Thursday, September 30, 2010

First aid for writers

I love it here on the island. There are so many hotties, there is one on the right side of the page, they are in the other blogs and on book covers, oh my. I hope I don’t get too distra—

Okay fine, back to the reason I am here. I was aggressively pursued, wined, and dined by the Dessert Island Keepers. I might even use the word stalked. Well maybe I begged, LOL. Tomato, Ta-mato. Anyway, I’m here and excited to be, even thought they really didn’t leave a mint on my pillow :)

I believe that knowledge is power. That’s why I put together a website for struggling, new, and unpublished authors. So, “YOU”, yes I am talking too you, if you ever thought about writing a novel, or sharing your cleaning tips, now is the time.

We gave books away, offered advice and had over 1,000 hits in the first weekend. Since we are a one-stop source, writers do not have to stress, they can look up info or just ask a question and come back later for the answer. Therefore, our future authors can go back to doing what they do best.

In addition, we have added an externally linked blog and a forum just for readers. The blog will be run by our AAPA authors and will be chocked full of all kinds of interesting information. The forum is so that readers can chat amongst themselves about their favorite author and maybe, just maybe your favorite author will stop by and say hi.

Whether you want to place recipes in a book or make Stephen King beg for your autograph, whatever your literary dream is, we are here to help, you!
It must be where the magic is anyway, because coincidentally, three weeks after our initial launch, I was published.

I have brought my own sizzling hunk with me, Jake the fireman. However, this blog isn’t about me, so I will keep this short. I was picked up by the incredibly awesome Decadent Publishing. So look for Jake, the modern day “Fire Cowboy” (Coming soon) on decadentpublishing.com

If you would like to join our site, becoming a member and getting help is all completely free. If you are a published author we would love to have you blog and/or answer questions.

www.askapublishedauthor.org/

Non-published Authors
Just become member, we will do the rest. If you have any problems or questions regarding sign-up please e-mail me at keirakroft@hotmail.com

Published Authors
Please become a member and contact me with your picture, bio, and any links you would like posted. Also your “how you did it” story (optional) after I receive that info I will post it and make you an administrator so that you are free to blog.

We have such awesome talent on hand, such as:

Our Published Authors
Keta Diablo
Deanna Wadsworth
KTGrant
PJ Schnyder
Kate Richards
Robert Roman
Grace Meadows
Seleste DeLaney
Kody Boye
Eve Langlais
Margaret Blake
Michele Garber
Kathleen O'Connor
Michael LaRocca
Cyrus Wraith Walker
Hal Bodner
Michael West
Diana Cosby
Rhiannon Frater
Regan Taylor
Raven Dane
Kemberlee Shortland
Vicki Thomas
Richard Alan Scott
Mike Resnick
RH Politz.
Isobael Liu
Ariel Tachna
Holly Jacobs
Diana Duncan

Just to name a few.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Rereads?



Rereads love them or hate them??



With the TBR pile ever growing in my house, from time to time I still find myself gravitating back to the books and series that I love.

When I'm stressed, tired, or have had a bad day when I come home and I want to settle down with my book I am more likely to go for one that I have already read.








It doesn't matter how many times I may have read the particular story, I still find myself falling in love with them all over again they don't loose their allure its like sitting down for a chat with good friends, it requires little effort and despite yourself you still find yourself having fun.

So what are the books that I will return to time and again?

Julie Garwoods The Secret and Ransom

The Harry Potter series by J K Rowling

The Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning

Monings Fever series although I have a sneaky suspicion that I go back to this more for trying to figure out whats in store in the final story Shadowfever!!

J.R. Wards Balck Dagger Brotherhood

Most Nora Roberts books

And an Irish Author Marian Keyes her books never fail to make me laugh out loud (so I have to read them in the confines of the house due to the funny looks I get otherwise) even though they deal with serious issues






How did it end up like this? Twenty-seven, unemployed, mistaken for a drug addict, in a treatment centre in the back arse of nowhere with an empty Valium bottle in my knickers . . .’
Meet Rachel Walsh. She has a pair of size 8 feet and such a fondness for recreational drugs that her family has forked out the cash for a spell in Cloisters – Dublin’s answer to the Betty Ford Clinic. She’s only agreed to her incarceration because she’s heard that rehab is wall-to-wall jacuzzis, gymnasiums and rock stars going tepid turkey – and it’s about time she had a holiday.


But what Rachel doesn’t count on are the toe-curling embarrassments heaped on her by family and group therapy, the dearth of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll – and missing Luke, her ex. What kind of a new
start in life is this?



By picking up any of these books depending on the mood I am in at the time I am transported back to a happier time a bit like a smell can evoke happy memories in some people.

So how about you? Do you like to reread series that you loved or do you constantly crave the new and unknown?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Seasonal Reading Habits?



Well its that time again and my boyz and I have taken over the island for the next next three days so grab yourself a hammoc, a cocktail from the bar and lets dive on in!



As always when my days blogging are approaching I start to ponder what my topics will be...........

Today I am going with the seasons and how they influence my reading habits.

Call me strange, but my favourite season is late fall and winter, I love curling up in my comfy chair beisde the heater/fire depending what house I am in, grabbing a book and a mug of hot chocolate and settling in to escape into the lives of the characters.

But not only this I also find that my reading genres also change, in the Winter I find that I gravitate towards crime thrillers something about the encroaching darkness of the evenings and the howling wind and rain pounding on the window (well that is normal for Ireland) enhances the experience for me. Authors such as Karen Rose, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen and the early Patricia Cornwell are right up my street in achieving this for me







I still read my Romance Genre but I also find that I start to look for stories set in the Winter and have snow on the ground etc etc, authors like Janet Chapman, Sheryl Woods to name just two becuase the list could be an entire post alone!!


Especially Janet Chapman's Charming the Highlander I will never forget the night I settled in the read this all alone in the house the fire blazing, and a storm raging outside it was bliss.




It wasn't until my significant other pointed it out to me recently that I truly realised that I had different seasons reading habits and when I sat down and thought about it I dicovered the truth in the matter. Well at least something god came out of the revelation I realised that he has been taking note of the books that I have been reading and bring back into the house although I think he is starting to get worried about the amount of books that I have been bringing home of late but I digress.

So how about you, do you find that your reading habits change with the seasons or do your reading habits stay the same in the warmer regions all year around and I'm not just talking about the hotness of our heros!

ARC reviews - when do you want to see them?

This is a timeline question that I've been pondering for a while.  If you're a blogger that happens to be asked to review an ARC here and there - such as I am - when do you post your ARC review? Or, I should say, when do you want to see an ARC reviewed?  This question I put out to authors as well as bloggers.  

I personally want to see the ARC review within a week or maybe two of the actual release date so I can then mark it down in my tbb list and get it when it comes out.  

How about you?

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Oh, Happy Day

So, today's my birthday. 34 years old. My, time does fly by much too quickly. :D

I'm watching pride and prejudice...both versions. I'm such a big fan of this story, but I also have to laugh. If I lived in that time period, I'd be so long in the tooth that I'd have no chance of ever getting married. It's a good thing times have changed, yeah?

It's not easy to be single sometimes. My friends are either married or in relationships and I'm the third wheel. :P However, in all honesty I really don't mind being single. I'd rather be single and happy, than in a relationship just because and miserable.
So, why am I bringing this up? I've been a reader of romance since I was a girl and though I am single, I love reading stories where a guy and a girl meet and fall in love. One of these days, it might be me. Huh, what a concept.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

trying one more time

This having to post using my BlackBerry thing sucks. It keeps kicking me out of my blog posts. *sigh*

I'm on vacation this week and am currently on the Oregon Coast at my favorite hotel. I don't know what it is about the coast, especially Oregon's, but to me there's always been this special mystique to it.

I would love to base a story here. Young woman goes to the beach to get away and ends up having this insane affair with a gorgeous stranger. Kind of like the song All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You by Heart, but not as cheesy.


For you writers out there, where is that one place you've been to that you'd totally write a story about if you could? Readers, what about you? Where is that special location you know and love that you'd love to see written about?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Oops!

*sigh* the best intentions...pfft...flew right out the window.

I hope this blog entry shows up. I'm typing it on my BlackBerry & that's always iffy at best.

The hardest part about writing for DIK is that I'm never really sure what I'm going to say. I'm not as clever as a lot of my fellow dik ladies, so I try to avoid anything that shows my lack of whit. Heh. Me? Be funny? Surely you jest. :P

I've been going thru a lot lately, both personally and professionally, which is causing me a great deal of stress. Thankfully i've been able to read a lot of great books lately. I finished reading City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane a week or so ago and really enjoyed it. It was definitely the strongest book yet.

I was lucky enough to go to a great book signing on Friday night here in Portland. Does anyone else hear an angelic chorus in their head when something crazy awesome happens? I had 2 of those moments on Friday. 1 was when Meljean handed me an advanced copy of The Iron Duke and 2 was when Ilona Andrews not only knew who I was, but remembered my name. Yeah, it was that kind of night. :D
So, my life's kind of crazy right now, but things like friday night kind of makes it okay.

Under Construction

DIK is currently undergoing some design changes.  Please excuse our mess while our super wonderful blog designer "fixes" us.  

We'll still be posting so keep on reading!


This is a sticky post - scroll down for newer posts.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Favorite Romance Tropes: The Virgin Hero

KATI: The general consensus around the literary world is that romance is formulaic. And yes, I suppose the case can be made that they are. But man, that formula works for me. For this visit to the island, I'm going to be talking about my favorite romance tropes. I hope you'll chime in with why you love or hate the tropes I'm discussing. (Graceful curtsy to Jane at Dear Author for the inspiration) So let's get started:

What is more heady than the Star Trek theme? You know? Go where no woman has gone before??

Yeah, that.

I simply adore virgin heroes. Especially when they're very alpha and yet, for some reason, we don't understand (generally it seems to be a tortured past), the hero has never done it. What's not fun about that? To get your juices flowing for this topic, off the top of my head, here are a few virginal heroes from romance:

1- Zsadist, Lover Awakened by JR Ward. OK, sure, Phury is really the virgin hero in the series. But Zsadist had never had "loving" sex. Never been with a woman he felt anything for. And his encounters with Bella, who just wouldn't stop trying, are heady stuff. Made even better because he's so resistant and belligerent.

2- Jaime Fraser, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I'll be honest, I've read Outlander, and that's it, wasn't captivated enough to want to slog through anymore of the series.. But many, many, many romance readers point to Jaime as the greatest romance hero ever written. I do love those first scenes with Claire, where he's all, "I've seen animals do it, so I've got the gist of it." And she's all, "You think you have, but not really."

3- Zach Knight, Under Fire by Jo Davis. OK, I pretty much hated this book, mostly because I equated poor Zach with Job from the Bible. He was constantly getting the crap kicked out of him, either literally or figuratively. But he was a virgin, and whoo-daddy did he take to sex like a fish to water!

4- Matthew Landsdowne, Untouched by Anna Campbell. I love Untouched because Matthew is both a virgin and a beta. It's a delicious combination. Plus, Anna serves up her romance with a heaping helping of angst. Which totally works for me.

There are a few virgin heroes right off the top of my head.

YOUR TURN: Who are your favorite virgin heroes in romance? What is so appealing about the virgin hero?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Favorite Romance Tropes: Soul Mates

KATI: The general consensus around the literary world is that romance is formulaic. And yes, I suppose the case can be made that they are. But man, that formula works for me. For this visit to the island, I'm going to be talking about my favorite romance tropes. I hope you'll chime in with why you love or hate the tropes I'm discussing. (Graceful curtsy to Jane at Dear Author for the inspiration) So let's get started:

For Love of a Soul Mate

I find that romance readers tend to be very torn about the topic of Soul Mates.

Wikipedia defines soul mates as: A soulmate or soul mate is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality, and/or compatibility. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul – which is thought to be the ultimate soulmate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join.

It's a sure fire romance trope, like Love At First Sight, but deeper.

I happen to be a fan of the Soul Mates trope because I love to see two disparate people discover each other even after their souls already "know" that they are destined. This particular storyline, of course, is limited to PNR. I can think of four series off the top of my head that deal with Soul Mates:

1- The Carpathians by Christine Feehan - Male Carpathians loose their sense of color and light the longer they are without their mate. The moment they discover their mate, all color comes back into their world. And then they begin to protect their mate with a single mindedness and sense of purpose that defines them. I find that they tend to be extremely autocratic and spend a lot of time justifying their behavior by saying things like "I can do no other than stuff you in a closet to protect you from the bad guys." Evs, yo. This series? Not for me.

2- The Tairen Soul series by C.L. Wilson - This series actually works for me. Mostly because the connect was instantaneous and completely unwanted by Elliseta, the heroine. And it is a constant struggle for Rain to build the connection between them.

3- The Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs - In this series, Charles' wolf recognizes Anna's wolf (and vice versa) as it's mate immediately. But Anna has been abused and doesn't trust immediately. She's terrified of Charles, among the most powerful in his pack, and has a hard time warming up to the idea that they are mated. I like this series because Charles is so patient and gentle with Anna, even while he's desperate to make her submit to their mating.

4- The Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole - Not every book in this series has soul mates, but male demons seem to imprint on their mates immediately. Because Cole writes such headstrong heroines, the struggle between them tends to be truly entertaining, as the heroine pushes back at the hero who is trying desperately to "provide" and "protect" her. I find Cole's demons to be my favorites in the series, probably just because of the soul mate aspect.

YOUR TURN: Do you have favorite soul mate series? Or do you hate the trope? If you do have favorite soul mates series, which are they and why do they work for you?


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Unforgettable Scenes

LesleyW standing in for Kristie J. :( Get well wishes winging their way to you Kristie, I hope that you're feeling better soon.

I've been thinking a little bit recently about unforgettable scenes. A good movie example is the waterfall scene in Last of the Mohicans. Hawkeye telling Cora - 'Stay alive! I WILL find you.' Just writing that sends chills up my spine. To be honest, the rest of the movie was a bit MEH for me. I'm not a huge Daniel Day Lewis fan, or a fan of historical movies. But it's worth watching just for that scene. It has to rank as one of the top five most romantic moments in movie history. (Well one of mine anyway).

The good thing about movies is that they're visual. (Duh!) If you can remember a scene, you can generally remember the actors, which means you can look it up on imdb.com when you've forgotten which movie a particular scene came from.

Unfortunately you can't do the same with books. You have to cross your fingers and hope that when your memory is fallible someone else who's read the same book will be able to remind you of the title.

I have a scene from a book - kind of erotic - hmmm I wonder why this particular scene got stuck in my head? The hero and heroine have been served oysters. The heroine isn't keen but the hero persuades her to give them a try, and when she swallows one he licks up her throat in the opposite direction. To be honest it's got to the point where I'm not sure if I dreamed this - lol, if only more of my dreams were like that. The rest of the book is a complete blank to me, but this one scene sticks in my head.

Of course there are standout scenes from unforgettable books. One of my favourite scenes from a recent book is Curran's discovery that Kate has been in his gym in Magic Bleeds. I think I've possibly worn a permanent groove in the spine. That's just my favourite scene in a book that has many standout scenes.

I'll also include in my unforgettable scenes, any love scene from the earlier Linda Howard contemporaries. Perhaps there's a bit of a trend here? For LH I'll just say - waterfall, ladies room and french is my second language. I'm sure anyone who's read the books will know exactly what I mean. :)

So can anyone put me out of my misery and let me know which book the oyster scene is from...pleeeease. Does anyone else have a scene from a forgotten book stuck in their head or does this only happen to me? What about standout scenes - any that completely made the book for you?

Monday, September 13, 2010

Where's Kristie?

As you can see by the schedule over on the right there our friend and fellow DIK lady Kristie was supposed to be posting here today.  But Kristie had a horrible fall and she is in the hospital with a nasty broken leg.  Poor Kristie!  

However, that doesn't mean that Kristie has lost her sense of humor, oh no.  Our girl Kristie is posting about her trials and tribulations while in the hospital and her dealings with an evil nurse that rivals Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

If you'd like to find out the whole story of and laugh with Kristie a bit you can head over to Ramblings on Romance and read up on it (the beginning of the story starts on Sept. 7).  Be sure to leave a comment and wish her well in her recovery.

Get well soon, Kristie!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Winners Of The Anne Rainey Giveaway!


Thanks to all who came by and visited Anne during her visit to the Island! I had a great time and I hope all of you enjoyed her posts as much as I did. Thanks to Anne's generosity I have 2 winners to announce this morning!

Winner #1 is Jane!
Winner #2 is loves2read!


Congratulations!! Ladies if you can contact me at i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca with your name and snail mail addresses I will pass your information on to Anne. You will have your choice of a book from her backlist and if the book is available in print and you hail from the US or Canada you can pick one of those. If you are from overseas you can pick an e-book copy. If your choice is an e-book, I will need the e-mail where you would like your book sent. I will check with Anne with respect to formats available.

Thanks again everyone and I hope you are all enjoying a great weekend. :-)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Anne Rainey Shares A Little Naughty of "A Little Bit Naughty" With DIK!

I figured for my last day on the island I’d share a never before seen peek at my upcoming Samhain release, “A Little Bit Naughty”. This is a friends-turned-lovers story and it releases on October 12th. It’s part of a series called Tahoe Nights. The other two authors in the series are Karen Erickson and Scott Carpenter. I’m super excited to be part of this project with these two talented authors!

Here’s what mine is about.


"A Little Bit Naughty" by Anne Rainey


Resistance is no longer an option…

Faced with the annual family reunion in Lake Tahoe, Amanda Harding cringes inwardly like the awkward teenager she used to be, not the successful bookstore owner she is now. Once again she’ll be bombarded by questions about her dreadful status as a single woman. And, like always, she’ll feel the weight of her parents’ disappointment that their only child isn’t happily married and pregnant with their first grandchild.

As she relates her troubles to her good friend, Leo, she’s shocked to the core by his offer to pose as her soon-to-be fiancé. Then all she can think about getting tangled up in the sheets—and with Leo’s deliciously hard body.

Leo Prentice has always wondered what his quiet, bookish Amanda looked like beneath the conservative suits, but the prospect of wrecking their friendship has kept his dirty mind in check. Until their first fake kiss. Playing Amanda’s lover seemed like a win-win. But the little bookworm stirs a fire in him unlike any other woman.

Soon, the teasing touches and sensual looks are all too real…and not nearly enough.

Adult Excerpt:

He cupped her face in his palm. “You and I are going to share that bed, sweetheart. Are you okay with that?”

Forcing down the tremors his touch invoked, Amanda said, “There are two rooms.”


“I know, but I don’t want to sleep in an empty bed. Do you?”

Did she? What would happen if she slept next to Leo all night long? Could she keep her hands off him? She didn’t know, but one thing was for certain. She didn’t want to waste a single second of this trip. She had Leo to herself, and she wanted to know more about the sudden sparks flying back and forth between them. The only way to achieve that would be to act like a woman and not a silly teenager on prom night.

Feeling a little more confident, Amanda murmured, “I don’t want to sleep alone.”

One side of Leo’s mouth kicked up into a crooked grin. “Good answer, sweets.” He stepped back and dropped his hand. “Now, how about dinner? I don’t know about you, but I’m starved.”
He moved around her and headed toward the kitchen. Amanda took a few seconds to calm her racing heart. When she heard him call out to her, she smiled. For the first time in her life she was actually going to enjoy one of the Harding family reunions. Go figure.

Leaving the bedroom behind, Amanda went in search of Leo. She found him bent over, peering into the refrigerator. She licked her lips at the sight of his jean-covered ass. When he straightened and turned, Amanda’s cheeks heated. Had he noticed where her gaze had been?

“Your mom thinks of everything doesn’t she?”

Okay, so he hadn’t seen her eyeballing his butt. Whew. “Uh, yeah, pretty much.”

“She’s left us hamburger meat, hot dogs and there’s even potato salad in there. Looks homemade too.”

At the mention of her mother, Amanda relaxed a little more. Moving toward a cupboard, Amanda found two plastic cups, took them out and placed them on the little table in the center of the room. “Mother wouldn’t have us eating store-bought potato salad. In her opinion that’d be tacky.”

Leo leaned against the counter, as if content to quietly watch as she took out plates, utensils and napkins. It wasn’t until Amanda opened the refrigerator and took out two cans of pop that he finally spoke. “So, what are you in the mood for?”

You, she ached to admit. Instead she said, “How about hot dogs?”
“Sounds good to me.”

“There’s a grill out back, but that’s a lot of work and we’re both tired. How about we just nuke them?”

“That’s fine by me.” He pushed away from the counter and took her by the shoulders, turning her to face him. “In fact, how about you go take a nice long bath. I’ll get this.”

Amanda thought of the Jacuzzi and practically moaned. Massaging jets of hot water? Oh, yes, definitely what she needed to relax her frayed nerves. “Are you sure?”

Leo chuckled. “I’m not helpless, Amanda. I can microwave a few hotdogs without help.” Leo reached around her body and swatted her on the bottom. “Go. Relax and enjoy. Let me take care of this.”

Amanda stiffened. Leo had delivered a friendly little spank before. It didn’t mean anything. Except this time his hand had lingered a second longer than usual. And, Amanda admitted, she liked it. Too much. Unable to speak without possibly revealing how easily his touch affected her, Amanda silently and swiftly left the room.

A bath. That’s what she needed. A hot soak, some food to settle her rumbling stomach and a good night’s rest. Tomorrow she’d feel more like herself. As she stepped inside the bedroom, Amanda’s gaze strayed to their luggage. Why had she agreed to share the same bed? How in God’s name was she supposed to actually sleep knowing Leo lay mere inches away?

Crap.

Leo’s cock hardened. He’d knocked. Twice. He’d even called her name a few times. Entering the bathroom uninvited had been his only option. Hell, she could’ve drowned, right? What else could he do but check on her? As he stared at the bubbling water, Amanda’s head back, eyes closed, he knew a moment’s guilt. He should look away. At the wall, the sink, the damn toilet, anywhere but at his friend’s naked body, which, by the way, just happened to be barely covered by hot, bubbly water. He couldn’t really make out anything, he told himself.

Liar.

Pink. Bubble gum pink to be more accurate. Now he knew what shade her nipples were. And there went his cock, again. More of that and he’d have a friggin’ zipper print tattooed permanently on his dick.

“Amanda?” he called out, unwilling to wake the sleeping beauty, but much more of this and he wouldn’t be able to keep from reaching out and stroking something. Anything. Everything.
A slow smile spread over her face. “Hmm?”

Christ, that was a sexy look. “Uh, sweetheart, you need to get out of the tub now.”

Her eyelids shot wide, and she yelped. “Leo!” Slick, feminine hands covered round, firm breasts as water sloshed over the sides of the tub. “What are you doing in here?”

Quickly turning away, he rushed to say, “I’m sorry, but I tried knocking and you didn’t answer. I was worried.” Yeah, look away now, asshole, after you’ve had a good eyeful. “Uh, dinner’s ready.”

“I… You—”

“You’ll be right out. Got it,” he helpfully supplied.

“Yes,” she squeaked. “Right out. Yes.”

Leo left the room, and the slick, sleek goddess behind. It was no easy feat. In fact, he would have rather stood under a beehive covered in honey than leave Amanda in that moment. Damn, what he wouldn’t give to go back in there. To watch her rising out of the water. Little droplets streaming down her voluptuous body. She wouldn’t even need a towel—he could just lick her dry. Leo glanced down at his crotch and groaned. “Christ, you need to chill, bud. She needs time.”

“What?”

The feminine voice had him stiffening, and not just his spine either. He sent up a silent prayer that Amanda was naked, that she’d decided to put him out of his misery after all. He turned slowly and then Leo’s hopes fell. She wasn’t nude. ’Course, the little pink tank top and black cotton shorts did wonders for her curves. His cock sure as hell approved. Large, round breasts and wide hips had his mouth watering. A bite, a suck, that’s all I’m asking. Is it so much?
With her hair wrapped up in a towel and feet bare, she looked sweet, adorable, innocent. He was none of those things. And it didn’t matter because she wasn’t going anywhere. Before the weekend was over he’d have her naked and in that great big bed. And he’d finally get to taste all that creamy satin.

I hope you enjoyed it!

And now here’s a peek at Karen and Scott’s stories!



"My Favorite Mistake" by Karen Erickson

Blurb:

Somebody’s sleeping in her bed...

There’s only one way for busy PR executive Julie Lancaster to get her mother off her back—cave in and take a weekend break at the family cabin in Tahoe. After all, Mom won’t know she’s sneaking her laptop along to get a little work done.

Not only the cabin is a blast from the past, so is the occupant of her bedroom. Tyler Nichols, a guy she remembers as quiet and nerdy…nothing like the drop-dead gorgeous hunk who knows how to fill out his underwear.

One look at all-grown-up Julie refuels Tyler’s memories of long, lazy summer vacations, and the crush he was too shy to admit. It would be gentlemanly of him to leave, but the amazing woman in front of him elicits visions of the wickedly lusty things he’d like to do with her.
With work pushed to the back burner and a weekend indulging with Tyler on high simmer, Julie makes a startling discovery. Tyler is the real deal. And maybe, if he agrees, she might have time for a life after all…



"Need You Now" by Scott Carpenter

Blurb:

Everything has a price, but there are still things out there that aren’t for sale.

Janice can’t wait to get to Tahoe and that timeshare she’s booked for her vacation. It’s time to kick back, sleep late and do something crazy. Isn’t that what vacations are all about? If a hot guy should cross her path, well… even better, but she’s not going man-hunting. This trip is all about her!

The blackjack table’s hot, and Janice is even hotter, piles of chips growing in front of her with every winning hand. Time to think about buying herself something really nice as a souvenir. It would be great if it could be the smoking hot, good looking guy watching her play cards. At least she can buy him a drink….

It comes as a surprise to find out exactly what her money will get her…and what it won’t!



Thanks DIK Ladies for having me here! It was a blast!



Anne Rainey sold her first category length novel to Samhain Publishing in 2007. Since then she’s sold six more stories to Samhain and three stories to Red Sage Publishing. In addition, Anne recently sold a novella and two single titles to Kensington Aphrodisia.

Anne grew up in a small town in central Ohio the only girl with three rowdy, older brothers. When she wasn’t playing tackle football with them she could be found tucked away in her mother’s book room getting lost in mysterious worlds created by authors such as Martha Grimes and Andrew M. Greeley. She’s had a variety of odd jobs including Chiropractic Assistant, Frame Stylist, Restaurant Hostess, and Nail Technician.

Anne now lives with her fabulous husband, two gorgeous teenage daughters, two ornery dogs and three snooty cats. When she’s not dressing, feeding, cleaning or spending time with them, she can be found at the computer writing stories hot enough to make your toes curl!



The contest is now closed winners to be announced soon! Thanks everyone!

A huge thank you to Anne Rainey for taking time out of her busy schedule to spend time with us over the past 3 days! I had a wonderful time! I have to say that wonderful excerpt she shared with us today has me primed to read "A Little Bit Naughty", and friends to lovers is my favorite theme in a romance. Thank you also to all who visited while Anne was here on the island. :D

Friday, September 10, 2010

Anne Rainey Picks Her Desert Island Keepers

Welcome back to the Island for the second day of Anne's visit! We enjoyed a great party last night with Anne's Tarzan hunky guy swinging through the trees and the Margaritas were flowing!! Anne is recovering sitting in a lounge chair under a nice cabana and wearing her dark glasses this morning. (LOL) However, she is a trouper and I'm turning the mic over to her to talk about her Desert Island Keeper Books!


It wasn’t easy picking 5 faves. I’m a reader. If I’m not writing, then I’m reading. My house is full of books. So, five favorites? Yeah, this took some serious thinking. I could easily have picked twenty favorites without blinking an eye!




Moon Awakening by Lucy Monroe

Moon Awaken is the first in Lucy’s Children of the Moon series. I fell madly in love with Lachlan. The setting was different for me. It’s a historical set in Scotland, and it’s a shapeshifter. A sensual tale with steamy love scenes. I wanted to go to this place after I finished this first book in the series.



Rapture Untamed by Pamela Palmer

First, let me say that if you haven’t read Pamela’s Feral Warriors series, then get your butts over to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and buy them. This is a fantastic bunch of alpha heroes that you won’t want to miss. Okay, that said, Rapture Untamed left me weak in the knees. Jag is…omg, hot! The chemistry between Jag and Olivia blew me away. Talk about scorching sexual tension, yowza! Especially the scene where he discovers her secret…holy mama. You want a story that will leave you breathless? This is it!


Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

A friend of mine wanted me to read this book. She swore I’d like it. I was skeptical at first, but she’s never steered me wrong before so I picked up STS at the Half Price bookstore, and boy howdy!! Nalini is a storyteller, one of the best I’ve ever read. She doesn’t just write a romances, she creates a world and characters that leap off the pages. After I read STS I went straight to Amazon and bought all the books in the series. I’ve since managed to get my hands on her entire backlist. She’s become my #1 favorite author!


Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

This is the first in Sherrilyn’s League series. I’ve only read Sherrilyn’s Dark Hunter series and I really didn’t think anything could top that. I was wrong. Nykyrian is one of my favorite types of heroes, though. Tortured physically and emotionally. I go crazy for that. No one deserved a happy ending more than this big guy. He possessed all the elements guaranteed to make me melt. He was tough, possessive, a little scary, but also badly in need of a woman’s soft touch. And Kiara has just the right touch, too!


Night Game by Christine Feehan

All of Christine’s books are awesome. There is no denying that. She’s an auto-buy author. You’d think the woman would have at least one dud, but she always seem to write stories that make you wish you were one of her heroines. One of the best I’ve read was part of the Ghostwalker series. All the Ghostwalker books are hot, but none quite as sexy, sultry, and steamy as Night Game. Gator Fontenot. Cajun and oh so yummy. He and Iris were a lot of fun to watch because like all Christine’s heroines, Iris gives as good as she gets. A keeper and a book I’ve reread several times!

What are some of your favorite reads?

Thanks Anne! Awesome picks, I'm a huge Sherrilyn Kenyon fan myself. :-) I have a couple of your other choices in my TBR. ;)

The contest is now closed winners to be announced soon! Thanks everyone!

We’ve planned a big party again tonight with da DIK menz and ladies. Anne is going to be back on the island for her last day tomorrow talking about.... Well, you'll have to come by and read her the extra special post she has sent our way!






BODY RUSH
Kensington Aphrodisia
Now Available

Three restless women…one naughty idea…

Legal Briefs

Taking orders from egotistical hot shots in suits is no turn-on for legal secretary Lydia Burke, but she knows where to find what she’s looking for–at a local BDSM club. Three sexy, commanding men want to show Lydia their version of the law, and she’s just the woman to yield to their demands…

Doctor’s Orders

Psychologist Roni Smart is willing to play doctor in her spare time, but she’s looking for a man who lusts after more than her money. Enter Jake, a computer whiz whose able fingers, red-hot body, and brash take-charge attitude are the perfect antidote for her fever…

Midnight Snack

Coffee shop owner Jeanette Williams just can’t read the menu when it comes to men. But she’s more than happy to serve the knee-weakening biker guy who shows up each morning, stirring a shameless desire within. So when she catches his hungry eyes on her, she offers him an after-hours culinary lesson he’ll never forget…

Heat Alert: Smokin’ Plus!

this story contains lots of hot lovin’, multiple partners, anal sex, oral sex, toys, and Dom/sub situations. NOT for the faint-hearted!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Please Welcome Anne Rainey To The Island!


It is my great pleasure to introduce and welcome talented, multi-published Author Anne Rainey to the Island!

::Big round of applause - raising drinks::

I was delighted and honored when Anne agreed to guest here at DIK because I’ve been a fan since I read her novella “Burn”, in 2009. I have read a number of her publications since and I can tell you she pens steamy erotic romances that will curl your toes and tug at the heartstrings!

Anne’s most recent release “What She Wants”, is a wonderful story about a private eye hero and a widow who owns a bed and breakfast. What She Wants, is available from Samhain Publishing now, is a novella, and the first in a series of connected stories!

Welcome to DIK Anne!


Are you ready for the rapid-fire induction DIK “About Me”, questions?

Thanks for having me here, Lea!! Fire away, I can take it! :)

Favorite Reading Position?

I usually sit on my couch, with the stool out, a pillow on my lap and a bowl of chocolate candy close by. Comfort, chocolate and a good book, you can’t go wrong with that combination! lol

No you can't go wrong with that! Sounds like heaven!

If you could be a hero who would you be?


I would be Blade Vaughn from Tasting Candy. He’s big and strong, but sweet and gentle with Candy. Protective and possessive, without being annoying!

What heroine is most like you?

Hmm. Heroine…I’d say Lacey Vaughn. She has older brothers that drive her crazy. She’s tough, but a little unsure of herself. And she falls in love with her best friend.

I love the Vaughn series Anne!

What heroine would you like to be?

I wish I were more like Lily from my recent Ellora’s Cave release, "Ride of Her Life". Lily knows what she wants and goes for it. She doesn’t take any crap. Plus, she gets to have that hot motorcycle hottie, Kyle Wolff, in the end! Hubba, hubba!

Boxers, Briefs, boxer briefs, kilt (I say we add commando)?

I think boxer-briefs are downright sexy on a man! You can’t go wrong with commando either, though. Hmm, do I have to choose? LOL

Nope you don't have to choose, we have menz here on the island to suit every fancy! lol

Favorite book set on a tropical island?


Probably “Spring Equinox” by Eden Bradley. It’s a sizzler!

I have "Spring Equinox" on my e-reader, haven't read it yet but I know Eden does write steamy!! lol
What hero is most like your significant other?

I can’t say there is any one hero like my husband. The truth is, ALL my heroes have aspects of his personality. I’m not even sure I do that on purpose. I think it just sort of happens! LOL

If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you bring?

My eReader (like I’m going anywhere without that, as if!), a case of red wine, and a hot Tarzan type guy. Well, I’m going to need someone to catch the food and carry me up into the treehouse, right? ;)

We always have room for another hot Tarzan type guy on the Island Anne, and hey I was wondering who that newbie was swinging through the trees.. ;)

Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party?


A margarita! I love margaritas!

Yummy...

Anne, I’ve always found the heroes in your erotic romances to be strong Alpha’s. I noticed in your website bio that you were the only girl growing up with three rowdy older brothers, do you think they have influenced the characterization of the heroes in your stories?

Definitely! Growing up with brothers and being the only girl afforded me the opportunity to watch and learn. I’ve seen their rough and tough side, but I’ve also see them vulnerable and heartbroken. I’ve watched them kick each other’s butts until they were black and blue, but I’ve also watched them defend each other. They’re protective, difficult, funny, and loving. They’re hard-working men with hearts of gold. That’s some damn good research material, if you ask me!

You have written standalone as well as connected series, including the “Vaughn Series”; the “Cape May” stories, which begins with “What She Wants”; and the “Hard to Get” series which is part of an anthology. Do you have a preference with respect to writing series versus standalone?

I prefer a series! I love writing about a close-knit group of friends or family. Delving into their lives and learning about their triumphs and their troubles, it’s all quite exciting to me. The truth is, I’m big on family and friends. Without them I’d be lost. It stands to reason I’d want to bring that same wonderful connection to life in my stories.

Many of your erotic romances have ménage à trois, and dominate submissive themes. Does your muse steer you with respect to developing the relationships in your stories, or is it character driven as part of your writing process?

My characters order me around. They start blathering on and on. It’s crazy! If I don’t do as they ask, then they threaten to tie me up and flog me. It’s not pretty! lol

Oh no, re the flogging! lol Your writing sessions must be interesting!

I notice you post a picture of a pretty hot dude with the synopsis and excerpt from your various books. Do you use them as your muse? ;) lol


Pictures of smokin’ hot studs are always inspiring! And I do love to be inspired! ;)

BTW I think the cover gods have shone on you for many of your books. Really enticing!

Thanks, Lea! Scott Carpenter has done all of my Samhain covers. The man is an absolute genius! Love his work!

Do you have a Question you would like to ask folks who stop by and say Hi today?

Yes, I do! One thing I like to write about is real life problems. In Tasting Candy, the heroine had been date-raped and has a difficult time being around men. In Forbidden Fruit, the heroine is a tomboy and is made to feel as if she’s less of a woman because she doesn’t wear make-up and high heels. In What She Wants, the heroine is a widow. She’s loved and lost, but she meets the hero and is finally ready to move on.

My question for you all. What sort of real life issue would you like to see more of in romance books? A heroine who maybe battled breast cancer? More overweight heroines and less of the perfect ten types? Or something else? You tell me!

Thanks Anne, great answers, and question!

I’m having a blast! Thanks for having me!

The contest is now closed winners to be announced soon! Thanks everyone!

We’ve planned a rockin luau tonight with da DIK menz and ladies. Anne is going to be back on the island with us tomorrow talking about her favorite DIK books she has brought along.






Short Erotic Romance–Samhain Publishing
Now Available!

Summer just got a whole lot hotter…

Summer Chase has already loved and lost once and she has no intention of going through that pain again. But when a hunky Camaro driving P.I. shows up at her B & B looking for a room for the week, she sees something more than a hard-bodied guest. For the first time since her husband’s death, Summer’s sexual interest is awakening, and she’s not about to hit the snooze button!

Gage Knight is a P. I. in desperate need of a vacation. His impromptu trip to Cape May, New Jersey seems just what he needs to relax and unwind. But when he knocks on the door of Chase’s Bed & Breakfast and comes face to face with sexy owner, Summer Chase, relaxing drops to the bottom of his to-do list. Now all he wants is a tasty Summer treat, and he plans to take his time, savoring the curvaceous beauty one inch at a time.

Question is…can she watch Gage drive off into the sunset when the week comes to an end?

Heat Alert: Smokin’!

This story contains graphic hot tub sex and anal sex.


***

Hero: Gage Knight

Quote: “Take off your shorts. Real slow. Make me beg for it, Summer.”


Excerpt

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hill Country Holdup!

ETA: Courtesy of Angi, the winner is:


WYNTER DANIELS is the winner of a copy of Hill Country Holdup. Thanks again for having me on the island everyone. Make certain you stop by my new website, catch a look at my new book trailer, and enter my contests next week for more prizes.


Please welcome Angi Morgan back for her last day here on the island! Her book Hill Country Holdup comes out from Harlequin Intrigue this month. It’s her first book with them but it won’t be her last. She’s already signed a contract and has another release scheduled for next year so be on the lookout!



So what’s Hill Country Holdup about?



Dr. Jane Palmer had every intention of telling FBI agent Steve Woods he was a father. But the rehearsed lines and practiced responses were forgotten the moment her little boy was kidnapped. Now, heart breaking and on the verge of falling apart, Jane needed Steve more than ever….


After every attempt at putting old feelings to rest, Steve Woods never expected Jane back in his life. Especially not for this reason. Racing against a ticking clock, desperate to earn Jane's trust, Steve still sensed Jane wasn't telling him everything. Which made him wonder why she'd come to Texas in the first place. And what it had to do with the child he'd do anything to rescue.



Excerpt:

"You know you can trust me." Steve said.

"How? How do I know that, after everything that's happened?"

“Maybe because I want to get Rory back as much as you? Didn’t you find anything in here,” he whispered and touched her forehead, “to support my side of things?”

Afraid that the closeness of his body had impaired her speech, she could only shake her head.

“How about here?” He touched her breastbone, just above her heart.

It was an innocent enough connection, but he was so close and leaning closer that it set her thoughts off balance. His warm breath caressed her ear, sending a tremor through her senses.

“If you didn’t really trust me, why did you ask for my help, Janie?”

Janie. She’d always loved it when he called her that. She felt her knees weaken, then mentally shook herself to get her wits back. She tried to push him away, but his hands were firmly planted on either side, caging her. His body didn’t budge, as if he’d been prepared for her pathetic attempt at freedom.

“I shouldn’t have asked, but I thought you would help find...” Dear Lord, she’d nearly said “your son.” Her deliberate acidic tone still didn’t get him to back up, although he momentarily averted his eyes.

His lips skimmed her neck, sending goose bumps over her flesh. She heard his deep breath and withstood the long, soft release across her sensitive skin. He smelled clean like soap. The direct opposite of the muddy picture she presented. His hair curled slightly above the collar of his T-shirt. The urge to hook her fingers through his belt loops fled only when he spoke.

“Before we can go forward, Janie...” He probably knew what that name did to her. “You’ve got to believe I’m the only person who can help you.”



Thanks again Angi for hanging out with us the last couple days! If anyone wants to learn more about this fabulous author, check out: www.AngiMorgan.com, http://twitter.com/AngiMorganAuthr, http://intrigueauthors.com/, and find her on facebook.



For more information on purchasing HILL COUNTRY HOLDUP, check out eHarlequin. It’s available in print and ebook format on Harlequin's site! Or, it's available via the Kindle and in print from Amazon (in a few weeks). Tomorrow I’ll announce the winner of Angi’s contest so don’t forget to check back!

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