An Interview with Grace Draven, author of Phoenix Unbound and Radiance

Tonight I'm sitting down with my long time friend, Grace Draven. Grace is the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance, and the upcoming romantic fantasy novel Phoenix Unbound, book one in her new Fallen Empire series.

Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, Grace. I’m so excited about your forthcoming book, Phoenix Unbound.

Can you tell readers what was the genesis for your novel?

The music and lyrics to the song “The Royal We” by The Silversun Pickups lit the initial spark for this story in my brain.  I kept imagining the siege of a walled city and the clash of cataphracts in opposing armies.  It was the foundation on which I built the book, moving back and forth on the manuscript’s timeline.  I’m not a linear writer, so I can easily hop from one scene to another at various points in the tale.

The setting is so lush and visual, it seemed so real. Did you loosely base your world’s geography or culture on places readers would know in our world?

Yes, absolutely. The Krael Empire is loosely based on the last days of the Roman and Babylonian empires.  The culture of the Savatar people is based on those that existed in the Pontic Steppe during the classical period--mainly the Sarmatians, but also the Scythians, and in some cases the Parthians and the Mongols.

As I read your book, I also felt ancient history come alive. Could you speak to that? Why gladiators, and how did you make something fantastical feel so real?

This is strictly my personal opinion, but I believe humanity is a warlike species when you get right down to brass tacks.  The gladiatorial games of Rome were just one aspect of ritualized combat for the entertainment of the masses, in which the winners live another day and the losers don’t.  The popular Incan game of tlachtli, in which the losing team was sacrificed to the gods, was hugely popular in Mesoamerican civilizations, so the Romans weren’t the only ones who enjoyed that kind of high-stakes entertainment.  

I think these types of games/ritual combats shone a spotlight on human behavior at its best and its worst.  In terms of fiction writing, it’s a gem of a trope to explore when building both characterization and plot arc.

Making a far away moment in time feel real is grounded in recognizing that history repeats itself because humanity, as a whole, doesn’t change much.  The worries, cares, and fears we had centuries, or even millennia ago, are reflected today (with modern tweaks based on technological advances and conveniences).  We still love, we still hope, we still fear, we still hate, we still grieve, we still die.  Only the settings in which we experience those emotions change. 

Phoenix Unbound is also a sweeping romance that takes readers on an incredible journey of discovery and growth for your main characters. There is also a bigger than life theme behind it all. I’m curious. Why this particular theme for this series?

It evolved as I wrote it, so the theme sort of blossomed out of the chapters as I put them down.  Strength comes in many forms, and often it’s not so much a birthright as it’s a skillset learned through trial by fire.  Bad things happen to good people all the time, and in a world like the one in Phoenix Unbound, which I’d like to think reflects actual history in many ways, life was nasty, brutal, short.  What got you through it was will and hope, the two elements I think on which the concept of strength are built.

I admit I had a few tears rolling down my cheeks while I wrapped myself in the love story playing out between Gilene and Azarion. It’s compelling with incredible emotional depth. The brilliant moments of poignancy touched my heart and soul. Just how many tissues did you go through writing this story? I know I stopped counting after five.

This will probably sound cold-blooded, but I’ve only had my eyes water from writing one small scene for a book that’s barely in the beginning stages and won’t be released for another couple of years.  That being said, if what I wrote moved you to tears, then I did something right.

Will readers see returning characters from Phoenix Unbound in future books?

Yes.  This is a trilogy in which each book focuses on a different couple within the same world, dealing with interconnected problems, and common enemies.  Characters in each book make appearances in the other books in the trilogy.

I know novel writing is a massive undertaking that demands more than just time in the chair. Is there any part of the process you enjoy more than others?

Writing THE END.  There is no greater joy than that.  Everything afterwards, such as revisions, etc. is just cake.  Research comes in a very close second, but I also recognize that if I’m not careful, I will let research become the rabbit hole I fall into and don’t come out of until hours or days later.  Not always time efficiently spent.

And now for the silly fun stuff…
If you had to pick a book boyfriend from any of your stories, whom would you pick and what book is he from?

Hard to choose, but it’s probably toss-up between Brishen from RADIANCE and Ballard from ENTREAT ME.  Both men have personality traits I find very attractive in my husband, so I’m definitely partial to those personality types.

I’d like to thank Grace Draven for sharing her time to talk with us about her latest book, Phoenix Unbound, which drops September 25, but is available for pre-order now! I’m calling this one an instant classic, ya’ll.

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Links to pre-order:

AMZ: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Unbound-Fallen-Empire-Draven-ebook/dp/B078QTNK41

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phoenix-unbound-grace-draven/1127751104?ean=9780451489753

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/phoenix-unbound/id1330331353?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/phoenix-unbound


Visit Grace's website at: www.gracedraven.com

“Grace Draven's exciting romantic fantasy features characters who are fresh and original. Their problems and triumphs will keep you reading into the night.”—Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author.

“Fierce and captivating, Phoenix Unbound is the story of a gladiator and a fire witch fighting for their freedom against an empire that wants them enslaved.  With impossible odds, breathtaking battles, terrifying magic, and an unlikely love, this book is a must read. Grace Draven is a master of romantic heroic fantasy.”—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“With exquisitely drawn characters and superb worldbuilding, Phoenix Unbound once again proves Grace Draven's mastery of fantasy romance. This is exactly the kind of sweepingly romantic adventure story that I've been yearning for—and I can't wait for more.”—Meljean Brook, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Seas Series

“Stunning! This book entices and mesmerizes to an astonishing degree. Like an intoxicating elixir, the more I read, the more I craved.”—Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author

“When it comes to fantasy romance, Draven is in a class by herself....A phenomenal start to what is sure to be an amazing series.”—RT Book Reviews

The Colour in Woman by Diane King

The Colour In Woman

Flora spends her days happily wandering her endless labyrinth of a house, breathing with childhood memories and pulsing with dreams. She is plagued, however, by an elusive yearning to capture the security anchors of her childhood - her dad who’s passed away, and the book whose title she can’t remember.

Only a few miles away, and yet worlds apart, two very different women are on their quest for identity and expression. Invisible threads of a long forgotten bond bind Flora to the local loner in town.

Brigit - the ‘Red Woman’ – finally has the freedom to drink herself into a creative fervour, and only becomes more enthused by the arrival of a portent in her flat.



This ‘White Woman’ is the final strand in the braid that weaves these women together. As the boundaries between dream and reality become increasingly blurred, a mesmerizing search for identity just may require a sacrifice. Before it can become complete, something - or someone - has to give.

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=the+colour+in+woman+diane+king

Amazon paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/152020549X?ref_=pe_870760_150889320

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-colour-in-woman

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-color-in-woman-diane-king/1125377422;jsessionid=C4B9F526E2C303A0E94E5324CBE7DBCD.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=2940154210376

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1189327185

Interra http://www.inktera.com/store/title/0b0b5554-3d19-41ed-ad2d-e0df3cf4a7f1

24symbols https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1845403

Scribd https://www.scribd.com/book/334888281/The-Colour-In-Woman

Midnight Readers: New Releases in Anthologies

Hey ya'll, I have some really awesome new releases to talk about. I personally love anthologies. Each story is a nice sized bite, just enough to see if you like the writing style and voice of each author. I have personally found a bunch of "new to me" authors I love this way. So I hope you'll give these nifty anthologies a chance and maybe you'll find your newest auto-buy author.


First up is Teeth, Long and Sharp: A Collection of Tales Sharp And Pointed.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world. 
 
THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

~Foreword by Ilona Andrews~ 

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2dSU8Wo


Next I have this delectable offering for all ya'll LOLCatz lovers... Meow wow!


The Crazy Cat Lady boxed set lets 9 new purr-fectly wild romance stories out of the bag. We hope you enjoy these paw-some tails from New York Times, USA Today, & other authors.

The Vet & the Geek, Sidney Bristol
When veterinarian Raul is reunited with his long lost cat he gets a lot more than he bargained for in Miranda, the curvy, sassy woman who can wipe the floor with his subpar gaming skills. But Miranda doesn’t know if Raul is flirting with her, or if he’s the stalker she’s lived in fear of for years. Is he the crazy cat guy of her dreams, or is he the man who wants her—dead or alive?

Mr. November, Melanie Ting
Marty Devonshire is the feared tough guy of the Vancouver Vice hockey team, yet he’s afraid to make a move on petite Elaine Salang. It will be up to the entire team—& Knightley the cat—to convince Marty to take a chance on love.

Cat Scratch Fever, L.C. Alleyne
Inspector Rafael Montigue detects the scent of a potential mate during a delegate meeting. Kristin Wallin is working undercover to bring down the Brazilian Minister’s drug ring. When terrorists attack, Rafe exposes his panther shifter identity in order to protect Kristin, but she surprises him with secrets of her own that make him look like an innocent kitty cat.

Decker & Joy: A North Pole Unlimited Romance, Elle Rush
Jaded P.I. Decker Harkness must track down a missing Christmas prototype if he wants a shot at a corporate security contract. Sexy cat shelter manager Joy McCall needs help figuring out who broke into Kitten Caboodle and made off with her foster kittens. If they work together, everyone may get a happily-ever-after.

Cats in the Cradle, Jerri Drennen
Being accused of murder by red-haired beauty Beatrice Dailey, a woman known to be the crazy cat lady in the neighborhood, somehow kick-starts Sam Littman's floundering career. Soon he finds himself writing her as the main character in his novel—but as fact & fiction start to blur, Sam & Beatrice tumble headfirst into something most unexpected.

Forgive Me, Lori Whyte
When a neighbor's cat deposits a severed finger on Rachel Connor's doorstep, the last thing she expects is that it'll bring Grady Randall back into her life. He shattered her heart when they were teenagers, but she finds herself turning to him when a menacing stranger shows up at her door. Can their reunion & reignited attraction survive the night or will the murderer strike again?

Sanctuary, Sukie Chapin
When Indiana finds her life is in shambles & her exotic cat sanctuary on the verge of bankruptcy, her only hope rests in the capable hands of a tall, dark, & bearded stranger. Jake’s on the hunt for the only good thing left in his life, his lost lion Loki, but he never expected his search to lead him to beautiful, anguished Indy & her dilapidated refuge. As their attraction grows fiercer than the lions they love, Indy & Jake must decide if they can overcome old wounds & fears to find sanctuary in each other’s arms.

Mr. Hot Stuff, Abby Cheshire
After eight awful & all too memorable blind dates in a row, all Lily wants is to stay home with a good book & her five cats. But when her latest rescue cat Captain Kitt goes klepto & steals a set of keys that belong to the hunky fireman in the neighborhood - Lily may be closer to a perfect match than she ever imagined.

Dress Blues, Lisa Carlisle
When Vivi Parker volunteers at a fundraiser for a cat shelter, she’s stunned to run into Jack Conroy, the one man she couldn’t have, but never forgot. While they served in the Marines, any relationship between them was off-limits. Years later in Boston, the rules have changed. But so have they.


AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2daapUy
iBooks - http://bit.ly/CCLiBooks
Nook - http://bit.ly/CCLNook
Kobo - http://bit.ly/CCLKobo

 

Superhero Sunday Double Feature with R.G. Alexander

Very excited to share that my friend R.G. Alexander has not one, but two stories out this weekend! Revised and extensively expanded for your pleasure (and given some seriously sexy covers) 
Who Wants to Date a Superhero? and Who Needs Another Superhero?!

According to R.G., "It was truly a labor of love dusting off some of my first books and getting them back so I could make them twice as packed with super sexy times and adventure. I might also have a new hero in the works."  *G*


Get your copy today and spread the word 
Gaia City Superheroes are back to save the day!

WHO WANTS TO DATE A SUPERHERO?

R.G. Alexander

Gaia City. A place where technology is advanced, superheroes commonplace and the masses are addicted to Who Wants to Date a Superhero?, a reality show that lets women compete for the chance to win a date with one of Gaia’s Guardians.

Shy Cassie Tidwell never thought she’d be humiliating herself on live vid for the chance to have dinner with the mysterious Theta Wave, but she made a promise she would do anything to keep. Even if it means the man she’s secretly lusted after for months never wants to see her again.

Graham’s wanted Cassie from the moment he set eyes on her. He’d planned to go slow, but that plan fell apart the moment he discovered that the object of his obsession had mysteriously volunteered to be on the show. Now he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her admit she’s his and discover her secrets.

Graham knows all about secrets. He has a few of his own.

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/16A6Tiv

B&N: http://bit.ly/1IhJu73

ARe: http://bit.ly/1LULfGF

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1yQDw3e

WHO NEEDS ANOTHER SUPERHERO?

R.G. Alexander

Return to Gaia City. Where there are way too many superheroes for Dayna’s peace of mind. Life as the unofficial mascot for Gaia’s Guardians hasn’t been easy for the roving reporter. So maybe she overcompensates. Takes risks she shouldn’t.
 She needs to prove she can hang with the big boys. One in particular.

Stone Matthews has never regretted becoming a superhero. As Rock Hammer, he’s an invincible chick magnet who has yet to meet an obstacle he couldn’t smash or a woman he couldn’t charm. Except for his best friend’s little sister. Dayna used to be his biggest fan, but one mistake years ago changed their relationship forever. Her recklessness drives him crazy, her sharp tongue cuts deep, and her hot little body makes him want to lose control.

When she goes chasing yet another story that could be the death of her, Stone makes a decision. Since talking doesn’t work for them, he’ll use another form of communication to show her how perfect they would be together.

Rock will be too hard for her to resist.

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1zL9Iry

B&N: http://bit.ly/1IhJJPy

ARe: http://bit.ly/1DmsKqZ

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1ELXe7B


About the author
R.G. Alexander (aka Rachel Grace) is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has written over 30 erotic paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi/fantasy books for multiple e-publishers and Berkley Heat. Both her personalities are represented by the Brown Literary Agency.

She is a founding member of The Smutketeers, an author formed group blog dedicated to promoting fantastic writers, readers and a positive view of female sexuality.

She has lived all over the United States, studied archaeology and mythology, been a nurse, a vocalist, and now a writer who dreams of vampires, witches and airship battles. RG feels lucky every day that she gets to share her stories with her readers, and she loves talking to them on twitter and FB. She is happily married to a man known affectionately as The Cookie—her best friend, research assistant, and the love of her life. Together they battle to tame the wild Rouxgaroux that has taken over their home.

www.RGAlexander.com
www.RachelGraceRomance.com
www.Smutketeers.com 

The Cottage Next Door by Natasha Moore

It’s tough to grasp a second chance at love when you’re holding on to the past.

Thanks to Cassandra for inviting me as her guest today to tell you about my new release, The Cottage Next Door. It's a second-chance-at-love beach romance and this morning, with the temperature only 50 degrees outside, I could use a little beach!

Blurb:

After his wife died in a car accident, bestselling author Hunter McCaffrey stopped writing—and stopped living. He’s rented a beachfront cottage to try to get his head on straight, and start the long climb up from his pit of despair.

Instead of pounding out a first draft, though, he runs the beach, drinks away his pain, and tries to ignore the vibrant woman in the cottage tucked next to his.

Still floundering months after the loss of her adventure-junkie husband, Sylvie Chase hopes some beach relaxation will help her decide what to do with the rest of her life. Instead she’s wondering what to do about her unexpected attraction to Hunter, who makes her body long for the feel of his arms around her.

As Sylvie drags Hunter back to the land of the living, soon they’re agreeing to a short fling. Just to get past their sorrow, not because it means anything. But when emotions get in the way, it’s a struggle to leave the past behind and dare to love again.

Excerpt:

“Can’t sleep?”

Sylvie started. Hunter’s disembodied voice sounded loud in the darkness. She couldn’t see a thing on the deck next door, but had to assume he was sitting in his usual deck chair. Had he heard her moan?

Her heartbeat slowed back down to normal. “No.” She held her breath, waiting for him to swear and stomp into the cottage for intruding on his want-to-be-alone time. Or make a sarcastic comment about what she’d been doing when she thought no one was there.

“This is my favorite time at the beach,” he said, surprising her with his deep, pleasant tone.

“Because you can’t see the hundreds of people around you?”

His soft chuckle surprised her even more. He was quiet for a moment, then said, “Partly. But there’s something about the ocean at night. Do you hear it? Right now, this isn’t the fun-loving shore where kids splash and make sandcastles. It’s more primitive.” He was silent for a moment, and Sylvie got caught up in the roar of the waves as they crashed onto the beach. The sound pulled at her, called to her.

“Think of the hundreds of thousands of years the ocean has been pounding the sand,” he went on. “Eating away at the land, reclaiming it. Taking it back into the bowels of the deep.”

Her body heated more, even with the cooling breeze. His voice rolled over her, as powerful as the tug of the waves. She’d known there had to be more to him than that angry, bitter man she’d seen so far.

“Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust? Ocean to ocean?” she asked softly.

The waves pummeled the shore for several long moments before he replied, “Something like that.”

The words she’d been thinking slipped out easier in the darkness. “I’m sure she would want you to be happy.”

“What do you know?” he snapped, but Sylvie thought his voice contained more hurt than anger.

“I know what it’s like to roll over in the middle of the night and still be surprised to find the other side of the bed empty.”

“It’s like a kick in the gut every time.”

“Yeah.” She wrapped her arms around her knees. “I still save up things I want to tell him about my day…”

“And then remember she’s not there to share those things with anymore.”

“I have to look at pictures to remember what he looked like when he was healthy and fit and eager for the next adventure.”

“I can’t remember what she smelled like anymore.” Hunter’s voice cracked. “She had this soft scent like powder and flowers and I don’t know what, but I used to be able to smell it everywhere in our apartment. It’s gone now too.”

She nodded even though she knew he couldn’t see it. “I used to sleep with one of Matt’s shirts and I cried all day when I realized his scent was gone.” Sylvie was pleased she could say that without getting tears in her eyes. Maybe she’d finally reached acceptance.

The Cottage Next Door is available today!! I hope you enjoy Hunter and Sylvie's story!

Amazon

B&N

Apple

Samhain

To celebrate the release of The Cottage Next Door, I'm giving away a $10 gift card to one commenter. Just tell me where you like to go on vacation? Would you pick the beach...or somewhere else?

Natasha

www.natashamoore.com

New Release Showcase: Captured & Seduced by Shelley Munro

Captured & Seduced

Shelley Munro

Genre: Sci-fi Romance/shapeshifter

A shapeshifter and a wizard slugging it out, an alien world and a hell-horse...

Jockey Camryn O’Sullivan is an alcoholic on a downward spiral after the death of her husband. When aliens kidnap her, she’s both terrified and reluctantly fascinated by Ryman Coppersmith. She’s positive the weird attraction to her abductor is an anomaly. Something to ignore. She’ll train the aliens’ horse and they’ll return her home. Simple. There’s no need for sex or a stubborn male kitty-cat to replace the precious memories of her husband.

Murder. Betrayal. Banishment.

Feline shapeshifter Ry has experienced treachery of the worst kind. When his foster brother—the man who betrayed him—proposes a wager, the lure to clear his name is irresistible, and he seizes the chance.

Camryn’s arrival triggers a jump in his already overactive sex drive. It’s a struggle to keep his hands off his beautiful captive. Something in his mysterious feline background compels him to chase her, and the passion firing between them soars out of control. Ry doesn’t understand the mechanics of their attraction but knows he can’t afford to lose Camryn…despite his promise to return her home.

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQ2DC1Q

All Romance ebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-capturedseduced-1527736-340.html

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/captured-seduced

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Shelley_Munro_Captured_Seduced?id=rou0AwAAQBAJ 

About the author: Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.

Shelley is also a writer blessed with a VERY vivid imagination and lives with her own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres for publishers Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing and has also self-published several titles. You can learn more about Shelley and her books at her website and you might even find her lurking at Facebook or Twitter.

 Check back Monday for an exclusive interview with the author of this sexy sci-fi book!

New Release: Homicide In High Heels by Gemma Halliday

My friend Gemma Halliday just had a new book released in her High Heels Mysteries series! Homicide In High Heels! Maddie is up to her old tricks. Read on for more...

High Heels Mysteries book #9

It's springtime in California! The flowers are in bloom, the fashion week runways are fierce, and fans of America's favorite pastime are filling the baseball stadiums to root for their favorite team. But when the girlfriend of the L.A. Stars rookie MVP winds up dead at a chic Beverly Hills salon, it's suddenly up to fashion designer Maddie Springer to track down the "Tanning Salon Killer." Armed with the help of her wacky cast of friends and family, Maddie finds herself with a list of suspects that includes the cast of the reality TV show Baseball Wives, a desperate blackmail victim, and an entire baseball team! If Maddie can brave the hot dogs and cat fights, she just might be able to catch a killer...before he strikes again!

Gemma Halliday Website

Buy Homicide In High Heels paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Homicide-High-Heels-Mysteries/dp/1499321147

Buy the ebook for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Homicide-High-Heels-Mysteries-book-ebook/dp/B00K4FJRQ4

Grab Fearless In High Heels now for only .99¢

 (sales ends May 11, 2014)

 

Morning sickness sucks. Which is why fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer has spent the last six weeks being a couch potato and Moonlight vampire movie devotee. But when Maddie's best friends finally convince her to venture out, Maddie stumbles on a dead body of a girl who has been bitten on the neck, and life suddenly imitates art in the most deadliest of ways. Now Maddie is smack in the middle of a murder investigation involving a deadly dance club and a coven of Hollywood "vampires". Not to mention navigating the world of baby showers, diaper genies and Lamaze classes with her LAPD Homicide detective husband who would rather his pregnant wife not continue popping up in his murder investigation. Between the hormones, the homicides, and a flurry of fangs, Maddie and her gang work to track down the deadly truth... before the killer bites again! 

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Fearless-High-Heels-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B006Q5W3I0

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fearless-in-high-heels-gemma-halliday/1107586761

SMASHWORDS:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/118279

New Release: Under Fire by Denise A. Agnew

Under Fire 
by Denise A. Agnew
www.deniseagnew.com

Genre: Erotic Romance Suspense/Thriller | Novella

Book two in the Love Under Fire series

When the stakes are high, there’s only one man she’ll trust when danger rips her world apart.

Kathleen McSwain truly understands the saying “always the bridesmaid, never the bride”. Was she nuts the day she agreed to be a bridesmaid for the eighth time? Especially when it means she’ll be in close proximity to rugged Army Major Jake Frasier—the man she fell in love with when they were in high school.

Being out of control is the last thing Kathleen wants, and Jake tempts her to be the wild woman she used to be. Jake is too hot, too disturbing, too stirring for her blood. But when gunfire strikes close, the fight for survival will forge a bond deeper than they ever imagined.

Inside Scoop: The couples in the Love Under Fire series find love through the crucible of a mall shooting event.

A Romantica® erotic romantic suspense from Ellora’s Cave

Check out the contest starting January 1, 2014 on Denise's website and blog for a chance to win, as she celebrates the release of her newest book, Under Fire!

Available at Ellora's Cave NOW.  http://www.ellorascave.com/under-fire.html

Coming to Amazon.com, B&N, and other fine retail outlets soon!

Tuesday Special: Last Blood

The Day Is Finally Here!!!!! 
Last Blood (House Of Comarré #5) Is Available To Buy!!!!

Last Blood is the 5th (and final) installment in the captivating story of Mal and Chrysabelle.

(For those that may have somehow missed this exciting saga scroll down for a special offer on book 1)

In the final showdown between the forces of dark and light, Mal and Chrysabelle face not only Tatiana, but the ancient evil that now controls her: the Castus Sanguis. Chrysabelle gathers her friends and family around her, forming a plan to bring an end to the chaos surrounding them. But the Castus is the most powerful being they've ever come up against. Defeating such evil will require a great sacrifice from someone on the side of light.

One of them will change sides. One of them will die. No one will survive unscathed. Can Chrysabelle save those she cares about or will that love get her killed? What price is she willing to pay to draw last blood?

Get the book now in either eFormat or Paperback at

Barnes and Noble HERE

or Amazon HERE

Special Offer!!!!! 
For Book 1 In The Series - Blood Rights!!!!!!

For those that haven't joined the journey yet right now
you can get book 1 in the series for just $2.99 for either Kindle Or Nook!!!!

Get it from Barnes and Noble HERE

Get it from Amazon HERE

About The Author

When the characters in Kristen Painter's head started to take over, she decided to put them on paper and share them with the world. She writes paranormal romance and the gothic fantasy vampire series, House of Comarré, for Orbit Books. She has also been published in non-fiction, poetry and short stories. The former college English teacher can often be found online at Romance Divas, the award-winning writers' forum she co-founded. She's represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

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Compulsion Book Launch Party!

Release day is finally here!

Compulsion
by Cassandra Curtis

ISBN: 9781301335596

Lindsay Dannon has a dirty little secret. While she hides behind her plain and proper image at work, a wanton woman with a rich fantasy life lurks beneath the surface. The thrill of sex in public places, and the risk of exposure, is a compulsive itch she knows only one man can scratch—her boss, Jack Randolph.

The company’s “no tolerance” policy on interoffice dating is the only thing stopping her. Good thing Jack created the rules, because he’s determined to make all of Lindsay’s sexual fantasies come true…

Warning: Wanton woman, sexy CEO, hot bondage in a glass elevator, and plenty of room on the conference table. ;)


Excerpt from Compulsion by Cassandra Curtis

*Warning: Not office safe, reader discretion is advised. For mature (18+) audiences only!*

December 23rd, the holiday office party...

Lindsay Dannon knew trouble. It followed her like a bloodhound, scenting the air at any hint of romance, even a day dreamy type of affair that only existed in her mind.

She admired the object of her desire from across the crowded room. The man was too handsome for her peace of mind. No—don’t look at him. You’ll only make yourself crazy. Lindsay slid her last drink ticket at the man behind the cash bar, hoping another glass of liquid courage would ease the tight knot in her stomach.

Life was full of regrets. Did she really want this moment to become a missed chance she’d look back on when she was fifty? Lindsay downed the alcohol in one long, burning swallow. Tears watered her eyes as she coughed. Served her right for ordering whiskey neat instead of eggnog. She tucked a length of her pale blond hair behind her ear. Now or never, Linds. You can do this.

She watched as Jack Randolph, surrounded by his executive team, excused himself, a drink in one hand, cell phone to his ear as he exited the party. Heat blossomed in her midsection and spread throughout her body courtesy of both Jacks. Now that she’d finally worked up her nerve to approach the man of her dreams, he’d left.

Lindsay followed him down the hallway, telling herself she wasn’t a stalker. So she was a little fixated on the boss. It didn’t mean she planned to follow him home and camp out under his window. At least not tonight, she thought with a smile.

Dead end. Now what? Where did he go? Maybe it was best she hadn’t found him. How would she explain her ill-conceived actions? Lindsay supposed she could blame it on the over-the-counter cold meds she’d taken that morning, then the two drinks at the party.  But that didn’t explain this odd compulsion she had to touch Jack Randolph. That started the first day they met.

Distant male voices grew louder and as they came closer, Lindsay recognized Edward Edmonds, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources, talking with another man she didn’t know. She ducked into one of the small conference rooms, peering from behind the partially closed door, and watched as they continued down the hallway. Now there goes a man I have no desire to touch.

Edmonds had been the one to hire her, saying how the company liked stealing good employees from their competition. She’d pasted on a smile, inwardly cringing at his over the top swarmytude. She knew she wasn’t being fair. He’d always been professional and polite to her, but the man gave off a weird vibe, setting her creep-o-meter radar on alert. At least now he was out of sight and hadn’t seen her.

“That was close,” Lindsay muttered under her breath.

“Ms. Dannon.”

Lindsay jumped, startled by the deep male voice behind her. Her body turned sideways into a wall of muscled perfection, while her elbow’s trajectory aimed straight for the hand still holding a whisky on the rocks. Time slowed as she observed Jack’s half-full glass upend on his pale yellow sweater. Noooooo!

Panicked and mortified, she swiped at the brown stain marring the cashmere, making matters worse. The blotch now resembled a Rorschach test. “I’ll pay for the dry cleaning. I’m so sorry, Mr. Randolph.”

“It’s okay, Ms. Dannon. Don’t worry about it.”

Her fingertips brushed against the wet sweater and by accident, rubbed a stiff male nipple. She knew she should stop immediately, but some demon imp prodded her to keep caressing the tight point. He took her hand in his and pulled it away from the sweater and her tempting target.

“Trust me it’ll be fine,” he paused as he stared down at her. “My assistant Tegan said he brought you to work this morning.”

“Yes, my car’s in the shop.”

“He just called and asked if I would be willing to take you home after the party... unless you’ve made other arrangements?”

“No! I mean, no, I would appreciate the ride.” Stop staring at his chest!

“Good. Be ready to leave in ten minutes. Now, if you’ll excuse me...”

Lindsay took a deep, calming breath as he walked back to the party. Seriously, did she just flick her boss’ nipple? OMG! What was wrong with her? She’d wanted to pull the sweater over his head and lave the male nub with her tongue. She groaned at the mental image.

The man was founder and CEO of Randolph Systems, a guy known for being ruthless, arrogant, and tough. Not a touchy-feely type. Yet he’d offered to help an employee home. The man had hidden depths, and more than anything, she wanted to be the one to explore them.

After freshening up in the women’s restroom, she returned to the party room and retrieved her coat. She spotted Jack putting on his driving gloves. He caught her glance, nodded to her, and then guided her through the lobby to the small parking lot opposite the front entrance.

The blustery winter wind howled, while the snow already on the ground swirled in the air. Lindsay pulled the coat’s hood over her head and shivered. After a year of living in Colorado, she still wasn’t used to the freezing cold or the crazy snowfall. The black leather trench coat Jack wore seemed too thin to protect against the elements. At least he’d wrapped a scarf around his neck.

Snowflakes stuck to his black hair like tiny stars glistening under the overhead parking lights. She had a mad impulse to brush the snow away and kiss the fine silver at each temple. Her heart skipped at the tender notion. He stood with the passenger door open, waiting for her. An old-fashioned gesture, but one she liked. Jack Randolph might be rough around the edges, but he had manners.

The drive to her apartment was silent, but she could sense the sexual tension and knew it couldn’t be all one-sided.

“Thank you for the ride home,” she whispered, leaning toward him, debating if she should act cool, or give in and let him know how much she wanted him.

Between the alcohol fogging her brain and her hormones reminding her she hadn’t been with anyone in over two years, Lindsay decided now was her best chance to make one of her fantasies a reality. Right there. So she took the chance and caressed his cheek, planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Nudging until she gained entrance, her tongue slid beneath his as he finally kissed her back.

Lindsay stroked the muscled thigh of his leg through the fabric of his dress slacks. Inching her hand closer to the prize until her fingers traced the contour of his hard, long cock, she tugged at the straining zipper. It was heaven and hell. Heaven because she’d tasted his lips and it was everything she’d imagined, and hell because after two minutes of bliss and heat, he pushed her away.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. It won’t happen again. I promise,” Jack apologized, appearing almost as embarrassed as she was that moment. Why, oh why had she taken the chance? She should have known better. A man like Jack Randolph wouldn’t be interested in her.

The small hurt at his words made her chest ache. I was what came over you. I want you and you sure seemed to want me! Lindsay wished she could say the words.

“I think it would be best if we just forgot this ever happened.” Jack gripped the steering wheel, his expression wooden. He might forget this night, but she never would.

There are two parties going on simultaneously and you'll want to check them both out!


I'm at www.smutketeers.com celebrating with R.G. Alexander and Eden Bradley, playing Truth or Dare and giving away 2 copies of Naughty Little Secrets, book one in my Naughty South series. My Smutketeers contest ends midnight, Friday, May 17, 2013.

Plus — if you mention my book release (and provide the links where readers can go to my book to read more or purchase) on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, and come back here to leave a comment on my blog (let me know where you mentioned my new book, Compulsion), you'll be entered in a prize drawing (the more places you mention my book, the more entries you'll receive).

One lucky winner will be drawn at random from all entries here at When Midnight Comes, and will receive the following prizes:

A $10 GIFT CARD for PANERA BREAD
A $15 GIFT CARD for AMAZON.COM
A GOODIE BAG (magnet, pen, nail file)

Contest ends midnight Monday, May 20, 2013 and winner will be announced Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

Note to my fans in SL—Tonight  Story Hour reader Becca Draele will be in Second Life, reading excerpts from my newest erotic romance Compulsion, 7pm SLT (Pacific time), 10pm (Eastern). Click the link below to teleport to the event. Remember to bring your headphones because storytelling is in voice.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Romany/222/161/21

BUY COMPULSION ON SMASHWORDS
BUY COMPULSION ON AMAZON
BUY COMPULSION ON B&N (coming soon)

Must be 18+ to enter. No purchase necessary. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Joyful June!

I do believe June is my favorite summer month. Kids are out of school, so I get to spend more time with my great nieces. The weather is usually so beautiful, I love to putter as much as I can outdoors, and I love the fresh batch of ebooks and paperbacks that come out every summer. You know, the ones we call trashy beach reads, the books that are nothing but fun escapism.

Personally, I have a mile long wish list for June. How about you?

Any books coming out in June that you're looking forward to? Leave a comment here on the blog and tell me what paperback you're anxious to read with a June release date, and you just may win it!

Joyful June Contest: Included with winner's choice of paperback is a goodie bag including bookmarks, summer fun Mountain Dew lip gloss, a kewl book bag tote, SPF 30 Coppertone Sport Stick, and summer fun beach towel.

Contest starts June 1, 2012 and ends midnight, June 15, 2012. Good Luck!*

* winner's name will be posted Saturday, June 16th and contacted via email for notification. Odds of winning determined by number of entries. Must be 18 yrs. of age or over to enter.