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This week *gleefully rubbing hands together* I have Charlene Roberts on the hot seat. I've interviewed her and can't wait to share her replies with you! Just for fun, Charlene is going to give away an ebook copy of Eternal Heiress to one lucky commenter. So please show her some love and enter to win! Hello and Welcome! Hi Melissa - hi everyone! Thank you for having me at your blog today! Please tell us a little about yourself. I live in Toronto, Canada (first generation Canadian). I like to travel, but I've noticed that I don't like to fly as much as I used to, so it has to be a darn good reason for me to get on a plane these days! I've developed a recent obsession for Criminal Minds and cannot wait for the new season of True Blood-hurry up already! I love reading fantasy and sci-fi, mystery, romance and comic books (Japanese manga has a hold of me at the moment). My current day-time job is a somewhat frustrating administrative assistant position at a consulting/brokerage firm, which I hope to change VERY SOON. If you were a cartoon character who would you be and why? Lady Yoruichi Shoin from the Japanese manga, BLEACH. She was a captain who betrayed her community by siding with her good friend, who was accused of a crime. She has a 'tough-love' approach to people and situations, and can kick major ass with the best of them when she needs to. What is your favorite song and why? One song that I enjoy singing along is called 'Step by Step' by Huey Lewis and the News. He talks about the hardships of the characters in his song, and I love it when he sings 'it'll be better come tomorrow', and 'step by step; one by one; higher and higher.' As I listen to the song, it helps me to envision what I want to accomplish. Plus it's a catchy tune! I wonder if that's on the old Sports album I have. If you had to live without your car or your computer, which would you choose? This one is easy - I don't have a car! :) Our transit system is quite good, so I can get anywhere. But if I had to choose, then I would live without the car. My computer (with Internet access I assume?) Is my instant connection to everything and everyone. I hear you about the internet access. Just ask my hubby what I'm like when it goes down! Not a pretty site! What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? A lot of reading; I like orchestral music as well. I don’t watch as much television as I used to. Also, going out with my friend and catching up on her life. Your books have a wide range of genres, do they have any common themes? My heroines are strong-willed, stubborn and can think on their feet. I also love mystery stories, so my plots all have an element of mystery to them. Did you always want to be an author? No. I studied to be a computer programmer, then a graphics designer. I even wanted to be a fitness competitor (and still thinking about it). My friend introduced me to writing when she needed help typing her novel and I haven't looked back since (more than 10 years ago now). What is your favorite part about being an author? What is your least favorite? Favourite: Wow, that I can create and write stories, and then sell them! Can you imagine? Making a living by doing something that you absolutely love? I'm nowhere near writing enough to leave my current employment, but I'm working on it! Least favourite: most times, I would have said that edits are the bane of all existence! However what I've noticed is, as my job gets busier, I have less time to write. So I would say that not having the time I want to create my stories is the least favourite part of being an author for me. My time has been swallowed up by the pesky day job! Yuck! What has been your favorite part about getting published? That I can tell and write stories and share them with other people! Also, meeting like-minded authors on writers’ loops with whom I can share this crazy life. My family still thinks that this is a hobby, nothing more. Where do you write? Do you need anything to help you get in the mood for writing? Most times I write at home in my room, but I've noticed lately that I'm tired of looking at my computer, since I also look at it while I'm at my full-time job. I've been writing more by using my Blackberry Torch. I'm debating on the purchase of either an IPad or Samsung Galaxy tablet so that I can take it anywhere and just write. I also need to have noise - I cannot write in absolute peace and quiet. Symphony music used to work for me, but then I started humming to it, which distracted me. So now I listen to those 'Sounds of Nature' DVD’s, which offer beautiful sound without the distraction of humming or pretending that I'm a conductor, waving my pen around!  Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)
BLURB Tari Merytmut, adopted at age five and trained in the arts of swordsmanship, has made it her duty to track and kill the demons that suddenly infest her city. Under the watchful eye of her guardian angel, Tari travels to the remote mountain temple of her adopted father to learn of her past. From glittering cosmopolitan cities to the ancient tombs hidden beneath the hot, arid Egyptian desert, she discovers that a famous French general who sold his soul to Satan is plotting to steal her ancestor’s secret to complete his domination of the planet. Tari will do everything it takes to stop him – even if it means going to Hell. EXCERPT NORTH AFRICA It couldn’t think straight. There was a terrible point of light out of its sight, just enough to irritate its vision, making it squint. However, squinting didn’t help. The ache in its head increased, multiplying the pain already residing there after it was punched viciously in its face. “The demon does not look very happy, Maria,” a soft female voice said. “No, it does not.” A hand reached out. It tried to turn its head away but the slender, strong fingers grabbed its chin, turning its head this way and that. The demon tried to spit, but a sharp, backhanded slap across its mouth prevented it. “Do you want to talk?” the one called Maria demanded. The demon looked around at its prison, still trying to find a way out. The light hurt its eyes, but it fought against the pain as it focused on its surroundings. It was a wooden building, far from human habitation. The sharp, tangy smell of salt and dead fish meant that they were near or on the ocean. Even if it did escape these two females, its chances of getting back home were slim. “I do not think it wants to talk, Teresa,” Maria said. “Well, I am in no mood to wait for this thing to make up its mind.” The smaller female stepped forward, and in that moment, the demon knew that it was doomed. “Let me give it some incentive.” She touched the rope that bound its arms, and a soft, white glow pulsed around the bindings. The demon screamed in agony, and the two angels backed away as it thrashed about, trying to break free. “Tell us why you are here on the surface,” Maria asked. Teresa moved her hand away from the bindings, and the glow disappeared. The demon hung its head, its breath rasping against its throat. It found the strength to spit out a black glob of blood before it looked up at the two women. “What will I receive if I answer your questions?” it asked. Maria and Teresa looked at each other. “A swift and painless death,” Maria answered. The demon stared at them, surprised. “Did you think that we were completely heartless? We are merciful, but do not believe that it makes us weak.” “This I already know,” the demon answered, its arms seared and crusted from the holy aura within its bindings, its face swollen from its beating. “Well, demon?” “Do I have your pledge that you will not send me back from whence I came?” “We can only promise what we have stated. As for your soul, it will go where it must. We cannot change that course,” Teresa answered. “Very well.” The demon managed to sit up straighter in the wooden chair. “My Lord and Master has commanded that my brethren retrieve an item of immeasurable value.” It stopped. “And what is this treasure?” “I do not know. But it was described to us, and where it can be found.” * * * THE VALLEY OF THE QUEENS – ONE HOUR LATER “What do you think, sister?” Maria asked. “I think—no, I know that the demon is a liar,” Teresa answered. “However, our God has instructed that we explore all evidence.” The two angels flew quickly over the western regions of Africa, remaining high over the land to avoid human eyes. “It seems that our Lord could not fathom the problem,” Teresa continued, “Because of what is involved.” “And that is?” “The problem is not of His faith. It pertains to another, older religion. That of the Egyptian Gods.” “Egyptian? What treasure could Lucifer want from such a religion?” “This we must find out.” They located the great river Nile, its waters twinkling silver under a half moon, and flew south, their keen eyes picking out the sprawling, crumbling structures of the ancient cities. The demon, in the last moments of its tainted existence, described an area located some distance from the ancient buildings, a valley where the female Egyptian royalty lay buried—the Valley of the Queens. One particular queen had hidden the secret that Lucifer now searched for. Unfortunately, the demon died before revealing the queen’s name. “There it is.” Maria pointed. The valley was barely discernible against the many mountains that enclosed it. The region’s only identifying mark was a single, wide path that led to a small opening in the center of a group of massive, semicircular limestone cliffs. The area was empty of life. “I do not understand,” Teresa stated. “It looks deserted.” “And it does not feel right.” “That is because you do not know of the history.” “No, it is not that.” Maria scanned the area. “If what the demon told us is correct, then there should be many of its filthy brethren down there, looking for this treasure.” She grabbed Teresa’s hand as her sister prepared to descend. “Please, I wish to investigate further. Fly with me around the perimeter.” Teresa believed that her sister’s precautions were unfounded, but agreed to follow. They glided silently around the valley and the surrounding mountains, searching for any signs of movement. When they were over the path, Maria followed Teresa as she flew in and landed on the rocky surface. “There is nothing here,” Teresa said. Maria looked around, her wings folded tight against her body. She couldn’t explain the sudden chill that ran through her. “Sister, you worry too much.” Teresa stroked her arm. “It is possible that the demons were here and left when they could not locate this item. Come—let us see if we can do better.” She walked towards the cave. “But we do not know where to begin!” Maria said loudly, and instantly regretted raising her voice. She looked up into the silent rock face, sensing something... “We begin by entering the cave,” Teresa replied, keeping her impatience in check. As she approached the entrance, Teresa became aware of a malignant odor. Halting just several steps away from the opening, she realized that the smell was coming from inside the tomb. She hesitated, trying to decide if the scent belonged to the dead, when several pairs of glowing, yellow eyes lit the entrance. “It is a trap! Teresa, fly!” Maria shouted. Several dozen demons poured out of the entrance, their shrill laughter echoing eerily throughout the valley. Hundreds more appeared from hidden crags within the mountain, running and leaping to enclose the pair. Teresa spread her wings, preparing to fling herself upwards, when one of the larger demons sunk its talons into her shoulder. Teresa screamed in agony and fear. The pain was excruciating. In an instant, Maria was there, ramming the demon’s face with her elbow. “Teresa! Are you all right?” she yelled. “Yes,” she gasped, placing her hand on her shoulder. She could feel her flesh beginning to mend. She glanced at the demons that surrounded them. They had backed away from the ferocity of Maria’s attack, but held their ground. “How could I not sense the horde of evil spirits so close to us?” Maria gave her an irritated look. “This is not the time and place for discussion,” she replied sharply. “I am sorry, I am sorry,” Teresa stammered. “Stop apologizing, we must leave!” In one fluid movement, Maria picked Teresa up and flung her into the air. She watched as Teresa spread her wings and caught the warm air current, hoisting herself above the melee. But she wasn’t so lucky. The demons had closed in and were now tearing at her feathers, sinking their long talons into her white skin. “No! Get away from her!” Teresa aimed her finger at the writhing black mass, barely locating her sister beneath the tangled, scrabbling bodies. A soft aura appeared at the finger’s tip, which quickly became a blinding white orb, and Teresa launched her holy fire directly at the center of the malevolence. There was no sound, but the devastation was awe-inspiring. The demons’ scorched, smoking husks littered the path and cliffs to either side of her as the holy fire swept across the valley, leaving everything that was earthbound untouched. Another blast obliterated the dead things. Teresa flew down to Maria, who was slowly and painfully raising herself into a sitting position. “Maria! Are you hurt badly?” Maria winced as she flexed her wings. A quick check revealed that they weren’t broken, but feathers lay scattered around her. Her body was covered in scratches, and her shoulder had two deep gashes, but otherwise, she seemed unhurt. “I will live,” she grumbled, finally able to stand. She glanced at her shoulder, which was starting to heal. “Nothing that a blessing or two cannot fix.” Maria turned to her sister. “We cannot stay here any longer.” “But we must find—” “We cannot find anything if we do not know what to look for,” Maria interrupted, grabbing Teresa by both arms. “And we do not know if there are more demons about.” She looked meaningfully towards the cave’s entrance. “I could barely sense the creatures, while you did not at all—and I want to discover the reason why. If we enter…” Maria didn’t finish. Teresa had to concede defeat. She knew that she could be very stubborn when it came to her investigations, but this—this was beyond foolish. They had been ambushed, and they could not afford to have that happen again. “You are right, sister,” she finally decided. “We were not prepared.” “Then you shall leave this place and discuss the matter with our God, while I stand guard here.” “What is this you say? You cannot—” “The demons have found something,” Maria stated flatly. “Or are in the process of finding Lucifer’s precious treasure. The demons cannot leave this place with it.” “And how do you intend to stop them?” “With a delegation of our sisters and brothers,” Maria said, smiling. “If you make haste and tell our Lord what we require.” Buy Links: Double Dragon: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.php?ISBN=1-77115-064-5 Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Heiress-ebook/dp/B00BFUJDFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361156381&sr=8-1&keywords=eternal+heiress Kobo edition: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Eternal-Heiress/book-qsFk5dQOtE6dCgjng8U-hA/page1.html?s=5rM0btHszE2TfNiWwThtzg&r=1 ~~~~~~~ How did you decide on your story plot? It's weird-- I think I was watching a documentary on Napoleon and when he was sent into exile, I thought to myself: 'I wonder what would happen if he escaped and had a second chance’? And immediately all these different ideas came to mind. Then, just to make it more difficult, I wondered what would happen if he came back from the dead as a demon leader, with Hell's Army at his beck and call. That's pretty creepy—Napoleon was a brilliant soldier and I hate to think what could have happened. How did you choose your characters names and location for your story? For Eternal Heiress, a lot of the background is based on Egyptian mythology, so I started with the heroine's name, as I wanted something in relation to her ancestry. For the angels, that was easier-- I stuck with Christian names. I looked up Japanese names on the Internet to see what they meant, but in the end I went with something that sounded like my character. Do you have a favorite scene? Why? There are so many that I like! One of my favourites is the scene of the two female angels trying to find out the source of the demon invasion, and tracing it back to the Valley of the Queens. But my favourite would be the discovery of the secret tomb. I love puzzles, and I really enjoyed putting that scene together! Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… Facebook: Charlene Roberts Blog: http://charlenelroberts.wordpress.com/ Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!! I've submitted a couple of erotica novels to Ellora's Cave. The first manuscript is a sequel to A Gentleman's Savior, part of the Art of Desire anthologies published three years ago. The second manuscript is for the Cotillion line (Regency) for their Christmas anthology. As you can see, I like to write all types of stories--hot erotica, sweet traditional Regency and fantasy. I'm also working on a graphic novel. It's in its very early stages, but the plan is to put together a proposal and see if I can obtain a grant from my provincial Arts Council. Who knows? If they provide me with enough money, I might be able to quit my job and concentrate on the graphic novel and other works. Thanks for stopping by . All the best with the submissions. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Readers- Don't forget to leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win an ebook copy of Eternal Heiress!   Sometimes sexy is a woman who takes things into her own hands. Lissa is forced to confront Chloe. Seeing the pain on Alex’s face each night as he tried to talk to his son, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Thursday after work, I drove to Chloe’s. Standing on her porch, butterflies were beating against my ribcage. Nervous was too mild of a word to describe how I felt. I hadn’t spoken to Chloe since I’d ordered her out of my house. Now I was standing right outside her door. Knocking, I waited and listened for sounds inside the house. When Chloe opened the door, emotions played across her face. I couldn’t tell if I was welcome or not. “We need to talk.” My voice was firm with determination. I wasn’t going to let my fear get in the way of trying to correct this. Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Threes-a-Crowd-ebook/dp/B00CTCDHVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368974389&sr=1-1&keywords=melissa+keir B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/threes-a-crowd-melissa-keir/1115320553?ean=2940016615738 All Romance Ebooks:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-three039sacrowd-1185386-148.html For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd. Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family. When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband? Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after. 
Who doesn't love a free book? Snapshot to Destiny is free for a limited time on Amazon! You can download this book and find your new favorite author! Check it out today!  Snapshot to Destiny by Christie A. C. Gucker
FREE on Amazon June 27th – 28th Willow Reese has always been drawn to photography. So much, that she owns a small photo lab where her customers who haven’t moved into the digital age can still get their film developed. Her clientele range from grandmothers with photos of grandkids, to morticians with pictures to make you cringe, and one very sexy professional photographer named Spencer, who she’s always been sweet on. But one day, her whole world shatters when a she finds that a series of photos cause her to have a reaction that will shake the foundation of everything she’s always believed in. Her life will never be the same, not unless she chooses to make it remain as it was destined. Can Willow find happiness in what life already has destined for her, or will she change everything that she desires? Amazon Buy Link Today I get to share with you a sneak peek at the sequel to Baby Stetson. Melody in My Head is the next book by Nikki Lynn Barrett and is sure to be another favorite.  Cover Reveal information for: The Melody In My Head. Love and Music in Texas, Book Two by Nikki Lynn Barrett. Blurb: Welcome back to Harmony's Echo, Texas..... Melody Roland is on the run from the one person she trusted completely. One who hid a dark past she could never have imagined. When a pregnant woman on the bus she's fleeing on goes into labor, Melody rushes to her aide. Now she finds herself stranded in a tiny remote town just off the highway, with no way to her original destination. She's alone, on edge, and unsure who to trust. Her instincts scream to get far away and fast. But how and where? Jameson Grant struggles through the roughest year of his life. Suffering from the loss of his father, one grief stricken night, he made a mistake. One which cost him the only woman he's ever loved. Each lonely day he's faced with the constant reminders of how quick things can change. Throwing himself into the one thing he has left, his music, helps dull the pain he fights to keep hidden. His last salvation begins to crumble as things spiral out of control and he has no choice but to face the 'music' of his past. The last thing he needs or wants in his life is a woman with more trouble on her heels than the best of country music lyrics. But Melody sings a sirens call within him that can't be ignored. Jameson and Melody bond in ways stronger than either could have imagined, but one dangerous person from her past may threaten it all... If she doesn't flee before he can convince her to stay, and that some love songs last an eternity. Excerpt: She shouldn't have listened to them. Ohmygodohmygod She really was going to be sick. Melody's stomach clenched, her breaths came out on rasps, images she'd rather not have in her mind played over and over again as the sounds repeated. Melody had to get out of here. Go somewhere, clear her head. She forced herself to stop crying, dried her face. She hesitated before opening the door, hoping Jameson and Blaine were too busy to notice her. She didn't hear them, and wasn't sure where either of them were. She made a dash for it. From the sounds of it, the two were still in the kitchen. Melody could go through the front door and get a bit of fresh air. As quick and quiet as she possibly could be, she managed to get out the front door without either of them noticing her. The ladder still leaned against the house, from when she and Jameson climbed up there. The old wood creaked underneath her weight as she walked across the front porch. Carefully walking down the steps, Melody gripped the sides of the ladder. One by one, she climbed the rungs, pulled herself up onto the roof and scrambled up. She let her feet dangle over the edge as she let the tears flow again. Patchy clouds hid the sun, and a cool, brisk breeze weaved through her hair, tossing it lightly. Melody pushed strands out of her face as her chest constricted with sobs. “Melody?” She gasped at the sound of Jameson's voice. She stared down at him. He frowned, jumped onto the ladder and was at her side in seconds. He pulled her to him. Cupping her face, Jameson persuaded her to look at him. “What's wrong? I'm sorry. I heard the door and wasn't sure what was going on. Then I saw you up here in tears...” Jameson cradled her to him. “If you need me to leave you alone, I will, but I had to make sure you're okay.” Melody liked this man. Way too much. He was always right there to talk to her. He had so much to deal with, but he always put it aside when Melody had something going. She didn't want to lean on him, she didn't want to drag him into her screwed up world. He knew the real reason she ran, so it was a little too late to keep him out. Damn it, why did he have to be such a great guy? It was the wrong time! “I used your phone to make a long distance call.” Jameson pulled away and chuckled. “Okay. So you're crying up here because you made a long distance call? It's not the end of the world. We have long distance on our phone.” Melody nearly laughed, but the gesture actually forced more tears out. She'd said the completely wrong thing to start off with. Yes, that did sound foolish! Crying over a long distance phone call. If only it were that simple. Oh, if only. Fun Facts about The Melody in My Head, and the Love and Music in Texas Book series. 1. Jameson's character wasn't originally going to be a good guy. (I know, I know...what was I thinking?) As I wrote Baby Stetson, he surprised me and grew on me. I loved him so much, I had to give him his own story and HEA. 2.Melody's character actually had a part in another book. I had her backstory and plot figured out a long time ago, I just had no idea I'd pair her with Jameson and send her to Harmony's Echo, Texas. But it worked out so well! Love it when I can combine story ideas! 3. I used Keith Urban's intense guitar playing for inspiration when I pictured Jameson playing the guitar. Yes, it's no secret I have a huge celeb crush on Keith, but it's more than that. He's a talented guitar player and he puts his all in when he plays, and that's why I used his image for Jameson.....Honest! 4. The song lyrics I incorporate in the story are mine. I am a lyric writer, and so I fit some of my own songs in the story as I see fit. :) 5. When Picking out covers for this series, I try to put items that are part of the story on the covers. Look at Baby Stetson- the hat there has a valid reason for being there. It's part of Avery's history. Same with Melody in My Head- Jameson is the lead guitarist, so why not use a guitar? :) 6. Book Three will feature Jameson's sister, Blaine, and the keyboardist for Baby Stetson Randy. I started thinking about them while writing The Melody in My Head. That story should come out 2014. 7. So far, I have probably about 7 stories planned in this series. 8. I used to not read series- let alone write them! Now, I'm hooked! 9. I'm going to be working on a project- The songs used in the series, I'm going to try and get them to melody, find a band, and release a music CD with the songs. (Yep, I'll be singing them. I won't burst your eardrums, promise!) 10. In my original idea for Melody's story, while on the bus running, she was the one that had a child. That child was ill and the bus driver had dropped them off in a small town to get the child medical attention. Obviously, that idea evolved a bit. Lil.  From now until the end of July, Baby Stetson, the first in the Love and Music in Texas series, is discounted to just $.99. You'll meet Jameson in this book, and then you can get his story when The Melody in My Head comes out. Baby Stetson Blurb: In small Texas towns, strangers come and go... Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past. By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town. Some strangers come with secrets and lies Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery. Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know. Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie. But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start. Add this book to your goodreads list! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson BUY LINKS: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363971733&sr=1-1&keywords=Baby+Stetson Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566 Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=91X-oMVbn0aPh2Tu_jejRw&r=1 Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett The Secret Santa Wishing Well http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at [email protected] www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor @Stormgoddess925 on Twitter 
What an exciting series! Mr. Blackthorn is searching for his lost love...will he ever find her?  Dark Tales Diaries: Volume Two by London Saint James Blackthorn Printing made a splash in the publishing world with the introduction of Dark Tales Diaries, yet despite his efforts, Tristan Blackthorn isn’t any closer to finding the woman he seeks. Unwilling to give up on his lost love, his search for Keira continues in Volume Two. A voyeuristic moment leads an astronomy professor and his assistant to a steamy endeavor on The Observation Deck. An invitation for cocktails has the reclusive woman who lives in 204-B pondering why the handsome, wealthy owner of her building would invite her to anything. Does she have enough guts to go to The Top Floor? And a Maestro strikes the right cord with a young and talented cellist who is trying to find her passion. Excerpt: “Come on, Tristan,” Keira said, giggling playfully as she shut her diary. “What new story have you added? One of love? Intrigue? A tale of the forbidden?” I inquired while eyeing the leather bound book. Keira laid it aside, and rose to her feet. “I’ll read them to you, someday.” She slipped out of her white cotton dress, leaving her sandals in the wake of snow-colored material at my feet. I leaned my back against the trunk of the tree, pretending to rest, but in truth, rest was the furthest thing from my mind. Keira twirled on the ball of her foot, more graceful than any dancer. “Do that again,” I said. The sun broke through the leaves on the trees, and set her long raven tresses into brilliant highlights that shimmered in deepened shades of blue-black. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She alone encapsulated perfection, with her small, pert breasts slightly covered by her long hair, and when she moved, the gumdrop point of a pale-pink nipple peeked through some of the strands. She raised her arms above her head, giving me a full view of her extended frame, and did something of a provocative pirouette before turning to face the pond. Her slender waist gave way to rounded hips that swayed seductively as she tiptoed, nude, toward the edge of the water. She stuck one toe in, and looked at me over her slender shoulder. Her jewel-green eyes penetrated my soul. Keira twisted her long hair up, and used the dark pieces that fell from her fingers to weave her tresses into a tied-off knot, freeing the canvas of her back. The dappled shade that fell from one of the overhanging branches caressed the curve of her spine like a long lost lover, and in that instant I wanted to kiss the dimples above her heart-shaped ass. The thought stirred up something much more primal. “Are you coming?” she asked. When Keira licked the plumpness of her lips, my cock ached for her. “Definitely,” I said, and stood from my shaded spot under the oak, toeing off my shoes in a hurry, before ridding myself of my shirt and pants. Once free of my clothing, I bounded toward her. She grinned and jumped before my hand made contact with her arm. I wasted no time, and followed in behind her. Our heads popped to the surface in unison, with her joyous laughter filling the air. “I bet you can’t catch me,” she taunted in a cutesy voice before diving beneath the murky pool. I studied the trail of bubbles and waves she made, guessing where she might come up, then made my way onto the grassy bank, crossed over the plank bridge, and hopped into the water off the south bank. When she resurfaced, I snatched her up. “Got you,” I said, and placed a kiss to her lips. She wiggled. Her moist mouth left mine. “No fair, Tristan. You were supposed to swim and catch me, not cheat, and wait until I ran out of air.” “You never outlined the rules. And besides, I play to win.” Keira, shook her head. Water rolled along her nose, over her parted lips, and down her chin before the wandering drop found its home in the pond. “I know you do,” she said, rubbing her nose against mine. “That’s one of the things I love about you.” “What else do you love about me?” “I’m not telling.” I placed my lips to her tempting neck, traced a line with the tip of my nose to the end of her ear, and sucked her lobe into my mouth. “What if I persuade you to tell me?” She moaned my name, and draped her arms around my neck. “Don’t stop doing that, and I might be persuaded.” Keira wrapped her long legs around my waist. The head of my hard cock slipped between our two intertwined bodies. She pressed herself against me, tighter. Warmth worked its way through my essence as I slid my manhood in-between her parted lower lips. I wanted to explore all of her with my hands, my dick, and my mouth. One hand remained on the back of her slim neck while the other left her lower back to discover the wonder of her ass. Flames, not water lapped at my skin with a desire beyond words. Buy Link: Evernight Publishing  Dark Tales Diaries: Volume One
For years, Tristan Blackthorn has toiled to find his lost love. He finally decides to use Blackthorn Printing, along with his newly created Dark Tales Diaries, as a way to find her. Will her story be one of the three tales in Volume One? Mistress Guinevere’s calling card is her Red Stilettos. She specializes in a particular fetish and always maintains her control, until a man from her past returns to test her will. A recently divorced woman experiences the effects of empty nest syndrome after her twins head off to college. With the clock ticking away, she decides it’s far past time to seek out something that has always eluded her. Will she find what she’s looking for withThe Leather’s Edge? And a bored computer programmer learns what it’s like to feel sexual freedom after being bound by a Master in Safe Word. Be Warned: bondage, anal sex, sex toys, fetish Buy Links: Evernight Publishing Amazon Barnes & Noble All Romance eBooks About the Author: London wrote her first short story in the second grade. Her teacher informed her parents London had a big imagination, but having a big imagination wasn’t necessarily a good thing as far as he was concerned. Without watering that seed of imagination, London placed her vivid characters, her childhood stories, along with her imagination on the shelf, where they would wither for a while. At the urging of her eighth grade English teacher, London pulled her imagination off that shelf, and wrote her second short story. To no surprise, it was a love story inspired by a song. Then as life does, it moves on, so yet again London placed her imagination on the shelf to wither for a while. She needed to do the “sensible thing.” The sensible thing earned London a degree in Psychology, but while in college she traversed into writing once more, and was encouraged by a couple of professors to pursue that endeavor. She took on the world of written word, and has never looked back. London writes erotic romance from sweet to downright naughty. She is an author for Evernight Publishing, a member of the Romance Writers of America, and a member of Passionate Ink. Connect with the Author: Site Blog Facebook Twitter 
Joan Hall Hovey is an award winning author who stops by to share her suspenseful tales with us. Her stories are sure to keep us on the edge of our seats. Joan will award one randomly drawn commenter a $50 gift certificate for sunglasses at Sunglasses Shack (US/Canada only). Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/blurb-blitz-suspense-from-joan-hall.html  Nowhere To Hide: Eppie Winner ~ Best Thriller - 1992 SHE DARED TO CHALLENGE A MERCILESS KILLER Raised in an atmosphere of violence and unpredictability, Ellen and Gail Morgan have banded together, survivors of a booze-fertilized battleground, forming a fierce united front against an often cold and uncaring world. When their parents are killed in a car crash, Ellen becomes the mother figure for Gail. When fifteen years later Gail is brutally raped and murdered in her shabby New York basement apartment, practically on the eve of her big breakthrough as a singer, Ellen is inconsolable. Rage at her younger sister's murder has nearly consumed her. So when her work as a psychologist wins her an appearance on the evening news, Ellen seizes the moment. Staring straight into the camera, she challenges the killer to come out of hiding: "Why don't you come after me? I'll be waiting for you." Phone calls flood the station, but all leads go nowhere. The police investigation seems doomed to failure. Then it happens: a note, written in red ink, slipped under the windshield wipers of her car, 'YOU'RE IT.' Ellen has stirred the monster in his lair … and the hunter has become the hunted!  Defective: Therapist Melanie Snow is driving to her office when her Honda is struck by a dark-colored van and sent spinning into a ditch, where it catches fire. The driver never stops. A passerby pulls Melanie from the car just seconds before it explodes. Waking from the coma nine days later, she is devastated to find she is blind. As Melanie struggles to cope with her new reality, life as a blind woman, her fragile state of mind is further threatened by a madman who is stalking and strangling disabled women. The first two victims were mentally challenged and Detective Matt O’Leary, who carries a torch for Melanie, (even though Melanie is engaged to someone else) tells himself she is not the killer’s targeted prey. But then a woman who lost a leg to cancer is murdered, and another physically disabled woman is stalked. Even with a whole town in terror, Melanie refuses to live her life in fear and reopens her practice in the basement of her home. She has a living to earn. And Detective Matt O’Leary must find a way to keep Melanie safe until the monster is caught. But how? Her door is now open to the public and the killer can just walk through anytime he chooses. And he does. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Excerpt from DEFECTIVE: It was mid-afternoon, overcast, and The East End Mall in Kingsdale was crowded with shoppers. The Eraser, as he liked to think of himself, sat at one of the molded plastic tables by himself, nursing a Pepsi and eating fries from a small cardboard plate, and people watching. It was one of his favorite things to do, especially in nice weather when the girls wore shorts or tight jeans, some with their tanned midriffs bare, skimpy tops that showed off their boobs and skinny jeans that accentuated their tight little butts. Why not? He was a normal guy, he told himself. He avoided looking at the ones with flab hanging over their waistbands. He had girlfriend once or twice, but it didn't last. The last one said he was weird and just stopped returning his calls. Well, to hell with her. His eye strayed momentarily to the big screen monitor advertising Nike sneakers. Then it changed to a rent-a-car commercial and on to something else, but he'd already looked away. Idly dipping a French fry in the small pool of ketchup on his plate, he popped it in his mouth and went back to girl-watching. They did little for him today. His hand moved to cover the scratch that the retard left on his cheek, though it was fading now. That Polysporin ointment was good stuff. Music played over the sound system, competing with the jabbering of shoppers, nothing he recognized. Probably supposed to keep people shopping, buying junk they didn't need. His gaze narrowed ever so slightly as a young girl with a silver ring in her lower lip and wearing black eyeliner got up from a table not far from him and limped heavily to the waste bin and dumped in the remainder of her meal, a half-eaten hamburger, fries. She sat the tray on top of the stack. Behind her, someone called out, "Hey, Lana," and the girl turned in his direction and took a step forward so he could see her full-length; she looked past his shoulder and waved. He felt his heartbeat rev up, his throat go dry. She had short dark hair, and was wearing a khaki skirt and cream-colored blouse. Her dimpled smile, the gleam of white, even teeth barely registered on him. He didn't even glance behind him at the woman who had called out to her. He had no interest. As he had no genuine interest in the woman who returned the wave, really. No. It was her foot in its big brown shoe that drew and held his attention. Not brown exactly, but like tea when you put milk in it. Taupe. Yes, that was what his mother called that color. It was all he could see when he looked at her: that big clunking shoe. So ugly it offended him, as deformities of any kind offended him. Even horrified him. A chill had crept down his back. He had to work extra hard to keep the disgust and pity from his face. She was a mistake. A blight, a tragic spawn. She must be erased. Like when you're a kid and you draw a picture of something and it doesn't come out right. You just erase it. Or rip out the page, and start again. He was the eraser of mistakes. The good Lord had chosen him to do this work. Not that he was blaming God. No, there was no blame to be handed out here. Some small voice told him his reasoning was flawed, that that wasn't why they had to die. But he wasn't listening. As people were born of sin, women carried the faulty limbs, twisted features and minds within them. Carriers. As his mother had been a carrier, her womb spewing forth a defective, barely human—thing. Not the defective's fault either. But since the flaw couldn't be repaired, the whole issue had to be erased. The burden lifted. The Eraser held that kind of power; he could end suffering, change lives for the better. He remembered well the very moment he had changed his own life but no time for that now. She was heading for the exit doors. He rose casually from his chair, tossing the remainder of his own fries and drink into the trash, dropped his tray on top of hers, and followed. He was really following the 'shoe'. His eyes were riveted on the shoe. It filled his vision, his consciousness. That big, ugly shoe that rose and fell, rose and fell, her left hip dipping in sync, the shoe dragging it downward, seeming an entity in itself. When she stepped through the automatic doors into the grey, drizzly day, he was right behind her. Close enough to touch her. He buried his hands deep in his pockets to stifle the urge. The bus pulled up with a hiss of air brakes and a belch of exhaust, and she hitched herself up onto the step. He followed, paid his fare. His bike was chained and locked in the parking lot; it would be fine. She took a side seat near the driver, and he sat himself two seats behind her and pretended to look out the window. In the grayness of the day, his reflection in the glass was faint, but almost at once he could see his reflection begin to morph into that of another, as she had once been. A raindrop ran down the window and caught one corner of her mouth like the drool he remembered, couldn't forget, and he could not tear his eyes away. The small voice in his head spoke to him, sending the familiar chill through him, as if his heart had just received an infusion of ice water. The voice could form words now, where once it was capable only of mindless gibberish. "You know it's me in there, don't you. I'm watching you. I've come back. I'll always come back. I'll never leave you." "No! No!" Fearing he had cried out, he jerked his head around in sudden panic, but no one on the bus was looking at him. One man was reading a newspaper. A woman was talking and smiling at her little boy. Relief swept through him, but he was trembling just the same. A Chinese man seated across from him turned the page in his paperback, paying him no mind. The girl had put earphones in her ears and her lips were moving to a song only she could hear. Her legs were crossed, the shoe swinging in time, mocking him.  AUTHOR Bio and Links:
In addition to her critically acclaimed novels, Joan Hall Hovey's articles and short stories have appeared in such diverse publications as The Toronto Star, Atlantic Advocate, Seek, Home Life Magazine, Mystery Scene, The New Brunswick Reader, Fredericton Gleaner, New Freeman and Kings County Record. Her short story Dark Reunion was selected for the anthology investigating Women, Published by Simon & Pierre. Ms. Hovey has held workshops and given talks at various schools and libraries in her area, including New Brunswick Community College, and taught a course in creative writing at the University of New Brunswick. For a number of years, she has been a tutor with Winghill School, a distance education school in Ottawa for aspiring writers. She is a member of the Writer's Federation of New Brunswick, past regional Vice-President of Crime Writers of Canada, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. www.joanhallhovey.com ~~~~~ Defective on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Defective-A-Novella-ebook/dp/B00CO81XAW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1367880554&sr=1-1&keywords=Defective ~~~~~~ Nowhere to Hide on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nowhere-to-Hide-ebook/dp/B0045Y2F4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335885750&sr=1-1 ~~~~~ Praise for Joan Hall Hovey’s Books “…suspense that puts her right up there with the likes of Sandford and Patterson..." Ingrid Taylor for Small Press Review "...Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King come to mind, but JOAN HALL HOVEY is in a Class by herself!…" J.D. Michael Phelps, Author of My Fugitive, David Janssen "…CANADIAN MISTRESS OF SUSPENSE…The author has a remarkable ability to turn up the heat on the suspense… great characterizations and dialogue…" James Anderson, author of Deadline "...a gripping style that wrings emotions from everyday settings. Oh and by the way ...is your door locked?" Linda Hersey - Fredericton Gleaner "...will keep readers holding their breath until the very end..." inthelibraryreview, Melissa Parcel "This one is a chiller - you won't be able to put it down - guaranteed!"- Rendezvous Magazine "If you are looking for the suspense thriller of the year-look no further…you will find it in Nowhere To Hide..." Jewel Dartt Midnight Scribe Reviews I'm always happy to share a wonderful book with my readers. I've been a fan of Liz's books for awhile now. The Stewart Realty Series is a must read. Now with House Rules, we see a different side of Jack Gordon! Just make sure you take your vitamins before you read this story! :)  House Rules by Liz Crowe
If you are a fan of Liz’s Stewart Realty Series than House Rules is a must for you! This novella is a perfect companion piece for the rest of the series. In House Rules we get a look inside Jack Gordon’s past and a glimpse into why he is the way that he is. When it came to picking my favorite book boyfriend, Jack wasn’t the first on my list. He is demanding and always in control. I’ve got the hots for Rob and Blake! J But with House Rules, I have a better understanding of Jack and what made him into that dominating man. His childhood wasn’t easy (who’s ever is?) and I really hate Jenna for what she did. I know how much that can scar a person and that they carry it forever. I’m a walking billboard on that issue. However, I really love that I can see why Jack’s personality is strong and cautious. I can understand his doubts and conflicts. It makes him a more sympathetic character. The story is exciting but the sex is smoking. Liz writes passionate scenes that will leave you breathless. House Rules is a fun read that I read in one sitting. I couldn’t stop! Make sure you get this book today! BOOK IS FREE here. BUY LINKS: AMAZON | BN | ARe  I really enjoy having Ella Jade on my blog. She is an amazing author who writes some of the hottest stories. Isn't the cover of Surrender to Me, the best? Ella's going to share with us about the character that made her surrender... Ohhhh... you have to read it! And don't forget to enter her contest with the rafflecopter below! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Character That Forced Me To Surrender… When I wrote the sexy novella Make Me Stay, I never intended there to be more than that book. It was a second chance story about a fun and sassy woman who knew exactly what her man needed and how to give it to him.  Can the sub teach the Dom to play? Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other. Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship. Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a "Master" who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she's back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him. But after hearing all that she's experienced, Cade now wonders if he's dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be? *** In Make Me Stay there was a secondary character named Martin (he was the Dom who Gracie found in the city). He appears in one chapter in that book but he took a hold of me and many readers. When I finished writing MMS, I realized Martin’s story needed to be told. I had to give him a happily ever after. Martin is probably one of the most captivating men I’ve created. Here’s his introduction in Make Me Stay… A soft knock at the cottage door pulled her from her thoughts. Her heart fluttered with the possibility it could be Cade. Maybe he was ready to talk. She ran to the door and quickly pulled it open, never expecting to see him standing on the other side. She stepped back and let him enter. As he turned to close the door, she immediately dropped to her knees. “Master,” she said. “I didn’t expect you.” Gracie lowered her head and waited for Martin to speak. Her heart pounded against her chest just from his close proximity. “Do you know how beautiful your submission is?” Martin slowly walked around her. She didn’t have to see what he was doing. She felt his presence and visualized him taking in her body. He gently stroked his fingers over her neck, causing a chill to course through her entire system. “As much as it pains me, you no longer wear my collar, so you shouldn’t be on your knees.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Please.” He extended his hand for her. Once she was on her feet he pulled her against his strong, muscular chest, wrapping his arms around her. He placed a soft, comforting kiss on the top of her head. *** The above scene was the very first piece I had written for MMS. It takes place almost at the end of the book. That was also the first time I had ever started a book at the end. It was that exchange between Martin and his former submissive Gracie that Make Me Stay was built from. When it was time to tell Martin’s story, I realized I was always meant to write a book for him. Surrender to Me picks up where Make Me Stay ends. It’s double the word count of MMS because Martin had so much to say ;) Although it is the sequel both books stand alone.  What happens when a Dominant falls for his not-so-submissive attorney? Martin Abrams, owner of Master M's BDSM club, has become unfulfilled with his lifestyle. Ever since his sub, Gracie, left to marry her true love, Martin has lost his way. Living the life of the head Dominant in his circle isn't as appealing as it once was. Something seems to be missing. Sassy lawyer Arianna Covington relocates to New York City after a humiliating divorce. She's looking for a fresh start when she agrees to become Martin's exclusive attorney. She's intrigued by his domineering personality and wants to know why women kneel at his feet. Their attraction is undeniable despite Ari's initial beliefs that she will never submit to Martin's desires. But Martin is up for the challenge. Arianna is more than he ever imagined in a woman. He vows to claim her heart, with or without the games. Who will surrender first? Featuring Cade and Gracie from Make Me Stay. *** Watch the trailer for a peek into the plot. Make Me Stay – Available Now Surrender to Me – Available Now Both books stand alone and can be read in any order. About Ella Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped. Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope's you'll get lost in her words. You can connect with her at http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/ Thanks so much for joining me today. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Surrender to Me by Ella Jade What happens when a Dominant falls for his not-so-submissive attorney? Martin Abrams, owner of Master M’s BDSM club, has become unfulfilled with his lifestyle. Ever since his sub, Gracie, left to marry her true love, Martin has lost his way. Living the life of the head Dominant in his circle isn’t as appealing as it once was. Something seems to be missing. Sassy lawyer Arianna Covington relocates to New York City after a humiliating divorce. She’s looking for a fresh start when she agrees to become Martin’s exclusive attorney. She’s intrigued by his domineering personality and wants to know why women kneel at his feet. Their attraction is undeniable despite Ari’s initial beliefs that she will never submit to Martin’s desires. But Martin is up for the challenge. Arianna is more than he ever imagined in a woman. He vows to claim her heart, with or without the games. Who will surrender first? Featuring Cade and Gracie from Make Me Stay. Content Warning: contains explicit language and graphic sexual content Excerpt: "Do all the subs act that way around you?" Arianna asked. "It's the only way they know. It's what's expected of them." "I don't understand how any woman would bow down like that. It's not normal." "Maybe not for you." Martin understood Arianna's position. Most who didn't participate in a Dominant and submissive relationship didn't get it. "It's degrading. She can't use the phone. She's a grown woman." "Arianna, this is a lifestyle you can't possibly comprehend because you know nothing about it. A submissive gets just as much as he or she gives. The arrangement they enter into with a Dom is consensual. Roxy is not forced into being here. Her Dom respects and cares for her. She has a very good life." "He punishes her." "When she disobeys. It's in her contract." "A contract that can't possibly be enforced in court." "Spoken like a true lawyer." He finished his scotch. "The contract is to protect them both. It lists what is expected of a sub and what the Dominant's responsibilities are. They outline hard and soft limits. We create a safe, sane, and consensual environment, and that contract maintains trust between the two parties. As long as it is upheld between the parties involved that's all that matters." "To each his own, I suppose." She shrugged. "I'm your real estate attorney. What you do here is none of my business." Then why are you here, kitten? "I'm very open, Arianna. If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer them. People should be educated in my lifestyle. It isn't as uncommon or bizarre as you may think." He reached for her hand. "I hope you won't judge me without getting to know me." "Um, no." She looked down at their joined hands. He liked the way her cheeks turned colors when he flustered her. "Of course not. This whole environment is different. It's going to take some getting used to." "I understand." He ran his thumb over the soft skin of her hand. "If you'd prefer not to meet here anymore—" "It's not a problem." "Very well." He smiled because as he suspected she wanted to be there. "Will you join me for dinner?" Martin couldn't remember the last time he'd asked a woman to have dinner with him. He usually just summoned a sub when he was in the mood for company. Gracie was the last woman he'd spent any time with at all. Perhaps it was time to explore his options. Obviously, Arianna would be different than the women he dealt with, but he liked the change. When Gracie left him for Cade everything changed. He hadn't been interested in another sub. As a matter of fact, he hadn't been interested in another woman until now. "I'd love to join you for dinner, Mr. Abrams." "I'd like you to call me Martin." Allowing people to use his name wasn't a privilege he granted often, but everything was different with her. He stood from the bar and picked up her briefcase. "I hope you like Italian. I ordered enough for six people. I wasn't sure what you would want." "Italian is fine." She took his extended hand and walked to the back of the club with him. "Why didn't you just wait and ask what I would want?" "I'm not used to asking." He motioned for her to take a seat in the huge u-shaped booth that overlooked the Manhattan skyline. "Oh, Martin." She giggled. He liked the way his name tumbled off her lips. "You have a lot to learn about non-submissive women." Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble Watch the Trailer: Youtube link  Meet Martin in Make Me Stay
Can the sub teach the Dom to play? Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other. Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship. Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a "Master" who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she's back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him. But after hearing all that she's experienced, Cade now wonders if he's dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be? Content Warning: graphic sex, BDSM themes Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble 
Natalie Gayle is here today with a wonderful interview! She's trapped her hero, Brayden and put him on the hot seat. I can't wait to hear what the hunky guy has to say about this secret he is forced to keep! An Interview with Brayden James Hi everyone, Natalie Gayle here. Today I’m interviewing Brayden James, who you’re all getting to know as the very sexy lead from Finding Trust. (Yes he just blushed I think, and gave me that half smile wink thing he normally saves for Rihanna). I was so happy when they asked me to write their story a while back and I couldn’t believe it when he agreed to an interview for all of you out there in reader land. Oh and I should add, where we’re doing this interview. We’re sitting on Brayden and Rihanna’s back veranda over looking the Gold Coast, Australia – you know the one I mean! I have to say I was surprised when Brayden asked me to do the interview here. I know how much he cherishes his privacy. (Must be Rihanna’s influence!). NG: Brayden thanks for taking the time out today to talk to me and answer all those sticky questions you know I’m going to ask. BJ: *He grins* Do you’re worst Nat. At this I smile and I rub my hands together in glee. NG: Anything off limits today? BJ: No (he kind of cringes when he answers). NG: I decide to go easy on him and work into it gently. So how’s Rihanna settling into life around here? BJ: Really well. She loves it here just as much as I do. She really seemed to fit in from her first night here. She hasn’t even rearranged any of the furniture! So I must have got something right when I decorated the place! NG: At this I laugh. I do a quick scan around and I can report the house is GORGEOUS. The whole place is to die for but the kitchen is a chef’s dream. So what 's Rihanna like as a cook? BJ: Not bad – in fact really good to be honest. She’s still just getting the portion sizes right. I’ve told her to cook for about eight people and that should do it. I’ll eat whatever’s left tomorrow anyway. NG: Horrified at this I ask the obvious questions. What’s your grocery bill every month? BJ: Thousands – It’s why the Centre pays so well. We couldn’t survive otherwise. Remember an army marches on its stomach. But don’t tell Rory I made a military reference – you know how touchy he gets about lumping us in the same basket as military. NG: Ah Brayden you don’t exactly seem to be hurting. I smile and gesture at the whole surrounds. BJ: I’ve got nothing to complain about in that department. Steel certainly helps keep the coffers topped up. The last tour and album went gangbusters. Rihanna’s hardly a pauper either. She only told me recently of her “Investments”. Seems she’s squirrelled away just about everything she’s earned in the last ten years. That girl is sure full of surprises. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to the end of it. And I have to say I love every new one she throws at me. NG: Wow – still waters run deep! Not that surprising when you know Rihanna I guess. So are you working with the Centre or on music at the moment? BJ: I’m working a case with Rory and Quade at the moment, but you know I can’t talk about that so please don’t ask me. (I nod my understanding). As for Steel, well I’ve written three new songs for them over the last month. I need to pull together another five or so plus the work Jace has done and we’ll have the new album sorted. NG: Wow you’ve really been busy with your music! BJ: I love it! And let’s just say I’ve had lots of inspiration. He shoots me “the smile”. Rihanna is soooo lucky. NG: Gee, let me guess Rihanna? BJ: Yeah, hard to believe a woman could make such a change to your life, hey? NG: I just shake my head at this (he is a man after all). So are we going to hear a change up from the heavy rock anthems you guys are so well known for? BJ: Mmmm, maybe a slight mellowing. But our roots are our roots, and we only know one way. Rock! We both laugh at that. NG: So what’s the best thing about being together with Rihanna? He looks away for a bit and I start to get a big feeling of uh-oh in my stomach. Whoops think I just asked the wrong question! BJ: There is no one best thing. The whole thing is amazing, awesome, better than I could ever have imagined. I feel whole for the first time in my life. Oh wow! I can tell how much that just cost him to admit that to me. I’m so privileged. NG: That’s great. I’m really pleased that everything is working out well for you guys. How are things with Rory and Quade? BJ: At this he laughs. Ah you know Quade – He’s as moody as ever with Jazz being brought in by the boss. Rihanna keeps telling me that watching those two together is better than watching “The Young and the Restless,” and “Sex in the City” all rolled into one. Rory is having a field day with all the material they’re giving him. The boy’s in gag heaven. So to answer your question life is not dull with Quade and Jazz around. As for Rory, well he’s a bit busy at the moment. He’s full on with an assignment involving a trucking company. Between you and me I think he’s full on with the owner of the trucking company as well if you get my drift. I nod knowingly – It’ll be our little secret. NG: Okay now to the serious, important stuff! A look of dread crosses his face. Oh come on Brayden you did say I could ask. He nods resignedly. How’s Rihanna coping with you being so much more than a man? He smiles and laughs. BJ: Umm she’s getting use to it. Some things she thinks are very cool. I don’t think I need to go into them – I think you get my drift. She does like my endurance! I giggle – wouldn’t we all girls!! She does get pissy when I over hear conversations with Jazz, though. NG: So what’s Rihanna’s most annoying habit? He thinks for a second. BJ: Well annoying is probably not the right word. More like frustrating. I get so frustrated when she really wants to know something about how I feel. The emotional shit you know, not the do you like this colour for a new bed quilt type of stuff. She’ll half ask, then change her mind. Not really change her mind. More like loose her nerve. Then I have to drag it out of her. It’s kind of satisfying to pull another layer off her but it can be a bit frustrating at the same time. In fairness though she is getting much better. He paused for a moment, as if deciding whether he wanted to tell me what he was thinking. She’s a lot more relaxed around me and I don’t seem to make her blush anywhere near as much if you get my meaning. NG: I get your meaning Brayden – I wrote your book remember! BJ: Oh yeah – I forget sometimes that people know so much about us. You know how I am about my privacy. We’re just a couple from Oz. I can’t believe she talked me into letting you write it. NG: Seriously Brayden you have got to be kidding me. You guys are so much more. There’s thousands of people out there right now hoping their happy ever after is going to happen. Your story gives them hope. BJ: Okay if you say so. I think that’s a topic you’re better off discussing with Rihanna. He shifts in his chair uncomfortably. NG: Okay big fella, I’ll let you off the hook on that one. BJ: Thanks Nat. Rory and Quade would never quit if I bought into that one. NG: Can’t have that. So can you give some of our readers hope out there? What is the current relationship status with the guys from the Centre and Steel? BJ: Do women really want to know that? NG: Ah derr Brayden – yes they really do. BJ: Well I have a feeling Rory’s off the market and Quade would say he’s very happily single but I don’t think that’s the case at all. Angelo, Dylan and Aaron aren’t dating anyone that I know of. As for the guys from Steel well Jace is footloose and fancy free, Cody is lusting after Jazz, Reece is happily married, Matt and Dean are playing the field so I guess there’s hope. NG: So there you go ladies – there is hope of landing your own Centre or Steel hottie. Thanks Brayden – Mind if I check back in soon. BJ: Wouldn’t matter if I did, would it?. NG: Short answer – no. See you soon Brayden, look after Rihanna for me. BJ: Always  DESCRIPTION:
Brayden and Rihanna. He’s hot, sexy, and leads a double life. Sometimes in the limelight, mostly in the shadows. Brayden James holds fast to a secret that’s more than his to share. She’s a singularly focused veterinarian out for a rare night of fun with friends, at a New Year’s Eve rock concert. Going home with the lead guitarist was furthest thing from Rihanna Mason’s mind when the night began. When Rihanna inadvertently becomes the target of a deadly terrorist plot using the Hendra virus as a biological weapon, Brayden is forced to reveal his other life. His job is to keep her safe and together they must stop the terrorists before it’s too late. But what happens when she becomes more to him than just the assignment? Will the secret he cannot disclose ultimately prove too much for Rihanna’s fragile trust in relationships? Or will he finally break through the double brick walls around her heart, where every other man has failed? Buy Finding Trust ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-ebook/dp/B00BMHKBDG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1 Buy Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-Volume/dp/0987514202/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1 Natalie Gayle http://nataliegayle.com It's another Author Spotlight. I'm so glad to share with you Jane Wakely and her book, Only You. I hope you'll enjoy hearing more from Jane. So sit back and enjoy our post. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jane has always been a writer. Even when she took a break from it for a few years, she couldn’t keep the stories from filling her head. As an avid romance reader, she finally decided her stories needed to be free, and she started writing again. Reading and liking all genres of romance; it makes sense that she would write that way too. Her stories range from sweet to erotic, contemporary to paranormal, and a bunch in-between. She loves all romance genres, and all levels of spice. Jane lives on the east coast of the United States with her loving husband, daughter and their Miniature Dachshund. Find Jane: Blog: www.janewakely.blogspot.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaneWakely Twitter: www.twitter.com/JaneWakely Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JaneWakely  Here's Jane's latest release!
Title: ONLY YOU Genre: Contemporary Romance Author: Jane Wakely Blurb: Jessica has been in love with her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. They grew up together, but he never seems to look at her as anything more than a little sister. Her appearance doesn’t help. She’s short and curvy with a few extra pounds, not the type most men find attractive. Kyle is in love with Jessica. He’s been in love with her forever, but he’s always kept his distance because she’s his best friend, Robbie’s, sister. Tired of staying away from her, Kyle arrives at Jessica’s door intent on telling her his feelings, but her beauty distracts him and he kisses her instead. Jessica knows deep down they should stop. Their friendship and her heart could be destroyed, but she’s wanted him for so long. A few seconds is all it takes to change her mind. The following morning, her brother arrives and quickly figures out what happened, and what didn’t. Chaos ensues and lifelong friendships are tested when Robbie defends his sister, Jessica defends Kyle and Kyle tries to declare himself. Excerpt: His glare was a surprise, and he easily stepped around her and walked down the hallway of her small apartment. She watched him disappear into her bedroom, and seconds later he went into the bathroom. She saw the light go on and heard the shower curtain move. Shocked, she stayed where she was. She couldn’t figure out his behavior. After checking the bathroom, he came back into the living room and stood in front of her. “Kyle, what is wrong with you? What are you doing here?” “This.” One hand rested on the nape of her neck as he bent and stepped forward to kiss her. He didn’t give her a chance to refuse as his lips landed on hers. Jessica’s hands automatically went to his shoulders, but she wasn’t sure if it was to push him away or pull him closer. Kyle wrapped his other arm around her waist and pulled her body tight against his. The kiss was nothing like what she thought it would be, but everything she wanted. Though she knew she should step back and break their connection, she couldn’t think clearly. She had wanted to taste him for so long, and now, for some reason, he was here. His odd behavior led her to believe he’d been drinking. She knew she had to stop him. “Kyle.” She pulled her mouth away and pushed against his chest. He continued kissing her, leaving a trail from her ear down her neck. “Kyle, we have to stop.” She tried again, her voice wobbly from his tongue on her collarbone. In response, he pushed her back against the wall and knelt down in front of her. “No, we don’t.” Find ONLY YOU: Amazon: http://amzn.to/19bPoBJ Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/16wLt1l All Romance: http://bit.ly/19bPs4n BookStrand: http://bit.ly/124E4kr Thanks Jane for stopping by! I hope everyone checks out her website for more information on Jane and buys her book! Sounds like a winner to me! 
 This scene happens after the shower romp from last week.
“I love you, Lissa. Your body fits beautifully with mine and hearing my name on your lips as you come makes me feel like I’m invincible. I couldn’t go slow with your teasing. Seeing your body all soapy drove me nuts. Let’s get dried off and do this again, in bed.” My heart soared with his declaration. “I’m all for that. I love you, too, Alex. If I’d have known how much you liked being teased, I’d have done it sooner.” Alex grabbed the towels as I shut off the water and we headed to bed for round two. Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir Blurb: For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd. Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family. When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband? Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after. Buy Links: Amazon: B&N: All Romance Ebooks Do you love a great story? What about a fabulous series? Wild Rose Press is offering a deal for you! The Class of '85 series is offered for free on Amazon for a short period of time! Get your books today! Jannine Gallant  The Lonely Road to You by Jannine Gallant Amazon Kate Abbott isn’t looking for excitement and is perfectly content with the secure life she’s built in Seattle, even if her son thinks she’s in an uninspired rut. Former rock star Tyler North has no intention of shaking up his life on the Montana ranch where he fled years before to escape the ravages of fame and fortune. Neither plan to attend their 25 year high school reunion in Summerville, but fate throws them together on a lonely road, leading them on a journey of discovery. From the majesty of Yellowstone to the shores of Lake Ontario, Kate and Tyler fight unexpected attractions and old insecurities. Their journey is full of surprises and odd twists. From bison and bears to a deep crevasse and a crazy old man, they work together to overcome the obstacles in their path. But will these two opposites be able to put aside fear of change and rejection to take a chance on the promise of love? Margo Hoornstra  To Be, Or Not by Margo Hoornstra Amazon Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets. Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life. Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their newfound relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love? Kat Henry Doran  Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran Amazon Award-winning photojournalist Dru Horvath doesn't stay in one spot for too long. Her vocation of documenting abuses against women worldwide prevents her from risking her heart. Every day working stiff Rory McElroy is a two-time loser when it comes to women—and he doesn't plan to take a chance on a relationship again, thank you very much. But when Dru comes back into his life, he's not sure which poses the greater risk: protecting her from third world thugs who want to silence her permanently—or allowing the one woman who captured his heart years ago to embrace him for good. Silver James  Promises, Promises by Silver James Amazon Betrayed former society wife Kelly Kincaid only wants to make things right. Paying off her ex-husband’s debt of honor is tough when a minimum-wage job back in her hometown is the only one she can find. Could the answer to her problems be right in front of her? The moment pub owner Michael Doogan sees Summerville High School’s former golden girl at the train station, he loses his heart. Again. He’d give Kelly Kincaid the world on a platter, but the stubborn woman is intent on going her way alone. A threat to her safety provides him the incentive to stand up for what he wants, but will he have the patience to win her love? Keena Kincaid  Something More by Keena Kincaid
Amazon If she could, Nora Emerson would demand a "do over" of the last twenty-five years. An emotionally abusive marriage, failed fertility treatments and a nasty, public divorce have left her bruised, skittish and determined to remain independent at all costs. With an all-consuming business and a furious teenage sister on his hands, Nora is a complication Nick McPherson doesn't need. It's one he wants. Her vulnerability and kick-ass competency intrigue him, and the sexual sparks between them could set Summerville on fire. The more she insists the sex is just for fun, the more determined he becomes to turn their fling into something more. 
Don't you love finding a wonderful book for free? Fairy Tail is a suspenseful tale sure to keep you wondering! Best of all, it's free! Now you can give a new to you author a chance!  Fairy Tail by Andrew P Weston
FREE on Amazon June 20th – 22nd For the third year running, a ritualistic serial killer has struck again in the week leading up to Halloween, leaving a gruesome and bloody trail in his wake. It’s the same every year. One murder every day, until his quotient of seven has been reached. Butchery doesn’t begin to describe what happens to those who he gets his hands on. Then the killer vanishes – only to return twelve months later as merciless as ever. When he does resurface, he appears to strike randomly and at will. It cannot be established exactly how the killer selects his victims, or why. As such, the detective leading the case is no closer to discovering the identity of the ruthless predator than he was when the slayings began. It’s only when the detective gets an unexpected break that things get interesting… Amazon Buy Link 
Today I'm very excited to share with you a wonderful new series by award winning author, Lila Munro. Her books are known for their realistic characters and scintillating passion. If you love stories that will thrill your senses, you must check out Lila's books.  Love Vindicated by Lila Munro
Steele Image Book One In 1980, Kyle Montgomery’s life was seemingly perfect. Heavily recruited by Force Recon fresh from the Naval Academy, he’d been working black ops for the Marine Corps for six years and was on the cusp of being promoted to Major. He was on the fast track to bigger and better things, had all the right people vetting him, and he'd married the woman of his dreams and was exploring a lifestyle which could have ended his career. With the Iranian embassy under siege and the Middle East in turmoil, Kyle was sent on a mission which would change the course of his life forever. Returning home after three months of being invisible, Kyle finds his wife has been murdered by the very people he'd been sent to protect. And instead of the government retaliating, they hand him his walking papers with the agreement they’ll never speak of the events again. It's like Kyle never existed. His wife never existed. And the people who maimed and tortured her never existed. Resigned to never again walk that path, Kyle opens the first Steele Image club with the thought of providing a safe haven for others like him, those who were invisible to the public and most of the government. Those who had eclectic sexual tastes. Those who would later become his allies. And his enemies. And both will drive him back to the place he’d thought he’d let go of forever to vindicate his love… Excerpt: Silence ensued as Kyle moved to the door to wait, placing his forehead on the smooth wood and asking himself if he was absolutely certain this was what he really wanted. Who was he kidding? It wasn’t just what he wanted, it was what he needed. Just one night then he’d neatly repair the fence which now had a hole in it and fortify it so when another Missy came along she didn’t rip another gaping abyss in it where the notion of what he was about to do could meander in like a lost sheep. When a light tapping at the door came a few minutes later, he didn’t move. His dick reminded him why he’d made the call in the first place and strained toward the flesh and blood waiting ready and willing in the hallway. With his heart racing and a cold sweat erupting down his back, he stood still and took a few breaths. “Kyle, baby, it’s me.” Sadie’s sanded smooth alto tone rolled through him, soothing as always. It was one of the things Kyle appreciated about the woman. Her voice was such a pitch whenever she spoke it never came out as a squawk or shrill instead it lazed along him like a river of warm honey. He’d often wondered what it would sound like when she came with ferocity and his intent was to finally find out. Just one night. “Kyle? Let me in, please.” He pushed off the door and opened it only to stare at her unable to form a single syllable. “What the hell is wr…” Before she could complete her question, Kyle grabbed her by the wrist and jerked her inside, shut the door behind her, then shoved her up against the wall, and before he let the sliver of doubt snaking its way up his neck take root, he grabbed her head with both hands and devoured her mouth. Buy Links: Amazon All Romance eBooks Barnes & Noble Bookstrand About the Author: Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual softer read to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, the Identity series, and the Private Collection. Currently she is working on two new series set to release summer of 2013, the At Your Service line and the Steele Image line. She’s a member in good standing of RWA. Author Links: website Facebook Goodreads Twitter 
I enjoy sharing new authors to my readers. This is a non-fiction book about the Lunar Mysteries. I hope you enjoy the guest post by Tinnekke Bebout as well as the book blurb.
~~~~~ The Dance of the Mystai by Tinnekke Bebout Guest Post Since the book tour showcases my non-fiction, I thought I would offer the readers a taste of a new fiction project I am working on. It's the prologue to the novel I am working on Greater Than His Father. It’s the story of Akhilles told from the pov of his mother, Thetis. Hear the words of weeping Thetis: Most forlorn of all immortals am I; captured, bound, bargained away, who once had suitors bold and renowned. Until the Moirae, The Sisters Three, spoke my Fate: She will have a son greater than his father. At these words mighty Gods shook, unmanned with fear. Zeus Thunderer, whose favor was shown me above all others, fled like a child from a barking dog. Poseidon Earthshaker, too, left me. I, the most-fair daughter of ancient Nereus, Sea Lord, Wave Rider, was alone – forsaken – as all about me men and Gods trembled. Then into this fray wandered the son of righteous Aiakos, Lord of Hekate’s Isle: Peleus the Argonaut, mighty hunter of the Kalydonian boar. Peleus the Exile, fled from home and hearth for an accidental death too close to the heart. Worthy, yet tainted, he too was forsaken. He founded Phthaia in Thessaly where the heart-sick and the outcast could find a place of safety. Its mountain fastness became a shelter from a painful past. Here was one who prayed that his son would be greater than his father. Zeus offered me to him as wife to be rid of my eternal temptation, on condition that he could acquire me by himself with nothing but his wits and the advice to hold me and never let go until I capitulated. Thus was I bound – first by Zeus’ word and then by the arms of Peleus – in bonds miserable to my spirit. Wife to one lesser than I, without my consent, to safely bear the child no immortal wanted and dared not let me have. Alas for my ill-fated son, Akhilles, my own dearest – truly greater than his father. Akhilles, flame-haired, godlike boy, wise in healing, terrible in battle, tender and loving, wild, my only one, whom Fate gave the dread choice: to die young with fame that lasts forever, or to die old and beloved with his family by his side but forever lost to time, obscure and unknown. Hear my weeping, ye merciless Fates! Gaia feels my tears upon her bosom. Ever and forever shall I cry. Nyx of eternal night and Hekate Propylaios, I call upon you as witness, hear my story of the life bitterly lost of great Akhilles! 
The Dance of the Mystai by Tinnekke Bebout
The Dance of the Mystai is an experiential and magickal journey for those wishing to discover the Lunar Mysteries and the ways of Hekate. The book is an organic outgrowth of the work of the author and her Sisters as they have grown and rediscovered the ancient goddess and her rites. Within these pages are a collection of essays, poetry, goddess lore, and practical ideas for growing and living a personal Path based on the Lunar Mysteries. Excerpt: Human life starts with a simple cry, a cry that is universal: the cry for Mother. It means warmth and love and security. It calls for food. It brings a scent indelible in our memories and primeval in our response. It brings the scent of Mother. It’s inexplicable, we just know the smell when we’re around it and barring childhood trauma that disconnected us at an early age, it’s a smell that relaxes us and makes us happy. So the journey begins before we have words for it. Just as the child longs for Mother before there are words, so we women on our Goddess paths long for Her before we have words for what we seek. There is a sense of not belonging in the world of Father-identified Godhood, a vague unease with the male-only terms for creation, an inner tug that tells us that something more is out there. Someone more is out there. That someone loves us and waits for us. We sing a chant that flows from our lips before we realize it’s a heart-felt cry, “Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” We call for our Mother in baby words, soul words. We are answered as we were as infants, with a feeling of warmth and love as Mother hears us and holds us and reminds us that She was always there waiting for us. And just that quickly, we know—we know why our longing filled us and caused us to journey in a spiritual wilderness away from the known world of FatherGod, through dark places where we questioned our journeys and doubted our inner needs—because out there waiting in the still soft warmth was Goddess just longing for Her daughters to hear the call and call to Her in return. We are suddenly home. I cannot say with any truthfulness that the journey is always easy. For most women I know, myself included, it was hard. It was a journey fraught with a million temptations and obstacles all designed by the paradigm of the FatherGod to bring us back, either by luring us with treats if we are “Good Girls” or by threatening us with punishment as “Bad Girls”. Many times, these obstacles and lures are all within us; we drank in their existence with our first milk and they were taught to us as simple truths by our parents before we were old enough to think and question. They can make even the most dedicated doubt the journey, even after Goddess has been found. I remember hearing with great surprise a woman who was an early voice of Goddess Spirituality and deeply respected in the community express the fear and doubt she had when one of her children died suddenly that the FatherGod was punishing her for following the Goddess Path and spreading the word of it to other women. It was a surprise but also a relief. I have had those feelings myself at times for other reasons. The feeling that the FatherGod can always reach out with His long arm and strike us down or the feeling during times of struggle that maybe life would be better and easier if we just returned to the FatherGod is one that hits many women during our journey and even after we have found Goddess. Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords About the Author: Born and raised in the midwest, Tinnekke Bebout grew up slowly finding her voice as a writer. Her first non-academic assays into the art involved poetry she created while still in high school as well as her first attempt at a novel. Since leaving academia as a young woman, she has found her creative outlets mostly through the genres of poetry and essays. Recently Tinnekke has begun stretching herself into the realm of short fiction as a contributor to the recent anthologies Taboo, Love Down Under, and For Love of the Gods. She is planning a novel-length piece at this time based on the story of Thetis, mother of Akhilles. Tinnekke is the author of The Dance of the Mystai (Pagan Writers Press 2013). She also contributed toHekate Her Sacred Fires and the soon-to-be-released second part of Memento Mori from Avalonia Press as well as Pagan Writers Presents Samhain. She is also working on The Hekate Tarot , a devotional project in honor of Hekate, with Hope Ezerins, a sister Priestess in the Mystai of the Moon tradition. She has also been published in such periodicals as Goddess, Circle, PanGaia, The Loom, Askei Kataskei, andThe Goat and Candle. She also is editor and publisher of The Torch Bearer. Tinnekke is one of the founders of the Mystai of the Moon Tradition, and carries the title of Priestess of the Flames within their Rites. She also founded the Lyceum Magissai, which is the school of the Mystai tradition, and creatrix of its Priestessing Path. As a Mentor Sister of the Mystai, she teaches women a Mystery Tradition that has at its heart recreating the ancient mysteries of Hekate and revisioning them for the modern era. Author Links: Author Site Mystai of the Moon Site Facebook Twitter Goodreads |
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