—than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna’s hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love—with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren—can save them.
Reviews:
“This orgasmic paranormal…will have Black’s fans panting for the next installment.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly
“Kudos!” Romantic Times Bookclub
5 out of 5! “TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is fast-paced, emotional and thoroughly addicting… a very strong first installment, and I find myself panting for more of this bold and sassy new series.” ~ Romance Junkies
5 out of 5! “Tempt Me with Darkness is a fascinating tale… I loved the mix of mystical, magical and legend that was woven together to produce a first rate story that delights and entertains.” ~ Fallen Angels Reviews
“I have to tell you I loved it. With so many authors writing paranormal you’ve done a great job making sure your voice is heard.” ~ Ann Lorz Best Sellers Bookstore
“Shayla’s created a very interesting reality with standout characters whom I enjoyed getting to know. I certainly was kept up past bedtime by this one! I’ll look forward to the next book with pleasure.” ~ Merry Cutler, Romantic Times Bookseller of the year
“Brava, Ms. Black, for the start of what looks to be a phenomenal series!” Denise McClain ~ Book reviewer
“All I can say is WOW! this one had my emotions all over the place…got a little hot and bothered, cried some, laughed some and loved it from beginning to end.” ! RR@H Novel Thoughts & Book Talk
“WOWOWOWOWOW! Black rocks emotion, storylines and loveable, must have heroes! I sat and was engrossed. You created a memorable hero and I love the world building.” ~ Joy Harris, Joyfully Reviewed
5 out of 5! “The first word to come to my mind to describe TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is Wow! Others are amazing, terrific, fantastic and outstanding! …richly drawn, fascinating and utterly irresistible. Sure to be an addictive new series.” ~ Romance Junkies
“…Paranormal readers will enjoy this series as it’s different from the usual vampire/werewolf fare that is cropping up. I loved it and wish the wait wasn’t so long for the next book.” ~ Book Binge
“Tempt Me With Darkness is a hot, exciting romance filled with intriguing characters and a great storyline. I can’t wait for more in this imaginative, sizzling new series!” ~ New York Times Bestselling author Lara Adrian
“TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is a captivating paranormal tale…sets up the series nicely and offers an engaging romance, which I highly recommend.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
“Shayla Black has penned a captivating story with intrigue and sizzling romance…a great read, and I look forward to reading more about her fascinating characters in upcoming books.” ~ Night Owl Romance
5 out of 5! “As the first book in Shayla Black’s intriguing new series, Tempt Me With Darkness is a fantabulous kick off to what promises to be an incredible adventure. With the heat and intense emotion we have come to expect from Ms. Black, and the action she is showing a distinct flair for, you cannot possibly pass this one up.” ~ A Romance Review
5 out of 5! “With her fascinating world of immortals and magickind, beloved author Shayla Black’s Tempt Me With Darkness hooks readers from page one and keeps us enthralled to the very end. This is a wonderful new series with a depth and passion that will make readers crave the next installment.” ~ Two Lips Reviews
“This book indulges fans with Ms. Black’s unique brand of sensual romance while showcasing just how creative this talented author’s imagination truly is. TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS will be like catnip to lovers of paranormal romance, and will certainly foster an epidemic of happy addiction to…THE DOOMSDAY BRETHREN!” ~ Wild On Books
5 out of 5! “I have a new favorite author and her name is Shayla Black! I cannot say enough good things about this book… I literally stayed up half the night one night because I could not stop reading. I look forward to reading the next two installments…” ~ Coffee Time Romance
5 out of 5! “I would definitely recommend this book. I loved it and more than likely will be reading it again!” ~ Once Upon A Romance
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
Present day – England
Beside the lush banks of a pond, a woman beckoned, familiar. Yet Marrok of Cadbury had never seen her face in his life.
Vivid grass and multi-colored flowers rioted around her. A cityscape towered in the background. None of that held his gaze rapt. Her bare-to-the-skin nakedness and dangerous beauty did.
The woman’s sable hair swept over one pale shoulder, curling under the swell of a generous breast topped by a berry nipple—and framing a birthmark he knew well.
She no longer possessed the platinum tresses into which he’d once thrust his hands. Her new face was delicate—higher cheekbones, pert nose, pillowy mouth—but the siren could not disguise herself from him. Black lashes fluttered over violet eyes that had long haunted his nightmares.
Morganna.
Lust crashed into him, a battering ram to the gut. Need stiffened his cock. He wanted her as he never had, with a frightening desperation. Bollocks! Was he daft enough to let her lure him to further doom?
Acid hatred mixed with clawing desire. He tried to look away, but his gaze caressed her small waist, her curved hips, the moist flesh between her thighs glistening. Luminous, her smile coaxed him to touch her, challenged him to walk away.
Marrok didn’t—couldn’t—do either.
Morganna bewitched him more now than she had on their wind-drenched night of shared pleasure an eon ago. The strawberry mark low between her breasts brought back memories of pale moonlight surrounding them as he’d succumbed to temptation and swived her senseless. For that mistake, he’d paid dearly.
With the last fifteen centuries.
Mist swirled around her like the mystical fog of legend, as if caressing her. Though she was deadly, Morganna in this new form captivated him. Today, society had clinical terms for his obsession. He cared not. Getting the treacherous bitch to release him from his hell… Nothing else mattered.
With an alluring curl of her fingers, she summoned him. Marrok gritted his teeth. To yield would only mean further torture. But his body betrayed him, inching closer, his cock swelling painfully. Cursing, he closed his eyes.
If he must resist her to be free, he feared he was doomed.
Marrok opened his eyes as a fresh rush of desire slammed him. Want was a luxury; this woman he needed. The feeling was as new as a baby’s first breath…and as welcome as the plague. And likely illusory, merely one of Morganna’s tricks. Though he dug his fingers into his thighs, her haunting eyes pleaded with him. Marrok very nearly surrendered to the urge to touch her.
Then she waved her hand. Suddenly, she clutched to her naked breasts the ornate red book he knew meant the difference between his life and death, and she backed away.
Nay!
Marrok launched himself at her. They fell to the ground in a tangle of breaths, arms, and legs. The book fell beside them, its maddening lock still firmly closed.
Before he could grab it, she latched slender arms around his neck and arched, distracting him with her lush curves.
“Marrok, love me.”
Her plea spiked his fevered lust. He ached to sink deep into her. But he had to resist this fatal woman. Somehow.
“Release me,” he growled.
She clung tighter, then writhed against his erection. By God, she was wet. He was on fire for her. A heartbeat from explosion. A mere moment from forgetting how treacherous she was.
“Open the book!”
“You want me.” Her whisper made him shiver.
Why deny that? A waste of time and breath.
As she wriggled under him, lightning chased across his skin. Like a fool, he thrust against her and groaned. The need to utterly possess her screamed through him. Later, he’d remember all the reasons he could not.
Marrok dropped his hands to her thighs and pried them wider. “If you tempt me thus, you will take what I give you. All I give you.”
“Anything.”
Morganna’s nipples burned his chest as he lifted her legs over his arms. From one instant to the next, his clothes melted away and he poised himself at her entrance.
Groaning, he buried his face in her fragrant neck. Incredible. Inevitable. More intoxicating than ever. Marrok had sworn never to touch Morganna again—a promise he had kept for centuries—but now…he had to be inside her.
“Everything…” she encouraged.
As he surged forward, Morganna grabbed the book. Desire chained him; he could not move, not even to snatch it from her grasp.
With a wave of her pale hand, Morganna unlocked the volume. The cover fell open, revealing a hint of its pages, as she faded away.
“Give it to me!”
He shouted at fog. She—and the book—were gone.
Again, she’d used her power against him. Desire sizzled deep within, but he was, as ever, cursed.
Desolation slashed him, leaving his soul to bleed.
His anguish made no sense. He’d never mourn Morganna’s loss. He would, in fact, spit on her grave if she had one.
“I am the key.” Her soft entreaty swept through the wind. “Find me.”
19 Years Ago Today
October 20, 2009 by Melissa · 4 Comments
Les and I met. It was at a wedding I was in. The bride and groom introduced us after the wedding reception. It was just by chance because more than once the bride said she would have never put us together. And, not to mention, Les almost didn’t come to the wedding. His sister talked him into coming. We have completely different personalities, and I would say for sure that he is a bit more conservative than I am. Not much, but a bit. I remember another one of my friends telling me that it would be funny if we got married. With his height and my chest, she was sure we would have a bunch of long-legged, big boobed girls, lol.
So, after I got home from dance with DSS, we got the kids some dinner and went out by ourselves. It was just a little local place with some great Greek and Italian place.
I am off for the next few days. I am reading for friends, and replotting Hands On Training which is going to rerelease in June from Whiskey Creek Press. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Retro Winner!!!!
October 17, 2009 by Melissa · 2 Comments
Fedora!You have won a choice of digital or paper book from Jordanna! Please email me(you have it right?) and let me know what you would like. I will get the info to Jordanna.
Thanks everyone for participating and a BIG THANK YOU to Leslie/Jordanna for sharing with us.
Next week’s Retro Author is Shayla Black!
Retro Friday: Jordanna Kay
October 16, 2009 by Melissa · 9 Comments
Everyone welcome, Jordanna Kay, who also writes as Leslie Dicken , a friend and fellow Samhain author:) As I said before, any books I feature on Retro Fridays will be over a year old. Jordanna is giving away a choice of download OR a print book:) All you have to do is comment by tomorrow morning and I will draw a name from that list:) Good Luck!
Buydigital @ MBAM
Buy print @ MBAM
A sexy alien with secrets to hide, an irresistible reporter determined to expose
the truth; when resistance succumbs to temptation, they are forced to pay the
price of discovery.
On the hunt for a juicy story and a promotion, Erin Price is determined to prove
she can move beyond her past mistakes. An eerie Victorian house in the middle of
nowhere and a sexy stranger hiding secrets could be her ticket to success.
Racing against time and a competing journalist, Erin breaks every rule to be
near the stranger. When she discovers the truth, she’ll be forced to decide if
her career is more important than her heart.
Drakor has nothing but contempt for Earth after his best friend disappeared on
the planet during a previous assignment. When his family accepts a critical
mission to find a cure for bone crippling disease at home, Drakor is forced to
return to the planet he despises. As his birthday nears, Drakor is losing time
to find his life mate. Will his encounters with a nosy reporter change his
opinion of Earth and is his deep attraction to her proof that his true life-mate
is human? When a series of failures force Drakor to take his family and run,
will he leave behind the only person he can ever love?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reviews:
Once Upon a Romance: “I really enjoyed the storyline of The Price of Discovery.
It is unique…I always like a book that grabs my attention on the first couple
of sentences. I instantly wanted to know what was going on. I reckon that’s the
mark of a good book.”
Two Lips Reviews: “A fantastic futuristic storyline with characters I really
wanted to root for was found in these pages of The Price of Discovery. Jordanna
Kay has a talent with creating an absorbing story.”
The Romance Studio: “Fast paced this story will quickly carry the reader along
on this excitingly erotic adventure. The Price of Discovery was an enjoyable
read and I highly recommend this book to the adult readers that enjoy paranormal
romances.”
Welcome New Author, NIKKI DUNCAN
October 12, 2009 by Melissa · 3 Comments
I want everyone to welcome Nikki Duncan, a good friend and a very talented author. She has her first ever release with a great romantic suspense featuring a sexy blind hero. Good luck, Nikki and readers, don’t let this one pass you by!
Mel
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are eBooks real books? Why are they popular? How are they purchased and read?
Yes! Any book, whether it’s published or not and regardless of the format, is a real book.
When I first contracted with Samhain my sister asked if I’d sold a “real book.” Now, I’m not the type of person who’s easily offended and I knew that she was asking if I had sold an eBook or a print book. She did get me to thinking though. This sister is like a lot of people today. She isn’t a huge reader and when she reads she’s conditioned to read print books.
So why are eBooks popular? Why should readers consider them?
It’s a digital world and things are changing more every day. Aside from being environmentally friendly, eBooks offer readers massive convenience. You can shop online, download the book and start reading it instantly. There’s no need to leave the house or wait for an order to be delivered to you. In many cases eBooks are less expensive than print books. And one of the best things about eBooks is that if you have an eReader they travel easily. You can load numerous eBooks on a reader that weighs considerably less than the paper books you would otherwise carry.
Now, I still love my print books. There’s something about curling up on rainy afternoon with a book and feeling the paper beneath your fingers, but it’s tough to argue the validity of eBooks.
If you’re new to eBooks and want to know how it works, feel free to practice on mine. Sounds to Die By released today.
Said about Sound to Die By – “Nikki Duncan has spun a web of intrigue, suspense, and scorching hot love scenes that will entice any reader.” ~ Talia Ricci, Joyfully Reviewed
Sounds to Die By, Sensory Ops book 1
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60504-677-8
Pre-Order: Samhain | Kindle Version | Books on Board
Also, check out my month long blog party. I’m giving away some great prizes with an eReader for the grand prize on Halloween. www.nikkiduncan.com/blog.
Thanks for having me here, Melissa.
New Release: Beth Kery’s Paradise Rules
October 5, 2009 by Melissa · 1 Comment
Beth Kery was the wonderful author who allowed me to be on her blog last week and she has a release tomorrow! And it looks YUMMY. Love books set in Hawaii because it brings back our memorable three yr tour there. And WOW, what a great cover.
PARADISE RULES
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: October 6, 2009
Format: Trade Paperback
She didn’t believe in paradise…
To most people Hawaii’s crystal blue shores are an inviting opportunity to escape reality. But for Lana Rodriguez who grew up there, the picture-perfect vacation getaway disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without some emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki with a different outlook on the past, and a bold defiance when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.
Until she found it in him.
Local celebrity, businessman and island god, Jason Koa, may be every woman’s dream. For Lana, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though their start is rocky, they can’t deny the passions they arouse in each other. Jason refuses to become Lana’s pawn. It’s time to show her who makes the rules on this island—and in the bedroom. But will Jason’s attempt at breaking Lana’s shell reveal secrets that neither are prepared to face,
What people are saying about Paradise…
–Love scenes that are so hot they set the pages on fire…a must add to your forever bookshelf! ParanormalRomanceReviews
–4 stars from Romantic Times–Kery creates tension by weaving together a mystery and a happily-ever-after love story.
–5 Stars from Genre Go Round Reviews–hot enough to melt the polar cap
–A “Desert Island Keeper” from Lea Closetwriter–these two are volcanic together
Pre-Order Paradise: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425230120/
Read an Excerpt: http://www.bethkery.com/paradise-rules
Winner of The Hired Hand
October 4, 2009 by Melissa · 3 Comments
Thanks, everyone for the wonderful comments. I want to start doing this on a regular basis for me and a few of my friends, so hopefully we can make this a semi-regular thing:)
ZINA, email me via the website for your copy of The Hired Hand. I only have PDF or HTML of it, so I am sorry that is all I can offer.
Don’t forget to hop on over to Nikki Duncan’s site today for your chance at a print from me, and many other prizes as Joy and Melissa play over there for the day!
Joyfully Reviewed is BLOGGING
October 4, 2009 by Melissa · 1 Comment
Hey, our friends Joy and Melissa took over Nikki Duncan’s site today and they are having a P A R T Y. They have a ton of books to give away including one from moi:
The following books are up for grabs!
Caught – Jami Alden
Holding Out For A Hero – HelenKay Dimon (signed)
The Lotus Blossom Chronicles – Jax Cassidy, Simone Harlow
Naughty Bits – Eden Bradley (signed)
Don’t Bargain With The Devil – Sabrina Jeffries
Heart Of The Wolf – Terry Spear
Taking Care of Business – Lauren Dane & Megan Hart
Darkness Unknown – Alexis Morgan
My Forbidden Desire – Carolyn Jewel
