Monday Musings November 30, 2009

Hello all. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, or just a wonderful weekend in general.

So this past week was a busy one with the holiday, my son's birthday and lots and lots of writing for me. I still feel like I got nothing accomplished. I am one of those crazy people that can't check something off my list until it is completely finished.

I saw New Moon with the hubby last week. I liked it. I feel like it skimmed over everything though. It's like yes it showed this and that but it didn't dig deep enough into everything to be satisfying. Staring at Jacob's abs helped make the movie bearable. In the scene where he first took his shirt off the whole movie theater erupted in female screams of appreciation. I felt like a total cougar drooling over a kid that is younger than my oldest son. ( I kept having to remind myself of that so my thoughts didn't go from aesthetic appreciation to total no no land :-)
Anyway New Moon was good but I think Twilight was better, this movie just felt too rushed. I hope they delve more into the plot, feelings and emotions in Eclipse and not make it so rushed-but it is so hard to put all that you find on the page into a movie.

So I stuffed myself on Thanksgiving and spent the rest of the weekend working, no shopping for me. I'll finish shopping later.

This week kicks off the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas here at Fang-tastic Books starting tomorrow. And The 25 Naughty Days of Christmas at Roxanne's Realm.

Tomorrow we have a fun guest blog here about Christmas and Zombies along with a free read.

At Roxanne's Realm I'll be giving away a signed print copy of my story Tasty Christmas Treats so please drop by and enter that contest by leaving a comment.

So let's have a lot of fun and usher in the holiday season with the first day of December.

And for all of you writers and aspiring writers out there check out Michelle Rowen's holiday short story contest!

Interview with Melissa Burmester 15 Year Old Author of Ginger High

I have something special for you today, an interview with an inspiring author.

Why is she inspiring? Because she's only 15 and has already written and published her first novel, Ginger High.

So please welcome Melissa Burmester to Fang-tastic Books!

RR: I read that you've been writing since you were 12 and that you are now in high school so how old are you?

MB: I am fifteen and I am in the tenth grade.

RR: You are pretty motivated to have a published book already at your age, have you published any other works like poems or short stories?

MB: I have written some short stories but they have never been published. I have combined the stories into a novel called Casus Belli. The story revolves around a man who died but did not crossover to heaven because he has some unfinished business to attend.

RR: What inspired Ginger High?

MB: When I was younger, I watched the anime series called Mew Mew Power. The characters in the show had special powers and they lived on a parallel world. I also liked to watch Angel with my mother and that was when I got the idea to include vampires in my book.

RR: How long did it take you to complete the book?

MB: I started to write the book when I was twelve. The first draft took about six months to complete, and the final manuscript was completed in two years.

RR: Are you a Twilight fan, are you characters similar or are your vampires totally different?

MB: When I started to write my novel, I did not even read Twilight yet. I was a fan when I read it in eighth grade but now have I lost interest in the series. I feel that my characters are unique and there is no romance between a vampire and a human.

RR: Your family must be very supportive of your writing, how do your parents feel about you being a published author at such a young age?

MB: My mother and father are very supportive and they think it is great that I am a published author.

RR: Can you tell readers a little about Ginger High?

MB: Ginger high is a school for students with special powers. The story opens in 1901 where a series of murders take place and all the victims have bite marks on their neck. Could it be a vampire? The story then advances to modern day where a young girl, Daisy, attends Ginger High after her old school burns down. Daisy befriends Amanta, Matthias, and Tearu who traveled through a portal from the Kingdom of Animist. Animist is a parallel universe where the people living there have supernatural powers. They were sent to the school to help solve the mystery. The plot includes the supernatural powers of vampires and magical powers of those who can teleport heal others and create fire. Daisy realizes that she has a special power and has to learn how to live with it. The book combines murder, mystery, horror and fantasy.

RR: Will there be a sequel to Ginger High or are you planning to make it a series?

MB: Yes, there is a sequel to Ginger High and I am planning to make it a series.

RR: What are you currently working on? Do you have any other books scheduled to come out?

MB: I am currently working on the sequel to Ginger High and it is in the process of being edited. I do not have any books scheduled to be released.

RR: Thank You for a great Interview.

Bio:

Melissa Burmester is presently living in East Moriches, NY with her twin brother George, her parents and their cat Cosmo. Melissa has been writing about vampires and the supernatural since the age of twelve. She has written a few short stories, but “Ginger High” is her first novel. She is presently attending Westhampton Beach High School, and is in the tenth grade. She is planning a career as a writer and a teacher.

http://www.gingerhigh.com/

http://melissa-gingerhigh.blogspot.com/

facebook.com/melissa.gingerhigh

http://twitter.com/Ginger_High

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUKPBBBMVNM

Be Thankful for Hot Free Reads from Night Owl Romance

Night Owl Romance has some sizzling hot reads including my fun, fairy tale sizzler Princess Breastia's Quest for Desire- all downloadable for free.

So if you're bored on Thanksgiving, or maybe you live outside the US and today is just another day for you-drop by Night Owl Romance and check out the free reads section.

Night Owl has links to free reads from other publishers as well and there are quite a few Christmas stories available if you'd like to check them out and get into the holiday spirit.

Free Ebooks from Harlequin, Free Read By Michele Hauf

Get your free ebooks before 2009 is over.

Harlequin is offering free downloads to some great books including Michele Hauf's Kiss Me Deadly.

Drop by now to get your free download.

Think of it as a pre-Christmas treat.

You can also get the

free download of Kiss Me Deadly

for your Kindle at Amazon.

A Quick Winner Wednesday

A quick announcement

Nighala2 is the winner of Blood Price by Tanya Huff.

Enjoy.

I am off to feel happy for my boy's birthday and sad that he's 18

and will be leaving the nest soon.

I am also going to go pout about feeling old while I watch my husband bake a birthday cake.

Then I have to deal with preparations for tomorrow's dinner while making today's.

Gobble Gobble everyone.

Free Read by Kiki Howell

Blood, Lust and Redemption by Kiki Howell


Blurb:

Conflicted by his ideas of fate and morality, David Ardington IV, who had been a rake in life, sees his eternal life as a vampire as a penance for shirking his noblesse oblige to his family. When he meets Margaret, a sturdy maiden who after losing her parents in a tragic accident stifled her own needs to care for her sick brother, their attraction is immediate and undeniable.

And yet, David fights his feelings for Margaret seeing her as the worst reminder of what he is and what he can never be again. In the midst of the cruel realities of his vampire existence, David fears for her safety unsure if he can keep separate his physical longings from his bloodlust. Furthermore, when Margaret asks him to turn her brother to give him a second chance at life, he does not feel he can condemn anyone to the horrors of his dark existence either.

For David, could redemption lie in doing the unthinkable Margaret asks of him, or will it forever be elusive?




Download it for free here



Or visit her site for more places to download.

Monday Musings: November 23, 2009

So another busy writing weekend for me. One day I'll actually take a weekend off. Yeah, that'll be when I can afford to.

Anyway...

This week is massively busy because of my son's 18th birthday and Thanksgiving . Plus tomorrow the hubby and I have a date day. We are going to see a matinee of New Moon then doing a bit of shopping for the oldest boy's birthday.

So I won't be around much because then Wednesday is his birthday and Thursday is Thanksgiving. That means a lot of freaking cooking for me. Because I cook it all, from scratch. No stove top stuffing from a box here. No I make my own starting with scrunching the loaves of bread into tiny little pieces-but the kids mostly do that. For some reason they love it. Plus I do turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, my mom makes the squash and sweet potatoes, and then I do store bought pies (have to give myself a break somewhere plus I am so not a baker).

So after all that cooking I recover on Friday. NO, I DO NOT SHOP! There is no way in hell you could pay me to go to a store on Black Friday. I just don't do crowds. The only shopping I may do is online.

But for those of you who will still be lurking online this week, especially all of you who don't celebrate the US holiday because you are in the UK, Australia or wherever (big waves to all my non US readers, love ya) I do have things scheduled for every day this week including some free reads and an author interview. I just won't be stopping by much for personal comments or anything. I also have a post scheduled for Friday at VampChix about JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

Sorry no free book Friday this week either because of the holiday but starting December 1st there are going to be lots of giveaways here and at my other site, Roxanne's Realm. Check the calendars along the sidebars to see what's going on, which authors will be stopping by and what great giveaways I will have to offer.

So to all of you celebrating this week, Happy Thanksgiving. If you like leave a comment telling me what you are thankful for we would love to hear your thoughts and share with you.

I am thankful for a healthy wonderful family that I love, that loves me back, even if they can be a pain sometimes...because all families can. You take the good with the bad.

Insatiable by Roxanne Rhoads

Blurb:

A unusual woman in need of sexual adventure finally frees herself from small town life and finds more than she bargained for in the big city.

Scarlett has an extraordinary appetite for sex; a completely insatiable need.

Unfortunately, she grew up in a small town where women like her were frowned upon and treated badly—and her sexual escapades did not go unnoticed. So when Scarlett decides to pack up and move, the last thing she expects is to find in her new city is Marcello, the most beautiful and erotic man she has ever laid eyes on and who seems to have an equal appetite for the pleasures of the flesh.

Despite only ever needing sex in the past, Scarlett soon finds that Marcello leaves her wanting more. But can love and her unquenchable thirst for sex exist together? Can he accept her for who and what she really is and find a way to let their passions sizzle for more than just a weekend?

This is a super hot erotica novella, five flames, with lots and lots of sex.

Purchase it on December 7 at Eternal Press.

Read an excerpt here.

Free Book Friday: Blood Price by Tanya Huff

First of all I have good news, I am going to have some great giveaways during the

25 Paranormal Days of Christmas including these books below:

I'll also have plenty of free reads and giveaways along with holiday reviews and other fun. A whole 25 days of Paranormal Christmas good cheer.

OK now onto this week's Free Book Friday Giveaway. I have an extra copy of Blood Price, the first book in the Blood Books series by Tanya Huff.

To enter to win this copy of Blood Price, leave a comment telling me what you think of the whole Twilight phenomenon and whether or not you are going to see the movie this weekend.

My husband and I were going to but he has next week off work so we are going to go to an early matinee probably on Tuesday, hopefully while the kiddies are all in school before the holiday break has them all running wild. :-)

Please leave your email address. US shipping only.

Guest Author Stephanie Worth: Fiction in Black and White

One of my favorite childhood memories is watching Saturday afternoon TV. While it doesn’t seem so long ago to me, this would have been in the days when broadcasting ended in the wee hours of the morning forcing you to go to bed because there’d be nothing on until about 6 a.m. This was also pre-cable television, when we had rabbit-eared antennae on our two console TVs – only one of which was color.

I’m not that old really, just living in those fortunate years when Vincent Price was still making films and B movies ruled. After my brother and I finished our Saturday morning chores we were then allowed to hunker down in front of the TV for a few precious hours. Top picks? Night of the Lepus is one title I easily recall. Those giant mutant rabbits are forever etched in my mind. And, of course, there’s the original The Fly.

Beyond that, images of scraggly werewolves, elderly vampires, some flick about a takeover of amphibians in a remote swamp and tons of other sepia-toned viewings that my kids would now consider totally lame.

Mind you, the stuff often gave me nightmares. This resulted in screaming episodes that brought my dad to my rescue with a flick of the lamp and the reassurance of reality.

Yet, I kept at it. Eventually I moved on to Twilight Zone re-runs, and TV series like The Night Stalker. And then, somehow, I discovered Stephen King. I’d always been an avid reader – after all TV-watching was a rare, well-regulated treat – and the novel Carrie was my indoctrination in horror. I was hooked.

For years, I read everything King published. TV and movies took a backseat to the opportunity to generate my own mental screenplay. So maybe, it was natural that when I got serious about writing and decided to put something besides poetry on paper, paranormal became my calling.

I find it difficult to imagine a “straight” story – no supernatural twists or unexplained occurrences. My brain freezes at the thought of light, airy plots.

These days I feed my habit courtesy of our cable company’s FearNet channel and a novel diet that ranges from Dean Koontz to Toni Morrison to Carla Neggers, Tananarive Due and L.A. Banks. I love what we do and how the genre continues to evolve, both on-screen and on the page.

Still, I confess, my favorite moments remain those late nights when I’m distracted from my work-in-progress, flipping TV channels and I come across an old favorite like the original Dial M for Murder. Scary with special effects certainly has its place. But nothing feeds my muse like raw imagination in good ole black and white.

***

My latest twist of imagination is the novella HeavenSent.com in the Holiday Brides anthology. You can read more about HeavenSent.com and the first chapter of the story on my web site at http://www.stefanieworth.com/HeavenSent.html

You can also connect with me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stefanieworth), Twitter (www.twitter.com/stefanieworth) or MySpace (www.myspace.com/stefanieworth).

Thanks for stopping by!

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Winner Wednesday

So I've got so much on my plate right now I almost forgot today was Wednesday. Things are only going to get worse as the holidays roll closer.

Pretty soon I am going to be running around like a starving vampire chasing a blood bag.

Crazy, I know. That's me.

Anyway before announcing the winners I am once again putting out a call for ebook reviewers, see Monday's post for more details.

So onto the winners....

Kris is the lucky winner of Judi Fennell's book set.

And the three winners of Lenore Noogies are...

Rosie , Jane and GFDesignz

Congrats everyone.

A Review of Wild Blue Under by Judi Fennell

4 Fangs for Wild Blue Under

Judi Fennell gives new meaning to the term "fishing for a man".

If there were really men like the sexy Mermen, Reel and Rod (ha ha I just got it Reel and Rod- rod and reel as in fishing, ha, LOL), in the ocean I would definitely learn how to fish... and deep sea dive. Anything that got me in the water and closer to these hotties.

Judi really made a splash with her first book in the series, In Over Her Head and continues to make waves with the second, Wild Blue Under. I can't wait for the waves the final book in the series, Catch of a Lifetime, will make. It features a mermaid, not a merman.

Book Blurb for Wild Blue Under:

Rod Tritone, heir to the throne of the undersea world, needs a queen capable of ruling the oldest kingdom on earth. Someone regal, learned and of noble birth. Problem is, the only eligible noble-born Mer princess is half-Human - and she doesn't have a clue about the non-Human part.

Valerie Dumere has screwed up her life at every turn, so when her mother dies and leaves her the family business, Val realizes it's up to her to buckle down and get her life on track. No more excuses.

So when a guy shows up claiming to be her destiny, she scoffs. No way. She isn't running away from her responsibilities ever again - no matter how good the guy looks without a shirt.
But Rod isn't going away. He can't claim his inheritance without her - and Val will lose hers if she goes with him.

It's going to take one whale of a tale to get her to chuck it all and follow him off into the wild blue under...

Sourcebooks, Inc.
November, 2009
ISBN#:9781402224270

Wild Blue Under is a fun, quick and quirky read. Talking seagulls and a mermaid that thinks she allergic to the ocean. It's hilarious.

And even though the story is funny, it is sexy and romantic too. A great read full of character and characters that really catch your attention and keep you in the story. There is great chemistry between Valerie and Rod that keeps you turning the page wondering if they'll finally get together (even though you know they will, it wouldn't be a romance book if they didn't).

If you like your Urban Fantasy on the wet and slightly wild side this book is for you.

Guest Blog with Marie March

Thanks Roxanne for having me on Fang-tastic books—-I love this blog!

Okay, my name is Marie March and in my other life (under two different pen names) I'm an historical romance author, and an award-winning children's author. So what induced me to write erotic paranormal romance with a focus on vampires? Ever since Dracula, (Frank Langella) oozed mega-sexuality with a huge dose of danger onto the big screen, I've been fascinated with vampires and the idea any woman would succumb to his will…no matter the circumstance. In my debut book, SAVAGE CRAVINGS, I explore the vampire appeal.

Now think a moment; if an ordinary guy materialized outside your bedroom window after dark, scratched on the window pane and demanded entrance, or shadowed your every move insisting you will love him, and then expressed a desire to drink your blood, what would you do? No matter how gorgeous he appeared my guess is, you'd wear down the heels of your best party shoes sprinting to the cop-shop, demanding 24 hour protection and a restraining order against the nut-job.

Yet, given the above facts, the vampire's allure is absolutely irresistible…but why? Speaking for myself, if a sinfully sexy, rich and cultured, master of seduction decided his only requirements were to see me naked and willing, well, I'd say this all-you-can-eat-buffet is hot and ready to serve! In addition to the reasons stated (like you need convincing!) the vampire has a lot more working in his favor. Mainly, he comes without the bothersome qualities of the human male. Let's face it, Dracula/Eric/Bill isn't going to leave his dirty underwear and socks on the floor within inches of the hamper, or adjust his ample package in public. And I've yet to read a book, or see a movie, where a vampire empties his pockets, leaving coins, crumpled bills, gum and lint over every available surface… possibly after swigging a beer and burping open a door.

Adversely, the vampire appeal conceals a horrible façade which lures you into a twisted world of sex, obsession, blood-letting, and multiple orgasms, but what a way to go.

SAVAGE CRAVINGS release date 5 Apr 2010
INSATIABLE release date TBA
LET it BLEED release date TBA

BLURB for SAVAGE CRAVINGS:

For centuries Viggo has survived as a vampire, a creature of the night. He is the ruler of many, having his selection of women and men. Yet, the one woman he seeks remains elusive and has for centuries; until now. Once he finds her, she is powerless to resist the pull of glausdane. He knows he must let her recover, but her blood is an elixir, an orgiastic feast for the senses.

Run to ground and gravely injured, Dayna, Earth daughter of Danu accepts death may be imminent. As her life essence slowly drains away she claims only one regret; having never known the pleasures of sex. Dying a virgin was so not what she intended, and with sex the last thought on her mind she slips into unconsciousness.

When Dayna regains her senses she's aware of a long finger toying with a nipple, and an unexpected impulse to fuck. Fortunately for her, a gorgeous vampire with ethereal turquoise eyes is ready to satisfy her lust. Viggo has been waiting centuries for his glausdane, and the feral animal inside is in danger of overwhelming his plan to initiate her slowly. Will Dayna be able to tame the beast lurking within Viggo, or will she become yet another victim of his savage cravings

BIO for MARIE MARCH:

Marie March has traveled all over the world, lived in three countries and fourteen cities. For the moment she calls the Midwest her home, though firmly believes home is where the heart is; and her heart has been and always will be with her husband.

Monday Musings November 16, 2009

Monday again. Wow the time is just flying by.

I worked all weekend...and cleaned though you can't tell. My family is a tornado-I clean and they destroy in seconds. The life of a mom...

Anyway at least I got a little bit done on my novel this weekend, worked on a few shorts and tried to catch up on reviews and assignments. Arg. Not enough time or energy to get everything done.

This week is going to be another busy one. I have lots of errands to run, things to do- holidays coming up...and my oldest's 18th birthday. Sniff.

His birthday is the day before Thanksgiving so I really have my hands full, plus I am depressed my "baby" will soon be leaving me. He'll graduate in the spring and then he's off- we're just not sure where yet. He keeps changing his mind, now wants to go where his girlfriend is going. Hmm. Perhaps not such a great idea. Especially since it's still here in Flint.

I want to shove him out of the nest to go experience the world (or at least another city).

Of course it breaks my heart to let my boy go but that's a mother's job is to send their babies out into the world, hopefully prepared enough to survive on their own. Doesn't mean I have to be happy about it though.

Anyway this week I'll be preparing for my son's birthday and Thanksgiving and I'll be working so I may not be around much.

Speaking of time, I need a new ebook reviewer. The two I had are focusing on other things right now including their own sites (Chris) and the upcoming holidays.

So I need a couple ebooks reviewers to write reviews. The perk? You get free ebooks.

I am so swamped with scheduling guest posts, promo days, contests and trying to keep up with print reviews (not to mention my own writing) I don't have time to do many ebook reviews. Plus once I am done on the computer I want to curl up with a book in the evening, not another computer or electronic device.

So if you would like to review ebooks for me please send me your name, email and some samples of previous reviews (this can be links). Also let me know what types of books you are willing to review paranormal, urban fantasy, erotica, erotic romance, straight M/F, M/M, F/F, etc. I get requests for everything so please let me know what you would like to review. I already have a few books waiting. Send your info to eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

Have you got a copy of Eternal Desire yet? If not head over to Nicole Hadaway's blog for a chance to win a pdf download http://nicole-hadaway.blogspot.com/2009/11/free-book-friday-better-late-than-never.html

I am still scheduling authors and books for my holiday events as well- I think the 25 Naughty Days of Christmas at Roxanne's Realm is going to be good...and bad as in very, very naughty.

Speaking of Naughty Christmas, my story "Candy Cane Thrills" is in the now available Seriously Sexy Stocking Filler released by Xcite Books. They saved the best for last, because my story is the last in the book. ;-)

BTW, I also need more holiday paranormal books and authors for the 25 Days Paranormal Days of Christmas-interviews, guest posts, giveaways, goodies and more are wanted.

One last thing then I am done blathering for the day, please drop by and check out the kiss scenes for the Under the Mistletoe Contest. Mine is Jack Frost Nibbling at My Lips.

A Review of Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf

Five Fangs for Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf



Moon Kissed is the second book in the Wicked Games series, the first was The Highwayman which I loved.



Though I loved Moon Kissed even more, because it features hotter than hell, alpha male werewolf Severo which we were introduced to in The Highwayman, in this book he is much more rough around the edges than he appeared to be in The Highwayman.



The book opens with Belladonna running for her life away from a group of bloodthirsty vampires-and right into the arms of a dangerous werewolf...who keeps her safe until the vampires are gone.



But once the threat from the vampires is gone Bella's still in the arms of a "man" she knows is anything but safe yet he protects her even while being overtly sexual towards her.



Soon Bella learns there is more to life than the basic human existence she knew of-all kinds of creatures exist including vampires and werewolves. She finds out her best friend is dating a vampire and she suddenly has a werewolf shadow because sexy Severo just won't leave her alone. He's convinced the vampires are out to get Bella...and his suspicions are soon proven correct. But why? Why are they after her? Is it because her best friend Seth is dating a jealous vamp and "Elvira" wants to make sure she has no competition? Severo isn't sure but he knows he has to keep Bella safe...she's the mate he's been waiting for- for so very long.



Michele Hauf has written and extremely interesting and sexy tale about opposites attracting. Showing that it does happen and can work although it may not be easy.

**Possible Spoiler Alert Ahead**

Two things about his book were left kinda up in the air- one the whole situation with Seth was left rather unresolved for me, there wasn't enough emotion in the situation. I would have liked to see at least a little more considering the circumstances and the length of their friendship.



The other thing was how did "Elvira" know to go after Bella in the first place. Things are revealed about Elvira's reasons for going after Bella and she sends those vamps after Bella before Bella and Severo ever meet. Either this was a slip up or somehow Elvira could see into the future...maybe with the help of a witch or wizard perhaps? I don't know.

** Spoilers Done**

Other than those two minor issues (that really didn't damage the flow or the story, just made me stop and wonder a bit) the book was fabulous. I'll be dreaming about rough around the edges werewolves for a few nights.



It amazes me how some men could never in a million years get away with such overtly sexual advances on a woman...and others can- and not only can they get away with it they are welcome. Severo is the type of guy you want to come on strong. He'll bring out your cave woman craving and your animal instincts, that's for sure.



Now I have to go download After the Kiss, a Nocturne Bite ebook featuring Severo and Bella after this book ends. And I can't wait for Her Vampire Husband originally scheduled to be out this month now it won't be available until March or April 2010.

A Review of Real Men Have Fangs by Susan Blexrud

Married life is bliss when you are married to the hottest, sexiest vampire around! Lauren and John Wright get down and dirty, in Susan Blexrud’s new novel, REAL MEN HAVE FANGS, the sequel to FANG SHUI. It is a scary vampire tale full of wit, zip and sizzling escapades.

Title: REAL MEN HAVE FANGS
Category: Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Michele Rioli
Reviewer Email: Deseng@crown.net
Author: Susan Blexrud
Publisher: DCL Publications
Release Date: October 2009
ISBN Number: 978-0-9842828-1-4
Author Homepage: http://www.susanblexrud.com/
Rating: 5 Fangs
Format: E-BOOK

Five Fangs for Real Men Have Fangs
by Susan Blexrud


Lauren is a stunning, sexy vampire and hitched to John Wright, vampire extraordinaire. Married life couldn’t be better, actually it is pure paradise! Lauren’s husband John is extremely handsome and intelligent with more than a few tricks up his sleeve. He just passed his bar exam in Florida and is now a property attorney. His first client happens to be a mafia leader named Rick Maroon. Lauren is not happy one bit about the danger exposed to them both at this inopportune time. The cops have been trying to nail Maroon for years with a conviction. Since John works for the cops and is a vampire vigilante, hopefully, they can bring him down with both barrels.

John needs some vampire backup and he calls in his old, but loyal friend, commitment phobe and playboy, Lucianno, the Italian. Yes, that’s right, the guy that broke the heart of Lauren’s friend, Meredith. Oh boy! The hot Italian lover is coming back to town and ready to cause trouble again!

Meredith moves on, or thinks she has, and finds a nice, normal, dependable man, who is now her fiancé. She convinces herself that he is the one but when she catches sight of Lucianno, a flood of feelings, good and bad, washes over her. Does this lovelorn couple finally hash out their problems? Do the creepy Mafia guys have a hidden agenda? A frightening turn of events occurs. Will they all come out alive?

Ms. Blexrud’s spectacular new novel, REAL MEN HAVE FANGS is a frightening addition to her FANG series and is full of snap, sex and sizzle. It is brimming with all the main heroes and more! Lauren and John Wright, married vampires, with vast amounts of passion and energy, are dealing with evil enemies again. The Mafia is involved this time and danger lurks everywhere. Hold onto your seats because this story is one of the scariest in the FANG series. In addition, Lucianno pledges his love to Meredith, again! Does Meredith forgive the hot, Italian lover or does she give him the boot?

I love how Ms. Blexrud intertwines humor and romance with horror, suspense and danger. Her characters have incredible depth, which makes you feel like you know them on a personal level. If you like a sharp, sassy, suspenseful read, then place REAL MEN HAVE FANGS at the top of your ‘to buy’ list! Blexrud’s stories never disappoint!

Fang Books in the series, order they should be read:
Love Fang
Fang Shui
Real Men Have Fangs
And look for the upcoming "Mistletoe Fangs" in Season of Love a DCL Christmas anthology

Free Book Friday the Thirteenth Giveaway: Lenore Noogies

I have a fun giveaway today in honor of Friday the Thirteenth:

3 copies of the Lenore: Noogies Color Edition (Hardcover) (Lenore: Cute Little Dead Girl) graphic novel by Roman Dirge.

I've never been much for graphic novels. Reading from side to side and up and down just gives me a headache. I like my reading to be linear and not all over the place.

But I have to admit, the graphics in this sucked me into the story. Plus there's not a lot of dialogue to keep me bouncing around, the graphics tell the story all on their own and it's great. A little twisted but fun for those of us who are a little twisted and off the line by a few inches...or a couple miles. :-)

Here's the book blurb:

Take a trip into the dark, surreal world of a little dead girl with a knack for (often) unintentional mayhem in this remastered, gothic classic, newly-coloured and presented in glorious hardcover!

Lenore might only be small, but her talent for mischief — and occasional wanton destruction — is anything but. Featuring stories about limbless cannibals, clock monsters, cursed vampire dolls, taxidermied friends, an obsessed would-be lover and more fuzzy animal mutilations than should be legal, never has the term ‘something for everyone’ seemed more sinister and bizarre.

A massive cult hit on both sides of the Atlantic, Lenore is one of the funniest, darkest, cutest, creepiest characters on the marketplace today.

So you want a copy of Lenore Noogies?

You can be one of three winners to get your hands on this

creepy cool graphic novel.

To be entered to win leave a comment telling me what you think about Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? Do you avoid doing things on Friday the 13th? Or is 13 a lucky number for you?

US shipping only please.

To get bonus entries, link to and twitter about this contest, please include that info in your comment along with your email.

For 25 bonus entries be the first person to correctly tell me what the fear of the number 13 is called.

Spelling counts folks so make sure you spell this phobia correctly to get your bonus entries.

Guest Blog with Jean Roberta Author of Obsession

This is the season when a writer’s thoughts turn to the afterlife and to uncanny coincidences. Strangely enough, I never find ghost stories completely depressing, possibly because the ones that are supposedly true suggest that human life doesn’t end with the death of the body.

History fascinates me, especially the kind that hasn’t been widely written about. When I read the call-for-submissions for an anthology of lesbian ghost stories, I thought about the independent wife of the first Lieutenant-Governor (local representative of the British crown) of Saskatchewan, the Canadian prairie province where I live. The Lieutenant-Governor’s wife was a supporter of votes for women when she came to live here in 1905. As far as I know, she wasn’t a lesbian, but fiction-writers are allowed to make things up.

Here is a passage from my story, “Authentic,” which was published in Haunted Hearths and Sapphic Shades: Lesbian Ghost Stories, edited by Catherine Lundoff (Lethe Press, 2008).

The story is told by Matt, lonely lesbian historian who moved west to accept a job as historical consultant for Government House, the Lieutenant-Governor’s old residence, now the site of guided tours with guides in period costumes.
-----------------------------------------------------

The last tour had finished, and the place seemed empty. Steve the security guard must be somewhere on the premises, but Matt still felt alone. She spread her supper on a simple pine table covered with a cotton cloth, filled the tea kettle and lit the gas stove to make herself a pot of tea.

The sound of the piano in the music room almost caused her to drop her teacup on the floor. She recognized a sentimental tune which was popular before 1910. Matt knew that melody because the wife of Lieutenant-Governor Ferrier had made up her own words to it.

Someone has done their homework, but playing the piano at this time borders on vandalism and is definitely trespassing. Eating in the kitchen wasn’t the same kind of offense. After all, it had been the room where the servants prepared meals for their betters. On a deeper level, Matt felt she had squatters’ rights to Government House.

She followed the tinkling notes until she stood facing the back of the woman in evening dress who sat gracefully on the piano bench, lit by the soft glow of electric lights dimmed to look like gaslight. Her blonde hair was loosely piled on her head in a chignon that left artless wisps hanging down her bare neck and upper back. The royal-blue crepe de chine of her bodice led to a tiny, cinched waist that made her look like a life-sized doll.

"Excuse me," said Matt. "I'm sorry, but you can't - why are you here?"

The woman turned to smile at Matt. Her face looked young but shrewd, with large blue eyes and a determined chin. "Does my playing offend you?"

"It's after hours," mumbled Matt, "and no one is supposed to be here. Are you a new tour guide?"

The woman laughed. "I'm Ravenheart, Prairie Dog. You may call me by my name, Diana."

Matt felt faint. She didn't see how Ravenheart could have done herself up so elaborately and then come to the building (from where?) and found a way in since she had left Matt hanging in the chat-room. It didn't seem possible, but it had to be. Another explanation suggested itself, but she refused to believe that she had completely lost track of time or that she was conversing with a hallucination or a disembodied spirit.
--------------------------------------

Stories about supernatural beings also interest me, and the characters in ancient Greek and Roman mythology never seem to grow stale. All the shapeshifters in current paranormal fiction seem to me to be descendants of the satyrs, centaurs, mermaids and echidnas in the ancient stories.

In another of my lesbian stories, “Slippery when Wet,” a university student meets a classmate who might not be human. Her day begins with a haunting dream:
------------------------------------------

Cory Seeker, third-year biology major at Lifeprep University, had a dream about
snakes. She was fond of all the animals she knew personally, and she often dreamed
about creatures in all shapes and species, but this dream was unusually troubling.

The snakes in Cory’s mind emerged from dark holes to slide familiarly over and under eachother as they swarmed up her solid curves, from her thighs to her quivering belly to herhardening nipples and on to her neck, seeking warmth as she tried not to breathe. When she opened her mouth to scream, no sound came out.

Dim light, as though from candles, glowed on scales in various patterns and colors,
from the black of an oil slick on a midnight ocean to metallic silver and gold to the deep red of rubies and fresh blood. Cory couldn’t distinguish the poisonous or hostile from what might be relatively friendly and harmless snakes. A constant hissing reminded her of flowing water and rising steam. The snakes tempted her with suggestions in a language she could almost understand. She couldn’t close her slippery thighs to keep out unwelcome visitors.

This story is in my single-author collection of fourteen erotic stories, Obsession, available from Eternal Press in various formats.

Winner Wednesday and Werewolf Reading

Happy Winner Wednesday!

So I have two winners for the Vampire Taxonomy Giveaway....da da duh da....

Daelith and pixie13

Congrats, I hope you enjoy your copy of Vampire Taxonomy!

Onto other things.

I am in a werewolf state of mind. All the books in my reading and next to be read pile are werewolf books right now. I am loving Michele Hauf's Moon Kissed (Silhouette Nocturne) . Severo is so rough around the edges it is endearing. I can't wait to finish this book.

But I keep getting distracted by the anthology Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (getting ready for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas Event). The first story by Charlaine Harris really made me want to start reading the Sookie Stackhouse books (yeah, yeah, I know, I just have not got to them yet). Anyway the whole book is full of nothing but werewolf tales set during Christmas. So far this collection is fabulous!

You know, some people don't like short story collections because they don't give enough story to really sink your teeth into. Me personally, I love bite size tidbits I can read in one sitting and feel satisfied because I got my reading fix for the night. Plus I love being introduced to an author's style and voice, like Charlaine Harris. I've only read one other short story by her and her humor is...wickedly awesome. The story in this book actually featured Sookie and made me really, really want to delve into her stories now. I am hoping some of the other authors in this collection will leave me feeling the same way about them.

The book that is next on my to-read list is Wild Instinct by Sarah McCarty the second book in her werewolf Wild series.

I read the first, Running Wild, and wow, hot, hot, hot. There's even one of my quotes on the book jacket, too bad it doesn't say my name, just says Lucrezia Magazine which is where the review appeared (BTW I still review for them, have a new review up of Endangered there). Anyway I am dying to read Wild Instincts, so once these other two are done it is next.

So these furry fantasies are warming my cold nights right now. I love my vampires but on cold nights...a little fur is a real good (and warm) thing. :-p

Judi Fennell Guest Blog and Giveaway

Thanks so much for asking me to come on to talk about the second book in my Mer series. One of the first questions I always get when I tell people I write about mermen and mermaids invariably has to do with how they “do it.” Funny how a story of romance, of myths and legends come to life, of Atlantis and Greek gods, of adventure, betrayal, and treasure, comes down to sex.

Before In Over Her Head was released I used to say, “You'll have to read the book to find out,” but now that it's out, it’s no big deal to say that, in my story, the characters have legs when they make love. Other authors have written about mermaids/men who don't shift to their human form, but in my world they do. At least, when they make love with Humans. With other Mers? Well, I haven’t gone there. Yet. But you never know what’ll happen.

But in Wild Blue Under, the question does come up because Rod and Valerie are racing toward the coast, dodging peregrine dive-bombers, and avoiding the fish falling from the sky from a vindictive albatross, and have to deal with the tag-along Chief of Air Security, a seagull named Livingston, so the last thing they have time for is a night of passion. Well, okay, maybe they do have the time, but there’s the rain and the accident, and, well, I’m not going to give it away. But as they race toward the coast, Rod knows he's going to jump in the ocean with Val and they’ll both get their tails—so when/how do they “do it”?

In the contemporary romances I’ve written, getting two humans in bed realistically and believably within the context of the story can be tough at times. Add in the aspect of my Mers needing to have legs, and it’s one more element to figure into the plot. When/how will they get those legs, how will the other character react (seriously—what would you do if the guy you were all hot and bothered about suddenly got a tail?) With human characters on the run from the bad guys, you can toss them in a safe house, and adrenaline/life-and-death excitement can contribute to “the moment” (not to mention the fact that we all know these two are going to end up together so get them in bed already!). But when you’ve got “other-worldly” beings, it’s one more piece of the puzzle.

Even though I write paranormal, I like to ground my world-building in as much reality as possible so that it's not such a leap of faith to believe that there’s a whole city under Bermuda, or a whole other world under the sea. So that when you meet Angel when she’s chatting with her father, the High Councilman of Atlantis, you see that she’s just a daughter concerned for her father who just so happens to have a tail and live underwater. That Rod is dealing with having legs so he can fulfill his destiny and claim his throne, and that the birds flying overhead and dropping bombs to stop him from attaining his goal are paid thugs. So that when Rod and Valerie do finally get intimate, you’re not concerned so much about the tail as the feelings they have for each other.

So, how do Rod and Val make love? Do they have tails? Legs? Are they in the water? Out of it? On top of it?

You know, I get a perverse sort of pleasure in saying, “Neener, neener, you have to read the book to find out.”

But I will give you a teaser:

“Valerie.”

Rod’s voice sounded so close. So soft and deep and warm…

“Valerie, open your eyes.”

Something nudged her nose, and she exhaled before blinking into wispy gray dawn.

Yes, very close. His eyes were right there, mossy green with the tiniest lines at the sides as they smiled at her. Hmmm, smiling eyes. So nice to wake up to. “Rod? You’re okay?”

“Okay? That depends on what you mean by okay.” He slid his cheek against hers, and she shivered as his breath tickled the hollow beneath her ear. “How are you?”

“Hmmm?” Her eyes closed and she shifted in his arms, her fingertips feeling the smooth, hard warmth of his chest. “I’m…”

Wait a minute.

Her eyes flew open. “What—? Why are you—? What are we—?”

Oh, God, she was naked all over Rod.

Ohgodohgodohgodohgod… What was wrong with her? Where was her self-respect? Her pride? Her sense of self-preservation?

Her pajamas?

She scrambled off his thigh (oh, man, she had literally been all over him), clambering to get off the bed and cover herself and preserve some semblance of dignity.

One scooch and she landed on her backside on the threadbare carpet, her legs still trapped on the edge of the bed.

So much for dignity.

© Judi Fennell, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2009

I will tell you that Rod and Val are in a motel room, and if you'd like the chance to act out this scene—and feel fee to take it to its natural conclusion with someone special LOL—enter my contest to win one of two remaining romantic beach getaway weekends. One is at the Atlantis Inn B&B in Ocean City, NJ (www.AtlantisInn.com) and the drawing will be held November 30. The other is at the Hibiscus House B&B in West Palm Beach, FL (www.HibiscusHouse.com), drawing held on February 28, 2010 to celebrate the release of Catch of a Lifetime.

WILD BLUE UNDER—book 2 in the Mer Series—in stores November 2009!

The underwater kingdom is his as soon as he claims his queen…

Rod Tritone has the looks and charm to snag any queen he wants for his Mer kingdom, but unfortunately, it's not up to him. As fate would have it, the one woman destined to rule with him is terrified of water…

She lives in land-locked Kansas and has no idea she's a princess…

Valerie Dumere thinks Rod is gorgeous and irresistible—but why does he keep insisting she has another side to herself that only he can show her?

Somehow, Rod has to prove to her who she really is. But when she finds out the truth, will she ever forgive him?

About the Author

Judi Fennell is an award-winning author. Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests, as well as the third American Title contest. She spends family vacations at the Jersey Shore, the setting for some of her paranormal romance series. She lives in suburban Philadelphia, PA.

Want to win a free copy of In Over Her Head and Wild Blue Under ?

1 Free Set of Books Up for Grabs

Just leave a comment on this post.

Open to residents of US and Canada.

Get extra entries for reposting and tweeting about this contest.

Please include email address in comments.

Monday Musings: November 9, 2009

(awesome badge thanks to Marta Acosta at Vampire Wire)

So I've been sick all weekend. What a waste because it was so beautiful outside yet I couldn't get past the bed and the sofa to enjoy any of it.

I am still feeling like death warmed over but that's a huge improvement over how I was feeling all weekend.

I would like to apologize to all my contest winners because I have not mailed out your prizes yet due to my kids then me getting sick.

I will try to make it to the post office today.

Most of the weekend is a blur of fuzzy headedness. I kept trying to do things but would end up dizzy or just staring blankly into space. I finally gave up.

So not much to talk about as far as the weekend goes.

However I do have a few announcements to get out before I forget them.

My Halloween story "A Halloween to Remember" will be published through Excessica Publishing in September 2010.

I have three stories to be published January 18, 2010 in the BetterSex.com Fiction contest when the links are up I'll be sending you all over there to read the stories and vote on your favorite

And last but not least in personal news, I have a very steamy story up at Mainstream Erotica this month along with my regular book and product reviews.

Drop by and read them for free, Mainstream Erotica is now a free site. My story is Naughty Little Forest Nymph.

While you are there please also check out my review of the new Natural Astroglide and my book review of Cathryn Fox's Instinctive

And my porn movie review of Dark Angels 2: Bloodline (yes this is a vampire flick)

So onto Fang-tastic News:

Judi Fennell will be guest blogging with us tomorrow, Tuesday Nov 10 and Jean Roberta will be with us on Thursday Nov 12 and Friday I have a fun Friday the 13th Giveaway, Lenore Noogies by Roman Dirge.

And please spread the word I am still looking for authors to join me for my 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas event here at Fang-tastic Books and 25 Naughty Days of Christmas Event at Roxanne's Realm.

Anyone interested please contact me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

Today is the Last Day to Enter the Under the Mistletoe Writing Contest

Today is the dealine to enter the Under the Mistletoe Writing Contest sponsored by NightOwlRomance.com.

I just entered my kiss scene. I'm not sure when it will be live but once voting starts I hope you'll all drop by and read it.

Want details on how to enter?

* Free To Enter - 400 Word Max - Romance Novel Kiss Scene - those submissions that are over 400 words will be cut down to meet our requirements*

* There Is Only Space For Up To 50 Entries.

*1 Entry Only Per Person. If we have less than 20 entries we will just do one round of voting.

* Published and Aspiring Authors Can Enter

* Entrants Need To Promote The Contest To Readers & We Will Promote The Contest As Well

* First Round Voting Will Start 11/12/2009 and end 11/30/2009 (The top 10 Entries will go onto the finals)- Readers Will Vote.

* The Finals will start 12/3/2009 and end 12/20/2009- Readers Will Vote.There will be 3 Main Prizes!!!

* First Place - ($50 Cash or $70 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Second Place - ($30 Cash or $50 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Third Place - ($20 Cash or $30 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Cash paid out by check

* You need to be 18 or older to enter.

* Entries Must Be In By 11/08/2009. When we hit 50 no more will be added.

To enter visit http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/contests/authorcontests.aspx

Free Book Friday Vampire Taxonomy by Meredith Woerner

Now that millions have read and seen Twilight, where do they turn for vampire advice?

This wry, witty, fully illustrated, and bloody essential guide. Vampires are all around-books, movies, TV, comics- infiltrating our culture like never before. But what happens if one should run into a real vamp on the street?

Vampire Taxonomy is the best defense against a fatal encounter in the dark.

For the reader's protection, Meredith Woerner reveals the truth about:

•Sunlight sensitivity-Do vamps venture out in the day or stick solely to the evening hours?

•Physiology-When ready to feed, do they change appearance or simply lure with the seductive flash of a fang?

•Dress-Are they decked out in leather with aspirations of becoming the first vampire rock stars or do they cling to Gothic robes and ruffled collars?

•Diet-Are they waging a never-ending struggle against the temptation of human blood or do they view the world as their personal blood buffet?

Want to win a copy of Vampire Taxonomy?

I have two copies up for grabs, US shipping only please. Just leave a comment with your email address to be entered. Get extra entries for linking to this contest elsewhere.

Author Meredith Woerner started her search for vampires while pulling night shifts as a "copy kid" at the New York Post. Combining her supernatural know-how with a pulp pop awareness, she now writes daily about all the things that go bump in the night at Gawker's sci-fi blog, io9.com.

Caridad Pineiro and Her New Book: Sins of the Flesh

At this time of year, we’re all busying delighting in things that go bump in the night. Vampires, ghosts and other monsters knock on our doors or fill our television screens and we love being scared! Monsters are scary after all and horror stories are loaded with frightening things to raise our hackles and send shivers down our spines.

The best part of it – we know it’s all make-believe and that no matter what, we’ll be safe.
It’s why we love paranormals.

But what if the paranormal becomes something that’s not make-believe? What if that scary thing that goes bump in the night is possible? What if humans become scarier than monsters?
I had fun with those possibilities in my latest novel, SINS OF THE FLESH, when I decided to explore paranormal things that could actually be real.

I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot in the press and on television about genetically modified organisms. Some of them are in our grocery stores in the form of tomatoes that ripen earlier or corn that lasts longer. What would happen if someone decided to genetically modify a human to give them desirable traits? Someone stronger, faster or in this case, able to change skin tones.
A little unrealistic?

Did you know that scientists have genetically engineered a number of different animals so that they have glowing skin? Cats, mice and even fish that you can buy at your local department store that all have been modified so that they glow under certain light. If you drop by my blog, you can see a video of a glow in the dark cat (http://www.caridad.com/2009/09/30/science-fact-and-fiction-in-sins-of-the-flesh/).

What about scientists and what they should and shouldn’t do? Think about Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Totally fiction when Mary Shelley wrote FRANKENSTEIN but advances in science now allow transplants of all kinds, from complete faces to necessary organs, a la Dr. Frankenstein.

I guess that’s one of the things I love best about the paranormal genre – it’s so flexible. From the safety of monsters like vampires and werewolves to the slightly scarier possibility of real life monsters created by humans, the paranormal genre lets writers explore all those different facets in new and interesting ways. Ways that keep our hearts racing and the pages turning.

I hope you’ll keep checking out what’s happening with paranormals and all the fascinating facets the genre is bringing to the fiction world.

Sins of the Flesh Blurb:

Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.

Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.

Want to Know More?

Read an Excerpt here: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2009/10/20/sins-of-the-flesh-virtual-book-tour-november-09/

For Behind the Scenes blogs where readers can find out about the places where the book is set, you can go to: http://www.caridad.com/books/paranormal/sins-of-the-flesh/

Want to Win a Copy ?

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a

copy of Sins of the Flesh.

US shipping only please.