All I want and more...: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

Author Interview Montana Mustangs by Danica Winters Bewitching Tours

Montana Mustangs

The Nymph Series Book 2

Danica Winters

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Length: 60k words

Publication Date: May 6, 2013

Heat Level: Sensual, m/f, HEA

A Nymph. A woman with the ability to seduce at will, shift to protect, but cursed with the fate to have the man she falls in love with die a tragic death. As one of the ill-fated nymphs, Aura Montgarten has spent her lifetime drifting from one place to another hiding from love. Until she meets Dane.

When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke is faced with the task of finding the killer—even if it means he will be forced to put his life and heart at risk by working with a drifter. As the truth of Aura’s Mustang-shifting Nymph ways are revealed, Dane learns exactly the amount of danger he and Aura are in, but can’t force himself to leave a case unsolved when the truth is right outside of his grasp.

When the killer decides he needs to take another victim—Dane—Aura must choose between their forbidden love and her immortal life… Can there be life without love, or is death her only choice?

Let's give Ms. Winters a wonderful warm, hussy welcome!

Since you are a new to me author, I am hoping to bring you to the light of others! So share away!

Tell us a little about your book? Well, I could give you the tried and true blurb, but you want something not on Google so—As you can except, I love this book. I have the pleasure of being from Montana and my love the outdoors shaped my writing of Montana Mustangs. I tried to integrate the majestic blues and golden yellows of the mountains and the valleys and the icy fingers of a cold fall wind in our little Northwest corner where we could almost kick a ball and have it land in Canada.

Also, I have a fun relationship with my fans on Facebook—my fans actually named the two main characters Aura Montgarten and Dane Burke based on pictures and descriptions I provided. I love doing this with my fans! So if you are a fan you should expect to take part in at least one round of voting for: “What’s my name?” J

How much emotion does it take from you to write? Great question. This book is a murder mystery/paranormal so as I was writing I had to delve deep into the fear and guilt that comes to those who feel responsible for the kidnapping and possible death of a loved one.

What is your favorite part of the book? There is a scene in which they horseback up a mountainside in search of evidence. I had the unique pleasure of going horse backing into the high mountain lakes of Montana to ‘research’ the scene. It was so much fun—and I caught my limit of fish!

What was your favorite scene to write? There are so many things that come to mind, but I love the opening scene in which the main hero, Dane, finds a hand floating in Flathead Lake.

You can only pick 3 words for your main characters..what would they be? *to describe your main characters* Aura: Headstrong, mysterious, and lonely

Dane: Jaded, determined, and work-centered

Which was the easiest character to write and the hardest ~ and why?? The easiest character had to be Aura—I think I could deeply relate with her need to find her sister and keep her safe. It may be my familial instinct, but I would do the same for someone I love.

How many books are you shooting for in this series?? I’m almost finished writing the next book (the third) in the Nymph Series and am thinking I will need at least two more. I like to leave this up to the needs of my story and my characters.

What are you currently working on? I’m currently working on wrapping up the next book to follow Montana Mustangs.

Do you have anything due to release soon? Montana Mustangs will be released May 6^th, 2013 and then the next book in the series should be released this Fall.

What's one thing that you enjoy about writing? I love writing. Recently I have been mentoring new authors and teaching classes for new authors. It has been so much fun to share my passion for the written word with others. About the actual act of writing, I like starting with a blank canvas and painting a picture with words. Quite often I may have a plan ahead of time for the direction I want to move the story, but as my characters evolve I find the story changes to fit them and their personalities—which is also something which can drive me crazy!

Since we're cover hussies....what was your first impression of your cover? I LOVE my cover. I think the publisher went above and beyond with this book. The background image is of Glacier National Park—which is close to where the book is set.
What do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? I like them both for different reasons. I have long ago run out of space for any more paperbacks so I like that I can access all my books in one little device (and I don’t have to find more bookshelves). However I’m a wee bit nostalgic and love walking into a book store and smelling the fresh scent of ink and paper.

Is there a genre you would like to write but are a little apprehensive to try? I always consider writing romantic suspense, but I like paranormal. My books are along the line of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Series in that they are centered in real life and have elements of the paranormal sprinkled in—some people call this “light paranormal”, so it wouldn’t be a great stretch to simple go all into everyday life, but I would miss the freedom that comes with imagination and mythical creatures.

Okay.... personal time!!!! Oh yeah, I go there... Hahah...

If you thought you were safe... Nah... Forgot it... Not a chance! We will start off slow and easy, I promise!

What is on your night stand/dresser? Floss (boring) and books… Lots of books… They are teetering, but I swear I will get through them all.

What are you listening to you right now? Oh Geez—I’m listening to kids bickering over snacks as they watch Max and Ruby on television. Oh…I think I just saw a pretzel enter a nose. Sigh.

What are you reading right now? I’m reading short stories. I love reading shorts when I’m working on writing. They are single-sitting reads which is nice.

What is your favorite season? Holiday? I love the earthy scents and rich orange and red hues of the fall. Between the season and my writing paranormal romance, it should come as no surprise that my favorite holiday is Halloween (plus, you get candy—how could it get any better?).

And what has been your best b-day present ever?? My husband bought me a Kindle Fire last year. He has since regretted buying it as I’m always reading. We lovingly call it ‘my boyfriend.’

Hard and Quick Time! Don't think... Just answer! Okay, before we go this route, I will get us a refill on our drinks... I will be right back...

You know you do... Quickie time... Think fast....
Are you a quickie kind girl? Yes
Dark or Milk Chocolate? Milk
Whipped or Melted? Whipped
Straight up or with a twist - sex? Twist
What's ur fave drink - in a glass or on him? J Glass
Junk or Health Food? Chocolate
Ties or Chains? Ties
Leather or Lace? Leather
Soft or Hard... Bed, where was your mind? Hard J
Control or Be Controlled? Control
Hot Wax or Whip Cream? Whip Cream
Vampire or Werewolf? Vamp
Twitter or facebook? Facebook
Pinterest..do you pin? Love it J

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. This was a fun interview!

-Danica Winters

The Nymph’s Labyrinth
The Nymph Series Book 1

Danica Winters

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: 12/31/12

ISBN: 1-4405-6223-7

ASIN: B00AKERYRI

Number of pages: 300

Word Count: ~60k

Book Description:

A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed.

A Shape-shifting nymph, Ariadne, is tasked with keeping the truth of her group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of an American archeologist and his troublemaking son. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced to make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put everyone’s lives in danger.

Can Ariadne have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of the past keep her from her heart’s desire?

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/z8e3R9T9-hc

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | All Romance

About Danica Winters

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing). She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Spotlight & Giveaway Dark Flight by Cassi Carver Bewitching Tours

fThe Shadow Slayers, Book 3

Cassi Carver

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication: May 21,2013

ISBN: 978-1-61921-550-4

ASIN: B00B99RJPK

Number of pages: 263 pages

Word Count: 83,000

Cover Artist: Angela Waters

Amazon BN Samhain

In a world of shadows, a pure heart can be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Kara has been training for months to help take down Brakken—the merciless black-wing who is making life hell for the Demiáre. But when Julian discovers a scout has been tracking Kara, he wants her out of the fight—even if it means breaking her heart in the process.

Gavin isn’t much better. He’s already lost so much to Brakken and has no intention of allowing the woman he loves to be the next sacrifice. He and Julian have their hands full trying to fight Brakken’s army and keep Kara safe, especially after her recent visit to the mythical white-wings. Since her return, she’s been acting decidedly…strange.

With a terrible battle looming, Kara doesn’t have time to think about her conflicted feelings for Gavin and Julian—or the fact that she’s developed an unnatural taste for Gavin’s blood. But if she thought it was complicated evading mysterious scouts and fending off vicious black-wings, she’s learning that’s nothing compared to loving two strong-willed men.

Product Warnings:

This book contains angels that aren’t what they seem, a heroine with mad midwifery skills, and a metamorphosis that will change life as we knew it.

Dark Flight Excerpt

Kara dropped into a crouch behind the leaves of a giant bird of paradise as her claws silently pushed through the tips of her fingers. Her thigh muscles burned from the continued strain, but they could catch fire for all she cared. He wasn’t going to get her. Not this time.

When the sound of furtive footsteps approached, crunching softly through the thick, tropical undergrowth, Kara grabbed onto a low-lying branch and swung herself up, then quickly scaled the side of the tree. Her heart beat full-throttle, hammering so hard she hoped he couldn’t hear it. But if his hearing was that good, even the shallow breaths she took might give her away.

The buckskin-clad shape came closer. Head to toe, he wore a suit made of animal skin with a leaf pattern hand-drawn on the material. It was a hunting suit. But Kara didn’t feel like being hunted tonight.

She waited until he was directly under the tree where she hid. His chest and back were strapped with weapons that slowed him just enough to put him at a disadvantage. With a silent, decisive breath, Kara leapt.

Claws extended, she pounced on his back from above, flattening him to the ground under her, crushing a mass of fern fronds under his thick chest. She pulled a knife from his back strap and held it to his throat.

Smiling, she leaned down to whisper above his hooded ear, “Give up, big guy?” If it came out a little throaty and seductive, she couldn’t help it. Victory was a major turn-on. But then again, when it came to Gavin Cross, just breathing the same air was enough to get her hot and bothered.

He shifted under her, and his hulking body had no problem moving her with him. With her knees straddling his hips, she lifted up to allow him to roll onto his back.

“Lady Kara…” the man began, “you have need of me?”

Kara dropped the knife and jumped off, falling to one knee and clobbering a sprig of wild orchids in the clumsy maneuver. “Who the hell are you?”

“Patrick. You don’t remember me?” The warrior sat up and searched her eyes for a moment, but then his confusion cleared, as though he’d finally caught on to what was afoot. “Ah, you really don’t remember me, do you? You simply have need of a man. I don’t mind, my lady. I would be honored to service you.”

It still bothered Kara that his offer lit fuses all up and down her body. If she hadn’t grown up as a regular gal, she probably would have taken him up on his offer. Right here. Right now. Already, his substantial interest was growing.

She stood and brushed the debris from her black jeans. “I’m so sorry, Patrick. I really didn’t intend to…jump you. Lord Gavin and I are doing training exercises out here, and I thought you were him. You may want to hunt somewhere else until we’re finished.” When his brows rose, she added, “Finished training.”

Patrick stood, assessing her with a wry smile, then he retrieved his knife and returned it to its sheath. “Lord Gavin, you say? But he was the one who ordered the hunt.”

“He did what?” But just as she said it, something slammed into her from behind, carrying her blindingly fast through the maze of trees and vines until the blurred image of a clearing appeared.

In the next instant, she crashed into the tall grass face first and rolled onto her back—or was flipped, more like it. The hulking form above her blocked out the light of the moon with his massive silver wings. Her back pushed into the soggy soil, the moisture soaking through her shirt, and a root of some sort pressed against her ribs.

She glared up at Gavin, but with only an inch separating them, his hazel eyes were huge, eclipsing everything else in her vision, and his grin seemed to stretch as wide as his wings. “Gotcha.”

“What was that?” she demanded, but it was hard to yell at him with his lips so close to hers.

He brought a hand to her neck and ran his finger slowly across her throat. “If I had a knife, you’d be dead. I win again.”

Kara’s hands found his waist of their own volition. “No you don’t. You cheated. You sent a horny hunter into our training ground. I thought he was you!”

His breath was sweet and spicy, and the corners of his eyes crinkled with soft lines as he smiled. “Cheating is irrelevant when it comes to life and death, princess. Don’t expect integrity from those who want you dead.”

Her hands raked over the bare skin covering his ribs, until she curled her fingers into her palms to keep from touching him again. “Okay, that one doesn’t count.”

Gavin laughed and pulled her to her feet. “It counts. That’s three hundred sixteen for me and seven for you.”

“Shit,” she ground out. “Let’s try again.”

He reached out and adjusted her damp black T-shirt so that it lay smoothly against her chest. “You’re not ready, Kara.”

She batted his hand away. “So I can’t flash like a silver-wing. That doesn’t mean I’m defenseless.”

She’d killed his brother, who was incredibly strong for a silver-winged fallen angel—but she didn’t think there would ever be a right moment to throw that in Gavin’s face. Besides, he’d just tell her that his brother hadn’t been an almost invincible black-wing like the beast they were planning to bring down now.

“We’ve done enough for one night. Let me take you home. It must be almost three pm in San Diego, and you said you had to work tonight.”

Now that Kara was officially part of the Mercury Clan—a band of more than three hundred fallen angel hybrids—Gavin had finally confided that Mercury Island was located in the Seychelles chain of islands. Albeit, with all the wards and defenses, there wasn’t a good chance of a fisherman or passing cruise ship catching on to that fact.

Being halfway around the world from San Diego, it was almost twelve hours off from where she called home. Three pm in San Diego meant she’d kept Gavin up all night here on Mercury Island.

“Yeah, I do have to work. And you need to get some rest.”

He wrapped his arms around her, preparing to flash. “Have you thought about my offer?” As he asked, they began to dissolve. He carried her through the inky tar, and a moment later, they were standing on the balcony off her living room overlooking downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

She let the nausea and the boneless feeling pass before she answered. “I can’t.”

He growled and released her. “No lady of the Mercury Clan needs to work. I have enough resources to keep you comfortable from now until the Armageddon. Did I ever mention that Teras’s daughter working at a bar for minimum wage and paltry tips is just plain absurd?”

“Only about a dozen times. Don’t you ever get tired of this subject, Daddy Warbucks? I know I do.”

“Your father was my king, Kara. How can I hold my head high when I’m not caring for his only daughter?”

Kara reached up—way up, given Gavin’s six-foot-seven-inch frame—and patted his cheek. The dark blond stubble along his jaw was just starting to poke through and it tickled her palm. “You’re so cute when you go all protect-and-provide on me, but I gotta get ready for work now. Bye.” When she wiggled her fingers in farewell and turned to enter the apartment, Gavin slapped her on the rump. She yelped and dashed into the living room.

“Brat!” he called after her, and then he flashed.

And with the sting his hand left on her ass, he was lucky he did.

She growled and swallowed down her body’s reaction to her golden-haired protector. Since her lover,

Julian, had called things off three weeks ago, bringing Kara’s sex life to a screeching halt, her starving body couldn’t handle even grappling or sparring with Gavin without her wanting to unstrap his weapons belt to unsheathe his broadsword.

She sat hard on the edge of the sofa and ran a hand over the side of her throbbing backside. What if she did quit her job? What if she took her place on the island as a lady of the clan? What would it be like to trade her boots and jeans for island wear and an ever-present supply of men eager to do her bidding?

As it was, she wondered how long could she pine for Julian, hoping he’d reconsider—and not just for the sake of her broken, humiliated heart, but also for how effective his attention was at helping her control her raging libido.

Truth was, females of Kara’s kind didn’t do well with abstinence once they’d reached her age. Hell, they didn’t even attempt it. And now more than ever Kara could see why.

She began to pull off her boots, but her face was angled toward the balcony window, pointing towards Mercury Island however many thousands of miles away. “Celibacy sucks!” she shouted.

But unfortunately, rolling around with Gavin Cross in a totally different exercise couldn’t happen until they’d accomplished their primary objective—sending that black-wing bastard Brakken to the Abyss before he got hold of Gavin’s only child.

*******************

Shadow Rising

The Shadow Slayers, Book 2

Cassi Carver

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication:

September 25, 2012-digital

August 6, 2013-print

ISBN-10: 1619213648

ISBN-13: 978-1619213647

ASIN: B00B99RJPK

Number of pages: 272 pages, print

Word Count: 82,000

Cover Artist: Angela Waters

Amazon BN Samhain Sony

Book Description:

Her lover is back from the dead…but now there’s hell to pay.

When Kara Reed learns her bondmate, Julian, is truly dead, and that Gavin has seemingly skipped town, she figures things have hit rock bottom. But soon, a string of bizarre accidents has her doubting those closest to her. And to make matters worse, the demon-king’s brand carved into her best friend Abbey’s stomach is deteriorating by the day.

Then a powerful coven of witches issues Kara an ultimatum. Bring them the blood of a true fallen angel—the only thing that will heal Abbey—or die. Kara would do anything to help her friend. Problem is, the only fallen angel she’s seen lately is the disoriented black-wing who attacked her scouts. One who looks suspiciously like Julian. Getting his blood might be easier if he was more interested in kissing her than killing her.

Caught between a coven of vengeful witches and a murderous dead lover, Kara must deliver the blood, heal the slow poison of Abbey’s brand, and save Julian from being consumed by the Abyss. But to do this, she may need the help of the one man she swore never to trust again…Gavin.

Product Warnings:

This book contains an angry demon returning from the dead, a clan lord hiding a terrible secret, and a hunted heroine cracking open a can of whoop-ass. Watch out for creepy kitties, exploding bad guys, and some very sudsy shower sex.

******************

Slayer's Kiss

The Shadow Slayers, Book 1

Cassi Carver

Genre: Erotic Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication: Feb 14, 2012-digital, Feb 5, 2013-print

ISBN-10: 1609288947

ISBN-13: 978-1609288945

ASIN: B0061SNX8G

Number of pages: 272

Word Count: 86,000

Cover Artist: Angela Waters

Amazon BN Sony Samhain

Book Description:

When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

Slayer's Kiss , The Shadow Slayers, Book 1

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.

When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Product Warnings:

Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”.

Cassi Carver lives in sunny Southern California with two dogs, four kids, five chickens, and one hubby who gives great massages. She gets to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for research (okay, happy hour) as often as possible. She’s never saved the world, but she keeps sexy boots on hand just in case the opportunity arises.

When Cassi isn’t busy plotting or writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, caring for pets, getting outdoors, and watching sappy movies that deliver reliably happy endings.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassiCarver

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CassiCarverAuthor

Website: cassicarver.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5307736.Cassi_Carver

***Giveaway Time***

Ms Carver is giving away 1 digital copy of Dark Flight...
All details on the form...
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!