Heat Up Your Valentine’s Day: New Erotic PNR Release THE WATCHMAN by Arla Dahl #newrelease #erotic #pnr

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jami Gray

“The Watchman (Immoral Virtue Book 3)”

by Arla Dahl

Published: November 20, 2015

Genre: Historical Erotica

Blurb:

Evil is found when evil is sought.

“For when those in authority neglect to reprove sin, then very often the good are punished with the wicked.” – Heinrick Kramer, 1486, The Malleus Maleficarum

For yielding to the proud tears of an accused witch, The Watchman’s soul may have been blackened by evil. To prove himself unmarked, his body free of the witch’s branding, he must stand naked before all and submit to the governor’s thorough and shameful examination.

Though Giles Scott would resist the governor’s practiced and patient touch, only complete abandon might prove his innocence. And since the witch cannot feel, only Giles’ arousal can spare his neck from the noose. And so, he surrenders.

Yet screams from another chamber – perhaps pained, perhaps pleasured – awaken memories from Giles’ dark, torturous past, and the governor’s touch no longer teases but stings…much like the punishing bite of a whip against the flesh of THE WATCHMAN.

From the Author:

THE WATCHMAN, Book 3 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a dark erotic twist of an already twisted period in American History, the Salem witch trials. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with forced consent, M/m, M/f/f and other BDSM concepts, THE WATCHMAN is intended for audiences 18 and over.

What readers are saying…

“Fifty Shades-meets-Shakespeare in this eloquent, erotic tale.” – Debra Druzy, Contemporary Romance Author

“A well-crafted, wickedly erotic romp through witch trial hysteria. Arla Dahl will whet your appetite for more.” –- Candy Caine, author of contemporary interracial erotica

“The Watchman was so hot and satisfying, the perfect conclusion to this trilogy.” – Chloe and Sabine’s Smart Mouth Smut

“Erotic and immensely satisfying.” — D.B.Shuster, author of the Neurotica Series

Come help celebrate multi-published, bestselling author Arla Dahl’s latest addition to her “Immoral Virtue” series, “Watchman” Thursday, February 4th, 7-9 PM EST. Prizes, games, chats, the unveiling of secrets, and various and sundry shenanigans await!!

Join

Don’t miss out on books 1 and 2 of this sizzling series!

“The Mark (Immoral Virtue)”

Blurb:

Be this a witch?

In 1600’s New England, it was decreed thus:
“Whoever lies with the beast will bear a mark that is insensible and in their most secret parts, and may be located only through diligent and careful search.”

Accused of witchcraft, Abigail Prescott must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor’s inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow.

Governor Jameson Foster has examined many before, but Abigail enchants him like no other. Before he succumbs to her sweet charms, he must uncover the dark truth of this bewitching.

Should she feel his prodding and respond to his touch, her innocence will be proven. And this night he will claim her. Should she resist, fail to cry out in pain or in pleasure, then all will know she is a witch who bears The Mark.

“I defy you not to squirm and moan right along with Abigail as you read The Mark. Rejoice, erotic-fiction fans. Arla Dahl has arrived!” –best-selling author, Pam McKenna

From the Author:
THE MARK, Book 1 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a highly erotic, non-romantic tale of sexual awakening and abandon, of the duty to submit vs. the desire to resist. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE MARK is intended for audiences 18 and over.

Goodreads Amazon

“The Accused (Immoral Virtue Book 2)”

Blurb:

There is no shame in pleasure.

“Wherefore for the sake of fulfilling their lusts (women) consort even with devils.” -Heinrich Kramer, 1486 “Malleus Maleficarum” (The Hammer of Witches)

To clear their names and save their souls the accused are stripped and bound before all as they await their governor’s examination.

At the governor’s direction, Abigail Prescott, herself accused as a witch a mere hour past, will help test the women’s responses, for a witch marked by the devil cannot feel, no matter how gently caressed, no matter how deeply probed. Under the governor’s scrutiny Abigail is to thoroughly examine their naked flesh for the black mark of the beast.

But the prideful Elizabeth Hobbs withdraws consent. And her fate is sealed. Taken deep into the forest by the watchman, she will remain naked and open to the elements to await her punishment.

Stirred by her proud tears, the watchman touches her. Soothes her. But when a man succumbs to a witch’s charms, he too stands among THE ACCUSED.

“Explosively erotic with unexpected twists and surprises that keep the pages turning.” – 2013 RITA Finalist, Pamela Hearon

From the Author:
THE ACCUSED, Book 2 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy continues the highly erotic, non-romantic, tale of resistance and of submission. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE ACCUSED is intended for audiences 18 and over.

Goodreads Amazon

About the Author

Arla Dahl is a lover and avid reader of all things sexy and suspenseful. She gets her inspiration from daily headlines, and is often surprised by how today’s issues mirror those from the distant past. When Arla’s muse goes stealth, she spends her time trying recipes from exotic locales, with rich flavors and provocative scents that tempt and tease and satisfy.

A New Yorker, born and bred, Arla is forever fascinated by the varied cultures of her city. Beyond the rich diversity, the close and heady feel of a moody late night jazz club is her favorite part of living in the Big Apple.

In her current work, the Immoral Virtue trilogy, which is set during the witch hysteria of the 17th Century, Arla twists an already twisted history into a daring erotic work of passion and pleasure.

Follow Arla around the ‘Net!

“The Watchman” (Immoral Virtue series) by Arla Dahl

Tour schedule

Feb. 1 – Nesie’s Place – https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/book-blitz-the-watchman-immoral-virtue-book-3/

Feb. 2 – Dark Paranormal Romance Series – http://darkparanormalromanceseries.com/?p=425

Feb. 3 – Ocean 2 Ocean Book Promotions – http://o2obookpromotions.blogspot.com/2016/02/new-release-party-and-book-tour.html

Feb. 4 – Facebook Party – https://www.facebook.com/events/1623365141261190/

Feb. 5 – Tory Richards – http://www.toryrichards.com

Feb. 6 – Jacklynn Loves Reading – http://www.jacklynnlovesreading.blogspot.com

Feb. 7 – Pam Ace Eve’s Book Blog – https://pamaceeve.wordpress.com/

Feb. 8 – Romanceaholics – http://www.romanceaholicblog.com

Feb. 9 – Musings Of An Independent Artist – http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com

Feb. 10 – The Fine Print Book Blog – https://thefineprintsr.wordpress.com/

Feb. 11 – Paranormal Magic and Mischief – https://dabeko77.wordpress.com/

Feb. 12 – Nadene’s Totally Addicted To Reading – http://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html

Tricia Schneider – http://www.triciaschneider.com

Feb. 13 – A Writer’s Mind – http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/

Feb. 14 –Jami Gray – https://jamigray.com/

Ocean 2 Ocean Book Promotions – http://www.o2obookpromotions.blogspot.com

Treasure Hunts or Finding New Reads #indie #ebooks #newreads

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Jami Gray

During my summer promotion experiment, there were varied opinions on why or why not offering one of your books for free was a good or bad idea. I shall leave that in the arena of personal opinions, because truly that is where it belongs. Today I’m removing my “writer” hat and replacing it with my “reader” hat. *switches to jaunty bowler hat*

Right then, readers, tuck in, because I’m going to share a list of fantastic authors discovered during free or 99 cent sales, that I proudly claim to ~~stalk~~ follow while nabbing every new title as it hits the airwaves. Granted, there are some misses, but again, it all comes down to personal taste. Just because I like an author doesn’t mean my co-cospirator and writing partner in the Windy City will as well, but I’ll still share.

As a reader I don’t discriminate between print or ebook, but due to limited shelf space (currently Knight has asked we stop adding to our collection of 7 bookshelves) most new author treasures I collect are in e-format. I keep my pretties in a nifty program called Bookpedia (think iTunes for books). So I’ve scanned my records for a complete list of books I would have never known about had I not decided to take a change and pick up their preciouses when they were gallantly offered.

Enough background, ready for my list? Great, and if any tickle your interest, I’ve given your your first clue for your own treasure hunt, and may I suggest using Amazon to find the rest of your route?

Kristen Ashley
Christi Snow
Kennedy Layne
Lynn Raye Harris
Tonya Burrows
KA Salidas
Debbie Christiana
Catherine Mann
Joanna Wylde
Kaylea Cross
Cynthia Eden
Jeffe Kennedy
Cora Seton
Cristin Harber
Megan Mitcham
Lisa Marie Rice
Rebecca Zanetti
Katie Reus
Elizabeth Hunter
Suzanne Halliday
Nicole Jacquelyn
Joseph Nassise
Trish McCallan
Suzanne Wright
Bailey Cunningham
Carolyn Crane
Chelsea Cain
Christy Reece
Cindy Gerard
Elaine Levine
Elisabeth Naughton
J.L. Saint
Jennifer Lowery
Kathi S. Barton
M.L Buchman
Martha Bourke
Natasza Waters
Pamela Clare
Rachel Bach

Now here’s the deal, had these great writers not offered at one point in time, a free or drastically discounted price, I may have stumbled along my reading way, never realizing they were tucked away just off my route. And how disappointing would that be?

So from this reader, my I offer my humblest thanks for all those who take a chance on potential readers and offer their precious works for consumption, and suggest to my fellow reading addicts to take a chance on that free or discounted books, for you may discover your next great love.

Read on!

Divas of Romance Join Labors of Love Hop #LOLHop #giveaway #romance

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Jami Gray

From sweet to dark, divas of romance work their fingers to the bone for your reading pleasure in the Labor of Love Bloghop from 9/4-9/6. Come join me and enter to win a Kindle with new, heart-pounding titles just for you!

Happily ever afters only come after heart-breaking work, and this Labor Day weekend, we are celebrating our written labors of love by giving our readers a chance to win a brand-spankin’ new Kindle with our personal bests. That’s right, you could win all of our books! Aren’t you excited? We are! So here’s your chance, just click the link below to enter our giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While each story I create is close to my heart, I’ve decided to share the first book from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, PSY-IV Teams, HUNTED BY THE PAST. The PSY-IV Teams (think ‘cypher’ teams) evolved from love of suspense with military leanings, but I couldn’t escape my need for the unusual abilities, so my heroes and heroines face external and internal danger on multiple levels. As if I’d make it easy on any of my characters to find their happily ever after…

Sometimes death is the only way to out run the past…

Changing the past is impossible, a fact ex-marine, Cynthia Arden, understands all too well. Struggling with the aftermath of a botched mission, a panicked phone call brings her home to face a killer’s game. Unfortunately, the distracting Kayden Shaw returns as well, the one man she thought would stand by her, until he chose his job over her.

To survive, will Cyn risk her heart or lose the man she loves and her life?

My head pressed against my knees, while my arms wrapped around my shins, holding myself together so I wouldn’t shatter into unrecognizable pieces. I squeezed my eyes shut, gasping against the heavy, hot air. God, it hurt. So much so, I wanted to scream. But I couldn’t. Screaming would solve nothing. It wouldn’t bring Kelsey back. Wouldn’t chase Ellery back into hell where he belonged. Wouldn’t make anything right. Instead I had to suck it up and play Ellery’s sick game. And now he had Kayden in his sights.

I have no idea how long I sat there lost in the unlit spaces of my soul. There were lines I’d told myself I’d never cross, but at this particular moment, when grief and rage combined into an unforgiving storm, I would have crossed every single one in exchange for Ellery’s destruction. Options I would have never considered played through my mind, tempting me to step a little deeper into the shadows. It wouldn’t be hard. I’d learned quite a few things in the military.

“Cyn?”

The sound of my name snagged me from tumbling over into the moral abyss. A touch stroked over my spine, stopping the unconscious rocking motion I’d adopted. I blinked my eyes open, only then noticing the tears weighing down my lashes. Kneeling next to me, Kayden, face etched with concern, eyes watchful, waited until I focused on him. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” My question came out hoarse.

“Don’t go down that road, you’ll get lost.”

I held his gaze, unable to answer, not caring how eerily well he read me. Part of me didn’t give a damn anymore, too much rage, too much guilt, too much pain; all of it coalescing together until it swallowed me whole.

He reached out and brushed away the lingering tears. “You take that road and you’ll lose Kelsey forever.” He curved his palm against my cheek. “You’ll lose yourself, and then he’ll have won. The price is too steep.” There was no judgment in his voice or his expression. Instead a hint of some hard-won knowledge resonated through his words like a bell, spreading until they chased the whispers of vengeance leading me toward the edge.

“I’m not sure I care anymore,” I whispered, meeting his gaze without flinching.

“You care or you wouldn’t still be here.” He watched me. Under any other circumstances I’d be dodging the intense eye contact we shared, but at this moment, I feared the loss of it would send me tumbling into the yawning pit before me.

Have I got your attention? Good, because the second PSY-IV Team book, TOUCHED BY FATE is coming early 2016 from MuseIt Up Publishing, so go get HUNTED BY THE PAST while you can!

And because I don’t want your To Be Read pile to wither away over the holiday weekend, one lucky commenter will win an e-copy of SHADOW’S EDGE, the first in my Urban Fantasy series, The Kyn Kronicles. Whatever shall you comment on, you ask? Well, let’s celebrate your greatest accomplishment! Just post your favorite accomplishment in the comments below and I’ll announce our winner on 9/7.

Thank you for join joining our Labors of Love Blog Hop. To see who’s participating, click the link below and work your way through our participating authors:

*Thank you for joining us and we apologize that we seem to be having tech issues with the Linky Link. If it doesn’t work, please see complete participating authors list below.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

Mix a little murder with your romance with @msspencerauthor #mystery #romance

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Jami Gray

Welcome back my lovely visitors, today we have the talented M.S. Spencer carving out some precious time with us, as she shares her mystery romance, THE PENHALLOW TRAIN INCIDENT, now available from Sweet Cravings Publishing.

The Penhallow Train Incident, my new mystery romance, is set on the coast of Maine in the fictional town of Penhallow. Midcoast Maine sits right about where the state begins to change from heading due north to “down East.” The land is quite different from the southern beaches or the North Woods. Fronting Penobscot Bay, it is a region of lakes, farms, small villages, and lobstermen. Most people have lived there for generations, and refer to anyone who moves to Maine from elsewhere as “from away.” Our heroine Rachel Tinker and her hero Griffin Tate are both from away, but when a series of murders roils their adopted town, they spring into action.

Although they’ve been bickering like grumpy old farts for years, Griffin and Rachel are secretly attracted to each other. In this excerpt they discover the truth.

The Penhallow Train Incident

In the sleepy coastal Maine town of Penhallow, a stranger dies on a train, drawing Rachel Tinker, director of the Penhallow Historical Society, and Griffin Tate, curmudgeonly retired professor, into a spider’s web of archaeological obsession and greed. The victim’s rival confesses that they were both after a map to the Queen of Sheba’s tomb, and with his help they set out to find it. Their plans are stymied, however, when a tug of war erupts between the sheriff and a state police detective who want to arrest the same man—one for murder and one for bank robbery. It falls to Rachel to solve both crimes…and two more murders, if she is to unlock the soft heart that beats under Griffin’s hard crust.

BUY LINKS:

Sweet Cravings Amazon B&N Kobo ARe Scribd Inktera Bookstrand Versent

EXCERPT: The First Time

Rachel tried not to scream. She took a big gulp of air and let the words rush out on the exhale. “It’s the woman. The woman with the deposit slip. She’s dead.”

“I’m coming over.” She heard a click and a buzz.

Fifteen minutes later the screen door slammed and Griffin stalked in without bothering to knock. He went straight to the kitchen, filled two glasses with ice and poured whiskey into both. Carrying them to the living room, he handed one to Rachel without a word. Without a word, she took the remnants of her old drink and poured them into the new one. She set it down. For a second she stared at it, then reached out to pick it up again, but Griffin gently moved the glass away and took her in his arms.

She’d thought she was fine until then.

The tears flowed and she hiccupped and gurgled about life and death while he muttered unintelligible words into her hair. When what had been a mild need for a tissue grew too urgent to ignore, she left his shoulder. A couple of wipes and a swig of bourbon and she could look Griffin in the eye. He dabbed ineffectually at his soaked shirt with a dirty handkerchief. “Better?”

“Yes, thanks. It’s just…I feel so responsible.”

His eyebrows rose. “Responsible? Why?”

“She came to me. She gave the purse to me. She wanted me to help her. And for that she was murdered.”

“We don’t know anything of the sort. What did they say on the news?”

“Only that her body was found in the Passagassawaukeag.”

“She could have fallen in. She could have committed suicide. From what you told me she was very upset.”

Rachel recalled the young woman’s face. “Not upset. Frightened.”

“But not of the man she was with?”

“N…no. I don’t know how to describe it. She seemed…hunted. But determined.” She took another sip of bourbon and settled back on the cushion. So what if Griffin’s arm happens to be resting on the back?. “Griffin,” she turned to find his face inches from hers, “we’ve got to find out who she—they—were. And what she was afraid of.”

He gazed into her eyes, his own inscrutable, then faced the television. “No. You have to let the police handle it.”

Rachel, who had forgotten what they were talking about in the overwhelming desire to kiss the man next to her, couldn’t think of anything to say.

Finally, he mumbled, “Turn it up—it looks like they’re talking about her.”

She did as she was told.

….

The camera trained on a reporter. Short and stumpy, he tugged at his wrinkled polo before attempting to smooth his waning hair. “That was Sheriff Quimby of the Penhallow police, Andrew. It looks like we won’t get any more information tonight, but he’s scheduled a press conference for tomorrow at noon.”

“Is he going to discuss the first murder—the train incident, Lou?”

“Hopefully, although he didn’t mention it tonight.”

“Did anyone ask if the two deaths are related?”

“The sheriff only said that, so far, there’s no indication of either foul play, or of a connection between the two deaths.”

The anchor turned to his partner. “So, Bambi—”

Griffin jerked upright. “Bambi?”

“—are we looking at a rash of thrill crimes down there in the hitherto bucolic town of Penhallow?”

Bambi shook out her hair and touched her ruby lips before facing the camera. “I certainly hope not, Andrew. My grammy lives in Penhallow.”

Andrew stared at her for a long moment before turning to the camera. “Thank you, Lou. Keep us posted.”

Rachel muted the volume. “What should I do?”

Griffin patted her shoulder. “There’s nothing we can do tonight. Toby knows about your encounter with the woman, right?”

“Yes.”

“So he’ll probably want to see you tomorrow.”

“Maybe. I wish we could have found something on the bank. It’s very frustrating.”

….

Her companion bent forward and pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “There’s…nothing…we…can…do…tonight.”

“Nothing?”

For answer he let go of her face, drew her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss was tentative. She kissed him back, tentatively. “I…”

“Shut up.” This time they didn’t come up for air for a while. When they did, they stared at each other as if seeing one another for the first time. He said, “I…uh…didn’t mean to do that. I…”

She rose. “Oh, I see.” She picked up Spot and nuzzled him, hoping Griffin couldn’t see her tears well up. “I guess you’d better go then.”

He stood. “Okay. But…um, actually…what I meant to say is…I’ve been meaning to do that for a while. But I wasn’t sure… I didn’t know…I didn’t think…” He trailed off.

The bewildered look in his cerulean eyes as he shifted his weight from foot to foot reminded her of a kindly giant bobbling a baby bunny. She went up on tiptoe and touched her lips to his cheek.

The response was immediate. Griffin swept her up off the floor and charged through the kitchen door. Confronted with the refrigerator, he stopped, turned, and plunged in the opposite direction. Ending up where they’d started, he bellowed, “Where the hell’s your bedroom?”

She pointed at the ceiling. “Upstairs.”

Without another word he leapt up the steps, only banging her head once on the banisters, and dropped her on the bed. Then he stood, legs set wide like a latter-day Paul Bunyan, and folded his arms.

She lay where he’d dropped her, panting. “Now what?”

“You tell me.”

Oh for heaven’s sake. “Come here, you great gob of indecision.”

Those seemed to be the words he was looking for, since for the rest of the evening he proved to her just how decisive he could be.

BUY LINKS:

Sweet Cravings Amazon B&N Kobo ARe Scribd Inktera Bookstrand Versent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Although M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five continents, the last 30 years were spent mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director, and parent. She has two fabulous grown children, and currently divides her time between the Gulf coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.

CONTACTS:
Blog Facebook Twitter GoodReads Pinterest About.me Tsu.co Linked In

AUTHOR PAGES:

Secret Cravings Publishing Romance Books 4 Us Amazon Author Page

OTHER BOOKS BY M. S. SPENCER

Romantic suspense and mystery, they are available in ebook and print from Secret Cravings Publishing and all fine on-line book stores. For more information, visit http://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html:

Whirlwind Romance

The Mason’s Mark: Love and Death in the Tower (an Old Town Romance)

Lapses of Memory

Mai Tais & Mayhem: Murder at Mote Marine (a Sarasota Romance)

Artful Dodging: The Torpedo Factory Murders (an Old Town Romance)

Triptych

Losers Keepers

Talking Romance and Animal Rescues with @lisaricardclaro #romance #animalrescue #newrelease

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jami Gray

Welcome one and all, today our guest is the marvelous Lisa Ricard Claro.

She is an award-winning author and Pushcart prize nominee, with articles and stories spanning multiple media. She resides in Georgia, but dreams of living at the beach. Lisa’s novel, Love Built to Last, is the first book in the Fireflies series. Watch for book 2, Love to Believe, in the fall of 2015, and book 3, Love to Win, in early 2016, all from Black Opal Books.

Without further ado, I turn the campfire over to Lisa!

Romance & Rescues

First, a big thanks to Jami for inviting me to guest post here on her blog. I’m excited to be here!

As a guest, I like to keep my post within the scope of interest of my blog host, and at first blush, I thought that might be tough to do here since I write contemporary romance, not fantasy/paranormal. But, then I realized that Jami and I have something major in common besides our love of the written word: our dogs!

As a reader of Jami’s blog, you’re aware of the recent additions to her abode. But take a look at a pic of Jami’s fur monsters (top) compared to mine (bottom). Mine are like the older version of hers:

(Holy moly, Lisa, they are twins…FUR DOPPLEGANGERS unite!)

Yep, my furry kids are going gray, rather like their mistress, though, thanks to L’Oreal 6G you’ll never know it until you catch me in my skunk stripe phase prior to coloring the roots. I try to ensure this doesn’t happen, but some things are just a fact of life—like our true colors revealing themselves in spite of our effort to cover them up.

My true colors, gray roots aside, include a heart for animal rescue. But after being told by an editor that no publisher would allow me to include a rescued pet in every story, I dumped virtual hair dye over the notion and set my passion for rescues aside. You can guess how that turned out, right? Those rescue-roots grew out and I’d cover them up again. Except you know what? Embracing them turned out to be a better bet. Here’s why:

Unlike gray hair, our passions originate in our heart, not our head. And in our heart is where our true colors reside.

I tasked myself with allowing my passion for animal rescue to take its natural course within my novels despite what I had been told. The result was a three book publishing contract, with rescued pets in every book. No, my novels aren’t about animal rescue. They are contemporary romance novels where a rescued pet might play a major role in the plot, as does the three-legged mutt, Pirate, in the first book in the Fireflies series, Love Built to Last, (just released June 20^th), or a minor role, like the 90-pound Lab, Belle, in book 2, Love to Believe, (to be released fall 2015), or even a bit part, as with the noisy cat, Pavarotti, in book three, Love to Win (watch for it in early 2016).

I can’t speak for other authors, but for myself, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that through my work I’m letting my true colors shine through. I love sharing my passion for both Romance and Rescues. And honestly, as a reader, isn’t that what you want from a book? To feel the passion in the pages? Even when it is subtly rendered. (I’m subtle with the Rescue component, not so subtle with the Romance.)

True passion for Romance and Rescues. You’ll find both in my books.

And a skunk stripe on my head every 4-5 weeks. But let’s not talk about that.

(With my white streak in red, we could almost pull off of a punk band!)

Please leave a comment and tell me about your passion. What fires burn in your heart? What true colors do you have that will always shine through?

Thanks for hanging with me –

Lisa

Want to contact Lisa? You’ll find her hanging at any of the following:

Website: www.LisaRicardClaro.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaricardclaroauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisaricardclaro

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/lisaricardclaro

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Ricard-Claro/e/B00MUYB8IW

E-mail: lisa@lisaricardclaro.com

DESTINY MINE’s Nana Prah Asks, How Hot Do You Like Your Scenes? #DestinyMineBookTour #multiculturalrom #romance

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Jami Gray

The beautiful and talented, Nana Prah is here today, and she has her latest romance release in her Destiny Series, DESTINY MINE, in tow. Now, I don’t gush (much) about my friends, but she is one of mine that I love to help support (and not just because she makes me blush about my own works). Nana’s writing will keep you hooked from the get go. Although she’s setting her baby (DESTINY MINE) lose upon the world, she’s asking an important question many writers (myself included) wonder about: How hot do you need your romance?

Before I turn it over to Nana, I must share the intriguing, DESTINY MINE:

Extraordinary midwife, Esi Darfour, is looking to get married. She’s a master matchmaker but has no luck when it comes to her love life and has yet to find a man worthy of her. Until she has to deal with gorgeous Dr. Adam Quarshie outside of work.

Adam is a player who refuses to get married—ever. His interest lies more in getting her into bed than in having any kind of committed relationship. Esi’s matchmaker instincts warn her to run in the other direction as quickly as possible, but her heart insists she stay…get closer…and see if what they feel for each other can change his mind.

I know that I’m supposed to be bragging all about myself and my latest book, Destiny Mine, but I have to let you all know just how much I LOVE Jami’s work. I’m addicted to her Kyn Kronicles. I pretty much harass her for the next story once I’ve read the previous one. She can’t write them fast enough for me.

The last time I was on Jami’s blog I did an interview so I thought I’d change it up a bit and write a post sharing my experience with writing a sex scene.

My latest release, Destiny Mine has a sex scene in it. My first three published novels were sweet. There’s only one reason why I decided to open the door.

My characters were gagging for it.

First of all Adam is a man who’s had a lot of sex in his life. A lot. A man whore who gives it away for free (I love him, but I have to be honest). A blazingly handsome man who exudes charm and a bit (okay a lot) of arrogance. And yet he has this soft spot in his personality that will make your heart melt.

Esi is a spitfire. She’s passionate about life, not only hers, but the ones she escorts safely into the world as a midwife. She lives life with gusto because she knows how fleeting it is.

So what happens when you put a spunky intelligent woman with a hot sex loving guy? Yup. The answer is full on intercourse. It wasn’t as difficult to write as I thought it might be. My intention was to make it different, and that occurred naturally because of the personalities of the characters. Nana's

Will I write another book with sex in it? Let’s just say that writing a sex scene is like eating a potato chip. You can’t write just one.

Do you prefer a romance with or without sex scenes?

Don’t forget to take part in my Rafflecopter Giveaway, where you could win a $20 Smashword or All Romance eBooks gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I know you want to find out what happens next, so please click any of the following links for your copy:

AMAZON Barnes&Noble All Romance eBooks (ARe) iBooks Smashwords

Nana Prah is a multi-published author of contemporary, multicultural romance. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.

If you want to connect, reach out to Nana…

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author Goodreads: Nana Prah

Google + : Nana Prah

Dai’s Dark Valentine Swings by for a little love… #newreads #pnr

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Jami Gray

Everyone welcome the talented, Dariel Raye, as she brings along her wild, magical tale of historical love with Dai’s Dark Valentine…

Don’t forget to join in her Rafflecopter Giveaway

“Dai’s Dark Valentine” by Dariel Raye

Blurb

What happens when a sheltered cat-shifter and a dark fey come together?

Three-hundred years is a long time, but left to its own devices, what began as the vendetta of one man can grow to encompass even more formidable hatred.

Daitre Salons is a beautiful but naïve heiress whose true heritage has been kept secret even from her. Now, her abilities are emerging and her father’s enemies want her dead, but what bothers her most is that her new husband “in name only” insists on treating her like a child.

Joban Beaucoup, professional guard to the Salons family, and dark fey (alternate spelling from Vodouin origin), has chosen to leave the quaint yet suffocating French town of his orphan-childhood and venture to the Americas, but he needs one thing he cannot concoct, despite his magical abilities – a wife.

When Joban agrees to marry Daitre and take her to the Americas with him, he carries her three-thousand miles away, then whisks her three-hundred years into the future to assure her safety, but while Daitre struggles to adjust to this strange new world, manage her newfound powers, and make peace with her feelings for Joban, Joban learns that even here, their enemies have followed them, now more deadly than ever.

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Excerpt

New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. – Present

Daitre instinctively wrapped her arms around Joban’s neck, wonder overshadowing every other thought and emotion.

Before she could blink, he slid her arms from him and took a step back. She blinked again and glanced around, the environment too strange for comprehension. What seemed like millions of images flashed around her synapses at once.

She closed her eyes again and did her best to ignore the rocks in her stomach, but the feeling of rejection would not go away. She’d over-stepped. He made it clear he did not want to be touched. Apparently he’d meant what he said about their marriage being a union in name only, and God alone knew where he’d brought her.

The magical orb resurfaced in her mind and she watched Joban in awe. She’d always known he was a time bender, and he’d even flashed her from one place to another before, but his particular species of fey were so rare, she’d never met another, and no matter what she thought she knew, experiencing the phenomenon was no less overwhelming and amazing.

Everything seemed to happen in a flash, glimpses of familiar and unfamiliar things slowly registering as the light faded. Joban told her they were in The Americas, the United States of America to be exact, three-hundred years in the future, the twenty-first century, and he began showing her odd clothing.

“Things are very different here and now, Daitre. You will need to adjust as fast as possible. I got these for you after your father told me your size. They will take some getting used to, but dressing is much easier in this century, I imagine.”

“What part of America are we in?”

“We are in a place called New Orleans, Louisiana. I should have family here, and so should you.” He waved across his left hand and a picture appeared.

“This is a map of the United States. We are here,” he said, pointing to the bottom tip of Louisiana.

Daitre frowned.

“What is it, Princess?”

She placed her hands on her hips and folded her arms. “The picture in your hand. That’s something else I did not know you could do.”

“And why does this trouble you?”

She waved him away, the frown morphing into a scowl as she raised her voice. “I do not know. You are all I have, yet I know nothing about you for certain. I find it very troubling.”

He sighed, but otherwise said nothing.

Daitre fingered her gown and glanced warily at the pants, dresses, and other garments he’d purchased. All of her beautiful things were left behind – gowns, jewels, everything left in Monsieur Beaucoup’s carriage.

She wrapped her arms around her midsection. “No.”

“’No,’ what?” His ominous tone did nothing to help the situation.

“No, I will not wear those. They are the garments of a harlot, and all of my things have been left in another place and time.”

About the Author

Dariel Raye writes powerful IR/MC (Interracial/Multi-cultural) paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with alpha male heroes to die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning. Her stories tell of shifters, vamps, angels, demons, and fey (the Vodouin variety).

For more about Dariel, follow her blog or website. She also publishes a new release newsletter and daily newspaper. You can contact her on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Stay with us for the entire launch tour. Click the link below to join the Facebook party and view the tour calendar!

Facebook Party

“Dai’s Dark Valentine” Launch Tour Calendar

Why Reading Romance does more than increase your heart rate…

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Jami Gray

Guest post…

It’s no secret that reading offers some amazing benefits. According to Reader’s Digest, a love of books can help protect your brain from Alzheimer’s disease, encourage positive thinking, fortify friendships, and even boost your workout. But romance novels can provide all that, and then some.

We know what you’re probably thinking: aren’t romance novels just cheesy, clichéd, unrealistic stories for a reader who’s looking for a way to pass the time? If so, you’re not alone in your assumptions. As Woman’s Day points out, romance novels are often accused of generating false expectations among readers. But when it comes down to it, that’s simply not the case at all. So before you bash your bestie for reading yet another steamy paperback, check out these reasons why you should be reading more romance.

Improved Sex Life>

Despite what the naysayers tell you, reading romance can actually lead to an improved sex life. It’s not difficult to see why. These novels are full of hot love scenes that go on for pages and pages. Halfway through the book and we’ll bet you’ll be inspired to try out some sexy scenarios of your own. As Adam & Eve writes, whether you’re single or in a relationship (or somewhere in between), reading erotica is a great way to focus your mind on the sexual and give your libido a boost. Who couldn’t benefit from that?

The situations that play out between the characters in your book can provide endless ideas for you to explore, allowing you to linger on desires and fantasies you may have never fully realized before. After all, life can get busy, leaving little time for “you” time. Between working, errand-running, family obligations— whatever it may be that fills up your schedule on a daily basis—the fact of the matter is our needs can often get lost in the shuffle. Romance novels can get you back in touch with your sensual side, providing the perfect opportunity to rediscover what makes you feel in the mood.

Increased Empathy

A recent study shows that readers of romance may be more empathetic than those who aren’t lovers of the genre. ABC News reports that the research, conducted by psychologist Katrina Fong, is based on a group of (mostly) women who were asked if they recognized the names of various romance authors. They were then shown pictures of actors and asked to guess each one’s emotional state.

As it turns out, the women who recognized more authors were also better at identifying the actors’ emotions. While there are certainly a lot of factors at play in a study such as this, the correlation between reading romance novels and empathy may have to do with the way relationships are often portrayed in the romance genre.

A large chunk of a romance novel is spent developing deep, intimate connections between characters, and that important fictional relationship teaches genuine expressions of affection towards others. In a genre that focuses on interpersonal relationships, it makes sense that an avid reader of romance would garner some skills that benefit their real-life bonds. The more you read romance, the more you see relationships develop and grow, and the more empathy you show in your own relationships, whether they are romantic in nature or not.

Reduced Stress

As we mentioned before, romance novels are often cited as being unrealistic, in that they revolve around storylines that are unlikely to happen to the average reader. While this is usually seen as a bad thing, the opposite tends to be true. It’s this departure from realism that makes romance novels so appealing—and so beneficial for your emotional health. According to Kumon, a 2009 study found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent. While it’s true this applies to any fiction novel, the level of escapism a book provides is even greater in the romance genre.

Romance novels provide an outlet from reality and the everyday stresses that come with it. The content of these stories is often so removed from what is happening in our real lives that our worries are forgotten as we read. Nothing against the classics, but doesn’t delving into pages filled with sexy love scenes and flirtatious banter sound more relaxing than reading about the struggles of a 19th century orphan living on the streets? If it’s stress relief we’re going for, dick wins out over Dickens any day.

What makes a romance? #writing #romance

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Jami Gray

Awww…the stars in the eyes, the melty feeling around your heart, the spontaneous smile…blooming like a rose, it’s romance.

But what is romance?

Is it the innocence of young love or the down and dirty hook up at the club?

Can it be both?

Probably. It all depends what you’re in the mood for, or more importantly, what fits your characters.

In my first book, Shadow’s Edge, there are no sex scenes, but there is romance. My second book, Shadow’s Soul, contains scenes (and nope, won’t share page numbers, you’ll just have to read it).

One of the hardest decisions I made was to keep Shadow’s Edge sex free. It wasn’t an easy decision, every damn rejection I got made some mention of the fact that there WASN’T any sex.

Umm, yeah, it’s Urban Fantasy, sex isn’t a diehard requirement in UF. But that’s what editors/publishers were looking for at the time. Erotica was just pulling back the boudoir door at the time, so the sexual elements in books were becoming very, very hot. And Raine and Gavin were not (great, now I’m channeling Dr. Seuss). At least not then.

It wasn’t until after Shadow’s Soul came out, that my mom responded to some soap box I had tripped upon and said something that has stuck with me and my stories.

“I like your sex scenes, sweetheart, because they mean something. When your characters make it to the bedroom (hallway, forest, whateves–yes that’s me, not my mom) it’s because that’s where their relationship naturally evolves to. There’s nothing fake or forced about it, instead it’s an emotional moment that changes everything.”

I love my mom. I don’t care that I’m in my ~~40’s~~, err adulthood, she’s da bomb.

That one conversation helped me to see how I view romance when it comes to my stories. I’ll share my opinion, then I’m asking for yours–what makes romance?

For me–romance is an emotional tie between characters. It’s what develops as they learn who each individual is, what their strengths, weaknesses, and silly spots are. It isn’t seeing someone through rose-colored glasses, but with crystalline 20/20 vision and knowing that not only do they make you a better person, but somehow, someway you make them a better person.

Shadow’s Soul and Shadow’s Moon both have rather explicit scenes. Whereas Shadow’s Edge and Shadow’s Curse (coming Fall 2014) don’t. Raine and Gavin were tiptoeing around each other in Shadow’s Edge and there was a lot to tiptoe around. By Shadow’s Soul, Gavin and Raine had found something worth taking a risk for, and where the mind and heart go, the body will follow. But before you do that most intimate of dances, you better have a solid platform of trust to work from, or it can all go horribly wrong. (Which may make a really great story…hmmmm).

Shadow’s Curse is Natasha Bertoi’s story, and trust and intimacy are not part of her repertoire, so when Darius Abazi hits the scene, we see the beginnings of something truly powerful in the making. But the ultimate culmination of that beginning, isn’t in these 300+ pages.

Now for my PSY-IV Teams, well that’s a different bag altogether. I planned this series to be a Paranormal Romantic Suspense, and each book will focus on one couple. So yes, because one of the arcs is the emerging relationship, you get some hot and steamy scenes. And they fit.

I’ve read books where the main couple hook up first, then do the relationship, and it can work. In all honesty, the later scenes are much stronger because of the relationship choices. But that’s me.

So for you, my savvy readers/writers, what makes a romance?

@AshleyLadd is bringing her sexy trio of HER MEN to visit…#giveaway #erotic #romance

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Jami Gray

Today we are being visited by the lovely Ashley Ladd, mistress of steamy romance, where her heroine doesn’t have to settle for just one hunky hero. Not only is sharing a peek of HER MEN, her latest title from Totally Bound, but she’ll give one lucky commenter a pdf or epub copy! (Remember, we can’t reach you, if you don’t leave your email!)

Her Men–a contemporary erotic novella by Ashley Ladd

Forty-four year old Julie Weston has loved Timmy and James since her college days twenty something years ago. She’s fantasized about both all these long years, never able to choose between them.

Hoping Tim and James will attend, she attends their college marching band reunion. When both men show up her dreams are answered. They’re sexier than she imagined and she hopes they won’t be disappointed by her older self.

It turns out both men came just to see her again and neither is happy about the other’s presence. They fight over her, confusing her more than ever. It takes a hot ménage…or two…for her heart to decide which one she’s in love with.

Fair warning…things might get a bit hot if you dare to read on…

“I’m so hungry—for you.” Tim twisted her hair in his fingers and pressed his lips to her forehead. “And I’m so hot, if you know what I mean.”
“Me too.” She was glad for her buzz, for the courage it provided. She longed to kiss him, wondered why he hadn’t kissed her yet.
“Let’s ditch dinner and…”
A shadow fell between them and James grabbed her away from Tim. “I’m breaking in. You’ve monopolized her all night.”
“But you don’t dance. You don’t like disco,” she blurted, surprised but thrilled.
“I do now. If it’s the only way I get my turn to see you, I’ll dance all night. I’m tired of waiting for you at the table.” James tugged her into his arms, ignoring Tim’s deathly glare.
“One dance, then I’m coming back.” Tim stalked away and grabbed a drink, which he downed in one gulp.
James’ warmth replaced Tim’s.
“Thank you.” She wiggled beside James hoping she could make him as hot as she’d made Tim.
“For rescuing you from Tim? You didn’t look as though you wanted rescuing.” James held her close but his nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed to mere slits.
“Not for tonight. For all those years ago you told him off for abandoning me. I wish I’d known. I also wish I’d done this.” Before she could lose her nerve, she pressed her lips to his.
He pulled back and gazed into her eyes, suspicion in his. “Are you drunk?”
Hurt and embarrassed she held up one finger. “I only had one drink. And I kissed you because I’ve wanted to do so for many years and I don’t want to let you go again without you knowing that, without knowing what it feels like.”
A low growl rumbled from James. Desire lit his eyes. Purpose firmed his lips. Without another word, he lowered his head and kissed her deeply, thoroughly.
He tasted so good, like steak and Cabernet and she couldn’t get enough. Her legs rubbery, about to give out on her, she clung to him. Her heart seemed to swell to triple its normal size. James’ was robust and passionate and full of pent-up longing.
“You wanted to kiss me too, all those years ago,” she muttered, touching his lips. It wasn’t a question. He tasted too good, was too mesmerizing to move away from.
“Yes.” The answer was long, drawn out and breathy. Full of emotion.
“Why didn’t we?”

Shall I bring you a cold cup of water? No? You sure? Then if you’re ready, come meet the mind behind the heat–Ashley Ladd…

If you were to hold a dinner party for six, who would you invite and share at least one question you would have for each?

John Lennon—What was it like in the early days to be a Beatle, when you were just becoming famous? What attracted you to Yoko?

Elizabeth Bennett—What was your life like after the honeymoon was over with Mr. Darcy? Or did the honeymoon ever end?

Mulan—Did you marry Shang Li? Did you go back to war?

Spock—Did you ever marry or have children?

Captain Kirk—How many women did you date? Do you like older women?

–((giggle)) I don’t think he’d turn you down…

Luke Skywalker—Did you find and train more Jedi Knights after you saved your father? Or did the Jedi die out after you?

–from what I’ve heard, Luke did more than train more Knights, but that’s another universe, far, far, away…

As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?

I wanted to be an astronaut and travel the galaxy with Spock and Captain Kirk. I wanted to discover new worlds and new civilizations – to go where no man has gone before.

If you turned your laptop/computer/pen/typewriter (yes, some of still use these!) over to your character(s), how would they describe you?

A frustrated, disabled vet who was turned down by the FBI to be an agent because of her hearing loss. Instead she lives vicariously through her stories with kick ass heroes and heroines, some who are military, some who aren’t, and all who make her happy in one way or another.

She adores her kids and grandkids, human and furry. She wants to be a crazy cat lady and would be more of one if only her family would permit it. They say four cats are two two many.

She loves the Beatles, moldy oldies, American Idol finalists, Star Trek, and watching movies on the big screen.

Ashley wanted to share Bobby with us, just to point out that crazy cat lady status is not something to be feared…

Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior). Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?

I’m like you, shy and introverted.

I admire Stephen King, Sherryl Woods, Tina Wainscott, Holly Jacobs.

–I know this short, little guy who travels with a Raven who’d love to be with you when you hook up with Mr. King..

I would get a frog in my throat and would have trouble spitting out mywords if I could even think of anything intelligent to say. My knees would shake and my stomach would be tied up in knots.

Actually, I know Holly from online when she still went by Holly Fuhrman and I’ve met her in person. She’s extremely nice.

And now that we’ve finished our tough questions, time for Ashley to dodge a few bullets…

Blades, guns, fists or feet? Guns (I used to shoot trap with my dad – but I also like feet as I was a brown belt in Taekwondo too)
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time? Mulan!
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain? Geeky disdain (I’m a HUGE Big Bang Theory fan)
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave? My husband’s mini fridge is sitting on the side of my computer desk!
Favorite supernatural creature? Pegasus

Ashley Ladd lives in South Florida with her husband, five children, and beloved pets. She loves the water, animals (especially cats), and playing on the computer.She’s been told she has a wicked sense of humor and often incorporates humor and adventure into her books. She also adores very spicy romance, which she weaves into her stories. Ashley Ladd bio