Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Julie Destry

Things that go bump in the dark...

Just over a year ago I was sitting at my computer at work daydreaming, as I’m apt to do, when I had a vision. It was of a woman on a bed waiting for a lover to arrive.

Okay, it wasn’t so much a vision as an impression since, in my head, the room was pretty much pitch-black. 

I immediately opened my NEW IDEAS file and jotted down the notes. I’d been reading a lot of erotica at the time, and was excited about the prospect of writing my own dark, sensual story about a woman who can’t live without physical contact. There were to be no names. No romance. Just an anonymous encounter in the dark that was solely about hot and dirty pleasure.

Well, things didn’t turn out precisely as planned. 

As TOUCH evolved from that one vague impression to what it is now, the premise morphed into something much different than my original vision. There are names, a slightly insecure geek, and a career woman hell-bent on protecting her identity. They laugh a lot, share awkward secrets, and there may be some romance. *grin*

But one thing stayed true through the evolution: there’s still a lot of touching in the dark (even if some of it’s a bit more like fumbling) and plenty of hot sex.

I’d suspected that setting the story in an almost completely blacked-out room would give my characters a lot of freedom to explore and experiment—and it did. Take away the awkwardness of being completely exposed, and I found out that Finn and Kass were more than willing to push their limits.

Darkness is a pretty good keeper of secrets, but it can’t erase feelings—both sensory and emotional. Just because you can’t see someone doesn’t mean you can’t connect with them. Sometimes, the dark exposes more than it hides….

Take away the light, and what sort of things might the dark tempt you to try?

Comment, and at 12:01 a.m. EST on Dec 1st, deep in the black of night, I’ll draw a name for a copy of TOUCH. Don't forget to include your email address!

Thanks for visiting!

~~~~~

Sometimes, the dark exposes more than it hides....

As a news anchor, Kass needs to show the world her conservative side, but underneath her public persona is a woman who longs for physical connection. When an invitation to visit a sex club arrives in her inbox, she jumps at the chance to indulge herself in an evening of hot, sweaty sex with a stranger—no strings attached. What she finds instead is a man who shows her that secret fantasies can become reality, but only if she’s willing to take a chance.

Finn's a man whose mojo has hit rock bottom. After the crash and burn of his last relationship, an anonymous sexual encounter is just what he needs. Although the goal for the night is simply to give them both pleasure, he discovers that he may be willing to give something more….

Kass is scared to risk revealing her identity to the man who just took her beyond her wildest expectations, no matter how much he tempts her.  But Finn’s determined that their scorching passion has a chance to see the light of day.

~~~~~

Julie writes sexy, fun contemporary erotic romance. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her blog. TOUCH is available from the Turquoise Morning Press book store and other fine eRetailers later this week.

Guest Post with Author Maggie Wells

There are doers and there are watchers in this world. Which do you want to be?

We are told it’s better to be a doer, and I don’t disagree with that notion. The best way to live a life is to be right in the thick of it. No use in letting the parade pass you by, right?

But it’s rarely an either/or proposition. Being both a doer and a watcher can be quite titillating, under the right circumstances...with the right person...or people. Most of us are a mixture. That means each of us is a little bit of a voyeur.

Gasp!

I know. Shh...it’s a secret. One of those dirty bits of ourselves we keep tucked away in a deep, dark corner. But it’s true. We consume celebrity gossip and reality programming like Skittles then deny our love for them the moment we catch a glimpse of our hips in the mirror. We place those people with the grit and determination to DO IT on sky-high pedestals and shower them with admiration. That is, until we watchers catch the doers doing something naughty and rip those pedestals down just so we can watch our idols do something else...Take a fall.

We all do it. Whether that makes us doers or watchers is a question we can only answer for ourselves. My name is Maggie Wells, and I’m a bit of a voyeur. How about you? Are you a doer, a watcher, or a doer who likes to watch?

Spectators by Maggie Wells

A ‘Dirty Bits’ Short Story

From the moment she steps into the exclusive Spectator Club, Grace Andrews finds herself caught between heaven and hell. Dark and light, two halves of a delicious whole, partners Damien and Gabriel are intrigued by the newest member of the club. Intrigued enough to take her initiation in hand...and mouth. And anything else. Because at the Spectator Club, anything goes.

Excerpt:

The newest members of The Spectator Club aren’t hard to spot. The guys usually stroll through the door decked out in head to toe Armani acting like they own the place. Damien James was fairly quick at debasing them of that notion. Once in a while, a member who felt the need to channel their inner gigolo—gold chains and pinky rings—the whole nine yards. He found those guys just entertaining.

The females making their first foray into the club generally come in two varieties. The majority show up in skirts barely big enough to wipe a toddler’s nose and something see-through on top. A few feel the need to slaughter a herd of cows for their walk on the wild side. At this very moment, there was a woman on the dance floor who looked like she was answering a casting call for the next Debbie Dominatrix porno. Either way, the newbies rarely went with the subtle sell.

That’s what made this woman different. Over the rim of his glass, he eyed the latest newcomer with interest. The flowing, feminine skirt she wore skimmed the curve of her ass and swished enticingly around her knees. He gave her bonus points for that alone. A simple, tailored blouse clung to her slender torso—a crimson beacon that drew every man’s eye. The top two buttons of the blouse lay open. The slick fabric pooled draped her breastbone oh-so-perfectly. Barely a hint of skin was revealed, but the effect was enough to make his mouth water.

She moved with fluid self-assurance. Her ankles didn’t wobble as she strode toward the bar in sky-high heels. She didn’t duck her head to avoid the curious stares that followed her progress. No hint of a blush rose in her creamy porcelain cheeks. She crossed thttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5875507781947178148he crowded room as if she owned it. Of course, she didn’t. He did.

In the five years since The Spectator Club opened, he’d seen all kinds traipse through the door. The three thousand dollar cash deposit was steep enough to ward off the curious.

Exorbitant monthly dues weeded out those who sought to experiment with their lifestyle choices. But this woman sashayed into the club’s bar area with purpose. He liked that. He liked it a lot.

Guest Post with Author Suzanne Barrett

I've been a reader all my life, devouring everything from history to biography, mystery to romance. It wasn't until reading LaVyrle Spencer's Hummingbird that I decided that maybe I could do this, too.

My first effort was a contemporary set in Ireland. I targeted a well-known British publisher of short, sensual romances. They were kind enough to look at it but suggested (not in so many words) that I not quit the day job. I still love that story which, should be appropriately titled “Suzanne's Excellent Adventures in Ireland. Fortunately, for my readers, that one will remain a file on my computer.

I choose to think I've learned a bit about writing over the years. A college romance writing course and a dozen years of intense RWA chapter and national conference workshops helped a lot. I discovered even more help in reading—how-to books, tomes on technique, and hundreds of books by other writers. I've learned a lot—am still learning. One thing I keep in mind every time I write is that no matter how good a scene, chapter, books seems to be, there's always someone else who does it better, so I have to keep striving and keep on learning.

After that first book I wrote a second which went on to be a finalist in the Romantic Novelists' Association's New Writers Scheme. I merrily sent it off to Big British Publishing House, but they didn't want that one either. A third contemporary finaled in the RWA Golden Heart contest and was loved by the judges, but not by Big British Publishing House. Sigh! They didn't like book four any better, even though that one finaled in the Golden Heart twice.

Fast forward a few years. I finally sold to a New York house nine years after I'd begun writing, but after four sales, they dropped the line, and I found myself looking for another publishing home. Even though I'd written contemporary romances, I'd always read more historicals. With the next book I decided to write a Western historical. I incorporated my knowledge of California history, Irish history, horses and more in Sierra Bride, my new release from Turquoise Morning Press.

I admit a fondness for the tortured hero, and I think rancher Wade Guthrie makes a perfect hero for Irish immigrant, Corrie Kiernan. Both have faced ostracism, both have been unjustly accused, but both are survivors, and that, I feel makes a good basis for an empathetic character. I hope you enjoy reading Sierra Bride as much as I loved writing it.

Here's a bit about Sierra Bride:

In 1883, Irish immigrants had few opportunities open to them. Corrie Kiernan, like so many of her countrywomen, finds herself working long hours at a mill in Lowell, Massachusetts. When she witnesses a murder and is seen by the perpetrator, she is forced to flee and finds herself a mail-order bride. The only way she can save her skin is to weave a web of lies about herself and her skills, or lack thereof.

Wade Guthrie runs a small spread outside Maiden Valley. A former convict who served prison time because of being framed, he is shunned by the townspeople, and in turn, shuns them. Because of his past, the one thing he demands is honesty. How can he love Corrie when her entire life is a lie?

In Sierra Bride, I hope Corrie's and Wade's struggle will engage the reader and make her cheer for a happy resolution to their seemingly insurmountable problems. Corrie's struggle with the townspeople and with Wade's unruly daughter would be difficult for any woman, but for Corrie who is so out of her realm, it seems impossible. Can a miracle happen that will bring these hurting souls together?

Sierra Bride is available from the Turquoise Morning Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other digital outlets.  

Author Bio:

Following a career in engineering, Suzanne has returned to her first love of writing and literature. Born in Southern California, Suzanne, along with her husband and an elderly cat, make their home in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Suzanne is also a jewelry designer, and her wire work is shown at various arts and wine events throughout the county. (Visit her jewelry website at www.bellerustique.com.) In addition, she has an Irish travel website with articles, recipes, and an extensive photo gallery. When she’s not writing or designing jewelry, Suzanne loves to garden. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannebarrett.com . Sierra Bride is Suzanne's fourth release from Turquoise Morning Press.

Links:

Turquoise Morning Press Bookstore:

 http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/collections/historical/products/sierra-bride

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Bride-Suzanne-Barrett/dp/1937389499/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321925670&sr=1-1

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/102366

ARC REVIEW: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

"Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?"


Review: 

Jill Shalvis has brought another witty romance into my life with her latest book, Head Over Heels. She did an amazing job bringing together such wonderful characters in the Town of Lucky Harbor. Her characters are more lovable, they are absolutely extraordinary. Although I did enjoy Sawyer, Ford will always hold my heart.

Chloe Traeger has always been the wild child and the youngest of the three sisters. She has the feeling in her heart that she wants to belong and become more responsible and help out her sisters. Sawyer doesn’t have the best past but he has changed his life around to be a better man and a great Sheriff that everyone respects. You won’t be able to miss the sparks flying between these two throughout the whole story.  It was actually extraordinary the way it was all pieced together and perfectly if I may add. They way they understand each other and the way they take care of each other with so many things ends up meaning so much in the long run.

I absolutely adored Sawyer and Chloe!!! She would get on his nerves but the chemistry and the attraction between them was off the charts.  Head Over Heels takes you on an amazing journey into their lives and they just really did complement each other so well you have to root for the happy ending. I believe it is true opposites do attract and with these two it was so much more than that.

This story just wasn’t about Saywer and Chloe but about her relationship with her sisters. That’s what really touched me. The way they have strengthened their bond and how it grew was just built of special moments. Of course they still have the banter that goes on which always has me laughing out loud. Shalvis did a wonderful job by keeping us up to date on the other sisters and how their relationships were also progressing. I love how they have all grown from the first book in the series.

I absolutely loved everything about this amazing story. Shalvis has made this series one of my favorite series of all time. It’s the way she makes everything flow together so beautifully. It is not only entertaining but has its emotional parts that make these characters human. Being gripped from the beginning isn’t a problem because the words flow and the pages turn faster leaving you feeling more than satisfied.

I highly recommend this series to everyone who hasn’t read it and if you have I hope you continue the adventures of Lucky Harbor, you won’t be disappointed. Shalvis never delivers a funny, sexy, heartfelt romance that you won’t be able to forget.

Happy Reading!!!!!

ARC REVIEW: Wild Thing by Robin Kaye

"Whitewater-rafting guide Hunter Kincaid lands his dream job–guiding sportswear models through Idaho's rugged wilderness for a photo shoot. When he meets Toni Russo, the goth New York manager of Action Models, there are enough sparks to set the forest ablaze. When Hunter finds Toni's book on how to marry the man of your choice, he studies it as a joke. Before long Hunter realizes he's never cared enough for a woman to bother working this hard to get her. But the last man in the world this city girl wants is a Survivor Man wannabe..."

Review: 

Toni Russo is a manger of a modeling agency in New York City and hates the great outdoors so when the owner of the agency gets involved with another business matter Toni is selected to go with a group of models into the wild outdoors of Idaho for a shoot. What she wasn’t expecting to find was a outdoors man who will stop at nothing to get a real chance to know her.


Hunter Kincaid happens to run a river guide business in summer and a ski school in winter. Having had spoken with Toni on the phone, he wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. When he first lays eyes on her he realizes that there is something very special about her and wants to learn every detail.  

They say opposites attract and with this two characters and arrows point to yes. They couldn’t be more different.  I think this worked for them well. Where she lacked, he had the strength and vice versa.  From the very moment when they meet you can feel the connection and attraction coursing through them. This actually made the story fun and interesting.  

This book is the Fifth in the series but you can read it as a stand- alone. I am really interested in ready about his sister, Karma. This isn’t my first experience with this author, but I can tell you it won’t be my last either.  Kaye incorporated not just romance but banter that will have you laughing out loud.  I did have a problem with the ending. I believe my words were “This is it?!?!”.  I think I was just expecting a little more and for it not to have ended so abruptly.

I have discovered that I love reading series that involve brothers and sisters. Needless to say I can’t wait for the next book in this series.  If you like when opposites attract this would be the book for you.

Happy Reading!!

ARC REVIEW: Bad Kitty by Cari Quinn

"Reformed bad girl Nikki Carson has spent the past year trying to forget her boss's Halloween party and the unbelievable sex she had with her boss's hot twin, Patrick Nolan. Patrick hasn't mentioned that night since, much to Nikki's endless disappointment.

Years of following in the wake of his womanizing brother cause Patrick to wonder if Nikki even knows which twin she slept with. He can't believe she could possibly prefer him over her slick, polished boss. That doesn't mean he's been able to stop fantasizing about taking her again. Against the wall. On the floor. Everywhere.

It's Halloween again, and trick or treat takes on a whole new meaning when Nikki and Patrick go for round two. Especially since Nikki's come prepared with a Domme kitty costume meant to drive Patrick wild. And this kitty's ready to show her claws if she doesn't get what she wants.."

Review:  

I am pretty sure I have never read a Halloween based book before so this was a first for me. Bad Kitty is not only a wonderful Halloween treat but a fun erotic story. Although this story is short it is enough to keep you interested and invested in the characters along the way.

I loved the chemistry between the Patrick and Nikki, it was off the charts. Patrick was a great hero. He is sexy, hard and oh so yummy!!! Nikki was a little hard to get to know, but I do wish I could have felt more of a connection with her.

I liked the whole idea of an office party. I loved the fact after the first hook up they both seemed to have wanted more. Nikki was unsure why he never called and Patrick was sure that she thought she was getting together with his twin brother.   By the time Halloween the next year rolls around all bets are off and Nikki is going after the man she can’t get out of her head.

Overall I wouldn’t say I totally loved it only because of how short it was and I complain about this to Cari all the time because I always want more. I wish I could have got more out of them in that year they were apart as well. Just enough to know how much they really thought of each other during that time. I am excited to see what will happen with the twin brother because Quinn gives you a special look on why he couldn’t attend his own party and why his brother had to step in. I am so waiting for the next. If you want a short, sweet Halloween read then this is the story for you. 

Happy Reading!!!