Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts

Monday, January 5, 2015

New Year's Blog Hop Winners


Thank you to everyone who joined us for the New Year's Blog Hop. As promised I have two winners randomly selected from my commenters.

The winner of the Year's Worth of Romance calendar is: Patricia Burleson

The winner of the Siobhan Muir Mug is: Jennifer Mathis

Again, thank you all for joining me on the blog hop and have a wonderful new year! Happy reading.

Siobhan

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

New Year's Blog Hop and New Beginnings


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the New Year's Eve Blog Hop. This has been a crazy difficult year for a lot of people, so why not send it out with a kick in the ass and some wonderful goodies.

Did you get an ereader of one kind or another for Christmas this year? Or is your current ereader feeling sad and lonely with no new books? You're in luck! My new release came out just before the holidays and it's all about new beginnings. It's called Take the Reins and you can find it everywhere ebooks are sold.

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…


But this week I have a special treat, a companion story to Take the Reins, entitled A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M romance about two soldiers wishing for their hearts' desires. Good thing the Goddess is listening, yes?

Ronin had never been so glad to see his erstwhile soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter had been one of the worst soldiers he'd ever trained, but he'd shown determination and persistence despite his setbacks. When he'd dislocated his left arm trying to string a bow, Ronin had seen the defeat in the younger centaur's face along with the pain. Ronin's heart ached for him, but he'd kept his words to himself.
Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin had ever seen him display, and some of his tension melted away. By the Goddess, let him be able to do this. Ronin rarely prayed, but he wanted the best for Sedgewick. The man had a gentleness and beauty Ronin had never seen in any other centaur and some part of him wanted to preserve that. It would be ruined by fighting and war.
"What do we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"
"Yes, Master Bethany. They're called Winter Lace Stars and they have a bad toxin that shuts down the organs if there are enough of them." Sedgewick ran his hands lightly over the welts on Navarro's arm and the man groaned. "We're going to have to lance each one and smooth an antidotal salve over them."
"Do you know what goes into the salve?"
"Yes. My granddam taught me." He grimaced and wouldn't meet Ronin's gaze. "The problem is I can't make it with only one arm."
"I'll help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."
Both Bethany and Sedgewick gaped at Ronin for a moment. Hellfire, he'd surprised himself with the outburst, but he wouldn't go back on his offer. His men needed him and he'd do anything he could. And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.
Bethany was the first to recover. "Thank you, Corporal. That will be very helpful." She nodded to the injured men. "First, I'll need you to to get these men stripped so we can see the extent of the damage."
Ronin stuffed his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."
"Good. Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."
While Ronin helped Navarro and Colver undress, he kept Sedgewick in sight as the buckskin directed Bethany in a soft but sure voice. The men moaned when he lifted their shirts and armor, and he cringed in sympathy. Great, swollen welts spread across their backs from skull to tail, disfiguring them in red sores.
Medicinal scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin turned just as Bethany called for him.
"Can you please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"
"Yes, of course, Master Healer."
Ronin took the pestle as the human woman gave him a friendly smile and he tried to smile back, but Sedgewick's presence beside him made it difficult. Oh, for the love of Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. He bent to it, putting his strength and focus into the action of grinding the medicinal herbs. He almost jumped when someone laid a hand on his forearm.
"Firmly, but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing." Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.
Heat blossomed across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is with my men."
Sedgewick lost his smile and nodded, releasing Ronin. Ronin regretted his words immediately and cursed himself for a nervous fool.
"Of course, Corporal. But if you grind them too much, they lose potency." Sedgewick nodded to the mortar. "I think they're ready. Bring them to the fire, please."
Ronin dutifully followed his former soldier and brushed the crushed herbs into a pot of boiling water. Sedgewick nodded and stirred them with a soothing rhythm, his good arm flexing in ways that set Ronin's heart galloping. Sweet Goddess, what I'd give to feel his arms around me.
Ronin mentally balked at the uncharacteristically tender thoughts and shook his head. "Must you keep stirring?" The question came out harsh, but Sedgewick smiled.
"Yes. It's necessary to boil them down to their essences." He shrugged. "Long work, but worth the effort."
They stood side by side, watching Sedgewick stir the pot of herbs in a companionable silence. His motions added a level of comfort to Ronin's world, an unusual sensation, and one he'd sorely missed. It reminded him of times spent with his dam while just a wee colt, when she'd ruffled his hair and told him he'd someday find a mare of his own to stable.
Ronin mentally shook his head. Despite his mother's prediction, he'd never been interested in mares or mating. His focus had been on the military life with his brothers-in-arms. He'd striven to be the best soldier and leader to those who depended on him. It had been all he needed.
Until now.
Ronin's gaze rested on the bunching muscles of Sedgewick's arm and an unbidden desire for touch welled up in his chest. Ronin wanted Sedgewick by his side and in his barn, sharing the military life with him. Even if he does make a terrible soldier. He took a breath to say something, but an uncharacteristic fear closed his throat. Fear that Sedgewick would find his interest unwelcome. The buckskin stallion had never shown a proclivity for male-male interaction.
Please, Goddess, give me this one chance.


I hope you enjoyed and this story will be available at the end of January 2015. But let's get to the good stuff - GIVEAWAYS! I'm offering a Siobhan Muir A Year's Worth of Romance 2015 wall calendar and a Siobhan Muir coffee mug to two separate winners. All you need to do to win is comment with an answer to this question: What new beginning are you going to try in 2015?


Leave your email address or Twitter handle (so I can contact you if you win) with your comment. The giveaway goes from December 31, 2014 to January 4, 2015 6:59 pm EST, and is open to U.S. and Canada only. You must be 18 yrs or older to win and please void where prohibited. Hopefully you came from Karen Michelle Nut's blog and if you click on the button below, you'll move on to the next blog and the next chance to win.

Happy reading!


Friday, October 24, 2014

#SpankorTreat: Under Her Spell


SPANK OR TREAT 2014

Spank or Treat 2014 is finally here! Visit GoverningAna for the prize list, sign-up sheet, and full instructions. You can win from a prize pool valued at over $1,000, including a Kindle Fire or Nook HD donated by Blushing Books!

Many authors will also offer a contest on their individual blogs.  Your comment on their blogs enters you in both contests! 

How do you play?
  • Visit each blog between Friday, October 24th and Sunday, October 26th to read the stories.
  •  Leave a comment on each blog. You must demonstrate that you have read the entire story. Copy-and-paste or inappropriate comments will be disqualified. You will receive one entry per blog for the grand prize drawing. Note: You must have a minimum of five entries in order to win a grand prize. 
  • If you have visited all of the blogs, visitAna’s blog to sign up for FIVE bonus entries to the grand prize. 
  • Deadline is midnight EST (UTC -5) on Sunday, October 26th!
  • If you successfully completed a previous challenge (Sci Spanks 2014, Love Spanks 2014, Spank or Treat 2013, Spankee Doodle 2013, Love Spanks 2013, or Spank or Treat 2012), you may add “VIP” to your comments.  You will earn THREE bonus entries toward the grand prize.  (Yes, we will be doing this again.  Yes, if you successfully complete the Spank or Treat 2014 challenge you can become a VIP for our next activity!) 
  • If you are a writer of fiction (any kind), add “W” to your comments to be entered in the special author prize drawings. 
  • If you are a Spank or Treat 2014 Ambassador, please add “Amb” to your comments to receive your extra prize drawing. 
  • Visit Governing Ana or any of the participating blogs on Friday, October 31st to find out the lucky winners. Will it be you? We will also announce prizes on the Spank or Treat Facebook page.

Like these events? Want to support your favorite authors? Become a Spank or Treat Ambassador! In exchange for promoting this event, you will receive one extra prize entry, AND you are still eligible to participate and win prizes! To find out the details, sign up on the Ambassador page or message Ameliah Faith on Facebook.

For more information, updates, and a list of participating authors, please visit Anastasia Vitsky’s blog.
  • Like Spank or Treat on Facebook!
  • Tweet #SpankOrTreat on Twitter!
  • Join the exclusive chat with Spank or Treat authors! Message Anastasia Vitsky on Facebook or any of the authors to receive an invitation
For more spanking fun, visit Saturday Spankings for additional snippets.


Okay, now to the good stuff. My story Under Her Spell, will be in the Spank or Treat 2014 Anthology, set to be released in November 2014. Keep your eyes out for that. It will include all the stories from the blog event. In the mean time, you can get your hands on The Beltane Witch, the story that introduces Darius and Phinnius Winterbourne.


Magic, mayhem, and motherhood… a witch’s work is never done, but Sabrina draws the line at the Fae.

After almost two decades as a practicing witch in Cloudburst, Colorado, Sabrina Foxglove is done with men, magic, and the fertility rituals of High Beltane. She’s dealt with all three before and ended up with a young daughter and no partner. Twice. She’s looking forward to a magic-free May Day, with nothing more exciting than making brownies for a kindergarten class and decorating a May Pole. She definitely doesn’t have time for a handsome, Fae-touched man.

After almost two centuries as the human chamberlain to the Fae’s Summer Court, Darius Winterbourne is a man accustomed to getting his way. So when the Summer Queen tasks him with finding a witch to perform the annual rituals and strengthen the ancient warding magicks, he figures it should be easy. He doesn’t expect Sabrina’s hardheaded refusal, her untrained abilities, or his attraction to her. With less than a week to Beltane, he must gain Sabrina’s trust before he loses his home, his position…and his heart.

To have a chance to win my $10 Amazon Gift Card, please leave a comment with your name and email address or Twitter handle with the answer to this question: If you could have any kind of guardian pet like Kendra's morgira demon, what would you choose? You must be 18 years or older to win, please void where prohibited. Good luck and thanks for playing. Happy reading!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

New Release - In the Blind by S.J. Maylee

Thank you so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here talking about my new release, IN THE BLIND. It’s the first book in my new series, CLUB BLIND. The concept is simple and erotic. You won’t be able to see at Club Blind, but you’ll be able to feel, bringing you to new heights of pleasure. When the eyes are blind, it’s amazing what the heart can see.

Today, I’m sharing five things about IN THE BLIND.

1.     Rob, the hero is a much sought after Application Developer. He loves to dominate and he’s crushing on our heroine. He’s thought about her daily. Not only was she easy to talk to, but she has the most beautiful brown eyes, something his best friend hears about constantly.
2.     Jane, the heroine is struggling to lift her recruiting business to the next level. Rob, the guy she met a couple months ago will be perfect for the latest job opening she’s trying to fill and she hopes he’s right for her too. She’s been brave in her professional life and now she’s determined to go after the man she wants, but she can’t seem to find her way.
3.     Club Blind may be a new series, but its stories will interweave with my Love Projects series. In fact, this first book has many clues about my next Love Projects story.
4.     In the Blind is a story within a story. You’ll get to follow Rob and Jane on their path while they get a second chance to find the love their needs are craving.
5.     In the Blind is a hot read. It starts with our heroine having blind passionate sex and ends with … oh, I can’t tell you that, but it’s delicious.

There are a few things to get you acquainted with IN THE BLIND. I hope you get a chance to read it and that you love it like I do. Thank you so much for having me here today. I love talking about my stories.


In the Blind (Club Blind #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Published: October 15, 2014

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-77233-066-3


IN THE BLIND Blurb:

Jane thinks she’s ready to take the risks her business and love life desperately need. Rob’s still punishing himself for a broken relationship that wasn’t meant to last. When the pair let an opportunity pass them by, fate steps in and throws them back together.

An evening of pitch black unrestrained passion at Club Blind opens her eyes to life’s possibilities. Now, if they don’t fight past their personal demons, they might never truly discover what they need most. If they can open their hearts, it might lead them directly to each other where they can discover their truth. If not, they may forever stay in the blind.

Where you can find IN THE BLIND:


IN THE BLIND Excerpt:

The door continued to open every few minutes. Finally, the woman in front of Jane was taken away. She could see nothing past the door besides black. Until the door closed, she continued gazing into the darkness. How would the loss of sight change the experience? Would she feel more? What would he feel like? Nerves shook through her limbs, and sweat tickled her palms.
The door opened, and she stood straight as a statue. This was crazy. She searched for pockets in her robe. When she found none, she swallowed back a curse.
The escort stopped in front of her. “Are you having second thoughts?” He shifted the goggles higher on his forehead.
“Maybe.”
“Would you like to step back and wait to go or ...” He stepped back and cracked the door open. “Sometimes it helps to hear the sounds of the other participants.”
She closed her eyes and took in the moans and let her mind drift to what her body would feel like to make her make those kinds of sounds.
“I don’t want to pressure you. Tell me what you want.”
“Thank you.” She opened her eyes and took a step towards him. The only way was forward. “I’m ready.”
“Good for you.” He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Come on, I’ll take you to the lucky one, for tonight.” He winked and tugged her forward.
Once the door closed behind them, Jane was surrounded by unending black. She looked around, but there was nothing, no end to the darkness. A nervous shiver danced along her spine, followed by thoughts of haunted houses. What would she find around the next corner? Her escort tugged her forward, bringing her back to the night's purpose.
She needed to remember why she was here. She needed to live in the moment. There was a good chance she was about to touch the man who would give her release.
They slowed, turned a corner, and after a couple more steps they stopped. She swallowed the lump in her throat when her escort placed her hand into another’s.
“Enjoy.” He squeezed her shoulder, and she sensed his presence leave the space.
A pull on her hand forced her feet forward a couple of steps. She stopped just as abruptly when she bumped into a hard chest—the man of the hour. This man would touch her soon, but he wasn’t yet. He was only holding her hand. Her breasts moved with her uneven breathing, and her nipples scraped against his chest.
Why wasn’t he touching her? Was he nervous, too, or having second thoughts? She reached up in curiosity to make sure he wasn’t wearing a pair of night-vision goggles, but only found soft hair. She followed the section of hair to above his shoulder and continued onto smooth skin and around his shoulder to his bicep thick with muscle. Her heart thumped, and her breath quickened as moisture covered her needy pussy.
She breathed deeply, taking in his delicious musky scent. Her hand wandered to his chest and found more of the same, firm skin rounding over firm muscles. A warm hand landed over hers and held her hand tight to his chest. A nose tickled her ear.
“Do you like?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“I’d like to explore you now, okay?”
“Yes, please.”
She pushed out the breath she held and worked to breathe normally. His hand landed softly on her cheek, fingertips caressed her chin, and then up to her temple. The gentle touches raised a long sleeping yearning within her, and she leaned into his touch.
His thumb swept across her bottom lip. Curiosity wore away her reserve, and she let her tongue reach out and taste his fingers. One digit pushed into her mouth, and she sucked lightly, enjoying his clean taste.
The finger left her mouth, a second of waiting, and then his mouth crushed down on hers. His lips were firm and demanding, feeding her hunger. He ran his fingers through her hair, and then his warm wet tongue swept through her mouth. Back and forth, deep, then gentle, their tongues dueled. She explored more of him as her need to know him intimately soared.
His touch lingered around her shoulders and down her sides. When he found her ass, he kneaded the globes. The kiss ended as abruptly as it started, leaving her wanting.
She heard nothing but the driving rhythm of the music, each track feeding right into another. The current song enchanted her, and her hips swayed. No one could see her, so there was no reason for self-conscious thoughts. The brilliance of the club hit her with full force. It didn’t matter who she was or who he was. Tonight, they celebrated life and the pleasures they could bring their bodies. Everyone deserved pleasure. Even her.

S.J. MAYLEE Bio:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.


GIVEAWAY:

SJ’s giving away one $20 Amazon gift card and two swag packs (book covers, bookmark, pen, zipper pull, and handmade beaded keychain or purse charm with book cover charm). TO ENTER: answer the question on this blog post and then click on the rafflecopter. QUESTION: Many believe blindness can increase your other senses. What do you think it would be like to be in a pitch black club like Club Blind? a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 10, 2014

5 Questions of a Historical and Erotic Romance Author: A.S. Fenichel


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Today I have the honor of hosting historical romance author A.S. Fenichel with her newest release, Wishing Game! I met A.S. on Six Sentence Sunday when she shared her snippets of her Mayan Destiny series. She had me hooked with her storytelling and hints of magic. I’m absolutely delighted to have her here on my blog.

Welcome, A.S. Thank you so much for being with me today.

A.S. : I’m delighted to be here, Siobhan. You were so wonderful to ask me.

What started you on the path to becoming a romance author and what did you do before that?

A.S.: My mother always said I was Pollyanna. I always believed everything would be all right as a child. I still do. I guess my way of insuring the Pollyanna attitude can continue, is to write books that must end in a “happily ever after”. For me, if the story doesn’t end in an HEA then it’s not over yet.

Though I was only published in 2011, I’ve been writing for about twenty years. So before I was published I had a day job. I worked in Customer Service and Logistics for years and then finished off my business career as an IT specialist for the SAP ERP software program.

Congratulations on your release of Wishing Game. Introduce us to the main characters and premise of your story.

A.S. : Thank you. I’m really excited about Wishing Game. This is my second published Regency historical romance. 

Lady Mary Barrow is about to lose everything when her ailing father dies unless she marries before that sad day. Mary gives the impression of a really practical young lady, but she continues to refuse offers of marriage. She makes a wish for a solution to her problems.

Avery is a distant cousin who is the next in line to inherit. He is wealthy in his own right and riddled with guilt for his part in Mary’s ruination. Having been contacted by the old earl and a solicitor, he comes to the estate in hopes of being of service.

Did something in particular inspire this story?

A.S. : Ellora’s Cave had a Regency book call for submissions. I love the idea of two people living within circumstances that should rip them apart and feed into a mutual hatred. Then you thrust them together and see what happens.

Wishing Game is a Blush romance from Ellora’s Cave, a departure from most of your other books. Why did you choose to write this sweeter romance?

A.S. : As I said, EC “called” for sweet historical. I wrote Christmas Bliss for the 2012 Christmas season and I loved writing that sweet book with all the rules and customs of the Regency ton. I do love writing erotic romance as well, but there’s something about the innocence of a cotillion story that I will always go back to. It’s a nice departure and a challenge to create a warm and engaging romantic story without the use of sex or graphic language.

What other projects are on the horizon for you that we’re likely to see?

A.S. : I hope you’ll see them all. ;) I just finished the second book of a series that began with Kane’s Bounty. It’s a paranormal erotic romance about psychics in law enforcement. I’m pretty sure the series will be called “Psychic Mates”. Joshua’s Mistake is book two and will come out this spring. I’m under contract with Ellora’s Cave to write two more for that series and I’m nearly finished with book three, Training Rain. I hope it will hit the virtual book shelves in the late summer 2014.

I have more going on that I can’t really talk about yet. I can say, I just agreed to write a big paranormal historical romance series. I expect to see the first book available summer 2014. As soon as all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, I will be shouting it from the highest mountaintops.

Thank you for joining me today, A.S., and we look forward to all your upcoming releases!

A.S. : It’s been my pleasure to join you, Siobhan. Thank you very much.

If you’d like a copy of Wishing Game, you can find it at:

And be sure to check out Ms. Fenichel’s other releases. Ellora’s Cave  Amazon    BN

Ms. Fenichel is gracious offering an ecopy of Wishing Game to one lucky commenter. Leave her a comment and a valid email address or Twitter handle. The giveaway is open internationally and goes from Monday March 10 2014 to 8:00 pm Pacific time Wednesday March 12.

You can find Ms. Fenichel at:







An Excerpt From: Wishing Game

Copyright © A.S. FENICHEL, 2014

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

It would be easier to hate Avery Townsend, if he weren’t so damned nice. And why did he have to have those arresting, amber eyes? They reminded her of a painting she’d seen of a lion. She couldn’t tell if he was about to devour her or cuddle her as if she was one of the barn cats. 

Why was he encouraging her to marry? If she had a husband, he would have no inheritance. “My cousin would marry me if I wished it. He and I are very close, more like brother and sister.” 

He made a sour face. “I suppose it is not a very appealing prospect to marry a man you think of as a brother.”

“No. However, if I were smart I would do it anyway.”

He frowned. Could it be he really was worried he would lose the lands and house? The tea arrived and she did not ask the incredibly forward question. Once the maid had left the parlor, Mary poured the tea. 

“You could stay here, cousin.”

Her heart thumped wildly. “What, in this house, after my father is gone and you are the owner?” 

He did not look up from his cup. “Yes.”

“As what, exactly, Mr. Townsend?”


His strange eyes lifted and his gaze settled on hers. She had no idea what the man was thinking. “Exactly as you are now, if you choose. I shall not put you out of your home.”

“And where will you be, cousin?” She used the familiarity he requested but bit out the word so there was no doubt of her distaste. 

He stood up and moved toward the window. The rain continued to pour down. “I shall not trouble you much more than to stop and check the accounts from time to time.”
Her entire body grew hot with rage. Her voice rose in both volume and pitch. “Am I to be your mistress? Do you think me so desperate?” 

His neck grew red. When he spoke there was no doubt, she had angered him. “You misunderstand me, madam.”

She stood up and carefully placed her tea on the table. “Do I? How will it be proper in any way for me to live in this house after you take possession? It’s already scandalous that you are here before my aunt arrives.”

“It is your house.” His voice rose over hers. 

She took a step forward, refusing to be intimidated by any man. “No, sir. That is where you are wrong. When my father dies, you have the happy luck to be the heir to Heartshorn. If I stayed, the neighborhood would be aghast.” She took a deep breath. “I hope you will keep the staff on. I would hate to see them out of work after serving the Earl of Westbridge most of their lives.”

He crossed to her and stood towering over her with only inches separating them. His eyes flashed with danger, but she held her ground. Her heart raced and fear rushed to every nerve. Had she gone too far? She must learn to control her temper and stay her wicked mouth. 

She thought he might strike her, but his hand came up and touched her cheek with a gentleness she wouldn’t have equated with the man or the situation. She watched his Adam’s apple bounce several times. His mouth opened and closed and his eyes flicked from her mouth to her eyes. 

Mary could not have moved if the roof had caved in on her. She was in a trance.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment and when they opened, she could see his temper was quelled. “Forgive me, cousin.”

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Saturday Souvenirs - What IS it? An unusual #Giveaway


Good morning. It's been awhile since I've posted a Saturday Souvenir, but this is the first Saturday of the year and it would be fun to play "Guess the Gift". I think if you can correctly guess what it is in your comment on this post, I'll give the winner a swag bag full of conference swag and books. Sound good? Okay.

I received this item for Christmas this year from my 94 year old grandmother and I believe it's in its original box...from the 1970's. Here's the picture on the box.


I stared at it a long time, trying to figure out if she sent me this thing that looked like a hairy vagina because I'm an erotic romance author. In fact, it didn't look much better OUT of the box.


But then I remembered she'd once asked me if I still "wrote those stories with those nasty bedroom scenes" in them, and I figured she wouldn't be so crass. There were more pictures on the box, so I tried to guess from those what it was.


Still no clue, I read the product name in hopes it would shed some light.


Yeah, not exactly synonymous with anything I know. But then, I didn't live in Germany. In the 1970's. Or now, for that matter.

So, do you know what it is? Can you guess before you do an internet search? Comment on this post with your guess and a valid email address or Twitter handle, and I'll randomly choose a winner from the correct answers. The giveaway goes from Saturday Jan 4 2014 to 11:59 pm Pacific Friday Jan 10 2014, and is open internationally. You must be 18+ years to win and please void where prohibited.

So, have you used your Fluppi today? ;)

Monday, December 9, 2013

Author Spotlight: Mellanie Szereto, Contemporary Romance Author and Giveaway


Good morning. Today I have to opportunity to introduce multipublished author Mellanie Szereto. I found Mellanie on Facebook when I realized her name means "Love" in Hungarian. We started talking about geology and cooking Chicken Paprikas. Which brings me to Mellanie's new release, Love Served Hot. Flynn Hastings is getting back in the kitchen and Lilith Montgomery is just the person to show him what's cookin'. Mellanie has generously offered an excerpt and a giveaway for you to enjoy.

But first, the Blurb for Love Served Hot:

As acting director of her uncle’s retirement village, Lilith Montgomery must hire a chef for the new restaurant. She’s interviewed several candidates, but instantly decides on the sexy Irishman whose culinary creations give her foodgasms. Her rotten luck with relationships makes her determined to resist her attraction to him, even if it means sneaking into the kitchen at night for a taste of his delectable entrées.

Flynn Hastings is finally getting his life back on track after a year of anger and guilt over his sister’s death. He’s returned home to be near his family and has found the perfect job—with one small problem. His boss makes him want to cook in more than the kitchen. Putting aside his hard and fast rule about mixing business with pleasure, he sets his sights on Lilith, hoping their budding friendship turns out to be more than a flash in the pan.

EXCERPT of Love Served Hot:

A glance toward the dark dining room brought him up short as he strolled past. Light filtered onto the carpet from beneath the serving door to the kitchen and through the porthole window.

Had he forgotten to flip off the switch when he left earlier?

He’d been distracted enough.

He backtracked down the hallway to the other entrance. As he lifted his hand to push the door open, a noise came from the other side.

Was that a moan?

Geesh. Please don’t tell me old people are having sex in my kitchen.

And why do I smell tomatoes and basil?

Hesitant about whether or not to enter, he strained to hear another sound.

“More. I want more.”

Was that Lilith’s voice? Did she have a guy in there with her?

Not if I can help it!

He shoved the door open and stepped into the room, shading his eyes against the brightness. A squeak brought his attention straight to the woman in question, her face half hidden behind a tipped-up carryout box. Only her wide green eyes were fully visible. She lowered the container, revealing flushed cheeks and a dab of red sauce on her chin.

He strode into the kitchen, grabbing a towel on his way to the sexiest female he’d ever met. Wiping away the drop of sauce, he bit the inside of his lip to hold in a combination of lust and amusement.

She liked his food.

No, she loves my food.

The week of not showing up for meals in the restaurant had nothing to do with his cooking.

Was she avoiding him because she wanted him as much as he wanted her?

Hope built in his chest—and lower.

Her gaze skittered away from him. “I was hungry. I didn’t have time to eat supper. You said I could help myself whenever…”

He took the licked-clean box from her to set it on the counter. “I did, and you can. Did you enjoy it?”

She nodded slowly, the tip of her pink tongue snaking out to lick the corner of her mouth. “It was delicious.”

The sensual action could’ve been involuntary, but it sent an electrical charge straight to his dick, either way.

Was she delicious too?

The need to know proved too much, and he leaned in closer for his own taste. Sounds like those she’d made deserved to be induced by something a hell of lot more interesting than campanelle and ports.

Soft, full lips met his, stealing his sanity and making his heart race. She raked her fingers through his hair, tugging him against her full breasts as her tongue slipped between his teeth.

Wrapping his arms around her, he held her in place, letting the mixture of spices from the entrée and the sweet flavor of Lilith feed his hunger. He rubbed his tongue over hers, relieved to finally be able to kiss her. Barely keeping a tight rein on his reaction, he rocked his hips forward, rubbing his erection against her hip. Damn, but he wanted to be inside her.

I need to be inside her.

Her hand closed over his butt, guiding him away from her hips and to her center. She arched against him, and a growl escaped him.

Mellanie is graciously offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one luck commenter who answers this question: What is your favorite holiday treat? Please leave a valid email address or twitter handle for us to contact you if you win. The giveaway goes until 11:59 pm Pacific time on Wednesday, Dec. 11 2013 and you must be 18 years or older to win. Please void where prohibited.

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Mellanie's newest release is Love Served Hot, the first book in the Love on the Menu series. Look for Red Hot Pepper and Hot Tamale Nights in the coming months, as well as the short erotic novel series, Love on the Menu…With Extra Spice!

For Mellanie Szereto


When her fingers aren't attached to her keyboard, Mellanie Szereto enjoys hiking, Pilates, cooking, gardening, and researching for her stories. Many times, the research partners with her other hobbies, taking her from the Hocking Hills region in Ohio to the Colorado Rockies or the Adirondacks of New York. Sometimes, the trip is no farther than her garden for ingredients and her kitchen to test recipes for her latest steamy tale. Mellanie makes her home in rural Indiana with her husband of twenty-seven years, their two children, and two cats. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Indiana Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and PASIC.

You can find her here:
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