This blog is for those 18 and older.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Review: TWICE KISSED by Lisa Jackson


The only similarities between twins, Maggie and Mary Theresa, are their California upbringing and their looks.  Oh yeah, and Mary married the man Maggie loved.

Thane Walker lived on the other side of the tracks from the twin’s family.  He’s rugged with an attitude and a killer body.  Maggie can’t keep her eyes or hands off him after she discovers him working on the ranch her horse is boarded at. 

Thane and Maggie.  True love forever until Mary steps in as her sister and seduces an unknowing Thane into marriage.

That’s the beginning of Mary’s dark side and the many-sided faces she portrays for fame. 

Many years later Mary disappears.  Now her ex-, Thane travels far to confront Maggie and ask for help.

 The years evaporate when Thane and Maggie are reunited, yet how can Maggie, with a still wounded heart, trust the man who’s the number one suspect in her sister’s disappearance?

Jackson creates a luckless life for former lovers and finds a way to twist their worlds back together.  As a master at suspense, Jackson makes it hard to imagine Maggie and Thane can ever resolve the past, but I cheered for the unimaginable.       

Enjoy,
Dawn

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Guest Author Interview: Jordan Rose


Today we are interviewing Paranormal Romance Writer Jordon K. Rose. She is giving away a copy of PERPETUAL LIGHT.

Alexis: Hi Jordan, thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-)  Why did you decide to write paranormal romance?

Jordan: Hi Alexis. Thanks for having me on. I’m looking forward to meeting some of your readers today. 

I decided on paranormal romance because that’s where vampires go! I have loved vampire stories since I was a kid. Since I love romance and vampires it seemed paranormal romance was my calling! 

Alexis: Sounds like this is the perfect genre for you :-)  I understand your novel, PERPETUAL 
LIGHT, was recently released. Can you tell us a little about it?

Jordan: Sure. PERPETUAL LIGHT is the story of a divine vampire slayer who has spent centuries avoiding her destiny because she didn’t want to kill her own husband. Now that fate has finally united them she has no choice but to free her husband’s soul and take him into The Light. Of course, years of disobeying have left her weakened, making her the target of a power-hungry vampire, hell-bent on possessing her.

Alexis: Wow, what a unique premise! Where did you get the idea for this story?

Jordan: It’s funny. I didn’t get the whole idea all at once. Instead, the two major points came separately. Lucia being reincarnated to find Vittorio came first after reading several other vampire stories- some were romances, some not. The divine slayer (Pharo of Redemption) part didn’t come to me for another year. I attended a conference and did some brainstorming with a few other writers and that helped get the ideas flowing. 

Alexis: With such a unique storyline, I can see how it would take more than one point of inspiration. What are your favorite character traits of Lucia and Vittorio?

Jordan: This is a great question. Vittorio is so easy- similar to my husband, he’s very loyal and devoted. I love that about both of them. Lucia is a little more of a challenge for me. I guess I’d say it’s her refusal to do something she doesn’t want to do even though it puts her in danger. She’s made a couple of very difficult decisions that went against her entire being. I like that she’s strong enough to choose an unpopular path. However, she’s a bit of hard head in terms of just getting on with it. :-)
 
Alexis: Hmmm, I wonder if any of that has to do with her creator ;-) Now, you also write Urban Fantasy. Do you find the two sub-genres similar or greatly different?

Jordan: I find them similar in many ways with the paranormal elements and world building. But the focus of paranormal romance is the romance whereas a romance may come into play in an Urban Fantasy, but it’s not necessarily a major part of the story. I love both sub-genres, but I think I paranormal romance is my favorite because I love romance. 

Alexis: I admit, I'm with you on the romance category. What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Jordan: I have a few books brewing. I’m editing my first Eva Prim story about a vampire looking for friends and I’m writing the first draft of the first book in a more traditional paranormal romance series that will feature a different hero and heroine for each book. Also, the second book in the PERPETUAL LIGHT series is in the works. So lots going on right now. 

Alexis: Yes, I'll say you have lots happening and that is great for your readers. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Jordan: Oh, thank you. It’s great to be here. I appreciate you having me. 

Alexis: For a chance to win Jordan's PERPETUAL LIGHT, be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information, I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Jordan’s books go to http://www.jordankrose.com/index.html

Alexis: Check out this excerpt from PERPETUAL LIGHT.

Excerpt: This is the conversation Lucia and Vittorio have when she’s just awakened in his house after he’s rescued her from being attacked by Samuel, the vampire who’s stalking her. 

 “You love me. I knew it.” He grinned, sending fire shooting to my bellybutton and lower.  
AAAHHH! Why are you doing this?” I marched to the bed. “Don’t you understand? What is wrong with you?” I slammed my hands on the mattress and frowned at him.
“Lucia, I know exactly what you have to do.” Faster than I could register, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling me between his legs. “I know you must kill me. I’m well aware that because of me, you have not been allowed to rest.” His hands held my waist. “From the instant I learned what was happening to you, I began searching for you. For more than three hundred years I have searched, preparing for the moment we would meet, knowing what you’d have to do.” His eyes darkened slightly.
I squeezed his shoulders. “You want me to kill you?”
His voice deepened. “I didn’t say I wanted you to do it today. When you’re ready, I’ll be ready. We’ll get there together.” His head dipped and he blinked his eyelashes against my cheek. I squirmed, same as always. “Besides, you couldn’t do it today if you tried. You don’t know how to call the power or control it.”
“How do you know?” My hands slid to his chest.
“The last time I saw Samuel, he was feeding from you.” His fingers caressed my neck where Samuel had bitten me, and I winced. “One would think that if you could have called on your own abilities, you would have.” Little worry lines appeared around his eyes as he frowned. “You really are defenseless.” He turned my chin to examine the bite. “There’s no mark, but he ripped the muscles below. That’s why it’s sore.”
Beneath my palms, I felt his chest vibrate as a low growl rumbled.
“You must practice.” He moved me to the side and stood.
“What? How?” My stomach grumbled, and we both looked down.
“First, you’ll dress and eat, then we’ll practice. The shower’s behind the door on the right.” He pointed. “Clothes are behind the door on the left. Elizabeth built a wardrobe for you. I’m sure you’ll find something you like. When you’re ready, come downstairs. I’ll be in the kitchen.” He kissed my cheek and left me alone.
I stood staring after him. Practice? Practice killing vampires? How? How does one practice killing something? You either kill it or you don’t. And what way is nice? A stake, an ax, lethal injection? How? I flopped onto the bed, my face sinking into the pillow.   

Alexis: Remember, for a chance to win PERPETUAL LIGHT, leave a comment for Jordan!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Romance Novel Cover Art


I was in my local grocery store the other day (well, I’m in there all the time, it seems) but I cruised by the book selection like I always do. You know me…even though my TBR pile is huge and threatening to overwhelm my house, I still need to see who has a new book out (yes, so I can add to my pile because, you know, I just have to). What caught me this time though, was the cover art on new titles. They’re beautiful. Miniature works of art. 

Take a look at Johanna Lindsey’s “When Passion Rules.” I love this cover. He is turned away from us and we don’t see his face so it gives me the opportunity to visualize the face of anyone I want to complete the picture. 

Take a look at any of Caris Roane’s covers or Jennifer Ashley’s or Kathryne Kennedy’s.  Are these gorgeous or what? 

 I also like covers that just show a picture or symbol, not a model. Amanda Quick’s “Crystal Gardens” is a beautiful cover. So is Nora Roberts’ “The Last Boyfriend” and Sherilyn Kenyon’s “Born of Silence.”

So what about you? What do you like to see on a cover? A handsome man (or just his body)? A beautiful woman? Flowers? A scene from the story?

As always, happy reading!
Marie
           

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Guest Author: Elle James


Origination of the Thunder Horse Family

As a writer, I'm always on the prowl for new story ideas. Sometimes they come from a news article that captures my interest, or something on television and sometimes they come from something as simple as a name. 

As some of you might know, I was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (retired now). During my training exercises, I met people from every branch of the service and every walk of life. During one duty assignment, I met a young marine officer from Oklahoma. The name tag on his uniform was Hunting Horse. Hunting Horse is not a name you see often on uniforms. Of course I had to ask. The young JAG officer was from Oklahoma and a native Kiowa.

For a couple years after, I remembered that name and knew I had to use something like it in a suspense/mystery setting. Once I hit on the perfect name combination—Thunder Horse—I went about finding the setting. Having lived in North Dakota for a short time, and knowing the state is home to many Lakotans I found a story about the wild horses living in the canyons of the rugged Badlands. Voila! I had a setting, the last name and a start to a series. 

When I first started writing, I didn't think I could find enough ideas to keep me going for years. Now I don't have enough years for the ideas I keep coming up with.

Thunder Horse Heritage
Harlequin Intrigue
June 2012

They once exchanged their wedding vows. Now he vows to keep her alive.

She'd been his wife for barely a day and now FBI agent Tuck Thunder Horse was responsible for identifying her body. So he was more than shocked when Julia Anderson turned up very much alive-and on the run. Julia confessed to witnessing a murder and now needs Tuck to help her stay alive...and protect the baby he hadn't known she'd had.

Julia and Tuck's marriage might not have lasted, but there was not time for recriminations with a killer on their trail. As Tuck struggles to put their painful past behind them he can't help but find himself overwhelmed by his love for his little daughter...and his still-burning passion for Julia. Unable to trust anyone but each other, they know working together is the only way to safeguard their child. Could their one-day marriage turn into a life-long adventure?

About the Author:

Elle James spent twenty years livin' and lovin' in South Texas, ranching horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus. A former IT professional, Elle is proud to be writing full-time, penning intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edge of their seats. Now living in northwest Arkansas, she isn't wrangling cattle, she's wrangling her muses, a malti-poo and yorkie. When she's not at her computer, she's traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories.

You can reach Elle James at www.ellejames.com or email her at ellejames@earthlink.net

Be sure to leave a comment for Elle to have a chance to win the first book in this series HOSTAGE TO THUNDER HORSE.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Review: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO RAKES by Suzanne Enoch


As soon as Diane Benchley, Lady Cameron, pursued her appetite for opening her own gaming house, I was rooting for this strong-willed woman to survive amongst the leaders of men in London. 

Yet no matter what her resources, she needed help. 

Diane’s first source of help in the matter of funds and gaming prowess suddenly died.  This left the incorrigible Oliver Warren, Marquis of Haybury.  He had the money and the gaming skills to pass on to her employees.  All women, of course.

The fact that Oliver had seduced Diane after her husband died two years previous proved she would have a hard time trusting him.  She had thought love had finally found her, although Oliver disappeared after a fortnight as a true rake would.

Yet he had everything she needed to open and build a profitable business.

Suzanne Enoch writes a truly scandalous and scrumptious story of the beautiful and intelligent woman who must be won one hundred percent by a tantalizing man with a background.  Keep in mind that in the 1800’s of London, a rake is not something you clean the leaves up with, but rather a man who has felt the skin of many a woman!

Enjoy,
Dawn

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Guest Author: Donna Faz - Why I Write Romance Novels


I can’t tell you how many times over the course of my 20-plus year career as a published romance author I have been asked, “When are you going to write a real book? You know, a [insert genre of choice, such as mystery, family saga, historical, thriller, horror, western, etc].” So I’d like to take this opportunity to tell readers why I write romance novels.

I suffered a lot of tragedy while I was growing up, the worst of which was losing my mother just as I was entering my teens. I felt as though I went from 13 to 35 overnight, and when my friends were off having fun, I was cooking and cleaning and helping my little brother with his homework. Romance novels were an escape for me. The Wolf and the Dove, The Far Pavilions, Whitney My Love, Rebecca, The Thorne Birds…if the book featured one man and one woman falling in love, I read it! Romance novels offered me hope for a happy future filled with love (hokey, yes, but I was young). As a young wife and mother, I discovered Silhouette Romance Novels. These books were short and sweet and uplifting. Each and every story put a smile on my face, and the happily-ever-after endings always boosted my spirits. Are romance novels real? No. Does every relationship end in HEA? Of course not. But if I wanted doom and gloom, I’d watch the evening news.

As an author, I can’t think of a better way to use my talent than to bring pure enjoyment to my readers. I tell people that I write cotton candy for the mind. Think about that. When you were a kid and you put a small cloud of that wispy confection on your tongue, what did you do? You smiled. And maybe you even laughed. That’s the reaction I’m going for with my short, upbeat stories. That’s why I write romance novels. So if you’re looking to get lost for a few hours in a fun, cheery story, I hope you’ll try one of my books.
~ ~ ~
Donna is a bestselling, award-winning author of over 30 novels that have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide. You can find her on the web at www.DonnaFasano.com, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz. Her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, Sony, and Apple iBooks.
~  ~  ~
For a chance to win one of Donna's lovely books, leave a comment for her :-)

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Sharing Good News


It is my distinct honor to be the bearer of GOOD NEWS!  Definitely the right position to have :-)

First, I am excited to announce that our own Marie Patrick has signed a contract with Whiskey Creek Press for her third book with them titled A SCANDALOUS WOMAN.  Whoohoo! We are so excited for her. The book is due to come out in time for Valentine's Day 2013. 

If you live in the Phoenix area, you will have the first chance to buy a signed copy from this great author at the Glendale Chocolate Affair. Marie has told me that she will have her new release there as well as her other books, TOUCH THE FLAME and ANGEL IN THE MOONLIGHT. Unless of course we can coax her into being a Guest Author here on Happily Ever After Thoughts beforehand and see if she would give away a copy of A SCANDALOUS WOMAN (hint hint). Check out her books at http://mariepatrick.com/ 

Second, I am thrilled to announce that I have signed with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency! I'm so excited because my agent thinks I write well and is very happy with my last two manuscripts, so I am crossing my fingers for a sale soon :-)

That's the latest good news from a couple of the writers of Happily Ever After Thoughts. Do you have any good news to share?  We can never have too much good news :-)

Alexis

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Update on "To Be Read" pile



A while back, I lamented the fact that my TBR pile had reached untold heights and was quickly overtaking my little house. I am happy to report that I am slowly catching up on those untold pleasures (having some extra time while I’m looking for work will do that for you). So, in the last eight days, I have read six books, cover to cover….and now, I can’t seem to get enough. Yes, my eyes are blurry and feel like they’re filled with sand but that’s okay. I love my Kindle though. I can make the type bigger so I can keep on reading.
             
So what have I read? I finished Caris Roane’s Burning Skies (love how she writes), Terri Brisbin’s Mistress of the Storm (my first one of hers…there will be more), Kathryne Kennedy’s The Lady of the Storm (excellent); Erin Quinn’s Haunting Beauty (beautifully written), Elizabeth Hoyt’s Wicked Intentions and To Seduce a Sinner (both of which I loved) and I just started Stormwalker by Allyson James.
            
Have I worked on my own books? Not as much as I probably should have (I have a Civil War story I’m working on, but it’s making me pull my hair out) but my TBR pile is shrinking and I am pleased. So, what are you reading? Anything you want to recommend?

As always, happy reading!
Marie

For a chance to win either COWBOY DAD by Cathy McDavid, GRAYSON by Delores Fossen, or BLAZING BEDTIME STORIES VOLUME VI by Tori Carrington and Kate Hoffman, leave a comment and tell Marie what you are reading or what you would recommend :-)