KISS OR KILL
When an ancient pact is broken, powerful witches who once used their magic to help humanity become the twisted playthings of demons, and the mortal men who once protected the sorceresses become witch hunters, cursed with the longing to spill the witches’ blood: an irresistible craving that will cost witches their lives and witch hunters their souls.
The Wing Slayer Hunters fight this curse, guarding innocent witches until the urge to harm them grows too strong-then they must kill their own. Wing Slayer Sutton West has always honored that vow. His own father killed himself rather than go rogue. But now Sutton is tempted as never before by Carla Fisk, a brilliant psychologist and dynamic witch whose twin sister, Keri, was murdered by rogues.
Bound by blood and passion, Carla and Sutton dare not succumb to their deadly attraction. Yet when a mysterious rogue named Styx joins forces with the demon Asmodeus, witch and hunter have no choice but to work together. For Keri’s immortal soul is at stake-and with it, balanced on a knife-edge, is the fate of humanity itself.

I do a fun segment on my blog (http://www.jenniferlyonbooks.com/) called Wing Slayer Worthy. Wing Slayer Hunters refer to the heroes in my Magic series. They were created by the god Wing Slayer to protect innocent witches while hunting and killing demon (bad) witches. The hunters and witches worked together for centuries until a curse tore them apart, and allowed demons a foothold on earth.

So what makes a man Wing Slayer Worthy?

He must be an extreme alpha, a born leader, willing to make the hard decisions and accept the consequences. He makes no excuses. For example, if his best friend turns rogue and slaughters innocent witches, he will kill him. Then he will bear the emotional pain in silence.

He’s protective. The kind of man who will take a bullet for the women and witch he’s protecting. She’s at risk and he gets her out of danger no matter what the cost to himself. But it goes farther than that to include her cousins, sisters, mothers, friends…anyone who needs his protection.

Loyalty is not a word to these men, but a way of life. They are a group who has committed themselves to fighting against the curse that compels them to kill innocent witches, and they hold one another to that standard without fail. But they also will protect and defend each other. Their bond is true and each of them knows it.

These are hot, sexy, dark and dangerous men, tested time and again and they know how to protect and how to kill.

But do they know how to love? They’ve all been emotionally tortured in one way or another. When they meet the witch who manages to zero in on their one vulnerability, what does a Wing Slayer Hunter do?

At first, he’ll fight it, but while these men are equipped to fight knives, bullets and even some magic, they are helpless against the healing love of a witch.

In SOUL MAGIC, Sutton West is a tank of a man, he grew up rough as a tracker and he’s a self taught computer genius. He’s handled being shot, stabbed, ambushed, you name it and he’s handled it.  Nothing ruffles cold-as-ice Sutton. Then Dr. Carla Fisk, a witch and a psychologist sweeps into his life and turns him inside out. He so confounded he makes a fool of himself in front her mother and his fellow hunters…but it doesn’t matter to a man like Sutton. He’s alpha right to the bone, and when a man like that falls in love…

It’s for eternity. Sutton fights the fiercest battle of his life to save Carla. But he’s a Wing Slayer Hunter, would we expect any less?

So what makes a hero in a book Wing Slayer Worthy to you?

Author Bio:

Jennifer Lyon always wanted to be a witch. When her witch-powers didn’t materialize, she turned to creating magic in her books. SOUL MAGIC is the second book in an enchanting, passionate and supernatural series. Jen’s also has a super secret alter ego known as Jennifer Apodaca, the author of the award winning Samantha Shaw Mystery Series. Visit Jen at www.jenniferlyonbooks.com 

***Leave a comment answering Jennifer’s question about Wing Slayer Worthiness for a chance to win an autographed copy of Soul Magic. Good Luck

Erin, Thank-you for agreeing to an author interview today.

I’m so excited to be here to chat today!  Thanks for having me!

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Anything except what my bathroom scale said this morning!  I am a physical therapist when I’m not writing, a mother of two (even when I am writing!) and have been married for fifteen years.  I live in the Midwest, always have and always will.  My mom is the one who first introduced me to romantic fiction. I love to watch college football.  I’m addicted to the TV show, Glee.  I can’t go a day without a Starbucks frappucino.  I love Will Ferrell movies and am a champion Uno player.

How long have you been writing?

Actually writing?  About ten years.  Seriously writing and trying to get published?  About six years.

What is your writing process like?

Well, ‘process’ is a bit of a stretch :)  I write whenever I can.  Some days I get tons done.  Others, I barely touch it.  I take my laptop everywhere, but that means I have to be careful.  Just because I can have my laptop with me at a kid’s football game doesn’t mean I should!  I write well with noise and distractions though, so if my kids are doing homework or playing Wii, I can be there with them and still get some work done.  I write a lot at night and weekend, like most working mom writers, so have had to give up Seinfeld reruns!

Can you tell us about your newest release No Matter What?

I’d love to!  It’s about Adam, a single dad who insists on always having the best for his daughter, and Jaden, the best pediatric physical therapist in the area.  Adam makes Jaden an offer she can’t refuse—a million dollars to privately rehab his daughter after a life-threatening illness lands her in a wheelchair.  Jaden needs the money to finally finish the new rehab wing at her hospital, so agrees.  But they’re both used to getting their way and they have some real conflicts over what should happen with Emily.  In addition, the attraction between them is there from the moment they meet.  So, there are lots of sparks!  There’s a lot of emotion too with the determined father, passionate therapist and stubborn teenager… but the story is fun and sexy and uplifting!  Jaden doesn’t let things get too sad or melancholy!

This is your first release, correct? What emotions and feelings have you experience this week?

This is my first release!  I’m very excited!  I love this book and am so ready and happy to share with everybody!  Adam and Jaden have really been with me for about six years now, so it’s time for someone besides me and my editor to fall in love with them!

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

My next release will be in April (2010).  That book is Just Right and is the story of a trauma physician and an ER nurse.  I’ve worked in healthcare for more than ten years and it’s so natural for me to write about medical heroes and heroines!

What are you currently working on?

I’m finishing up the third story in a three book series (that starts with Just Right next April).  This one is about the youngest of the Bradford siblings, Sara, who has been in love with her brother’s best friend for years and has finally decided to let him know!

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

My books usually come to me as characters first.  Once I have a hero (or heroine… though usually I meet my heroes first for some reason) then I think about what person they most need in their life.  Finally, I find a way to put them in a situation that will most challenge them!

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?

Oh, I read voraciously!  I will really read anything romance.  I usually pick contemporary over historical, but Julia Quinn is an auto-buy for me.  Don’t even read the back blurb, just pick it up and pay.  Susan Andersen, Lucy Monroe, Lori Foster, Cherry Adair, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Erin McCarthy… all are auto-buys for me.  I like things a little light and fun versus real dark and serious.  I do love Cherry Adair’s suspense though!  And I’m getting more into erotic and paranormals because of my author group, Nine Naughty Novelists (http://ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com/).  I’m lucky to be rubbing elbows with some fantastic writers from different genres from me and really packing my keeper shelf full! J  I do not like any book (or movie) where one of the lead characters dies.  Do you hear me Nicholas Sparks?

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Everything Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julia Quinn, Susan Andersen and Lucy Monroe have ever written.  Seriously.

What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you?

Separate Beds by Lavyrle Spencer.  My mom gave it to me when I was a teenager.  I was hooked on romance from then on.  But I’ve read all of SEP and Julia Quinn at least three times.

If your book was made into a movie, which actors would like to see as the lead characters?

That’s so funny you asked that… my friend and I were just talking about this today!  It’s kind of a tough question… do you go by who looks most like them or who acts most like them?  For Adam, he’s tall, dark, very confident, intimidating to most people.  I’ve always pictured him looking a bit like Pierce Brosnan.  I think Pierce could probably pull it off J.  For Jaden, I think Meg Ryan fits most for me.  She’s petite, blond, upbeat, but passionate. 

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

Well, Jaden has a lot of spunk and I really like that about her.  Plus she gets to have Adam in her bed every night! J  But Emily, Adam’s daughter, is in the midst of having her first boyfriend, school dances, dating… it would be fun to go back to that, for a few days at least!

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

Well, I should say gourmet cooking (my husband’s laughing even as I type that) or cleaning (my dust bunnies are laughing at that—they’re not even slightly nervous!).  I spend time with my kids… we love the Wii, card games, movies, art projects, goofing around.  I love movies, get-togethers with friends, visiting my parents and sister… I am very blessed by people so that’s where I spent my non-writing time.

If you could ask readers anyone question, what would it be?

What is the one thing that makes you keep coming back for more from the same author?

Where can readers find you on the internet?

http://www.erinnicholas.com/,

http://ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com/,

or

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ErinNicholas/

 Thanks for having me, Greta!

***Leave a comment for a chance to win a download copy of No Matter What by Erin. Good Luck

I was reminded that a winner was never chosen for the Cathryn Fox e-book. Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner is:

Taylor Z

There were 28 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Taylor Z
2. Quilt Lady
3. Pamk
4. Zina Lynch
5. Jane
6. Booklover1335
7. Deidre
8. Ro
9. Raonaid Luckwell
10. alba
11. Cathy M
12. Barb P
13. aliciaeflores1
14. Lillie A
15. Billi Jean
16. Armenia
17. Linda Henderson
18. Nikki Duncan
19. Natasha A
20. Lilly Cain
21. Estella
22. Kris Cook
23. Jeanette Juan
24. Amy M
25. flygirl
26. Amy T
27. Karin
28. Joder

Timestamp: 2009-11-03 11:36:10 UTC

I have forwarded your e-mail address to Cathryn who will be in touch with you. Congratulations Again!

Hi everyone! My name is Lillie. I’m a mother, wife, and a book addict. Since I’m very happy with that addiction, I was thrilled when Greta asked me to help out here. Talk about my favorite subject? Yeah, I can totally do that *g*

I read my first romance in fourth grade, when I “borrowed” on of my mother’s old Harlequins and did a book report on it.  My teacher was not amused, my mother was horrified and they set out to change my reading habits. That didn’t work out for them, and here it is a couple of decades later and that is all I read. I need that happily-ever-after! Cinderella gets her prince, the librarian wins the heart of the tough-as-nails Navy SEAL, and the human tames the bad-boy demon. Those are the kind of things that take me to my happy place every time.

Greta suggested that I tell who my favorite authors are but we would be here all day if I did that (my auto-buy list scares me!) so this is a very small list of them.

Sherrilyn Kenyon
Maya Banks
Larissa Ione
Amy Knupp
Jaci Burton
Lauren Dane
Rita Herron
Sharon Sala
Sydney Croft
Julie Garwood
Lora Leigh
Shelly Laurenston
Gena Showalter

Okay, I’ll stop there. I tried to keep it small. Really! And enough about me.

Who are some of your favorites? What books are you looking forward to?

Sometimes a person just needs help and now is one of those times for me.

If you are frequent visitor to my blog, you’ve noticed I haven’t very active.  My Every *Evil* Day Job has been crazy. I’ve had some family issues back in the spring, and I just couldn’t keep it up. I enjoy blogging and bring new authors and books to your attention as well as old favorites. So I’ve asked a friend to come and join me. Please welcome Lillie A.

I met Lillie through the Writeminded Readers Group and has been a very active commenter on my blog. She is active in facebook and twitter. She and I read have a lot in common with what we read with authors & books that we read and enjoy. However we read different authors as well.

She will be on later tonight or tomorrow to introduce herself to everyone so please welcome her.

Eden chose the winner of a download copy of “The Seeking Kiss” and posted in comments.

Lillie A

Please e-mail Eden at eden_bradley @ yahoo.com (without the spaces) to collect your prize. Please include “Winner from Greta’s Blog” in the subject heading.

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of a signed copy of Winter Kiss is:

Amy M

There were 24 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Amy M
2. Quilt Lady
3. Jambrea
4. Pamk
5. Suzette
6. Estella
7. Joder
8. Barb P
9. Jeanette Juan
10. Chelsea B
11. Lisa Freeman
12. Fedora
13. Raelena
14. Deidre
15. Lisa N
16. Raonoid Luckwell
17. Linda Henderson
18. flygirl
19. Lori T
20. Lillie A
21. Jenn E
22. Eva S
23. Wendy
24. Blanche

Timestamp: 2009-11-01 23:16:33 UTC

Please e-mail me at gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your mailing address so I can forward it to Deborah. Please include “Deborah Cooke Book Winner” in the subject line. The winner will have three days to contact me or a new winner wil be drawn.

Please welcome one of my favorite authors, Eden Bradley. Eden is an auto buy & must read author for me. I absolutel love her work. Eden writes erotica and erotica romances for Samhain Publishing, Harlequin Spice, Berkley Heat, Bantam Publishing, and Phaze Publishing.

I am extremely exited that she is her today to talk about her new release THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER.

You can find her at http://www.edenbradley.com/ and her group blog http://www.smutketeers.com/ and on facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/people/Eden-Bradley/785247459.

Shibari…The ancient art of erotic restraint…Its finely-knotted ropes are a turn-on, a sexual experience…and for some, an absolute necessity…

Serving the Master: Desmond and Ava

At a San Francisco sex club called Pinnacle, Ava Gregory seeks something she cannot quite describe. But of one thing she is certain: the moments when feels her most beautiful and complete are when she is tightly restrained in the Shibari ropes. At Pinnacle, she’s paired with a master: Desmond Hale, who thrives on control… But something surprising happens when Desmond binds Ava’s willing body and takes her to the edge of ecstasy. And now, the two are taking their relationship out of the shadows of the club, sharing secrets unleashed and bodies unbound…

Soothing the Beast: Marina and James

An art dealer and Shibari master, Marina has never hesitated to dominate anyone. Until she meets James, a dark, gorgeous, towering journalist who’s survived horrors around the world. James confesses that submission is the only way to clear his troubled mind, but Marina is instantly overwhelmed by his strength and magnetism. To share the pleasures of bondage, something must change between them. When it does, it will come with an explosion of unexpected pleasure—and a relationship that neither could have ever have imagined…

My latest book from Bantam/Delta, THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, was just released, and Greta has been kind enough to have me here to help celebrate! This is a two-part story based on Shibari, the ancient art of Japanese rope bondage. Shibari is complex, beautiful, and sensual. And for those who love the power play involved in rope bondage, it’s a way to bring tying someone up to an entirely new level, because Shibari makes bondage art.

Here in the U.S. it’s often called Western Web, but it is still based on the ancient practice of Shibari. shibari was actually used originally as a sort of torture on prisoners in Japan. Binding harnesses were tied in such a way that the knots hit certain nerve points in order to inflict pain. In the shibari I’ve seen used for bondage/BDSM play, the knots are sometimes placed at certain points to inflict pleasure-a much better way to go about it, IMO! There seems to be a common thread among those I’ve met and those I’ve read about in my research who use shibari as part of their sensual play, several components that are the main goals: aesthetics, restraint, and emotional response.

For those interested in this sort of experience, the aesthetics are crucial. For the ‘top’ (the dominant, or the person doing the tying up), the patterns of the rope can be either very simple and primal, or ornate and complicated. Symmetry can be important to the overall look, as well as in keeping the bottom (the submissive, or the person being bound) from experiencing circulation difficulties. For the bottom, the experience of being decorated in this way can be powerful in itself. Of course, the physical and emotional sensation of being restrained is often important to the bottom. There is a sort of helplessness in being bound that can allow them to give themselves over to the experience, to let go their inhibitions, to give themselves permission to do things they might not otherwise be able to do, no matter how badly they want to.

In THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, James, my hero in Part Two, ‘Soothing the Beast’, has been through some truly horrible experiences in his career as an international news journalist. He’s seen things that have horrified him, things he can’t get out of his head. Things he can’t face, including his anger over what he’s witnessed. Only when he allows Marina to bind him can he let go enough to allow himself to feel his rage at the world. He needs that sense of safety, of containment. And it’s only then that he can finally be free. He opens up to himself, to Marina, and when she lets him out of the ropes, they trust each other enough for him to shift that primal energy into something sexual and powerful.

Not everyone has such an extreme need for restraint. For many it’s simply a fun and erotic experience, but there are always emotional responses involved. There are reasons why people seek out extreme forms of sensual play, and those reasons can vary from one individual to another. In Part One of THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, ‘Serving the Master’, Ava, a true submissive, simply loves to be dominated, loves the symbols involved in being bound. Her needs are more elementary and more sexually-based. There is an emotional process for her in the book, as well, but it’s more closely tied (pun intended!) to the intense connection she feels with Desmond, the dominant rope master she meets, and how the relationship helps her to work through some archaic issues. Ava says in the book:

“I want…to become lost in the ritual of it. In the placement of the ropes. In the act of being bound…I’m looking for release. But we all are, aren’t we? Bottoms? Sexual submissives?” She shook her head. “It’s more than that, though. That part is easy enough. I want…more. I want…perfection. And to be perfect, which are two different things.”

Research for this book was fascinating! I studied Midori’s ‘The Seductive Art of Japanese Rope Bondage’ extensively, as well as ‘Shibari You Can Use: Japanese Rope Bondage and Erotic Macrame’ (I love the title!) by Bridgett Harrington. Both explore the dynamics behind erotic restraint and have gorgeous photography. I also searched YouTube for the Two Knotty Boys videos, which are wonderful step-by-step lessons in knotwork. I’ve done other sorts of research, but maybe I’ll keep some of that to myself…*G*

I’ve also talked to a number of erotica authors about shibari and other forms of rope bondage, and had some fascinating responses!

~Author Sasha White has written a lot of stories with some element of power play, and she wrote about shibari in her book, SEX AS A WEAPON. Sasha says: ‘Often using more than one length of rope to bind, Shibari is more than just aesthetically pleasing. The bottom, or submissive, is immobilized, and often gets pleasure just from the placement and pressure of the ropes.’

She also has some wonderful research links on her website for anyone interested in finding out more.

~Author Kelly Jamieson has an upcoming book with Ellora’s Cave about shibari, and had this to say: “I was intrigued by how it is a journey of self discovery for both top and bottom. The trust there must be between both. Also that the ropes placed in just the right spots can give incredible pleasure. Also intrigued by the sensuality of it – the artistry (my hero is a photographer) the smell of the hemp, the embrace of the ropes. The preparation, planning and anticipation is like prolonged foreplay and it takes women to incredible heights of pleasure.”

~Author Fae Sutherland writes hot erotica with co-author Margeurite Labbe. She says:

My favorite quote is from the Dom in out story MAXIMUM EXPOSURE, a part of Dreamspinner Press’s Games In The Dark anthology. Sebastian, the Dom has Angel, the sub, in the ropes and is standing back silently admiring him and Angel asks him what the point of it is, if he’s just going to look at him (it’s Angel’s first experience with bondage of any kind). Sebastian answers:

“Because Shibari isn’t about restraining you so I can use your body, beautiful though it is. It’s visual. It’s erotic. It’s about turning an already gorgeous man into a breath-taking work of art.” Sebastian reached out his free hand and ran his fingertips down the smooth line of Angel’s taut thigh, down to where the rope bound him. “Orgasm isn’t the goal. Arousal is.”

~Author Kate Pearce wrote about shibari in her book SIMPLY WICKED. She says about shibari:

“I first became fascinated by shibari when I read a post about it from a fellow author on the now defunct Lust Bites blog. I decided I had to get it into one of my novels. I found the perfect character, Captain David Gray in a seafaring naval officer who had traveled the world and visited some interesting spots-and learned some interesting sexual techniques.
Here’s a small excerpt from SIMPLY WICKED when David is showing the main character, Anthony Sokorvsky that sexual pleasure does not have to be ‘tied up’ with pain.”

David took a black silk bag out of the chest and brought it across to Anthony. He slowly untied the silk cords and tipped the contents into his hand.

“This is shibari rope. It can be made of hemp or jute, or in this case, fine linen.” David stroked the carefully tied skein. “I had it dyed red because I like the contrast against white skin. Each rope is about twenty-three feet long. That’s the traditional length, I’m not sure why.”

Anthony stared at the thin red linen, imagined it wrapped around his body and licked his lips.

David smiled. “The aim, I’m told, is not to use any knots. Unfortunately I’m not an expert, so I might need to use one or two. Are you ready?”

The sudden question made Anthony look up from his fascinated contemplation of the rope into David’s calm blue eyes. He swallowed hard.

“Yes.”

“Good. Will you put your hands behind the back of the chair?”

Anthony almost wanted to close his eyes as David knelt in front of him and brought both ends of the rope from under the seat. He positioned Anthony’s knees and ankles against the cold wood of the chair legs and wrapped the linen around his knees, holding them in place. With a practiced motion, he brought the ropes over Anthony’s knees and started cross-binding his thighs to the seat.

Anthony flexed his thigh muscles, and realized the linen wasn’t tight at all. David touched his hip.

“Think of it as like a corset. You have to be completely laced up before you tighten the strings.”

“Ah, that helps,” Anthony muttered. “I’ve always wondered what it felt like to wear a corset.”

***

I think this is a good example of how shibari might work from a practical standpoint. Here’s an excerpt from Part One of my own book, THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, ‘Serving the Master’, to give a different viewpoint:

She waited. Breathless. Dizzy with need, anticipation.

Then that familiar whisper of rope smoothing over rope, and in a moment he was back in front of her, taking her hands from her back, leading her forward.

“We begin now, Ava.”

Her body was loose all over, pliant, as he placed her in the center of the wooden frame. Her mind was absolutely emptying out.

Desmond.

It was only him. Desmond, the ropes, the sensations assaulting her body even before the first rope touched her.

And when it did, she shook, hard, her muscles tensing, then releasing, her sex filling, going wet. And Desmond working so silently as he pulled that first loop around her waist.

He leaned in and asked her, “Do you know anything of Taoist philosophy?”

“No, Desmond,” she whispered.

“I’ll tell you, then, although I’m going to have you read more about it later.” He wound the loop across her back, around the front of her body, crossed the rope over itself; she could feel the motion against her skin like cool silk. But firmer. Lovely. “The main concept, as it seems to me, anyway, is to learn to cease the inherent human struggle against the inevitable. To let go. When I first read of this, it immediately translated into what we do in this lifestyle. Do you see where I’m going with this, Ava?”

“I…I think so. Yes. You mean to give myself over to you. To the process. To yield.”

“Yes, exactly,” he went on, his voice quiet, soothing. “Because the freedom you’re seeking lies within that act of submission. Of total submission. I don’t mean it in the sense of complete slave mentality; that sort of thing doesn’t interest me. When you are not in the ropes I want to be able to have an intelligent conversation with you. I want you to be a thinking, functioning, individual being, not some mindless piece of furniture. But now…when you are under my hand, you must learn not to struggle against what is happening, what you yourself have asked for, what you desire. And what I desire, if that makes it easier for you. This is what you and I will work on together. And we will utilize some tools to get you there. We’re going to start with some meditative breathing. If you’ve done yoga before you may be familiar with this kind of practice. But I want you to put all of that out of your mind. Focus only on my voice. On what the ropes make you feel.”

Oh, she could do that easily enough. Nothing else existed for her already.

“Breathe in, Ava,” he said. “In through your mouth, into your diaphragm, then push the air down into your stomach. Good. Now let it out slowly. And as you do, focus. My voice. Your breath. The ropes.”

She felt the silken pull of the rope against her skin as he wound another length of it over her shoulders, beginning what she knew would be a body harness of some sort. And she let herself sink into the ropes, into the brushing of his fingertips, his knuckles, against her skin as he worked.

If only he would really touch me…

But she was getting ahead of herself.

Focus. Breathe.

Yes, just let herself sink in, give it all over…

“Another deep breath, Ava. Take your time, slowly…yes, that’s it. And again. My voice. Your breath. The ropes.”

***

So, while it’s all about the ropes, it’s also very much about that psychological process each person involved goes through-and this is true even if all you’re doing is a little bedroom play with silk scarves. It’s different for everyone, which is part of the beauty of it, and why writing about bondage, in any of its myriad forms, is always interesting to me.

What about bondage interests you? What about it seems frightening? And can the desire and the fear co-exist? I think it absolutely can, but I’d love to know what you think. And anyone who posts here today is eligible to win a copy of my latest e-book from Samhain, THE SEEKING KISS! This is my hot, erotic urban fantasy-the first vampire fiction I’ve written in over twenty years, and it just came out on October 20^th. You can read about it on my website, or on the Samhain publishing site: http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-seeking-kiss

I hope you’ve enjoyed this bit of insight into the art of erotic restraint. For more information about my latest book, THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, any of my other published work, and news about upcoming books, please visit my website: http://www.edenbradley.com/ . You can also keep up on my latest news, appearances and other events, as well as author interviews and contests, by visiting my group blog, http://www.smutketeers.com/ !

Delaney, thank you for agreeing to an interview today on my blog.

Thanks for inviting me by, Greta. This is a first for me, and it’s kind of fun.

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself?

Well, I’ve been the train-wreck of the Pyr – at least I was until I met Ginger. In KISS OF FIRE, I was nearly killed by the Slayers, but they took my body away. Their leader, Magnus, took me to his academy as an experiment and forced me to drink the Dragon’s Blood Elixir. The Elixir gave Magnus the power to raise the dead – he fed it to lots of dragon shape shifters who had died over the centuries, after hunting down their remains, and raised them as a zombie army to help him in the fight against the Pyr. But I wasn’t quite dead, and he wasn’t sure what would happen.

What happened was that the Elixir really messed me up, but that last remaining spark of life gave me a chance. When Magnus sent me out to kill my own brother, Donovan, in KISS OF FURY, Donovan’s firestorm fed that spark of life and gave me the power to resist Magnus commands. I still didn’t trust myself, though, and didn’t want to injure my fellow Pyr or their mates, so I exiled myself from them in KISS OF FATE.

I was just about to take on a suicide mission – to ensure that none of them ever had to endure what I did – when I met Ginger. She changed everything.

What have you been up to since we last saw you in Erik’s story, Kiss of Fate?

I was tidying up, getting ready to die. I sold my house in the Pacific Northwest and my favorite car, a red Viper. Then I sold my share in the eco-travel business I had with Niall to Niall – that took some time as Niall didn’t want me to leave the partnership. Once I’d divested of everything material, I started to hunt Magnus. I found him in Ohio.

You’ve met your mate Ginger, recently what is she like?

Wow. Ginger is all sparkle and light. She’s a force of nature. She’s positive and powerful and irresistible. I can’t imagine my life without her now.

For those readers who maybe knew to the Dragonfire Novel can you tell us about Dragon Shifters and firestorms?

The Pyr are dragon shape shifters – there are good Pyr and bad Pyr. The bad Pyr are called Slayers. All of us are charged with the defense of the treasure that is the earth and are guardians of the four elements – the Slayers, though, believe that humans need to be eradicated to save the earth. The Pyr count humans among the earth’s treasures.

The firestorm is a mark of a Pyr meeting his destined mate, who is always a human woman. It’s an incredible sensation, and sparks literally fly between the two until they consummate their union and create an heir. A Pyr can only conceive a son with his destined mate – usually these sons are conceived during the firestorm, but those who make a lasting partnership sometimes have more children. A Pyr only gets one firestorm in all his life, that’s one chance to get it right. We age really slowly until our firestorms, then our aging process escalates, becoming more like human aging. Rafferty thinks this is so that we keep step with our mates, since no decent Pyr (in his view) would want to live beyond the lifespan of his mate. I’ve only recently come to understand that point of view, actually, because I can’t imagine being without Ginger. Firestorms that are key to the Pyr’s success in this final battle against the Slayers are usually presaged by a total eclipse.

Because the Slayers have chosen a path that is in defiance of the will of the Great Wyvern, she punishes them with infertility. They don’t get to have firestorms. Few of them are happy with this situation, and it’s pretty common for firestorms – which we can all feel to some extent – to be targeted by Slayers. The best way to short-circuit a firestorm is, of course, to kill the human mate. The Pyr in question, then, has to defend his mate while trying to seduce her and explain his shape shifting abilities quickly. I don’t know about the other mates, but Ginger had a lot to say about her own plans for her future. The firestorm was a serious challenge!

I understand that Deborah Cooke has written about your firestorm experience, can you tell us about this?

A firestorm is so intimate and so powerful – I knew this logically but never really understood it until I had mine – that it’s strange to see it written out for others to read. On the other hand, Deborah has told me that people find firestorms inspiring and love to read about them, so I’m glad to have had mine recorded. I think it was a pretty special one, but I might be biased!

What was it like working with Deborah?

She was pretty tactful, which was nice. I guess she’s written a few books about romantic relationships before – she seemed to know when to disappear and leave Ginger and me alone.

Have you read Winter Kiss yet? What did you think of it?

Well, it’s pretty good. Reading it is a chance to relive the firestorm for me, which was a pretty powerful few days in my life. I missed some bits, mostly things that happened to Ginger when I wasn’t around, so it was cool to read that and have the whole story come together. I think Deborah did a good job of describing the firestorm, but you know, reading about it isn’t nearly as powerful as feeling the real thing!

If Winter Kiss was made into a movie, which actor do you see portraying you & Ginger?

Seeing that I exiled myself from humans for a long time, and have been spending time with Ginger recently – plus working on her farm – I haven’t had a lot of chance to see any good movies. Maybe people have some suggestions. It’s always good to be prepared!

Will readers see any of you or your brothers in the future?

I only have one brother, which is Donovan. He had his firestorm in KISS OF FURY. He and Alex are together and living in Minneapolis – because he’s the Warrior of the Pyr, he usually shows up for the big fights. I was amazed when he came to help me. You know, after what had happened between us, after Magnus had tried to compel me to attack Alex, well, I never thought I’d see Donovan again. And I wouldn’t have blamed him for that – attacking a Pyr’s mate is serious business. But he came to help Ginger and me. It just blew me away. I guess blood is thicker than water. I’m proud to have him as a big brother.

I don’t have any other blood brothers, but the Pyr are close enough emotionally to be my brothers. Deborah has told me that my old buddy Niall will be the next to get his firestorm – but shhhhhh. We’re not supposed to tell him and give it away. WHISPER KISS will be out next August.

Can either of you tell us something about Deborah that readers may not know?

She listens to the stereo when she writes, and she plays the music really loud. The thing is, she always plays Queen. They have a lot of songs I really like, so that’s mostly okay, but hearing “Another One Bites the Dust” when you’re trying to seduce your destined mate really isn’t helpful. Know what I mean?

Is there anything you would like to ask the readers?

What is it with Rafferty? Deborah says you’re all crazy for Rafferty and begging for his story? I mean, he’s a great guy, but what is it about him that makes him so special to you? Is it because he’s the one romantic who really believes in the firestorm?

For more information on Deborah Cooke and her Dragonfire series please visit her website at: http://www.deborahcooke.com/

***Leave a comment answering Delaney’s question about who should playing him & Ginger in a movie or why we (myself included) want Rafferty’s book for a chance to win a copy of Winter Kiss. Good Luck

Laura, Thank-you for agreeing to an author interview today.

Thank you, Greta, for hosting me on your site. It’s a great name, I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want the Book Now. As a reader, I feel that way all the time!

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

I’m an accountant by trade, I work for a professional sports team in Minnesota, and for the last three years I’ve been taking writing classes, attending workshops, and reading everything there is to know about the craft of writing. I set out with a goal of becoming a published author, and chose as my mantra, “You can’t fail if you never quit trying.” With hard work, supportive writing friends, and a wonderfully understanding family, I’ve succeeded.

How long have you been writing?

I started in the ‘80s writing historical romances. I finished one, Capture a Pirate’s Heart, and actually found an editor who read it and gave me great suggestions. Halfway through my second historical, real life stepped in and usurped all my time. It took me until 2006 to find my way back to writing. And I truly love it!

What is your writing process like?

I’m a plotter! I make a detailed outline first, writing whole scenes as they come into my head, and create the darkest moment to give me a basis on which to slip clues and foreshadowing into the prior chapters. Then I start writing from the beginning. I read my work just before going to sleep, then wake in the morning and try to get in an hour or two on the manuscript before I go to work. That quiet time in the morning, with a cup of coffee and my laptop, is precious.

Can you tell us about your new release Secret Vegas Lives?

I’d love to! Dr. Valerie Kane is an eminent psychologist who is at the wrong place at the right time, and is mistaken for a blackmailer by novelist Antonio Daniato. They both swear they’re not the blackmailer, but their suspicions keep them from exploring the intense attraction between them. When they learn to trust each other, the passion is red-hot. But there’s a reason they’re being blackmailed, and when they learn each other’s secrets, their perfect romance is torn apart. Can Valerie convince Antonio to give up his decadent night life? And will Antonio be able to accept Valerie after her surprising revelation?

This is your first release correct?

Yes, it is, and I’m very excited! I submitted to Red Rose Publishing in early January, and a week later, received an e-mail with a contract attached, requesting the rights to Secret Vegas Lives. Now, a short nine months later, I’m e-published. In a few months, Red Rose will release Secret Vegas Lives as a paperback, and I’ll ask Greta to post the word for me on her wonderful blog.

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

My second novel, Scandalous L.A. Desires, is the second book in the series, and stars Antonio’s brother, Dante. It will be released from Red Rose Publishing in 2010.

What are you currently working on?

My work in progress is a story set in Miami, a romance between a Cuban-American man and a young woman from Seattle who inherits her estranged sister’s life – her house, her company, and her sexy business partner.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

I lived in Las Vegas for three years, and traveled back there in 2006 for a bachelorette party. From there, it was easy to create a story of Las Vegas society, and the guilty pleasures of Sin City that fascinate us all. My second book, Scandalous L.A. Desires, was born one morning after I woke from a dream. Dante, a gorgeous Italian artist, and Lindsey, a shy, philanthropic heiress. The Miami book, my work in progress, I concocted after watching CSI Miami for the first time. Whenever my muse strikes me, I pay close attention!

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?

I like happy ever after romances, so I read everything I can find. Lisa Kleypas, Lori Foster, Suzanne Brockman, and all the authors in my writers groups. For the male point of view, I like to read Randy Wayne White, Michael Connelly, and, surprisingly, Jimmy Buffett is a great author, and a favorite of mine.

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Lavyrle Spencer, a retired Minnesota writer, has signed all my hard copies of her books. She’s a fantastic storyteller, and I love her sweet, character-driven romances.

What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you?

I started out with historicals, thanks to Fabio Lanzoni! The first time I saw his face (and the rest of him) on a paperback, I fell in love. I don’t remember the name of that first book, but my all-time favorite historical is Judith McNaught’s Almost Heaven. I read it every few years, and love it more each time.

If one of your books was made into a movie, which book would you like it to be and which actors would like to see as the lead characters?

I would love to see Secret Vegas Lives made into a movie. I attended a seminar a few weeks ago on screenwriting, and I’m hoping to find someone to help me adapt my novel into a screenplay. I see a hunky Italian, like Antonio Sabato, Jr., playing the role of my Antonio. And I guess I could step up and play the female lead! No? Okay, how about Alyssa Milano, my husband’s favorite actress, as Valerie.

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

I would love to be Valerie Kane, Psychologist to the Stars. She earns enough from her therapy sessions with rock stars, actors, and magicians to need only work a few days a week. She spends her free time counseling at a youth shelter. I would love to have more time to volunteer!

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I bike a lot in the summer and on our mid-winter get-aways to warmer climates. I bake incessantly, and have perfected the art of buttercream frosting. And I’m a closet Parrot Head – oops, I guess it’s not a secret any longer! I’m a Jimmy Buffett fan, and belong to the local club. It’s a great organization whose meetings always include a fundraising drive, and donations to needy causes.

If you could ask readers anyone question, what would it be?

Hi Readers! I write a spicy romance, with lots of love scenes. The heat rating definitely falls right in between Sweet Romances and Erotic Romances. Do you like the hot bedroom action, or do you prefer less steamy pages?

Where can readers find you on the internet?

I’ve got two great contests going on right now on my website, LauraBreck.com, I blog every Wednesday at RosesOfProse.blogspot.com, and my e-book, Secret Vegas Lives is available at RedRosePublishing.com.

Thank you so much, Greta, you’re a wonderful host, and a great interviewer! I’ll be around for the next few days, and I look forward to reading everyone’s comments.

***Leave a comment and one lucky comment will win a goodie bag from Laura. Good Luck