Read In Bed!

I got to know Lauren over at the eHarlequin Spice Rack, so when she had a new release out, I said, HEY. Why not tell a bit about it? And she did. :)

She’s giving away a free download of the story to one lucky commenter, so comment to win! Winner drawn April 9, 2009.

href=’http://www.gmail4troops.com/meganhart/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/featureattraction1.jpg’>

blurb:

When Imogen and Adam meet in the shadowy dark of their local movie theatre every month, they are both looking for nothing more than quick, hot sex; a fantasy come to life. Their February meeting takes a surprise turn, however, and Adam winds up following Imogen home, where they indulge in a playful, erotic afternoon, and discover that perhaps there is more to their relationship than they had originally thought.

Excerpt…
Feature Attraction

It was February. The man waited– five minutes, then ten. It was all a part of the game: the wait, the delicious anticipation stretched out as long as they both could stand. Nevertheless, he checked his watch repeatedly. Thirteen. Fourteen. Was she going to stand him up, this time? This time, would he be forced to turn away, to move back onto the crowded city streets, to go home unsatisfied?

He saw her. She never walked, but rather glided, a slow, haughty gait that said she didn’t much care if you waited for her or not.

He knew her only as Imogen. Whether that was her real name or not, he didn’t know; but, for what they were there for, it didn’t much matter, either.

She was dressed all in black, as was usual. A sheer black sweater hugged her breasts tightly, which was lucky for her, since she was clearly not wearing a bra. A flimsy, lacy excuse for a skirt flirted with the tops of her thighs, and her heeled leather boots rose above her knees.

In contrast to the unrelieved black, her hair was a shade of blonde so pale it was almost white. It spiraled around her shoulders in loose, tumbling curls– curls that would look angelic on another woman.

He enjoyed standing there in the lobby, watching her approach, watching the other men on the street stumble as they caught sight of her.

As much as they all wanted to fuck her, this afternoon he was the only one who would.

He felt something hot and fizzy rush through his veins, straight from his head to his pants, as she entered the building. She purchased a ticket and strutted right by him without a flicker of recognition. Her musky, sweet perfume mixed in his nostrils with the scents of hot buttered popcorn and sticky sweet soda.. It was a smell he was now trained to drool over, just like Pavlov’s dogs.

He walked past her– as always– at the concession counter, where she invariably paid an astronomical amount of money for a large, syrupy Sprite. She would follow when she was ready.

Inside, instead of following the hall to the large theatre on the right, he veered left, ducking under a velvet rope to the balcony. This section was always closed for midday movies. He settled himself back on the surprisingly wide seat the balcony seating provided and waited, ears cocked, for the sound of her high heels clicking on the steps.

He didn’t have to wait long. The noise of her shoes grew louder and louder until she appeared, breasts jiggling under the thin material of her sweater. He gulped as her lips closed around the straw of her drink, sucking hard.

In the darkness, her blue eyes seemed almost black. Behind her, nameless actors that he didn’t care about began to cavort around the screen. He was focused, completely focused, on her.
“Adam,” she whispered, the first sign of acknowledgement. Slowly, slowly, she slipped off her jacket, an erotic striptease in itself. The she said, so low that he could barely hear her, “Take me somewhere.”

* * * * *

Where did you come up with the idea for the story? I was looking through old vacation pictures, and came across one from… God, probably ten years ago. My family had gone to see a movie in Westwood, Hollywood, and the theatre was just amazing. Plush reclining seats, a dramatic balcony… and mostly empty :)

Do you listen to music when you write, and if so, were there any songs that particularly inspired you? I don’t always, but in this case I was listening to a little song called “Sex Without Love” by extremely underappreciated musician Ben Lee over and over again. It’s on his new album called Ripe- sooo good!

Where can the story be found (buy links) and where can YOU be found online? (Links to your site, blog, myspace, whatever) The story will be available Friday March 28 at www.whispershome.com, and my site is www.laurenhawkeye.com

Thanks again Megan!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Whiskey Creek Press chat session featuring - Chris Winters

Ever wonder where authors get their inspiration for their heroes? Do you picture a certain man in your head when you’re reading? Do you ever just want to bite those chiseled chests on the cover of our hot romances?

If so, join us Saturday, March 15 for a day of fun on the Whiskey Creek Press Torrid reader’s yahoo group as we chat about the books behind those steaming hot man covers in celebration of WCP’s 5 year anniversary!

In addition to our talented authors who will be dropping by, special guest includes model/actor Chris Winters! Chris will be on the loop from 12pm-2pm EST to chat with the authors and readers about what it’s like to BE one of those steaming hot men!

The fun starts at 10am EST on Saturday, March 15, and we hope to see you there!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wcptorridreaders

A little info on Chris Winters to whet your appetite:

Chris Winters is an American model and actor. He is known for being the Valentine’s Day guy for Dollar Tree poster ads and playing ‘Michael’ in “A Haunting: Ghost Soldier” on Discovery Channel. Chris has worked with various companies and photographers throughout his career. These include Subaru, Arby’s Dollar Tree, Swimways, and other various local and national work. On the acting side, Chris has appeared in various local commercials and then earning him a few episodes on Discovery Channel’s ‘F.B.I. Files’ and ‘A Haunting’. He also has appeared on various independent films and major motion film such as Evan Almighty.

Chris is also a competitor in the upcoming Mr. Romance 2008, at the Romantic Times Convention, being held in Pittsburg, Pa. He was a contestant last year, although never mentioned it much to people whom he met. This will be his second year in the running and sponsored by Betweenyoursheets.com and author, Christine Feehan. The Feehan camp sponsored him last year along with Crossing Realms. He was introduced and founded by author Lisa Yvette. She led him inside the romance world and later within the competition gained some followers based on his charm and ‘goofiness’.

Chris is best known for his personality, goofiness, and fairness. His modeling depicts on various emotional states and he believes in using the environment along with his own self being. “Anyone can take a good picture. However, if you use your environment along with yourself, then you have a great picture!” Living by that rule, Chris has shown again and again how great images come out, by selling a product, or an emotion, he pulls it off rather well. Chris can be found at the following locations: www.chriswinters.com, Myspace, or you can see his celebrity profile at:www.imdb.com/name/nm1952233/ .

Whiskey Creek Press is celebrating its 5th anniversary, and we want you to celebrate with us! We have events taking place the whole month of March, including two online scavenger hunts, some free books, and a LOT of chatting!

Join us Saturday, March 15 for a day of fun on the Whiskey Creek Press Torrid reader’s yahoo group as we chat about the books behind those steaming hot man covers in celebration of WCP’s 5 year anniversary!

The fun starts at 10am EST on Saturday, March 15, and we hope to see you there!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wcptorridreaders

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

I first met Anya Bast at a writer’s convention in Seattle…oh, an unbelievable number of years ago. It’s hard to believe how many, that’s how many. I remember sitting with her in the lobby as we waited for our cabs to take us to the airport. Little did we know what craziness would ensue the following years! Trips to Vegas! NY Sales! And this year, trips to RT and Ohio and photo sessions…I can’t wait. :)

I’ve been lucky enough to get an advance view of Witch Blood (neener neener!) but now you can read it, too.

Blurb:

A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister—her only friend and emotional anchor — is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and the rede they hold sacred: Harm thee none…

When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she’s running on pure rage and sorrow, channeling her pain into power — and trying to freeze the life out of a warlock she holds responsible for her sister’s death. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle’s dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had…

Buy links:

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

Penguin Publishing

Bio:

Anya Bast lives in the country with her Belgian husband, their tornado toddler of a daughter, and more cats, dogs, and rabbits than is sane. Ever since she was a little girl, Anya has told stories (much to her mother’s dismay). She’s happy to finally be making a career out of it.

A native of one of the colder states, she loves to ice skate and watch hockey. She has fascination for crows, ravens and birds of prey. She enjoys the study of Eastern philosophy, Celtic myth, dreaming, and shamanism and occasionally incorporates what she learns into her paranormal stories. She works part time as a data base editor and French translator.

Excerpt:

How to Catch a Warlock 101.

Isabelle could teach that class.

Club music thrummed through Isabelle’s body. Eyes closed, she swayed her hips, dancing more to the ebb and flow of the subtle emotions around her than to the beat. Intoxicated by the sea of euphoria and lust, she allowed the seductive, primal weave to free her for a few blessed moments.

The trap she’d set for the warlock also trapped her.

A man’s hands grasped her waist. A lean, muscular body pressed against hers from behind. She knew that touch, those hands and the subtle, woody scent of his expensive cologne. It was the warlock she hunted. The one who thought she was a woman just like any other. Her eyes came open, moment of serenity vanquished by his presence.

Anyone able to see her face would’ve glimpsed revulsion pass over her features before her lips curved in a coy smile. She snuggled back into Stefan Faucheux’s arms. He rocked her back and forth, changing the sway of her body to the beat of the music instead of the soft waves of emotion. Stefan had no empathy.

Somewhere nearby a camera flashed, then another. Paparazzi. The media fawned over Stefan, an ultra-rich playboy.
Any woman he dated was a source of particular interest. Isabelle had managed to stay on Stefan’s arm longer than most. She was the mysterious red-haired, green-eyed woman on whom no reporter could find much information. Isabelle had paid a lot of money to ensure that was so. She’d worked hard to make certain she interested Faucheux for a while too. A lot of planning had brought her to this night.

Of course, the photographers didn’t know she was a witch and Stefan a warlock. Those were secrets best kept from the non-magickal population. That was the only thing the Coven and the warlock-controlled Duskoff Cabal could agree on. The non-magickals greatly outnumbered the magickals and, historically, showed a lot of bloodthirstiness for those perceived to be different.

Stefan moved his body with hers in a teasing semblance of sex that made her stomach roil. Soon, this would all be over. That was the only positive about having to suffer his closeness.

Isabelle pasted a smile on her lips and closed her eyes again. She thought of deep, rushing streams furrowing their way through the earth, the recesses of the ocean, where the water lay still and silent, the gentle eddies and ripples at the edge of a lake. Her power rose in response to the mental stimulus, just a little. It bled off a bit her stress, blunted the sharp edge.
Stefan’s arms tightened around her and he nuzzled her throat. More cameras flashed. They’d be on the front page of every tabloid in the country by tomorrow. She’d probably be touted as pregnant and making plans for a wedding. The Lady only knew what stupidity they’d come up with.

And then the other story would break. The darker one. The far more violent one.

Soon, she assured herself. Tonight. Because she was not a woman like any other and today was no ordinary day. It was time Stefan Faucheux paid for his sins.

Emotion welled in her throat for a moment. She’d barely had time to grieve. These days she was running on rage, sorrow and little else.

Use it. Don’t let it use you.

Immediately, the sudden swell of vulnerability faded into cold resolve. It was a lesson she’d learned long ago and learned well.

She’d had lots of practice stuffing away her pain, transforming it into a far more effective force. Her emotion had become a well-honed weapon.

He leaned into her, spoke into her ear loud enough for her to hear over the pounding music. “Time to leave, ma cheri.”
It was, indeed, time.

Anticipation coursed through her, leaving a tingle of sweetness that warmed her more surely than Stefan’s skill with fire could ever do. Stefan was a fire witch, one of the more powerful she’d encountered. Though he couldn’t claim the title witch anymore, not technically. He’d betrayed the Coven, broken the rede too many times to count. Now he was a lowdown, dirty warlock.

Her own ability resided in the realm of water. That meant she and Stefan were direct opposites magickically. It had complicated her plans somewhat. Normally fire and water had a natural repulsion, whereas fire and air had a built-in attraction. Isabelle had had to work double time to snare her quarry because of that, especially since she couldn’t hide her abilities from a warlock like Stefan. He had a nose like a bloodhound for different types of magick.

He took her hand and led her through the crowd toward the door. The photographers detached themselves from the partying throng and followed. She could see them scuttling like crabs out of the corner of her eye. Stefan’s bodyguards flanked them, not allowing anyone to get too close. Earth charms helped. He’d had several created that compelled people to keep their distance.

They made their way out of the club and the heavy doors closed behind them, not quite blocking the bass of the music within that seemingly made the entire club throb on its foundation. Early morning chill raised goose bumps on her bare arms and legs.

She took a moment to inhale the fresh, not quite clean, air of the city, ignoring the surprised whispers and gasps of those in line to enter the club.

“Come, darling,” Stefan said, placing a proprietary hand at the small of her back and guiding her toward the limo. “La limousine attend.”

She flashed him a ditzy smile. “I love it when you speak French, Stefan. It’s so sexy.”

Stefan didn’t know it, but she understood every foreign word he spoke to impress her. She’d been a child of the world, growing up the temporary resident of many countries, and spoke both French and Italian fluently.

He stopped her in front of the limo, tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned in to whisper, “I will speak it to you until the sun comes up, if you allow me, ma cheri.”

She moved her head and placed a lingering kiss to his neck. “Then send your bodyguards away.” Isabelle dragged his earlobe between her teeth and he responded with a shiver. Cameras flashed in abandon.

He spoke a few words to the warlock muscle near him while the driver opened the door for her and ushered her within. Regulating her breath, as she always had to do when entering a small area, she climbed into the cool interior of the limo and sank down onto one of the leather seats. Isabelle had a moment of unease at the dark closing around like a velvet fist. Close spaces weren’t her thing.

Stefan sat down next to her. As soon as the door was closed, he was on her. But not coarsely, or clumsily. That was not Stefan. He was a perfect gentleman until he decided not to be.

He slid his hand to her waist, tilted her chin toward his face and pressed his lips to hers. Suave, undemanding, seductive. His fresh breath invaded her mouth as his tongue sought entry.

She suppressed a shudder and placed her hands on his broad shoulders, the fabric of his suit cool against her palms. She hesitated, unwilling to allow him a deeper kiss. He pressed the issue and she yielded, using every ounce of her willpower to not push him away.

Outwardly to the non-magickal world, Stefan was a benevolent social icon, known for his goodwill and his generosity. In reality, as head of the Duskoff Cabal, the violent little club warlocks kept, he pillaged and plundered his way through witches as though in his personal stockyard, slaughtering here and there when he felt like it.

Like any sociopath worth his salt, Stefan was a charming, handsome monster. The world should thank her for what she was about to do, even though she’d had to turn her back on the Coven Rede to accomplish it.

He leaned in toward her, burying his nose in the curve of her neck and sliding a hand past the hem of her short, black Versace. “We’re finally alone,” he whispered, “as you requested.” The car pulled forward, rocking her against his body.
She tilted his face to hers and kissed him, pressing herself into the curve of his body. She cupped his groin through his black pants and felt his hardness. “So we are.”

“Then why so shy? Tonight you will not escape me, Isabelle,” he breathed against her skin with his smooth French accent.
Part of her plan had been to tease him sexually. It had been a little like taunting a starving tiger with a slab of meat, but she’d been successful. It had hooked him, made him want her more…and allowed her limited intimate contact with him. A definite plus.

She raised an eyebrow. “I think it’s you who won’t escape me, Stefan.” If only he knew. She unbuttoned his pants. “Take them off.”

He grasped the hem of her skirt. “You first,” he purred.

“Noooo, you,” she shot back coyly.

He shook his head. “Take off your dress for me, Isabelle.” His voice held a thread of steel and his eyes had a brutally cold glint in them.

Her sly, sexy smile faltered. Damn it! This was not going the way she’d envisioned it. In her head, she’d been fully clothed when she brought him down. Having no choice unless she wanted to raise suspicion, she allowed him to draw her dress over her head, leaving her in only a lacy red bra and panty set and her shoes.

“Mmm,” he murmured in appreciation right before he pressed his lips to the swell of her breast. Oh, yeech. Yeech, yeech, yeech!

She yanked him forward by the waistband of his pants and kissed him roughly, biting his lower lip hard. He jerked a little and she tasted blood. “Off now,” she commanded.

“I adore a woman who likes it a little rough.”

Then he’d love her.

He slipped his shoes and pants off. She glanced down and lifted a brow as if in sexual speculation. He gave her cocky smile, the smile of a man who’s sure he’s about to get laid. How wrong could he be? He was about to find out. She reached out and took him her hand.

And she squeezed. Hard.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

How the story came about (Misty’s version!)Victoria and I were sitting around in the backyard and talking about anthology projects. We agreed the shapeshifting had seen many werewolves and cougars, even jaguars, but where were the poor housecats? We got a kick out of thinking up domestic animals as shape shifters and our anthology was born. We needed a third person and thought of Vicky, who really stepped up to the challenge when she was given a whopping two weeks to come up with a story and write it. And nary a duck or potbellied pig in sight. Believe me when I say that is some accomplishment.* * * * *

Vicky Burkholder

As her alter-ego, Vicky has multiple homes all over the universe. She looks human - for the most part - but when she starts writing about characters being able to move things or flicking fire from their fingertips, or changing the course of rivers, people tend to get a little freaked out. She found the one guy out there in the universe who loves her for who she is. They’ve been together forever and raised four wonderful (now) adults and are owned by a cat, Pixel. She has served on the board of directors for several RWA chapters and currently serves on the PASIC Board. Her career includes work as a technical writer/editor, a stringer for the local newspaper, and an editor and copy editor for four e-publishers. At various times in her life, she has been a teacher, a secretary, a short-order cook, a computer specialist, a DJ, and a librarian.

Who’s Your Alpha

While growing up, Sunny Clark never felt like she fit in with the others in her school. She was always a little overweight, always a little too independent, and a shape shifter. She was also in love with her neighbor, David Maxwell. But he was one of the in crowd, and she wasn’t. When she returns for a reunion, many things have changed, but not her feelings for David. Unfortunately, the alpha female doesn’t want Sunny around and sets out to make sure she knows it. But Sunny is no longer the shy little puppy she once was and the pecking order is about to change.

* * * * *

Misty Simon

Misty Simon loves to tell stories, especially the ones she types on her computer. Sharing her quirky sense of humor through her full-figured heroines is a dream come true and she hopes readers take something away with them from every story. Misty recently relocated to Central Pennsylvania with her husband Daniel and her daughter Noelle, where she is currently finishing her next book while fixing up their new (to them) house from the 1820s.

Out of the Storm

Sarah James’ quiet, almost solitary life changes when she rescues a wet, bedraggled cat out of a raging storm. But he always seems to disappear without explanation, only to return at the oddest times. Is he really lost, or does he have a secret life outside her apartment walls?

Trenton Cutlass has been forced to roam ever since he was cursed into the form of a fat, tabby cat after dusk. No one has ever taken him in…until Sarah. Suddenly, breaking the curse is more important than ever, or he’ll have to abandon the lovely Sarah forever.

* * * * *

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith wrote her first romance at the age of nine and hid the story from her brothers to avoid being teased. Her mother recently found and gave her the folded notebook paper and, if you’re lucky, one day she’ll reveal who the hero in that story was. Now, she writes dark paranormal, romantic suspense and women’s fiction - always with a happy, or at least satisfying, ending. Visit her blog at http://vickismith.blogspot.com/

Sheltered

Drugged and lost after escaping a deranged kidnapper, Dane Masters is stuck as his hereditary alternate form. While wandering the streets on four wobbly paws, he’s taken in by vet tech Izzy Burnett. Once he has regained his strength, and his memories, Dane realizes he has found his predestined mate. But will he have time to convince Izzy before the kidnapper turns killer?

The Shape of Love can be found at : Draumr Publishing.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Who are you and what are you doing?

My name is Kelly Crawford and I am an internet DJ. Wow that sounds like we’re at an AA meeting or something. But seriously, I do have an internet radio show called Euro-Rock Radio - one of many shows on RenegadeRadio.Net - and we focus on music from Europe and Scandinavia. In addition to that I also have a small promotions company that works with several bands (mainly from Finland at the moment) and I do a bit of concert photography as well.

What drew you to the idea of an internet radio show?

Sort of a long story but the short(ish) version would be that myself and a couple of other girls were doing street team work for the band HIM. Street Teaming is basically coordinated word of mouth promoting. We were trying to find better ways to promote and I happened to meet a guy that lived near me that ran an internet radio station, Jerry Hayes, and had been in the local music scene for many years. I would listen in on his show and hang out in the chat room during it and request HIM and various other bands and he would tell me to send him music and he’d play it. After talking and finding out the size of the fan base for some of these bands he suggested we do a show on his station. It started out as only music from Finland and then the girl I was working with at the time - well we had some ‘creative differences’ and she went off on her own. I stayed with Jerry and RenegadeRadio and expanded my playlist to not just Finland but Europe/Scandinavia and we are now the most popular show on RenegadeRadio. Popular enough that I’ve been told a few people from Sirius Satellite Radio have listened in and are considering their own Euro station.

How did you get started? Did you have a broadcasting background?

Sort of answered the how I got started bit above but no, no broadcasting background. That’s the nice thing about internet radio, you can give it a go without the background needed to be hired. I don’t get paid for this, it’s a hobby that is pretty much a full time job. Maybe eventually we’ll turn a profit but our main goal is to spread the word that the music the FM stations and record labels are constantly shoving down your throats isn’t the only thing out there. There is a ton of amazing music both locally and internationally and it’s about time it got some airplay.

Describe a typical show — how you pick the songs, where you get them, how you broadcast.

I broadcast from home. I have a sound board and microphone and a DJing program on the computer. At a particular time of night (Tuesdays, 7-10pm CST) I log into a server that streams our music and from then on anything I’m playing on my computer is broadcast. Pretty simple really but sounds very professional as we also have ’sweeps’ - basically ads that tell you what show you’re listening to, advertise for the station, etc. Some are very funny.

I get the vast majority of my music directly from the bands. Some of it I’ve bought on my own, some they’ve sent me for promo purposes and airplay, but we always ask permission before airing the music. Some labels want to make sure you’re signed with particular companies (BMI for one) so they get the proper royalties for any play. But the majority of the music we play is indie so the bands aren’t signed by any label and can give us the okay on their own. A few of the bands we work closely with and consider family have since been signed by labels but we’ve always been given the okay to continue playing them. I will usually go through my extensive list of music and pick about an hour to two hours worth of stuff - things that are popular on the show, new stuff we’ve gotten in, things I haven’t played in a while, just whatever mood I’m in. Then the rest of the show will be requests. We also will from time to time do a night that focuses only on one band. Our most popular are HIM nights were we play only HIM during the show. We never fail to pull in huge numbers on those nights. When we do these nights we’ll try to get an interview with the band (usually pre-recorded because of the time differences) and play that and sometimes the band will stay up late (or get up really early) and do it live or come into the chat room. We also usually have things to give away - shirts, cd, etc - on those nights as well.

Tell us about the funniest/craziest moment you’ve had with the show.

Oh lord, there’s a lot. Tommi from the band Sinamore (Finland) has gotten up at 4am to be live on the air with us several times and that’s always a riot. Not only is he sleepy and working on his first few cups of coffee but he’s a funny guy anyway. Then there’s the band Eleventh Apparition (Wales) and they’ve stayed up late to be in the chat room with us. Great guys and very funny to watch them all sharing one computer.

One of the funniest times I would say was actually not on the show but related to it. Myself and two other girls (one of which works on the show with me) went to Finland for New Years in 2006/2007. We got to meet up with a couple of the bands we work closely with. One is a band called Fokker and we met with two guys, Antti and Pasi. Antti is a good friend and he was very funny - so excited to see us on top of being very drunk (as most Finns are) and was showing us the club we were at and forcing us to dance with him. There were lots of hugs. On our last night there we met Tommi, who I mentioned earlier, and again went out for drinks. The poor guy was having such a great time he didn’t want to leave and missed his bus home. So we took him to the little flat we were renting for our stay. I can officially say I took a rock star home I guess lol.

Then there was the time that we got to take Jyrki (lead singer of The 69 Eyes) on a tour around downtown Dallas and did an interview - he’s a huge history buff and wanted to see where JFK was shot and the museum. I got turned around in downtown (easy to do) and he has never let me forget that I got lost in my own city.

However I’d have to say the most memorable moment for myself anyway was last summer at Projekt Revolution. HIM was playing that show and after a lot of emails and being willing to sell my soul I managed to score an interview with them for the show. It was my one big goal ever since starting the show - interview HIM. It was horribly hot outside and I’d been out with lots of our team doing promo all day so by the time I was taken into the tour bus I probably looked horrid but I got to sit down with Ville Valo (lead singer) and Mige (bassist) and the rest of the guys for an hour. Ville and Mige were wonderful as always and answered all my questions extensively and were nice enough to give us a little radio drop - that’s where they say something along the lines of, “This is Ville Valo from HIM and you’re listening to Euro-Rock Radio.” That’s not an exact quote but you get the idea. It was a wonderful moment and maybe one day I can do a follow up interview.

What do you love best about it?

Honestly? The friends I’ve made. I’ve met some amazing people by doing this show and I adore them all. I’ve been given so many opportunities to do things I’d never dreamed I’d get to do - like going to Finland - and it wouldn’t have happened if not for this show. And of course there’s the music. I’ve discovered so many great and talented bands and it’s been wonderful to be a part of their growing experience and see a few of them start to make it big. One band in particular, Widescreen Mode, is about to have their CD released here in the US and I am so proud to have been a part of their journey.

Have any pics to share?

Do I have pics? Girl I have tons of pics! I’ve been lucky enough to manage photo passes to several of these bands as they finally come to the US and have a full gallery to go through at http://www.eurorockpromotions.com/EuroRockGallery . My photography website, RenegadePhotos.net, will hopefully be up and running soon and there will be pictures there from local bands as well. For now you can see some of those at http://www.myspace.com/renegadephotos

Where can listeners learn more and find out about the show, and listen?

Two places. First our station’s website: http://www.renegaderadio.net There is a 24/7 stream of music so if you’re sitting on the comp go tune in! You’ll get a very wide variety. You can also tune into all the shows from the main page there as well by clicking on the Now Playing section or any of the player links in the top right. Link to the chat room is there as well.

As for my show in particular you can find out more by going to our Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/finnishmetalradio (our old name before we expanded) or visiting us at Trig at http://www.trig.com/eurorockradio You can also join our mailing list at http://www.eurorockpromotions.com

Annnnd…anything else you’d like to add!

Just a huge thank you to you, my dear, for doing this! Using your blog to let others speak is very generous of you. It is truly an honor to be one of your minions. I do hope I do my Mistress proud. ;-)

And that’s what I like to hear. :)

Want to be a minion? Email me at readinbed AT gmail DOT com for your application.

M

Every Tuesday from 7-10pm CST (8pm eastern/5pm pacific/01:00 gmt) Euro-Rock Radio brings you the best hard pounding metal and hard rock Europe/Scandinavia has to offer!

Tonight we’re taking requests as well as throwing in a few things of our own. So if there’s something you want to hear just let us know via Myspace, email (kelly@renegaderadio.net) or the chat room!

So tune in TONIGHT for great music and join us in the chat room where all the fun happens!

To tune in just click on one of the players below. Repost and tell your friends!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Will Harlequin Spice please go public?

I first became aware of the imprint when they published one of my all-time favorite authors, M. J. Rose’s, novel Lying in Bed. To this date I still haven’t seen it in stores.

Why not? Harlequin’s pretty good at scoring themselves a big display of their various imprints in Kmart, Target and elsewhere. We’re talking imprints such as HQN, MIRA, Luna, Desire, Temptation, Blaze and probably more. With one notable exception.

Spice. Yes, the imprint that has more street cred than most of all the Harlequin imprints. Because it’s not just romance. It’s not just sex. I might actually qualify it as literature. Mind you, I haven’t actually read any of the Spice books yet, but I do own two.

One of them is our very own Megan Hart’s Broken. I have a lot of books on my Reading Wishlist, Broken included, so surprised was I when I went into Borders in early-to-mid December and found the novel - and a few copies at that. No other Spice titles, not that I was particularly looking because I’d already bought Lying in Bed off eBay.

So I’d like to thank Borders of Knox City Shopping Centre in Victoria, Australia, for stocking Broken. And I’d like to thank the people on eBay Australia who’ve managed to get their hands on Spice books to sell to us. Still no sign of Dirty, however…

Harlequin, I know there are probably legal reasons for your erotica novels not being stocked in chain stores where kiddies populate. But keep in mind that the public wants to read your Spice, so please consider getting bookshops involved…particularly here in Australia, please.

Have a lovely day! :-)

Tez Miller
Reporting from Victoria, Australia
Currently bidding on Megan Hart’s Tempted on eBay Australia
pleez no owtbid me nao kthxbi

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

I’ve been writing for a long time, but it wasn’t until 1998 or so that I really decided it was time to make a true effort at writing novels and having them published. I met Susan at the first conference I ever attended — in the elevator, of all places! And she told me about CPRW which became my local chapter of RWA. We became crit partners. She’s the one who told me about head hopping and POV! I learned so much by working with her…and now she’s got her first release!

I had the privilege of reading The Greater Good lo those many years ago, and it was a great book, one that’s stayed with me. I asked Sue to do a guest blog here about her new book, so you all can check it out.

* * *

It’s so kind of Megan to have me as a guest. She was my very first critique partner, and if you think your high school english teacher was tough…. I’ve kept a copy of those first corrections she made for me. I think she used three red ink pens in the first one hundred pages. As a testament to her excellent advice, that very manuscript became my first book release.

The Greater Good is a fantasy romance now available from New Concepts Publishing. It’s a full length novel and introduces the a series set in the future centuries after an asteroid wiped modern civilization from earth. Once again people must learn to survive off the land, by their wits and if they’re lucky, by forming careful alliances with other survivors.

The leaders of two colonies arrange such an alliance and seal it with an arranged marriage. The trouble is only beginning when nobody tells the groom. Juston Steele doesn’t like the trap his leaders set for him even if Princess Katerina is a lovely, desireable woman. And why does he see such desperation in her willingness to take him into her bed? If a reluctant groom was the only thing threatening their happiness, their wedding night might have solved everything, but the next morning he learns one of his bride’s many secrets. And it’s a whopper. Can she earn his trust before their enemies reveal the nefarious reasons for this alliance?

The Greater Good is the story that pushed me into being a writer. I knew the plot from start to finish before I ever put fingers to the keyboard. A couple of secondary characters poked their heads in and demanded their own story which will be told in my second release, The Lesser Evil coming this fall.

My website has an entire page of excerpts for The Greater Good, and will soon have some from The Lesser Evil. Reader can email me at skelley@susankelleyauthor.com You can also read some of my articles at www.authorsden.com and look for even more at www.gather.com

This is such a pleasure to appear on Megan Hart’s blog. I have an entire shelf in my library filled with her work. I hope to fill one with my own soon. Thanks, Megan and all the wonderful readers out there. Stay cool.

EXCERPT:

Just tested his muscles before opening his eyes and giving away his consciousness. Instincts and habit had long ago taught him to be ready to fight immediately upon waking.
Though a bit of drowsiness still clouded his mind, his thoughts had cleared enough for him to realize he’d been drugged and not poisoned. The Solonians were healers and would have such things.
Cold heaviness lay on his wrists and he guessed his ankles wore similar shackles. Cloth rubbed against cloth alerting him to the presence of others. He heard the breathing of two people and caught the clean womanly scent he had detected about the Lady Katerina when he had first met her.
Ignoring the pain behind his eyes, Just blinked twice and opened his eyes. Lady Katerina sat in a chair near his head. Her guard, Vilicia, stood directly behind her, glaring at Just.
“He wakes already, Katerina,” Vilicia said, frowning at Just even more. “We should note that males need larger doses of sedatives than females the next time we need to use the drug.
“Hopefully, Vilicia, we won’t have to use the drug on him again. We must convince him to use good sense.” Now Katerina frowned at him also. “Though we’ve seen no indication that he possesses any.”
“Yes, it’s a wonder he’s survived as long as he has. This tendency to lose control can’t serve him well in his fight against the Others.”
Just’s foggy brain wasn’t catching all their words, but he heard enough to know he was being insulted. Remembered anger rose to burn off some of the haze. Apparently rudeness was a part of Solonian culture as well as kidnapping.

Rudeness deserved rudeness. “What the hell do you want?”
The huge one stepped toward him, her lips pulled back in a snarl. It occurred to Just how helpless he was. The shackles held him stretched out flat on his back on a wooden cot.
“Watch your mouth, chained one. It wouldn’t bother me to teach you some manners and respect toward your betters.”
“Betters?” Just’s head hurt like hell, but the sluggishness was rapidly dissipating. “I see two common criminals who would rob a man of his personal rights and freedoms.”
Katerina raised her hand, forestalling any response from Vilicia. The warrior gave Just a look of disgust before retreating to the doorway. She leaned against the stone wall.
“I’m in the brig,” Just realized out loud. How would he escape from the stone dungeon? Most Realm structures were made of wood, but not this prison. He tugged on his restraints and found he could do little about his prone position. His mood went from bad to worse when he saw the sympathy on Lady Katerina’s face.
“We’re not here to debate such issues as your manners or lack of same, Just Steele. I want to discuss our arrangement and your options.”
Just started to interrupt, but her raised hand stopped him. Instant irritation flooded him because he obeyed her silent command.
“Let me give you the basic facts. Your leaders have given you to us. Whether they have the right to do so or not is of no concern to my people. You’re under our control and will remain so. There’s no chance of escape, and we won’t change our selection.”
Just pressed his lips together, waiting for her to tell it all. He didn’t trust her a bit. Her dark brown eyes held a determination that he feared would hinder his escape.
“You’re perfect for our needs.” Katerina continued. “If we must, though we prefer not to, we can control you with drugs similar to the one you’ve already experienced. We can medicate you to keep you docile and cooperative. We also have a potion that will insure your cooperation as a sire of my child.” Katerina held up a small glass vial of brown liquid. A sharp metal prong topped the vial. The stinger, Just guessed. “I’m prepared to do so right now if that’s the way you chose.”
Just’s heart accelerated. The suffocating trapped feeling closed in on him. His mouth and throat dried up as Vilicia moved to the side of his cot. He pulled against his shackles, his helplessness threatening to turn to panic.
“Shall I pull his pants down again? I don’t believe I retied them from before.” Vilicia smiled at Just, all nastiness and superiority.
Just tried to jerk back out of reach as she leaned over him.
“Wait, Vilicia. Perhaps Squad Leader Steele would like to hear another option?
Just risked a look at Katerina when she spoke. Sweat broke out on his back as she shook the vial. What kind of witches were they?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

You ever get that surreal feeling? You know, when you look around and think you might be dreaming everything? That’s how I feel guest blogging on Megan’s blog. Because Megan is amazing–her books have astounded me, touched me, and sent me to the shower (set to cold, of course). Her characters are rich and inviting, and so real you squirm when you read them. I’m on pins and needles for her next Spice release!

So I’m doubly blessed to tell you about my little book here at Megan’s house, and big thanks to Megan for inviting me over. I’ll try not to get food on the carpet.

Anyway, I’m here to talk about Triple X, my first full length novel release. Here’s a blurb:

After losing her mother to The Reaper, the last thing Abby Conner wants to do is worry about her job. But when infertility rates begin to rise, she is forced to wonder–did the avian flu do something to our DNA?
Late hours in the lab with her closest friend Jordan lead to a relationship she never expected. Especially when Jordan introduces her to Edan, his friend and polyamory activist. Together, the three of them combat an oppressive government and a medical mystery to create hope and love in the midst of fear. But can Abby fight her own fears and learn to love two men?

Triple X was a blast to write–science, government coverups, evil presidents, and best of all, two men for Abby to play with! There is much naughtyness to be had, and some good old fashioned drama, too. Like I always say: Triple X, it’s not what you think, but it is dirty! JERR gave it 4 stars, saying “…Triple X is a unique, intellectual and memorable
story for fans that enjoy reading something a little bit different.”

Find excerpts of Triple X and other stories at my blog, along with my assorted ramblings and a really hot new cover.

And thanks again, Megan :)
Amelia June

Thanks, Amelia, for stopping by! ;) I really enjoyed TRIPLE X, and I hope you all do, too!

Visit her at…
Her website:
and her blog

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!