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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap Year? Why?

Thirty days hath September
April, June, and November,
All the rest have thirty one,
Except February alone,
Which hath twenty eight days clear,
And twenty-nine in each leap year.
feb29.jpg

Why do we need Leap Years?

Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun.
It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun.

However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours off our calendar every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days!
How do we calculate Leap Years?

In the Gregorian calendar 3 criteria must be met to be a leap year:
The year is evenly divisible by 4;
If the year can be evenly divided by 100, it is NOT a leap year, unless;
The year is also evenly divisible by 400. Then it is a leap year.

This means that 2000 and 2400 are leap years, while 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2500 are NOT leap years.

The year 2000 was somewhat special as it was the first instance when the third criterion was used in most parts of the world since the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian Calendar.
Who invented Leap Years?

Julius Caesar introduced Leap Years in the Roman empire over 2000 years ago, but the Julian calendar had only one rule: any year evenly divisible by 4 would be a leap year. This lead to way too many leap years, but didn't get corrected until the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar more than 1500 years later.


Leap Year Traditions.

Women can propose to men

Saide Hawkins Day RaceAccording to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.

In some places, Leap Day has been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.

In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

Bad luck

In Scotland, it used to be considered unlucky for someone to be born on Leap Day, just like Friday 13th is considered an unlucky day by many. In Greece it’s said to be unlucky for couples to marry during a Leap Year, and especially on Leap Day.


Leap Day is also St Oswald’s Day, named after an archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. The memorial is celebrated on February 29 during Leap Years and on February 28 during common years.
Leap Day birthdays

People born on February 29 are all invited to join The Honor society of Leap Year Day Babies.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, there are record holders both of a family producing three consecutive generations born on February 29 and of the number of children born on February 29 in the same family.

Day One: 1st January 2012 - Happy Leap Year…
In the words of The Dorsey Brothers “What a difference a day makes…”
It’s a Leap Year!! Which means there are 366 days this year as opposed to the usual 365. Which means that I HAVE A REAL BIRTHDAY!! So although the extra day may mean absolutely nothing to you, it means absolutely everything to me.
I have no New Years resolution, last year was pretty awesome for me, so I plan to continue onward and upward…
Did you know that the Olympics always falls on a Leap Year? I did :-)
PR xx

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My "Must Have" Release Week Reads

Crystal Jordan
Night Games
Releases 2/28
Over time, the Magickals have learned to live in the company of humans and keep their extraordinary abilities a secret. But despite their vigilance, one lurks among them who will stop at nothing to obtain his dark desire. . .

A cop with the Seattle P.D., Selina Grayson is committed to both her job and her privacy. Few know that she’s a centuries’ old elf with a tragic past that continues to haunt her. Yet her body still craves the exquisite ecstasy of sex that is her birthright—and a night of complete sensual abandon is just what she needs. . .

A Special Agent with the FBI Magickal Crimes Unit, Jack Laramie is one of the few Normals who know Magickals exist. He’s wary of their power, but one touch from Selina ignites a fire within his blood. Hot with desire, he’s ready to succumb to her erotic spell. But working a serial killer case together isn’t quite as pleasurable—especially when the killer has a taste for humans like Jack. Now one wrong move could put out their heat for eternity. . .


Shiloh Walker
If You Know Her

Release 2/28
A SHADOW IN THE WINDOW.

Nia Hollister doesn’t scare easily. Come hell or high water, she intends to find her cousin’s killer. She returns to Ash, Kentucky, for answers. What she doesn’t expect is to ache with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it’s him. But can she allow herself to take comfort in those strong arms when a murderer still roams free?

Unknown to Nia, as she quietly slips into Law Reilly’s home, is that she’s being watched—by someone who is waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Timing is everything, though he can’t wait forever. If she’s not frightened, she soon will be. Nia has made a vow to find her cousin’s killer. She should be careful what she wishes for.


Nalini Singh

Angel's Flight
Release 2/28

In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels’ Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.


Gail Carriger
Timeless
Release 3/1
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

 
Daisy Harris
Jamie's Merman

This title is offered at a 10% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, March 5th.


When a Seattle bartender finds a horny merman in Lake Washington, he tries to be kind and let him down easy. Jamie’s sick of taking home strays, and the needy merman pushes all his buttons. But when Jamie gets rejected by a longtime crush, he falls prey to the merman’s wide-eyed adoration and killer body.

But the selkie, Marin, has ulterior motives. He wants Jamie to help him impregnate his fertile wife, and soon Jamie’s dragged into a situation he hadn’t bargained for. Can Jamie get over his need to take care of every charity case that crosses his path? And can Marin man up and be the lover Jamie needs? Find out in Jamie’s Merman!



Wendy Burke
Haste Ye Back
Released 2/26
Haste Ye BackAll her life something had drawn Bryn Wallace to Scotland. Just weeks before her lifelong dream trip to visit Edinburgh is fulfilled, Bryn’s fiancé dumps her. She’s determined to have a good time, but touring the romantic Highlands is a bit boring alone. And not wanting to troll the pubs, she goes out on a limb and signs up with Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service.

Divorced Ian McCallum is tired of making decisions, especially when it comes to women. When an old schoolmate suggests 1Night Stand, he figures he has nothing to lose. But, what he doesn’t know is his one-night stand was centuries in the making.
 
 

WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEEK? 
Have any suggestions that I missed?
 Let me know I'm always on the look out for a good book.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Interview with PG Forte + Giveaway

Today I'm so excited to have PG Forte with us. PG has written over 20 books and been published through several different publishers like Loose Id, Samhain, Liquid Silver, and her latest release This Winter Heat part of -A Clockwork Christmas Anthology -Steampunk) with Carina Press. She has also just released an audio book Waiting for the Big O, and yes it's just as good as it sounds ;)

Miss Forte writes heartwarming Steampunk, not so frilly Fairies, sexy contemporary, and very hot vampires. While I haven't read everything (yet) I am a bit partial to her vampires, Conrad, Damian, Marc, and Julie. Since I love her vampires so much and have been craving more from them Miss PG has so kindly offered to answer a few questions for us.


Hi PG ;) thanks for stopping by I know you are a very busy women so I appreciate the visit.

Hi, Dawn! Thank you. You know I always enjoy our visits.


You write both m/m and m/f romance, You obviously don't just write in one genre is there one that you prefer over another and why?

I think Paranormal is probably my favorite, but I do enjoy variety. I think I'd hate to be limited to just one. Paranormal just allows you greater leeway in terms of what you imagine. I guess the same could be said for anything in the fantasy realm--steampunk, sci-fi, etc. I do like straight contemporaries too, but...I guess I just like my imaginary worlds.


Is one genre funnier or easier to write then the other and why?

Waiting for the Big One (LA Love Lessons, #1)In the Dark (Children of Night, #1)I think my contemporary stories have been some of the funnier, less angsty stories. While I definitely have found some stories have been easier to write than others, that doesn't seem to be confined to a particular genre. For instance, In the Dark and Waiting for the Big One were two of the easiest books I've ever written--and they have almost nothing in common with each other.





As a writer you I'm sure you have to do lots of research. What is the wildest and craziest thing you have found while researching ;) ?

Oh, yeah. research is fascinating. One of the strangest stories I've come across was something I just found recently. I can't even remember what I started out researching--something to do with weird blood conditions, probably. I'm always looking for stuff like that in order to make the vampires more interesting.
Anyway, I stumbled across a story about this family in Kentucky who had blue skin. I'm so going to use that at some point! I'm thinking perhaps an erotic paranormal, maybe something combining the Kama Sutra with Hindu mythology overtones, since Krishna is always depicted as being blue...perhaps a dream/fantasy/I don't know what all else yet. lol!


Here's the link, in case you're interested: http://gma.yahoo.com/fugates-kentucky-skin-bluer-lake-louise-200247843--abc-news.html


I know that I have my favorite characters in books I read, do you have favorites in book you write?

Well, sure. I think you can't help showing some favoritism. I really do love them all, however, and--generally speaking--whichever book I'm currently working on, those tend to be my favorite at the time. But, having said that, yeah, Conrad and Damian are definitely up there. lol--I'm sure you're surprised to hear that, huh?



Speaking of favorites I am totally in love with Damian... and Conrad too - I just can't choose. I think it's there complex relationship that has drawn me in so tight. I'm very curious what you have up your sleeve for the next book in this series. Do you think think you could give us a little taste of what next? I'm dying to know.

Ah, the next book. Yes. Whoever said 'third time's the charm' couldn't have had this book in mind when he or she said it. The third book got so long, it's now the third and fourth book...or it will be, as soon as I figure out how and where to split it.


As you know, all the books in this series go back and forth in time between present day (okay, by present I mean 2009/2010 at this point) and some point in the past that relates to what's happening 'now'. Basically, the next book(s) in the series was supposed to be dealing with the twins' childhood. So roughly, a thirty year period spanning the years between 1970 and 2000. I'm having a lot of fun with that part...maybe too much fun. lol! It's a much longer time frame than I covered in either of the first two books. Of course, the rest of the books in the series will cover even greater time periods. Hopefully I won't have to split ALL of them as well. Gulp.


There are a couple of new characters who show up in the next installment. One of them, Paul, was a love interest of Damian's. Conrad was not too happy about this, by the way. He feels--quite rightly--that this is 'his' series.

Here's a little peek. It's unedited--I should mention that! So it could definitely change. This scene takes place on New Year's Eve 1981. The twins are about eleven and Conrad and Damian have been pretending to be father and son to explain their relationship to the twins and each other. Damian has convinced Conrad to throw a party. He's told him that it was to help the twins learn to socialize, but really it was because he wanted some sort of neutral ground in which to introduce Paul to his family. Conrad is upset because he's jealous. Paul is upset because he's not buying the whole father-and-son story...



“Happy New Year, Mr. Quintano,” Lillian added as her husband dragged her away. “It was lovely speaking with you.”


Conrad nodded vacantly at them, taking care to keep his smile plastered to his face for fear of what his expression might otherwise reveal. His eyes continued to track Damian’s progress as he made his way around the room, pausing, from time to time to chat with various guests.


His young man never moved from Damian’s side. Occasionally, he even placed a hand on Damian’s shoulder, although whether he was offering comfort, or seeking the same, Conrad couldn’t decide and really didn’t care. What concerned him more—far more in fact—was Damian’s reaction. Did Damian even notice the way he was leaning, ever so subtly, into the boy’s touch? That soft smile that lingered on his lips whenever his glance strayed to his friend’s face, was Damian even conscious of it? He looked smitten. They both did. And the beast that made its home in Conrad was enraged by it.


Mine, the beast howled loudly. All mine. Always mine. It was an old promise, one Damian had made centuries earlier, and Conrad was certain he’d meant it at the time. Was it anyone’s fault, other than Conrad’s own, if Damian no longer felt that way now?


At last, Damian stopped to introduce his new friend to the twins. The love and pride he felt for them was clear on his face. The boy shook hands with them both. Julie dimpled up at him cheerily, which was no surprise, but even Marc, usually the more cautious, smiled with friendly curiosity.
And then, at last, they were heading in Conrad’s direction. Conrad gave serious thought to the idea of seducing the boy, charming him away from Damian just to teach them a lesson, to show them both what they were up against. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d done such a thing, and why should he not? Rank did have its privileges, after all. But, on the other hand, what good did he think he would come of it? Damian already knew, and all-too-well, the depths to which Conrad could occasionally sink. Conrad certainly didn’t need to give him any more reasons to despise him.


“Good evening, Papa.” The breezy, confident tone of Damian’s voice was marred by the thinnest thread of worry. Otherwise he hid his feelings well, far better than Conrad who only just barely managed to conceal a grimace. Papa. The name by which they’d agreed Damian should address Conrad in public. Never had it struck so sour a note. “Will you allow me to introduce my friend Paul to you?”


Would he allow it? An interesting question. And how clever of Damian to make it seem as though Conrad actually had any choice in the matter.


Still annoyed, Conrad allowed his gaze to lock with Damian’s and time lost its meaning. The look in Damian’s eyes was one Conrad had seen countless times before. There was something Damian wanted tonight, something he wanted very badly and only Conrad could give it to him. Oh, if only it were the same thing that Conrad wanted—just as badly—from Damian. It wasn’t however, and Conrad knew it.


“Of course you may.” Smiling determinedly, Conrad turned his gaze to the other man, only to find his eyes had narrowed suspiciously. Conrad extended his hand all the same. “Paul, is it?” he murmured in dangerous tones, practically daring the boy not to take his hand. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”


The young man clenched his jaw and said nothing.


“Paul,” Damian prodded softly. The plaintive note in his voice nearly undid all of Conrad’s good intentions. Who was this boy that Damian—nearly as stiff-necked and proud as Conrad himself—should feel obliged to beg?


Paul shot Damian an angry look then reluctantly forced a smile. “Very pleased to meet you too,” he said his eyes still flashing a challenge as he shook Conrad’s hand, squeezing it with all-too-tight a grip.


Conrad sighed in annoyance. He sent an appealing glance in Damian’s direction, apologizing for what he was about to do, then he too tightened his grip, just enough to pull a gasp of pained surprise from Paul’s lips.


Damian cleared his throat and frowned pointedly at Conrad, but Conrad had already released Paul’s hand. “So, tell me, Paul,” he said, smiling at them both. “How did you and my son meet?”


“Son. Right.” Paul snorted quietly. “Well, actually, if you must know, we first met—”


“At a bar here in town,” Damian finished quickly. “Several months ago. You know how we’ve discussed bringing in another couple of tutors for the twins? After talking to Paul, I thought he might be just what we were looking for.”


“Did you?” Conrad hadn’t missed the angry look that passed between the two men. He wondered what he wasn’t being told this time. Before he had a chance to pursue it, or Damian to respond, a chant broke out in the room around them.


“Ten…nine…eight…”


The countdown to the New Year had begun. Conrad’s lip curled into a rueful smile as he once again met Damian’s eyes. In seasons now long since passed, they might have heralded the New Year’s arrival with a kiss. Or even, perhaps, with a more intimate display of their mutual devotion.


“Seven…six…five…”


Now, of course, their masquerade as father and son precluded any sort of intimacy in public and the sins that lay between them kept them apart the rest of the time, as well. But it didn’t always have to be that way, did it?


“Four…three…two…”


Someday, perhaps, there would come a time when all these petty constraints would be lifted and the two of them might ring in the New Year as they once had done. Someday. Perhaps.


“Happy New Year!”


The entire room erupted in a cheer and Paul, who was under no constraints whatsoever, turned suddenly toward Damian. He clasped Damian’s head between his hands and kissed him—hard and fast and far too intimately for two men who were mere acquaintances. If Conrad had still retained any doubts, that kiss would have resolved them. The two were lovers, but he already knew that. What he didn’t know, and what he needed to know, badly, was how deeply entrenched Damian’s heart had become.


Damian grasped Paul by the shoulders and pushed him away, breaking the kiss. His face was white with shock, his eyes wide with fear, but, for once, Paul seemed not to notice Damian’s distress. Instead, he turned to Conrad with an insufferably smug smile on his face. “And a very Happy New Year to you, too.”


Conrad could feel his temper boiling rapidly away. There were only two things keeping him from exploding in rage, the look in Damian’s eyes and what was left of his common sense. He could certainly kill Paul. In fact, at the moment, he’d have liked nothing more. But to do so now, to reveal his true nature here, in this room full of people, would mean a death sentence for the twins and himself and for Damian as well. No amount of insolence was worth that.


With his self-control stretched taut, Conrad once again appealed wordlessly to Damian. The message in his gaze was clear, or so Conrad hoped. Get him away from me. Now. Or else.


“Come, Paul.” Damian’s hand closed on the other man’s arm. Let’s see who else we might introduce you to.”



Old Sins, Long Shadows (Children of Night, #2)So now that you have intrigued us do you have anything new coming out?

Well, the print version of Old Sins, Long Shadows will be available in April. I think you can pre-order it at Amazon now, in fact. Other than that...I have several things in the pipeline, but sadly I have no firm dates at this point.
(Isn't that a gorgoues cover? I want to lick it)

Do you have any signings or appearances coming up?

I'll be at RT in Chicago in April. I'll be signing books at both the eBook Expo and the Print Book Fair. I'll even be taking part in a workshop or two with some of the other Naughty Nine and the Smutketeers. I can honestly say I just can't wait for April to get here!


RT?? WOO HOO I'll be there too! Save me a spot at the bar, I'll be the one in the tutu and the I love Damian shirt ;)

lol! Okay. You got it. ;) I also have an online radio appearance coming up. Tomorrow, in fact. February 27, which also happens to be my birthday. I'll be at Other Worlds of Romance with Linda Mooney at 8PM  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romanceI'll be talking about 'the boys' ;) by which of course I mean Conrad and crew. I'll also be reading from Old Sins, Long Shadows.
Oh, and I guess I should also mention that it's a call-in talk show. So if anyone wants to call in and ask questions the number is: (646) 727-2932

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! XOXOXO (I reserve the right to give you spankings at RT :) with either my Skylar Kade ruler or my pretty pink crop that was inspired by Miss Erin Nicholas)

Radio appearance? Wow that is way cool! I am so there.

I know. I'm very excited about it. :)


Now for a lil' quickie

Fredrick's, Victoria's Secret, or Hustler?
Hmm. That's a tough one, but I think I'm going to have to go with Victoria's Secret.

Chocolate Syrup, or Whip Cream?
Whipped cream. Absolutely. Now, if you'd said hot fudge...it would have been harder, but I'd probably still have gone w/ whipped cream. Ooh. Especially some of that alcohol-infused whipped cream Kelly Jamieson has promised to bring to RT for us all to try. ;)

Umbrella Drink, Beer, Wine or Champagne?
Another tough one! You know I love them all! I'd have to go with wine for regular consumption. Although if I ever have a really tough day, it pretty much demands an umbrella drink.

Man-scape or no man-scape?
In general, no man-scape. But there are always exceptions.

Romantic weekend , Night out on town, or Foreign Affair
Romantic weekend. I'm thinking Mendacino B&B. Sigh.

Jewelry, Flowers, or Sweets?
All very good suggestions, and I do love getting flowers, but lately I've been jonesing for the entire Brilliant Earth catalog. http://www.brilliantearth.com/


Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us. Please come back when ever you want I always love having you- xoxoxo

Thank you! And you know I will because I love bing here xoxo.


This Winter HeartIn honor of PG Forte's visit and her birthday I will be giing away her newest release This Winter Heat.


To be entered into the drawing answer this question:


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ?

Winner will be drawn Wednesday 2/29 at 11:59 pm and announce on Monday 3/1. So be sure to leave me an answer and your email so that I can contact you win. Best of luck and hope to hear you on the radio :)


Saturday, February 25, 2012



Thank you Miss Bonnie Bliss for the great giveaway and to Your Girl Friday PR for having me be part of the Blog Tour. I hope you will join us again soon, I'd love to have back and I'd especially love to see Wallace again :).

Now onto the part you all have been waiting for, The Winner...

Congratulations to
PHUONG

You have just won a $10 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of

When Lilly Met Bryn
Blurb:

Lilly Foster was just like every woman her age. She longed for independence, freedom, and a chance at real love, unimpeded by the clichés that marred society. She was a woman that took control. If you didn’t take a chance, you could miss a great opportunity. That was, until she met Bryn Cummings, and he took over, commanding her lust and love. He collided into her life like a landslide, sucking her into his Alpha male arms. Totally lost, and suddenly submitting to this powerful man, she found that there was nothing that could stop her from experiencing all he had to offer.

Bryn Cummings has been biding his time for twenty four years, waiting in the wings for his mate to come into maturity. Having marked her at birth and on her sixteenth birthday as his, he sent his most trusted guard to stay by her side as she grew into the woman he more than lusted for. He wanted to love, dominate, and bring her to his side to rule his pack. Without shame, or fear, he swept into Lilly’s life, when she least expected it, and pulled her into a blanket of need that overwhelmed the very ground she would walk on.

In this short story, you learn about the woman that seems to lust for every wolf in the pack. Come behind the scenes to when Lilly and Bryn first met, and how the power of love, lust, and connection, create one of the most powerful Alpha mates in Europe.

**Author Note** This is a short story. It only tells of the first meeting of Lilly and Bryn and how they mated for the first time. It is not a full length story and more books will be following in the Lilly and her Wolves Series completing the story that began with Double Trouble.

BUY IT HERE:



For additional information about the Lilly books or the other books written by Bonnie Bliss:
Website: bonnieblissauthor.com             
Twitter: @bonnie_bliss
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5136240.Bonnie_Bliss

Friday, February 24, 2012

Paypal Censorship

Have you heard about what Paypal is doing? 

 Well if you haven't let me send you to a great source for the information, author J.S. Wayne

Looks like they are hitting more publishers http://www.adelaidecooper.com/2012/02/the-paypal-fiasco-continues/

I am not a fan of censorship of any kind and if you are like me you want to know what's going on so that you can make your own judgment.  So take a few minutes and read up.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Free books

Do you like FREE books? I know I do and for the next 3 days these two books are free. If you want to know more about them take a look at my reviews.

Whispers in the DarkOld Louisiana and mansions - they go together like latte and beignets on the banks of the Mississippi. For Louis Beekman, his inheritance is a challenge and a delight, since Love Alley is a prime example of early architecture and he plans to restore it to its former glory. He didn't count on it already being occupied - by things he sooo doesn't believe in. No, sir. Not him.

Cory Lavalle has the "sight" and when Louis calls, she goes to Love Alley to help him understand the forces at work in his new home. Together they find adventure and mystery along with an explosive mutual attraction. Hand in hand, they step back into the past and learn secrets long hidden, enticed by the heat of Old Louisiana, where lovers were parted and the future is only a kiss away.


Is their newfound love strong enough to send lost spirits to their final rest? Will those playful specters stop moving Louis's toolbox around? What's with those twins? And above all, can desire finally silence the Whispers in the Dark...?

 AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-in-the-Dark-ebook/dp/B006074V9I/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329873046&sr=1-11
 
 
 
 
Princesses Gone Wild
 They're sassy, sexy and sporting tiaras. They're also raucous, ribald, and outrageous when they get together for goblets of mead and an afternoon's bitching. You know their names—they rose to fame as heroines who sought their Happily-Ever-Afters. And found them.

Of course, Happily Ever After is actually anywhere from eternity to three months and an annulment, if you've got a good lawyer and were smart enough to get a pre-nup. These six Princesses are just regular gals beneath the tulle and diamonds and they love to dish the dirt. When Aurora gets a publishing contract, they all decide to reveal the truth behind those beloved fairy tales; the lace gloves come off and the delicate fantasies are ripped away, revealing the shocking facts, the sexy adventures and the erotic passions beneath the surface.

It's down and dirty in a royal sort of way, complete with Princes who aren't so charming, blacksmiths, porn stars and bean stalks. Not to mention seven vertically challenged dudes, a guy with squeaky slippers and a pair of binoculars...well, you'd better read it and find out. But be warned...these words will never have quite the same meaning....

Once upon a time…
 
 AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/Princesses-Gone-Wild-ebook/dp/B00514HGL6/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wowza Wednesday - Joe Manganiello

Okay I'm missing my True Blood and just needed a little eye candy. So today I  have Joe Manganiello otherwise know as the "fur"tastic Alcide .... man this guy is so drool worthy :)





Do you watch HBO's True Blood?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My "Must Have" Release Week Reads


Ashleigh Raine
Starstruck
Release 2/21
StarstruckBehind the scenes, beneath the covers...

Hollywood Heat, Book 3

Jenna Byers approaches her first day as a background actor on Sexy M.D. with one goal in mind—impress the right people with her acting, make connections, and prove she’s a hard worker. Things go sideways when an up-close-and-personal encounter with the uber-sexy lead ends with Jenna flat on her butt, and she’s noticed for all the wrong reasons.

In all his years of acting, there’s only one thing Micah Watley hasn’t done: accidentally punch an extra in the face. Going against protocol, he hunts her down to apologize and discovers a rare phenomenon in the entertainment industry. A sweet, uncorrupted-by-Hollywood woman, whose smile grabs him by the heart—and other not-so-innocent body parts—and won’t let go.

Their attraction is instant and intense, and Micah finds himself desperate to believe the woman with the beautiful smile, hot body and naughty mind wants him, not the doors he could open for her. When the press catches on, twisting Jenna and Micah’s love story into a Hollywood scandal, they’re forced to fight for their happy ending—both on and off camera. 

Product WarningsThis book contains a hero and a heroine who don’t know a household surface they won’t get horizontal on. Sometimes vertical too. Counters, sinks, showers, sofas, washing machines, beds, walls…they’ve got all the angles covered.
Stacey Espino
Release 2/20
Surrounded by Wolves (LoveXtreme)
  [Siren LoveXtreme Forever: Erotic Paranormal Ménage Romance, M/F/M/M/M/M, werewolves, spanking, HEA] 

Cassidy heads to the distant town of Climax, British Columbia. She's lined up a job in the small mining town where the men are drop-dead gorgeous. Garret is the alpha to a small pack of wolf shifters. When the little human comes into their lives, things will never be the same.
 This title is offered at a 10% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, February 27th.






Gena Showalter
The Darkest Seduction 
Release 2/21

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive-but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris’s arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally-or tear them apart






What are you reading this week?

Monday, February 20, 2012

Weekend Fun

I hadn't had much planned for this weekend until a friend called and asked if I'd be interested in going to a concert, a Heavy Metal concert. Yes I do enjoy Heavy Metal music and have been to well over 100 concerts but I had never heard of this band before so I went on youtube (one of the greatest places on the net!)
What I found there I actually really liked so I said yes to the concert and man am I happy I did, it was great! I got to visit with friends, got to see a fantastic concert, and I found a new band - Iced Earth.



 How did your weekend go? Did you do anything fun?

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Felicity Heaton ~ Covet ~ Review

Covet
 
Author: Felicity Heaton
Title: Covet (Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series #1)
Length: 105 pages / 32,000 words
Ebook Price: $2.99
Genre: erotic vampire romance
Release date: January 14th 2012
Series: Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series
Heat level: erotic romance, contains light bondage and frequent love scenes


Blurb:
They’ve burned for each other for two years, the forbidden attraction between them growing each night. Now resisting the sinful desires of their hearts is becoming impossible.

Javier knows better than to succumb to his hunger for Lilah. The mortal female belongs to a powerful aristocrat patron of Vampirerotique, the theatre he runs with three other vampires. A single touch is all it would take to break the sacred law of his kind, sentencing himself to death, but his passion for her has become too fierce to ignore and he will risk everything to make Lilah his.

Lilah has fought her desire for Javier since arriving at his theatre as a servant but each glance he has stolen, his eyes promising pleasure that will satisfy her longing for him, has chipped away at her defences and she can no longer deny her need and her forbidden feelings for the powerful vampire male.

When they find themselves alone in a private box during one of the erotic performances, will they surrender to their passion and live out their wildest fantasies in a night of wicked pleasure or will the threat of Lilah’s master keep them apart forever?


Review~

Covet =

1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's).

2. To wish for longingly.





This is my first Felicity Heaton book and I want more!! She had me from the first line -

"There was one rule his kind honoured above all others: an owned human must never be touched by a vampire other than their master."


Book one in her Vampire Erotic Theatre series starts off with the story of Javier and Lilah. Javier knows it's his life if he gives into his craving for Lilah, she is an owned human but that has not curbed his desire for her, neither has his time away from Vampirerotique it has only intensified it.

With the theatre full of lust, desire, and the temptation from the erotic plays going on around them there was no way they could stay away from each other. Even with the fear of death and pain looming over them they both fell victim to their primal urges for each other.

I will definitely be picking up more of Felicity Heaton's after reading this, her writing is so smooth and flows right off the page/e-reader. So if you are looking for a new erotic vampire series that is fast paced, well written, and full of smutty goodness this is a great read to pick up!

Book 2 CRAVE will be out March 10th -you don't want to miss this series, click here for more info.

Find out more about Felicity Heaton here:

Website - http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/
Blog - http://www.indieparanormalromancebooks.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/feheaton
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/felicityheaton
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1228468.Felicity_E_Heaton

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Bonnie Bliss Blog Tour and Giveaway

Bonnie Bliss tells you the story of how I met Lilly...



Dawn slipped into the crowded coffee bistro. The tip of her tongue toyed with the corner of her mouth as she scanned the bistro in search of Lilly Cummings, the woman she was interviewing today. Lifting her arm she glanced down at her watch and realized she was about twenty minutes early. She was told what Lilly looked like, deceptively petite, long dark brown hair, big brown eyes, a body that most women would kill for, and she was generally accompanied by a chosen hulking male that could also pass as a male model. With a sigh she headed over to the counter to order a drink, she didn’t see anyone that could fit that description. Licking her lips she smiled at the attendant and placed her order. Handing over her cash, she smiled toward the woman after leaving her name. Looking down as she turned to shove her change back in her wallet, she slammed into what felt like a brick wall.
Slightly jarred, and blinking rapidly to get back her vision that appeared to be compromised after running into something she had been under the impression wasn’t there before. As the stars started to fade, and a mumbled curse escaped her, she realized that she wasn’t just staring at a very large torso, but she had run smack into a man. Her throat contracted, the saliva seemed to get stuck half way down and she was holding her breath. Slowly, her gaze traveled up till she was looking into the eyes of the most handsome man she had ever seen. Her mouth opened and shut, an apology lost somewhere in the shock that had seemed to envelop her being.
The man arched a brow, an amused smirk on his lips as she leaned down. He seemed to be nuzzling her cheek, his lips caressed her ear, a low rumbled growl. Dawn found herself pressing in against the man, his body heat like a warm blanket that soothed her tattered nerves.
“Breath, Dawn, Lilly is over in the far corner waiting for you.” He took a step back and winked.
He reached around her and grabbed her coffee drink that had been waiting at the counter. She didn’t even hear the woman call her name. Watching the handsome beast of a man she smiled and giggled awkwardly at him.
“Sorry, I—“
“No need to apologize. Just head on over, Lilly has to meet with another pack Alpha before the day is out.”
Resting his hand on her lower back, he gently nudged her in the direction of the Lilly Cummings. When her gaze found the woman in the corner table she felt like she was being consumed by unearthly beauty.
God, to be a werewolf….
The woman was stunning. Her eyes were the color of cinnamon, her skin was sun kissed and it covered a body that was built for sinning, her long hair spilled over her shoulders. She was simply dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a white blouse, the red bra she wore under it was in view. Dawn cleared her throat and walked on knees that had turned to jelly, toward the woman. Lilly stood up as she approached.
“It is wonderful to meet you, Dawn.” She reached out a hand and took Dawn’s shivering limb in her hand.
Lilly leaned in close, mimicking the movement that the man before her had done, almost nuzzling her neck.
Did they both just sniff me? 
Shaking off the absurd thought she smiled back.
“Thank you for meeting with me.” She gestured towards the man,  who was now leaning against the wall next to them.
Lilly looked up at him.
“Oh! Sorry, that was rude. This is Wallace Kirk, the hired muscle.” A growl sounded and Dawn’s heart started to race and she swore she was getting aroused by the very idea of him in such close proximity.
Lilly laughed and turned her attention back to Dawn.
“Readers have questions?” Lilly leaned an elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm.
Dawn, flustered, pulled out her note pad and pen and set it on the table.
“Yes, they do, just a few things. I was curious myself.”
“Well, let us get started then.” Lilly gave her a warm smile and it eased her nerves.
“Yes, right, ok.” She shifted on the chair, her own jeans were comfortable and well worn, her sweater was warm and cozy and she was starting to ease considering she had two of the most deadly creatures on either side of her.
“Lilly. Did you have an idea growing up that you had a wolf growing inside you?”
Licking her lips, Lilly leaned back, her hand came up, and she brushed her thumb over her bottom lip.
“That is a good question, because when I think back on it now, I would have to say yes. However, at that time, the things I felt, the impulse to be outside, to stay up late. To generally hand myself over to animal instincts during the full moon growing up, I had no clue what that was. I just assumed I was an odd bird, different. And I spent a lot of time trying to be as normal as possible. So yes and no.”
Dawn finished scrawling the answer down and cleared her throat before her next answer.
“The second mark, the one that is implied about in multiple books, the one on your breast.” Dawn blushed, and she swore it reached to toes. “Do you remember that mark, now, after you became your wolf.”
Lilly smiled at Dawn and looked down at her own drink, took a sip and then met her gaze.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a dream, a dream I always knew had happened. I was supposed to suppress everything after that day, yet that dream stuck with me. It would tease me as a woman. It would let me know that I was being watched, protected, and that I was something more, something bigger than I could have ever dreamed.”
Dawn couldn’t help but sigh. To have that kind of connection and link, it was simply magic. She rubbed her right palm on her pants leg and looked down at her other questions. She’d got five today so she skimmed through them and picked out her next one. Her eyes moved over to Wallace and he just stared back. His expression was cold, frozen. Turning her attention back to Lilly she half whispered the next question.
“Were you in love with Wallace?”
A warning growl rumbled through the whole bistro. No one seemed to notice but Dawn and Lilly. Dawn shivered and thought about retracting the question. Lilly just looked amused and batted her lashes at Wallace before answering.
“Honestly, yes. He was my best friend, my confidant, and everything for so long. I could trust no one like I trusted Wallace. He was mine, for the years I had him, he was the love of my life.” Lilly’s gaze swept over to Wallace and there was a lingering silence that stretched. They just looked at each other, emotions and lost moments reflected in their gaze. They both said so much, without saying nothing at all.

Lilly blushed and looked down. Dawn couldn’t believe that of all people Wallace was the one that made this woman almost appear vulnerable.
“Well, yes, ok, um—“ Lilly’s attention focused again as she looked at Dawn, the next question coming out quickly.
“Is it hard to be away from Bryn during the Yearning.”
“I think that question answers itself.” Lilly took a sip and continued. “The Yearning is something I can’t explain off. No creature can know what I experience unless they are like me. It is simply the most painful experience. My body is screaming to breed, mother nature is taking it into her own hands and wielding my body to her command. She wants our race to flourish. So, she creates pain and need, two things that the animal in me can neither refuse nor deny in that moment. With Bryn gone it simply takes a more emotional toll on me. But I need the release or I will suffer. To not have Bryn ease the release is like a thousand knifes stabbing me in the heart.” She looked down, guilty and sadness marring her pretty face. “But the animal gets what that animal wants.” Shame was in that sentence and Dawn, feeling bad for the woman moved on.
“You might get a bad rep from some people. Your mate and yet you slept with others in the pack to ease the yearning. Are you proud of your choices?”
Lilly reflected on this a moment, her lips pressed together as she allowed a single finger to glide over the open rim of her coffee cup.
“I don’t think it is a matter of being proud of my choice or not. I am not a human. My choices are cut and dry when the beast needs something. On top of that, I am a woman, and my choices are never easy. For the pack, for me, I have to take the steps to keep everyone safe. I didn’t fuck any beta willy nilly. Once Wallace was aware of the situation he took control. It was something that there was no out clause. It was happening, and we either made rational choices or irrational, like my choice with Ethan.” She spat out the name like it was a disgusting piece of meat.
Dawn nodded in somewhat understanding. She looked at her watch and started to stand.
“Thank you so much for meeting with my Lilly, I think readers will like hearing about what you have to say. And maybe understand you a little better.”
Lilly took her hand and smiled, giving it a tight squeeze. “We can hope right?” She released the woman’s hand and took her seat again.
“Wallace will see you to your car. We have many enemies Dawn, we will make sure you are safely to your car.”
Dawn gulped and nodded as Wallace came to tower over her again. The heat that radiated off his body was arousing all on its own, without the chiseled features, huge chest, broad shoulders, and deep, penetrating eyes. Wallace pushed her forward with a hand at the small of her back. Walking her out of the bistro and to her car they were silent. As she got to her car door, she turned and Wallace pressed his body against hers. Pinning her against her car, she gave off a little squeak and sucked in a breath. Wallace leaned in till he was nuzzling her again, his hot breath spilled over her neck and shoulder. She felt his lips before she felt a slight nip at her flesh. Letting off a moan, Dawn’s legs turned to putty when Wallace stepped back. With a wink and a cheeky grin he turned and walked away from her.
Wow….
 When Lilly Met Bryn

Blurb:

Lilly Foster was just like every woman her age. She longed for independence, freedom, and a chance at real love, unimpeded by the clichés that marred society. She was a woman that took control. If you didn’t take a chance, you could miss a great opportunity. That was, until she met Bryn Cummings, and he took over, commanding her lust and love. He collided into her life like a landslide, sucking her into his Alpha male arms. Totally lost, and suddenly submitting to this powerful man, she found that there was nothing that could stop her from experiencing all he had to offer.

Bryn Cummings has been biding his time for twenty four years, waiting in the wings for his mate to come into maturity. Having marked her at birth and on her sixteenth birthday as his, he sent his most trusted guard to stay by her side as she grew into the woman he more than lusted for. He wanted to love, dominate, and bring her to his side to rule his pack. Without shame, or fear, he swept into Lilly’s life, when she least expected it, and pulled her into a blanket of need that overwhelmed the very ground she would walk on.

In this short story, you learn about the woman that seems to lust for every wolf in the pack. Come behind the scenes to when Lilly and Bryn first met, and how the power of love, lust, and connection, create one of the most powerful Alpha mates in Europe.

**Author Note** This is a short story. It only tells of the first meeting of Lilly and Bryn and how they mated for the first time. It is not a full length story and more books will be following in the Lilly and her Wolves Series completing the story that began with Double Trouble.

When Lilly Met Bryn is now available at these eBook retailers:
Amazon
1Placeforromance
  
 Bonnie has been so wonderful to offer up 2 prizes!! One lucky winner will win a $10 Amazon GC and a copy of When Lilly Met Bryn. All you have to do is answer one question to be entered...




What is it about an Alpha male that you love so much?

Remember to leave your email address so I can contact you when you win! Best of luck and  be sure to check out the rest of Bonnie Blog Tour, click here for more info. Winner will be drawn at 11:59pm PST on 2/24 and announced on 2/25.
 
Contact Bonnie:
Twitter: @bonnie_bliss