Giveaway and Interview with Elise Marion and her book The Second Son

Hello and welcome to this stop on Elise's tour!!  I was quite happy to catch Elise for a quick interview.  Lets take a look on the inside of the great author:

How old were you when you first realized you wanted to write? I love answering this question! When I was a kid I loved to read…don’t most authors say that in these interviews??? Well, it’s true! I started reading at 4 and have had my nose buried in a book ever sense. I wrote my first piece of fiction when I was twelve. I was obsessed with Olympic figure skating; Michelle Kwan was my hero! I wrote a novel called ‘Tiffany’s Dream’, about a girl’s figure skating dreams. My mom loved it!

I can relate.  I loved to read as well!!  Most authors have an unusual story or way that they come up with their ideas for books…Do you have one? I don’t know if I’d call it unusual. It’s kind of like a ‘light bulb’ moment. I’ll be sitting around either reading or watching TV, or even just playing with my kids and an idea strikes. And when it comes to series, they are never planned. As I write a book, sometimes the secondary characters just jump out at me. They wave their arms around and say ‘look at me! Tell my story!’. If they get annoying enough I listen to them and then one book becomes two or three.

Secondary characters are important too!!  What was your biggest influence that steered you towards writing? I hate to sound cliché, but reading influence me to writing. I loved diving into the worlds that books offered me. I could be anywhere I wanted to be, and even put myself in a heroine’s shoes if I liked her enough. Somehow reading turned into storytelling, and that turned into writing.

Not cliché at all, honest.  I have to ask, what are the hardest scenes for you to write? I’m real good at the emotional stuff, mainly because I’m an emotional powder keg myself. Give me a good fight scene or a few pages of people crying and screaming…piece of cake! The hard part for me is  showing, not telling. It’s easy to say ‘he was mad’….but how do you portray that without actually saying ‘he was mad’? It is something that I try to take the time to do.

Pounding fists and scrunched eyebrows maybe?  LOL.  Are sex scenes difficult for you to word? Heck no! The words are hard, however finding variety can be. If I write a 100,000+ word novel and the characters make love at least 4 times and I’m giving details, I try to remind myself to keep it fresh. Was it missionary position the first time? Maybe the second time it’ll be the cowgirl. Was there oral involved the first time? If not, maybe this time I’ll throw it in! I also like to build on sexual tension, so there tend to be scenes where things ‘almost’ happen but don’t. It makes it a lot more explosive when the hero and heroine finally get it on.

Repetitive sex scenes do throw some readers off.  Do you see yourself writing in another genre? Romance is really my focus right now, and probably will be forever because I love it so much! The cool thing about romance is that within that genre there are a lot of sub genres to dip into. Right now I’m writing Historical and Paranormal romances. I have tons of ideas for branching out into Rubenesque (plus sized heroines, if you don’t know what that means), Urban Fantasy, Suspense, and Time Travel. So while I’ll do a lot of hopping around, romance will always remain the central theme.

I understand!!  Romance has a variety of faces!!  Has your family been supportive? It’s funny you ask, because earlier in this blog tour I wrote a post for another blog about coming out of the ‘romance writer’s closet’. When I was a teen my parents would take and throw away my ‘trashy’ romance novels. I thought my conservative mom would blow her top when she found out I was writing sexy stories. Boy was I surprised when she, my grandmother, and a slew of aunts and even an uncle turned out to LOVE my books! My husband tells everyone he can to buy them. My father is a graphic designer and does all my cover art for free. So, in a nutshell, the answer is YES! I’ve got the best family a girl could ask for.

Aww…That is just awesome!!  Are any of your characters reflective of you? I actually think that Isabelle, the main character of ‘The Second Son’, is a lot like me. I’m a princess, I’m gorgeous and everyone caters to my whims…NOT! Seriously though, she’s a tough chick who’s been through a lot and at some point in her life decides to stop letting others dictate what her life should be. That’s exactly who I am!

I loved that book by the way!!  What do you like to do when you're not writing? In my kitchen, I think I’m Emeril Lagasse! I love to cook and create in the kitchen. I’m also an avid ‘Just Dance’ and ‘The Michael Jackson Experience’ player because I love to dance. And I love to read, of course.

Reading and cooking always mix well!!  Who is your favorite book heroine? I don’t have a main favorite, but I love my heroines smart but not superior, strong but not bullheaded, and independent without being TSTL (too stupid to love).

Agreed!  Do you have any unusual habits that revolve around writing? No, I’m actually pretty boring in that regard. I need silence and a computer…and maybe a coke and a chocolate bar or two.

Coke is a must have for me too!!  What is your favorite mystical creature? I’m actually just starting to get into Faeries!

Ahh..The Fay!!  J What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career? Honestly, I’m still at the beginning. I haven’t even been published a whole year yet. The biggest learning curve has been marketing and blogging effectively. I’ve learned a lot through other writers .

Authors do tend to help each other out.  I think it’s great!!  How do you feel about reader comments? I. Love. Reader. Comments. I can’t stress this enough .Writing a review after reading a book is one of the best things you can do for an author. Even if you hated it. I learn a lot from reviews. It helps me see my hits and misses, and it shows me whether or not the desired effect was achieved.

Do you have any advice for new authors? Write, write, and don’t stop writing. Put on your marketer’s hat  at least once a day and ask yourself what you can do that day to get your book out there. Even if it’s just a Facebook post or a Tweet. Even if it’s finding blogs to hang out at. Do it! And then write some more!

Where are your books available? Right now my Historical novels are exclusive to Amazon until the end of March. But I also have Contemporary and Paranormal reads available at other sides. Here are the buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Elise+Marion&x=0&y=0

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Elise-Marion?keyword=Elise+Marion&store=allproducts

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Elise+Marion

http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Elise+Marion

What can we expect from you in the future? Books! Lots of them! You know how Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors? Well, I am hitting the book world with my own 31 flavors…maybe more…I’m still deciding if I like Shape-shifters or not!

Where can we reach you and become informed of updates?

You can go to my website: www.elisemarion.com

Or check out my blog: http://theromancewritersreads.blogspot.com

Or like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/elisemarion86

Or follow me on twitter: @elise_marion

Or be my friend on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/elise_marion

And here are the book details: 

 

BLURB:

Princess Isabelle has spent her entire life bending to the will of those who have planned her life out for her. Sent into hiding when she was just an infant to protect her from the rebellion in her own homeland, Barony, she was betrothed to Prince Lionus from the neighboring province Cardenas when she was just an infant. Despite the forced engagement, Isabelle has loved Lionus all of her life. When a devious plot against the royal family results in her husband’s death, Isabelle is left with a broken heart and an uncertain future. Only one year after his brutal murder, she has no choice but to choose a new husband and return to her homeland to take her place as queen and repair the war-torn land.

Prince Serge has secretly loved Princess Isabelle his entire life. The fact that she was promised to his brother has brought him no end of pain and suffering. The second born son of the king, he has resigned himself to a life of living in his brother’s shadow. After a deadly plot against the royal family leaves Serge hovering on the edge of death, he awakens from a coma one year later to find that his older brother has died and his youngest brother has taken the throne in his stead. His future is now uncertain, but Serge is determined to find his own way in the world now that he has been given the gift of new life. When it is suggested that Princess Isabelle take him as her husband, Serge begins to hope that all of his most secret dreams will now come true.

Despite unexpected spark of desire between them, Isabelle resists the new path her heart is taking as she clings desperately to Lionus’ memory. Can Isabelle let go of her past and learn to Serge return, or is she destined to a life tied to one man as she still mourns the other?

Once united as king and queen, Isabelle and Serge face the monumental task of rebuilding her broken homeland and rescuing it from the clutches of those seeking to destroy it. Can the pampered princess find the strength to stand beside her husband and fight for her people? Will the second son of a king finally get the chance to prove his worth? Can either of them learn to let go of the ghosts of the past and find love?

Set in a world of kings and queens, palaces and royal courts, warriors and battlefields, book two of Elise Marion’s ‘Kings of Cardenas’ family saga continues with a story of love, passion, and destiny. 

EXCERPT:

Isabelle dipped her hands in the cool water of the stream, grateful to be out of the carriage after a long day of riding. They were only a few more days from Barony and she would be ecstatic when they finally reached their destination. For the first three days there had been nothing but dirt, rocks, and the occasional tree to look at through the carriage window. Today, the bordering mountains between Cardenas and Barony finally came into view, signaling the half-way point of their journey. Isabelle splashed some cold water on her face and turned back toward camp which was only a few feet away through a line of trees.

As she made her way up the embankment, she saw Primus coming toward her.

“I trust that the journey was not overly hard on you, my lady,” he said as he approached.

Isabelle smiled. “I found myself a bit restless being stuck inside the carriage all day. Do you think it would be all right for me ride a bit tomorrow?"

Primus frowned. “I do not think that would be a very good idea, Princess. We could encounter danger at any moment and I believe that His Grace will agree with me in saying that it will be much safer for you inside the carriage.”

Isabelle nodded reluctantly. “I suppose you’re right.”

Primus glanced pointedly at Francis, who stood guard a few feet away. “A few moments alone, my lady?”

Isabelle turned to Francis and waved him off. “I’ll be perfectly safe here with Lord Primus, Francis,” she assured him.

Once he was gone, Primus turned back toward her with a smile. “I was hoping we could discuss the subject of husband hunting while we have a few minutes alone. Have you given any more thought to your possible candidates?”

“I can assure you I’ve been considering the matter very carefully. I hope to have made a decision by the time we reach Barony.”

“If I may be so bold I’d like to offer a suggestion.”

“It certainly couldn’t hurt.”

He paused for a moment. “Me,” he said quickly, as if trying to get the words out before he changed his mind. Isabelle felt as if the ground had fallen out from under her. He held a hand up to silence her before she could respond. “Allow me to plead my case before you say no.”

Isabelle forced a smile despite the uneasy feeling at the pit of her stomach. She wasn’t sure how she felt about Primus proposing to her. “I wasn’t going to say no,” she assured him. “Please continue.”

“I hope you know how much I admire you,” he said, grabbing one of her hands in both of his. “I hope that you at least feel the same for me.” She nodded, which only encouraged him to continue. His thumb was drawing slow circles against her hand and he was moving closer with every word. Isabelle held her breath and waited. “I know I could make you happy, my lady, and I know that I could rule Barony well.”

“I have no doubt of that,” she said, finding her voice finally. “You have been doing so these last twenty years.”

 “Please do not think that this is an attempt on my behalf to gain the crown. I really feel that we could be good together, Isabelle,” he said, using her given name for the first time. “I care for you very much, and in time I hope you could come to care for me too.”

Before she knew what was happening, he was tugging her hand until she was in his arms and kissing her gently. Rather than fight him, Isabelle allowed him to kiss her and attempted to participate in the kiss as well. If she was going to consider him for marriage, she might as well see whether or not she could even be attracted to him.

The kiss was nice enough. His lips were soft and gentle, and while she had been worried that his mustache and beard would tickle her, they did not. His hands rested respectfully on her shoulders and his mouth opened only slightly. When it was over Isabelle felt fine. Not good, not bad. Just fine. She couldn’t help but compare the experience to another kiss and hated herself for it.

“Primus,” she began, “I am very flattered but I-“

“What the devil is going on here?”

Isabelle turned in Primus’ arms to find Serge standing a few feet away, his hands balled into fists at his sides, his expression murderous. Isabelle stepped away guiltily.

“The princess and I were having a private conversation,” Primus said, grabbing her hand possessively.

“I did not hear very much talking,” Serge countered, stepping closer.

“I hardly see how it is any of your concern.”

Isabelle looked back and forth between the two of them, certain she had been all but forgotten in this little drama.

“As Isabelle’s brother-in-law, I would have to say that it is my concern. I hardly think your advances are appropriate considering that she is to be choosing a husband soon. Have you no care for her reputation?”

“How dare you insinuate that I would sully my lady’s character?”

Isabelle, who at this point was quite annoyed at having been accosted by both these men in the last few days and then having to watch them fight over her like two rutting stags, growled in irritation. “For God’s sake, both of you shut up!”

They both grew silent and Isabelle inwardly smiled in satisfaction.

“Primus, I will most certainly consider all that you have said. I hope you will excuse me for a moment so that I can have a word with my brother-in-law.”

Primus, still glaring at Serge venomously, left reluctantly. Isabelle turned on Serge the moment he was out of sight.

“What on earth is the matter with you?” she practically screamed, poking him in the chest with her index finger.

“Me?” he shouted back. “What about you letting that fool kiss you? How long has that been going on?”

“Why should it matter to you?”

“You know why!”

“I never agreed to marry you!”

“You damn well will, mark my words,” he said, taking a step closer and lowering his voice.

“Your arrogance is astounding. You certainly are sure of yourself.”

“Does he make you tremble the way I do, Isabelle?” he said softly, reaching up to stroke her cheek. “Did you kiss him like you kiss me?” His fingertips traveled down to her throat and he lowered his head until his lips hovered inches from hers. “Do you want him like you want me?”

Isabelle swayed and fought to keep her balance. Her lips were tingling, and she was but a breath away from leaning into him. His scent enveloped her and his towering presence weakened her. Her lips parted. “I don’t want you,” she said hoarsely against his mouth.

His lips brushed her lightly. She trembled. “Liar,” he whispered.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a child I always had my nose in a book. From R.L. Stine to Chronicles of Narnia to The Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley High, I read it all. When I started Junior High and found out that the school library had over 400,000 books, my goal was to read every single one! Of course I didn't achieve that particular goal, but I sure had fun trying!

In high school I developed a talent for writing and discovered romance. Needless to say I combined my love for both and am now a published Indie author. After almost a year of peddling my book from agent to agent with no success I decided that my work was good enough despite the constant rejection. That's when I discovered the world of indie publishing through e-books. I couldn't have made a better decision than stepping out on faith and doing something for myself instead of waiting around for someone else to do it for me.

A little bit more about me: My husband Kevin and I have been married for 4 years and have two beautiful children, Haley (4) and Gavin (4 months). We are a military family, which means I spend a lot of my time alone with two children. People often ask me how I deal with the military life. I simply say, someone's got to do it, right? I am proud of my husband for serving his country.

When I'm not reading (which is almost always) or writing (I try to every day), I am watching movies (which I love), cooking (which I love even more) or watching someone else cook on TV (love me some Paula Deen). I have been singing my entire life and enjoy being my church's choir every Sunday. My large, extended family is close and means the world to me.

Website: www.elisemarion.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elisemarion86

Twitter: @elise_marion

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/elise_marion

Email: elisemarionwrites@yahoo.com

A Big Thank you to Elise for taking the time to answer my questions.  This book was amazing.  I really enjoyed it!  And now you have a chance to win a copy!!  Just fill out the rafflecopter!! Good luck!

Sneak Peek and Review of The Triaxen By: Ciara Lake

Hello and welcome to this stop on Ciara's Tour!!  I've had a ton of fun with The Triaxen and wanted to share my review with you!!  But first, let's check out the book details:

Ancelin Trever is running from a nightmare. Her family brutally murdered, she runs to the new colony world, Verrian. Wild and untamed, this alien world is full of dangers she is ill prepared for. Haunted by her past, she's forced to trust a man she must struggle to hide her growing attraction from.

Krevan Vallex is an embittered Triaxen recently released from Hellgate Prison Planet. When he negotiates a land deal, he has no idea that he’s getting far more than he could ever imagine. Surrounded by the harsh brutality of a world without laws, Krevan is torn by his desire to remain alone and the burning passion he feels for Ancelin. When her past is uncovered and she’s thrown into an old danger, Krevan must face his own emotional upheaval and risk it all to protect the woman he loves.

Excerpt

“Mr. Vallex, how much farther is the property?”            

“We have about three more hours of driving left. Silos is about four hours from my property. The information I provided indicated the property is remote and rural. The property is out in the middle of nowhere. There’s the town of Coti. It’s a smaller settlement closer to the property. There isn’t much in that town. Let me know when you want to go back to Earth.” Krevan glanced over at Ancelin as if to gauge her reaction. They resumed their semi-tolerable silence to ride for another hour until the darkening sky lit up with an outstanding lightning demonstration. Booms of thunder shook the vehicle as it sped across the gravel and dirt road.

“Oh, wow, was that thunder?” Ancelin’s voice sounded strained. She gazed up and out the front window.

“Yes, it’s only getting started. The storm has arrived a lot sooner than it was expected. Welcome to the storms on Verrian. They’re powerful and not for the faint of heart. The weather here is an authentic Verrian experience. Hopefully, we’ll get home before the roads and fields get too muddy and slick.” Krevan looked over at Ancelin, his eyes mirrored back at her, reflecting in the low light oddly.

Ancelin gasped. “You’re not an Earth human or any humanoid I’m familiar with. What are you? Your eyes reflect like…like some of the carnivorous predators on Earth. What humanoid species are you?” Ancelin tried to steady her trembling hands.

Krevan smiled, and the lightning flashed, illuminating his striking face. “I’m a Triaxen humanoid. I’m sorry my eyes alarm you. I promise not to bite.” Krevan watched her with his eerie, inhuman eyes. His full smile framed his beautiful white teeth. They looked surprisingly sharp, especially his canines. His smile wasn’t sincere.

“A Triaxen, which would explain your height and size. I’m sorry for reacting so rudely. I’ve never met a Triaxen humanoid before. I’ve never seen a humanoid’s eyes reflect like yours. It surprised me.” Ancelin attempted to apologize for her overreaction, clasping her hands together to continue to try to keep them from shaking.

“You mean like an animal, a carnivorous predator? Isn’t that what you compared me to, Ms. Trever?” Glaring at her, his annoyance was obvious. “My ancestors were deadly predators. I inherited many useful and lethal abilities. However, I won’t harm you unless you harm me. I can be civilized even though I lived five years of my life on the uncivilized Hellgate Prison Planet. I thought you should know that before you hear it from someone else. Most people on Verrian are wary of me. Not many people survive Hellgate Prison. My being a venomous male Triaxen also makes people uneasy.” They resumed their uncomfortable silence as the thunder boomed, and then the rain cut loose from the sky and poured down in torrents.

“Can you see where you’re going?”

Krevan didn’t respond to her question. Ancelin hugged the side of her door. Any closer to the door or farther from him and she would be sitting outside on the vehicle’s running board.

With a sudden jolt, their vehicle left the dirt road as Krevan cut off across the pasture. The jolt bumped Ancelin away from the door and closer to Krevan. Their legs touched. Ancelin anxiously yanked her leg back. “Is this the way to the house?” Her question broke their heavy silence.

“Yes, both of the houses are in this direction. There’s no road to the property. We’re almost there. Your house is within sight of mine. Since it’s raining so hard, I’m taking us into my garage. We can go inside and wait the rain out before I take you to your house. I have no desire to get drenched tonight. Your house doesn’t have a garage or port. I hope waiting at my house is all right with you. The rain could last awhile.”

Krevan looked over at her quiet, stiff form as he explained his plan. Ancelin made no reply. The rain came down so hard it was difficult to see out the windows.

Krevan drove the vehicle confidently, as if he could see through the onslaught of rain and darkness. “You scared of me, little girl? Krevan’s voice was hushed. “I told you to go back to Earth. You’re on this untamed world with a Hellgate ex-con as your only neighbor. Alone, with a stranger, a Triaxen

“Mr. Vallex, I appreciate my precarious situation. I’m grateful for your considerate warnings.” Ancelin had her own degree of sarcasm. “I’m here now. I would be grateful if you would…I don’t know…not be so negative and give up trying to scare me back to Earth. If you’re going to be big and bad, let me know now and get the good stuff out of the way.” Despite her bold speech, Ancelin continued to hug the side of the door.

“All right, Ms. Trever. I’m not sure what your definition of ‘the good stuff’ is,” Krevan responded as their vehicle approached a large, modern structure. It was a remarkable house built out in the middle of an isolated landscape. It was reminiscent of the luxurious homes that lined the streets of many of Earth’s affluent neighborhoods.

“Remember, Ancelin.” Krevan stressed her first name. He seemed to want to make sure her attention focused on him as he stopped the vehicle in front of four garage doorways. “I didn’t knowingly sign up for a female neighbor. Your arrival has caught me off guard. In the past, my being caught off guard has proven to be fatal to others. I’m willing to make the best of this uncomfortable situation.

My Review:

Krevan was one alpha male Triaxen, who had been alone for way to long.  Even though to him, it hadn't been long enough.  Betrayed repetitively by his former wife and sentenced to harsh punishment, Krevan had gone through severe changes.  Gone was the once gentle doctor he used to be and in his place had grown a full blooded predator with a major attitude and loads of anger.  Not a good combination to go along with all those enhanced abilities of his.  He had finally managed to sell the other house on his property and went to pick up the new owner at the spacestation.  Krevan hoped this would be a short trip and he could be back at his home before the rains started.  He was unprepared for the vision that presented herself as his new neighbor.  He had assumed that Ancelin was a male, not the vision of beauty that now stood before him.

Ancelin was running away.  The pain and nightmares followed her where ever she wandered on Earth, and her hope was that a fresh start would bring back some normalcy to her life.  Maybe, even a little happiness.  She was the sole survivor of  the massacre that killed her family and the one who happen to discover their bodies.  Those images haunted her non-stop.  Even though she was blown away by the beautiful God-like man who had introduced himself as Kraven.  Was she really going to live next door to him?

I enjoyed the many concepts in this book.  I love the idea of space travel and being able to pack up and leave Earth behind for one of the hundreds of other colonized planets.  That would be so exciting.  For Ancelin and Krevan, it was not.  Both came to this planet to escape the pain of the past.  Both needed each other to heal the hurts.  Throw that in with some smoking hot sex scenes and extremely volatile weather, and you have the premise for one amazing story!!  But Ancelin is far from forgetting about her past.  The evil that slaughtered her family has followed her to this new home.  Will the peace she has finally found remain constant?  Would Krevan be enough against all the men that were being sent to find her?  Awesome questions that you can only answer by reading this book!!  It was an adventure that I truly enjoyed!!

One Knight in Brooklyn By Casea Major

Welcome to the next stop on A Knight in Brooklyn's book tour!  Casea Major is here today to talk to us about our Heros :)  What is a Romance without our idea of a hero?  Take it away Casea!

Perfectly Flawed – Heroes with Issues with Casea Major

Where have all the good men gone?  It seems these days the tortured anti-hero reigns supreme in romance. Alpha Males with a fear of commitment and anger management issues rule the roost.

But what about our White Knight on a noble steed? The perfectly proportioned, honor-bound, duty-driven guy who will sacrifice everything for the woman he loves and the good of his people? Does he still hold a place in our hearts? I say unequivocally YES! But it does seem in recent years the trend for darker heroes has come forth.

And while I believe there is always a place for the KISA. (knight in shining armor) It's much more interesting to have a hero with issues to deal with.

In my erotic time travel, Robert MacKnight is one such man. He's crass, abrasive and a little cocky. But the best part about Robert is he always gets the job done. **grins**

Sometimes in life you have to look past the superficial to see what's on the inside, so when you find a true treasure it's all the more special.

Leave a comment and tell me what flaws you find appealing in your heroes. One Knight in Brooklyn is on tour right now!! To follow it, please check out www.sizzlingpr.com. Let's take a peek at the book details:

After signing up for a one-night stand through an exclusive matching agency, hopeless romantic Marianne Caldwell is swept away to a medieval land where she hopes to spend the night with a worthy man of honor.

Unsure of how she got from the Castillo Hotel in Las Vegas to a castle in the English countryside, Mare finds Robert, whose stunning physique and winning smile immediately convince her he's the Robin Hood she's been seeking. But despite his efforts in saving her from a corrupt sheriff, his Jersey Shore accent and coarse ways unravel her romantic visions.

With her fairytale fantasies coming unhinged, Mare must decide if Robert is just a crass car salesman from Brooklyn or the chivalrous knight she's looking for.

The following excerpt is rated PG-13. Please keep in mind that the book does contain adult themes and language, and is not suitable for minors. Thank you.

Excerpt One Knight in Brooklyn

 “Well, Dallas, what did a pretty gal like you expect from this deal?”

There was no way in hell she would answer that question. So she employed her stellar skills of diversion and subterfuge. “What did a guy like you expect from this deal?” Okay, maybe not the cleverest line she’d ever come up with, but this guy with his mesmerizing eyes messed up her mojo.

He leaned back with his elbow on the mattress and flashed a brilliant smile. She swallowed hard. “To get to know a lovely young woman such as yourself and have a little adventure. You think you can handle that?”

Could he be any more cocky? His thinly veiled innuendo struck her with the delicacy of a baseball bat. No question he was hot. From a purely physical standpoint, he was perfection, but did anything rattle around behind those blue eyes?

She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her chin. “What I want to know is, can you handle that?”

Oops, she hadn’t meant for that to sound like a challenge or an invitation, but even to her own ears, it did. He stood, his long legs closing the distance between them in two strides. She braced her legs to hold her ground, but retreated toward a wall. So much for holding my ground. Pressing her head back against a branch, she looked up into his even stare. God, his eyes were Ceylon blue, his lips full and lush. He stopped in front of her, but continued to lower his head toward hers. Other than the rustling wind, only her ragged breathing sounded amongst the leaves.

Robert braced his hands on either side of her shoulders, effectively trapping her between him and the tree. Every cell in her body buzzed with electrical current, and her gaze helplessly transfixed on him. The lids of his eyes lowered, and his straight nose brushed against hers.

“Can I kiss you?” His whispered request tickled her skin.

Chills swept over her heated body. Her knees gave way, and she sighed out some inaudible response he apparently took as affirmative. He brushed her lips with a kiss.

With agonizing leisure, his mouth eased over hers, first feathering her closed lips then caressing each one between his. His velvety flesh wisped like flower petals against hers, and the aroma of fresh mint scented his breath. The languid motion of his kiss ignited a desire that throbbed all the way down between her legs. The longer he lingered, the hotter she burned. He never sped his pace or reached for her in any other way. It was only a kiss, yet so much more.

His warm tongue slipped between her lips and slowly explored her mouth, sliding across her teeth and stroking her tongue. A soft moan escaped her and excruciating tension built in her core with each lazy thrust.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and trailed her fingers down his hips as she molded to his body. He gasped and ended the kiss. The staggering length of his arousal pressed into her abs and the burn in her sex flared into a raging inferno.

He rested his forehead against the tree, and she laid her hands on his chest with his body lightly molded to hers. The heat radiating between them smoldered hotter than the Vegas asphalt at high noon. His breaths were steady, but his heart pounded against her open palms.

His voice, deep and husky, sounded near her ear. “Maybe. Maybe not, Dallas.”

She opened her eyes. “Huh?”

He kept his eyes closed and rubbed his cheek against hers. “I was just answering your earlier question.”

BUYLINKS

You can find me at my blog:  http://caseamajor.wordpress.com/ or any of the following places. 

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Major Love ~~~ Major Romance

Prior to becoming a writer of romantic fiction, Casea Major worked in the legal field for a non-profit dispute resolution company for ten years.  She is now a full-time mom to three preschool children with whom she and her husband live happily...most of the time.  When she isn't chained to her laptop, she enjoys Cary Grant movies and crocheting.

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Dirty Little Secret!

Dirty Little Secret # 37

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Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

This week's question:

Which author introduced you to urban fantasy or paranormal romance?

Sherrilyn Keynon.  It was Vane's book.  I picked it up because the blurb really drew me in.  I loved it.  I then bought the entire series and went through books like crazy!!  What about you?  Who was your first?

Review of Leanore Elliot's Lipstick and Jazz

BLURB:

Everyone secretly yearns to be wild and uninhibited—everyone, whether they admit to it or not.

During the hottest night of debauchery in New Orleans, Jazz yearns for someone who is not there, someone she never even officially met. Without hope for a lusty tryst with the hot stranger who haunts her wet dreams, she relies on a wicked, little tube of lipstick to vibrate her to release from the longing she suffers.

My Review:

Sorry, I had to go cool off before I could write this.  Leanore does it again!  This is a short, fast-paced sexy ride.  If a hot detective does it for you during Mardi Gras.  I guarantee you, that lipstick will be forever branded in your memory as sexy!!  If you haven't had time to check this out, make sure you do!!  Yumm!!

Giveaway and Character Interview of Sid from Leia Shaw & Cari Silverwood's 31 Flavors

Welcome to the first stop on the 31 Flavors tour!!  What better way to kick off the month of March then with a fantastic giveaway?  Yummy!!  I was lucky enough to score an interview with Sid, the actual person who the book is based on!!  Afterwards I will share with you the book details, an excerpt, and how you can get a chance to win your own copy!!  Now lets talk to Sid:

There's been some debate recently about romance novels and how they may destroy a marriage. What do you think of that?
I think it depends on the person. If you’re insecure in yourself and your relationship, or if you buy into the image of the perfect man then I can see how it might be harmful. Look. Fiction is fiction. It’s not reality. There’s no perfect man. Or perfect Dom. If you don’t know that by now you have more problems than whether to read romance novels. For me it opened my eyes and my mind. It made me get in touch with my femininity and sensual nature. Reading about BDSM specifically made me feel more normal. Like I’m not the only person who craves kinky. I’m not a freak. It’s okay to want these things. It’s okay even to need them. After that I was far more confident in communicating it to my husband. Quite honestly, romance novels saved my marriage.

What did you think of sex and talking about it with Nick especially, before reading these novels?

I thought it was shameful. Something to be kept a secret.

Would you ever have discussed BDSM with Nick if you'd not read about it in novels?
Hard to know for sure. Maybe I would have exploded with pent up sexual frustration. Lol. But I don’t think I would’ve ever told him.

Do you think the unreality and hype in such novels could be a bad thing?

Yes, as I said, when women don’t recognize it for what it is – fantasy. Yes you can experience similar things in real life – good sex, true love – but it will never look exactly the same as in the books. When you start comparing, that’s when you run into trouble. Be grateful for what you have while leaving room for improvement. That’s my advice.

What are some of the important things in those novels that may have helped you?

Don’t be embarrassed about my sexuality. It’s okay to want things, need things, that go beyond vanilla sex. And in order for me to be fulfilled, I have to talk. Talk, talk, talk. Even read books or scenes you like out loud for your partner. If you can talk face to face, email. Or text. We did a lot of texting.

Would you say you're unusual in finding the answers to your problems with sexuality from the pages of a fiction book?

I have no idea but I doubt it. Romance is a popular genre. Women are reading it for a reason.

Has traditional psychotherapy helped you?

Oh sure. But some things you need to figure out for yourself. Sometimes your greatest epiphanies happen outside of the box.

Do you foresee the rise in eBooks as continuing to open up women to the idea of sex being something that should be discussed openly and not thrust under the carpet?

I sure hope so.

Links for the book and the authors:

31 Flavors releases Valentine’s Day February 14^th.

Available from Smashwords, Amazon and on other eBook retail sites like ARE but may take another 2 weeks to get to those.

             31 Flavors site – www.thirtyoneflavors.weebly.com

Leia’s site – www.leiashaw.com

Leia’s blog – www.leiashaw.blogspot.com

Leia’s facebook – www.facebook.com/leiashaw

Leia’s twitter - @LeiaShaw

Cari’s website http://www.carisilverwood.net/

Cari’s blog - http://www.carisilverwood.net/keyboard-fandango---blog.html

Cari on facebook http://www.facebook.com/cari.silverwood

Cari on twitter - @CariSilverwood

 And now let's take a look at the book details and excerpt:

There are some things in life you have to try before you know how they will affect you.

After 5 years of awful sex, I was ready. Bondage and spanking had always featured in my fantasies, and one day, I convinced my husband to try them. That day was a turning point.

Ice cream comes in many flavors and that’s us too – not vanilla, maybe not Rocky Road either. We can be a combination or make up our own and no one has the right to judge us.

But there will always be one question that tears at my soul: Will my husband, Nick, ever be happy with what I crave?

About Us:

31 Flavors is a book that is heavily based on a true love story. Although the sex scenes are obviously fictionalized, much of it really happened. This isn’t just another erotic BDSM story. We both felt (Leia and Cari) there was a place for a novel where the readers might draw parallels with their own      lives -- a story where idealistic, perfect people did not exist, where mistakes are made, and in particular, where the top or Dom is not some godlike creation and the submissive or bottom is just your average girl-next-door.

Cari Silverwood: Cari writes stories that leap from the page and blast you from your bed. Heroines who will come rescue you and    heroes who will drag you back to bed by your hair and ravish you endlessly. Did she mention there was sex and adventure in her stories?

Leia Shaw: Insert one alpha male, one kick-ass female, a sprinkle of magic, a drop of steamy romance, and a pinch of darkness and you get the Shadows of Destiny, a bestselling paranormal romance series by    Leia Shaw.

Leia Shaw Website / Cari Silverwood Website

Excerpt: (PG 13)

Looking up at me, Nick grins. “Well, maybe you could seduce me?”

I blink. “Me?”

“Yeah, like a little lap dance or a strip tease.”

Fucking A. Of course the pain in the ass would pick something completely out of my comfort zone. A strip tease and a lap dance? I’ve never had a single dance lesson. I’m awkward and clumsy and not the least bit sexy.

Don’t be a taker, I scold myself. He tied me up. He spanked me. He stepped out of his comfort zone, I can too.

Steeling myself for humiliation, I rise from the bed. As seductively as I can manage, I raise the hem of my blouse. “Like this?” I purr.

Nick puts his arms behind his head and his gaze rakes me over. A big grin stretches across his face. He likes it. Okay, I can do this. I pull my shirt up higher, exposing my bra.

“Yeah!” Nick praises from the bed.

I give him a flirty smile then start to pull the blouse over my head. It’s a little tight and I tug harder. Buttons. The damn shirt has buttons, dummy. I bring my arms down to undo the top button, but something yanks on my ear.

Ow! Ow, ow, ow. I freeze, my arms over head, my shirt covering my face. The top button is stuck on the stupid hoop earrings I insisted on wearing to work today. I was trying to look sexy. Not so sexy now, am I?

“Honey? Are you okay?”

He doesn’t need to see my face to know I’m blushing. I’m sure it covers my entire body. But I can recover. I can still pull this off. Somehow, I will make this sexy.

“Um.” My voice is muffled in my shirt. I go for a casual tone. “I’m fine. I’m just…going slow. So you can, you know, savor it.” I move my hips side to side in a seductive sway while simultaneously trying to untangle my earring.

The arm opposite the stuck earring is halfway in my shirt sleeve so I jerk my upper body to the side, trying to get it over to help. But it won’t quite reach where I need it. I’m panting with the exertion and getting a bit frantic that it won’t come loose. I wriggle my arms furiously trying to get them out of the sleeves. Every few seconds I stop and shake my hips toward Nick. Or somewhere. I’m not really sure which direction I’m facing anymore.

Oh God, how ridiculous do I look?

I hear a strangled snort from behind me. I spin around and freeze. Is he laughing at me? Except for the crinkling of the shirt over my ears, the room is silent.

My arms ache and my ear hurts. I blow out a breath of air.

Nick clears his throat. “Do you need help?” The end of the sentence is choked off with a covered chuckle.

“Yes,” I say, defeated.

I hear him rise from the bed. Then his fingers are on me, unbuttoning my blouse.

“Careful,” I tell him from inside the cave of my shirt. “My earring is stuck.”

“I got it.”

His fingers work deftly, freeing my face and arms, and just the blouse is dangling from my earring. He works on getting that loose too, leaning in close to see where the earring and blouse entangle. I look up at him. Maybe it’s the lack of oxygen from being stuck in my shirt, but he’s never looked so handsome.

“Hi,” I say sheepishly.

He smirks. “Hi.” His breath touches my lips and lingers.

Suddenly, I want to kiss him. Need to kiss him. I lean forward. “Ow!” Something tugs my earring.

“Stay still,” he orders softly. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me against his body. Goose bumps rise along the skin on my belly and back. Am I getting turned on? I exhale a laugh.

Nick is rescuing me from an utterly unsexy and quite possibly life threatening strip tease. I probably looked like one those moles with the red tendril thingys on its head, clawing its way out of the ground. I should be digging a hole into the ground and hiding in humiliation.

Finally, the blouse falls to the floor and my ear is free. I pull both hoops out and place them on the dresser. Nick steps back and looks me over. His mouth is tight with a restrained grin.

I point a finger at him. “Don’t. Laugh.”

He covers his mouth with his hand and his shoulders shake. My eyes narrow and I launch myself at him, toppling him onto the bed. I straddle his hips as his hysterical laughter fills the room.

“Shut up.” I try to cover his mouth with my hand but he blocks me.

“That was cute, Sid,” he says between roars of laughter. “It was like a sea cucumber giving birth to an anemone.”

I gasp and try to smack him but he dodges my hand.

“A sexy sea cucumber,” he adds.

This time, I go for the jugular. He catches my wrists and holds them captive. “So violent. I may be new at this, but I’m pretty sure beating up your Dom is bad behavior. Should I punish you now?”

“No! I’m too mad.” I pout, pulling my wrists from his hands. “I won’t fulfill anymore of your fantasies if you make fun of me.”

He smiles. “Honey, you fulfill my fantasies every day just by being you.”

I chuckle nervously. “Sure.” But I’m touched, whether it’s true or not.

We stare at each other silently for a moment, giddy smiles plastered on our faces. In a bold move, I get my retribution by snaking my hand up his chest and pinching his nipple.

“Ow!” He grasps my hand to free his nipple. “You’re not a very good sub,” he teases.

“Maybe you’re not a good Dom,” I counter with a saucy grin.

 “Probably.” Evil glittering in his eyes, he folds his arms around me, then yanks me down for a kiss. Our lips meet and he holds the back of my head as the kiss deepens. Not that I’m planning on leaving. The play of lips on lips, soft and hard, tongue and teeth, is a dance Nick has always done well. I snuggle closer, catch my breath when I can. My eyelids drift lower as I give in to the sensations. I sneak my hand onto his chest, palm flattened, and play with the hair above his shirt neckline. When he stops kissing me, I’m breathing hard and very conscious of his body beneath mine.

His gaze locks with mine. “So let’s just be us.”

I smile. Us. Nick and Sidney. Not vanilla. Not Rocky Road. Any kind of thirty-one flavors we want to be. I bite my lip and nod.

With both hands, he grasps my ass and squeezes. “Now let me tie you up so we can fuck and feel better.”

I laugh and shake my head. From Romeo to Jersey Shore in the span of a few seconds. “Typical. I should go next door and get the suave version of a husband.”

The amused glint in his eye gives me a millisecond warning. With a growl he rises and topples me sideways. “Get undressed. I’ll be back. With ropes.”

Awww...sounds actually like something that would happen to me..LOL..!!!  So for you chance to win a copy of this book just fill out the rafflecopter!!

Winners!!!

It is time to announce some winners!!!!

The winner for the tour stop of Elise Marion's The Third Son is...Maly Nane!!

And the winner for Sky Warren's Below the Belt is....Amber Hall!!

Congrats to both winners!!  You have 48 hours to claim your prize!!!