Showing posts with label erotica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label erotica. Show all posts

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Reviews & Author Interview: The Without Rules Series by Tyffani Clark Kemp







Book Info-
Title-The Man Without Rules
Series-Without Rules Series # 1
By- Tyffani Clark Kemp
Genre-Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publication Date-September 5th, 2013

Blurb-
Sebastian Boa is "The Man Without Rules." Rules just don't apply to him. When he meets Mariss Red one night at one of his night clubs, he sets his sights on her and makes a play. But Mariss is married and she has no desire to lose what she loves for a one night stand. The harder Sebastian tries the more Mariss refuses and he realizes that his feelings for her may be deeper than he ever thought possible for a man like him. And he finds himself changing to be worthy of the one woman who has ever told him no.

Links-


 Review - 3.5 Stars!

I wasn't sure about this series at first (although the author is such a sweetie, I wanted to give it a chance), so it was with mixed feelings I started this unusual (for me) romance series.  The fact that Mariss is married to someone else was kind of the part that made me have issues.  I don't mind three-some novels at all, that wasn't the issue.

In any case, at first, I thought Sebastian was a bit of a.... spoiled brat in more ways than one.  I don't mind man-whores in my stories, but wow, he took it to a whole new level!  I did however like Mariss from the start.  She was conflicted but in a way I think a lot of people could understand, even loving someone.  It was nice.  

Toward the middle of this book, when more emotions came into play, I found I didn't dislike Sebastian as much as I did at first, and he really started to grow on me.  Of course, we all hate Hellena, I'm sure.  Julie was a hoot, although I did have one issue where her loyalties changed, despite knowing Sebastian so well.  I thought perhaps she should have at least understood a bit where he was coming from, especially since that man has never been hurt before like that.

The writing and plot were actually very well done.  Despite having the word erotic in the genre categories there, I was amazed at how very much story played into this novel and was extremely thrilled about it, of course.  I like story with my erotic scenes.

If this were more my typical romance and I didn't struggle so much at the begging to stay interested, it might have had a higher rating.  But because the middle through the end made up for it, I enjoyed the read immensely.  

Fair warning though, this book definitely left things unfinished.  Which is why I'm glad I had The Red Wife to move on to.

3.5 Stars!



Book Info-
Title- The Red Wife
Series- The Without Rules Series # 2
By- Tyffani Clark Kemp
Genre-Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publication Date- January 2014

Blurb-
Mariss Red is wholly devoted to her husband, Holden. Despite her fling with Sebastian Boaa few months ago, her husband has her heart. But Holden knows about Mariss' little indiscretion. Now, the three of them have a whole new set of rules.

Their sex life isn't the only thing making waves. Things are further complicated by the return of people Mariss hoped were gone from her life for good. When dark secrets from Mariss' past surface, it puts everyone in her life in danger. The loss of the one thing that means more to her than life itself turns Mariss' life upside down in a way she never thought possible.

As The Red Wife struggles to put her life back together with pieces from a different puzzle, she must decide which picture she wants to paint.

Links-


Review - 3.5 Stars!

Yes, again.  Same rating.  I can't help it!  This one was brilliant in that it switched to Mariss' POV, which was great, but then I started feeling like Sebastian was a big ass a lot.  First, I felt Mariss was unreasonable, then Bassy.  Wow, I can't make up my mind.

Firstly, the writing and dialog were superb of course.  I do love the dirty, witty comments these two make to each other.  They have great chemistry and it's amazing.

The part I'm having issues with is kind of how the Holden thing came about (and that's all I can give without spoilers guys) as well as the other major issue.  I feel horrible for Mariss, but I can't help but feel that she should have been having more than 'feelings' before.  *sigh*  These two are amazing together and I love them together - Bassy and Mariss - but again, I had some issues with this not being my typical type of romance.

Plus Sebastian's double standard jealousy was a pain.  Geez.  Yet, he never got really jealous before when the three of them were together.  So it's a tad inconsistant I think.  Just a bit.

However, as always, excellent plot and excellently written.  I'm just not usually into a series quite like this.  In fact, it might be a unique experience for me.  Nicely done and realistic though!  3.5 stars!


 

Book Info-
Title- The Power Couple
Series- Without Rules Series # 3
By- Tyffani Clark Kemp
Genre-Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publication Date- September 11, 2014

Blurb-
After the loss of her husband and her preterm baby, Mariss Red is finally starting to put her life back together. She's in a semi-stable relationship and her publishing business is doing well. None of that can fill the hole in her heart, but she's a survivor. Her newest obstacle? Maneuvering the hazy boundaries of an open relationship with a man who can't be bound by rules.

Sebastian Boa, The Man Without Rules, struggles to live an honorable life. Mariss meets and approves any woman he happens to bring home and things are going well, aside from the occasional miscommunication. It's bound to happen, since he's never been in a steady relationship before. But he knows Mariss is keeping something from him, and he knows it's probably another man.

A trip to Paris is meant to be a romantic break for the strange couple, but it ends up in disaster when Sebastian catches Mariss with her secret lover. Add a crazed fangirl trying to seduce Sebastian, a man who has found that rules just might work for him after all. If it means he keeps Mariss in his life. It seems The Power Couple may never catch a break.

Links-


Excerpt From The Power Couple


The Beginning of the End

Sebastian unbuttoned his suit jacket and pulled Mariss as close as their clothing would allow. Her stunning purple bandage dress had no straps and stopped just above her knees. She’d been wearing so much black lately and it was nice to see her in something that set off her beautiful tan skin. When she looked up at him, her brown eyes shone with a smile and something else he couldn’t quite pinpoint. With a hand at the small of her back, he pulled her closer.

“The woman behind you has been eyeing me for the last half hour," he said, bending close to her ear so she could hear him over the pulsating music of the club. The Tea Room was one that he owned here in New York. He also had one in London.

“Do you want her?" Mariss asked, wiggling her hips against his. Sebastian grunted, trying to suppress the excitement that ran through him and straight to his growing erection. She turned, so her perfect, round arse was pressed against him.

“I thought we'd share," he hissed out. “If you're game."

So far, the open relationship was working. So far. But it had only been a few months, and for half the time they'd been apart on business. And the grieving, well, they were both still working through their losses, but Mariss was handling things better than he’d expected. She had dark days like two days ago when he had to force her out of bed, and then she had days like today when she was all the way at the other end of the spectrum.

Mariss turned back, resting her hands against his chest. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Sebastian smiled and she smiled back. “I'm game. Let's do it."


  Author Interview


When did you start writing? 

I was eleven when I started writing books. Before that I would write weird little short one page stories.

What made you decide to start becoming a published author? 

Everyone who writes dreams of being published.


Which authors inspired you? 

Kathy Tyers, Lori Wick, and Ted Dekker were some of my favorites growing up.

Which are your favorite authors at the moment? 

All of them. I am reading Jonathan Maberry right now. He’s amazing.

Which genre do you generally write in? 

Right now, romantic thrillers. Not sure why. Science fictions is my favorite.

How many unpublished stories do you have? 

There is no way to put a number on that.


What are you working on at this moment? 

I am working on a psychological romantic thriller with sci fi elements. It’s going to be a wild ride. Be looking for Blood and Shattered Glass.

How hard is it to research for you novels?  

Research is research. The hardest for me is writing about a foreign city that I’ve never seen.


Do you write from an outline or just where the story and characters take you? 

I don’t use an outline. It takes the fun out of it for me.

Do you get the dreaded writer's block and how do you combat it? 

Everyone gets it. I usually get up and away from my computer. Do something completely unrelated.

Do you prefer to read ebooks or paper books? 

Right now I have to have paperbacks. But a book is a book.

What TV shows & Movies are your favorite? Or the genre you prefer? 

I don’t love romantic comedies. I love thrillers and action movies, science fiction. The weirder the better.


Do you have input in your covers? Who designs them? 

Yep. I have %100 input. J.A. Howell from Howelz designs does them.

What are your thoughts on good & bad reviews? (We aren't counting bashing reviews, simply negative reviews that are respectful) 

Negative reviews can be helpful. They can point out things that need to be changed for the next go-round.


How do you relax? Or activities you use to relax? 

I take a lot of showers.

What is your favorite quote? 

Right now it’s “One small thing for a thing. One big thing for a thingy thingy.”

Is there anyone who supports you that you couldn't do without? 

My fiancée

How do you come up with character names? How do you come up with novel titles? 

Names and titles are important to me. I do a search for meanings that fit my characters. In Blood and Shattered Glass, the main character’s name is Trista, the female version of Tristan (like Tristan and Isolde). I chose it because Trista is very very sad, though I can’t tell you why. Tristan and Isolde is a sad story.

Do you feel upset if you kill off one of your main characters? 

It depends on if I liked the character or not.

How do you feel once you complete a book? 

Exhausted, hungry, and smelly. lol

Coffee or Tea? 

Coffee!

How do you take your coffee? 

Sweet and blonde. Enough milk to drown out the coffee and enough sugar to make it syrup.

Starbucks or Seattle's Best? Or what IS your favorite coffee shop? 

Neither? I don’t know.

If you don't drink coffee, what the HECK do you do to stay motivated without THE best beverage known to man? 

Little known fact (because it’s a new rule I made for myself): I only drink coffee on Sundays. I am allergic to caffeine. It gives me panic attacks and if I get enough of it in my system, it makes my neck and shoulder muscles lock up. (*Why Sunday, Tyffani?*) I’m so glad you asked! Because it was Sunday when I made the rule. ;)

Give us your stalker links!






About the Author-
Tyffani Clark Kemp has been writing since she discovered in the sixth grade that it wasn’t enough just to read about fantastic places, but she could create her own. She weaves small bits of herself into everything she writes whether it be a science fiction piece about aliens or a dramatic romance fraught with conflict and love. She lives in South Carolina with her family and her fluffy shii tzu-mix dog who thinks he’s a Saint Bernard.

Links-







Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Coming For You by J.A. Huss


Coming For You by J.A. Huss
(Dirty Dark and Deadly #3)
Publication date: November 19th 2014
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Thriller

Synopsis:

JAMES
Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
Questions are as dangerous in my world as secrets are valuable.
Answers, however, never come easy.

HARPER
Who am I?
what am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
I’ve never asked myself a single question about my life. Not even once. I follow orders. I keep my head down. I do as I’m told. But now the choices are everywhere.

SASHA
I don’t ask questions and I don’t need answers.
I know exactly what I’m doing.
Last Christmas Eve, my life fell apart.
This summer, I’m about to get even.



AUTHOR BIO:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Author Links:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 27, 2014

New Release: Invitation 3 by Roxy Sloane



The Invitation: Release by Roxy Sloane
(The Invitation #3)
Publication date: October 27th 2014
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance 

Synopsis:
The invitation unlocked a world of pleasure — but the game is only just beginning…

He promised me an adventure. I had no idea what lay in store. Now, I know his name, and everything has changed.

I want to trust him, but his secrets could ruin us both. I need to know what he’s hiding – before it’s too late.

I’ve already risked everything for his love. Now, I’m playing to win.

Are you ready?

*The explosive conclusion to the seductive new series*







Purchase:
Amazon (will be found here come release day)
Excerpt:




Suddenly, his hand is on my arm, pulling me back around. “Don’t go.”

I look up. My breath catches. He’s looking at me intensely. Desire and desperation in his eyes.

How dare he?

He steps forward, slowly pushing me back against the wall. I should shove back, walk out of here and leave him behind forever, but for some reason, I can’t move.

His heat rolls through me. His scent hits like a drug. And most of all, the sheer overwhelming presence of him keeps me pinned in place. Strong. Determined.

Hungry.

My eyes flutter shut and I breathe him in.

I hate him.

“Please…” I whisper, and even I don’t know what I’m asking. For him to let me go, or turn me around and fuck me right here up against the wall, like the very first time.

He dips his head closer, until I can feel his breath, hot on my cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his voice rasping. “I’ll let you go. But this isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”



Author Info


 
Roxy Sloane is a romance junkie with a dirty mind. She lives in Los Angeles with her hot ex-military hubby and her two kids. She loves writing sexy, complex stories about pushing the boundaries and risking it all.

Author links:




Thursday, October 23, 2014

Review, Interview, & Giveaway: Spooky Sojourn by Ashley Ladd

Spooky Sojourn - Tour Banner

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Spooky Sojourn 
SERIES – N/A 
AUTHOR – Ashley Ladd 
GENRE – Erotic Paranormal Romance 
PUBLICATION DATE – October 23, 2014 
LENTH (Pages/# Words) – 50,000 
PUBLISHER – Totally Bound
COVER ARTIST – Emmy Ellis



Spooky Sojourn - Book Cover

 

BOOK BLURB / SYNOPSIS



Someone’s trying to kill Deanna, but is it the ghosts she doesn’t believe in, the rich socialite who might be a murderess, or someone else with a beef against The Gilroy Hotel and Resort that Deanna has just been hired to manage? The Gilroy’s owners want the ghosts, or whoever is causing the trouble at the hotel eliminated, and they are pressuring Deanna to do the job as quickly as possible. Harry DeVeaux, paranormal investigator comes highly recommended to do the job and against Deanna’s better judgment, she hires him.

Although Deanna thinks Harry’s crazy for believing in ghosts and Harry thinks Deanna has a closed mind to the possibilities of ghosts and they highly annoy each other, sparks fly. Deanna can’t help but fantasize about Harry and inspired by a romance convention visiting her hotel, writes her fantasies in a private blog that Harry finds, hacks, and reads. Ooh la la!


BUY & TBR LINKS

 

 

EXCERPTS



It would also be a shame to let a private hotel room go to waste when it contained such a beautiful sexy woman, so he moved closer and leaned against the wall beside her, letting his breath tickle her neck as he gazed down at her. He lifted a strand of her silky hair and let it sift through his fingers. Her heady scent wafted up to him, making him want to bury himself in her. Was it cherries? Maybe apple blossoms? “My heart almost gave out when your car went up in flames and I saw you thrown back. I was afraid you’d been hurt…or worse.”

Her breath caught audibly, and she worried her lower lip with her small, perfect teeth for a moment. Then she gazed up at him with sorrowful eyes. “It must have reminded you of losing your wife.”

“Not for a minute. I was worried you were hurt. That I’d lose you.” He traced the line of her jaw with the pad of his thumb and shivered when he felt her tremble. So she wasn’t immune to him. Good. Very good.

Her lashes fluttered and her irises grew dark. She shrank against the wall as if unsure what to do next. Then resolution gathered in her eyes. “Oh! Well, uh, I should go. I’m sure I’ve been missed. A manager never rests.” To his dismay, she ducked under his arm and escaped to the door. When she tried to turn the handle, however, it wouldn’t budge. Then she tried to turn the knob with both hands, pulling hard. Her eyes flashed fire. “What the hell? Can you help me? I can’t get out.”

“Do you really have to go? Or do you just want to get away from me? Am I that repellant?”

She looked as if she’d rather have fire ants crawl up her legs than answer his question.

Before she could respond, he jumped in. “I have a confession.”

She stopped trying to jar the door and her attention riveted on him, her forehead puckering. “Did you do something I need to know about?”

Drawing in a long, shuddering breath, he look heavenwards and crossed his fingers behind his back hoping she wouldn’t throw something at him, hoping she’d be okay with his admission. “I found your blog and read it.”

Paling, the blood fled from her flesh and her eyes looked like sooty coals against her face. Her gaze clashed with his and held. “How did you find it? I used a pseudonym and I put it on privacy settings.”

He screwed up his lips, and scrubbed his hand over his face, preparing to tell more painful truths. “I’m a bit of a hacker and I like to research the people I’m working with.” Not sure she’d be receptive to his theory, he left out the part that he thought the ghosts led him to her sight. He thought they were closet romantics. He wouldn’t be surprised if they’d locked them into the room now to force them into some alone time together.

When a tsunami of emotions flitted across her face he tried to read them. Fury. Embarrassment. Lust?

“You investigated me? You read my private musings?”

“You wrote about me? In some very intimate ways. At least I presume it was me since you used my name.” He fixed her with a piercing gaze. “Did you?”



Review - 3 Stars!





This short, erotic paranormal read was just that.  A short erotic read with just enough ghosts to be a good asset to your Halloween reading list.  The writing was decently done, a few awkward phrases, and if one more person said "I'm going to talk to my attorneys" or "I'm going to sue you!" I was going to make a drinking game out of it.  Seriously, I could see it happening a couple times, but every, single person who was upset in that novel?  Threatened lawyers and suing.  Definitely needed someone threatening with egging or TPing the hotel or something instead.  It was a bit over done.

The sex scenes - while the actual sex only happened like twice - was sporadically spread throughout the short read, so that was nice.  And they cared about each other, although I did feel it was a bit rushed.  Of course, I usually read romance (that may or many not have explicit sex scenes) and not erotica for very this reason.  However, it wasn't all about sex.  They also had realistic sex and not completely out of the realm of the possible sex.  So THAT was awesome.  The erotica was very well done.  Although certain areas I weren't exactly sure would have ever happened - nude beach or not.  (Their sex was fine, but the others' reactions to them I mean)  BUT I know almost nothing about them, soooo.... I can't say.  ^_^;

I didn't really feel much for the main character too much, she seemed seriously shallow during her first blog fantasy with regards to looks and that nearly killed any empathy I had for Deanna at all.  She did get better though.  I liked Harry, although he was too quick to fly off the handle for someone who was running a business that probably dealt with skeptics more often then they dealt with believers.  

The author did a very nice job of researching the behind the scenes running of a hotel.  It was very realistic from the bit I do know about hotels from work working in them when I was a teenager.  Honestly, TOO good a job.  For the shortness of the story, there should have been less extra details that didn't progress the story.  The soccer students and the romance writers convention each had a purpose, really.  The interviews that stretched out to include over five (?) different people was too much detail when no one appeared again in the story.  I would have MUCH rather read more Harry/Deanna interaction or more ghost stuff.

As for the overall plot, a tad predictable, with a twist big enough to surprise me even.  Not the main big bad of course, that I guessed.   But a few added ones thrown in.  The only thing plot wise I was dissatisfied with was that the big bad villain never really admitted to the car bomb.  I mean, for all we know it could have been the secret villain.  Or the co-villain. 

Overall, I liked it.  Good sexy read with enough Halloween flare!  3 stars!




Interview



When did you start writing?

I began writing as soon as I learned how to read and write – about age five or six. I was always writing stories when I was growing up – mainly for my dad but I entered a couple into writing competitions.

What made you decide to start becoming a published author?

Ever since I watched Superman with Lois Lane I wanted to be a published journalist like her. And when I discovered Harlequin romances when I was a teenager I knew I wanted to write some of my own.

I wrote my first Harlequin-type romance when I was in college back in the late 1980’s. That one was never published, surprise surprise.

Which authors inspired you?

A lot of the original Harlequin authors: Anne Mathers, Violet Winspear, Margaret Rome, Anne Hampson, Carole Mortimer, Flora Kidd.

Which are your favorite authors at the moment?

Sherryl Woods, Stephen King, and Stephen White.

Which genre do you generally write in?

Contemporary romance, often romantic comedy. Within that I have different romantic couplings: mf/mm/mfm/mmf/mmm

How many unpublished stories do you have?

Only two, or three if you count my work in progress. That’s not bad knowing I’ve had about 74 published stories.

What have you written?

It’s a very long list – about 74 published romances. My recent ones are: Cooking Up A Storm, Business or Pleasure, Her Men, and Spooky Sojourn and Pretend Lover are coming soon. A couple of my bestsellers are American Beauty, Purrfect Justice, The Perfect Gift, and Pirate’s Booty.

What are you working on at this moment?


“Gaycation” which is an MMF about Molly who is an erotic MM romance writer who takes her vacation to attend a gay convention so she can get more story ideas. When her day job boss shows up (she’s still in the closet about her writing) at the same convention, she gets way more than she bargained for.

What is your favorite type of hero/protagonist to write? Bad boys? Damaged men? The boy next door? The sensitive soul?

I love men like Indiana Jones and Rick O’Connell from The Mummy. I also loved Shang Li in Mulan and Alex Hopper in Battleship. I’m not sure what classification they’d be or if they’re in different categories. They’re all good men so not bad boys – except for maybe Alex Hopper. I guess you’d say adventurists. In addition, I loved Kevin in 27 Dresses who is a smart-aleck. Hmmm. I guess all of the heroes I mentioned are smart alecks at some point.

What is your favorite type of heroine/protagonist to write? Feisty women? Strong women? Weak women? Flighty women?

Strong women like ‘Mulan’ who saves her hero and her country from the Huns or like Samantha in ‘Battleship’ who thwarts the invading aliens and helps to save the world. They’re still very feminine but strong, intelligent, determined women on a mission.

Julie in my recent release ‘Her Men’ is an ex-FBI agent who is currently the sheriff of her hometown in Indiana. Deanna in my upcoming release ‘Spooky Sojourn’ is the general manager of her city-sized hotel.

How hard is it to research for your novels?

It depends on the novel. During ‘Pretend Lover’ and ‘Spooky Sojourn’ I was constantly researching hotels and hotel life from the perspective of the employees.

How is your day structured to include writing?

I work a full-time 40 plus hour job weekly so it’s tough. It’s even more difficult lately since I’ve been promoting four books that are releasing back to back to back.

When I’m not doing a lot of promotion, I get to write 2-3 hours nightly after I get home from work and finish dinner for my large family. Unfortunately, I’ve been using my writing time for promotion the last couple months: writing guest posts, conducting interviews, finding new hosts for my blog tours, Facebook parties, etc.

Do you write from an outline or just where the story and characters take you?

I’m pretty much of a pantser. I start with an extremely loose outline, knowing the beginning, ending, and a few high points in the middle and I go from there. When I outline too tightly, I feel stifled, as if I’ve already written the story.

Do you get the dreaded writer's block and how do you combat it?


Unfortunately, I have. I didn’t write for almost two years until recently.

Now, if I get blocked I will re-read and edit what I’ve done in the story so I can bump myself into action again. I’ll also research new ideas or the general story theme as I go if I get stuck.

Do you prefer to read ebooks or paper books?

Ebooks! I feel like I’m on the Starship Enterprise in the future when I use my ebook reader. Also, I’m able to adjust the type for my aging eyes. And I can carry around a huge library on my phone and no one can see the cover and make comments on my reading choice. I also enjoy being able to download a book onto my phone from just about anywhere, anytime.

What TV shows & Movies are your favorite? Or the genre you prefer?

TV: I love love love ‘The Big Band Theory’ and I get cranky if I don’t get to see at least a couple episodes a day. I also enjoy watching ‘Love It or List It’ on HGTV (which drives my husband crazy as he feels our home is too small to do anything to, so that I’m wasting my time watching it). In addition, I like the cooking contests and restaurant makeovers and hidden camera shows on Food Network. Finally, I’m enjoying the new series ‘Forever’ about the coroner who keeps dying and coming back to life. Oh! And Star Trek!

Movies: Mulan, Battleship, The Mummy, While You Were Sleeping, Pillow Talk, 27 Dresses, the Indiana Jones movies, Star Trek movies

How many proofreaders/editors do you use before publishing your work?


My publisher provides one primary editor and I don’t know how many proofreaders. I know that after my editor edits my work it goes through line edits and final line edits and sometimes the executive editor will get involved.

Do you have input in your covers? Who designs them?

My publisher gives me a cover questionnaire on which I describe my heroes and heroines as well as scenery and any scenes I think would be good to show on the cover. Emmy Ellis is the cover artist at Totally Bound which is where my current story is published.

What are your thoughts on good & bad reviews? (We aren't counting bashing reviews, simply negative reviews that are respectful)

I’ve read various trains of thought about this. When the reviews provide reasons why they liked or disliked the story that’s very helpful insight to help me when writing future stories. I appreciate the suggestions as long as they are stated respectfully.

Although I would love to garner all five star reviews, or at least all four and five star reviews, that may not seem realistic to readers. They may suspect that only friends and family are providing the reviews. As much as I dislike one and two star reviews, I’ve read that they generate a lot of interest for a book. They pique readers’ curiosity and they often want to see if they agree with the rating. Thus low reviews don’t necessarily kill a book. No promotion (aka no reviews) is much worse than a poor review. (I hope.)

How do you relax? Or activities you use to relax?

I love to go the movies and watch stories on the big, silver screen. I was really in a movie mood last night and so I dragged my daughter to see the new Jason Bateman/Jane Fonda movie at our local theater.

What is your favorite quote?

Live long and prosper by Spock. I’m a huge Trekkie.

But I also love Marion’s line in Raider’s of the Lost Ark when she sees Indy for the first time in years "Indiana Jones. I always knew some day you'd come walking back through my door. I never doubted that. Something made it inevitable."

Is there anyone who supports you that you couldn't do without?


My biggest supporter is my editor at Totally Bound, Faith. She’s awesome. She provides a lot of encouragement and praises my work a lot.

Unfortunately, my family is not supportive. They feel that my writing and promotion takes time away from them. Also my adult children are embarrassed by romance much less erotic romance, so they like to ignore it.

That said, my dad was very supportive of my writing. Unfortunately, he is suffering from dementia now so I’ve lost that support network.

What is the most blatant lie you've ever told?


Wow! What a question. I guess it’s when I refer to my oldest child as “he” at my day job instead of “she”. My oldest child is transgender female. She actually used to work with me and a lot of my coworkers still ask how “he” is doing. Or when I talk about “her” while I’m in my office surrounded by twelve other people, I will say “him” or use her former male name. As you can see, it’s all very confusing and I slip up sometimes. I’ve told my closest friends at work about her gender change, but I’m afraid my employers and coworkers as a whole will not understand. I told one ex-friend at work about her change, and she stopped going to lunch with me or being friendly, as if it’s my decision and as if I have input on my daughter’s decision which I don’t. This is a 30 something year old adult who is paying all her own medical bills and living expenses who made the change.

Do you feel upset if you kill off one of your main characters?


Since I write romance I only kill off villains, never the protagonists and rarely their good supporting characters. Except for once when I blew up Earth (Eternal Damnation) and I felt pretty horrible committing genocide. I have to remind myself, however, that it was really the evil space vampire who did the slaughter, not me.

And then I redeemed him by going more than a thousand years into the past in the sequel where love saved him so that in the new future, he no longer blows up Earth.

Coffee or Tea? 

Coffee (although honestly I drink very little and then only pumpkin spiced coffee).

How do you take your coffee?
Pumpkin spiced only so I usually only drink this in the Autumn. Usually I drink diet Pepsi.

Starbucks or Seattle's Best? Or what IS your favorite coffee shop?

Starbucks.

If you don't drink coffee, what the HECK do you do to stay motivated without THE best beverage known to man?

I drink tons of diet Pepsi – so much that not only my family but my friends are on my back to go cold turkey or at least to cut WAY back.

If you don't drink coffee, what is WRONG with you, woman/man!?! (I'm teasing, really... although if you hate coffee you might have a screw loose... *hee* I love you!!)

I’m an addict! To diet cola. I crave it. But when I drink coffee it has to have pumpkin spice or at least tons of milk and sugar.

How many cats do you own?


Four – I’m a crazy cat lady wanna be. I would adopt more if I could afford them. Even if I could afford more, I can’t take any more in as my family has threatened to walk if I bring one more animal home. The funny thing about that is that when we found a kitten under our house last year, it was my daughters who brought her in, nursed her to health, and demanded we keep her (which we did).

As a Trekkie, do you go to conventions? Perhaps speak Klingon? Or simply just love the Star Trek universe?


I’ve never been to a Star Trek convention although I’d love to go. I was supposed to go to one on a date thirty something years ago and my date cancelled. I was really disappointed.


Unfortunately, I don’t know a word of Klingon. The only second language I know is shorthand. Does that count as a language?


But I watch Star Trek a lot.


(I'm not really making fun, I'm an anime fangirl and some of the people that go to those conventions are as dedicated as Trekkies. ^_^)

Do you write about military men and women because it is something you're very familiar with as an Air Force vet, kind of like the old adage, write what you know? Or you just REALLY like the military men and women?

Both. I tend to write about what I know whether it’s military characters or something else. However, I really admire military men and women and they also fascinate me (especially the men). My favorite movie is “Mulan”. I know it’s a cartoon, but the heroine goes into the military to save her father and after struggling to learn how to fight she ends up kicking all the men’s butts and saving the man she loves – as well as saving her country. It’s the perfect story (for me anyway).

(I'd like to take the time here to say thanks for your service to our country!! I sincerely support our military and have the utmost respect for anyone who can survive serving (and I don't mean death in war and such, I mean the actual training, because I am a super wimp).)
Lastly, how does your life experiences show up in your stories?

In many ways.

In my March 2015 release ‘Pretend Lover’, the heroine has a cleft palate like me. It’s not a pivotal story point as frankly, it hasn’t made a big difference in my life since I was a child taking weekly speech classes and going through many surgeries.

In ‘Self Defense’ the hero is an ex-soldier with hearing loss which does make a big impact on his life. I’m also former Air Force with hearing loss. I based his character a lot on me.

Sometimes funny things my kids do work their way into my stories too. When my oldest child was in high school she hacked into the school’s computer system and changed the vice principal’s password to “Jack Ass”. I’m not condoning her actions and I was scared to death when I was first told—uh hum—threatened that my child might be slapped with a felony offense (if it turned out she had damaged the school’s computers which fortunately she didn’t). Although I was mortified, everybody else laughed their asses off when I told the story. And wouldn’t you know? The school turned around and hired my daughter to work on their computer system after she got off school in the afternoons – for pay. I guess they couldn’t have been too mad. That scenario became the basis for one of my stories – alas out of publication. It was a good one.

Lastly, give us your stalker links!


BUY LINKS:

Playlist

Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
Always Be My Baby – David Cook
Come Back To Me – David Cook
You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Hallejulah – Jason Castro
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Jason Castro
Dawn – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Cara Mia – Jay and the Americans
Blue Moon – The Marcels
Earth Angel – The Penguins
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye – The Casinos
Worst That Could Happen – Johnny Maestro
Pink – Raise Your Glass
Forever in Blue Jeans – Neil Diamond
Mr. Blue – The Fleetwoods
Perfect – Pink
Just A Small Town Girl – Journey
If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot
Tonight’s The Night – Rod Stewart
This One’s For You – Barry Manilowe
Somewhere in the Night – Barry Manilowe
For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield

This or That



Coffee or Tea?  Coffee, although I admit I rarely drink it
Diet or Regular? Diet
Chocolate or Carrot Sticks? Chocolate, although I should be eating the carrot sticks instead
Paranormal or Normal? Depends what mood I’m in
Scarier: Spiders or Snakes? Snakes!
Homebody or Social Butterfly? Social Butterfly
TV or Books? Books
Damon or Stefan? I don’t know who they are, sorry
Team Edward or Team Jacob? (LOL) Team Jacob
Vampire or Werewolf? Vampire

Top 10 Books (or Book Series)

The Left Behind Series
Kiki Lowenstein Scrap n Craft Mysteries by Joanna Slan Campbel
Secret Ingredient by Sherryl Hames Torres
The Stand by Stephen King
And Baby Makes Three by Sherryl Woods
I’ll Be Watching You by Tina Wainscott
He Loves Lucy by Ann Yost
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Alan Gregory psychological thriller series by Stephen White
Desperation by Stephen King




AUTHOR BIO
Spooky Sojourn - Author Photo Ashley Ladd lives in South Florida with her husband, five children, and beloved pets. She loves the water, animals (especially cats), and playing on the computer.

She's been told she has a wicked sense of humour and often incorporates humour and adventure into her books. She also adores very spicy romance, which she weaves into her stories.








AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

1 pdf ebook copy of Spooky Sojourn





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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Review & Giveaway: Unattainable by Charity Parkerson Blog Tour

Unattainable  

BOOK INFORMATION

Title – Unattainable 
Series – No Rival 
Author – Charity Parkerson 
Genre – M/M Erotica 
Publication Date – 08/27/2014 
Length (Pages/# Words) – 130/ 43,000 
Publisher – Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc. 
Cover Artist – Publisher


unattainable (1)


   

BOOK SYNOPSIS  

Book 5 in the No Rival series




A career-ending injury leaves Brian reeling. With no clue what he’ll do now that his dream of becoming an MMA champion is over, he is shocked at an unexpected offer of help from a former champ.

Terry has seen the top and is happy with his life in retirement. However the chance to help a fellow fighter regain his dream is something he can’t resist.

When Brian accepts Terry’s offer, the sexual magnetism between them catches Brian off guard. Keeping his attraction hidden becomes a bigger challenge than regaining his strength. Plus, Terry’s mixed signals leave Brian frustrated and confused.

Though Terry is just as hot for Brian, he has secrets that could tear their budding romance apart. But he simply cannot resist the pull Brian has over him or the heat between them. Through it all, both men discover that love really can conquer all.

Inside Scoop: This male/male romance will leave you hot but most definitely not bothered. A Romantica® contemporary gay erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave




UNATTAINABLE BUY LINKS





Unattainable-Teaser 1



 EXCERPT (18+)


“I never drink and you’re going to make me drink alone?”

A grin tugged at Terry’s lips at Brian’s sullen comment. “You need the fortification while I’ve had more than my fair share for one lifetime.”

Brian’s speech was already beginning to slow down. “It’s not right to leave a man hanging.”

“I have to drive you home and I don’t drink and drive.”

Brian slipped down an inch in his chair. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared at Terry through his lashes. “I could stay here.” Although Terry doubted Brian’s proposition was intended the way he would’ve liked, it still caused his cock to lengthen. “It wouldn’t be the first time I slept in a chair.” That statement might have taken the bite out his arousal if Brian’s tone hadn’t gone sultry. Not to mention, his eyes darkened. Terry shifted in his seat to hide his erection. The expression on Brian’s face was hot as hell.

“I wouldn’t let you sleep in a chair.” He hoped Brian was now wondering where he would allow him to sleep. Of course, the answer was nowhere. If Brian stayed, neither of them would get any rest.

Brian tossed back another shot before straightening in his seat. “If I’m not staying then I’d better go home. I’d hate to pass out on you and like I said, I don’t drink often.”

With a nod, Terry stood. Brian attempted to follow suit but swayed on his feet. Racing forward, Terry caught him before he could hit the ground. The motion left them chest to chest. A nervous sounding chuckle vibrated from Brian. Terry could feel it against his skin. Their gazes met. The sound died.

“You’re very bossy,” Brian said, surprising a chuckle from Terry.

“You’re very drunk,” Terry countered.

Brian didn’t move away. Neither did Terry. “I’ll get over being drunk, you’ll always be bossy.”

“I have a feeling—if you remember any of this tomorrow—you’re going to be horrified.”

Brian was staring at his mouth. He shook his head. “Nope. I haven’t done anything to be embarrassed about...yet.”

Terry marveled over the way Brian’s eyes gave away his every emotion. They seemed to flash from light to dark brown and back again as he visibly struggled against his desire. Unable to keep from doing so, Terry gave him an extra shove. Using his voice against him, he allowed a hint of his growing lust to seep into his tone.

“Do you intend to?” With his gaze still locked on Terry’s mouth, Brian nodded. “Do it,” Terry taunted. The words barely passed his lips before Brian claimed his mouth. For Terry, it was like tossing gasoline on already raging bonfire. It was everything he’d fantasized it would be with an extra helping of expertise tossed into the mix. The way Brian’s tongue stroked the roof of his mouth before slipping away and reappearing again left Terry with no choice except to chase after it. The moment he thought he had him, Brian sank his teeth into Terry’s bottom lip, tugging gently. Terry gasped. He couldn’t remember a time he’d been this close to coming in his jeans, especially from nothing more than a kiss. At the sound, Brian turned his face away, resting his forehead on Terry’s shoulder. His shoulders heaved as he visibly struggled to catch his breath.

“The room is spinning.”

Terry clamped his back teeth together. His muscles seized tight as he attempted to control his lust. “That’s because the world tilted,” Terry said once he found his voice.


Review - 4 Shocked Stars!

 Between the synopsis (I adore MMA fighters in my novels) and the amazing cover, I really wanted to read this book.  The genre usually puts me off but I really wanted to see if this story would be good.  And by genre, it wasn't the M/M part - I read them, even if they're not my usual romance - it was the erotica label.  And not because I don't like sex scenes or even explicit sex scenes.  It's just most erotica is written porn.  And yes, I know, I know, that's kind what they are.  But I like actual believable storylines WITH said erotica - and believable dialog - and I especially like some romance in it of course.  (That will come in a rant someday on the blog when I'm not in the middle of a review).  So it was with mixed feelings I started this book.

I must say I was very, very pleasantly surprised at the fact this novel was more about story and emotion in between the heat.  In fact, I was shocked at the level of detail to the setting and world outside of Brian and Terry and with their emotions.  After I got over the fact, A. this was decently written, and B. it actually had a plot, I devoured this book in one sitting.

I liked Terry and Brian quite a lot, both were fairly well written with as much depth as one can get in 100-ish pages.  Although the one thing I had problems with was the fact sometimes they seemed a little TOO alike.  Not as if they had a lot in common alike.  As if they had similar enough personalities that one didn't stick out over the other really.

As for the actual writing style, I was again surprised and very happy that my usual writing pet peeves were missing.  The only issue I had was a bit of jumping around in the scenes that wasn't made all that clear, but it wasn't that difficult to get around.

Overall, excellently done!  A very emotionally charged M/M that makes me anxious to read more from Charity Parkerson!  4 stars!


 *Received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*

OTHER BOOKS IN THE NO-RIVALS SERIES

Unatainable - No Rivals Series

 

 

Book 1 - Unsurpassed


Book #1 - Unsurpassed








Book 2 - Undaunted

   

Book #2 - Undaunted




Book 3 - Unequaled

   

Book #3 - Unequaled





Book 4 - Unbalanced



Book #4 - Unbalanced





Unattainable - Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner *2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner *2014 Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist *2014 Ankh Award Nominee *ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance *Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath






FOLLOW THE AUTHOR HERE

 



GIVEAWAY

A “No Rival” t-shirt and a set of 3 autographed bookmarks







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