It's Wednesday. So What's Cooking?

How about a great offer that will make your life easier?

This cookbook is a collection of 

80 tasty recipes provided by 39 creative Musa Authors!

To continue the month long celebration, Musa is offering all their readers a free copy of Cooking with Musa with the purchase of any book. This is a $2.99 savings! Simply add the cookbook to your cart. At checkout the savings automatically appears on your invoice.

For Speculative Fiction fans - Penumbra EMAg is included in this fantastic offer.

And another great savings especially for you

This week all Calliope romance books are discounted 30%!

Click Musa Publishing for a wide selection of impressive reads and your free cookbook.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DUSTY CRABTREE!

In case you haven't seen it on Facebook, Dusty Crabtree is throwing a huge party for Shadow Eyes's one-year anniversary - a one-month blog tour!

To top it all off, Dusty is giving away a KINDLE FIRE along with other prizes!

It all began on her blog with a list of tour stops and a link at the bottom to Rafflecopter. Below are the links to all the stops.

Let the games begin! And may the odds be ever in your favor…

February 24th – The Paperback Princess (Why Young Adult Urban Fantasy?)

February 25 – Little Hyuts (Shadow Eyes Behind the Scenes Excerpt)

February 26th – Nomi’s Paranormal Palace (Author Interview)

February 27th – More Than a Review (Review)

February 28th – Tina’s Book Reviews (Writing about Teen Issues from a Moral Perspective)

March 1 – YA Book Addict (Review)

March 2 – Living Fictitiously (Personal Experience in Shadow Eyes)

March 3 – Colorimetry (Author Interview)

March 4 – Melissa’s Bookshelf (The Story of My Cover Art)

March 5 – Becky’s Barmy Book Blog (Writerly Tips and Tricks)

March 6 – A Reading Daydreamer (Inspiration Behind Shadow Eyes)

March 7 - Ja citam, a ti? (Review)

March 8 – Urban Fantasy Reviews (The Theme of Hope in Shadow Eyes)

March 9 – Deborah’s Books (Review)

March 10 – Sharon Ledwith (5 Truths and 3 Lies)

March 11 – Coffee, Books, and Me (Cast for Hypothetical Shadow Eyes Movie)

March 12 - Blkosiner Book Blog (My Soundtrack for Shadow Eyes)

March 13 – Heart of a Bookworm (Review)

March 14 – Books are Sanity (My Journey in Becoming an Author)

March 15 – Buried in Books (Top 10 Ways I Shape a Character)

March 16 – For What It’s Worth (Top 10 Favorite Quotes from Shadow Eyes)

March 17 – Sarah Daniel (Character Interview with Patrick)

March 18 – Helen Katsnis (Author Interview)

March 19 – Anatea’s Bookshelf (My Top 5 Favorite Book Series)

March 20 – Reading Under the Stars (Review)

March 21 – Leisure Reads (Inspiration for the Main Character Iris)

March 22 – Books, Books, and More Books (Review)

March 23 – Book Briefs (Review)

Click the Rafflecopter image below to take you to the Rafflecopter giveaway where you can enter all sorts of different ways! Don’t forget you can post a comment on all the

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Have a wonderful week. I'll be back Monday with regency author Susan Lodge. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Twitter
Amazon Author Page

To celebrate, Musa Publishing is showcasing two books written in true Grimm style. See for yourself. Click the book title to read an excerpt.

THE GRIMM LEGACY

FIRST FROST

By the way, both make excellent Christmas gifts.

Sloane

SWEET DEAL FOR MUSA PUBLISHING

Musa Publishing has announced they will publish Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? by author Gary K. Wolf, the third book featuring Wolf’s iconic character, Roger Rabbit, and the denizens of Toontown.

Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? is the culmination of a twenty year wait for fans of the world that Wolf first created in his 1981 Hugo-winning Who Censored Roger Rabbit? The third installment in the series has been promised to fans for a long time but never released. Now, with the 25th anniversary of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? on the horizon in 2013 and and confirmation of a completed Roger Rabbit 2 script by director Robert Zemeckis last week stirring up excitement among Roger Rabbit fans, the collaboration between Wolf and Musa is coming at a significant time.

“I could easily have published Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? through a major print publishing house. Instead, I choose to make this the first book of the Roger Rabbit series to be published digitally,” Wolf states. “That decision evolves directly from the way I work, from the core philosophy of what I write and why I write it. I always push the boundaries in my writing. I invent worlds that nobody else ever thought about. I create unique characters and situations. I try to always be at the forefront of my craft. That includes the way my writing is presented to my readers. Digital publishing is clearly the future. It’s the way books are headed, so I’m heading that way, too.”

With his first book at Musa, The Late Great Show!, released in October and his second novel, Typical Day, coming out on December 7, Wolf is no stranger to the Musa system. “I especially like the way Musa has taken digital publishing into areas that I never thought of. Using proprietary software, I’m able to interact with them electronically in real time. My editor, the publicity department, the art department, and everybody else involved with my work all have instant access to everything I submit. And vice versa.”

With the release of Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? set for November of 2013, Musa and Wolf are poised to gratify millions of Roger Rabbit fans across the world. The entertainment franchise is worth over $500,000,000 and the fandom is as eager as ever to follow their beloved Roger Rabbit and Eddie Valiant into new adventures—including e-publishing.

“Digital publishing is the wave of the future, and I’ve always been a wave of the future kind of guy,” Wolf states matter-of-factly. “For me, going digital wasn’t in any way a last resort. It was a necessity.”

Gary Wolf is the NYT Bestselling author of numerous book, articles, and short stories including Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, Who P-P-P-Plugged Roger Rabbit?, Space Vulture, and The Late Great Show! His movie credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, the three Roger Rabbit cartoons Tummy Trouble, Rollercoaster Rabbit, and Trail Mix-up, and—coming in 2014—screen adaptations of his science fiction novels The Resurrectionist and Killerball. Awards for Wolf’s work include the Hugo Award, British Science Fiction Award, SF Chronicle Award, and 4 Academy Awards. Wolf is an avid Yoga enthusiast and lives in Boston where he is a full-time author, screenwriter, lecturer, entertainment consultant, and consummate “grown-up kid.” Look for his next Roger Rabbit installment to be released November, 2013 by Musa Publishing.

The Late Great Show! and Typical Day are available through Musa Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

TEARS, FEARS, AND TRUTH

Today we have Patricia Yager Delagrange with her latest contemporary release MOON OVER ALCATRAZ. This outstanding novel is an emotional read that triggers it all. It is a powerful story that refuses to let go.

Not familiar with Patricia’s work? Let me tell you, she is fascinated by broken-hearted couples and atypical families. She weaves engaging tales of men and women who create cohesive families where love reigns supreme. Her books are sprinkled with intriguing characters who struggle to find balance in life after tragedy. Whether an unwed teenager, desperate widow, abandoned father, or a couple who stray from their marital vows, her characters form relationships impacted by their desire to create a family. And Patricia does is with heart.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Patricia attended St. Mary’s College, studied her junior year at the University of Madrid, received a B.A. in Spanish at UC Santa Barbara then went on to get her Master’s degree in Education at Oregon State University.

She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Alameda, across the bay from San Francisco, along with two very large chocolate labs, Annabella and her son Jack. Her horse lives in the Oakland hills in a stall with a million dollar view.

MOON OVER ALCATRAZ
Patricia Yager Delagrange
ISBN 978-1-61937-104-0
Musa Publishing
Terpsichore - Contemporary

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

BLURB:
Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty. But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.

EXCERPT:
Three days later we were standing at the edge of a hole in the ground at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward, the silence so thick, the insides of my ears buzzed like a distant swarm of angry bees. Mr. Peralta and another gentleman stood off to the side while Weston and I held hands next to a tiny casket.

Weston had chosen a simple mahogany box with gold handles, a bouquet of white lilies graced the top of the small box. I knelt down and laid a kiss on the smooth wood then wiped off the tears that had fallen on top. Weston joined me, placing a single red rose in the middle of the lilies.

He helped me up and we stood side-by-side in silence, my guilt over her death like a stone in my empty belly. I missed everything I’d dreamed would be happening right now, yearned for all that could have been.

Weston nodded at the man standing next to Mr. Peralta and our baby was slowly lowered into the gaping maw. She reached the bottom, and a bird landed on the rich brown dirt piled next to the grave. It pecked around, chirping a little song then flew off - as if saying goodbye. My heart squeezed inside my chest.

I picked up a small handful of soft dirt. “Goodbye, Christine,” I whispered, throwing it on top of her casket.

Weston wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in close to his side. Why her? Why my baby? Was this supposed to make sense? And, if so, to whom?

We drove home in silence. No words existed to express my grief.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Learn more about Patricia Yagar Delagrange on her website and blog. Keep in step with her on facebook and Twitter.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new menu. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
www.sloanetaylor.com

FALL INTO THE MAGIC

Raine Delight is in the house with RED HOT MAGIC, book two in her awesome, paranormal Devon Falls series. If you haven’t read any of Raine’s work, you’re in for a great treat of sexy pleasure. See for yourself on YouTube and enjoy the steamy trailer for RED HOT MAGIC.

Four of the books in this outstanding series are released and waiting for you to catch the magic. There are six more in the works. Sheer joy to this Devon Falls fan.

RED HOT MAGIC
Devon Falls Book 2
Raine Delight
Secret Cravings Publishing
Paranormal/Light Bondage Scene

BUY LINKS
Secret Cravings
ARE
Amazon Kindle
Bookstrand

BLURB:
Raven Demarco has sworn off men after one too many disastrous dates and soon begins dreaming of a mystery man who makes her feel things that she never expects to feel again. When the auction comes closer, her sensual dreams become more than she can handle and she finds herself wishing her dream man would show up and sweep her off her feet. What will she do when the man himself comes to claim her: Heart, body and soul?

Jean-Claude LeFever is a dream walker and has searched for years for his mate and finally found her in Raven. With his seduction of her in her dreams driving them wild, he makes sure to come to Devon Falls and make her his for all time as time is running out for him and their love. If she doesn’t fall in love with him by midnight, Jean-Claude is destined to walk the planes of dreams for the next hundred years before finding his love again. Can he be able to steal her heart and make her his for all time? Or will it be too late for them?

EXCERPT:
Soon it was time for the man of the hour. It seemed the energy in the room went up a hundredfold. The women looked as if they eagerly awaited a rock star.

Raven saw from the corner of her eye, Jenna smiling at Marc craftily. They were up to something, but what was beyond her grasp at the moment. Raven turned her full attention to the stage where the most magnificent man walked amid the catcalls and cheers, so supremely handsome that he took her breath away.

That chiseled face and those bright eyes…the rock-hard body in a tux tailored to look as if made just for him…the way he walked… sex on legs, all hot and molten.

God, when he turned around, the room went in a tizzy with screams. Man, did he have a nice, tight ass. Raven almost came right then and there when she thought about how her hands would feel holding on to those cheeks. It was a perfect ass in her opinion—perfect to grab, wrap her legs around, and never let go of.

The bidding started with a furious passion, and soon it soared over a thousand dollars.

“Go ahead, honey, bid on the man!” Jenna encouraged as she practically climbed out of her seat with excitement. “The dog is so cute, with its scrunched face. The colors are amazing on the Boxer. I know how you like that breed.”
Raven blinked. The man looked right at her from the end of the runway. Gulping quickly, she raised her paddle to bid twelve hundred dollars on him.

Before she knew it, she was in a bidding war with Hailey Meredith.

“Two thousand,” Raven called out.

The crowd roared as each bid went up even more.

“Two thousand five hundred!” Hailey’s voice called out.

Raven gulped and bid the last amount she knew she could afford and prayed as hard as she could, never taking her eyes off this man. “Three thousand dollars!”

The crowd groaned as no one bid again. As the gavel went down once…twice…three times, Raven almost fell off her chair in shock. The gavel rang down as sold…to her!

Stunned disbelief raced across her face as Jean-Claude came down the stairs, with Jeb. He looked at her and smiled a slow, sexy grin all too familiar…yet he was still a stranger.

Oh my god! I just won that sex god!

BUY LINKS
Secret Cravings
ARE
Amazon Kindle
Bookstrand

Learn more about Raine Delight on her website and her blog. Keep in step with her on facebook and her Author/Reader Loop. It’s one you’ll enjoy.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new menu. Until then…
Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell

A Good Read is NOT Hard to Find

Readers love to lose themselves in a good book. In today's market, horror and paranormal are among their favorite choices. Add a romance and you have the ideal read. Musa Publishing has a dedicated line, Thalia, you’ll want to check out on their easy to maneuver website for excellent books.

Among their talented authors is award-winning Lauren Hunter. Her new release is THE COFFEE SHOP has an impressive collection of rave reviews. This compelling novel is one you don’t want to miss.

For those of you not familiar with Lauren, she writes Regency and paranormal romance novels, with plans to expand into a variety of other genres, including time travel, angel, ghost, and contemporary romance.

Besides novels, Lauren also writes poetry and short stories. Her poems appear in anthologies from England, Holland, and the US. Showcased in The International Library of Poetry's anthologies, she received the Editor's Choice Award and was published in The International Who's Who of Poetry 2004.

THE COFFEE SHOP
Lauren Hunter
ISBN 978-1-61937-002-9
Musa Publishing

MUSA BUY LINK
AMAZON UK
AMAZON GERMANY
AMAZON FRANCE
AMAZON ITALY

BLURB:
Meeting and falling in love with Annie Maddock was more than Derrick Sloane could ever hope for---too bad it was only a dream...or was it.

If Derrick thought experiencing alternate timelines and glimpses into the future was strange then he had no idea it was about to get far more strange than he ever imagined.

Meeting and falling in love with Annie Maddock was more than Derrick Sloane could ever hope for. Too bad it was only a dream. So you can imagine his shock when he literally meets the girl of his dreams in the very same coffee shop. Realizing that dream foretold their relationship five months into the future, and that every time he meets her while awake he alters that perfect future, he tries to fix it.

Can he fix what he has changed? Should he even try? Given the opportunity to see two alternate futures can he choose one over the other? Could you…?

EXCERPT:
There was a rap at the door. “Your hot chocolate is ready.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right down.”

There was a pause. “You sure you’re all right?”

“Why do you keep asking me that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I can hear something in your voice.”

“In my voice? What are you, part dog or something?”

Derrick chuckled. “There might be a girl from college that may just agree with you on that.” Again there was a pause. “May I come in?”

“Actually, I was about to get dressed.”

“So, you’re saying you’re not decent?”

“No, I’m wearing a bathrobe.”

“Well good, because I’m coming in.”

“No, Derrick…” But he had already opened the door, and setting the cocoa
aside he came over standing before her as she sat on the bed.

“Okay, now I know something’s wrong. Annie, why didn’t you tell me how bad you hurt yourself?”

“It’s not that bad. I’m not about to make a big deal out of nothing.”

“You don’t need to be brave for me. If anything it’s really important that you be as honest as you can, with both yourself, and me, about this. I don’t want you doing any more damage because you are trying to force yourself to do something you shouldn’t be.”

“All right, I’ll admit, my ankles are a little sore. I must have stretched the muscles or something.”

“It looks like they are a lot more than a little sore.”

“Well you know what they say. A sprain is a lot more painful than a break. Although that would obviously depend on the break. But I’ve sprained something, and I’ve broken something, and I’d have to agree with that assessment, the sprain was much more painful. But as far as that goes this isn’t even that bad.”

“Pain is our body’s way of telling us we are hurt.” Derrick looked concerned.

“You do realize you sound like Mr. Rogers?”

“Those people that feel you have to be in pain to accomplish something.” He shook his head.

“Well, I’ll agree with you on that score.”

“If they hurt you need to stay off them. You don’t want to make it worse.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Well, look at it this way, by using them while they’re sore you will probably lengthen the time it takes for them to heal.”

The idea of experiencing what she was now for any longer than she absolutely had to, was not an appealing concept, to say the least. “I’ll try to take it as easy as I can.”

“Try?”

“Well I am not going to spend the remainder of the weekend in this bed.”

“No need.”

“What are you saying?”

Before she had a chance to reply, Derrick had slipped one arm beneath her knees, the other around her back and under her arms.

“Whoa! What are you doing?”

“Well, I would have thought that was obvious.”

“Oh, you have to be kidding me.”

“What makes you think that?”

“You are not serious.”

“Completely.”

“What? So, you’re going to carry me everywhere?”

“Pretty much.”

“Oh now that’s just too much!”

He was already lifting her into his arms as though she was nothing, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her out the door and onto the balcony. He was wearing a sweater but she could still feel his taut and rippling muscles beneath it. The muscles in his arms flexing against her as he carried her carefully down the stairs. The heat from his body reached through her bathrobe as she held her face close to his, the scent of soap and aftershave wafting up around her as he grasped her tightly to him. Setting her on the sofa next to the fire, he turned his face to hers. For a moment they just stayed like that, holding each other, their lips close as his eyes moved down her face to her mouth.

MUSA BUY LINK
AMAZON UK
AMAZON GERMANY
AMAZON FRANCE
AMAZON ITALY

Learn more about Lauren Hunter on her website and her blog. Lauren is also on facebook and has a Fan Page. If you Tweet, it’s easy to catch up with Lauren on Twitter.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new menu. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell

Are You into Speculative Fiction?

Or are you not quite sure what that is? This genre includes science fiction, fantasy, steampunk and more. Musa Publishing has a dedicated line, Urania, you definitely want to check out on their easy to maneuver website.

Among their noted authors is award-winning, multi-published, Mary S. Palmer. Her new release is TIME WILL TELL. This outstanding novel is destined to be a best seller.

For those of you not familiar Mary, she writes beautiful poetry along with fiction and non-fiction books and short stories. Mary makes her home in Alabama and currently teaches English at Faulkner State Community College and Faulkner University.

Mary holds a BA (Cum Laude) in English and an MA in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing from the University of South Alabama.

Among her many awards, she was also selected for Marquis’ Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002 and in 2005 also for Who’s Who in America (2005)

TIME WILL TELL
Mary S. Palmer
ISBN 978-1-61937-107-1
Musa Publishing

BUY LINK

BLURB:
Reporter Mona Stewart finds herself in another world of warring factions and one of them holds the key to immortality and cures for fatal diseases.

In the inner space of outer space, an earthling, reporter Mona Stewart, discovers that living almost forever in idleness, and without challenges, is much worse than having too much to do. The only reprieve from boredom for the Svarians is outwitting the Aliens.

EXCERPT:
The car skidded, swerved sideways and spun around three times before cascading into the gully below. There were no houses on this stretch of the sparsely populated road in west Mobile County and traffic was light at one a.m., so no one saw the accident happen. The driver lay critically injured at the bottom of the ravine.

Mona Stewart was motionless. Life was rapidly oozing out of her twenty-eight year-old body. The thirty-foot drop had left the little red Volkswagen bug in one piece but all sides were damaged. It landed right on top of Mona and threw one sharp piece of window glass directly through her abdomen. The heavy rainstorm, which had contributed to the accident, continued. Blood and water formed a puddle of red liquid. Pep, her little Beagle who was also in the car, revived and staggered over to his mistress, sniffed around and began to lap at the puddle. It did not suit his taste, so he crawled under the car, snuggled as close as he could to Mona and lay down on the ground to stand guard.

In her unconscious state with her life ebbing away, Mona’s mind reviewed her existence. In flashes she relived the good and the bad, the right and the wrong, her parents’ untimely death in a plane crash, her marriage and divorce. A couple of dateless years for fear of having a failed relationship. Now, in the last hour, she had to face the discovery that her current boyfriend was no longer interested in her. He had even laughed when he left her apartment saying, “What did you expect? I promised you nothing and that’s exactly what you’re getting. There were no commitments.” She should have known this would happen. The notoriously fickle Lee Black, III, was chased by girls because of his rugged good looks and his charming, though superficial, personality. He had never been noted for his loyalty.

Nevertheless, Mona was crushed and outraged. Feeling that she had to get out of that apartment, she’d hopped in her car and sped away into the humid summer night, roaming around aimlessly, not even knowing or caring where she was. When an announcer’s voice blared out of her radio that “Hurricane Dennis is on a path headed directly for Mobile, Alabama bearing one hundred and thirty mile per hour winds; please take heed and go to a safe place—shelters are open now,” thinking that it was no match for the storm going on within her, Mona clicked off the radio. She couldn’t run from either one. Then a sudden downpour made driving hazardous. She’d never been on this road before and did not even see the curve.

Now, strangely enough, as she relived the experience in her mind, she no longer felt resentment toward Lee or anyone else who had ever wronged her. Instead, she felt a sense of forgiveness toward them. A bright light seemed to hover over her. With it came a complete sense of peace.

“Gr-rrr,” Pep growled. Then he emitted a bark that sounded more like a frightened yelp than a threat. But when two people came over to his mistress, raised the car up and lifted her out of the pool of blood, the dog instinctively knew they were trying to help her. He backed off, following as they carried her to a shelter.


BUY LINK

Learn more about Mary S. Palmer on her website and her blog.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new menu. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell

Into Mystery or Suspense? How About Zombies?

If so, then DEAD RECKONING, the debut novel by Paul Stansfield, is the book for you.

For those readers not familiar with Paul and his work, he was born and raised in New Jersey, and graduated from Rutgers University. He works as a field archaeologist. When Paul’s not excavating prehistoric sites or exhuming graves, he enjoys writing, mostly in the horror/thriller/suspense genres.

The future is bright for this talented author. Paul’s had short stories published by Bibliophilos, Mausoleum, Mobius, Ragshock, Morbid Curiosity, Generation X National Journal, Cthulhu Sex Magazine, Aoife’s Kiss, and Conceit.

DEAD RECKONING
Paul Stansfield
ISBN: 978-1-61937-244-3
Musa Publishing

BUY LINK

BLURB:
This time, the zombies aren’t the bad guys.

Kurt Minnifield is a fledgling actor playing a zombie in a low budget horror movie. The director and crew decide to move their shooting to lovely and isolated Watkins State Park...only they don't get proper permission.

Victor Newsome is a thirteen year old trying to both shed his nerdy image and learn outdoor skills at a special survival camp. After teaching the boys how to make shelter and kill their own food, the counselors decide to take a day trip to the neighboring state park--Watkins.

A series of ethical lapses, poor decisions, and bad luck lead to a colossal misunderstanding. Violence erupts as both sides fight desperately against a dangerous set of foes. Who will be more savage--the literal "monsters," or the boys equipped with deadly weapons, and the knowledge of how to use them?

EXCERPT:
Kurt struggled to catch up as the unknown actor continued to track the other zombies. Now he saw that the other actors must have seen or heard the guy—they’d turned around and were advancing on him. The guy wasn’t anyone he recognized, either, this was definitely somebody new. So what happens now? No one had any special effects gear, so unless this man ran away the unscripted shooting was over.
The actor wasn’t fleeing. He raised his gun and aimed it at the zombie in front, Will. His hand shook for a second, and then he fired.

The crack of the shot was loud, and Kurt nearly fell over in shock. That was no blank! That sounded real! What the fuck? Blood was running from a hole in Will’s chest. Kurt gasped. Will had been the last zombie to be made up before Kurt—he was positive that T.J. hadn’t put any squibs on him.

Will had stopped, and his zombie claws went to the wound, and he stared at the hole wonderingly. The zombies nearest him—Tabby, Henry, and Ed, all dropped their arms down and were staring at Will too, and then back at the mystery man with astonished expressions on their faces.

The guy hesitated, and then raised his gun a little, and fired again. There was a second boom, and then Will’s eye broke up, followed almost immediately by the back of his head. Blood, and pieces of whitish skull and grayish brains splattered out, onto the forest floor. Will fell on his side with a strange gurgling sound.

Holy Shit! thought Kurt. That was no squib either. This was real! This guy is psycho! He watched as Tabby took off, into the bushes to the side of the clearing. Henry and Ed crouched by Will’s body, and struggled to communicate with the alien assassin. They waved their arms wildly, trying to signal “Stop” with their palms held up. Their grunting was noticeably louder, but still inarticulate.

The armed man paused a moment more, and then aimed once again. The two zombies tried to duck behind Will’s slumped corpse. Two shots whined past, and then a third hit Henry in the shoulder. Just then he whirled in Kurt’s direction and fired again, just as Kurt threw up his hands. As soon as the gunman turned, Ed and Henry were in the bushes right behind Tabby.

Fire rushed through Kurt’s left hand, just above the wrist. He groaned as he saw blood, and tendons, and even bone through the hole in his mangled hand. He dove to the ground, just as another bullet hit a tree right where his head had been. And then he was gone, tearing through the bushes and trees almost without looking.

The man trotted up to Will’s body, and kicked at it curiously. He looked briefly at the spot where the hand-shot zombie had disappeared, and then he turned back and went after the first three zombies.

BUY LINK

Learn more about the interesting life of Paul Stansfield on his blog.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new Easter menu. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell

So You Want To Be An Author Part Two

You’ve written your characterization and now you’re good to go. Wrong!

Time to consider the back-story. What’s back-story? It’s the life chronicle of your characters. All of your characters. Every person in your novel has a past which is why you wrote characterizations. They think, feel, and act based on their history just as we do.

If you don’t have critique partners, get some. Not your mom or best friend. They truly can’t be objective. Hook up with writer’s groups, workmates willing to share their opinions, or friend who love to read. Empower them to be honest. You’ll be glad you did.

My CPs are always willing to read a member’s work and constructively correct the flaws at any time. They’re also brutal about sloughing off. Back when I was green and dumb, Beth Anderson took me under her wing. She sent me an insightful e-mail after reading my first chapter.

“A suggestion is to perhaps cut the back-story a little. I’d like to see your heroine’s issues be a mystery to me as a reader. After reading the first chapter there’s no mystery. I understand her, I understand her issues, and I know her history. Let her be more of a mystery, don’t tell me everything, let it come out in dribs and drabs.” Beth’s words made me think.

At our next meeting I broached the subject. Melissa Bradley, an author and friend who speaks her mind, said it was “too much, waaaay to soon”. Of course, the others agreed. These buds made me think even more and to these authors I am forever grateful.

This is what I finally learned;

If little Johnny peed his pants in third grade and the teacher shamed him in front of his class, readers don’t care. It’s only important as a brief mention or a thought timely planted in the story. Johnny knows what he did and the reader only wants an indication if it brings out some deep dark secret which leads him to act as he does in your book.

This is what I finally figured out to correct my problem;

1 - List all the high points from your characterization. (Don’t panic; remember on Thursday we’ll discuss characterization.) Skip the height, weight, etc. You only want the important events, ie;

a. Johnny peed his pants
b. He feels shame whenever he wears brown
c. He won’t talk in front of groups
d. He has a fear of public bathrooms

Get the idea?

2 – Write your story and drop in a line of back-story here and there but only where it’s appropriate.

3 – Cross out the line from your list after you use it and note in the margin which page it’s on.

This method taught me to sprinkle in the back-story for the proper effect and not put the reader in a coma.

There will be pages in your book with plenty of back-story, but if the timing’s right it’s perfect.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back Monday with Paul Stansfield and his exciting suspense book DEAD RECKONING. Until then…

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
www.facebook.com/AuthorSloaneTaylor

Step into a World of Paranormal Heat

Raine Delight is with us today to share her award winning paranormal novel STICKY MAGIC, book one in her critically acclaimed Devon Falls series.

For those of you who don't know, Raine Delight is a pseudonym of a self professed book lover and after one too many Too Stupid To Live characters, decided to see if she could write something a little better. Many drafts later, the Devon Falls series came together and her fans are ecstatic it did.

Her muse is a male nut who leaves her to sip Mai Tais on the beach and floundering for words; though eventually he takes pity on her and gets those words flowing.

Raine lives with her two kids, a significant other who supports her every move in writing and doesn’t mind she wakes at 2 am to work on the computer.

With a love for Johnny Depp, movies, and 80’s hair bands, Raine finds a way to bring all her chaotic thoughts into a story that tells her readers about love and romance. Here, see for yourself.


STICKY MAGIC
Book One in the Devon Falls Series
Raine Delight
Secret Cravings Publishing

BUY LINK

BLURB:
Jenna never expected to see the one man to make her heart spin and her body clench in desire walk into her Candy Shoppe. With just one look, Marc du Bree captures her elusive heart and takes her on a journey that will either make her his for all time or have her run away as fast as she can.

EXCERPT:
Marc couldn’t believe the erotic picture he saw with Jenna sliding her hands up around his cock. Closing his eyes in the ecstasy of her touch and talented tongue had him almost coming right then and there if not for sheer will power on his behalf.

“Please, sweetheart, enough, or I am going to come all over myself.” Marc huskily said as he pulled her up along himself.

Jenna leaned down and kissed him sweetly as she sat up and positioned herself over his straining cock. She tenderly slid down inch by inch, and his hardness was welcomed in the velvet wetness of her pussy, gripping him in anticipation only he could deliver.

Groaning, Marc restrained himself from slamming into her as his eyes started to light up again.

Soon, he was encased in Jenna’s pussy and as she began to get her rhythm, Marc teased her nipples with light tugging and teasing, forcing a husky, desire-laden groan from her.

“Let it go, mia cara. Let me feel you come over my cock.” Marc said as he heard, then felt, her orgasm scream through her. Feeling her pussy walls tighten and grip his cock had Marc thrusting faster until he moaned with desire as his orgasm literally overflowed Jenna’s pussy.

Panting softly, Jenna slumped over his body, exhausted and still trembling from the effects of their joining. She turned her head and kissed Marc’s shoulder as she tumbled into sleep.

“Ahhh, cara mia, you delight me.” Marc said as he ran a hand from the nape of her neck to her hip. Making sure she was comfortable, he tumbled off to sleep as well, content in knowing she was right there beside him forever.

BUY LINK

Learn more about Raine and Devon Falls on her website. Catch up with her on facebook. Raine also has a fun reader's loop and blog you’ll enjoy.

I’ll be back Wednesday with a new recipe for Cod Livornese. Until then…
Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell

TUESDAY TEASER

Time to take the edge off this winter freeze with an excerpt from book three in my series the Magnificent Men of Munich.

FRANCINE ON FIRE
Sloane Taylor
ISBN 978-1-60168-060-0
Aspen Mountain Press



BUY LINK

BLURB:
Francine Daniels doesn’t trust men. Not since two husbands and a con artist ruined her life. After years of struggle – during which she took back control and soared to new heights – there is no place in her plans for a German hottie…Even if she does burst into flames at his touch.

Heicke Brewer already made one disastrous trip down the aisle, and never plans to go that route again. He prefers the parade of international beauties lined up outside his bedroom door to enjoy his ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ reputation…Until he meets an American pixie too hot not to handle.

Francine is working a golf outing when nature decides to step in.

EXCERPT:
Francie swiped a hand across her shoulder, hoping her over exuberant co-worker had splashed water and not that a bird had decided her new shirt looked good as a sweet dump site. Dammit, another drop landed on her forearm.

“Gretchen, be more…” She spun around to see the blonde bombshell in deep conversation with a gorgeous golfer that included more body contact than a good lap dance. If they weren’t careful, the entire course would see them humping like dogs in heat.

A quick glance at the sky showed thick black clouds heading toward the golf course, but it was the streaks of dark green reaching the treetops that startled her.

“Hey, Gretchen. Stud Muffin. We need to get all this stuff on the cart.” She dropped the plastic liquor bottles into their cases and brushed the rain from her eyelashes. The few drops had exploded into a full blown downpour. Pissed at the lack of help, Francie turned just as a crack of thunder split the air and she saw a blonde ponytail bouncing as the golf cart sped down the asphalt path.

“You rotten little bitch,” she shouted, but screaming and waving her fist did little to ease her anger.

The sky blazed with jagged arcs of lightning as they streaked upward from the ground. She clamped her hands over her ears as the double explosion of thunder rattled her teeth. Making a snap decision that she could make better time darting to the clubhouse barefooted, Francie yanked off her squishy walking shoes then scooped up the flimsy cashbox and groaned as the sodden mess dissolved in her hands. Coins spilled onto the mushy grass as the notes spun into a whirlpool. Her hands flew as she racked up the currency, stuffing it into the shallow pockets of her capris. She yanked at the soaked shirt clinging to her skin, and decided she had no other choice. A shiver ran down her spine as she slid the heavy euro coins into her bra. The damned things weighed a ton and froze her nipples into tight buds. She turned to sprint down the lane and careened into an oncoming golf cart.

“Shit.” Her knee hurt like hell, but she didn’t have time to worry about it as another bolt of lightning ripped a heavy branch off the tree a few feet away.

“Get in.” A booming voice wiped away her panic. She jumped into the cart, clutching her breasts as the money tumbled to the ground. “Do not worry about them. We will return after the storm, but right now we must get to shelter.”

She nodded in relief, swiping raindrops from her face and glanced into the sexy eyes of the hotel handyman. Of all the asinine times to worry about looks, she thought as she maneuvered her fingertips in a sorry attempt at spiking her hair into its familiar style.

“There is a shelter around this next curve.” He shot a quick glance her way, careful to keep the cart on the narrow lane.

“I can’t believe how the temperature dropped so fast.”

“It is always that way in Germany. Cold in one minute.” His eyes smoldered as he stared at her mouth and she shivered, heat coiling in her belly. “But I have hopes it will warm up soon.”

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I'll be back Wednesday with Rick R. Reed. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

HOT VAMPIRES FOR A COLD DAY

Our guest author today is the incredibly talented Marie Treanor who lives in Scotland with her eccentric husband and three much-too-smart children. After the family grew bored with city life, they moved to a picturesque village by the sea where Marie is lucky enough to enjoy herself avoiding housework and writing sensual stories of paranormal romance and fantasy much to this fan's delight.

Please allow me to give you an example of this superb author.

BLOOD ON SILK
An AWAKENED BY BLOOD Novel
Marie Treanor
ISBN: 978-0451231567 Paperback
NAL - Signet Eclipse



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Temptation begins at sunset…

BLURB:
Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local folktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend's most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers the legends are real. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger.

An army of vampire hunters has amassed to send Saloman back to hell. Sworn to help - yet fearing Saloman's deadly blood lust - Elizabeth seeks to entrap him, offering her body as bait. But something stronger than dread, more powerful than revenge, is uniting Elizabeth to her prey. Caught between desire and rage, Elizabeth must decide where her loyalties lie...and what the limits are to a yearning she can no longer control.

EXCERPT:
There was nowhere to go but backward, until the wall ground into her shoulder blades and buttocks, and still he kept coming. Tall and broad-shouldered as he was, his very size threatened her. Most of his handsome face was in shadow, hiding any expression. She could make out only his eyes, blacker than the surrounding darkness, yet glistening with some deep, wild hunger it hurt to look at.

He lifted his hand once more to the wound in her throat. His fingertip was cold, yet seemed to burn her skin. She gasped, quivering, and when he bent his head toward her again, gazing at her bleeding injury, she began to fight, crashing her fists into his chest, pushing uselessly against his shoulders.

He smelled of earth and cold stone, gave off no sense of human warmth. So why did her body begin to weaken its resistance? Her fists, her struggles, made no impression on him. He continued to lower his head to her wounded neck. At least she could no longer see those terrible eyes…

At the first touch of his lips, she gave up: she could do nothing against him and some dark, perverse part of her remembered the unique, agonizing thrill of his first bite.

But he didn’t bite. He surrounded the wound with his lips and licked it once. She shuddered, helpless in the grip of fear and something she couldn’t – or wouldn’t – name. Then he lifted his head and she stared at him, speechless, because the pain had gone.

The hunger hadn’t left his eyes, but in the glimmer of torchlight, she thought it was overlaid with mockery. The bastard was laughing at her.

“I’m saving the rest for later,” he explained.

Her eyes widened. He was letting her live after all? At least for another minute. “L-later?” she stammered.

His fingers trailed across her throat, butterfly light, making her gasp. “Later. Your blood is strong and heady. I’m taking time to absorb it.” He bent nearer her, inhaling, almost sniffing the air around her head and throat. The skin of his face looked so smooth she had an insane urge to reach up and touch it. His sculpted lips moved faintly, as if a smile almost danced across them, never quite forming before it faded.

“Interesting,” he observed, and his voice was different now, quiet, almost whispering, with just a hint of hoarseness. “I have to thank you for waking me…What is your name?”

She swallowed. “Elizabeth. Elizabeth Silk.”

The almost smile tugged at his lips and vanished. His cheek brushed against hers, barely touching, yet her stomach seemed to plunge. “Silk. How apt,” he murmured. “Like your hair…and your skin, so soft and warm…”

His fingertips caressed her face, then slid down over her chin to her throat and she gasped, jerking in panic. But the movement only brought her into contact with his body. He was hard and solid, and surely that stiff ridge against her stomach was his erection… Vampires had erections? Unless that part of him was still made of stone?

Oh Jesus Christ and fuck!

She shrank, pressing her back into the wall once more. Shocked, she could feel wetness between her legs. It’s just fear, not lust, it can’t be…

“And you are English,” he said, changing to that language without warning.

“Scottish,” she returned mechanically. What the hell does that matter?

He inclined his head, clearly humoring her. His body touched hers at breast and hips, hardening her nipples into aching peaks. Perhaps he felt them, for he said, “Do you know how long it has been since I have had a meal or a woman?”

Her stomach seemed to melt into her womb. Sweat had broken out on her palms and was trickling down between her breasts. But somehow she managed to do the math. “Three hundred and twelve years?”

His gaze dropped to her lips. “Don’t ask me. After the first couple of centuries, those decades just fly by.” He lifted his hand from her neck, tracing one tapered fingertip along her lower lip. She was afraid to move.

“Do they really?” she managed.

“No. But they let me work up some heady appetites.”

“For what?” She sounded more suspicious than terrified. Was that good? Perhaps. The almost-smile reappeared and vanished as his face leaned nearer hers.

“For dinner,” he answered. “And dalliance.”

His finger slid to the corner of her lips, pushing gently until she gasped, and when her mouth opened he took it with his.

Heat consumed her, drowning her in some strange, welcome weakness. His cool lips moved across hers, sampling, parting them. He should have tasted of dust and death and corruption. At the very least he hadn’t brushed his teeth in three hundred and twelve years. Yet what she inhaled in panic was something overwhelmingly seductive, an earthy sweetness, powerful and masculine, and God help her, she wanted it. She wanted to give herself to his mouth, feel his kiss deepen and dominate while he pressed that large, hard body closer into her. She wanted to push herself against the hardness nudging her abdomen. She wanted it between her legs, pushing into her, because she’d never known a kiss as arousing as this, and the sex would be so…

Oh God!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can find out more about Marie Treanor and her engrossing books on her website. Catch all her latest news on Facebook or subscribe to her Newsletter. Be sure to join the party on her new blog: Marie Treanor's Romantic Theme Party.

I'll be back tomorrow with a new release from the spellbinding Marie Treanor. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

TUESDAY TEASER

Here's a little teaser to help warm up your cold winter day. :)

TEDDI TURNS ON
Sloane Taylor
ISBN 978-1-60168-115-7
Aspen Mountain Press




BUY LINK

BLURB:
No one’s going to take advantage of Teddi Howard again, including the Munich tour operator who screwed her over when he reneged on their contract. Her only option is to face the little weasel.

Nothing stands in the way of the prominent, German businessman David Stiefle, especially a woman. No way is he ever getting involved, even if she is the sensual Mrs. Howard.

EXCERPT:
David Stiefel’s eyes kept track of the copper-haired female while he rolled up the sleeves of his striped shirt. The woman was oblivious to the stir she created as she strolled through the crowded O’Hare Airport Business Class Lounge. He stroked an index finger over his lips and studied her sleek figure in form fitting slacks. The appealing rear view was too good to miss. The pleasure of not seeing a panty line forced him to shift in his chair to adjust for the sudden pull in his jeans.

She bent over, hung her jacket across the chair back, and glanced over her shoulder at him. Their gaze held as a smile tweaked the corner of his mouth. He crumpled the wrappings from his beef sandwich and knew he’d just been offered dessert. Now all he had to do was make his move.

As his good luck would have it, right there on the floor, just a few meters away was an airline ticket dropped by some unsuspecting person. Ha, unsuspecting, his Aunt Hilda. He knew that delicious looking woman had done it as a ploy to meet him.

He stood and paced off the few steps, never taking his eyes from her. He stooped, scooped up the packet, and walked the few extra feet before he glanced at the name printed in bold marker across the front. When he held it toward her she fumbled with her purse and carry-on as if she didn’t know she’d lost such an important set of documents. Very cool.

Standing in front of her, he leaned down just enough to catch her scent. Shalimar. His favorite.

“Bitte, Frau, are you missing something?” He liked the way her eyes widened as if she were surprised. She was good.

“Thank you.” She reached out a slender hand. Thank God there wasn’t any of that garish nail art so many women seemed to prefer.


BUY LINK

I'll be back tomorrow with my good friend Dorien Grey. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

Best of 2010 Reader Awards

I'm excited and honored to share Love Romances Cafe has announced their Best of 2010 Reader Awards nominees. Here's the beautiful nominee button.



Now take a gander at who made it!

Best Contemporary Book-2010

French Twist by Sloane Taylor (AMP)

Best Science Fiction/Futuristic Book-2010

Claire De Lune by Robert Appleton and Sloane Taylor (Amber Quill)

Best Book Cover

Claire De Lune by Robert Appleton and Sloane Taylor (Amber Quill)

Best Erotic Book

French Kiss by Sloane Taylor (AMP)

Congratulations to all the nominees!

I'll be back Friday with a new release from Christiane France. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

HAIL THE QUEEN

Jan Springer, the Queen of Hot, is back with a novel guaranteed to clench your thighs and make you want more. COLTER'S REVENGE Outlaw Lovers 3. Here, see for yourself.

COLTER'S REVENGE
Outlaw Lovers 3
Jan Springer
ISBN 9781419904912
Ellora’s Cave



Colter’s Revenge – Outlaw Lovers 3 is available in e-book and print from Ellora’s Cave.
Buy Link

In the near future, a virus has been unleashed killing a majority of the world's female population, forcing the introduction of the Claiming Law. A law that states men have all the rights and women are sexual property claimable by groups of men.

BLURB:
Revenge belongs to Dr. Colter Outlaw when he runs into the beautiful woman who broke his heart during the Terrorist Wars. Capturing her, collaring her and holding her against her will, he seduces her, fills her with wicked desires and cravings for a delicious ménage. Fully intent on breaking her heart and walking away, his plans unravel when he submits to the carnal pleasures Ashley gives him so freely…

He'd told her he loved her. Whispered promises of rescue from her life as a slave, then he'd disappeared. Infected with a version of the X-virus that leaves her sexually excited on a daily basis, Ashley Blakely has come to Pleasure Palace to bid on the cure. She never expected her Outlaw Lover to screw her plans. Nor did she expect to give him her heart and body so easily…

EXCERPT:
“I wish I could take your pretty little ass, Ashley. Wish I could have it again.”

Why don’t you take me? A voice somewhere deep in the back of her mind urged. Please take my ass. Please don’t sound as if you don’t ever want me again.

As her ass muscles began to relax beneath his soft yet insistent prodding, she found herself drifting away, relaxing, and focusing on the pleasure-pain sifting along deep inside her and the flames that continued to lick her freshly spanked ass cheeks.

All too soon the wondrous pleasure-pain disappeared and she opened her eyes to find the blackness of the blindfold staring back at her. She could hear him breathing, the sound fast and harsh. Aroused. Would he take her in the ass now? Would he put out the fire he’d started in her?

The sound of plastic came again. She found herself lifting her head, orienting herself to the noise.

“Settle down, Ashley. No need to be afraid.”

His voice soothed her, sucked her into a wall of security she loved. She didn’t even flinch when she felt a strange, cool item penetrate her ass. At first she thought it was a butt plug, but he didn’t insert it.
Just left it poised in her opening.

Involuntarily her butt muscles clenched around it, tried to suck it in, it wouldn’t come inside. Then she felt the pressure as Colter slid the item deeper. Her sphincter muscle constricted.

“There, that should hold you for a bit while I see what other little surprises I can give you.” She didn’t miss the amusement etching his voice.

The mattress shifted beneath her.

She could hear him walking toward the sex-toy cabinet and found herself wondering how she must look with her bare ass, all flushed and red, propped up on the pillow with whatever it was that was sticking out of her ass.

The cabinet door creaked open again.

“I could give your cute little ass a sound whipping. Before long you’ll be begging for it.”

Begging? What?

It was at that moment Ashley felt the slow burn between her buttocks. What in the world was it?

As if sensing her question he chuckled and spoke. “The juice of the root has the ability to create incredible horniness.”

Juice? Root?

Oh, God! What had he shoved into her ass?

Bucking her hips as much as she could against the restraints to get rid of the item, Ashley quickly discovered her movements only increased the burn, which was rapidly heading into a fire.

“How’s our ginger root doing?” He was closer now. Too close.

She cried out as his hands curved over her buttocks again. The instant he touched the root, fire consumed her anus. She shivered as a finger dipped downward and touched her clit.

An immediate burn began there as well. Made her clit swell. Made her pussy clench. Made her cry out.

“Please! It’s…burning me alive. Please help me…put…put out the fire.”

“You’ll have to beg a little harder than that, Ashley.”

God! She was starting to feel so unbelievably horny. Her pussy was quivering, anxious to be penetrated. This must be the sexual torture he’d mentioned earlier.

“It won’t hurt you, Starry Eyes. Unless you lied about not being allergic and I know you don’t have sensitive skin.”

Fire licked her buttocks as the unmistakable lash of a whip snapped against her tender flesh. Her muscles clenched the item tighter, the burn got worse.

Perspiration popped out over her skin, chilling the heat.

“You shouldn’t have come here, Ashley. Shouldn’t have come and reminded me of what we had.”

Another sharp lash.

Her buttocks clenched harder. The burn in her ass from the ginger made her gasp.

Oh, God!

Another lash, the fiery pleasure-pain made her forget the burn. Made her want more.

“I remember how you craved Blade’s cock up your ass while I whipped your breasts. Do you remember Blade?”

Another sharp snap. She cried out as her buttocks clenched around fire.

Her pussy was on fire now. A wonderful horniness that begged to be satisfied.

“I asked if you remember, Blade?”

“Yes,” she whimpered. The coldness in his voice made her wonder once again if he’d been jealous of Blade fucking her.

“Did you enjoy the things he did to you, Starry Eyes? Did you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed watching?”

Oh sweet heavens!

Buy Link

Jan lives in Ontario, Canada. She’s a part time caregiver and also writes erotic romances on her four acres of secluded forest tucked away in Minden Hills cottage country. She has three feline fur balls and she enjoys gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, reading and writing. Jan is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Passionate Ink and the Authors Guild.

Learn more about Jan Springer and her terrific books on her website and Facebook.

I'll be back tomorrow with some wonderful news. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

STEAM TOYS

Today we have renown author Destiny Blaine and her latest sizzler, STEAM TOYS.

But first a little about the private side of this creative author.

Destiny began her writing career as a ghost writer. Accustomed to working in the shadows, it's really no surprise to find her writing is often classified under the paranormal genre. She particularly loves writing about fang-bangers and leans toward creating sexy-hot alpha males ready to dominate the world and the women they love. Additionally, Destiny’s cowboys are true to form. She grew up on a large working cattle ranch where her weekends were spent riding, herding cattle, or plopped down in front of the television watching football with her brothers and father.

Destiny lives in East Tennessee with her husband and their teenagers. Their extended family consists of several teenagers they literally pluck from their homes when they're headed out of town. Destiny says, "We enjoy professional football games, beaches, and music festivals. Most of the time, we travel with a crowd. These teenagers enrich our lives. Over the years I've come to think of them as 'my' kids and they sure keep life interesting."

STEAM TOYS
Destiny Blaine
ISBN 978-1-60168-388-5
Aspen Mountain Press



BUY LINK

Revenge is a hot, bitter dish when served up enthusiastically by someone empowered by extra steam.

BLURB:
Heidi Labeidi, a successful Nevada brothel owner, had the world by its tail until her deceptive lover Stan Graves disposed of her. Lost somewhere between life and the afterlife, Heidi materializes in her former home thirty years after her death. She has a second chance and she’s hell bent on solving her own murder.

With a knack for creating pleasure-inducing trinkets and furniture, Edward Brady is an eccentric mad scientist on the verge of greatness. He’s also in desperate need of an assistant and his problems are solved when he discovers a sensual ghost enjoying his sex toys.

Heidi has something to offer Edward but her assistance comes at a price. And when Edward becomes an assassin’s mark, only Heidi can help him. Will Edward barter with a ghost who can save him and if he does, will the former madam become the one woman Edward is unable to resist?

EXCERPT:
A few seconds after the hand-job, she tucked him in his pants and redressed quietly. He stared at her in disbelief. “You are most definitely a tease.”

“No, Edward. I’m not,” she assured him, adjusting her simple sleeves.

‘Then do you mind telling me why you didn’t finish what you started?”

“Of course not,” she said, crossing one long leg over the other. “Lesson number one is just for you, Edward. You may have a whore in your lap, with your cock in her cheek, but you never, ever make the implication you believe she’s old, used and cheap.”

“I made you feel that way?”

She tilted her head down and with wide eyes, she confirmed it. “Yes you did, Edward.”

“You’re the one who said you’d given head a few times. Not me.”

She smiled, placed her hands in her lap and looked straight ahead. When they pulled into the parking lot of the towers where Edward lived, she said, “And you suggested I may have been out of practice which was a direct slam to my age.”

“It wasn’t.”

“It was, Edward,” she said, pushing her hair over her shoulders. She tilted her head toward the driver approaching them. “Try not to act like a scorned lover when you get out of the car. Remember, he can’t see me. I’ve learned from experience those employees closest to you are the first to run their mouths when things begin to spiral out of control. The last thing you need is your driver telling a reporter you’ve lost it.”

The limousine driver opened the door. Edward stepped out. He was brewing. Not only did he have a hard-on, he had a complicated woman to credit and blame. Not only did he have someone to blame, he couldn’t publicly point an accusing finger her way.

“Did you have a nice dinner, sir?” the driver asked, trying to make small talk while Edward retrieved his wallet.

“We did,” he reported. “Thank you.”

The driver accepted his tip and arched a brow. “Did you meet friends while you were out?”

Heidi studied her fingernails. “You didn’t listen.”

“How the hell was I supposed to listen when I’m standing here with blue balls?”

“I beg your pardon, sir?” the driver fired back.

Heidi yawned. “Since your dick seems to be the only thing you can think with, see if it can help you worm your way out of this. I’m waiting upstairs.”

She was gone in a flash and Edward wished he could disappear just as rapidly.

“Sir, are you feeling okay?”

“No, Truman,” Edward replied. “I’m not. I apologize for the outburst. I’m hearing voices tonight.”

Truman frowned. “Sir, I’d strongly advise against telling anyone else about voices. You know how people like to talk.”

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Learn more about Destiny Blaine on her website and blog. You can also find her on Twitter.

I'll be back Monday with a review for World Kitchen, a fantastic cookbook by infamous Gordon Ramsey. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

THE SEA OFFERS MANY TREATS

KC Kendriks is here with her #6 Best Seller from Amber Allure Netting Neptune. This contemporary gay romance warms your heart and other parts, too. :) Here, see for yourself.

NETTING NEPTUNE
Book One of the Southern Cross series
KC Kendriks
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-573-7
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure



BUY LINK

BLURB:
Theron Bowman is in the throes of a mid-life crisis. At forty, he needs to make some serious decisions about his future. He splurges on a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, and like everything else in his life, things go horribly awry and he ends up working to pay for his room.

Forced by his father to break ties with his family, Colby Denton came to rest on St. Lucia, and opened an exclusive resort. To celebrate his tenth year on the island, and his birthday, Colby arranges for a series of festive beach side parties. When a sexy sea god swims out of the ocean in front of him, Colby has a brand new plan – netting Neptune.

EXCERPT:
“Listen, Colby, I’ll pay you once I get home. You’re trying to run a business here.”

“And I can afford to do a nice thing for a stranded traveler. Now give me the name of whatever official you spoke with, and I’ll make a few calls. Maybe your luggage will turn up.”

Theron pulled an envelope from his canvas duffle bag and handed it to me. The business card was stuck in the fold and I recognized the name listed. The man liked to make sure everyone knew he was in charge, but I groveled like a pro, when necessary, to get what I wanted.

“Thanks, man. I really owe you.”

I shook my head. “You really don’t, so let’s just forget it, okay? If we don’t, we’ll sit here all day and not get anything done.” I slid the cold crab dip at him. “Tell me what you think about this.”

Theron scooped up a healthy helping on a wheat cracker and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. I watched his pink tongue flick bits of dip off his lower lip. His gaze locked with mine. Very slowly he licked his upper lip. I squirmed in my seat. He didn’t even try to stop from laughing at me as he went for another cracker. I held his gaze.

“If you tease me like that again, babe, I’m gonna lick the extra off for you.”

He broke the cracker in half and handed a portion to me. “I wouldn’t want you to go to any more trouble for me.”

I took the cracker. “You’re a slick one, Mr. Bowman, but I’m known for my persistence.”

He popped a melon ball into his mouth, and swallowed. “I sorta figured that out about you.”

Before I could reply, Josie tapped me on the shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, but you’re needed at the front desk, Colby.”

“I’ll be right there.” I turned back to my guest. “Please. Finish your meal, then come inside and find either Josie or me. Josie, if you can’t find me, please take Mr. Bowman to my suite so he can get a shower and relax for a while.”

I didn’t linger. The sooner I took care of whatever problem had occurred, the quicker I could get Theron alone. After that, I was already too worked up over this guy and it wouldn’t be smart to speculate.

Right. I planned to cast a net over my Neptune and give him a Southern Cross night to remember.

The problem at the front desk was minor. The computer had pulled one of its usual tricks. I inputted my password, the software reset, and all was well. I slipped into my office and called the local airfield. Better to start with folks who were friendly. If they had off-loaded Theron’s suitcase, then I’d grovel.

They were certain Theron’s luggage had not been removed from the plane, and had no idea how it had been missed. It was likely back in Charlotte, North Carolina by now. I made another call, this one to the States to a travel agent friend of mine. He agreed to make a few stateside calls. The suitcase had to be somewhere, and I wanted to know where. Once I had the information, a decision based on my guest’s plans was possible.

Meanwhile, Theron could borrow some of my clothes for tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I’d manage to steal a kiss, or more, before the party started. I checked the patio and he was gone, so I headed for my suite with all due haste. The sound of the shower spray zinging against the tiles greeted me.

My knees quivered with the knowledge he was behind the door, naked. I had to let him know I was here. I couldn’t let him stroll out of the bathroom in his birthday suit, all clean, smelling fresh like soap, and dripping wet. Could I?

No, damn it.

I knocked on the bathroom door and told him I was in the living area. He called back to me, his voice muffled by running water and the wooden door between us.

“What?”

I raised my voice a few decibel levels. “I said I’m out here.”

“You could be in here, you know.”

Say…why the hell not?

Cock swelling, pulse skipping, I set a new “stripping world record” and opened the door. Through the clear glass enclosure, Theron’s gaze slammed into mine, wanting yet wary. I paused, shivering in the steam teasing my sweaty skin. His gaze flicked down to my erection, hanging heavy, and mine went to his.

Completely aroused, his penis jutted out, full and rosy red. Cut, he was a solid eight inches, maybe a bit more, with prominent veins. I was of an equal length, but he looked to have me on girth. From the sudden gleam in his green eyes, I didn’t think it a problem.

“Are you coming…in?” He stroked his cock with a soapy hand.

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Catch up with KC Kendricks on her website and personal blog. KC is also on Twitter and MySpace. Be sure to join her mailing list, Between the Keys, for more sweet information.

I'll be back Friday with a new release from Destiny Blaine. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

A Little Czech Heat to Warm You

Prague is a beautiful old city filled with tradition and sexy as hell men. Here's a glimpse to wet your appetite.



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BLURB:
Life isn't easy for aspiring interior designer Lacey Blake when she finds herself stranded in Prague dressed like a dolled up hooker for her fetish minded, soon to be ex, boyfriend. The cash-strapped American traveler, boasting a feather boa and stilettos that would make a dominatrix cry, is saved by an intriguing offer proposed by a staid giant in a sleek Armani suit. It doesn’t take long to convince herself there’s nothing like a sex-fest to get the most out of a free vacation.

Dragan Petrovic is determined his 5-star hotel will retain its unblemished reputation and no prostitute will kickoff her career in his lobby. But one look into her eyes and he knows there is more to her than a micro mini and a push up bra. The urge to protect her drives him to madness when he suggests an unusual scheme that stirs up deep desires and alters their lives forever.

Lacey is hot and ready for action when she accepts Dragon’s offer, and to relieve the sexual tension between them, takes the matter in hand…

EXCERPT:
...Lacey lifted out a teetering stack of silky looking items. Lingerie? A light blue bra encased with what must be rhinestones slid to the floor, quickly followed by the matching lacey bikini panties.

“What are these?” Dragan knelt next to her, blood pounding through his veins as he captured the delicate cloth in his hands.

“My undies.” She continued to rummage, spilling more silken items onto the carpet.

He lifted an eyebrow. “Uncomfortable?”

“Surprisingly, no.” She giggled, her creamy skin taking on a rosy glow as she dipped her head lower to the suitcase. “Damn it, where is it?”

A vision of her dressed only in the intimate garments and those sexy high heels strapped to her ankles flooded his mind, sending jolts of electricity south.

His stiff cock, which seemed to be its normal posture in her presence, swelled larger as she walked toward him, its throbbing head anxious to be deep inside her, wrapped in her wet heat. The tips of her hard nipples shoved against the silky fabric of her bra, their outline a beacon to his aching member. His fingers itched to caress the soft mounds, rising over the minuscule rhinestone-studded cups, and tongue her hard nipples. He could almost feel the erotic sensation when he released them, mounted her and slid his cock between their firm flesh.

She stepped closer, drawing his attention lower to her shapely hips. Mesmerized, he watched them sway, the movement seductive, sensual, compelling him to taste her.

The clear gems sprinkled across her sheer panties twinkled in the dim light. He licked his dry lips. The burning desire to kiss the lacey vee at the apex of her thighs, suckle her clit through the thin material and graze a finger along her folds brought sweat to his brow.

She slid the bra straps down her shoulders. His heart thudded, banging against his ribcage. He stood…

“Earth to Vic. Come in, Vic.” A hand shook his shoulder, returning him to the present. “Um, you might want to let go, big time.”

He glanced down at his hands, wadding her undergarments into a knot. Kersati. Fuck, what the hell could he say to her and not appear to be an old lecher? “I apologize. My mind must have taken a short vacation.”

She laughed. “Yeah, right. Don’t even think I’ll buy that one, big guy.”

Dragan pursed his lips, not sure how to determine the best way to measure Lacey’s shapely body without appearing to molest her, especially after making a fool of himself over her delicate underwear. He did not trust himself to hold back, and not wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him to make love to her.

Kersati, how the hell could he have become so affected by this young woman in a matter of an hour? He looked at her, his hands fisted tight at his sides.

“Do you have a tape measure?”

He shook his head, not trusting the right words to travel past his lips.

A grin spread across her face and carried to her bright hazel eyes, eyes that seemed to see deep into his soul.

“Then how do you plan to do this? String? Belt?” Her voice echoed the humor radiating from her face. “Silk scarves?”

He looked at his raised hands, the fingers spread wide as if he were testing melons in the market. Disgusted by his absurd action, he jammed them into his trouser pockets.

“It’s not going to happen if you don’t make it happen.” She reached for his wrists. When he dug them deeper into his pockets, she laughed. Kersati, his balls were drawn so tight they hurt...

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I'll be back tomorrow with outstanding m/m author KC Kendriks. Be sure to drop by. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

WHAT YOU DON'T CONFESS

is a hot, new release by KC Kendriks. This well-written novella is part of Stepping Out an AmberPax™ Collection of Erotic Romance by Various Authors. I do believe you'll love KC's book. :)

WHAT YOU DON'T CONFESS
KC Kendriks
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-020-7
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure



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BLURB:
Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media attention, and knows how to us it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for who he is, or who he wants – and he wants Dylan Donoghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan seems to be involved with two different men.

Coming out. The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donoghy’s vocabulary. Handsome, successful, wealthy, he’s made it this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan has a good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he knows Cass has some secrets of his own.

Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands between the two.

EXCERPT:
“You do know those four watchdogs of yours were there the entire evening, don’t you?”

I nodded. “They like to keep an eye on me. Obviously, it didn’t discourage you at all.”

His hand gripped my shoulders again. His amber gaze drilled into mine. “Just so I don’t step in it, Dylan, how many of them have you slept with? And don’t lie to me.”

I fought back against of wave of anger. How dare he imply I’d not tell him the truth? Being astute, he knew he’d pissed me off. I saw the apology in his eyes as he touched his fingertips to my lips.

“That didn’t come out right, Dylan.”

“ Apology accepted. Before today, I might have told you it was none of your business, but now I think you should know. We’re no longer intimate, but I have a very close, special relationship with both Travis and Tyler. I’m very happy for them that they both found a partner.”

“That’s what I figured out Friday night when they spent all that time running in and out of an area marked ‘private’. Especially Templeton.”

“Don’t test me too often, Cass. I don’t like it.” I spoke sharper than intended, but he needed to know my boundaries. “There’s a lot of space between your age and mine. Be careful not to judge until you get to where I am.”

Those restless hands of his skimmed along my sides. “I’m not being judgmental, I swear. I just needed to know what the dynamics are between you and them so I don’t put both feet in my mouth.”

“Okay. I get it. And for what it’s worth, all four of them, especially Travis, is rooting for you.”

“Really? He’s in my corner, is he?” Cass tucked his fingers under my belt and tugged. I levered my weight off the door and stepped past him, capturing his hand to pull him into the casual space I used for informal gatherings.

“He’s using tough love on me when it comes to you, so don’t be shocked, or surprised, at his little quips. Have a seat.”

Cass eased down on the love seat and patted the spot beside him. I ignored him, and went to the bar. “What would you like to drink?”

“Ginger ale?”

I nodded and poured two, handing his to him with an apology it didn’t come in a brandy snifter as I settled in beside him. I stopped him when he moved to put his arm around me.

“You’re killing me here, Dylan.”

“No, I’m not.” I sipped my drink. “Cass, I don’t want to make a misstep with you. I know what you want tonight, but what do you want next week? Or next month? Christ, what do I want next week?”

He leaned back and watched me with those amber eyes. His cool, even regard gave little indication of his thoughts. Cass downed his drink in three fast swallows, then swirled the ice around in the bottom of the empty glass.

“Do you always think everything to death, Dylan?”

“It’s a hazard one encounters in middle age.”

“I’m not some mistake you’ll regret when you’re ninety.”

I laid my hand on his thigh. The heat of his skin penetrated his jeans, and snaked up my arm. “You’re right, you know. I won’t regret meeting you, whether dinner is all we share, or we become friends, or if we become lovers.”

“Or? If? I don’t appreciate being jerked around.”

“Well, poor little you that I haven’t figured this out yet.”

Cass’s mouth dropped open, then snapped closed. He stared at me, blinked, and stared again. I reveled in private glee that I’d seen him speechless twice in one day, but that amusement was strongly tempered by the knowledge I had him too far off balance. I squeezed his knee.

“Look, Cass. I’m not jerking you around. Getting involved with someone isn’t easy for me. I’ve never been someone who gets a hard-on for a guy and loses my mind until I fuck him. I have to think things through, and consider the impact it may have on my life.”

He shook his head. “Babe, you’ve got to start living in the moment, and stop living in fear.” Cass set his empty glass down on the end table and stood. With angry, disappointed eyes, he met my gaze. A muscle moved in his clenched jaw.

My heart beat painfully. I knew what he was going to say...

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I'll be back Wednesday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com