Interview with a Vampire

Want to read an interview with a vampire? I'm interviewing Damek over at  RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk. Leave a comment and your name is in the drawing for a chance to win a PDF copy of Damek's Redemption!

Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain

 

 

I couldn't decide if I wanted the more haunting picture or the fun one so I posted both. I can see the full moon out through the office window, high in the early morning sky. Hope you all have a Happy Halloween and a Blessed Samhain!

 

DAMEK'S REDEMPTION

DAMEK'S REDEMPTION is available today from Samhain Publishing!

BLURB:

Be careful when searching for the truth...sometimes reality bites.

Legacy, Book 6

Myths and legends are more than just passing interests for Sonia Agostino. She holds degrees in folklore and anthropology, and she comes from a family of Keepers, humans charged with helping paranormal creatures survive in the modern world.

Recently, her research—and her intuition—have led her to Chicago’s Inhibitions nightclub. Its enigmatic owner, known only as Damek, could be the one paranormal creature she has never seen. A vampire. Except he won’t see her.

Damek has good reason to refuse an audience with Sonia. One look at her and his gut reaction is she’s a serious threat to the simple, highly disciplined routine that keeps his bloodlust in check. Worse, she has unwittingly led vampire hunters far too close for comfort.

Yet when she stubbornly shows up at the nightclub a second time, he cannot refuse her. The force of their attraction explodes with erotic power—and danger. For when Sonia discovers that her suspicions were true, she finds her loyalties unexpectedly tested. And her choice will forever change both their lives.

---

Product Warnings

This book contains smokin’ hot sex, intrigue, a mysterious sexy vampire, vampire hunters, werewolves and a huge Greek family.

 

 

Also available from THE KINDLE STORE

Long and Short Reviews Haunting Halloween Blogfest

I'm blogging over at Long and Short Reviews today as part of their Haunting Halloween Blogfest!

Stop by and visit. Be sure to leave a comment as I'll be giving away a PDF copy of Unmasking Kelly, my Ellora's Cave Quickie, to one lucky person. The drawing will take place November 3rd at the end of the Haunting Halloween Blogfest!

Samhain Birthday and Halloween Spooktacular!

Halloween Spooktacular/ Samhain Publishing's Seventh Birthday Bash at the SP Café!

Here are the deets:

Where: Samhain Publishing Café

When: Sunday, October 28, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.(EDT)

I'll be there on Monday, October 29th, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon EST! 

Hope you can take an hour or so out of your busy schedule to stop by and take part in this fun event of Spooktacular fun celebrating Halloween and Samhain Publishing’s Seventh Birthday.

 So stop on by and hear about great books, halloween tales, eerie happenings and more. Just for participating, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win great prizes such as eBooks, Samhain swag, author swag, and even the grand prize, a KINDLE!

Spookapalooza!

I'm one of many authors over at the Romance Studio from today, October 27th, until October 31st for The Romance Studio SPOOKAPALOOZA. Be sure to stop by and check out the great excerpts. Be sure to leave a comment as there will be lots of prizes to be won!

Click HERE to join the party!

Love Romances and More--COTN Day!

It's the last COTN (Creatures of the Night) Day over at Love Romances Cafe . Today features Witches, Wizards and Mages. Be sure to stop by and check out the wonderful excerpts. As always, there will be plenty of prizes being given away.

My personal collection of postcards

Because I was asked, here are a few pictures of the postcards in my hallway. Every picture is of a different display in my hallway. Because they're not in direct sunlight I don't have to worry about them fading.

The ones above are all Thanksgiving postcards.

These are a combination of Halloween and Thanksgiving postcards.

Love the ones with the mirrors. And the center one above hubby bought me as a surprise. I love it!

 

 Again, all three postcards feature mirrors. Not sure why I love them so much, but I do. :)

 

Here are the only Christmas postcards I have. I collected these because I love the candles

Something You Might Not Know About Me...

 

Here's a little something many of you might not know about me.

In the early days of Ebay I started to collect vintage Halloween postcards. I love the graphics and have many framed as artwork on my walls. I especially love those postcards that feature mirrors or pumpkins. I haven't bought a new one in years as the prices have gotten way out of hand, but I love the ones I do own.

Sometimes there's even a message written on the back. It's fascinating to see where the card was mailed from and where it was sent. Many of the artists working at the time did incredible work.

I own all three of the cards I've shown and a few more. My hallway is a gallery, which also includes a series of six Christmas candle postcards, which I'll post at Christmas. As well, I have some "harvest" themed Thanksgiving postcards, again featuring pumpkins. This is my kind of art!

New Cover--Night of the Tiger

Check out my cover for Night of the Tiger, the first book in the Hades' Carnival series, releasing from Samhain Publishing on January 15th, 2013.

BLURB:

To win the battle for his soul, he may have to sacrifice the woman who set him free.

Hades’ Carnival, Book 1

Aimee Horner lives and breathes her career as a graphic novel illustrator, but she never expected it would invade her dreams. In recent months, worsening nightmares have pulled her into the darkest corners of Hell.

On a rare night out with friends at a traveling carnival, she finds herself strangely drawn to an abandoned carousel adorned with vividly exotic animals. One steed, a massive white tiger, is a temptation she can’t resist. The moment she climbs upon him, her world changes forever.

More than five thousand years ago, Roric and his fellow shapeshifting warriors were imprisoned in their animal forms, a last-ditch effort by the goddess they served to save them from the horrors of Hell.

With one special woman’s touch, he has a chance at freedom and redemption—but the clock is ticking. If he is still alive in twenty-four hours, the spell will be broken, and Hell will have no claim on his soul. The only hitch is his blazing attraction to Aimee. If only he could trust that she isn’t merely a distraction sent by Hades—luscious bait to lure him from his mission.

---

Product Warnings

This book contains an ancient curse, an imprisoned goddess, a graphic artist and the hot shapeshifting immortal warrior who turns her life upside down while they battle Hades and his minions for their immortal souls. There is also plenty of hot sex between the heroine and her hot, shapeshifting warrior. Just saying.

Tuesday Teaser: Unmasking Kelly

This week, the Tuesday Teaser comes from my Ellora's Cave Quickie Unmasking Kelly. Since the story takes place on Halloween night, I thought it would be appropriate for this time of year.

TEASER:

Liam worked his way down the bar, serving up tall, cold mugs of beer and mixing drinks until he finally reached her far corner. “Welcome to Brannigan’s, pretty lady. What can I get you?” His smooth, deep tones rolled across her skin like a caress. He stood in front of her with his hands on his hips and a twinkle in those deep blue eyes. His shirt was open at the top, emphasizing the strong column of his neck and offering her a tantalizing glimpse of his impressive chest. Really, the man was too sexy to be let out amongst the regular population.

She frowned when she realized he was staring at her. Glancing down, she had a quick peek at her cleavage to make sure she hadn’t fallen out of the bustier. It was close. Her breasts swelled against the lace trim, but her nipples were still covered. Barely.

Her head jerked up when she felt his fingers beneath her chin. But instead of releasing her, his hand cupped her jaw and he leaned closer. For a moment she thought he might kiss her. Her lips parted in anticipation. His breath was warm on her moist mouth. He was close. So very close.

“What can I get you?” His voice was so soft and seductive it took a few seconds for her to process the meaning of his words. She jerked her head back in embarrassment, her cheeks heating. While she’d been all but undressing the man with her eyes, he’d been waiting for her to order.

“White wine, please.” Her tone was briskly matter-of-fact and Kelly wanted to bang her head against the bar in frustration. She wasn’t supposed to use her regular voice. She’d practiced lowering her voice and speaking more slowly and sensually.

 

But Liam had turned away to fill her drink order, giving no indication that he recognized her. Good. All wasn’t lost. She could do this. She knew she could.

Buy the Book

8th Anniversary Contest--Final Winner

CONTEST WINNER:

The eighth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Suzy Roy. Suzy has won a print copy of Legacy Found!

Thank you to everyone who entered! Keep watching my website for a new contest coming soon!

Her Last Day by Kat Holmes and L.J. Holmes

Authors Kat Holmes and L.J. Holmes  are here today to celebrate the release of the new book Her Last Day, releasing from MuseItUp Publishing tomorrow, October 19th. Congratulations, ladies!

BLURB:

The date was August 24^th 79 A.D. and it started like every other day in Pompeii. But the clock is ticking and disaster is about to strike. Daria, the wife of a selfish businessman, is about to find out that there are worse things than a loveless marriage. But through it all, is there any cause for hope?


EXCERPT:

August 24^th 79 A.D.

Pompeii

7:30 A.M.

Daria woke. Her body twanged. Every morning she prayed not to see the sun, but every morning she woke and the sun’s rays mocked her.

Sliding from her bed, liberally festooned in silks and the finest lines money could buy, she bit down on the wince from bruises not yet coloring her pale skin.

She knew Titus expected her to wait for her personal slave to dress her for another day in her own private hell, but Daria wanted no one to see the remnants of the night she’d just endured at her husband’s mercy. Not even her personal attendant, the slave Iola.

Iola arrived in time to help her into her breakfast shawl.

“I won’t need your help until after I break my fast,” Daria said.

The older woman did not respond. She met Daria’s eyes, nodded, and then bowed her way back out of the bedchamber. Iola always knew what her mistress hid beneath her breakfast wear, she’d seen it many times, but there was nothing Daria could do to change what was.

Slipping her tiny feet into her silk slippers, she checked the reflecting glass. Titus would find no cause to chastise, unless she didn’t get to the dining area and was demurely waiting for his arrival. Like the slaves, she had expectations to meet.
Taking one more steadying breath, she schooled her features to show no emotions, and headed for breakfast with a man she detested the most in the entire world.


About the Authors:
L.J. Holmes & Kat Holmes are a mother/daughter team who decided their love of stories should culminate in a joint effort. They each write separately but also team up on occasion and enjoy working together. Buy The Book

Tuesday Teaser: Stefan's Salvation

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from Stefan's Salvation, book 3 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series. It is part of the series, but is a stand alone novel. Stefan is my favorite Dalakis brother. What can I say? He's the youngest and was the most difficult of the bunch.

TEASER:

The beast inside him rumbled to life. Every heartbeat in the room pounded in his ears. He could hear the swoosh of their blood pumping through their veins. The sensation was hypnotic. He licked his lips, almost tasting the tang in his mouth.

He was hungry and they were sustenance.

Closing his eyes, he willed the beast back into submission. It wasn’t easy. He could feel the sweat trickling down the back of his neck. As the nights seemed to grow longer, it had gotten harder and harder to even have the will to fight his very nature. It would be so easy to take what he wanted with no consequences.

Taking slow, steady breaths, he ignored his throbbing erection and centered himself until he was back in total control. He opened his eyes and carefully scanned the room again. Nothing had changed. No one here knew the battle that had just been fought and won. No one knew that their lives had just been spared.

The beer was cool and the bottle sweaty in his hand as he took a long pull. He welcomed the bitterness of the brew as it slid down his throat to his belly. It did nothing to still the hunger within him.

 

 

 

Stefan's Salvation is also available in print. The print copy of this book actually has a different cover. Love it!

Let There Be Light

Hubby and I bought a pole lamp on Saturday at Walmart. It's a simple, inexpensive one with three adjustable lights and will fit nicely beside the new chair we purchased a few weeks back.

We brought it home and he put it together. It was only then we realized--no lightbulbs. lol So Sunday we went out and I bought lightbulbs. We get home and I go to put one in only to find it's too high a wattage. *g*

Moral of the story? Always read the label on the light before buying lightbulbs. Hopefully, later this week we'll get to a store and I can buy the right bulbs for the light.

Book of the Week--Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall

One of the books I've read in the past week is Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall. This is the third book in her Immortal Guardians series. I highly recommend going back to read the first two--Darkness Dawns and Night Reigns--not because you have too, but because you'll want to. If you enjoy paranormal romance you have to give this author a try.

BLURB:

Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire.

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different--and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question--he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him...

Contest Reminder and Winner #7

CONTEST WINNER:

The seventh winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Loretta Lindi. Loretta has won a print copy of Discovering Dani!

There is still one more print book to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

All in a day's work

It's been a busy, productive day so far. Started work on a new book today, which is always exciting, and wrote 4K. Since then, I've done the laundry (in-between writing), dusted, vacuumed, swiffered, wet mopped and ironed.

Now I'm ready to kick back and read. I have the new Dianne Duvall, book Phantom Shadows, and it's calling out to me. Have an excellent Wednesday!

Tuesday Teaser: Beyond Shadows

What happens when an immortal shapeshifting warrior from the Shadow Realm is tasked to save a very independent accountant who is on the run from an organized crime boss? The result is Beyond Shadows. Can I just say how much I love Blade!

TEASER:

He was sitting on the edge of the coffee table, patiently waiting for her to look at him. For a brief moment, Jac wished she’d never asked for a light. Darkness was preferable.

Her assassin was gorgeous.

Even though he was sitting down, she could tell he was tall. His shoulders were encased in leather and appeared solid and very wide. His jaw was square and covered with a light stubble that made him look sexy. His skin was swarthy, whether it was tanned or part of his heritage, she couldn’t be sure, but if she was a betting gal, she’d bet he was of Mediterranean descent. His nose was straight, his cheekbones high. But it was his eyes that captured her.

Dark and fathomless, they seemed to look within her all the way to her very soul. They were like the sea on a moonless night, cold and unforgiving. She shivered.

He reached out and she flinched back in spite of her resolve to be brave. He didn’t touch her. Instead, he grabbed the blanket that had been tossed to the end of the sofa in their struggle. Shaking it out, he tucked it carefully around her without actually touching her.

“Who are you?” She could hear the slight quiver in her voice and hated herself for it. She didn’t want to appear weak.

“Blade.”

That didn’t tell her much, except that maybe she was right about his profession. Blade was the perfect name for an assassin. It suited him somehow. Maybe it was all the black leather and his sharp features.

His hair was past his shoulders and tied back at his neck. When he’d reached for the blanket it had fallen over his shoulder. The light had shined on the black mass, highlighting some strands that appeared to be almost a midnight blue.

She shook her head to clear it. “That doesn’t tell me much.” She was proud that her voice was steady this time, her reply almost tart in tone.

He raised his hand and slowly moved it toward her. This time she didn’t flinch, but met his gaze straight on. His fingers cupped her chin, his thumb stroking over her bottom lip in a sensual caress. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

 

 

What do vegetarian's eat for Thanksgiving dinner? Plenty! Check out the sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, carrots, peas, dressing (stuffing) and veggie turkey (that's mostly for hubby because he likes to have hot turkey sandwiches for leftovers the next day) and gravy.

 

And there will be even more at Christmas with homemade cranberry sauce, banana/apple salad and, of course, dessert!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. I want to wish all my Canadian friends a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend filled with good food, family and friends!

Celebrate Books!

September 30th to October 6th is Banned Book Week. Make the time to read a book, especially one that's been banned at some point or another. Ideas are for everyone!

 List of Banned Books that have shaped the world as we know it. There are some wonderful classics on this list such as: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, 1884, The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, 1951, Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell, 1936, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee, 1960, Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak, 1963 and Our Bodies, Ourselves, Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, 1971, to name a few.

Celebrating Halloween with Kate Hill

Want to win a PDF download of my book A Touch of Magic?

I'm helping author Kate Hill celebrate Halloween this month and today I'm visiting at Kate Hill's Blog talking about A Touch of Magick. Leave a comment and your name is entered for a chance to win!

Be sure to check out Kate Hill's Halloween Page to join in the Halloween fun. You'll also find a complete listing of contests and prizes to be won.

Contest Reminder and Winner #6

CONTEST WINNER:

The sixth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Carrie Fort. Carrie has won a print copy of Stefan's Salvation!

There are still two more print books to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

Tuesday Teaser--Out of Shadows

This week, the Tuesday Teaser is from Out of Shadows. If you love The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, then this book is for you. I absolutely love this cover!

TEASER:

Dovina whirled around and raced back toward the bridge. It was believed that the horseman couldn’t cross water, so if she could get over the bridge she should be okay. At least she hoped she’d be okay. She really didn’t have a choice, not with him blocking the path back to civilization.

Sweat coated her body as she ran faster than she’d ever run in her life. For once, she wished she were less of a bookworm and more of an athlete. The bridge got closer as pounding of the horse’s hooves got louder. A maniacal laugh cut through the dark. She heard the swish of his blade as he brandished it through the air.

 She was going to die.

Damned if she would. Dovina dug deep and pushed harder. The muscles in her legs cramped, her lungs screamed as she managed to quicken her pace. Her heart was pounding at a furious rate as she scrambled toward the bridge. She jumped onto the wooden structure, not stopping until she was on the other side.

Only then did she glance behind her.

As if he’d been waiting for her, the horseman appeared on the far side of the bridge. Again, laughter filled the air. “You cannot escape me. I will have you.” His deep booming voice echoed through the woods, coming from nowhere, yet everywhere at the same time. The horse reared again and she took a step back.

The horseman reined in the horse and urged the great beast forward. It’s foreleg stepped on the wooden structure. Oh god, the water and the bridge wasn’t going to stop it. Real or ghost, it didn’t matter. It was after her.

The horse had placed only one hoof on the bridge when a massive shadow appeared in front of her, blocking her view of the horse and rider. Dovina blinked and the shadow coalesced into the body of a man. She shrieked, certain the horseman had dismounted and was almost upon her.

It was then she saw his head. Whoever this man was, he at least had a head. “Run. He has a sword.” For some reason, she felt compelled to warn this stranger who’d put himself between her and the deadly horseman.

“So do I,” came his gruff reply.

October Magic

I love this time of year--the colors, the movies, the holidays and the books! I'm talking about October Magic over at TRS Blue Blog today. Stop by and check it out.

October Newsletter Now Available!

The October 2012 issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, contests, my husband’s popular column—Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband—an excerpt, and this month’s interview with Brenna Zinn. 

  As always, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.