Setting Goals for 2010 and One Winner Can Pick a Free E-book from My Backlist

So... I am setting all my professional and personal goals I would like to accomplish in 2010.

One of my goals is making Fang-tastic Books bigger and better.

I already have a site makeover planned and I am going to design some promo materials that you'll be able to purchase through a Cafe Press store.

I would also like to get Fang-tastic links and promo mentions on all the sites that I can. So if you want to exchange links please send me an email with your site url showing me the Fang-tastic Books link and in exchange I'll add your link here.

A big thing I would like to do is schedule even more authors and offer many more fang-tastic giveaways throughout the year. So any authors...contact me for a guest spot. It's free and great publicity.

Still looking for some new blood to add here to Fang-tastic Books, too. I still need a few e book reviewers and a contributor or two or would love to post vampire/paranormal/urban fantasy news here. It's no biggie just a post like once a week that rounds up news that can be found at VampChix, Vampire Wire, SciFiGuy and a handful of other genre sites around the web. I can even provide you with a list of places to gather news.

Another big goal I have for Fang-tastic Books is to boost my number of followers. Currently I have 238. I would like to double that- technically a little more than double because my goal is at least 500 in 2010.

All of you faithful readers can help with at least a couple of these goals by adding my link to your blog or website and by spreading the word and getting more followers here at Fang-tastic.

When FB reaches 500 followers I am going to have a big giveaway with books, author goodies and whatever fun stuff I can scrounge up. I am going to start planning now and adding stuff to a box so when we reach the 500 follower goal you'll have a chance to win an awesome prize pack.

So start spreading the word now and the sooner we reach the goal the sooner we can have the big 500 Follower Giveaway!

Most of my other goals for 2010 involve writing stuff: finishing my novels, getting an agent, and book deals, book deals and more book deals.

Of course I actually have to finish my novels and book proposals before that happens (which is definitely on my goal list).

I also hope to grab a few more regular paying writing gigs. I would love to get a column- a paying column- at a website, ezine, or gasp a print publication (are those still out there? I have heard they are on the endangered list).

I would love to write an awesome column writing about supernatural sex- wouldn't that be fun? I could write about fang bangers, fur lovers and all those people that lust after the paranormals; [ixies infatuted with fairies, trolls loving gnomes, vampires in love with werewolves, witches seriously crushing on demons...can you imagine the problems they face? And of course normals in love with "others".

Can you picture it:

Dear Roxanne,

I think my boyfriend's a vampire. When we make love he bites me and I think he drinks my blood. I am starting to feel weak all the time and I can't stand being in bright light. What do I do?

Signed,

Bitten but not quite smitten

Dear Bitten,

First of all check yourself for bite marks and visit your doctior to get checked for anemia.

Then see if your boyfriend has a problem with crosses, silver, garlic or holy water and check to see if he has a reflection.

You might also want to invest in a good wooden stake. If he shows signs of actually being a vampire you may have to decide if you want to stake him or join the ranks of the undead.

~Roxanne

I can dream right? I suppose if all else fails I could always offer the column here for those lovelorn souls dealing with creatures of the otherworld.

Anyway don't forget I need your help to spread the word about the 500 follower giveaway.

It's going to be good, it's going to be big...I just don't know when it'll be. It all depends on when we hit 500 followers.

So tell me what are your New Year goals or resolutions?

I'll randomly pick a comment and the winner can pick their choice of ebooks from my back list.

Get 5 extra entries for being a follower.

Be sure to include email contact info with your comment.

Thanks, good luck and Happy New Year!

2 New Authors of 2009 That Blew Me Away

I read a lot of books this year. Probably more than I have read in the several years before this combined.

Somehow I got away from reading- probably due to the fact I always had a kid attached to me or needing me or a business to run before this past year. This past year business was next to nothing, kids are growing up even thought he little guy is still a handful he is no longer actually attached to me all the time and I wanted to escape- if only in words so I went back to reading- a lot.

This past year I really delved back into my first love- books and really put that into this site, Fang-tastic Books.

I discovered so many amazing authors I had not yet read and I have a huge list of authors and books still on my to-read list.

I also had the chance to read the books of several brand new authors that debuted in 2009- two really stood out.

Kimberly Frost and Chloe Neill.

These two ladies hit the ground running with their debut books and the series's have really taken off.

Kimberly Frost's Southern Witch series is full of so much wit, Texas charm, uncanny humor, and enough sub plots and strong characters to keep you reading and wanting more. The series is pure magick on the page.

Then there's Chloe Neill.

This writer packs a punch in her new Chicagoland Vampires series. If you want a vampire series with serious bite, snarky humor and plenty of twists and turns...these books are for you.

The first two books have me so hooked I can't wait to read the third which comes out in July.

Chloe also has a YA series. The first book is Firespell hits stores January 5th. After reading her Chicagoland series I am eager to try her YA series as well.

If you haven't read these authors you must add them to your to-read list.

Any suggestions in who else I should add to mine?

Any debut authors blow you away this year? Any books really just grab you? Tell me about them, I'd love to hear.

Monday Musings December 28, 2009

So how was every one's Christmas or other winter holiday?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and got exactly what they wanted.

Mine was pretty good other than the rude disruption that came Christmas morning from Jehovah Witnesses knocking on my door.

Yes, on Christmas morning. I was so pissed I rudely asked them to leave. I am sorry- I believe in religious freedom but I do not believe in pushing religion on anyone and for them to knock on people's doors on Christmas morning...well I found that to be tasteless, rude and utterly disrespectful. I am sure I wasn't the only person to cuss them out. (I know, I know so much for Christmas cheer, but nothing gets under my skin more than disrespect, plus I hadn't had my coffee yet. Coffee calms the morning beast.)

I am going to put a sign on my door: "If you are here to sell me something or discuss religion GO AWAY!"

Anyway that rant is done for now...

The rest of the day was good. Everyone really enjoyed their presents- still enjoying them in fact.

I received some great gifts including: an under the cupboard radio/CD player for my kitchen than I can plug my mp3 player into, an awesome big crock pot (I love my crocks but one recently died), a bottle of my favorite vanilla perfume, and some delightful bath and body products (also vanilla- obviously my favorite aroma).

What was your favorite gift?

Other than hanging out with the family I wrote a lot of the weekend even while being cold and sniffley. I was expecting to just chill but as usual I can't calm my brain long enough to stay away from the computer. Being a writer never ends- there are always stories to write, things to research, ideas to follow through on...

Today I am in the middle of a blizzard (yet it rained on Christmas), had planned on going out but now I don't know. I have 4 wheel drive but currently my tires are in bad need of replacing so the 4 wheel drive is almost useless in the snow. That means going out probably isn't the best idea. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I guess I'll be catching up on some reviews and working today.

That's my quick Monday Musing.

As always I am scheduling author guest spots and still looking for a few ebook reviewers. Anyone interested email me.

Not much going on this week but I'll probably have random posts about my fave books and authors of the year.

Favorite Books of 2009

What were you favorite books of 2009?

I have so many.

Not necessarily were all of them released in 2009 (though many were) but I found so many new authors and new books that I just loved.

These are just a few of my favorite books of the year (more to come)

What were yours?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve

Thank you all for joining me for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas event. Next year I'll either plan earlier (this was a rather last minute idea) or I'll make it shorter- 13 Days maybe. This was a bit much for me to keep track of and I fell short of what I had planned, but I hope you all had a good time. Lots of books and goodies were sent out.

There will be no more freebies for the rest of the year unless an author schedules something.

As far as me, I am exhausted and tapped out (I fork out shipping costs out of my own pocket on a lot of these giveaways, so if you shop through my Amazon links and other affiliate stuff it really helps cover the costs of keeping this site up and running and bringing lots of freebies your way).

Plus I really need to focus on my own writing...or just rest.

Do not fear, I am not closing down shop, just taking a breather and enjoying the rest of the holiday season leisurely. The new year will bring more fun, reviews, author interviews, prizes and giveaways to Fang-tastic Books.

Any authors looking to schedule guest spots contact me and I'll get you pencilled in.

I am also looking for a couple people that can contribute to Fang-tastic Books. I would like 1 or 2 ebook reviewers who can read and review ebooks on a regular basic and someone who can scour the web looking for vampire/paranormal news and post it here (similar to what is posted at Vampire Wire and VampChix) this would be a once a week post I would like to have added here, also maybe a contest round up post. Honestly I just don't have time to search the web and post everything here that's why I would love a reliable person that could do this once or twice a week.

If anyone is interested email me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com with a link to your own blog/site and some info about you.

Oh and please make sure to drop by Roxanne's Realm if you are interested in links to some of my naughty holiday poetry and stories. I have a naughty version of Twas the Night Before Christmas at Mainstream Erotica and an erotic Holiday tale "The Christmas Party" at OystersandChocolate.com.

And check out this awesome article written about holiday erotica and moi at the Examiner

So happy holidays to everyone and a big thanks to all the authors, publishers and readers who have made it a great year here at Fang-tastic Books.

Winner Wednesday

Well this concludes the giveaways and winners for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas.

I was a few days short of having something for every day like I had hoped. I was going to post some book reviews of A Highlander Christmas, Hot for the Holidays, and Deep Kiss of Winter (all great books but Deep Kiss is by far my fave of the three) but haven't had the chance, last minute holiday stuff has me bogged down.

Can you believe I have not wrapped anything yet? Yikes! I got so much left to do.

So here goes with the winners!

Holiday with a Vampire III goes to jeanette8042

skyla11377 gets the Blood Ties pack

Sweet Vernal Zephyr gets a copy of Just My Luck

booklover0226 wins Their Secret Paradise
~*Jessica Rabbit*~,  Heather B., and throuthehaze get Hot fot the Holidays

Descend into Darkness with Yolanda Sfetsos

Have you ever wanted to write a story about someone's descent into darkness? Of someone's quest to reach a certain goal at the expense of their very soul? Or maybe just a tale of demonic possession that goes about it from a different angle?

Well, that's what I did with my Damnation Books novella...

Faithless: Book One of the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Alyce Kerr is a celebrity Faith Healer. Her power comes from a binding with a demonic entity. Every time he gives her the power to heal, he sucks a little more of her soul into him.

But now her ex, Ross, is in town. He’s been watching from the shadows and Alyce is finding it harder to ignore him... even if he did try to kill her three years earlier.

Could Ross be the answer to ending her connection to the demon killing her inside?

Except, it wasn't intentional. The idea for Alyce's story hit me one day with so much force that I wrote the first installment in a few frenzied days. The same thing happened with the other two books. It just feels like any story I set in Alyce's world just pours out of me. As if it was waiting patiently to be let out. And when I'm ready, I get into a crazed trance until it's told.

I have to admit, I love it when that happens. I really enjoyed telling Alyce's story. She's a Faith Healer who uses the power of a demon to keep her celebrity status and cure the sick. Following Alyce in her quest to get rid of the demonic entity practically eating her soul, as well as reconnecting with the man she loves, was a lot of fun. The relationship between Alyce and Ross was complicated from the very beginning, and the circumstances behind their reunion only makes things harder. In fact, just when things look to be heading in the right direction, something else happens.

I'm actually working on another Alyce story this week. This world just fits like a glove, and when that happens to a writer, it certainly feels like a gift. 'Tis the season for giving, after all. ;)

Happy Holidays!

Faithless is now available in eBook, print, and Kindle.

Book 2: Careless will be released in March 2010, and Book 3: Boundless will be released in June 2010 by Damnation Books.

---

Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading.

To Celebrate the Solstice: A Free Signed Copy of Holiday with a Vampire III

To celebrate the winter solstice I have a copy of Holiday with a Vampire III signed by one of the authors: Bonnie Vanak.

If you would like to win this book please leave a comment with your email info and tell me which winter holidays you celebrate: Yule, Chanukah (or Hanukkah which is the correct spelling? I've found it both ways) the Solstice, Kwanzaa, or Christmas- or maybe a mixture of a couple.

I am curious to see who celebrates what. I say the more celebrations the better.

I mainly celebrate Christmas with a private nod to Yule and the Solstice. My husband is a non-practicing Catholic and I was raised a non-denominational Christian though I find I am more drawn to Pagan and Wiccan beliefs. So I put up Christmas decorations and do all the winer holiday things while I wish I had a fireplace to burn a big Yule log and I wish I had a place to go to really celebrate the Solstice.

US Shipping Only.

Courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment I have a complete set of Blood Ties DVDs to give away, both Season 1 and Season 2 along with a copy of Blood Price by Tanya Huff. The first book in the series that the television show was based on.

Want this fabulous set?

Then leave me a comment on this post along with email address.

US shipping only please.

Get extra entries for tweeting and posting about this contest

also for being a follower.

Good luck.

Heat Up Your Holiday with J Rose Allister and a Chance to Win a Holiday Goodie Pack

Heat up Your Holiday!

How about a sizzling Bahamas romance to thaw that winter chill? I’m Jade, author of paranormal romance THEIR SECRET PARADISE. I’m thrilled to be here to share an excerpt with you—and as a special treat for readers of Roxanne’s Fang-Tastic blog, I’m giving away a wrapped holiday goody pack! This holiday treat is great to tuck in your favorite reader’s stocking or your own!

Simply post a reply in the comments to be entered for a chance to win.

(By the way, if you don’t win the drawing, you can still get a holiday pack! Everyone who orders an eBook copy of THEIR SECRET PARADISE during December will receive one as a thank you gift! Email me at jroseallister@verizon.net for details.)

About THEIR SECRET PARADISE:

The Amante del Mar resort boasts far more than enviable Bahamas sunsets,five-star cuisine, and some of the most lavishly appointed suites everconstructed. The private-owned island possesses mystical energies, a land wherethe very air is stirred with erotic power.

Parapsychology graduate Gina Munson knows better than to fall victim to thespecial "charms" at her uncle's resort. Then a muscled building contractorstumbles across her private sunbathing nook and heats up Gina's summer inparadise. For where the gods Love and Lust reside, no one will leave untouched.

RATED X EXCERPT:

David's body heat surrounded her like a possessive brand as he leaned in close, his breath in her ear sending goose bumps along her arms. “You don't really think you can fight me off forever, do you?”

The feather traced a maddening path along her abdomen, sending a wave of need through the dampness between her thighs. Fight? Her brow wrinkled over still-closed eyes. Why on earth would she resist this god's erotic charms?

Then she remembered. What they felt wasn't real. This was just paranormally manufactured arousal, a mystical libido boost produced by unknown forces on the island. She couldn't let it control her. Not again.

“Eventually, I will win.” His rich timbre taunted her. “Do you want to know why?”

The plume stroked her quivering thighs and the suddenly naked patch of curls above them. Her voice was little more than a shudder of breath. “Why?”

“Because the power at work here is not only bigger than you. It is you.”

With that he thrust himself deep between thighs she had spread wide for him without a thought, his cock nothing less than a molten spear of pure sexual need. The lance of heat unleashed an animal hunger, one that exploded from the core of her womb to drench every molecule of her body. But when the jolt shot her dream eyes wide, David was no more. The man fucking her to oblivion was a sublime being with hair as dark as a starless night, and eyes a blazing obsidian that burned within from the volcanic powers that forged it. His gaze took her as sexually as his heated penetration, and she gasped in shock.

“What are you? Where's David?”

His laugh rippled the air in waves around them, and he thrust in possession of her again. “I am the power of your own yearning.” He leaned close to her ear, the rest a growled whisper that mesmerized. “I am Lust.”

--Visit PARADISE…order a copy today!Rated 4 flames by Eternal Press http://eternalpress.ca/theirsecretparadise.html http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theirsecretparadise-365034-140.html http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b98694/Their-Secret-Paradise/J-Rose-Allister/?si=0

A Paranormal Christmas for Everyone with Kerri Nelson

This holiday season I have two Christmas stories coming out in Whispers Publishing’s Christmas Around the World series. This is a collection of stories that feature hot and spicy Christmas stories set in other countries around the world.

When choosing my settings, I picked one place that I’ve been to (Japan) and one place that I’d like to visit (Scotland). Somehow, both of my stories ended up being paranormal romances. I’m not sure how that happened except to say that I believe that magic and Christmas go hand in hand.

So, why do paranormal books get us so hot and bothered these days? If you look at the number of available books in this genre it is absolutely astounding. They are hands down the most successful books on the market these days.

Is it about the fantasy element? Is it the idea that something really exists out there besides the traditional normal life? Is it the fact that these male creatures are bad, rad, and immortal? Or is it just that we all need an escape and a good adventure from time to time?

For me, it is about the sheer thrill of thinking about what the world would be like if these creatures really did exist in our world. It might be a nightmare or it might make things more interesting. That’s the thing that keeps me coming back to the paranormal as both a reader and a writer.

Interestingly, out of all the paranormal books that I’ve written so far only one of them is not erotic in nature. I find that a fascinating thought because not only do I see the idea of paranormal creatures as an exciting and thrilling adventure story but I also see them as inherently sexual beings. They are indeed the subjects of many sexual fantasies.

I’m sure that everyone has their own reasons for loving the genre and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it today.

Why do you read paranormal books?

Do you prefer them to be more action/adventure or more hot and sexy?

Blurb for The Mystical Kilt

Brenna Sweetwater inherits a vintage clothing store from her great aunt in Scotland. Having survived a recent series of bad luck experiences, she hopes that this new business venture will be just the change of luck that she's been searching for.

When she tries on an old Scottish kilt that she finds hidden away in the back of the store, she unwittingly opens a portal to ancient Scotland. After falling through the portal, she awakens to find herself in the chambers of one sexy, naked Scot!

What happens when a twenty first century shop girl is transported to the sixteenth century Highlands on Christmas Eve? Will her holiday season be ruined? Or will this be the Christmas blessing that she's been dreaming of?

Sometimes in order to find true love, you have to travel outside the realm of your own imagination…

Now here's a special Christmas Treat offered by Kerri Nelson, she has offered to give one lucky reader the chance to choose any ebook, from any author, through any publisher up to a $5 value-
and get it for free.

That means if you've been eying an ebook and would really love to have it, now's your chance.
Ms. Nelson will get it for you.

To enter leave a comment with contact info. One winner will be randomly chosen.

Bah-Humbug with Author Gail Koger and a Chance to Win Just My Luck

Thirty-one years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. Don’t get me wrong. Working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher can be very rewarding. BUT - some days I felt like the whole world was nuts and Christmas brings out the worst in people. What? You actually thought that for one day a year folks would get along? Peace on Earth and all that goodwill crap? You’ve been sucking way too much eggnog, my friends. It’s a myth.

Instead of a nice honey baked ham and all the fixings I got to inhale a cold Banquet turkey dinner. Instead of the fairy tale of a happy family gathered around a roaring fireplace, I got to deal with reality and reality sucks. Take this call for example:

“I need to find Grandma’s house,” a drunken idiot said. Digging for my supply of Tylenol, I responded, “Sir, 9-1-1 is for life threatening emergencies. We don’t give directions.” The drunken fool cried, “You’re 9-1-1 you know everything.” Wonder where he got that idea? “Sir, I have no idea who your Grandmother is or where she lives.” He sputtered in surprise, “You don’t? But… But I’m late for dinner!” The guy was really starting to annoy the hell out of me, “Why don’t you pull over and I’ll have a nice officer come and help.” Yeah, right to jail, you moron, driving while intoxicated is against the law. “Okay, thanks.” “My pleasure and have a great Christmas.”

Downing a handful of Tylenol, I answered another call and could hear people screaming blue bloody murder. “9-1-1 emergency, what is your emergency? Hello?”
An out-of-breath woman cried, “We need the cops. My three brothers are fighting over the wishbone.” Not quite sure I had heard her correctly, I repeated, “They’re fighting over the wishbone?” There was a loud crash and the woman shrieked, “Omigod! There went the tree, please hurry.” I quickly typed the information in. “Ma’am does any of your brothers have a weapon?” The woman shouted, “What kind of stupid question is that?” One I need answered, dearie. “Ma’am, I need to know if any of your brothers are armed with a weapon.” She huffed, “Just get someone out here before Rex gets his chain saw started.” “Chain saw? Hello?” The line was dead. The moral to this story is; the family that fights together gets to go to jail together. Ho. Ho. Ho. Merry Christmas.

Some citizens of our fair cities have absolutely no idea of what an officer can or cannot do. They aren’t plumbers, electricians, alligator wrestlers (don’t ask) or allowed to shoot your neighbor’s noisy Santa carousel. Give your poor overworked 9-1-1 dispatchers a break and don’t call unless you have a real emergency. And no, we won’t haul your Christmas tree away or help you take down your lights. Anyone have any chocolate?

Want a fun, fast read and a good laugh? Just My Luck was given 4 stars out of five by the Night Owl reviewer. They called it a freaky fantastic read. Here's a little peek:


JUST MY LUCK

How did all this start? Them. It started with them. In 2015 something nasty found our world. They call themselves the Tai-Kok. I still remember that first psychic contact. Their hunger slapped me in the face. It was sharp, visceral and constant. They were malevolent, depraved ghouls who lived to eat. Literally. And their image is forever burned into my mind. Tall, hairless, skeletal humanoids with a mouth full of sharp metal teeth. And to complete the total gross out, three blood-red eyes glared out of skin so transparent you could see their bones and innards. Ewww.

How they found our world or why they consider us good eatin’, who knows. It was my job to stop them. My name is Kaylee Jones. I’m a cop and a Siren. You can consider me the early warning system that keeps Earth from becoming an all-you-can-eat banquet.

The bad thing is, I’m also what you’d call a trouble magnet. Just ask my brothers. Chaos and disaster dog me where ever I go. Sometimes it sucks being me. My psychic abilities are the only reason I’m still breathing.

How did I meet the vampire aka the big bad Coletti Warlord?

Part of my job description as a Siren was mentally scanning our galaxy for any signs of the Tai-Kok. I was searching the asteroid belt for their ships when I sensed an alien presence. It was male. Definitely not human. His utter aloneness. His grief for those taken from him and his burning need for vengeance resonated so deeply within me that I instinctively reached out. Big mistake. He latched on and dug in tighter than a tick on a hunting dog. No matter how hard I tried to dislodge the little shit from my mind, he wouldn’t leave. And just my luck, his hold on me kept getting stronger. For awhile my uninvited guest seemed to be content to just observe. That and growl whenever another man got near me. I mean, c’mon. It was like having a rabid pitbull stuck in your head.

What did Talree, the Warlord, want? Me. How romantic, you think? Not! The rat bastard needed blood and it seemed only mine would do. Lucky me. And to make matters worse, he decided to make me his mate. Big honor, he said. Didn’t matter that I wasn’t willing and this mate thing meant he owned me mind, body and soul. Ever tried telling a Coletti Warlord no? Doesn’t go over very well. Unless you’re armed to the teeth and even then, it’s pretty iffy. They’re damned good at mind control and add in their ability to teleport and you’re toast.

Okay, I’ll admit that the sex is hot. Really hot. Melt your panties hot. Gotta admit the first time I saw his dick it was freaky and kinda weird. So weird that I almost forgot the cardinal rule. Never ever make fun of a guy’s penis. But it gets the job done. If you know what I mean. Really really gets the job done. If you’re in to the multiple orgasm thing. Doesn’t hurt either, that Talree is a hunk. Body of a pro wrestler and a face that could grace the cover of GQ Magazine.

And the bossy jerk did agree to save our world from annihilation. But, the bad news was, Warlords aren’t benevolent do-gooder types and there was a price for them helping us. Our women.

That’s when I discovered the Coletti’s dirty little secret. Chemicals used in their Great War created a genetic anomaly and their women are going the way of the Dodo Bird. To save their race from extinction they must convert females of other species. Lucky us. Okay, I’ll live a very long time, heal quickly and can do neat stuff like teleporting and mind control but... Fangs! C’mon. Makes you want to bite something.
A neck or an arm or...

And don’t get me started on my father-in-law Zarek, the Overlord of the Coletti clans. One scary dude that makes Darth Vader look like Little Orphan Annie. Did I ever mention, that I’ve got a big mouth and don’t take orders well? Yeah, kinda suicidal when dealing with Warlords. The mate bond with Talree and my abilities as a Siren are the only things keeping Zarek from mind-wiping me. For now.

And the really bad news was, Talree’s low-down conniving brother, Malik, had joined forces with our alien freaks and now we have to stop them from destroying the galaxy. For better or worse, our fates are intertwined. To survive what is to come, I have to embrace my destiny. Become something not quite human. Sometimes to protect and serve was a real bitch. But on the bright side, I can use that power to change the system. Introduce a little truth, justice and the American way. If we fail, not only would Earth be destroyed, but countless other worlds would fall, too. So not happening on my watch.
Visit Gail at http://www.gailkoger.com/ and at the Whispers site http://www.whispershome.com/

Would you like to win a free pdf of Just My Luck?

Then leave a comment on this post telling us one thing you hate about Christmas.

Make sure to include email contact info.

Wednesday Updates and Winner Wednesday

So before I post the Wednesday Winners I have a few updates that I've been meaning to share and with all the 25 Days events and real life Christmas stuff going on I keep forgetting.

First of all there is an interview with me and a chance to win a free pdf of my newest release, Insatiable.

Check it out: http://romanticjourney.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/306/

And speaking of Insatiable it is already in print at Amazon, it usually takes 2-3 weeks after the ebook comes out to be ready in print but it was ready in one this time.

On to other news, I have my cover for my Excessica release in 2010, it'll be out in September-just in time for Halloween enjoyment.

Isn't it gorgeous? Air kisses to Scott in Australia he did such a fabulous job.

I know what else I've been meaning to post. Did you know you can read Kindle versions of books without having a Kindle?

You can. Amazon has a free download so you can read Kindle books on your computer. And the best thing, it's free! Click the link below and go see for yourself.

Kindle for Your PC

I think that's it for now, so without any further ado...it's time for Winner Wednesday!

Duhn da da daaaa...

And the winners are:

stacy stew and Anna Dougherty get copies of A Highlander Christmas

tetewa wins Born of Ice

sherry wins Troy Seate's Spirit of Christmas Past

and Judy wins Dakota Trace's set of books

Kiki Howell's winners are

1. Misty
2. s7anna
3. Cherry
4. RKCharron
5. Wanda
6. Estella
7. booklover0226
8. cait045
9. Judy
10. Andrea
11.Rosie
12.joder

and Suzanne Rock will be announcing her winner

on Friday in the comments area of the original post

Hot for the Holidays Giveaway

I have a treat for you today, three copies of Hot for the Holidays are up for grabs.

Four bestselling authors invite readers to spend the night with these never-before-published novellas spiced with sexy romance and paranormal passion. So come in out of the cold and experience the thrill of a soul-stirring new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh, a return to the beguiling world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight, and two more mesmerizing and unexpected stories of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits from Anya Bast and Allyson James.

Read an excerpt of A Little Night Magic here.

Read an excerpt of A Christmas Kiss by Lora Leigh here.

Read an excerpt of Vampire's Ball by Angela Knight here.

Read and excerpt of Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast here.

To enter to win a free copy of Hot for the Holidays please leave a

comment telling me

how you like to stay warm during the cold holiday season.

Please be sure to include your email contact info.

US shipping only.

3 winners will be randomly chosen.

Get extra entries for: tweeting, following, and posting links.

Include links in your comments.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Troy Seate

I have always enjoyed the macabre and the paranormal. Lately I’ve tried to give some of my story ideas a romantic twist. Spirit of Christmas Past came to me while thinking about poor old Jacob Marley rattling his chains. That basic idea led me to more attractive characters, hopefully, and into a genre I’ve dubbed “Erotimance” to tell my tale—a fable of love which never dies, not emotionally anyway.

Hope you enjoy and Happy Holidays.

~Troy Seate

Blurb for Spirit of Christmas Past:

Their home was decked out in its usual Christmas splendor, but Elizabeth wanted her present for Harold to be special. She could don a lively gown to get his attention, or she cold wear nothing at all save a sprig of mistletoe in a secret place. That would certainly scandalize her conservative Victorian acquaintances if they knew. But opinions didn’t really matter any longer, did they?

In a genre I have dubbed “Erotimance,” my second Whispers tale moves from the American West to Victorian England. Spirit of Christmas Past isn’t Jacob Marley rattling his chains. It’s someone much more appealing and it certainly isn’t a chain she’s rattling.

Would you like to win a free download of Spirit of Christmas Past?

Please leave a comment on this post along with your contact info.

One winner will randomly be chosen.

Good Luck.

Monday Musings December 14, 2009

First of all, have you seen all the articles about vampires and sex floating around the net? Seriously, the media acts like this is a new thing thanks to True Blood, Twilight and Vampire Diaries- This is really a culmination of years of dark vampire love finally seeing the light of day.

Here's just a sampling of the articles:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575334,00.html

http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-what-makes-vampire-sex-so-hot/

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/10/29/violetblue1029.DTL

Anyway, on to other things.

Did you see Thursday's episode of Bones? Where's my naked David Boreanaz badge?

Oh, Here it is.
That episode will be kept for awhile just so I can see him stripped down to his boxers. Yum. I think he looks better now than he did as Angel. What do you think?

Vampire Diaries reruns were on. My daughter watched the one with Damon dancing around showing some awesome abs. We had it on the DVR and rewound that scene...a couple times. Hmm quality time with my daughter. My husband thinks I am corrupting her fragile mind. Hmph, I'm just teaching her how to be a girl. Girls drool over pretty boys. He needs to get over it. She can't be his tomboy hunting buddy all the time, she needs to be a girl, too.

Spent the weekend working again...trying to afford Christmas. It's been a rough year and I am worried about this Christmas being a sparse one. We'll make it work, one way or another. I hope.

Can you believe only 11 more days? I still have way too much to do. We have the tree up. I have my cards almost ready to go out. I still have to wrap the presents I have and finish shopping and I have tons of crafts and gifts to make. Too much.

OK so onto other things I have authors and giveaways still lined up for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas and the 25 Naughty days of Christmas at Roxanne's Realm make sure to drop by to read all the guest posts and enter all the contests.

And I am now booking author slots for next year. I have a new calendar all ready to go so contact me to schedule a date to blog about your new and upcoming releases-

eroticroxanne @ yahoo.com (take out the spaces)

Born of Ice Giveaway

Would you like to win a free copy of Born of Ice the newest book

in The League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon?

Setting: Ichidian Universe

Available Formats: Mass Market Paperback

In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost?

Welcome back to the future- and a whole new world. He is an outlaw who offers no quarter...

Devyn Kell spent his life in service to the League until he learned of the double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their lives. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner- someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won't.

She is on the run from a past that could end her life...

Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can't escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a System's Engineer, she finds a cause she can fight for- and a man she can respect. But as Alix's past catches up to her, and Devyn's old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together- or fall alone.

To learn more about The League visit http://www.livetheleague.com/

To enter to win a copy of Born of Ice leave a comment on this post telling me which one of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books is your favorite. Leave an email address. US shipping only please.

A Review of All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire

.5
4.5 Fangs for All I Want...by Kerrelyn Sparks

Sparks has combined my two loves: immortal men in kilts (thanks to Highlander with Adrian Paul) and vampires. Could it get any better?

In the 5th book of Sparks Love at Stake series Ian MacPhie no longer looks like an immortal fifteen year old. He took Roman's stay awake drug so he could age- and boy did he age well.

Now Ian looks like a 27 year old hunk of muscle and sexiness and he's on the prowl for his mate-but he thinks he has to find a vamp woman who will be the only one who can understand him.

Toni was attacked by malcontents- the bad vampires, so was her best friend Sabrina who is now locked away in the hospital thought to be mentally ill and delusional because she won't stop talking about vampires. Toni is trying to prove vampires exist so she takes a job protecting them-having no idea they would be so wonderful to her-especially the sexy Ian MacPhie.

Toni and Ian try to stay apart and deny the attraction going on between them while all kinds of mischief and havoc is going on around them- Ian's vamp friend Vanda puts a singles ad on a website and suddenly women are coming out of the woodwork wanting Ian, Toni is seeking the help of her other friend Carlos, her neighbor (who has a secret of his own) to help save Sabrina, and the malcontents are plotting to attack the good vampires and get the stay awake drug so they can kill all the good guys while they sleep.

Plus it's Christmas time and the vampires are planning their annual Christmas ball and secret Santa.

It's a wild book full of a lot of action. You won't get bored reading this book.

I love these books- they are witty, funny and never dull. Plus you don't have to take them too seriously. They are fun entertaining reads, highly enjoyable.

Look ma, no hands! Guest Author Suzanne Rock

Remember when you were a kid and you first experienced that independence? How about the elation you felt when you tied your shoes for the first time, or put the ball through the basketball hoop in your back yard? Maybe you’re like me, and have a toddler at home who is constantly reminding you that she can do things herself. As a parent it’s hard to step away and watch your child stumble and fall, but I know that’s the only way that they will ever be self sufficient.

When I first started writing, I was very much like that toddler who wanted to do everything by herself. I wrote in vacuum, submitted manuscripts in isolation, and suffered through rejection behind closed doors. Then I learned something: writing isn’t a solitary sport.

In “Spyder’s Web,” Spyder tried to suffer with her curse alone. She was convinced she could beat it herself, but she was wrong. In “Up on the Housetop”, Chloe suffered her lover’s death in silence as the world around her moved forward. Both characters tried to go it on their own…and failed.

It took events in their lives to make them wake up and realize that help was right in front of them. For Spyder, it took confronting an old enemy to make her begin to trust James and let him help her. Only when she was most vulnerable was she able to see how vital he was to her survival. For Chloe, it took her father manipulating her into an engagement without love to make her see that she could never live up to her parent’s expectations. In her weakest moment, she climbed to the top of the roof of her childhood home to escape her parents. It’s there that she had a brush with the supernatural and start to rediscover herself.

It was in these moments of vulnerability that both Spyder and Chloe really began to grow. As both women evolved throughout their stories, they began to realize that the people around them were not what they seem – both emotionally and physically. It was through these transformations that they finally became the women that they were destined to be.

For me, it took reaching out to other writers and forming a critique group that really made my writing take off. I joined the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and met even more authors who offered advice and support. I can safely say that without my support system, I would never have been able to stick with writing and finally realize my dream.

So this Christmas, let’s give a shout out to the people who support us every day. Tell me about your support system in the comments section and be entered into a drawing to win a copy of “Spyder’s Web”. (If you already own a copy, say so and we can take you out of the drawing.)

Up on the Housetop Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Up-on-a-Housetop.aspx
Up on the Housetop Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfRapp-4n2M

Blurb for “Up on the Housetop”:

Desperate to escape her controlling family, Chloe Bradford scrambles up to the housetop of her Texas home on Christmas Eve. There she discovers a sexy stranger cloaked in shadow. He convinces her to shed her good-girl image and give into her most secret desires. The man's low, raspy voice tugs at her memory as much as it awakens her passion. Is he a Christmas miracle, or some figment of her imagination? When he tries to leave, she follows him, eager to learn his identity.

Zach can't stop thinking about Chloe, or their reunion on the roof. His wolf-half urges him to reveal his identity and claim her, but he doesn't dare. For both their sakes, he must remain in the shadows until he can control his inner beast's bursts of rage. After a decade of struggle he thought he could handle his curse, but Chloe's presence causes his control to slip. As the moon-rages become more frequent, he knows he's slipping toward the insanity that claims many of his kind. Only Chloe can save him, but will she want to after he reveals his identity and the reason he broke her heart over a decade ago?



“Spyder’s Web” Buy Link and excerpt: http://www.loose-id.com/Spyders-Web.aspx

Blurb for “Spyder’s Web”:

I have a dark secret. I’m cursed with an intense sexual desire which can never be satisfied. If I abstain, I go mad. If I have sex, I black out and my partner ends up dead. The only way to break the curse is to find my protector and soul mate. James is a cop who thinks I’m the "Black Widow" serial killer people are talking about. He's watching in the shadows, waiting for me to slip up so he can send me to jail. My curse longs to claim him, but I resist because he saved my life. Soon, I will need him to do it again.Now his morbid fascination with me has turned into an obsession. I don't know how much longer I can keep him at arm's length. I'm not sure I want to...

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, violence, voyeurism.

Visit Suzanne

Website: http://www.suzannerock.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Suzanne_Rock
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzanne.rock
Embrace the Shadows Blog: http://embracetheshadows.wordpress.com/
Embrace the Shadows Fan Club: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/embrace_the_shadows/

Win a Free Copy of A Highlander Christmas

So I have a sexy Free Book Friday Holiday Giveaway for you today: A Highlander Christmas by Dawn Halliday, Cindy Miles, and Sophie Renwick -all sexy tales featured Scottish men. Yum.

I have 2 copies of A Highlander Christmas to give away, so two of you are going to be enjoying hot, sexy men in kilts.

Blurb for A Highlander Christmas

A festive anthology featuring three all-new stories, three sexy Scotsmen, and a magical holiday setting.

An enchanting trio of paranormal Christmas stories:

Dawn Halliday's Winter Heat...Lost in a blizzard, a young woman casts a spell over the brooding Highland warrior who rescues her.

Cindy Miles's A Christmas Spirit...A museum curator's tour of a Scottish castle leads to an unexpected encounter with a dead-sexy spirit.

Sophie Renwick's Yuletide Enchantment...Passion blooms between an anxious bride-to-be and a dark, sensual stranger from another world.

Want to win a copy?

You know the drill!

Leave a comment with your email address. US shipping only.

Bonus entries for tweeting about this contest and/or for posting this contest on your site. Include posting and twitter info in your comment.

Good luck.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Dakota Trace

A Spooky Christmas on My Mind

Hello all, my name is Dakota Trace and when I’m not chasing my three kids around in the snow, I’m an author of both Paranormal/Sci-fi romances and Erotic Romances. First of all let me thank Roxanne for allowing me to be here today. I absolutely love the holidays and with the snow coming down I can’t help but get in the mood for something hot and sexy and if I can throw in a shape shifter or two, all the better.

I absolutely love paranormal books. I love everything from Christine Feehen’s “Dark” series and Sherilyn Kenyon’s “Dark Hunters” to absolutely anything by Nina Bangs or Lora Leigh. Long as there is an alpha male and a feisty heroine, I’m hooked! Whether its moody vamps or brooding shape shifters, there is just something about them tall dark and deadly types that just gets my heart a racing!

My love affair with vampires started from watching Béla Lugosi play Dracula on the Friday Fright Night with my grandpa and progressed to Stephan King and Anne Rice. Then I found the best of both worlds when I picked up Christine Feehan’s Dark Prince. My sister gave it to me for Christmas the year it came out and said, “Dakota, you got to read this!” I did and I caught the “paranormal” bug. Any book which had a cover with a dark hero and heroine in an embrace, I had to read it.

So how did I get from reading paranormal to writing it myself? It took a while. I started in the sci-fi genre and erotic romance genres. I finally worked my way over to paranormal two years ago for Halloween. I wrote a short loosely based around the Roman goddess Diana and her shape shifting disciple, Rebekah, who had to stop a mass possession on All Hallows Eve. Sounds easy enough until you through in a pissed off Pluto who wants the huntress he merged with Rebekah back. The only solution is for Rebekah to find her mates. In walks her two sexier than hell best friends, Jase and Dustin and the sparks fly.

I loved these characters so much that this year I couldn’t resist pulling them back out and continuing their story. Now fully mated, the only thought on Jase and Dustin’s mind is placing a ring on Rebekah’s finger. With Rebekah being pregnant with their girls, they figure it is the next logical step. They are livid when they find out about the Legacy which has Rebekah bound to Diana and requires her to return to Diana’s side. The only way Jase and Dustin are going to get to keep their mate is for a Christmas miracle to occur.

While writing Legacy I found myself crying and rooting on my main characters as they fought their way back to each other. I don’t normally write real sappy romance. I’m usually more along the lines of fast paced action and life and death situations, so this story is a real departure from my norm but I can’t help but think it suits the season of giving. After all, Christmas should be about forgiving and renewal of bonds with family and friends. So this is what I strived for with this Christmas themed story. Not to mention what woman wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in Italy with her hunky lovers?

Blurb:

Christmas has come and Rebekah Archer, the last disciple of Diana, the goddess of the hunt, is expecting her mates’ babies. Twin brothers and disciples of Apollo, Jase and Dustin Rambaudi, are both pushing Rebekah to marry them unaware of the legacy which has been passed mother to daughter for generations in Archer family. Once the babies are born, Rebekah has to return to Diana with her children and leave her mates behind until the mating ritual happens.

As the fulfillment of the legacy draws near, Jase and Dustin whisk Rebekah off to Italy as an early Christmas present after learning about Rebekah’s legacy. While in Italy, Rebekah enjoys the time spent with her mates, she’s never aware their plans for her. Apollo has foreseen their sons being born under a sacred cypress tree in Diana’s grove. If Rebekah gives birth there Diana will take her and babies for sure. Only a Christmas miracle will be able to keep their family together.

Excerpt: Warning X rated reading ahead, 18 and over only please !

Rebekah was on the verge of slumber when she felt the presence of her mates. A sense of calm washed over her when the bed sank as first one and then the other climbed into bed with her. When one of them slid an arm under her head and cradled her close, she relaxed back against the warmth of his body. To her blurry mind, she couldn’t focus on much more than the comfort he offered her.

A gasp escaped her when she felt her maternity nightshirt being lifted and a pair of warm lips pressed against her belly.

“I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean it.” Jase’s voice was hoarse. “I love you and wouldn’t trade a minute of our time together. We want to make love to you and have another beautiful memory for when you’re gone.” His lips moved over her stomach, pressing open-mouthed kisses against her.

Her eyes flew open as Dustin joined the fray and cupped her breasts, taking care not to squeeze too tightly, knowing how sensitive and swollen they were.

“I…can’t…” Her protest was cut short when Dustin nibbled on the side of her neck mere inches from his mating mark.

“Yes, you can. Just lay back and let us love you. We’d never hurt you or the babies.” Dustin rubbed one thumb over her straining nipple.

“But…you don’t want me…I’m huge…”. She tried to roll away from them, only to find her self surrounded on either side by six and half feet of pissed off mates.

“Not want you? Oh, baby we’ve always wanted you.” Dustin took her hand and pressed it against his erect cock. He groaned when her fingers tightened around him.

“You haven’t touched me in weeks.” Her eyes glazed over as Jase slid his hand inside the loose cotton shorts she’d taken to wearing to bed.

“Damn, it Jase, see what your crazy ass scheme did? She now doubts our desire for her!” His brother's telepathic reprimand had Rebekah freezing. Both men still forgot at times she could hear their inner communications now that they were bonded.

“Scheme?” Forcing Jase’s and Dustin’s hands off her, she sat up. Jase looked away guilt written clearly on his face. “Did you honestly think refusing to sleep with me, would force me into marrying one of you?”

“We still slept with you, baby.” Dustin tried to sooth her, his eyes locked with Jase’s. “Do something!”

“And held you all night long with cocks hard as steel. I could’ve hammered nails, I was so hard.” Jase hauled her back down beside them. Grabbing both of her swinging fists, he pressed them together and gave them to his brother. “Hold her.” Rebekah screamed when he bent to his task and pulled her shorts off.

Kneeling between her thighs, he stared down at their children within her and the moist folds of her femininity. “So beautiful, Rebekah.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “We…I love the changes our babies have made to your lush little body and I’m going to prove it to you.” Sprawling on his stomach between her thighs, he stared hungrily at the appetizing feast in front of him.

“Don’t let him do this, Dustin. Let me go!” She fought Dustin’s hold on her wrists.

“What are you scared of, baby? He only wants to pleasure you. Damn, he loves eating your pussy and making you come, almost as much as I do.” Dustin bent to her ear. “Do you remember the first time he feasted between your legs?” It still amused Dustin that it had taken his brother so long to figure out how delicious their mate was. Jase wasn’t a selfish lover, but had never seen what the big deal was about cunnilingus.

“Until the first time I tasted you, Rebekah and I couldn’t get enough.” Jase’s voice caressed her mind.

The cry ripped from her throat could’ve been caused by the memory her lovers’ words evoked, or at that moment Jase held her open and buried his tongue deep inside of her. “Oh Goddess!”
Dustin continued while watching his brother’s head bob between their mate’s thighs as Jase devoured the honeyed syrup that he just knew was coating his brother’s tongue. “It was the night our babies were conceived. Do you remember, Rebekah? It was our one year anniversary of our claiming you. Both Jase and I could feel you ovulating and it was driving us both mad with desire. You’d finally recovered from your miscarriage after that debacle with Pluto. We knew that night, we conceive our baby…”

Giveaway:

Want to win PDF copies of both The Mating Of Rebekah

and The Fall of A Legacy: A Christmas Miracle ?

Then leave a comment on this post along with contact info.

A Free Read from Kari Thomas

Author Kari Thomas has a special treat for us today, a link to a free Samhain Christmas read titled: The Christmas Chapter, it is an epilogue to her book Tempation Unleashed.

To download The Christmas Chapter visit this link http://samhellion.com/?p=186 and click on the cover image to download the ebook.

To learn more about Kari Thomas visit www.samhainpublishing.com/authors/kari-thomas

Blurb for Temptation Unleashed

A SEXY PARANORMAL ROMANCE!

Something WILD this way comes ….

Once a powerful, practicing Wiccan, Kira Douglas has reluctantly moved to wild and beautiful Sedona, Arizona for only one reason ---assume custody of her dead sister’s daughter. She immediately runs into an obstacle. The child’s uncle, disturbingly sexy Aiden Calhoun, refuses to give her up.

Aiden has good reason for not allowing Kira custody of his precious niece. The child is half witch, half shapeshifter. Allowing her to take the girl could expose the family’s shapeshifting secret he has spent a lifetime protecting.

Their instant attraction isn’t just an inconvenient temptation. It could put his entire family in danger.

But an evil force is re-emerging, bent on destroying everything they know and love. The only way to survive is to put all differences aside. Overcome the nightmare that once broke Kira’s faith. Fight together.

And … allow the Temptation to become Unleashed.

Winner Wednesday

Lots of Winners

Authors- if you have not received the winner email addresses yet pleae email me because I did send them. Thanks.

Drumroll please...

Stacy is the winner of All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire By Kerrelyn Sparks

victoriasdreams Holiday Treats feat. "Blood Under the Mistletoe" By Lisa Basso

Karin won a copy of Season of Love from Susan Blexrud

Sweet Vernal Zephyr wins a copy of my book Insatiable

Congrats everyone!

Make sure to drop by Roxanne's Realm to see who won prizes there.

In the Spirit of Christmas: Guest Blog and Giveaway with Kiki Howell

In the Spirit of Christmas,
These Are A Few of My Favorite Things….

By Kiki Howell

My favorite movie, and the inspiration for my short story Spirit, Yet To Come is the George C Scott version of A Christmas Carol. My wonderful husband watches it with me a few days before Christmas each year, and last year was the first time both of my boys watched it with us as well. I also watch each year Borrowed Hearts, A Season for Miracles, and The Muppets Christmas!

Songs are going to be much harder for me to narrow down. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in my house as my husband is Jewish, so I like the Bare Naked Ladies CD, Barenaked for the Holidays due to its mix of both types of songs. Plus, since I collect snowmen and leave them up in my writing room all year long, it has a great snowman song about not fitting in that is just so heartbreakingly cute! Other songs would be, and you will begin to see my eclectic tastes here, “One Christmas Eve” by Wayne Watson, “Carol of the Bells” just about any version including some great heavy metal ones, “Grown Up Christmas List” by Barbara Streisand, etc.

I love to read, of course, so there is Father Christmas by Barbara Metzger which is a regency romance, Gabriel’s Angel by Nora Roberts which is a short romance, and All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks which is a paranormal romance, and The Grinch by Dr. Seuss which needs no explanation,to name a few!

It is hard to fit it all in even here! From finding room for all of my decorations, my favorites being my Santa which is praying over the Baby Jesus because my mother always used to tell us that Santa was real, as he would always live in us as the spirit of the first gift. To baking, we have an old butter cookie recipe from a newspaper sometime in the fifties that has been made for cut-out cookies by three generations of my family now. The actual recipe is framed and hangs each year in my mother’s kitchen. To parties, we have a Hanukkah party each year too. I make homemade Sufganiyot, the donuts, from a sourdough recipe which I have to start making 15 days early! All of these things lead to great memories like seeing the menorah lit each night by the window with the Christmas Tree. It is really great when these traditions follow you no matter how old you are! My mom buys each of us special ornaments to represent what we like that year to hang on one special tree which I decorate all funky with the old fashioned lights. I brought mine with me when I got married, and my boys will take theirs when they move out. It is a great way to start that first tree. Also, on Christmas Eve my mom gives each of us our first gift which is new pajamas to wear, and we each pick out a Christmas story to read out loud. I always pick “The Legend of the Spiders,” which is about how we got tinsel.

So many great things to do if you make time to do them, and I have been doing better each year!

So, comment about something that is a holiday favorite of yours
to enter to win a copy of my story, Spirit, Yet To Come, which is now out in the Four Seasons:Winter 2009, eXcessica Special Anthology, edited by Selena Kitt.



I will give away up to 12 copies of Spirit Yet to Come in the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas song I can never get through!