Michelle Lauren

Hi all! Last month, I pledged to donate 10% of my Feb. publisher sales proceeds to Doctors Without Borders, a disaster relief organization. I need to gather accurate amounts now to send in my donation promptly.

If you purchased Starstruck: Hunter OR Temptation Eve directly from my publishers’ sites (Liquid Silver Books or Cobblestone Press) in February, please contact me at interactive@michellelaurenbooks.com

If you purchased them from distributors: Feel free to let me know & a BIG THANKS and HUG for your support. When I get the numbers, I’ll post the donation amount in my newsletter and on this site. 

Happy reading!
Michelle Lauren

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 Today, Eva Gordon joins me to celebrate the print release of White Wolf of Avalon: Werewolf Knight (Available 3/9/10 from Vanilla Heart Publishing).   

In honor of this exciting release, Eva shares the inspiration behind her epic series, The Wolf Maiden Chronicles AND is giving away a GOODIE.   

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY

 
    

A digital copy of Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf (ONE winner)  
Giveaway ends: March 11, Midnight EST.

 
    

   

Michelle Lauren: Welcome to my site. Please tell us about your new release.  

 

Eva Gordon: Thank you. My latest book is Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf, Book 2 in the paranormal romance series, The Wolf Maiden Chronicles published by Vanilla Heart Publishing.  

Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf is a historical paranormal romance that takes place during the Viking Era of the Dark Ages. A time when only the strong survive. It is the second book in the Wolf Maiden Chronicles, which depicts alpha lycans and their human wolf maiden mates.   

Blurb:  

Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf  

By Eva Gordon   

Sigurd, an alpha Norse wolfskin, son of Gunnolf the Red seeks revenge against shape shifting bearskins, Bork the Mad and his son, Mord the Blood Claw for the death of his parents and his older brother Guda. Orphaned, he has been raised by his older sister Brynhild, who convinces him to take a wolf maiden in order to increase their small pack.  

Despite the warning by Hungerd the wolf witch, he takes a farmer’s new bride with tragic consequences. Alone he joins a long ship until the day he can avenge his pack’s demise.   

Emelisse, a Frank wolf maiden, has been raised and educated in the classics, science, literature and languages by female lycans of the Lupercal. Born a runt with a weak heart her father has been overprotective. She refuses to be treated like a delicate vase and rebels by seeking out riding and falconry. Now at age eighteen Emelisse frets that her father wants her to accept Radulf III the Cruel, an alpha lycan of a pack of powerful warriors. She tries to run away with her human lover.   

Viking werewolf Sigurd rescues Emelisse from the claws of the berserker bear men. He claims her as his ulf hexen or wolf maiden, but she wants to leave lycan society and live with humans. To complicate matters she has been called by her goddess Feronia to save the lycans from a dreaded disease.  

Their union is wrought with great peril in a world where werewolves must battle against their own kind as well as their fierce enemy, the berserker bear men. Will Emelisse accept Sigurd, a foreign lycan, as her alpha mate? Sigurd vows to protect her from their enemies, but how can he save her before she dies from her ailing heart?   

Buy it here
Watch the video    

 

   

Michelle Lauren: How did you come up with the concept behind this book/series? 

 

Let me answer why I created the epic paranormal lycan series, The Wolf Maiden Chronicles. My passion for wildlife, especially wolf biology (my degrees are in Zoology and Biology) and my love of mythology was like the mixing of chocolate and peanut butter to create the Reeses Peanut Cup. I had to combine my two great loves. The call of the wild meets romance.   

Why the wolf? That was easy. The wolf is one of my totem guides and, in fact, has been the totem guide for numerous cultures. Nothing sends a chill down your spine more than hearing a wolf’s howl in the night. While at a wolf sanctuary, I spent the night in a trailer on the grounds and was privileged to hear night after night of thirty wolves in their nightly serenade. No sound is more awesome.   

Wolves have traits we admire. They are powerful predators, with complex social behavior and — what appeals to most romantic readers — wolves are monogamous. In reality, wolves have a low hunting success rate and the average wolf is the size of a German Shepherd, so I made my lycan wolves huge, the size of bears with cool tribal tattoos. 

  

The Beast of Gevaudan legend of 1764, Southern France, spoke of such a large wolf creature/werewolf said to be the size of a bull. I knew then that my lycan had to be larger than the average wolf.  I studied myths about wolves from around the globe. In Native American culture, the wolf is an important archetype. They had great respect for the wolf and often offered prayers before a hunt to the wolf spirit. Wolf spirit was also powerful medicine for shamans who traveled to the world of the dead. In Europe just as in the New World, myths and stories about wolves are universal. Early Europeans Respected the Wolf as Protector and Teacher. From the Steppes of Asia Minor to the British Isles, the Wolf was mighty totemic protector.  

Many of these wolfish tales were actually werewolf stories.  

   

Hecate, an Ancient Greek deity was worshipped as a goddess with three wolf heads. Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus who were fed by the she-wolf, Alcala/Lupa. In Ireland, King Cormac was nursed by a she-wolf. Myths about heroes being suckled or raised by wolves are ubiquitous and would take too much space for this blog. In the Viking world to be a member of the Wolf Clan, Ulfhednar was the greatest honor. Viking warriors believed that if they died a heroic death they would be turned into magnificent wolves.  

Vikings also believed wolves chasing and devouring the sun and moon caused eclipses. Two wolves accompanied Odin, ruler of the Norse Gods. He created the wolves Freki (Hungry One) and Geri (Greedy One) as loyal companions.   

As Europe went from hunter/gather to a agricultural land grabbing cultures the wolf was no longer seen as friend but rather foe. Tales of ravenous wolves haunted the land. From Lycaon being turned into a werewolf by Zeus to Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf became the new evildoer. Werewolves roamed looking for human prey. There are numerous accounts of werewolves devouring people. And so many ways to become a werewolf, from wearing a wolf pelt, from a curse, drinking from a specific water hole or the classic bitten by a wolf and influenced by the full moon.  

I then I began to see history through the eyes of a werewolf.   

What if werewolves were real?   

    

Mine would be genetic and super powerful. If they were, they would need to keep themselves secret. Thus my creation of my werewolf universe, in The Wolf Maiden Chronicles.   

   

Michelle Lauren: Is the book a series or stand alone?  

Eva Gordon: It is a series in the Wolf Maiden Chronicles; however, each one is a stand-alone. Book 1, Werewolf Sanctuary released May 2009, followed by Beast Warrior (August 2009), which takes place during the Viking era. White Wolf of Avalon: Werewolf Knight will be released March 2010.   

   

Michelle Lauren: Here is a sneak peek from Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf.  

Just as Emelisse drifted into sleep a Viking stepped in. Her eyes immediately opened and adjusted to the dark. Would she be raped or even worse killed? On her side she could not move. She held her breath. He took out a dagger and moved toward her. She closed her eyes.   

The massive warrior bent down and cut her bindings with one swift slice of his sharp blade. Her throat was not cut. She blinked her eyes open. He helped her sit up. In the dim glow from the outside campfire, she knew it was the lycan. “You.” She was filled with relief. He placed a finger on her lips. “Shhh. I have brought you some food and drink.”   

She stuffed a piece of the bread he offered in her mouth. It was hard, but oh how it satisfied. She swallowed and looked at the figure, who sat across from her, staring in the near darkness with his wolfish eyes. “You speak my language.”   

He nodded and lowered his voice. “I can’t stay too long ulf hexen, but know this, I will not allow them to hang you.”   

She was relieved that he was there to help but they were outnumbered. One lycan against so many powerful bear men? She took a sip of mead from a jug. It burnt her throat and warmed her. She glanced at him in the dark and felt strangely drawn to him. Her eyes adjusted to the light from the night bonfire and she made out his features. His face was ruggedly handsome, not smooth and boyish like Galien’s but hard like a toughened warrior. He had hard slabs of muscles on a tall broad shouldered frame. She had never been attracted to lycan men until now. Such was the state of her despair. Why would a powerful lycan such as this one want a woman half his size with a frail heart? One as attractive as he must already have a claimed wolf maiden. “You are wolf, yet the bear men allow you to be here. Why?”   

He moved the hide covering the entrance and looked out. The man he had relieved from guard duty and the rest of the men were on the far side of the bonfire, laughing and drinking. He then returned and sat in front of her. His size took half the space. “My name is Sigurd, Son of Gunnolf. I came to kill Bork the Mad and his son Mord.”   

“Yet, he called you a man and…”   

“A wolf witch cast a spell to allow me to speak the languages of man and gave me this bracelet which when worn hides my identity from the berserkers.” He handed her a chunk of meat. “Eat.” He waited for her to swallow. “What is your name?”   

“Emelisse daughter of Duke Chanteloup, alpha of our pack.”   

His voice was deep and commanding. “Emelisse. I like it.”   

She scooted forward, her ankles still bound. “We can escape tonight, while they drink.”   

“Nay. There are many more berserkers guarding the perimeter from the Franks.” He took a long breath. “I cannot leave without killing Bork and his son. They slew my parents and pack.” He looked down at his feet. “I’m a lone wolf.”   

So he was here for revenge. She scoffed. “So I’m not to be rescued after all. Why bother feeding me?”   

His tone was fierce. “Silence. I told you I will not let anything happen to you.”   

His conviction startled her. “So I suppose even Northern wolf men do not allow— what did you call me, an ulf?”   

“Ulf hexen.”   

“Yes, an ulf hexen. Here we are called wolf maidens, property of the alpha.” She chewed the hard meat and felt his smoldering stare even in the darkness. “Once you return me to my father, he will pay you handsomely.” She swallowed. “He may even let you join our pack.”   

He suddenly drew her to him. His calloused hands held her with a strapping grip. “I will not return you to anyone. You are my mate, my ulf hexen.”   

Buy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or order at any book store.   

    

   

Michelle Lauren: If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be & why?  

I would be Dr. Madeline Styles from Werewolf Sanctuary because she lives in the comfort of our modern society. She also gets to be hot werewolf alpha Wyatt Weylin’s wolf maiden.   

   

Michelle Lauren: If you had to choose one of your books to turn into a movie, what would it be and why?  

   

Hard to say because I think all three would make excellent movies. Beast Warrior and White Wolf of Avalon would be costly because of the setting and costumes but if James Cameron could produce and direct it would do my series justice.   

   

   

 

I also have other books in the series and a couple of fantasy novels I hope to soon sell soon.   

   

Michelle Lauren: Where can readers find you?  

http://www.ravenauthor.com    

http://evagordon.blogspot.com/   

http://booktour.com/author/eva_gordon#   

Twitter   

Fan me on Face Book    

   

TODAY’S CONTEST

    

Eva is giving away a digital copy of Beast Warrior: Viking Werewolf to ONE lucky commentor. Just leave a QUESTION or COMMENT for Eva below. The giveaway ends at midnight EST tonight. The winner will be chosen & announced March 12th, so check the top of the post and/or the comment section to see if you’ve won.

  

Today, author Franny Armstrong joins us to discuss her TWO new releases, Extrasensory Elements Series Book 1-Author’s Demise (Available March 4,2010) and Tropical Balm (Available March 25, 2010). Plus, she’s giving away goodies!

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY

A copy of Extrasensory Elements Series Book 1-Author’s Demise AND for a second winner, Tropical Balm

Giveaway ends: March 5, 10 am EST.

UPDATE: Congratulations! ALL the commenters – Mariska, Teresa B, Tracey D and Virginia C — have won a digital copy of one of Franny’s books! Contact her to claim your prize.

Michelle Lauren: Welcome to my site. Please tell us about your new release.

Franny Armstrong: I have two books releasing in March:

(1) Extrasensory Elements Series Book 1-Author’s Demise comes out March 4, 2010. It’s a paranormal romantic suspense (psychic abilities) from Red Rose Publishing.

(2) Tropical Balm is a single paranormal romance (psychic abilities) that releases from Red Rose Publishing on March 25, 2010.

Michelle Lauren: How did you come up with the concept behind this book/series?

Franny Armstrong: The Extrasensory Elements Series began with Author’s Demise then just cannonballed into ten books. I absolutely adored the fire between Brett and Lana and couldn’t stop myself from continuing the story through the many rich characters who climbed into my brain and began pounding on the pipes to get out. Lana’s brother, Brandon, (the character in Book 2: I B Jumpin’) is based on my brother’s life as a skydiver. Though my brother Rich is dyslexic, he’s reread the book many times and was impressed at how close I got to the life he leads. He’s hoping Erin will come into his life for real!

Michelle Lauren: Is the book a series or stand alone?

Franny Armstrong: Author’s Demise is the first of ten books in the Extrasensory Element’s series. The next to follow is Book 2: I B Jumpin’, Book 3: Fire’s Witness, Book 4: Earth’s Treasure, Book 5: Water’s Fall, Book 6: Wind’s Tempest, Book 7: Waterfall’s Blaze, Book 8: Rebel’s Grace, Book 9: Blossom’s Pride, and Book 10: Freefalling Hearts. Whew! That was exhausting!

Though the series should be read in order, it’s not necessary. Once you’ve read Author’s Demise, the rest of the stories will make sense. Love hot undercover cops!

Michelle Lauren: Please give us a sneak peek at “Author’s Demise”.

Lana smiled, still facing the coffee pot. When she was upset, things seemed to break unexpectedly. It had been that way since she was a child. Her parents had finally discovered that she was a telekinetic. She had the ability to move objects with her mind. She’d been able to do it since before she could walk. Strange things happened when she was emotionally distraught or had some other strong emotion…like lust.

No! I refuse to be attracted to him. He’s a creep! Just look at the way he stares at me. He’s a lout! I can’t stand the man.

Now that she’d reassured herself that he was not the man for her, she felt calmer and able to face him.

Finally the coffee was ready. Lana poured two cups and turned to hand him one, stopping when she met his eyes. He was leaning against the table with his arms crossed, his biceps bulging beneath his black T-shirt sleeves. He was sporting a cocky grin. Moving past him, she placed the cups on the kitchen table and cleared her throat, wanting to put him in his place.

“Mr. Colton–” she began.

Holding up his hand, palm facing her, he interrupted. “Ms. Anderson, say no more, I know you didn’t mean to throw yourself at me, and it’s all right, I forgive you.”

Her mouth dropped open, “You forgi–Why you miserable–You come into my home and just–” Her face burned as blinding fury raced through her veins, leaving her speechless.

Brett put both of his hands up. “Now hold on a minute, ma’am, I’m not angry with you.”

“Angry with me? You have a lot of nerve, mister! You–” she began shaking as her fury rose, her heart racing as she fought to catch her breath. “Ohhhh!” Throwing her hands up in defeat she ran from the room, headed down the hall and slammed her bedroom door behind her.

**

His coffee cup flew off the table and smashed on the floor, spilling the hot brew everywhere. Looking at the unexplained mess, Brett shook his head. He tried wiggling the table to see if it had a faulty leg, but it was solid. Shrugging, he bent over and cleaned it up. Why bother even trying to figure out how that had happened?

Michelle Lauren: If you could shape shift into any creature, what would you choose & why?

Not a frog because ‘it’s not easy being green’. I think a Phoenix Bird because no matter how many times it gets knocked down in life, it always begins again. Now that’s power! Besides, I’m an Aries and that’s a fire sign!

Michelle Lauren: If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be & why?

I would love to be ‘Tina The Tiger’, Lana’s best friend. Tina is not only loyal, loving, and tells it like it is, but she’s rather naughty and shocking. She has a ton of fun in a day.

Michelle Lauren: If you had to choose one of your books to turn into a movie, what would it be and why?

Though I’ve sold 3 singles and 2 series (a total of 20 books with Red Rose Publishing) I think I’d have to choose Author’s Demise. I love the characters, the ‘villian’, and the abilities Brett and Lana have. Though reading the story, you can imagine it happening in modern day life, there are elements of the paranormal that make you wish you could do the same things.

Michelle Lauren: Please tell us what’s next for you project-wise.

I write day and night, addicted to creating characters, plots, and stories. When I get an idea I just have to write it down, even in the middle of the night. I’m creating a new series of books on environmental illnesses and how the characters have to deal with them in the modern world. The challenges they will face won’t be easy by any means, but, like the Phoenix, they will rise above their problems and find a place in the world while helping others along the way. The series will be inspirational for those who struggle with illness or know someone who does so they can understand it better.

Michelle Lauren: Where can readers find you?

http://www.paranovelgirls.com

www.paranovelgirl.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/franny.armstrong.author

www.myspace.com/paranovelgirl

www.twitter.com/paranovelgirl

Cohostess of www.blogtalkradio.com/RedRoseAuthors Sunday’s at 2PM EST

www.redrosepublishing.com

TODAY’S CONTEST

Franny will give away a prize to the first person who can answer this:
On www.paranovelgirls.com in the Books section, Author’s Demise is listed. Who does Brett pretend to be and what is his true profession?

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog. I’m pleased to introduce you to Leigh Barbour, author of Zebulon by The Wild Rose Press and the time-travel, historical romance Dreams of Chimborazo by Red Rose Publishing.

“How to Write a Romance Novel & Get It Published”

Congrats to DEBBY C! You won. Leigh will contact you about your prize ASAP.

Join us as Leigh interview Alejandro Valdivia, the pirate ghost hero from her latest romance, Jade Seas. Leigh, take it away!

Interview Alejandro Valdivia, Ghost Pirate

Madrid, Spain in 1717.

His majesty, King George II, offered me the fastest ship in all of Britania, the Himalaya, and requested that I be a part of his most royal navy. I was tasked with relieving the Spanish ships of the gold they had so unrighteously stolen from the Indians.

Are you serious? Guilty? Even though I am Spanish by birth since I was born there, my mother, God rest her soul, was a British subject. The atrocities committed in New Spain are known throughout the world. I do not feel guilty of taking Inca gold from Spaniards. It belongs to King George II as much as it belongs to those religious zealots who now control of Spain.

History has turned me into a villain. I have actually been referred to as a murderous pirate, which is completely untrue. I have never killed a man unless it was in self defense. When I boarded the Spanish ships, they knew me to be another Spanish Naval commander. I flew Spain’s Cross of Burgundy until they were duly convinced and then I revealed that I was actually a British naval officer. By that time, my men and I had the advantage and the Spanish crewmen simply allowed us to remove the gold. They were none too happy about this, but we never took a life that didn’t have to be taken. In fact, most of the time their ship sailed much better without the heavy load, ensuring they would see Iberia once again.

Of course not! But some of my crew members were from Africa and I could see the fear in their eyes when Princess Mamie Jolie’s daughter Bella Jolie approached my firstmate. Bella Jolie’s spell has caused me to wander the Caribbean alone in search of my crew.

Jade isn’t just any woman. She’s a hot-blooded, media morena that makes my blood boil. Never have I met a woman with such luscious lips and her skin, the color of warm cocoa, could make me follow her like a forlorn puppy dog. But she’s more than beautiful. She’s witty, educated, and I love her appreciation for art. But I must admit that I didn’t truly fall completely in love with her until I saw how kind she was to the orphans I assist. She truly loves each and every one of them so selflessly. And today I cannot imagine my life without her.

“How to Write a Romance Novel & Get It Published”

Today, the fabulous Rida Allen joins me to celebrate her latest release, THE PLAYER (available from Draumr Publishing).

In honor of her new release, Rida shares the inspiration behind her stories, the joy of writing for curve-friendly publisher Draumr & the story behind her entertaining Bandmates series.

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY

A copy of THE PLAYER, the latest installement in Rida’s Bandmates series.

UPDATED: GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED: Congratulations to TABATHA B!

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Rida, the floor is all yours.

Why I Wanted to Write the Bandmates Series

First I want to say thank you to Michelle for allowing me to be a guest blogger on her blog today. I’ve known Michelle for a while and appreciate her as a reader, a reviewer and a writer.

For those of you who don’t know anything about me, I’ve been published since 2001, with ten books released since that time. And all of my books are contemporary romance novels that feature full-figured (also called plus-size, or big beautiful women) heroines. Being a plus-size woman myself, I wanted to write about women who looked like me, with whom I could identify. I mean, I wanted a “normal” romance novel—where the girl gets her guy and the guy loves her just as she is—that just happened to have a woman with big thighs, or a round stomach, or lots of curves.

As in life, full-figured women have romantic lives, they fall in love, they attract men…why shouldn’t there be books to represent that?

I knew of so few books (basically none) like that when I was writing my first book, so I felt I could fill a need for other women like me.

My first book was a single title, but after that, I started writing a series of connected books, as well as other single titles. I enjoy writing both types of books, but I particularly enjoy writing series books for several reasons. I enjoy reading series books, and I generally try to write books that I would enjoy reading. Additionally, I like series books because I get to spend way more time with characters I love, since I’m able to continue using them in the series. But in 2008, I published the last book in my first series, leaving me both at an end and at a beginning.

It is very rare that I don’t have at least one or more books in progress at any time. I won’t say that every book makes it to completion just because I’ve started writing it, but more often than not they do. However, when I published Model Mom in 2008, I had one book started—a single title—but it was really early in its development…and it wasn’t really inspiring me. So I started thinking about what I wanted to do next, specifically what kind of series was going to be in my future. I couldn’t imagine not having a series going, but I had absolutely no idea what kind of series it would be.

I started thinking about what kinds of men I felt were irresistible to me because, as I tell people all the time, I write what I would want to read.

I went into my library at my house to investigate the types of books I had on my shelves, looking to see what I felt was missing. I had fighters and cowboys, business men and rich men, police and firefighters — all of whom I enjoy reading about in small doses.

But as I considered those careers, I realized that one of the things that always got me going in my youth (before I realized it was the man who should get me going, not his chosen career or pastime), was a guy who could play a guitar.

As soon as that thought came into my head, the idea for my Bandmates series followed.

I actually went to my husband for assistance because he has a music background both in playing drums and as an avid listener. He has been immersed in the music industry for longer than I’ve known him, and his knowledge of music, bands, instruments, and concerts was a huge help to me. In fact, he helped me develop the characters and the band itself by using his extensive background. He has made sure to educate me on every aspect of the industry. So hey, if you see something amiss in one of the Bandmates books, blame it on my husband. Hee!

Anyway, once the idea had solidified in my head, and the characters were coming together, I knew I had at least five books in the series, maybe even six. The idea of having this “family” of characters around for five or six years was exciting, and I got started on the first book right away. The first book in the series, released in January 2009, is titled The Crooner.

The hero in The Crooner is actually one of the two founders of the band, is the lead singer, and his instrument of choice is the piano. I consider him—Nik—to be the laid-back southern boy, even though he was actually born and bred in Philadelphia! He met the voluptuous heroine, Breeanne, several years before while he was involved in a relationship, but he never forgot her. When they meet again sparks fly immediately, but their shared past brings trouble to their possible future together.

The second book in the Bandmates series—The Player—was released this month, and features the band’s bass guitarist. Brage really is quite the player—he’s a good-looking guy who attracts women without an ounce of effort. But in recent years, he’s spent way too much time getting into public scrapes that end up as media fodder, causing bad publicity for the band.

While attempting to keep a lower profile, Brage meets Jo-elle, a spunky barmaid with a delightfully curvaceous body. He figures he can lose himself—and all the bad things happening in his life—in a one-night stand with her, and then return to his music refreshed and rejuvenated. But the player gets more than he’s bargained for when he realizes he can’t get Jo-elle out of his head.

In each of these books, and all the books in the Bandmates series, there are fun and interesting characters (aside from other band members) who pop up.

Some carry through to other books, others might not…but always you’ll be seeing the other band members. I’ve also invited another author—and a good friend of mine—Misty Simon to join me in this series.

I’ve never worked with another author on a series, but we thought it would be fun and exciting to have this shared experience. She’s taking on two of the books, another guitarist and a saxophone player, while I’m responsible for the other four books. Next on the schedule to be released will be one of Misty’s books—Chris the guitarist—and then I’ll be writing about Eli, who plays drums and is the other co-founder of the group.

Despite the fact that I’ve only written two books so far, the characters had to be so cleanly developed ahead of time—since they all start showing up in Book One—that I feel particularly close to this group of people. I think of them all as friends, and I can’t wait for each of them to get to tell their own tale.

I hope you’ll give this series a chance, because who can turn away a musician? Hot, hot, hot!

You can read more about my books on my website at http://www.ridaallen.com. You can also find out more about me and my publishing company on my blog. I can also be found on my active Twitter account. And always feel free to email me at rida@draumrpublishing.com.

Thanks for listening about my newest series of books. And don’t forget I have a backlist of books that can be purchased at your favorite online bookstore, from my publishing website (http://www.draumrpublishing.com/store/), or ordered at your local brick & mortar store. The majority of my books can be purchased both in trade paperback and ebook formats. Those earlier releases that are not available in ebook (yet) are available in trade paperback and will soon be re-released in ebook.

Happy series reading!

~ Rida

Michelle: Thanks for joining us today Rida. For those of you who haven’t read Book 1 in the Bandmates series, The Crooner, check out my review of it here.

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY

Leave a question or comment for Rida below & you’ll be entered in the drawing to win a copy of THE PLAYER.

Today Sandra Sookoo joins me to celebrate her latest release, THE ART OF FANG SHUI (available from Eirlander Publishing).

In honor of her new release, Sandra chats with two VERY entertaing characters, Hannah and Edwin from The Art of Fang Shui.

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY

A goodie bag full of book-related stuff, in a tote bag with THE ART OF FANG SHUI book cover on the front.

GIVEAWAY ENDS: February 23th, 8 PM Eastern Standard Time

INTERNATIONAL READERS WELCOME!

Sandra, we’re all ears — and grabby, book-loving hands.

Interview with Hannah & Edwin.

Thanks for having me here! My name is Sandra Sookoo and I write romantic fiction across all genres. Visit my website http://www.sandrasookoo.com to find out what I’ve been up to!

Today, I’m talking about a recent release THE ART OF FANG SHUI. And, to make it a bit more fun for everyone, I’ve brought along the main characters, Hannah and Edwin.

Sandra: Why don’t you guys sit down on that love seat?
Waits while the pair get settled.

Edwin: You are aware that Hannah and I have a very tight deadline?
One of his dark eyebrows lift in question.

Sandra: I wasn’t aware, but thanks for telling me. What’s on your agenda?

I give him a once over: Tall, dusky skin, long black hair to his shoulders and piercing blue eyes.

Hannah: What’s it to you? I mean, aren’t you supposedly the author of this book? Wouldn’t you know?

She runs a hand through her short, wispy red hair and frowns.

Sandra: Well, I did write it but the blog readers are curious. So lose the chip on your shoulder and cooperate.

Edwin: Hannah is a bit…difficult at times.

Hannah: Stubborn and opinionated. There’s a difference.

Sandra: Oh, and I should tell the readers of this blog that I’ll be giving away a tote bag filled with goodies to one lucky commenter. Random name will be chosen at 8:00 p.m. EST and posted here.

Hannah: A tote bag? Bet it can’t compete with my magical bag.

She pats a rectangular black lump in her lap.

Sandra: No, it’s not magical, but it does have the book cover on it. Now, what’s been going on in your lives?

Edwin smiles. Edwin: Hannah recently became deathly afraid of a squirrel.

She glares and smacks him on the arm.

Hannah: Well, I was naked and vulnerable! And hello, sleeping in a hollowed-out oak tree isn’t very secure. I don’t like to wake up and see beady eyes looking at me. Edwin smiles.

Edwin: Hannah wants people to believe she can take care of herself, but she cannot. Even using magic gets her into trouble.

Hannah: It’s not really magic, just moving things with my mind.

Sandra: Why were you sleeping in a tree?

Hannah stares at me like I’m an idiot.

Hannah: Because it was the only place we could find after fleeing the goat-man’s camp, and besides, we didn’t feel like moving after I died.

Sandra: You died? How is that possible if you’re sitting right here?

Edwin clears his throat and lays a hand on Hannah’s thigh when the woman would have sprung up from the sofa.

Edwin: It is a long, convoluted tale best explained by reading a direct account

Sandra: I see. So, can I assume your adventures are over?

Hannah: I wish! We’re still stuck in the hot, sweaty forest, searching for stupid clues and now we have to try to find a ghost—another one.

An indulgent smile lifts Edwin’s lips.

Edwin: Hannah is always impatient. Even when we are intimate—

She shoots him a glare. Hannah: The author doesn’t need to know about our personal life.

Edwin: Why are you annoyed? It is flattering to you that I wish to talk of our relationship.

I roll my eyes.

Sandra: Okay kids, I think we should end this interview and let you continue on your way. Thanks for coming along.

Edwin: You are very welcome.

Hannah: Yeah, whatever. Thanks for dropping us in the middle of a humidity laden forest in July and inventing a whole host of fantasy-based beings for us to dodge.

This time, I give her an evil smile.

Sandra: Well, I do like to make things a bit difficult for my heroes and heroines. I wait until the pair leaves.

Sandra: If you’d like to find out how Edwin and Hannah got to this point, why she died, how she came back and what Edwin alluded to, I urge you to pick up a copy of this book at Eirelander Publishing http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

Here are all the essentials:

Blurb:
Hannah doesn’t believe in things that go bump in the night – until they start accumulating on her doorstep. A Power Enhancer, her gift jumps to the forefront of her life, and she has no choice but to take notice when dishy, arrogant Edwin attempts to kidnap her as part of a covert mission to save the Eight Realms.

Edwin is a half-vamp, intent on collecting the bounty on errant paranormal beings. His best-laid plans go awry when he meets stubborn Hannah. He needs her energies in order to vanquish the power-hungry Demon Lord, Andre who’s bent on destroying the world. He’s thrown off guard as she bewitches him with her sarcastic nature as well as her tempting curves.

Together the unlikely duo finds themselves flung into a sticky web of supernatural foes and dark deceit in their quest to protect the world’s magic. If they’re lucky, love will meet them on the other side.

Excerpt:

“Hannah.”

Her thoughts tumbled to a halt by the authority that coated his silky voice. Her eyes lingered on the broad sweep of his shoulders and the unmistakable way his jeans clung to the curve of his rear. Damn. She wondered why he hunted vampires when he could be doing a handful of other things, specifically wooing the world’s most beautiful women.

“Please leave.” She heard the hysterical edge to her own voice and wished she were brave. “I can’t go back to that world again.”

“Quiet.” Edwin cocked his head to one side, a finger to his lips to signify silence. His movement swift, he extinguished the lamps. As he twitched the curtain aside to stare down into the street, a frown marred the exquisite line of his lips. “We must leave this place immediately.”

“I told you—no! I’ve got to be at work tomorrow.” Hannah stood firm, her hands planted on her hips, and glared. “You’re seriously deluded if you think otherwise. I’m calling the police.” She scrabbled for the house phone but it fell off the table and onto the floor with a dull thud. “Get out.” She uttered the demand through gritted teeth.

“Hannah, get away from the door.” Edwin grabbed her arm, pulling her to him. “If you do not move now, I will be forced to manipulate you until you obey.”

“No.” As she looked into his face, her breath caught at the fury reflected in his icy eyes. “There’s nothing you can do to convince me otherwise.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“As you wish.” The bounty hunter brought his mouth crashing down on hers.

Stunned, Hannah’s struggles stopped. Was that what he meant by manipulation?

Two seconds later, her blood sizzled through her veins as his lips moved over hers. His hands grasped the ample curve of her hips, and he held her against his body as his tongue stroked hers with delicious accuracy.

In an effort to remain upright, Hannah clutched his shoulders then sucked on his bottom lip, purely for the pleasure of it. Fear was temporarily lost as warmth flowed into her body at the frenzied contact. As his fingers grazed the underside of her breasts, tiny flames ignited under her skin. Just when she would have given him an all access pass, he weakened his hold.

“What the hell?”

His lips parted in a smile. “Now you are in a more docile frame of mind, get away from the door. I will not repeat that action.”

She yanked her arm out of his grasp, angry with herself because he made her forget the urgency of the situation with one simple kiss. “Bastard!”

The door to her apartment burst apart with such force that bits of the white painted wood were flung all over the room. She barely had time to think before Edwin shoved her to the floor with his body over hers in a protective stance.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE_6N0o6yAk

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Join me today over at the Liquid Silver Books blog as I discuss what makes Sherlock Holmes so appealing.

Link: http://cataurl.com/nfOWt

Today, my guest is author Cathleen Ross, author of Man Hunt from Black Lace and Naughty Bits from Harlequin.

Today, Cathleen chats with us about the inspiration behind her latest release from Lyrical Press, Dirty Sexy Murder. Enjoy!

Behind the Scenes of “Dirty Sexy Murder”

by Cathleen Ross

I’ve always been psychic but what really made me develop my skills was when my daughter started seeing dead people from the time she was two years old. I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to console her with, “Darling there’s nothing really there,” especially as she grew older and could describe a dead relative right down to his mannerisms and favorite shirt. I started meditation classes and opened up my psychic eye and now several years later, I’m more at peace with “the gift” than I was earlier.

I try to be very sensitive with my gift and interpret things properly as people who have passed over tend to use images rather than words, though at times, words or strong emotions are used to get their message across. Initially, when the gift started to build I would be looking at a stranger and hear what they were thinking.

For example, a man walking up the road several years ago was worrying about money. When I went to the bank, he walked in later and started discussing his money problems with the teller. Often, I’ll be with friends and I’ll hear their internal dialogue, which isn’t what they are saying out loud. The few times when I repeated what was in their heads, they admitted they had just thought these things.

I’ve asked my spiritual teacher how to stop that because I don’t like invading people’s privacy. Believe me, it’s no fun walking into a room of strangers and knowing that some of them have killed people while others are having affairs, etc. I try never to touch them, particularly murderers as they carry the most horrible energy. It feels like falling into a bottomless black hole and it takes me about three days to shift the energy.

With my character Marina, I wanted to catch her in that early stage when a psychic person thinks they could be going nuts because they know, see or hear things they think they shouldn’t. I also wanted her to grow and use her talent for good, which is how I have developed mine. Initially, when Marina hears the voice, she worries she is developing a mental illness. When her dreams come true and the voice continues to speak, she gradually realizes she is hearing the voice of the killer. Marina learns to trust her gift and to act on her psychic instinct.

I also wanted to play around with the other side of being a psychic, so I developed the reluctant clairvoyant character, Evelyn, who gets messages from her mother-in-law.

(Just for the record, my mother-in-law is doing well and we get on beautifully.) Spirits don’t have a sense of time or place in the way we do, so it’s really annoying being woken up at three in the morning with a message for someone you don’t know well.

Some people who have crossed over can be very persistent, so the trick is learning to manage “the gift”. Occasionally I get a persistent spirit who wants to tell their son/daughter how to live their life. I tell them that I refuse to pass the message on unless that person contacts me first. There’s a lot of Evelyn in me.

The book also explores Brazilian Waxing. I’m amazed at the hairstyles my girlfriends admit to having and I’m not talking about on their heads. I tried getting a Brazilian. I couldn’t believe how long it seemed to take. Psychological time is far longer than actual time when someone is between your legs yanking out hair.

What I learned is that there is a whole grooming culture going on that I was never aware of before I researched this book. Each to their own but I’m not planning to visit Brazil again!

~ Cathleen

Learn more about Cathleen at her site.

Purchase a copy of Dirty Sexy Murder HERE.

Since the scheduled guest author for today didn’t work out, I decided to do something fun to while away the wintry days: Count down some of my uber-fave reads, by genre. (Most of these are books I read in 2009.)

Grab a blanket, curl up & enjoy the list!

UPDATE: I’ve added more books & categories. See any I missed? Please add your own in the comment section.

In Sleep, What Dreams May Come? (Best Spectral Romance)

Incubus by Raine Weaver

Like this? Read Nights of Temptation, the FREE, 3,000 word PREQUEL to my bestelling incubi romance, Temptation Eve (Available from Cobblestone Press)

Cry Me a River (Best Tear Jerker)

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café by Fannie Flagg

They’ll Make You Howl (Best Werewolf or Shape shifter)

Sex & Chocolate: Toxic by Belinda McBride

(Worst Bodice Ripper)

First Place: The Raven & the Rose by Virginia Henley

Reason: This book became a countdown of how many times the hero would rape the heroine. The first time I went, ‘Yuck.’ The second time, I went, “Really? She went there again? The third time, I was in full WTH? mode.

Honorable Mention: The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux

Reason: Ditto from the above reason.

(Best Bodice Ripper)

First Place: The Pirate & the Pagan by Virginia Henley

Honorable Mention: The Dragon & the Jewel by Virginia Henley

Reason: Obviously, I’m not against bodice rippers. (feigned gasp) Don’t be shocked. In a modern romance, the elements in one of these stories wouldn’t work. But they work well with historical romances like these. The plot lines were enjoyable and easy to follow; the characters memorable and likable; the love scenes uber-hot; the historical detail fantastic.

True, some of the descriptions would win a purple prose parody contest and it IS somewhat disturbing to have disproportionately huge men with uber-tiny women. But all in all, these books were a win for me.

Reader Question: Does anyone know of any modern bodice ripper romances? Yes – I know writers are supposed to HATE that word. However, it’s an accurate term and description for the type of romance I’m looking for.

Bite Me. No, Seriously (Best Vampire)

First Place: Lucinda, Dangerously by Sunny
Honorable Mention: Moonlight Whispers by Marilyn Lee

Are You Afraid of the Dark? (Best Horror, Fantasy)

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Classic Reads

First Place: The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischmann
Honorable Mention: Winnie the Pooh by A.H. Milne

But I Don’t Wanna Be a Pirate!(Best Futuristic, SF/F)

To Pleasure a Pirate by Leila Brown

Like this? Try Starstruck: Hunter, the first in my Celestial Lovers (futuristic/paranormal) series. Read Chapter 1 FREE.

Death is Just the Beginning (Best Ghost Romance)

Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland

A Wrinkle in Time (Best Time Travel)

First Place: Woven Dreams (Tapestries Book 3) by N.J. Walters

Honorable Mention: The More I See You by Lynn Kurland (One of my ultra-favorite reads)

Angst Ahead! (Best Hurt & Comfort)

First Place: Woven Dreams (Tapestries Book 3) by N.J. Walters
Honorable Mention: Battered but Not Broken by Celia Kyle

Reality is a Dirty Word (Best Comic Book or Graphic Novel)

Heroes Volume 2 (Graphic Novel)

NYX: No Way Home by Marjorie M. Liu (Comic Book_

Dangerous Liaisons (Best Assassin Romance)

Loving Jiro by Jordyn Tracey

Romance on the Wild Frontiers (Best Historical)

Topaz by Beverly Jenkins

Like this? Try The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins for a captivating historical PLUS a creative spin on the May-December romance.

(Best Erotic Historical)

First Place: Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone

Honorable Mention: The Lady’s Tutor by Robin Schone

“Did I Fall Asleep?” (Most WTH? Storyline; Yes, this is a Dollhouse reference)

(Kudos if you understand why that quote represents confusion — NOT boredom.)

UPDATE: I’ve revised this entry because I realize it isn’t fair to put all of Ms. Devine’s books in this category since I haven’t read all of her books. Additionally, as I later state, I’ve enjoyed several of her works. By Desire Bound, All I Desire, Seductive.

Reason: I can’t remember the title but in one of Ms. Devine’s books, there comes a point in the plot where the heroine discovers a secret underground room in a house where some guy has kept tons of female acolytes, who worship him as the “king of sperm.” Seriously. They chant some phrase like, “All hail the king. The king of sperm.”

At that point, I was done. NOW — Don’t misinterpret me. I’m not drinking Haterade because I used to LOVE reading her books. She’s a gifted storyteller. I owned tons of her books – DESPITE having immense trouble following the ins and outs of her plots, and random vampires and cults that appeared through the book. I will say this: Ms. Devine definitely knows how to write hot scenes; keep readers on their toes; and create some extra-yummy heroes.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not a genre snob. I actually like when authors blend genres (i.e. paranormal contemporary; paranormal historical; erotic historical; etc.) But within reason and FOR a reason AND only if said reason doesn’t A) cloud the plot and B) confuse readers.

Reader Question: Can anyone recommend a good, easy-to-follow romance by Thea Devine? Although I haven’t read her work in a while, I haven’t “quit” her yet.

The More the Merrier (Best Group Romance)

Black Planet: Tiger Eyes by Belinda McBride

Alpha A$$holes (Alphas You Love to Hate)

In Blood & Worth Loving by Marilyn Lee

Want It. Need It. Gotta Read It. (Books on my TBR List)

Crossroads by Ericka Scott (Suspense)

Hex & The Single Witch by Valerie Frankel (Romantic Comedy)

At Drogan’s Comman by Selena Illyria (Futuristic) Got it! Reading it now and loving it.

When You Wish Upon A Pixie: Induction by Selena Illyria ( The cover art on this is fantastic. It’s a book I hope to read very soon. Gotta love frisky pixies. )

Safe by Shara Azod & Raelynn Blue (Contemporary)

Movies I ADORED in 2009

Sherlock Holmes. If you haven’t seen this, you missed out! But not to worry. It hits DVDs March 31st. And yes, it’s on my auto-buy list –> partly because the movie is awesome and action packed, but equally because of the HOTNESS that is Jude Law as “Watson.”

It takes a special man to make a thick but coiffed mustache and a limp sexy but he pulls it off. Not to mention the sexiness of Robert Downey Junior as Sherlock Holmes.

YOUR turn! What movies, books are you reading/watching to while away the wintry days?

Joining me today is Jeanne St. James, author of Banged Up and Rip Cord. Her new release Double Dare is available now from Loose Id.

She’ll be introducing us to Quinn Preston, the heroine from Double Dare. Take it away Jeanne!

INTERVIEW WITH QUINN PRESTON

Why is your story titled DOUBLE DARE?

It all stemmed from when I was wrangled into being a bridesmaid at a wedding. Well, I and two of my close friends did it for another friend… Why are bridesmaids’ dresses so awful?

Anyway, at the reception, my friends spotted a handsome stranger – one I would not have taken noticed to myself… he had tattoos and long hair and a very short beard. I was never one for facial hair. Or tattoos. But there was something about Logan which ended up caught my attention… once I talked to him.

But even so, they had to dare me to ask him to dance. I didn’t fall for it. Then they double dared me. It turned out that the double dare was the best thing I ever did… And I can say that with a BIG SMILE!

Why do you call Ty and Logan “the boys”?

Honestly, I don’t know. It just came naturally. Once they took me into their lives, I felt like I was a part of them – that they were mine – so I just started calling them “my boys” or “the boys.” They like it, though. And believe me, they are ALL MAN!

Have you ever heard of sod farming before you met “the boys”?

No. But it makes sense. Somebody has to supply stadiums and golf courses with that great sod. And before going out to the farm, I never realized that there are so many different types of grasses. They have quite a successful business and it continues to grow.

What does your family think of your relationship with two men?

They are not too keen on it. They are very conservative and my parents – my mother in particular – is very worried about “keeping up appearances.”

Have you ever had a relationship with two men at the same time before?

No! Never even considered it. It was quite a shock to learn that Logan was already in a relationship… with another man! I think you have to be very open-minded to even consider being in a relationship with two men at once. I’d have to say that Logan and Ty made it an easy decision for me.

Do you think that you can be truly in love with two men at once?

No doubt about it. The boys loved each other intensely before I came along and they still love each other just as much now. The only thing different is that they both love me and I love them in return. And yes, I love them both equally.

I noticed your story has some BDSM in it? Is that something you were involved in before meeting the boys?

No. My sex life was very, very boring in comparison. My ex-boyfriend bored me in bed. Logan is the dominant in the relationship. And they both opened my eyes to some new and exciting things. In fact here’s the publisher’s warning (which makes me giggle):

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme & content, male/male sexual practices, ménage (m/m/f).

You can read more about Quinn, Logan and Ty in DOUBLE DARE, an interracial ménage a trois out with Loose Id.

BUY LINK
Blurb:

What could be better than waking up next to a hot guy? Waking up sandwiched between two of them.

Quinn Preston, a financial analyst, is not happy when her friends dare her to pick up a handsome stranger at a wedding reception. What better reason to give up men when her previous long-term relationship had not only been lackluster in the bedroom but he had cheated?

Logan Reed, a successful business owner, can’t believe that he’s attracted to the woman in the ugly, Pepto-Bismol pink bridesmaid dress. And to boot, she’s more than tipsy. After turning down her invitation for a one-night stand, he finds her in the parking lot too impaired to drive. He rescues her and takes her home. His home.

The next morning Quinn’s conservative life turns on its ear when Logan introduces her to pleasures she never even considered before. And to make things more complicated, Logan already has a lover.

Tyson White, ex-pro football player, is completely in love with Logan. He has mixed emotions when Logan brings home Quinn. But the dares keep coming…

EXCERPT LINK:

www.jeannestjames.com/bookshelf

Michelle Lauren: Thanks for joining us today Jeanne and Quinn. Readers, make sure to check back every Tuesday & Thursday this month for more character interviews, new release giveaways & more!