Inkwell Guest: Missy Jane

May 16, 2013 by 2 Comments

Today I’m pimping my fellow EC author and Angel, Missy Jane and her book. I hope you’ll check it out!

toomuchtolose_msrAvailable from Ellora’s Cave on May 15th! The final book in the Love Beyond Barriers series by Missy Jane, Too Much to Lose.

Blurb:

Shayla loves her life in New York. She loves her job, her freedom and her friends. What she doesn’t love is going home to an empty bed every night. There’s definitely a solution for that in Texas…Ben. The only problem is she’s not certain she’s ready for another serious relationship.

Ben fell head over heels for Shayla almost from the moment they met and it was obvious the attraction was mutual. However, great sex is all she’s willing to give. She tests his patience at every turn and his endurance whenever they’re alone together. He doesn’t know what more to offer.

It might take a force of nature and the emotional past coming back to haunt her before Shayla realizes what they have is definitely Too Much to Lose.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy it here!

2804Ms. Missy Jane is the alter ego of a married mother of four who was born and raised in Texas. A few years ago she finished reading a book by Mercedes Lackey and thought “Now, what if…” and a monster was created. Missy now spends most of her time lost in worlds of her own making, alternately loving and hating such creatures as vampires, shape-shifters and gargoyles (to name a few). When not writing, she spends her time reading, taking photos of her beautiful daughters and training her husband to believe she’s always right.

Excerpts from Missy’s paranormal and erotic tales can be found at her website and blog.

Missy can also be found online at:

Twitter | Facebook

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Snippet Sunday and a Nod to Mother’s Day

May 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

In lieu of 6 Sentence Sunday today, I’m paying tribute to mothers everywhere with Snippet Sunday. Here’s a little bit from my fantasy romance, Only for a Knight, available now from Ellora’s Cave!

onlyforaknight_msr

“You exhibited bravery and a sense of selflessness I have never seen in you. There is hope for you yet as a ruler.” She paused, as though searching for the right words. “As I stood on the Stone of Destiny, I knew I was going to die. I was certain Kieran would kill me, absorb my magic and proclaim himself High King.” Her gaze glittered with tears. “I knew if I died, he would come after you and even Lord Derron wouldn’t be able to stop him. That is why I transferred all my magic to you, Elyne. I knew if you had it, you and Lord Derron could defeat him. And you did.”

Elyne stared at her in disbelief, her mother’s words repeating over and over in her head. All her magic? Elyne received all the queen’s magic? Thinking back on it now, she remembered the tingling sensation she had when the magic returned. The way the aches and pains suddenly disappeared. The voice she’d heard in her head, telling her she had the power.

“I have never been more proud of you than I am now,” Maeve said.

A lump formed in Elyne’s throat. She swallowed hard around it, trying to stave off the tears that wanted to erupt. Next to her, Derron slipped his hand in hers and squeezed. She’d forgotten he was there and now she glanced his way. The glow of his smiled warmed her, reassured her. For the first time in her life, her mother approved of her, told her she was proud of her.

“Thank you, Mother,” she whispered.

Where to Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Ellora’s Cave

Filed Under: Six Sentence Sunday, Writing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Release Day for Tempting Eden! #paranormal #romance + Giveaw@y

April 5, 2013 by

TemptingEdenHello, all!

Today is the official release day of Tempting Eden! It’s my sexy paranormal romance that launches a brand new series of seriously hot guys from Atlantis! It’s available in eBook from Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. But stick around. There’s a giveaway!

Blurb:

Eden doubts a trip to the Bahamas will make her forget her cheating boyfriend, empty bank account and dead-end job. But when her best friend insists the trip is what she needs to forget her troubles, Eden can’t refuse the all-expenses paid vacation. Little does she know a new kind of trouble awaits.

As an elite Guardian of Atlantis, Sabre is on a mission to bring back human females from the surface. The lost continent’s lead geneticist wants to impregnate the women, mixing Atlantean DNA with human genetic material in order to save their dying race. If Sabre refuses, his sister will be killed. Despite his revulsion to such a mission he has no choice but to obey.

When Sabre walks out of the sea and finds Eden on the beach, he can read her deepest fantasies loud and clear. At first it’s enough to simply bring them to life, touching her to ecstasies she’s never before experienced. But when his heart falls under her spell he knows he can’t take her back to the scientists and a life as a guinea pig. He intends to keep her for himself…no matter the price.

Excerpt:

Eden found herself alone with the sweaty, leering man. He reeked of three dollar cologne and too much beer. He wore a cheap polyester shirt in the most obnoxious print she had ever seen unbuttoned to show off what little chest hair he had.

All that was missing was a thick gold chain complete with a gold medallion around his pencil neck. He had cornered her in the kitchen, leaning his elbow on the counter and telling her grotesque jokes in the hopes of making her laugh.

I’m in hell.

Could this get any worse? He was the third guy to hit on her in less than an hour.

Her best friend, Gillian, meant well bringing her here. After Gillian’s winter-long nagging Eden had finally agreed to all expenses paid getaway to Crooked Island in the Bahamas with her, her boyfriend and several others. Eden knew her friend wanted to make her forget her broken heart and her wrecked life. To relax and cut loose Gilly had said. To get away and forget it all. Even if it was for a week. She wouldn’t take no for an answer either—she’d handed Eden the plane ticket.

Eden had a passing fancy for all things Atlantis. She looked at the trip as a way to imagine herself as someone different. An archeologist on a trip to find artifacts. A diver plunging to the depths looking for evidence. It sounded so much better than unemployed data analyst. She’d done a little island exploring pretending she was searching for the lost city looking for a stud who could take her away from it all.

It had been six months since her two-year relationship had ended in disaster. She thought her long-time boyfriend was about to pop the question. Instead she got a different surprise—finding him in their bed with his face firmly planted between another girl’s legs.

It had nearly destroyed her. Sent her spiraling into a dark depression.

She’d tried to survive by pouring herself into work. But even that had come to an abrupt end when her company downsized leaving her unemployed. With virtually no savings the late bill notices came next followed by the repossession of her car and the eviction notice. She had no family to turn to for help. Her life was a shambles.

I’m pathetic and in hell.

Eden hated the memories as much as she hated the stifling atmosphere in the small confines of the kitchen. It was the one room in the house where the music didn’t thump through her bones. Unable to bear another dirty joke she quaffed her martini and set the empty glass next to the offending man’s elbow.

“Excuse me, Tom, won’t you?”

“It’s Tim,” he corrected, unflustered. “And I wasn’t finished with my story yet. As I was saying we’d boarded the boat when the weather kicked up—”

She brushed by him to make her escape out of the kitchen.

“Where you going, babe?”

She gave a half-hearted wave in response.

“Okay, so I’ll call you.”

Pretending not to hear him splutter she threaded her way through the crowd, her eye on the prize—the exit. She caught a glimpse of a couple making out in a corner. Others chatted and laughed or danced as close as they could get without actually having sex. It turned her already-sour stomach to see them. The music was too loud, the air acrid with cigarette smoke, sweaty bodies and beer. She needed away from the house before she suffocated.

“Where are you going?” Gillian snatched her by the arm as she reached the door.

“I need some air,” Eden said.

Do you want to read more? Are you enticed? I’m giving away one copy a lucky commenter today! Contest ends at midnight CT tonight and then I’ll have my kiddo draw a name.

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

Cover Reveal: Tempting Eden #paranormal #romance

March 25, 2013 by

Hi, everyone! I’m SUPER excited to do a cover reveal for my new erotic paranormal romance, Tempting Eden. It’s the first of the Guardians of Atlantis series and will be coming out April 5, so mark your calendars!

TemptingEden

Isn’t it just gorgeous? Covert art is by Erin Dameron-Hill.

Here’s a blurb!

Eden doubts a trip to the Bahamas will make her forget her cheating boyfriend, empty bank account and dead-end job. But when her best friend insists the trip is what she needs to forget her troubles, Eden can’t refuse the all-expenses paid vacation. Little does she know a new kind of trouble awaits.

As an elite Guardian of Atlantis, Sabre is on a mission to bring back human females from the surface. The lost continent’s lead geneticist wants to impregnate the women, mixing Atlantean DNA with human genetic material in order to save their dying race. If Sabre refuses, his sister will be killed. Despite his revulsion to such a mission he has no choice but to obey.

When Sabre walks out of the sea and finds Eden on the beach, he can read her deepest fantasies loud and clear. At first it’s enough to simply bring them to life, touching her to ecstasies she’s never before experienced. But when his heart falls under her spell he knows he can’t take her back to the scientists and a life as a guinea pig. He intends to keep her for himself…no matter the price.

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Writing Tagged With: , ,

Inkwell Guest: An Interview with Karilyn Bentley

March 1, 2013 by

Hello, lovely readers! Today I have fellow Plotting Princess on the blog – the lovely and talented Karilyn Bentley. She’s here to talk about her smoking hot new release, Warrior Lover. Oh and answer a few little questions for me. Please say hi to Karilyn!

warriorlover_w6832_300Your recent release is WARRIOR LOVER. How about a blurb?

As a Watcher, a guardian warrior of the Draconi, Enar has never fit in with his kind. When he sees Lily–the ideal Watcher’s woman–he instantly claims her, believing she will bring him the acceptance he craves. Falling in love with her was not part of his plan.

As her town’s outcast, Lily wants nothing more than to escape. When Enar locks a necklace around her throat and declares she belongs to him, she jumps at the chance to leave. Her excitement soon becomes trepidation when Enar won’t tell her what to expect in his world. But even her worry can’t overcome her growing attraction to him.

Soon Lily learns what life as a Watcher’s claim entails, and refuses to submit. To keep Lily, Enar must turn his back on everything he thought he wanted. Will he choose his people? Or the other half of his soul?

What do you find most intriguing about your hero, Enar?

He’s gruff on the outside but has a heart of gold and truly loves and cares for Lily, even when it means giving up something he wanted. And he really came alive for me. In Magical Lover (the first in the series), he took over the book to the point where my editor made me rewrite all of his scenes. He wanted to be the hero in ML. Since he needed his own story, I wrote Warrior Lover for him.

karilyn-bentleyWhy do you think readers will identify with your heroine, Lily?

Lily begins the story as an outcast who is unsure of herself and what she is capable of doing. As the story progresses, she learns to tap into her inner strength and changes how she sees herself. She becomes a capable woman able to take charge of her own life. We all should find that strength inside to better ourselves.

What do you think is most appealing about writing fantasy romance?

Building a whole new world. I like to escape into a different world, which is why I love paranormal, fantasy and historical romances. Something that’s completely different from the world I live in. And I’ve always wanted to have magic like Molly Weasley where I can wave my hand and have the dishes done. Or sprout wings and fly over cities and towns. Escapism is the name of the game for me. And what better way to escape than in a fantasy or paranormal romance?

Where do you find your inspiration?

I really wish I could put something cool here, like from my husband, or my editor, or my dog. But most of the time the stories just pop into my head. Only once did a character come about after a discussion. My editor and I were talking and she mentioned that a vegetarian werewolf would make an interesting character. She was right, as usual, so I wrote about one. Margie, the heroine in Wolf Mates, was an alpha leader with a small problem, she only ate vegetarian. In human form that is. <g> Other than that, I really have no idea when the stories come from. As long as they keep popping into my mind, I’m happy!

What else do you have in store for readers?

I’m currently working on the third book in the Draconia Tales series, Dragon Lover. And I have an urban fantasy hiding out, waiting for a rewrite.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

Read, eat, spend time with the hubster, play the piano, go to the gym, attempt to grow things in the garden, and take the dog for a walk, although not always in that order. <g>

Where to buy:
Amazon

Find Karilyn at:
Plotting Princesses | Facebook

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Inkwell Guests Tagged With: , , , ,

Writing to The End

February 25, 2013 by

booksI had set a personal goal of finishing the third “knight” book by March 1. I’d been working on it steadily for the last few months and trying really hard to get it done.

I’m excited to say I managed to finish it last week. It was a thrill to be able to put that final piece of the puzzle into place. See, the thing about me is I don’t always write in sequence. I knew the end and knew how I wanted it to end so I wrote that somewhere along the way. I wrote the last 25,000 words a few months ago while I was still in the first 50,000 words.

I have to admit I had a hard time writing from that point to the end. Of course it didn’t turn out as I thought it would but it did turn out. I managed to piece it all together and have the emotional, wonderful ending.

I’m pleased with the story overall. Now comes the hard part – editing, writing the synsopsis and the blurb. Luckily I have a rudimentary synsopsis that I can use as a go-by to get started. I actually edited as I went so the editing wasn’t all that intense. It’s in the hands of my critique partners.

For fun… here are the opening lines of A Knight To Remember.

Henry Chase knew someone kept a watchful gaze on him even while he feigned sleep. A chill ran through him making all the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention and his scalp tingle. He scented the soft aroma of something decidedly feminine in the stale air of the hotel room. He heard the faint rustle of clothing. He shifted on the lumpy mattress and cracked open one eye to peer through the shadows at the tall, lithe, curvy body standing rigid.

If he’d been in his own bed he would have reached for his baseball bat. One could never be too careful. Since he was in Dumfries, Scotland, he had no weapon. No way to defend himself from the intruder.

Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders in silky waves. Who she was, he didn’t know. How did she get into his room? He’d locked the door. She couldn’t have climbed through the window because it didn’t open.

© Michelle Miles, 2013

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Writing Tagged With: , ,

Inkwell Guest: Cinthia Ritchie on Writing Her Way To Romance

February 22, 2013 by

Hi, all. Today I have a guest! Cinthia Ritchie is here to talk about writing her way to romance. Stick around and leave a comment because she’s also giving away a copy of her latest, Dolls Behaving Badly from Grand Central Publishing. Contest is open until midnight CT Sunday.

dolls_behaving_badly_proofWhen I first began writing Dolls Behaving Badly, I was a single mother working two jobs and attending graduate school, and I was always exhausted, always on the verge of tears. We had just gotten a puppy (a puppy!), and it was energetic and stubborn and content on chewing its way through everything in the house, and each day I arrived home to find the couch or rug or desk leg gnawed to pieces.

Later, after I put my son to bed, walked the dog and (once again) ignored the dirty dishes littering the kitchen counter, I’d sit in the bathroom and read novels. It was my one escape, my one guilty pleasure, and the books I read were uplifting yet realistic, and always there was a romantic interest, and usually sex, not blatant sex but the hint of sex, like the flutter of lingerie over a bedpost.

I devoured these novels. I needed them, not just for the distraction but for the hope they offered: That somewhere, just over the clutter and mess of my life, was a door, and when I opened it I’d be transported to another life. I’d be thinner, in this pretend life, and my breasts would be bigger, my hair shinier, and soon I would meet a man, and he’d have shiny hair, too.

I began to write this fantasy, because lord knows I needed it. Yet the more I wrote, the more these illusions fell way to a grittier reality. Maybe it was because I was stuck there myself but I wrote from the middle, I wrote about a woman with a messy life who meets a man at the worst possible time, and neither has shiny hair or perfectly white teeth, and instead of running toward the sunset they sit in a cluttered anthropology lab and hold ancient bones in their laps. I cried as I wrote this scene (like Kathleen Turner, in the beginning of Romancing the Stone), I sobbed and sobbed, because it was one of the purest, most romantic moments could ever imagine.

Ritchie PhotoRomance is funny, isn’t it? Some of us dream of silk sheets and wine and a man with six-pack abs feeding us strawberries in bed. Others dream of hot trysts in mountain cabins or beneath a kayak or in the middle of a national forest. And me, I think that romance is a little of both: A blend of the ordinary mixed up with slow flirt of the extraordinary. But then again, I live in Alaska and wear hiking boots with sexy silk skirts, so many I don’t know anything about romance at all.

About the Author:

Cinthia Ritchie is a former journalist and Pushcart Prize nominee who lives and runs mountains in Alaska. Her work can be found at New York Times Magazine, Sport Literate, Water-Stone Review, Under the Sun, Memoir, damselfly press, Slow Trains, 42opus, Evening Street Review and over 45 literary magazines. Her first novel, Dolls Behaving Badly, released Feb. 5 from Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Excerpt

Thursday, Sept. 15

This is my diary, my pathetic little conversation with myself. No doubt I will burn it halfway through. I’ve never been one to finish anything. Mother used to say this was because I was born during a full moon, but like everything she says, it doesn’t make a lick of sense.

It isn’t even the beginning of the year. Or even the month. It’s not even my birthday. I’m starting, typical of me, impulsively, in the middle of September. I’m starting with the facts.

I’m thirty-eight years old. I’ve slept with nineteen and a half men.

I live in Alaska, not the wild parts but smack in the middle of Anchorage, with the Walmart and Home Depot squatting over streets littered with moose poop.

I’m divorced. Last month my ex-husband paid child support in ptarmigan carcasses, those tiny bones snapping like fingers when I tried to eat them.

I have one son, age eight and already in fourth grade. He is gifted, his teachers gush, remarking how unusual it is for such a child to come out of such unique (meaning underprivileged, meaning single parent, meaning they don’t think I’m very smart) circumstances.

I work as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant. This is a step up: two years ago I was at Denny’s.

Yesterday, I was so worried about money I stayed home from work and tried to drown myself in the bathtub. I sank my head under the water and held my breath, but my face popped up in less than a minute. I tried a second time, but by then my heart wasn’t really in it so I got out, brushed the dog hair off the sofa and plopped down to watch Oprah on the cable channel.

What happened next was a miracle, like Gramma used to say. No angels sang, of course, and there was none of that ornery church music. Instead, a very tall woman (who might have been an angel if heaven had high ceilings) waved her arms. There were sweat stains under her sweater, and this impressed me so much that I leaned forward; I knew something important was about to happen.

Most of what she said was New Age mumbo-jumbo, but when she mentioned the diary, I pulled myself up and rewrapped the towel around my waist. I knew she was speaking to me, almost as if this was her purpose in life, to make sure these words got directed my way.

She said you didn’t need a fancy one; it didn’t even need a lock, like those little-girl ones I kept as a teenager. A notebook, she said, would work just fine. Or even a bunch of papers stapled together. The important thing was doing it. Committing yourself to paper every day, regardless of whether anything exciting or thought-provoking actually happens.

“Your thoughts are gold,” the giant woman said. “Hold them up to the light and they shine.”

I was crying by then, sobbing into the dog’s neck. It was like a salvation, like those traveling preachers who used to come to town. Mother would never let us go but I snuck out with Julie, who was a Baptist. Those preachers believed, and while we were there in that tent, we did too.

This is what I’m hoping for, that my words will deliver me something. Not the truth, exactly. But solace.

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Inkwell Guests Tagged With: , ,

Best Movie Kisses

February 14, 2013 by

It’s Valentines Day.

Pardon me but I think it’s the stupidest day of the year. I totally think it’s a made up holiday that some gal came up with to make her husband/boyfriend/whatever buy her stuff between Christmas and her birthday.

Yes, I feel this way and I’m not going to apologize for it. However, I will still take whatever my husband chooses to give me. AND I will give him something in return. I’m not that cold. ;)

Since it’s all about love today I thought I’d write about my 5 favorite movie kisses of all time. These are just my all time favorite kisses in movies. And NO, Twilight is not on this list.

Spiderman and Mary Jane (Spiderman)
He’s upside down! It’s in the rain! That is so hot.

spiderman

Paul and Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
Yeah. Another rain kiss. Sexy!

paul-holly

Scarlet and Rhett (Gone With The Wind)
A classic duo. Scarlett, just admit you lurve him.

scarlett-rhett

Sam and Josie (Never Been Kissed)
I loved this movie.  So sweet. And when Sam showed up… AWW

neverbeenkissed

Jonathan and Sarah (Serendipity)
Kissing in the snow.

serendipity

What’s your favorite movie kiss?

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, TV & Movie Watching Tagged With: , , , ,

Inkwell Guest: Stormie Kent

January 28, 2013 by

Today I welcome fellow Ellora’s Cave author, Stormie Kent! She’s here to talk about her latest release. Stick around to the bottom because there’s a giveaway!

batlingrapture_msrThanks for having me on your blog today, Michelle.

Battling Rapture is my second release from Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. The heroine of my newest release is a very capable and tough woman who ends up helping to run a survivor camp after Earth is invaded by beast-like aliens. At the start of the story I wanted to highlight her resourcefulness before I threw her into space and the arms of her handsome alien hero. He won’t have an easy time winning over this Earth woman. Take a peek at what life is like for Niki after the invasion and before her “rescue.”

Blurb:

Niki is captured by hostile aliens after Earth is invaded. Once a soldier, she is now a slave. She is sold to the highest bidder, and then lost in a game of cards to a tall Ordanian spaceship captain, who claims to have been sent to rescue her. They work together to survive the dangers of the United Universe, while Niki battles her desire for the only man to ever enflame her mind, body and soul.

Captain Rhine’s mission is to reunite the Earth woman with her family. Outmaneuvering beast shifters and a crazed stalker are the very least he is willing to do to keep her by his side. Her touch ignites his passion. Her scent drives his lust. Her strength eases his soul even as she challenges him every step of the way. In the end, Rhine understands, the biggest battle is for her heart.

Excerpt:

The following excerpt is for those readers who are 18 and over only.
Copyright © Stormie Kent, 2013
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

She filled bags with medicines, needles and bandages. She saw a pile of hospital gowns and shoved those in too. She had a little of everything loaded into the packs, including soap, hospital toothbrushes and sheets. Their third salvage mission might be their last. The next time they came, the entire place could be vaporized. This was the only city for miles which still contained the original architecture and infrastructure—even if it was in ruins.

She walked to the gaping hole in the wall. Craters dotted the landscape. Some were filled with buildings, others with vehicles. The building across from her had the top two floors collapsed in. All the windows were blown out. She looked down. Movement caught her eye, and she quickly hid behind what was left of a pillar. She carefully peered down again and relaxed when she noticed it was only a pack of stray dogs.

At least it isn’t a lion or tiger from the zoo.

She heard a whistle, and then a man stepped into the doorway.

“You ready, Niki?” Antoine said.

“Yes, let’s get these down to the wagons and go get the others. I hope they found baby formula and ammunition.”

Dragging the heavy packs down the emergency exit stairwell was slow work. When they reached the ER entrance, they began loading the bags in the carts.

“I wish I knew how the aliens track us when we use cars and trucks. This would be so much easier without the horse and cart,” Antoine said.

“Just be happy we don’t have to hike back up the mountain with this stuff on our backs or pulling it behind us on a makeshift gurney.” She was slightly out of breath. Some of the bags she’d packed weighed more than she did. She pulled her gun from her hip. “You steer the cart. I’ll be lookout.”

There were four teams spread out all over the city. They needed to pick them up and make it back to the mountain by late afternoon without stumbling onto an alien hunting party.

She scanned the rubble for dead bodies. They tried to burn them when they could. If not, the animals—well, it was better if they burned the bodies. She refocused. She had a job to do. To make it back to camp safely, they all needed to use their heads, stay sharp and work as a team.

Their survival depended on it.

Want more? Click the link for another excerpt.

Now for my blog tour contest. Every eligible comment along my blog tour will be entered to win. All those who enter a positive comment here between now and 11:59 p.m. Eastern (USA) on February 1, 2013 will be entered in a drawing for a $20 Amazon eGiftcard. You must leave a valid email address in the comments to be entered. The winner will be announced the night of February 2, 2013 on my blog, http://stormiekent.wordpress.com.

Happy Reading!
Stormie Kent

Where to buy:
Ellora’s Cave | Amazon | ARe

Where to find Stormie:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Inkwell Guests, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Inkwell Guest: Vicki Batman on Holy Moly! It’s a Naked Tree!

December 18, 2012 by

Today I’m pleased to have one of my favorite people here today – the lovely and talented Vicki Batman. She’s here to talk about her newest release, Twinkle Lights.

Take it away, Vicki!

Christmas Tree in the SnowHoly Moly: It’s a Naked Tree!

What would our favorite holiday tree look like without Christmas lights? I’m thinking…natural. (But really, naked.)

How did lighting of our tree come about? From Wikipedia we find in 18th century Germany, trees were brought in the house and decorated with candles, fastened in place with melted wax. Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, had tree bulbs the size of walnuts especially made for his home on Fifth Avenue. By 1930, electric lights became the replacement for candles. In the U.S. by the 1960s, most people began decorating the outside of their homes.

Kinds of lights: twinkle lights, holiday lights, and mini lights. In the UK, they are called fairy lights.

Red and Green Christmas Tree LightsToday, most lights are C6, C7, C5, C9, mini and LED mini, 5MM wide angle, raspberry (a small faceted globe shaped bulb). Want an easy way to decorate? Try net and icicle lights. And then, for the odd places, we have battery powered ones.

In my holiday story, “Twinkle Lights,” my heroine loves, loves, loves Christmas. She always buys a real Fraser fir, adorns it with vintage decorations, and of course, twinkle lights.

Here’s a tiny excerpt:

Just before the bell could ring again, I yanked the door open and my jaw nearly hit the floor.

“Ho-ho-ho,” the bearded man with the pillowed tummy said. “Merry Christmas, young lady.”

A giggle burst from me. “How fantastic. A visit from my favorite guy. Quick”—grasping his coat, I tugged him over the threshold—“come in before my date sees you.”

Twinkle_Lights333x500“I hear you’ve been a very good girl this year.” Santa Cameron shrugged off his faux goodie bag, and I laid it on the tan-checked, club chair. While adjusting the classic, red jacket into place, he came closer to my tree and said, “I think you got the best one, Paige.”

“Thank you, sir. You’re the expert.”

“That I am.” He ruffled some branches, releasing the incredible fragrance. “How do you keep it fresh?”

“It drinks.”

“Yeah, I know. A lot of water.”

“No, it drinks.”

His white eyebrows came together in a V. “I’m not understanding…”

“Vodka. An old family recipe.” I lifted my shoulder. “Seems to work.”

“Vodka? Lucky for you, it isn’t tipping over. Ha-ha.”

So here’s to all of us who wrestle a tree in place and place the decorations on it. May your holidays be merry and *twinkle* bright.

Find Vicki Batman clutching a diet Coke in one hand while trying to figure out where the darn ornaments would look best on her Fraser fir. She also makes appearances at her blog  and Plotting Princesses. “Twinkle Lights,” a fun, romantic story is available at Muse It Up Publishing or Amazon.com.

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Inkwell Guests Tagged With: , , , ,

Holiday Reads from the Plotting Princesses

December 17, 2012 by

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

The Plotting Princesses have been extra busy the last few months, writing and getting books out for you, our readers. Many of the Princesses have releases throughout the months of November and December and to make things especially easy, we’ve complied all our latest releases in one handy, dandy list for your buying pleasure.

Below are the latest releases by several of the Plotting Princesses (in alphabetical order). We’ve included a very short description, the cover photo, and links to where you can buy the books. Feel free to pass this list along to your family and friends and spread the word about the latest and greatest books by some of your favorite Princesses.

TWINKLE LIGHTS by Vicki Batman

Blurb: A do-gooder joins forces with a reformed delinquent turned lawyer to run a Christmas tree stand benefiting the children’s hospital,but when the money goes missing, fingers are pointed.

Buy it HERE

A BREATH OF SCANDAL by Elizabeth Essex (releases 12/26/12)

Blurb: Shockingly brash and scandalously independent, the Reckless Brides are boldly rewriting the rules of love and marriage—one smitten bachelor at a time

“In the game of kiss and tell, there are no rules…”

Buy it at AMAZON or B & N

SECOND CHANCES by Kathy Ivan

Blurb: An early Christmas gift, an unexpected trip and haunting dreams. Can the love shared between Ryan and Rose overcome grief and guilt and lend a little magic for a second chance at happiness?

Buy it at AMAZON or B & N.

 

ONLY FOR A KNIGHT by Michelle Miles (releases 12/13/12)

Blurb: Derron and Elyne return to the Otherworld to save it from the clutches of the Dark Elf, Lord Kieran. He wants total domination over the Otherworld and the human realm and he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way.

Buy it at ELLORA’S CAVE or AMAZON or B & N.

 

THE RELUCTANT SANTA by Sylvia McDaniel

Blurb: Since his mother abandoned him on Christmas Eve never to return, Colin McDermott has hated Christmas and sworn never to have children. But this year two angels are giving him everything he didn’t want. A Santa suit, a child and a chance at love again. This is his last chance to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

But it at AMAZON or B & N.

 

REINDEER WARS by Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Blurb: Can two coworkers’ budding relationship survive a knock-down-drag-out competition to win the office’s “most outrageous holiday sweater?”

Buy it at AMAZON or B & N.

 

HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY by Sasha Summers

Blurb: All she wants for Christmas is for Hollywood to love her again. But once she meets him, her Christmas list changes.

Buy it HERE.

 

GALILEO’S HOLIDAY by Sasha Summers (A Galactic Holiday)

Blurb: Loner ice-miner Riley might lose her heart to rakish trader Leo – if raiders, ice storms, and man-eating cryptids don’t get her first.

Buy it HERE.

There you go, the newest releases hot off the presses by the Plotting Princesses. Don’t forget, our Princesses have many other books available, so while you’re checking out the list above, be sure to check out all the books available.

Happy Holidays again and keep reading!

Filed Under: Dusty Tome Tagged With: , , , ,

Release Day of Only For A Knight!

December 13, 2012 by

Only For A KnightHappy Release Day to ME!

Can I get a WOOT WOOT! Today is the day! Only For A Knight hits the virtual shelves. I’ve been celebrating all week. Be sure to check out all my posts this week including an interview with Lord Derron and a post on why I wrote this book. I truly hope you enjoy this story, which is the sequel to One Knight Only.

Where to Buy:

Ellora’s Cave
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

After saving her love, Princess Elyne returns to the Otherworld by order of her mother. But it’s not the homecoming she expects. Furious Elyne has meddled with humans, the queen imprisons her and strips away her magic. The only way Elyne can get it back is to perform one selfless act.

When Queen Maeve sends Derron to find the Guardian of the Sword of Light, he can’t leave without releasing Elyne. After all, she altered time to save his life. But freeing the princess comes with a steep price—he must take her with him on this dangerous quest. And the two must deal with feelings of past hurt and the love growing between them.

Their search becomes more than a pursuit for the missing Guardian as Lord Kieran rises to dominate the Unseelie court. He will stop at nothing to gain control of both the Otherworld and the human realm. Even with the help of Elves, dragons and their human friends, the odds are stacked against Derron and Elyne.

Copyright © MICHELLE MILES, 2012
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

“I’m sure it was because I’m so charming.”

This made him laugh out loud, showing off his deep dimples on either side of his kissable mouth. It sent her stomach plummeting to her shoes to see the joy in his face. Something he hadn’t had in far too long. As least since his last joust in the human realm when he nearly died…twice.

Derron slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close as they walked. She stumbled, falling into him a lot closer than he probably intended. She could feel the warmth of him pressing through to her skin, delighting every sense she had. Her pulse quickened as he leaned toward her and kissed her on the cheek. Disappointment quickly followed when that was all she got. A sisterly peck.

“You are truly delightful, your highness,” Derron said.

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that.” Irritation clawed through her. Mostly because he didn’t take her in his arms and kiss her thoroughly. As though she were the last Fae woman worth kissing.

“Why not? Isn’t that your rightful title?”

“It is, but it’s unnecessary for you to continue to use ‘your highness’.”

“You don’t seem to mind when the others call you that.” Before she could answer, he asked, “Would you prefer princess then?”

“No.” She pouted, clenching her jaw tight and trying not to pucker her lips. Still, she was incensed. And he still held her so close she could literally feel his pulsing heart. Or maybe that was her imagination.

“Your worship?”

Now he was teasing her. She flushed to the tips of her pointed ears, her face burning hot.

“Not that either, I gather. How about your grace? I suppose I could bend the rules of address this once and call you that. Would that do?”

“No.” She punched him in the ribs to get away but he still held fast. “Let me go.”

He stopped walking so suddenly she stumbled again. This time he turned to her, grasped her arms and pulled her close. So close, her hands rested on his chest and she knew for certain she could feel his heart pounding through his tunic. Their eyes locked, his searching hers. Heat flooded her. Something she’d not known…well, ever. And especially for Derron.

It had been much too long since he’d looked at her like that. Ages, in fact. When he had tried to court her and all she wanted to do was run away from him. She wanted nothing to do with him. She had been such a fool to reject him. And why had she? She thought she hadn’t been in love with him. How wrong she was.

“Elyne, then. How about I call you Elyne?”

She liked the way her name sounded on his tongue. Oh, he’d said it before. But usually with princess attached to it. Rarely her name. And never looking at her like that.

Her gaze focused on his lips, perfect for kissing. The deep-set dimples on either side. The scruffy blond whiskers shadowing his jaw and cheeks. Neither of them wore their glamour here in the Otherworld to hide their true Fae features. His ears were tipped like hers, his blond hair fell over his forehead in thick waves and she longed to run her fingers through the silken strands.

“You may call me Elyne.”

His gaze landed on her lips, paused, and then lifted back to hers. He wanted to kiss her but he was afraid. Mayhap as afraid as she was for him to kiss her. That would mean they had deep feelings for each other and since they’d made such a mess of things with the broken betrothal, she wasn’t sure where that would leave them.

“Then ’tis what I’ll call ye.”

She blinked surprise as he released her and resumed walking. For that brief moment, his Irish lilt came out so clear it took her aback. In fact, she couldn’t recall ever hearing it. He masked it so well.

“You coming, Elyne?” he called over his shoulder.

Elyne picked up her skirts and fell in step beside him. “Shouldn’t I be armed as well?” She steered the conversation as far from the two of them as possible. She didn’t want to acknowledge the need and desire Derron had managed to stir inside her. All she wanted to do was ignore it.

“You? Armed? Why?”

“All of you are armed,” she said. “You have a sword and a dagger. And I have no magic.”

“Fear not, dear prin—Elyne. I promise to keep thee safe.”

She snarled at him. Mocking me again. “Are you denying me a weapon?”

“Can you shoot a bow?” he asked, giving her a sideways glance. Even though he tried to keep his face passive, she could see the underlying smirk.

“Nay.”

“Wield a sword?”

“Nay.”

Derron chuckled. “Then, pray tell, what sort of weapon do you wish for?”

She’d never laid her hands on a weapon before but it seemed silly to be traipsing through the Woodlands Forest with nothing but her wits. She would feel much better if she had something within reach. Mayhap some sort of blade she could keep on her person. Something that could replace the fact she had no magic. She may as well be running around naked.

She looked over Derron, noticed the sheath tied to his thigh and knew that’s what she wanted.

“A dagger.” Aye, that would make her feel better to have one. “I know how to use that.”

“A dagger?” He splayed his fingers. “You have any ideas on where to get one? I don’t see Thuluke’s Weapons Shoppe here.”

Her gaze landed once again on his dagger. He put a possessive hand on it. “You want mine. Of course you do.”

“You could spare the dagger.”

“I could, couldn’t I?” Smiling, Derron unsheathed his dagger and handed it to her. “I expect you to take good care of that. It was a gift from my father.”

“It will be safe with me.” She ran her finger along the pearl hilt, admiring the iridescent colors dancing along it.

“Have any idea how to use it?”

Elyne blinked. “Not exactly.”

Grinning, he stepped behind her, wrapped his long fingers around her thin wrist. “Allow me to demonstrate.”

Derron’s body pressed against her back, molding to her easily. With her wrist in his hand, the delicious warm skin pressing hers, it was difficult for her to concentrate on his words.

“Thrust like this.” He pulled her arm back and then pushed it forward. “Aim for the heart. If you miss that, then the neck.” Heated breath cascaded over her nape. His woodsy scent filled her nose.

“Why?” she asked.

“Best way to kill a man, princess. How does it feel?”

Splendid. Though she was certain he meant the dagger in her hand. “It feels like a dagger.”

He chuckled and released her. “You’ll need this too.” He untied the sheath from his thigh. “But a lady, nay a princess, shouldn’t keep that in plain sight.”

“Why not?”

“She is more lethal with a hidden weapon.”

A mischievous light twinkled in his eyes, making her heart do a quick ka-thunk in her chest. Derron knelt at her feet, his gaze still on hers. When his hand went up her skirt and rested on her calf, she nearly came undone. Slowly, he slid his hand along her leg, pushing up her skirt to reveal an expanse of creamy white skin. Her heart throbbed, pounding wildly in her chest and ears. Her breath caught in her throat.

Elyne watched as he tied the sheath to her thigh in the same manner. She’d swear she could still feel the warmth of his skin on it as he secured it in place.

“There. The dagger?” He held his hand up for it.

She placed the pearl hilt in his palm and he deftly slid it into the sheath. All the while keeping his hands in constant contact with her leg.

“That should do it.” Derron rose to his full height.

He had two inches on her, his hair brushing his forehead as he gave her a wicked smile. He knew what he was doing and he liked doing it. She liked him doing it. Why did he touch her so intimately when they’d been at odds for so long? He’d gone to the court to have their betrothal broken and now this?

“Feel better, princess?”

“I—”

But that was as far as she got when an arrow went zooming between them and buried in the ancient oak beside her head.

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Michelle Miles: Why I Wrote This Book

December 11, 2012 by

As you’re probably aware, the second book in my Knights in Shining Armor series releases THIS week – on Thursday! I’m very excited about this book. It was great fun to write.

When I finished One Knight Only, I knew there was unfinished business with the two Fae characters. I just couldn’t, in good conscience, leave Elyne and Derron broken up. I had to figure out how to get them back together. I knew it wouldn’t happen One Knight Only. I’d already told the story and I felt like they had more story to tell.

After I’d completed the first one, I started writing Only For A Knight immediately. But, as often happens, I got sidetracked with other things. Other stories and my life in chaos. But I managed to get the book submitted to my editor by Memorial Weekend (my birthday weekend – I wanted to enjoy it knowing the book was done and turned in). So – why I wrote this book… because I knew I had to finish the story. I had to have an HEA with Derron and Elyne. But I also knew it wouldn’t be easy for them.

I’ve long been fascinated with Celtic myths and legends. And I’ve wanted to write a book based on them for a very long time. Since I started writing seriously, in fact, nearly 10 years ago. It’s taken me that long to figure out how to write the story using all the Celtic myths I wanted to incorporate.

I think it’s because I was an inexperienced writer before. I hadn’t a clue how to put together a novel. I knew how to research but I didn’t know how to get all those things into the story without sounding like an info dump or a teacher.

Finally, this story came to me as I finished writing One Knight Only. I knew it would be set in the Otherworld and I knew I would be incorporating several Celtic treasures – the Sword of Light and the Stone of Destiny. But how was another question. I’m such a Pantser I didn’t know the answer to the story questions until I started writing. What I did know for certain was who my characters were. I’d sat down and written out detailed character sketches during one of my unemployment stints. It helped tremendously when writing the book.

And so, I wrote this book because it was something I’d longed to do. A story that I’d been dying to tell. I’m very pleased with the result. I hope you will be too.

Where to buy:
Ellora’s Cave
Amazon.Com
Barnes & Noble

Filed Under: Dusty Tome Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Inkwell Guest: #Paranormal #Romance #Author Kathy Ivan

November 12, 2012 by

Hello, everyone! Today I have a special guest on my blog – fellow Plotting Princess Kathy Ivan. She’s here to tell us about her new paranormal romance, Second Chances. Take it away, Kathy!

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog, Michelle. Michelle is a fellow Plotting Princesses and so supportive of her fellow authors.

I’d like to tell you a bit about my new paranormal romance Christmas novella, Second Chances.

I’m usually a plotter, meaning I know my characters and what’s going to happen to them and how things are going to progress in the book I’m writing. I have a feel for the hero and the heroine, and when I’m writing suspense, I know who the villain is and all the nasty things they’ve done. I’ll work out most of the plot before I even start writing the story.

Second Chances came about in a way that’s a bit unusual for me. I had a dream. Now it’s not unusual for me to dream, but this dream was so vibrant, so vivid, when I woke up I wanted to know more about Ryan Jackson. My dream was pretty much the last scene of the novella—and I needed to know more.

What brought them to this point in their relationship? Rose and Ryan love each other, I knew that, but they were drifting apart, the distance between them like a yawning chasm and I wanted—no, I needed—to know why. Little by little, Ryan and Rose revealed bits and pieces of how they ended up at Destiny’s Desire Lodge.

Here’s a short blurb for Second Chances. A firefighter in Denver, Ryan Jackson still grieves the loss of his brother who died almost two years earlier on Christmas Eve. He thought he’d gotten past the loss until he began having dreams about his dead brother. In the dreams his brother asks him for something—impossible.

Ryan’s wife, Rose, knows something’s wrong. For the last several months Ryan’s grown more withdrawn and distant. She loves him and knows he loves her, but doubts begin to creep in. She’s determined to find out why her husband is withdrawing from her and win him back—no matter the cost.

An early Christmas gift, an unexpected trip and haunting dreams. Can the love shared between Ryan and Rose overcome grief and guilt and lend a little magic for a second chance at happiness?

I hope you’ll want to find out about Ryan and Rose and Destiny’s Desire Lodge and that you’ll come to love them as much as I do.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble| Smashwords

About Kathy

An avid reader of all types of romance, Kathy writes both romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Kathy makes her home in the heart of North Texas doing her best to deal with the Texas heat. She’s a member of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and the Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA). Her debut romantic suspense, Desperate Choices, won the 2012 OKRWA International Digital Award for suspense. She loves to hear from other readers and writers, so feel free to contact her.

Filed Under: Inkwell Guests, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

Inkwell Guest: #Paranormal #Romance Author Deborah Palumbo

October 23, 2012 by

Hi Michelle, I want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I’m really glad to be here with you and your followers. I hope to be friends, keep in touch and return the favor!! In fact, when you release your fantasy romance on December 13, you’ll have to come by my blog!!

Well, what can I say to capture the attention of your audience? Hum? We’ll let me start with the more recent news and then digress.

I’m the author of the paranormal romance series THE UNDEPARTED and seven other novels.

I’m a self-pubbed author spinning yarns in two genres available in ebook and paperback on amazon. ….historical and paranormal laced with mystery and sometime spice…. and Mystery/crime; you know, who dunnit with frustrated detectives who are hot on the trail of some killer.

I also co-wrote a screenplay with the acclaimed actor/writer Jordan Rhodes. www.jordanrhodes.com

I was honored to have caught Jordan’s attention with my mystery crime novel EDGE OF DARKNESS, hence his invitation to co write with him. He wrote a review of me and my novel I’d love to share with you if you don’t mind a little bragging:

“Edge of darkness is a taut suspenseful Detective thriller laced with humor that reminds one of the wit displayed by the character of Lenny from Law & Order. It’s an interesting read that would easily translate to film as it conveys visuals to the reader. For every Mickey Spillane fan out there – Mickey’s back – only he’s a female and her name is Deborah Palumbo”…JORDAN RHODES Actor/writer

Of course, Jordan was being kind and there could never be another Mickey Spillane!!

I wish I could say that I write these tales of love and murder and mayhem behind an antique desk, but the fact is I write in my king bed with my pillows scrunched up behind me! I began this whole writing journey when I became bedridden and homebound. Talk about fate. I had always wanted to write novels, since I was a kid, but it took a period of long confinement to bring about that dream.

I started writing hot and heavy in the 90′s and it wasn’t until 2010 that I dusted off my files, edited and self published my work. I wrote extensively in 2011 and through this year, publishing 8 novels. The 9th novel will be out SOON. It is the 3rd book in my paranormal romance/mystery series The Undeparted. It’s called The Banished One.

It’s about a serial killer vampire who is on the loose and since he’s supernatural he can’t be captured, so Lieutenant Hamilton Welby follows the old town rumors about vampires right to Quentin Castle (the father of all vampires) to enlist his aid.

Now if you’re unfamiliar with The Undeparted series I should give you some background info.Quentin is a vampire in transition; he used to be Lucifer’s sidekick, but since falling in love with Cassandra he’s mellowed quite a bit, but his powers are still the strongest in the world.

Lucius was a mortal before Quentin sank his fangs into his neck. He tried to capture Quentin’s love Cassandra, but Quentin basically kicked his butt. Lucius is out for revenge and since he can’t beat the crap out of Quentin he takes his anger out on unsuspecting women. He beds them, bites them and kills them.

I’ve been told the series is quite original, breaking new ground; the vampires aren’t your typical cape wearing, can’t come out during the day vampires, nor do crosses make them cower or stakes kill them.

I hope that pique’s people’s interest! But just in case, I love to talk about my newest mystery novel, a 1948 crime noir with a vintage detective, Humphrey McAllister entitled When the Temperature Rises. I love to promote this book cos I really believe whole heartedly in it. I love Humph, but sadly he loves blonde dames, you know. Please click this link for a description from my blog.

When I’m not writing I enjoy relaxing at home; occasionally in front of the TV watching the old black and white shows or listening to 70′s music. I’d prefer to play cards or Scrabble rather than go to a club. I’d rather take a long drive on a country road than jet off somewhere. I love to cook for friends. Sometimes I pull out the good china and other times I use my favorite Hallmark paper plates, but what really matters is the laughter and good conversation and especially a discussion about a good book!

Oh yeah, I love cheeseburgers!

I had a blast with you, Michelle! Thank you so much for having me!

Website | Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

Filed Under: Dusty Tome, Inkwell Guests, Writing Tagged With: , , , , ,
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