COMING TO SIREN-BOOKSTRAND
Showing posts with label Siren and BookStrand Authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Siren and BookStrand Authors. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Already Shopping for Christmas?
Are you shopping for a few readers in the family? Consider adding Cowboys for Christmas to your holiday shopping list.
Quinn gave Julie his undivided attention. She arched a brow and studied her cards. Undoubtedly, she wanted this win. A win would put her at ten.
As much as he’d like to see Julie victorious, in this particular situation, Quinn was cheering for Brandon. With Brandon, they were guaranteed a good time.
Winner’s choice. Quinn could almost see her rocking back and forth between them.
“Quinn?” Brandon asked, snapping his fingers. “Are you still with us?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I said, ‘what do you think winner’s choice should be’ and you’re over there zoned out. Guess I’m on my own, huh?”
“Like hell,” Quinn said, looking at the table. “Who won?”
Brandon snickered, turned up his cards, and said, “With a straight flush, I’m betting on me.”
Julie cleared her throat. “That is a pretty hand.”
Brandon chuckled. “Yes indeed.”
Julie studied her cards again, delaying the outcome and congratulations due the probable champion. “You cheated, didn’t you?”
Quinn held his breath. Brandon was a poker player through and through. When he won, he won fair and square.
“Turn ’em up,” Brandon said, obviously agitated.
Reluctantly, she flipped her wrist and showed her straight. “I was hoping for winner’s choice.”
Brandon gathered the cards and stacked them in the middle of the flat surface. Then he backed away from the table, retrieved three tumblers, and poured a round of blueberry shine. “Let me guess, you would’ve asked for a backrub?”
“How’d you know?”
“I know women.”
“I bet you do.”
“He can vouch for me,” Brandon said, pointing to Quinn.
“No doubt,” Quinn supported him, unable to look at Julie. Sensing her disappointing defeat, he finally asked, “How far are you willing to go?”
She gulped.
"That far, huh?” Brandon teased her.
“You’ll never know unless you ask,” Julie said, standing.
Quinn’s pulse took off at a running go. Julie just said the right thing to two horny men.
Brandon tossed back his fruity liquor. Quinn followed his lead, and Julie was right behind them. Brandon cleared his throat, and Quinn prayed Brandon found the voice he’d apparently lost.
A few seconds passed, and no one moved a muscle. When the tension became thick enough to choke them, Brandon bravely broke the silence.
“Well, Julie, I’m asking.” His gaze caught hers, and with a wicked smile, he added, “Honey, in fact, I’m not just making a polite request. I’m groveling like a man in heat. What’d ya say we get naked?”
http://www.bookstrand.com/cowboys-for-christmas-destiny-blaine
Monday, April 30, 2012
Be the First to read the opening pages to Sweet Affliction...
Sweet Awakenings Book 4 (Navy SEALs Series) - Available May 1st
Chapter 1
He dove in the water as bullets sprayed against the waves. Applying pressure to his side, he kicked and tried to achieve more distance than depth between him and the men firing at him. He swam under the boat and to the other side so they wouldn’t have a chance to hit him again. What the fuck had just happened? How had he gone from enjoying a cold beer with a former teammate to watching a trail of blood drip from his forehead and nearly two dozen men carrying an arsenal of weapons boarding the small yacht? He ignored the gut-wrenching realization that his friend of nearly twenty years was dead. The cold stare of shock in Tom’s face as he fell forward told him he was killed instantly. A single shot from a sniper had taken out a man who served his country for over twenty years while managing to live to tell about it.
The whizzing sound of bullets hitting the water was becoming more distant. Despite being hit he was still a strong swimmer. His training had saved his life more than once, and this time proved to be no different. If his bearings were right and he wasn’t disoriented from blood loss, he’d estimate that he was about two miles from shore. If he swam around the south peninsula of the island, that would put him far out of the sights of whomever the hell was shooting at him. It would mean at least a three-mile swim. With blood loss and pain it wasn’t going to be easy, but he’d survived worse than this before so he had no doubts that this time would be no different.
Exhausted and starting to feel light-headed, he tried not to panic. He had to remain focused. One thing he learned was that if he rested to float for even a moment he would tire even more so and never continue on. While he hoped the men firing at him assumed they were successful in their attempts to kill him as well, he couldn’t be too careful. They could be scouring the dark waters with a spotlight looking for any sign of him.
The shore was in his sights now. He kept on, kicking with everything that he had despite the burn in his muscles. If he was able to use his full strength it probably wouldn’t be so strenuous on him, but having to hold his side in an effort to diminish some of the pain left him somewhat handicapped.
When he was so close to the shore his kicks met with more sand than distance he finally rested, allowing the surf to carry him the rest of the way. His mouth filled with sand as his body swept up to the soft beach. He laid there for a moment, breathless and physically spent. The pain from his right side where the bullet hit was radiating to his arm, rendering it useless. It took all his will to use his other arm, the muscles still burning from his several-mile swim. He crawled farther up the beach, not wanting to chance the waves that carried him in to safety pulling him right back out again. There was a small opening against the cliff. It was only a few yards away but seemed to be so much farther.
He crawled to what would be his shelter for the night. Echoes of his BUD/S instructors shouting at him for being a pussy swam in his mind. He was a United States Navy SEAL for Christ’s sake. Well at least for another month until he retired, that is. He was trained to never give up. What would they tell him in training? Take off your girlie panties and swim like a man with your balls swaying free in the water. It was a dumb-ass analogy, but it served the purpose at the time when he’d heard it. He had survived BUD/S training and twenty years in Naval Special Warfare. A measly bullet wound in his right side wouldn’t be the death of him.
Somehow he managed to pull his shirt off. He couldn’t remember a time when he was this tired. Everything he’d ever experienced seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to this.
The events of the past several hours flashed through his head. He arrived in town by small plane to meet up with Tom who had just begun to celebrate his retirement. Living large on the open sea he had called it. They ate some steaks that Tom’s onboard cook had managed to charbroil to near perfection while enjoying a couple of cold Coronas. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He still had two days on his leave, so the two had planned to fish and do nothing much of anything else.
He shook his head as he replayed the events in his mind. None of it made sense. He was damn good at sensing danger. Hell, they both were. One minute they were laughing about some señorita who would hit on Tom every time he went to town, and the next the slow trail of crimson drew a line down his forehead, his eyes wide and surprised as they stared back at him.
“Fuck!”
Tom had given twenty-two years of his life to the navy. Why the hell did this have to happen a mere two weeks after his retirement? What in God’s name was going on?
Once again, playing everything back through his mind over and over, he kept looking for some sort of a sign. Something he may have missed. Still he could find nothing.
He had only known that type of surprise killing capable of three types of men—military, mercenaries, or the mob. None of those possibilities made any sense. Tom was a decorated war hero. He had saved countless lives in leading men on various missions. The military would have no reason to want him dead, except maybe the Taliban, but these men weren’t Taliban. He couldn’t see their faces behind their grease paint, but they moved much too disciplined to be a part of that sect. That ruled out his possibility of the mob as well. Aside from the cool, calculated methods of killing, they didn’t have the physical skill to move like a trained soldier.
He had only known that type of surprise killing capable of three types of men—military, mercenaries, or the mob. None of those possibilities made any sense. Tom was a decorated war hero. He had saved countless lives in leading men on various missions. The military would have no reason to want him dead, except maybe the Taliban, but these men weren’t Taliban. He couldn’t see their faces behind their grease paint, but they moved much too disciplined to be a part of that sect. That ruled out his possibility of the mob as well. Aside from the cool, calculated methods of killing, they didn’t have the physical skill to move like a trained soldier.
That was it.
A trained soldier. These men moved like military, but something was off. A military force, even Special Forces for any country, would’ve been identifiable to him in one way or another, but they weren’t. These men were former military. Mercenaries, no doubt.
The question was, why would mercenaries be after Tom? His friend had led a clean, by-the-book military career, only killing when it was required and the only means necessary. Tom never stepped on toes or used anyone to his advantage. Everyone on the teams looked up to and respected him.
Those conclusions left him with only one possibility. These were foreign mercenaries, sent from another country to shut Tom up. Why would anyone want or need a former Navy SEAL dead when he was no longer a threat to them?
Something wasn’t adding up, and he was becoming more and more tired. The blood loss was taking its toll. He needed to get medical attention, get the bullet removed and get stitched up. He was surprised he hadn’t gone into shock yet. Adrenaline had no doubt kept him going. Pushing up with his one good arm he tried to steady himself to stand. He was nearly on his feet when he collapsed from fatigue. If he just closed his eyes for a few minutes then maybe it would reenergize him. At least he hoped it would. He knew if he stayed here any longer he would either die of blood loss or those men would find him to finish the job.
It was his last thought before he saw the barrel of a gun pointing down at him and his eyes closed.
Note: 10% of the author royalties on this book will benefit nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing educational assistance and support grants to families of wounded and fallen United States Navy SEALs. |
Monday, November 7, 2011
You're Invited to Tour the Virtual World with Natalie Acres
A New Release and Back to the Drawing Board—Where to Begin
A woman’s life is hectic. Between family and career, it’s often difficult to juggle day-to-day activities much less squeeze in something extra. As a writer, I often find myself in a crunch for time. The muse pulls one way and readers guide in another direction altogether. Lately, I’ve discovered my muse shouldn’t have a dog in the race. When readers ask for a certain book, the excitement and energy they have for a particular series is a great source of inspiration when I finally sit down to write a new book.
Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts is a prime example. Readers supported this series from the very beginning and because of their requests for more from the Underground Unit, I couldn’t wait to deliver another Cowboy Boots novel.
The series began with Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts which kicked off the Cowboy Boots saga in April of 2009. The book captured the #1 spot at Siren-Bookstrand and went on to become the #1 bestselling erotica and western title at Amazon. A bestselling title at All Romance Ebooks and Mobipocket, Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts was soon followed by Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business which was also received well by readers who supported the series.
I’m thrilled and excited about the new Cowboy Boots release, but must admit Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business remains my favorite due to the unusual bond formed between sisters as one woman courageously faces her death while asking another woman to take care of the men she’ll soon leave behind.
Readers write to ask questions about continuing the series and I can promise there’s more in store. While writing Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, book three, the idea for the fourth installment materialized as well. Cowboy Boots and Undesirable Characters will soon be submitted for consideration.
In the meantime, more books are in the pipeline for the Cowboy Sex series as well. Sex Party was my first western ménage romance. If you enjoy family sagas, come on over to the ranch and meet the Cartwell family. While you’re there, stop by and say hello to the McKay brothers, too. You might want to call ahead. It’s hard to say where you’ll find these fellows if you stop by unannounced! One thing is certain— you’ll spot a strong-willed, feisty woman keeping an eye on her men.
As we take a tour around the internet, I’d like to invite you to check out the entire collection of Natalie Acres books, but particularly Cowboy Sex and Cowboy Boots. The Cowboy Sex novels tend to write themselves. The stories unfold quicker than they can be put down on paper. The Cowboy Boots novels were a little more difficult to write. Driven by the hot romance and fast action, the characters found in Cowboy Boots tend to ‘get carried away’ with their toys and props. These heroines understand their men are hardcore males with certain expectations in the bedroom.
Speaking of expectations, I hope the week ahead produces some emails because I’m at a crossroads again. With several series to complete and numerous manuscripts stored on my desktop, there’s the ever-present daily question—Where to begin? In fact, if you’re stopping by to follow the tour today, please leave a comment and your advice! You could win a free download of a backlist title!
You know as readers we ask the “Where to start” question a lot, too. It’s not always simple to find the order in which series books were written. Today, as we celebrate the release day of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, I invite you to check out the entire series.
Start with Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts and meet the Donovan brothers from Southwest Virginia. Then, say hello to the Remington men and the women they love in Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business. As they cope with tremendous loss, they find strength and hope in the arms of a woman they never expected to love. Finally, I invite you to pick up your copy of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, on sale today at Siren-Bookstrand.
Below, you’ll find an excerpt and blurb from Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts followed by the blog tour information. Please visit the blogs listed and leave a comment. At the end of the tour, we’ll have prizes to distribute so the more you comment, the more chances you have to win some nifty prizes!
Natalie Acres
natalieacres@yahoo.com
Book Blurb:
Seduction turns deadly when Abby Rose, an agent with the Underground Unit, decides to put a provocative spin on revenge. Her plan to sleep with a cartel leader backfires when fellow operatives refuse Abby the opportunity to face her enemy alone.
Abby’s fellow agents begin the fight of their lives. After discovering Abby will use her body to lure the man who killed her father and their command leader, seven highly trained operatives cope with high tensions.
This team isn’t fighting for another cause or plotting the best way to take out their mark. The stakes are much higher. These men will take up arms and meet their greatest challenge as they work together to protect the woman they admire and love.
Copyright © 2011
"This series moves faster than the hit TV Show 24"
Don't miss a moment of the excitement!
Tour Stops for NOVEMBER 7th
Author Keta Diablo at Keta's Keep
Author Paige Tyler and the Nice N' Naughty Authors
Author Melissa Bradley's Imaginarium
Author Tammy Maggy and Behind Closed Doors Blog
Author Lindsay Townsend's Lindsay's Romantics
Affaire de Coeur Magazine Blog
Author Tabitha Shay Romance Blog
Blog Tour Hosts Sunday, November 6th
Author Lia Slater
The Reader's Roundtable After Dark
Romance is Forever with Rachel Cron
*Authors and Blog Owners—if you wanted to be included in this tour and do not see your name and link listed above, please send an email to natalieacres@yahoo.com right away. Thank you! * Natalie Acres
WARNING!!
This tour is in progress to celebrate the release of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, book three in the COWBOY BOOTS series. Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts kicked off the series and was one of the first ménage books to include more than three heroes. This series is labeled SCORCHING HOT and for adults only. If you are easily offended, I highly recommend the Country Roads series for the more sensitive reader. Thank you for reading my books!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Are You Ready for Some Football? Check out Destiny Blaine's Sports Wives Series
Curl up this weekend with Sports Wives by Destiny Blaine
*Sexy is Never Ignored is ‘on sale’ at a discount this weekend at Siren-Bookstrand*
Cassie appears to live a simple life. But look beyond the surface and discover a complicated lady with scandalous secrets as two sexy men bide for her love and everything that goes along with her attention.
He is Sports and Entertainment World's Man of the Year. She is the woman lucky enough to marry the highest paid quarterback in the history of the Professional Football Confederacy, but Cassie Teller's luck doesn't stop there...
Even though Marco’s peers view Suzy as damaged goods, Marco falls in love with a woman he plans to change, but taming a vixen isn’t as easy as it looks.
Marco Giovanni adores his wife Suzy and he loves her enough to let her go, taking extreme measures to protect her.....
Suzy has always wanted more. Now, she has all she can handle and she still wonders, "Is it enough?"
Read excerpts and full book summaries here: http://www.bookstrand.com/destiny-blaine
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Sequel to Bridled and Branded is Coming Soon
Bridled and Saddled, the sequel to Bridled and Branded, is coming soon to Siren Publishing. Mark your calendars and watch for this exciting new sequel coming to Siren-Bookstrand in May 2011!
Lynlee Lewis is an old-fashioned girl who might as well take the lead in a modern day romance. She met a boy, when he was just a boy. She fell in love, but he barely noticed. Now, Lynlee wants to place a woman’s brand on Blaine McCain, but will his past prevent her from staking a claim?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Coming August 12th...
Siren Allure
LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES
by Nicole Morgan
[Erotic Contemporary Romance] Faced with a forbidden love and overwhelming obstacles, Sean and Isabelle finally find a way to be together. Justin, an ex-boyfriend, refuses to let Isabelle go. After an unspeakable act, Sean and Isabelle’s love is tested. Will they be able to overcome and discover whether Love Knows No Boundaries?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lori Foster Conference
I plan to attend the Lori Foster reader and author get together this weekend in Manchester, Ohio. If you happen to be attending too, I can't wait to meet you, and if you are anywhere near the area feel free to stop by on Saturday for the booksigning. It's free and open to the public 2-4 PM.
For more details about the conference check out the website here:
http://www.lorifoster.com/community/readergettogether.php
Friday, June 4 — Sunday, June 6, 2010
Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre, West Chester Ohio
There will be lots of food--lots of fun and lots of great new friends to meet. Can't wait to see you there!
Lots of love!
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Siren-Bookstrand Authors at RT -- and you can win!!!
Well, the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Orlando, Florida, is just over a week away. A number of Siren-Bookstrand authors will be there, taking in the scene, meeting people and just having fun in general. Hey, it’s Orlando! Who wouldn’t have fun?
If you’re going to RT, here’s an added perk: You have a chance to win a truly bodacious basket of goodies! Entering to win is easy. All you have to do is find the gift basket from the Siren-Bookstrand Authors in Club RT and fill out the small tickie with your name and contact vitals. The winner’s name will be drawn Saturday. So, just what will you win? How about this:
- $100 gift certificate from Siren-Bookstrand Inc.
- a hand-crafted scarf created by author Mary Lou George
- Brothers of the Absinthe Club, Volume 1, by Emma Wildes
- Cowboy Games, by Wendi Darlin
- The Dance, by Jami Davenport
- Free Falling*, Book 2 of Damaged Heroes series, by Sandy James
- Love Slave For Two, by Tymber Dalton
- Made For Each Other, by Morgan Ashbury
- Menagerie, by Lara Santiago
- Mucho Caliente, by Francesca Prescott
- Once Upon a Time (seven-author anthology), courtesy of Morgan Ashbury
- Rapture (four-author anthology), courtesy of Emma Wildes
- Seek and Destroy, by Allie K. Adams
- Serena’s Song, by Raina James
- Sex or Suffer, by Lara Santiago
- Spirit, Book 2 in New Crescent series, by Mary Lou George
- The Stetson, by Betty Womack
- Tarbaby Trouble, Book 1 in Mudflat series, by Phoebe Matthews
- Turning Thirty-Twelve*, by Sandy James
- Twin Games, Book 2 of Heroes of Silver Springs, by Tonya Ramagos
There may be further additions to this list, so please stay tuned. Also, don’t be shy -- come meet us at the book fairs, both Wednesday and Saturday, and at our table in Club RT. See you in Orlando!
Raina
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Now Available: Reclaiming Nicola
Nicola Bourdeaux is Victor’s ultimate woman. She’s smart, beautiful, and the sweetest person he’s ever met. But when a rival firm gets a hold of confidential information and Victor loses a major lawsuit, he accuses Nicola of betraying him. His mistake leads to a major blow-up and break-up.Victor Weise is Nicola’s ultimate man. He’s intelligent, handsome, and the most arrogant man she’s ever met. But when Victor accuses her of betrayal, Nicola is determined to a make a fresh start. She accepts an offer for a teaching position out of state, convinced she needed to get as far away as quickly as possible.
But before she leaves, she gets a request to visit the Weise residence. Hoping to gain some closure, Nicola accepts. But Victor has some tricks up his sleeve.
Will one afternoon be enough for Victor to reclaim Nicola?
Now available from BookStrand.com. Click here for an excerpt . . .
Anika Hamilton, Happy Reading
http://www.anikahamilton.com/
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/anikahamilton/rn.asp
Monday, August 4, 2008
Reclaiming Nicola by Anika Hamilton
Nicola Bourdeaux is Victor’s ultimate woman. She’s smart, beautiful, and the sweetest person he’s ever met. But when a rival firm gets a hold of confidential information and Victor loses a major lawsuit, he accuses Nicola of betraying him. His mistake leads to a major blow-up and break-up.Victor Weise is Nicola’s ultimate man. He’s intelligent, handsome, and the most arrogant man she’s ever met. But when Victor accuses her of betrayal, Nicola is determined to a make a fresh start. She accepts an offer for a teaching position out of state, convinced she needed to get as far away as quickly as possible.
But before she leaves, she gets a request to visit the Weise residence. Hoping to gain some closure, Nicola accepts. But Victor has some tricks up his sleeve.
Will one afternoon be enough for Victor to reclaim Nicola?
Genre: Contemporary Interracial Erotic Romance
Excerpt coming soon . . .
Happy Reading,
Anika Hamilton
http://www.anikahamilton.com/
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/anikahamilton/
But before she leaves, she gets a request to visit the Weise residence. Hoping to gain some closure, Nicola accepts. But Victor has some tricks up his sleeve.
Will one afternoon be enough for Victor to reclaim Nicola?
Genre: Contemporary Interracial Erotic Romance
Excerpt coming soon . . .
Happy Reading,
Anika Hamilton
http://www.anikahamilton.com/
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/anikahamilton/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Dessert Box by Anika Hamilton
Carmella Simone and Sandra Tucker have been together for the past ten years. Every year for Valentine’s Day, one or the other is tasked with creating a memorable and passionate experience.This is Sandra’s year and she has planned the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. She has commissioned a specially designed box, locking herself inside. Now Carmella must figure out the clues that will unlock her gifts: Sandra and chocolate.
Join them on their erotic journey of a sweet treat and body heat.
To read an excerpt or get your own copy of Dessert Box, click here.
Join them on their erotic journey of a sweet treat and body heat.
To read an excerpt or get your own copy of Dessert Box, click here.
Happy Reading,
Anika Hamilton
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Fun Intro to the website and new titles
This post is a spin-off of what Lee Silver, author of THE TWIST had started here.
I want to let all your readers in on a DELICIOUS SECRET, but TARBABY,I don't want to start BURNING any BRIDGES or cause any TROUBLE.
All right, I won't hold you HOSTAGE anymore.
Siren-Bookstrand has the best reads on the web but you can only buy the
titles once you've come out of the ROUGH and are READY for more fun,LOVE, LUST and SCANDAL than you can pay for in SIN CITY, LAS VEGAS.
Come out of the internet MIST and stop by the site as soon as possible
and AT ANY COST. It is a great DESTINATION to read free excerpts, book reviews and VENTURE forth into FORBIDDEN LOVE.
THE METHOD for success used by this publisher is to simply find the best stories and make them accessible to you.
Here is the TWIST, not all of the titles are available for purchase yet.
So please BEAR with us as more sexy titles are uploaded.
We promise the experience will be the high-LIGHT O' your day!
If you want more INTIMATE CONTACT then sign up at our mailing list
where we'll be waiting to WELCOME you day or NIGHT.
~Tiffany ~ Silapa Jarun
SilapaJarun.com
KATANA DUET: Samurai's Forbidden Love
Available at Bookstrand.com July 16th
FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS ~ 5/5 Angels!http://tinyurl.com/5dowxz
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Introduction to Jordana Ryan
Hi everyone,
I'm Jordana Ryan! So excited to be here. I have two releases coming from BookStrand. Sweet Dreams is a Contemporary Suspense novella. Gillian never dreamed of running the bakery in her small town, but now that she does, she loves it like nothing else. She can't imagine her life any different than the way it turned out, until Lucas Jensen ambles back into town and into her life. Seeing the man she once had a huge crush on makes her wonder what life would have been like had she left the tiny town and followed her dreams. When strange things begin to happen to Gillian and it looks as if her life may be at stake, it's up to Lucas to find out who is threatening the woman he is coming to see in a different light and stop them. But can he battle his own demons to save the life of the only woman he has ever met worth fighting for?
Perfect Game is a Contemporary Romance Novel. Jessie Kirk never really knew her father, Dan Kirk, but when her mother dies suddenly, she's determined to either get to know her father or gain closure. Her arrival in Santa Fe, New Mexico is less than welcomed by her father or his team, the Santa Fe Devils. After all, her last visit had been one big disaster. But, Trevor, the star pitcher on the team, can't help but remember the vulnerability he had once seen in the girl.
When a career threatening injury leaves him reeling, Trevor and Jessie discover that together they can take off the masks they wear for everyone else and just be themselves. Can either of them stand what they see in themselves and each other? Or will they go on pretending for the sake of appearances?
Both of these stories are due out in late 2008 with BookStrand Publishing.
Jordana has been writing most of her life, but didn't decide to make a career out of her passion until about a year ago. Jordana has spent most of her life working with adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system, and those fighting mental illness. Jordana enjoys tackling issues that are sensitive and perhaps more emotional and feels fulfilled when a reader says her stories have touched them.
Jordana is a single mom to a beautiful six year old girl and can often be found playing with her daughter, crocheting, or cooking when not writing. Throughout her writing Jordana loves to showcase her second passion of cooking and baking!
Jordana loves to hear from her readers and can be emailed at purplepixiedustgir@sbcglobal.net
Jordana has a website which can be found at http://jordanaryan.tripod.com
A myspace that can be found at http://www.myspace.com/jordana_ryan
Jordana also hosts a blogtalk show that can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jordana-Ryan
I'm looking forward to being able to bring you more great stories, and would love to hear anything my readers have to say!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
For the Love of Cover Art ~ When a Good Angel Falls
One of the best things about walking into a bookstore for me, besides all of those fantastic books just begging to be read, is the magical invitation of cover art. Yes, there’s also the wonderful smell of all those books, tempting and teasing all of us acknowledged bookaholics. There they sit on their shelves and endcaps, in the bargain bins, waiting to find their right homes, ready to be ensconced in our shopping bags.
But before I choose which ones to buy, whether it’s an adventurous escape into romance or my eclectic appetite for non-fiction, anything from travel to building that next deck, I look at the pictures, those amazing displays of graphic art.
But before I choose which ones to buy, whether it’s an adventurous escape into romance or my eclectic appetite for non-fiction, anything from travel to building that next deck, I look at the pictures, those amazing displays of graphic art.
Now, in the age of cyber cover art, I’m in a beautiful-color paradise of images designed to catch my eye and lure me to the click-buy button.
Today! I’m showing off my cover art for When a Good Angel Falls, coming from Siren-BookStrand late in 2008, and currently featured on the new BookStrand site. Jinger Heaston is the cover artist and I think she beautifully captured my story. I couldn’t be happier. Kudos, Jinger!
Blurb:
When a Good Angel Falls ~ 2012 futuristic ~ The end of the Mayan Calendar
A world-weary, worn-out, incarnated angel who believes she is merely human has three choices: let the Nazerazzi of the North American Union capture her, walk out into the desert night and let the wildlife have a meal, or trust a mysterious stranger on a black motorcycle.
A world-weary, worn-out, incarnated angel who believes she is merely human has three choices: let the Nazerazzi of the North American Union capture her, walk out into the desert night and let the wildlife have a meal, or trust a mysterious stranger on a black motorcycle.
All Shades of Blue Paradise [World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book I] ~ available from Siren Publishing ~ sirenpublishing.com ~
Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil [World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book II] ~ coming from Siren Publishing
When a Good Angel Falls ~ coming from BookStrand late in 2008
Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ savannakougar.com
Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil [World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book II] ~ coming from Siren Publishing
When a Good Angel Falls ~ coming from BookStrand late in 2008
Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ savannakougar.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hot Heroes ~ Interview with Baron Zaggry Dhio Vettura ~ Wagering in the World of the Blue Pearl Moon
Wagering is a way of life in Baron Vettura’s aristocratic world, especially on any horse sport. And with the revival of the war horse sport of Braverth, all bets are definitely on, amid the swirling dangers of plots and constant intrigues.
Today, I thought I’d let my hero in All Shades of Blue Paradise, Book I & Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil, Book II ~ speak for himself on the subject of wagering in the World of the Blue Pearl Moon
An interview with Baron Vettura ~
Wagering in the World of the Blue Pearl Moon
Baron Zaggry Dhio Vettura entered the Regent’s extravagantly appointed reception chamber. Immediately he strode toward the woman comfortably seated on an elegant chair designed for her small, curve-flowing body. The Emissary from the green-water world of Vhesphia, the planet residing in the inner orbit next to his world, had arrived requesting to interview him.
Bowing over her slender four-fingered hand, Baron Zaggry briefly pressed his lips upon her dolphin-like skin. Rising, he offered her the warmth of his grin, and the admiring flash of his gaze. "Emissary Gjylish, may I compliment your slim loveliness and the jade-sheen beauty of your complexion?"
"Baron Vettura, you may...of course." Her natural throat-deep voice held feminine giggles, surfacing like bubbles. "And may I compliment the promptness of your appearance. My request to interview you must have caused your personal schedule some strain. I can only apologize, however, the people of my world have been devouring news of the Braverth, and are particularly fascinated with the idea of wagering on sport events. A cultural way we do not possess. Please..." She floated her delicate arm toward the chair facing her.
Pivoting, Baron Zaggry seated himself. Lounging back like the golden cougar his Sheridan called him, he steepled his fingers and focused his full attention on the bright-eyed Vhesphian. "Your command of our formal language is most superior, Emissary Gjylish. What question would you ask first?"
"In our culture wagering occurs on games of chance and intuitive skill. Certainly not with the level of zeal your culture displays. How did high-coin wagering become such a passionate past time?"
Zag smiled suavely, lacing his fingers. "I believe high-coin wagering was born of idleness in the beginning. Once a generation was born in our history, where diligent work was no longer required, and wealth was available, the fierce boundless energy of youth demanded a past time which would excite them, and consume their passionate restlessness. Wagering, gambling...swiftly became a manner of sport, along with the various sporting games, which also originated as entertainment at that time. This new breed of sporting entertainments alleviated boredom, and brought about pleasure-vigorous ways of socializing with each other, of meeting one’s future husband or wife, especially for the most elite of the aristocracy."
"Indeed, the ways of your aristocratic society continue to fascinate the people of my world. Yet, why the avid and frenzied level of wagering on a horse sport? Wouldn’t the pleasure and excitement of watching the Braverth be excitement-fulfilling enough?"
"Truth to your ear, Emissary Gjylish," Baron Zaggry charmed, "the Braverth, indeed, all horse events, fulfill my requirement for excitement and entertainment. Without any need for wagering. However, coin-fortunes or other invaluable favors are to be gained by successful wagering."
"Yes, one of the differences between us. Our society remains more communal, all to be shared. Our wagering is more for the tiny joys of winning a prized gem or a collection of gems. Whereas, your people thrive on the chaotic rise and fall of winning fortunes or favors by gambling on the swiftness and skill of a rider upon a horse. Is that not so?"
"Yes, many in our world do pursue what we call the ‘bliss-rush’ of the win, similar to the natural high of winning a sporting event. Still, there are many other dynamics at play. Often gains in coin are used in productive ways, to improve one’s land and home, to support an enterprise, which maintains the richness of our overall economy. Although, certainly, there are those who squander their gains in a juvenile and irresponsible manner."
"Is not wagering also used as a method to possess power or take away an individual’s power?" With eel-like fluidity, the Vhesphian woman leaned forward, slightly adjusting her media recording globe.
Alert to the interview trap she set, Baron Zaggry languidly adjusted his posture, to one where he appeared more relaxed, and more in mastery of the situation. "True, Emissary Gjylish. The ebb and flow of power is, at times, influenced by wagering. A simple example would be, if I win a large purse, and use it to my advantage by growing one of my business enterprises, I gain in power and in notice, therefore my words carry greater weight."
"Baron Vettura, there is a bold curiosity about how wagering is used in what your society calls ‘intrigues’, or what we would view as hidden deceits practiced to gain an unfair advantage. Could you provide an example for our understanding?"
Lazy as a hunger-satiated cougar, Baron Zaggry allowed his lips to curve in a smile. "Perhaps," he teased, pausing for a moment. "As you, and the good people of your realm, must realize, our ‘intrigues’ have evolved along with the complexity of our culture, and have become multi-entangled layered webs used for a variety of reasons and purposes. For love, for carnal appetite, for the gain of coin, as a way to broker power and favor. Indeed, for any impassioned motivation. Of course, that would include revenge and spying. And sun-obviously, and too often, greed."
Baron Zaggry shifted, propping his booted foot on top of the resting stool with a feral elegant ease. "However, I have not provided an example, have I? Perhaps, you will further define what you wish to know, Emissary Gjylish." Friendly as a cougar expecting dinner, he smiled once again.
"Of course, Baron Vettura, I will define what I and my people wish to know." Her eyes glowed, tiny bolts of emerald lightning streaking toward the pupils of her eyes. "There are updates several times each day on your media venues about the immense amount of wagering in the gambling entertainment salons. There is also speculation about the intrigues which are playing out. Why do so many gamble on who will triumph in the Braverth. Will it be your slave lover, Lady Sheridan. Or, will Lord Gawaith prevail? And what manner of intrigue do you play out?"
Baron Zaggry allowed his steepled fingers to lace and unlace leisurely before he answered. "My slave lover, Lady Sheridan, rides to victory in the Braverth, to win the security of our horse lands. And to triumph as warrioress. It is that simple, and that complicated in our world. Certainly, various intrigues swirl around us like the lavish gown skirts of our women swirl, as they splendidly and gracefully dance during our evening entertainments.
"Lord Gawaith has been my slave lover’s devoted adversary in the horse sports where they compete, for several riding seasons now. He carries an obsession of spirit, the prideful need to defeat Lady Sheridan by his superior skill and by his personal mastery of the horse war game, Braverth
"There are many who believe my slave lover suffers a depletion of her physical prowess...given my carnal appetite for her. They would also believe she could not be as warrioress-determined in her ability to triumph, since she has yielded to me as her master.
Baron Zaggry raised one dark auburn brow, then continued, "Your example follows, Emissary Gjylish of the esteemed Vhesphia World. Is my interview with you part of an intrigue I deftly play against my enemies? Are my words, concerning my slave lover, mere deception? Or are they the truth as some would observe and believe?
"What is intrigue?" Baron Zaggry brought the fierce intensity of his gaze to bear on the Emissary, who leaned forward as if she was about to learn the end of a media-novel mystery. "What is not? Shadow or the mirror reflection upon a blue crystalline lake...and would I wager against Lady Sheridan’s victory in the Braverth, simply to gain another high-coin sum?" Baron Zaggry smiled like a hunt-triumphant cougar, who rested after dining on meaty succulent flesh. "There are some who believe my nature to be so ruthless toward collecting a fortune, I would use my slave lover in such a betraying manner."
Baron Zaggry slowly leaned forward, the lithe power of a cougar. "What do you believe?" He casually un-propped his foot." What is deception? What is not? What wager would you lay down, Emissary Gjylish?"
Do you have a question for Baron Vettura? Present your query in the comment section, and the Baron will answer as his schedule allows.
Or join Baron Zaggry and Lady Sheridan in the World of the Blue Pearl Moon
Bowing over her slender four-fingered hand, Baron Zaggry briefly pressed his lips upon her dolphin-like skin. Rising, he offered her the warmth of his grin, and the admiring flash of his gaze. "Emissary Gjylish, may I compliment your slim loveliness and the jade-sheen beauty of your complexion?"
"Baron Vettura, you may...of course." Her natural throat-deep voice held feminine giggles, surfacing like bubbles. "And may I compliment the promptness of your appearance. My request to interview you must have caused your personal schedule some strain. I can only apologize, however, the people of my world have been devouring news of the Braverth, and are particularly fascinated with the idea of wagering on sport events. A cultural way we do not possess. Please..." She floated her delicate arm toward the chair facing her.
Pivoting, Baron Zaggry seated himself. Lounging back like the golden cougar his Sheridan called him, he steepled his fingers and focused his full attention on the bright-eyed Vhesphian. "Your command of our formal language is most superior, Emissary Gjylish. What question would you ask first?"
"In our culture wagering occurs on games of chance and intuitive skill. Certainly not with the level of zeal your culture displays. How did high-coin wagering become such a passionate past time?"
Zag smiled suavely, lacing his fingers. "I believe high-coin wagering was born of idleness in the beginning. Once a generation was born in our history, where diligent work was no longer required, and wealth was available, the fierce boundless energy of youth demanded a past time which would excite them, and consume their passionate restlessness. Wagering, gambling...swiftly became a manner of sport, along with the various sporting games, which also originated as entertainment at that time. This new breed of sporting entertainments alleviated boredom, and brought about pleasure-vigorous ways of socializing with each other, of meeting one’s future husband or wife, especially for the most elite of the aristocracy."
"Indeed, the ways of your aristocratic society continue to fascinate the people of my world. Yet, why the avid and frenzied level of wagering on a horse sport? Wouldn’t the pleasure and excitement of watching the Braverth be excitement-fulfilling enough?"
"Truth to your ear, Emissary Gjylish," Baron Zaggry charmed, "the Braverth, indeed, all horse events, fulfill my requirement for excitement and entertainment. Without any need for wagering. However, coin-fortunes or other invaluable favors are to be gained by successful wagering."
"Yes, one of the differences between us. Our society remains more communal, all to be shared. Our wagering is more for the tiny joys of winning a prized gem or a collection of gems. Whereas, your people thrive on the chaotic rise and fall of winning fortunes or favors by gambling on the swiftness and skill of a rider upon a horse. Is that not so?"
"Yes, many in our world do pursue what we call the ‘bliss-rush’ of the win, similar to the natural high of winning a sporting event. Still, there are many other dynamics at play. Often gains in coin are used in productive ways, to improve one’s land and home, to support an enterprise, which maintains the richness of our overall economy. Although, certainly, there are those who squander their gains in a juvenile and irresponsible manner."
"Is not wagering also used as a method to possess power or take away an individual’s power?" With eel-like fluidity, the Vhesphian woman leaned forward, slightly adjusting her media recording globe.
Alert to the interview trap she set, Baron Zaggry languidly adjusted his posture, to one where he appeared more relaxed, and more in mastery of the situation. "True, Emissary Gjylish. The ebb and flow of power is, at times, influenced by wagering. A simple example would be, if I win a large purse, and use it to my advantage by growing one of my business enterprises, I gain in power and in notice, therefore my words carry greater weight."
"Baron Vettura, there is a bold curiosity about how wagering is used in what your society calls ‘intrigues’, or what we would view as hidden deceits practiced to gain an unfair advantage. Could you provide an example for our understanding?"
Lazy as a hunger-satiated cougar, Baron Zaggry allowed his lips to curve in a smile. "Perhaps," he teased, pausing for a moment. "As you, and the good people of your realm, must realize, our ‘intrigues’ have evolved along with the complexity of our culture, and have become multi-entangled layered webs used for a variety of reasons and purposes. For love, for carnal appetite, for the gain of coin, as a way to broker power and favor. Indeed, for any impassioned motivation. Of course, that would include revenge and spying. And sun-obviously, and too often, greed."
Baron Zaggry shifted, propping his booted foot on top of the resting stool with a feral elegant ease. "However, I have not provided an example, have I? Perhaps, you will further define what you wish to know, Emissary Gjylish." Friendly as a cougar expecting dinner, he smiled once again.
"Of course, Baron Vettura, I will define what I and my people wish to know." Her eyes glowed, tiny bolts of emerald lightning streaking toward the pupils of her eyes. "There are updates several times each day on your media venues about the immense amount of wagering in the gambling entertainment salons. There is also speculation about the intrigues which are playing out. Why do so many gamble on who will triumph in the Braverth. Will it be your slave lover, Lady Sheridan. Or, will Lord Gawaith prevail? And what manner of intrigue do you play out?"
Baron Zaggry allowed his steepled fingers to lace and unlace leisurely before he answered. "My slave lover, Lady Sheridan, rides to victory in the Braverth, to win the security of our horse lands. And to triumph as warrioress. It is that simple, and that complicated in our world. Certainly, various intrigues swirl around us like the lavish gown skirts of our women swirl, as they splendidly and gracefully dance during our evening entertainments.
"Lord Gawaith has been my slave lover’s devoted adversary in the horse sports where they compete, for several riding seasons now. He carries an obsession of spirit, the prideful need to defeat Lady Sheridan by his superior skill and by his personal mastery of the horse war game, Braverth
"There are many who believe my slave lover suffers a depletion of her physical prowess...given my carnal appetite for her. They would also believe she could not be as warrioress-determined in her ability to triumph, since she has yielded to me as her master.
Baron Zaggry raised one dark auburn brow, then continued, "Your example follows, Emissary Gjylish of the esteemed Vhesphia World. Is my interview with you part of an intrigue I deftly play against my enemies? Are my words, concerning my slave lover, mere deception? Or are they the truth as some would observe and believe?
"What is intrigue?" Baron Zaggry brought the fierce intensity of his gaze to bear on the Emissary, who leaned forward as if she was about to learn the end of a media-novel mystery. "What is not? Shadow or the mirror reflection upon a blue crystalline lake...and would I wager against Lady Sheridan’s victory in the Braverth, simply to gain another high-coin sum?" Baron Zaggry smiled like a hunt-triumphant cougar, who rested after dining on meaty succulent flesh. "There are some who believe my nature to be so ruthless toward collecting a fortune, I would use my slave lover in such a betraying manner."
Baron Zaggry slowly leaned forward, the lithe power of a cougar. "What do you believe?" He casually un-propped his foot." What is deception? What is not? What wager would you lay down, Emissary Gjylish?"
Do you have a question for Baron Vettura? Present your query in the comment section, and the Baron will answer as his schedule allows.
Or join Baron Zaggry and Lady Sheridan in the World of the Blue Pearl Moon
All Shades of Blue Paradise [World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book I] ~ available from Siren Publishing ~ sirenpublishing.com ~
Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil [World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book II] ~ coming from Siren Publishing
When a Good Angel Falls ~ coming from BookStrand late in 2008
Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ savannakougar.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
LEE SILVER, "Romance with a Twist"
Hi Everybody,
I'm so happy to meet you all (yes I'm a southern gal :) & to be one of BookStrand's flagship authors. I love relaxing on the beach in Ocean City, MD, and we’re going on 16 wonderful years of happily ever after. Our son is grown and living an apron’s string away from mama right here in Norfolk, VA. I'm looking forward to chatting with each and every one of you, sooo don't be shy! I live a double life, techno geek by day and witchy romantic when the moon is full :) I have always loved to write and have done a fair amount of professional writing for my job. I never did anything creative until I started to have some health issues in the late 90’s. After a geeky reference manual and a few tongue-in-cheek editorials, I thought it would be fun to try my hand at romance.
THE TWIST is my first published novel. A story of mind-bending control and unnerving metamorphosis, THE TWIST unravels the tale of a hotshot consultant as he struggles to foil a plot to steal $12 million and to rescue the feisty, female scientist who has stolen his heart. THE TWIST is scheduled for release, JULY 8, 2008.
ZANE TOLLISON’S wife is running through their cash faster than he can make it. A “Hail Mary” contract with Clearwater Tobacco arrives in the nick of time to keep his fledgling, consulting firm afloat and to unchain him once and for all from his narcissistic wife. Beautiful, brilliant and estranged, KATHY DAVIS is desperate for a new beginning. The feisty post doc bio-geneticist jumps at an offer from Clearwater, pouring her soul into a development that will revolutionize the tobacco industry.
The two are unwittingly reeled into a convoluted plan to steal $12 million; Zane is changing into a carbon copy of Kathy, a pawn in a bizarre genetic metamorphosis, entangling Kathy in a sinewy web of seduction and deceit. Forging a bond that will set the course of their destiny, they fight to overpower the diabolic hold that has taken over their lives.
CLICK HERE to read the first chapter of THE TWIST.
Visit me at MySpace to see what's going on in my world.
Let's have fun!
Lee
Lee Silver
Romance with a Twist
THE TWIST, Coming July 8, 2008 from BookStrand Publishing
http://www.leesilver.org
Sunday, May 11, 2008
To all the mothers out there, including my own Mom . . .
A Song For Mama
No matter what you do,
No matter what you say,
I love you more and more each and every day.
I want to kiss your furrowed brow,
And make you smile instead of frown.
I hear you laugh and it warms me immensely,
And when you cry my heart breaks deeply.
We might argue all through the night,
But in the light of day everything is all right.
We are family today and friends tomorrow,
This is why I try to take away your sorrow.
Because no matter what you do
Because no matter what you say,
I love you, Mom more and more each day.
Copyright © 2008 Anika Hamilton
Happy Mother's Day to all of you,
From Anika
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Join our
