We’re running out of time, so don’t forget to enter…

Today’s guest author is Lexi Ryan!

Lexi Ryan lives with her family in a small Indiana town. When she’s not chasing after her young son or cheering on the Colts with her husband, Lexi enjoys losing herself in fun, sexy stories featuring mouthwatering men, smart women, and happily-ever-after. Visit the author’s website at www.lexiryan.com

Lexi’s latest release is STILLETO’S INC:

Where special powers and super sexy collide…these are not your brother’s superheroes!

ISBN: 978-1-60777-142-5
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Release Date: April 2009

Brains. Attitude. Beauty that brings men to their knees—if their Jujitsu moves don’t do it first. The women of the private investigation firm Stilettos, Inc are not your average PIs. Each armed with a special power, there’s no case the Stiletto Girls can’t crack—until Specials start vanishing in growing numbers.

Darian Lorring is an agent for the Specials Intelligence Agency, a secret government organization of humans with special powers. His unit’s latest mission is to track the Stiletto Girls and determine their role in the assassination attempts on the president. But it’s hard to keep secrets from a Stiletto Girl. His best defense? Keep sex on the brain. And Darian will eat and breathe sex to protect his country…having Paige in his bed again is just an added bonus.

Empath Paige Sykes hopes solving the missing Specials case will answer unresolved questions of her mother’s disappearance ten years ago. But one sexy, chauvinistic SIA agent continues to get in her way—and in her bed. How can she trust what she feels around Darian when his ability allows him to project emotions and physical sensations? How can she trust any man when her ex, Collin Raines, appears to be tied to attempts on the president’s life?

“It is hard to touch on all the reasons I liked this book so much, as there are so many facets to the story. Suffice it to say that if you want something a little different with wonderful twists and turns along with some super steamy, passionate sex, this book will be right up your alley. Ms. Ryan is an excellent story teller and has a finesse in her writing that keeps the reader wanting more.”
–BookWenches

“Humor, suspense and action are all a recipe for a dish that I didn’t mind taking a bite out of. Throw in love scenes that get your juices flowing, in more ways than one, and you will be begging for more.”
–ParaNormalRomance.org

Please help me welcome Lexi to the blog!!

***
First, I want to thank Elisabeth for having me today! Congrats on your latest release, Elisabeth. May there be many more!

An unexpected part of writing fiction (for me) is that readers want to know how much of the book is fictional and how much of the book is the writer’s life disguised as fiction. This is particularly interesting when one writes erotic fiction. To put an end to those questions, I’ve created a top five list.

The Top Five Ways Stilettos, Inc. Is Like My Life

5. Super Powers.

Like all Specials, the heroine of Stilettos, Inc. has her own power. Paige is a unique kind of empath, able to feel not only the emotions of those she touches but the physical sensations as well.

I, too, have super powers. My coffee-stained, spandex superhero costume has an M on the chest for Multi-tasker. My ability allows me to perform such feats as simultaneously cook dinner one-armed (because the baby is in the other), while talking on the phone with a distressed student, giving my dog a belly rub with my foot, all the while hashing out the latest plot problem in the back of my mind. This could explain why dinner is so frequently burnt.

4. Beauty.

The Stiletto Girls—Paige, Josie, and Chrissie—can bring men to their knees with their beauty alone.

I once walked into a room and had two men at my feet in under 60 seconds. They might argue they were just helping me collect the stack of papers and notebooks I dropped. I say, convenient excuse!

3. Skills.

Through their agency, Stilettos, Inc., Paige and her two partners work as private investigators, spies, and even government-contracted assassins.

Just this week, I’ve found my son’s missing left shoe, caught the dog peeing on the floor, and killed a spider. As they say, “Write what you know.”

2. The Ex.

Paige suspects her ex just might be crazy enough to be part of the plot to kill the president.

I suspect my ex just might be crazy.

1. Mind Sex.

The hero, Darian, has the ability to project emotions and physical sensations with the touch of a fingertip, resulting in some seriously naughty mind-sex.

Some nights, after a day of wielding my multi-tasking powers and wicked mommy skills, mind-sex is about all my husband can count on.

——-
All kidding aside, though my book may be far from autobiographical, I write about characters with whom I can identify. Paige carries the weight of a rapidly changing world on her shoulders—she feels solely responsible for caring for her ailing sister, solving the case of the missing Specials, and discovering what happened to her mother years ago. She struggles to share this burden with anyone else, even the man she falls in love with. She has to learn to trust Darian enough to let him help when she needs him most.

With or without the high drama, most women understand this feeling of carrying more than their narrow shoulders can bear. This drew me to her. Paige is also surrounded by good friends who love her and aren’t afraid to tease her to get her to lighten up a little, and I am lucky in that account as well.

How different can a character’s life be from your own? Do you like to identify with their problems or just the way they deal with and respond to them?

***
Thanks to Lexi for being here with us today and for the fun post! Lexi has donated an ebook coy of STILLETOS, INC to one lucky commenter. To be entered into the drawing, simply answer this question:

Is there any movie or book that’s similar to your life? (you can be serious or humorous here).

Only a few days left to enter…

Today’s guest author is the lovely Vivi Anna!

Submission is the only path to his salvation…

A Captive Souls story.

Born a seer, Kiara Brodie has always been feared for her power to see others’ fantasies. She’s fine with that—it keeps the men of her Irish Gypsy caravan at bay. She wants more than this transient life. A letter from her estranged father, summoning her to Louisiana, could be her long-awaited chance to put down roots.
She finds two half-sisters she never knew she had, and an old mansion haunted by a darkly sexy demon who inhabits her dreams. At night he whispers to her of carnal delight, enticing her on a journey of extreme pleasure—and pain.

Malvo knows just what to do with the curious woman who wandered into his lair behind the library bookcase—lock the door behind her and make her a lustful proposition she can’t refuse. He seeks to temporarily ease his lonely torment, but Kiara’s willing and wanton response opens his eyes to the possibility that she is his path to his own salvation.

If only she is willing to remain captive to his every sinful desire—forever…

Review:
RECOMMENDED READ – Ck2kwipsandkritiques
DEMON DREAMER is written as part of a trilogy but stands alone as well. The story’s conclusion brings all of the characters from the three novellas together so readers who insist on reading books in order may want to start with book one first. Vivi Anna ensures that readers will completely understand the issues of the Captive Souls series if one wants to start with her book first- as I can well attest to since this is my first read in the series. However, there is no doubt that once readers get a taste of Captive Souls, they’ll want to read all three of the stories!

Vivi Anna always delivers a scorching hot read and DEMON DREAMER is no exception! Whether one reads it as part of the Captive Souls series or as a stand alone, DEMON DREAMER is a must-read story. The sex is hot, the characters are spicy in temperament, and the plot is superb. What more can a reader ask for? Vivi Anna delivers yet another top-notch story and shows why she is among the best out there. Don’t miss out on DEMON DREAMER!
- Anne

Welcome, Vivi Anna!

***

1) What kind of books do you love to read and how do those stories impact your own writing?
I love to read Urban Fantasy either adult or YA, a little bit of horror, and some scifi/fantasy.

Well, that’s what I love to write, so it’s a mirror thing.

2) What are you working on presently? What about upcoming releases?
I’m working on an asofyet unpublished UF, and a quirky fun paranormal YA. My next release isn’t until December. The Bewitching Hour will release from Nocturne.

3) What’s the best compliment you ever got on your writing or book(s)?
Years ago, a reviewer summed me up in one word…strength. She said my writing was so distinctive and so strong she could identify it anywhere. I’ve never forgotten that and it has always stuck with me.

4) What’s your writing schedule like?
I’m usually up around 8 am, check emails, do blog posts etc, then I’m with my daughter for most of the day, around 5 pm, is when I hunker down to write. Then I write until 9 pm or so, then it’s put girl to bed, and then I might do some research or a few edits, then to sleep. I love my sleep.

5) If you could be one character from any book you’re read or written who would it be and why?
I’d want to be Kat from my Hell Kat books, because she takes no shit, is tough as nails, but will do anything for the people she loves. I like that.

***

Big thanks to Vivi Anna for being here today. In honor of her recent release, she’s generously donated a DEMON DREAMER download to one lucky commenter. To be entered into the drawing, simply answer this question:

It’s been said that demons are the new vampires in fiction. What do you think about the rising demon trend in books?

The countdown is on…

Today’s guest author is the very talented Denise Agnew!

Denise has generously donated a copy of PRIMORDIAL to one lucky commenter. To be entered into the drawing, simply answer the following question…

What book has had the biggest impact on your life?

Only ten more days to enter…

Today I’m thrilled to welcome debut author and 2008 Golden Heart winner, Kris Kennedy!

THE CONQUEROR

After seventeen years of a civil war, things are about to change.

Reluctant hero Griffyn ‘Pagan’ Sauvage is single-minded in pursuit of his mission: overthrow England. He has vowed to reclaim his beloved home, lost seventeen years ago in a coup of the English crown, and wreak his vengeance upon the man who stole it, John de l’Ami. He veers from his quest only once, to rescue a brave and beautiful woman from a midnight abduction.

Guinevere de l’Ami, countess of Everoot since her father died two weeks ago, is equally committed to only one thing: redemption. One fateful night changes everything. A midnight rescue on the king’s highway results in a single night of unforgettable passion, making them risk everything for the despair-defying connection neither ever hoped to find.

Their explosive reunion, a year later, follows betrayal and a bloody invasion. Now cold vows of revenge, the lure of buried treasure, and the deadly enemy closing in threaten a love that could unite a realm, or bring it crashing to the ground.

“With her debut release, Kris Kennedy has given us a stunning tale of betrayal and redemption. … On the surface this would seem to be just another historical romance novel, but hidden in it’s depths are real treasures.”
–Book Binge 4.5/5 stars

“If you’ve been looking for a strong Medieval romance, The Conqueror is an impressive debut, indeed.”
–All About Romance, B+

Welcome, Kris, to the blog!!! We’re so glad to have you with us.

***

The Potency of Reunion Stories
by Kris Kennedy

What is it about a reunion story? Both of Elisabeth’s first two books have reunion themes in them, as does my debut release in May, THE CONQUEROR.

Why is this a recurring theme in the romance genre? What’s the hook, the thing that grabs readers over and over again? I mean, aside from the obvious: getting to say your best lines, the ones you always think of later.

As a first stop, I checked a few dictionaries. Hey! Writer here. I think dictionaries are fun.

At first, the pickings for ‘Reunion” were incredibly uninteresting. As in, barely able to keep my eyes open. “The act of being united again.” Got it. But then I got to things like ‘Rapprochement,” meaning a restoration of harmony. That’s better! What with ‘harmony,’ though? What’s that about?

I found concepts like affinity and compatibility. A meeting of the minds. (I wondered, how about the hearts?) But I think the thesaurus option I liked best was ‘attunement.’

We’re attuned when we are in union. We flex for each other. We sense the other, and shift in response. It’s not compromise so much as dancing, or a musical arrangement. We move for and with each other, and we becomes something we could never be alone.

In a romance, this attunement comes only after a suitably angst-y period wherein the hero & heroine can’t stand each other (but usually have really entertaining arguments.) It need not necessarily be a long stretch of time, just a suitably emotionally-packed period of darkness, discord, and incompatiblity. Inflexibility. Disbelief or mistrust of the other. And oneself.

In fact, I suspect this is what makes the reunion story so compelling—the ability to reach such heights after such lows. A reunion story draw us into both the dark and the light. Heroes doubt and betray not only the heroine, but themselves when they make choices that refute or ignore the connection, the attunement.

Now, all good romance—good fiction–does that anyhow, right? We get Black Moments, dark nights of the soul, errors and mishaps and plain bad decisions made for the worst of reasons. Our lowest, most frightened selves.

But in a reunion story, we get to try again. With the same person. We get a second chance.

And how often does that happen?, I thought wistfully.

Then I looked out the window and saw my husband. And I realized that sometimes, we get that chance every single day.

Reunion stories remind us there’s hope. Hello. Wake up. Try again. He’s right there.

Sometimes we need that reminder.

So, I’m off to get attuned with my husband, and maybe have some new heights today. And tonight.

How about you? Ever been given a second chance? Why did it matter? And how did it go?

One lucky commenter with their second chance story will win a signed copy of my debut medieval romance, THE CONQUEROR. I also have a First Chapter book to give away to a second commenter. So, let’s hear ‘em!

There’s still time to enter…

Today’s Sahmain guest author is Delle Jacobs!

One lord. One lady. One scandalous mistake. Can it all add up to love?

The icy Lord Edenstorm is the very man Lady Juliette hoped never to see again, for only he knows her true identity. One word from him to her brother and she will be locked away, hidden forever in an asylum. All for one foolish, scandalous mistake.

Still stinging from her deceitful betrayal years before and wounded by the horrors of war, Edenstorm offers to keep her secret, if she helps him catch the traitors who smuggle English gold to Napoleon.

Juliette is incensed. Her Cornish friends may be smugglers, but never traitors, and his snooping and accusations could destroy them. Furious at his blackmail, Juliette vows to risk her own life and freedom to protect the friends she trusts by leading his search astray.

But Edenstorm is not the unfeeling man she thought she knew. Nor is Juliette the faithless woman he believed her to be. As passion flares, deceit gives way to truth, and truth unleashes dangers they never suspected.

Only by turning truth into trust—and trust into love—can they hope to survive.

Please help me welcome Delle Jacobs!

***

1) What kind of books do you love to read and how do those stories impact your own writing?
Thanks so much for having me here, Elizabeth! You have such an interesting blog- it’s going to be fun,

After all these years, I still read almost exclusively historical romance and mainstream historical. It’s an odd thing, though, that I’m not reading the genre I’m writing right now, paranormal. I haven’t found very many that are like what I want to read. I know they’re out there, but I don’t see them often. That’s because I want the historical paranormal, in a time when urban fantasy is so popular.

2) What are you working on presently? What about upcoming releases?
You’re probably going to think I’m schizophrenic. I’m not, honest. About two years ago I was feeling very un-satisfied with what I was writing. I think I was tired of my direction, and historicals just weren’t selling well. At my agent’s suggestion I tried a Regency vampire story. I have to admit it took me a long time to catch on, and I became frustrated with it and dropped it.

But from that point on, paranormal stories were the only ones that came to me. I’ve done nothing but experiment with various paranormal historicals since then, but haven’t finished vary much. Now I’m finishing them and sending them out. I’m even finishing the vampire story, which I’ve decided I really like and finally think I understand what I want to do and where it wants to go. It’s been wonderful to have an editor at Samhain who has actively encouraged me to pursue this tack, and take the time I needed to get it the way I felt it should be.

So I have SIREN, a very sensual sea fantasy novella, FAERIE, a medieval paranormal about a woman who is not your ordinary Tinkerbell, a vampire Regency historical and two sequels to my current releases going.

I have two current releases with Samhain, APHRODITE’S BREW and SINS OF THE HEART, both Regency setting. The first is a light, slightly paranormal story about a love potion gone awry. The second is a strongly adventurous story about smugglers and spies. As for releases coming up, well, I can’t say yet, but I’m looking forward to some new announcements soon.

3) What’s the best compliment you ever got on your writing or book(s)?
That’s so hard to say. I’ve had several fans tell me books like LOKI’S DAUGHTERS helped them get through endless hours of pain from surgery and lingering illness, and that’s always wonderful to hear. But years ago I had a friend read FIRE DANCE in very short segments because she said it was too hard for to handle all at once. She confessed that the heroine’s past abuse by her father had triggered difficult memories for her. But she kept on reading and said eventually it was a therapeutic tool that changed her life. It feels great to know something I wrote turned a person’s life around.

4) What’s your writing schedule like?
I’ve had a hard time finding time for my writing the last year, but I’ve changed all that, and I’m back on schedule. When I write, write all day, 10 to 14 hours every day. When I research, that’s the way I do it. I don’t like it when I have to steal a few minutes here and there, but sometimes that’s the way it has to be. I don’t need one of those signs that says “Mom at work- don’t enter unless the cops are here.” I have perfected a glare that does the job just as well.

I write on a laptop or when I go places, my mini laptop, an MSI Wind, which weighs 2.5 pounds and fits in my purse. It’s the perfect Starbucks writing machine. I have an office, but I prefer sitting on my bed, or outside under a canopy in summer.

5) If you could be one character from any book you’re read or written who would it be and why?
You do ask hard ones! The truth is, I don’t identify with the heroines. I see myself in the heroes. Some of my own, and Laura Kinsale’s heroines are like me. I’m stubborn and independent. But at the same time sometimes not believing in myself enough. I think of all my own heroines I’d most like to be the one in FAERIE, or in my latest release, SINS OF THE HEART.

I like my heroines strong and independent, a bit willful but not stupidly so. I love it when they can out-smart a smart hero. Such a woman must have a hero who is every bit her equal. That can be hard to write sometimes, but it’s always worth it.

***

Delle has donated a copy of SINS OF THE HEART to one lucky commenter. (ebook or print). To be entered into the drawing, simply answer this question…

Who are some strong, independent heroines (from books or movies) that stand out in your mind?

Okay, technically it’s still night here. Though it’s the wee-hours of night. LOL

BUT…I know some of you are waiting, so instead of going to bed after my long day of driving all over the state signing books, I’m here. Announcing this week’s winners.

So without further adieu, the winners (picked by random number generator) are…

The winner of Megan Hart’s DEEPER is…
Jeanette8042!

The winner of Shelli Stevens TAKE ME is…
Cathy M!

The winner of Beth Kery’s book (your choice of WICKED BURN or DARING TIME) is…
Mari!

And finally, the winner of Lauren Dane’s LAID BARE is…
kh (kimehak@yahoo.com)!

Winners, please email me at elisabeth@elisabethnaughton.com with your snail mail addys and I’ll forward them to the respective authors.

Thanks to all who participated, and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for more freebies!!

A little housekeeping first…

Winners from this week will be announced tonight. Also, I’m doing a book signing today in the Eugene/Springfield Area from 2-3pm. If you’re in that part of Oregon, stop by and say hi. I’d love to see you.

Book signing details:

Thurston Book Exchange
5505 Main St.
Springfield OR
541-726-7126
2-3pm

Okay, now on to the fun stuff. Only 14 more days to enter my big STOLEN HEAT release contest…

Today’s freebie guest author is the beautiful, talented and saucy Lauren Dane!

Unexpected Desire…

It’s been ten years since clean-cut, sexy-as-hell police officer Todd Keenan had a white-hot fling with Erin Brown, the provocative, wild rocker chick next door. Their power exchange in the bedroom got under his skin. But love wasn’t in the cards just yet…

Now, life has thrown the pair back together. But picking up where they left off is tough, in light of a painful event from Erin’s past. As Todd struggles to earn her trust, their relationship takes an unexpected and exciting turn when Todd’s best friend, Ben, ends up in their bed—and all three are quite satisfied in this relationship without a name. As the passion they share transforms Erin, will it be enough to help her face the evil she thought she had left behind?

What people are saying about LAID BARE:

“In a word, this book is amazing. All three characters are magnetic and thoroughly realistic. They’re expertly woven into a roller-coaster story that will have you crying one moment, aroused the next and laughing with glee at each triumphant step along the way. With menage and some mild M/M scenes, this is Dane’s best story yet!”
–RT Magazine, 4 1/2 stars and a Top Pick!

“Every once in a great while, a book comes along that moves and surprises you in all the best ways. LAID BARE is one of those books for me. I was blown away by Dane’s brilliant rendering of this emotionally-charged, deeply erotic tale of second chances and redemption. I can’t say it enough: I loved this book!”
–Sylvia Day, nationally bestselling author of Eve of Darkness

Please help me welcome Lauren to the blog!

***

1) What kind of books do you love to read and how do those stories impact your own writing?
I read across many genres! I love science fiction and futuristics, mysteries, thrillers, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, biography – essentially I love voices. If an author has a voice I love, I’ll follow her around, LOL.

Everything I read has an impact on me as a writer I think. Partly because each time I read a book I learn things about my own style and voice, I learn about different ways to tell a story. Reading, just like watching movies or traveling, is great creative input. All these different voices, different stories, the lives of that author and her characters – all these things add to the sum of human experience that as a writer I can tap into.

2) What are you working on presently? What about upcoming releases?
I’m working on INSATIABLE, it’s the next futuristic in the Federation Chronicles series for Berkley Heat, set for July 2010 release. It’s Daniel’s book and it takes readers into a Known Universes on the brink of war.

August 4, I’ve got LAID BARE, a contemporary ménage erotic romance (whew what a mouthful!) from Berkley Heat. It’s my first contemporary with Heat and I hope folks enjoy it! In October I’ve got TRINITY, a paranormal romance from Samhain and then in January it’s COMING UNDONE, the sequel to LAID BARE.

3) What’s the best compliment you ever got on your writing or book(s)?
When the books sell or I make a list it’s always awesome. When I get a new contract it’s always awesome.

But it’s the comments from readers I’m so very touched by. First of all, people have really busy lives so when they take the time from their day to find an address for me and write to me about one of my books, that is a great compliment. I’ve been fortunate enough to have received many wonderful compliments, but some of my favorites are comments about how they love the way I create family or a community in my books.

4) What’s your writing schedule like?
This has been a crazy year, but the entire time I’ve been writing, I’ve had small children so I haven’t had the daytime really to write. For years I’ve written in the evening, from about eight to midnight. I write every day and take off two weeks in the summer. That isn’t going to happen this summer, LOL, but my baby is off to full day kindergarten so I’ll have the daytime hours to write!

Essentially, like I said, I write every day for about three and a half to four hours. I try to get in about 3K words daily, some days it’s more, some days it’s less.

5) If you could be one character from any book you’re read or written who would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a hard one. I’d say I’d like to be one of the Chase wives, because hello, hot husband, great family, wonderful small town – what more could you ask for?

***

Lauren has graciously donated a copy of LAID BARE to one lucky commenter. To be entered into the drawing, we’re turning one question back around on you, the readers. Simply tell us…

What’s one character from any book YOU’VE read that you would like to be and why?