Please Welcome Shelli Stevens

Shelli, Thanks for agreeing to be a guest on my blog.

Thanks for having me! I’m excited to be here 🙂

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Well, let’s see. I’m a single mom living in the Pacific Northwest and completely addicted to volunteering for things (like being president of my local RWA chapter!).

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a young teen (complete crap then, but I loved it!), and started seriously writing to get published in my early twenties.

What is your writing process like?

Let’s see, I’m a bit of a cross between a pantser and a plotter. Though, now that I’m working more on proposal, I’ve become a plotter. I tend to purge the first few pages then delve into the synopsis. I also write at night when the kid is asleep.

You have two new releases coming out Take Me and Luck Be Delanie, can you tell us about both of these?  

Take Me is my first Kensington Aphrodisia release. It’s a very hot futuristic romance that I loved to write. It’s got a lot of action, sex and is romantic at the same time. Luck be Delanie is the second release in my Chances Are series (the first was Anybody but Justin which released in May). It’s a contemporary romance about a couple who might just find love when they’re given a second chance.

Do you have any other books coming out this year?

I do! I’m also a part of the Aphrodisia anthology Sexy Beast VII with Kate Douglas and Anitra Lynn McLeod, which releases September 1^st. Then I have the third book in my Chances Are series, Protecting Phoebe, releasing in November.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a couple of proposals that I’ve sent to my editor. Hoping I get a green light!

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Everything and anything. Seriously, I can be walking down the street, see something, and I’ll just get inspired.

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

Cherry Adair and Karin Tabke are on my autobuy. But I read so many people and such a variety. I love historical (especially medieval) even though I don’t write it! I adore Lora Leigh, Jane Porter, and so much more. I’ll read anyone if the plot catches my interest.

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Hmm. My latest one I kept was Wild Card by Lora Leigh. It was just so hot and romantic and sweet. And with a bit of action. Loved it. I also kept my signed version of Jane Porter’s Flirting with Forty because it was so fabulous. Really I have a couple of shelves of keepers.

Do you read books other than romance books?

I do. Sometimes I love a good action or suspense book (I got hooked on Daniel Silva for a bit!). And then just a good fiction book can grab my interest. But I have to say I avoid downer books, meaning anything that’s going to leave me depressed. I read for the escapism. I don’t want too much reality.

What was the first romance book you read?

Hmm. It was a Harlequin Presents I grabbed from my mom’s shelf. I can’t remember the title (something to do with a girl getting stranded on an island or something), but I loved it. My eyes were like half dollars the whole time. I read every romance novel on my mom’s shelf after that, and then filled out the form to join the Harlequin book club. I think I got in trouble for that part! LOL.

 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?

Hmm. I’d love my novella in Sexy Beast VII to be turned into a movie. Or Take Me. Both have good underlying action storylines. Of course they’d have to be toned down heat wise 😉 And as to actors. Hmmm. Maybe Gerard Butler or Joaquin Pheonix (pre-hippie zoned out days). Actresses, I’m pretty easy. 😛

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

Hmmm. Probably Madison from Dangerous Grounds. She’s fit, rich, and falls for a sexy cop who’ll do anything for her.

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

I’m out talking walks, enjoying being out doors. If I get the chance to travel I love sightseeing historic places. I just love getting out and doing things. But if I’m not outside, chances are I’ve gotten sucked into the internet 😉

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

Are there any genres you wish had more books on the shelves? Or that you can’t find anymore?

For more information on Shelli Stevens and her books, you can visit her website at http://www.shellistevens.com/ and she blogs regularly at http://www.naughty-and-spice.com/.

***Leave a message answering Shelli’s question for a chance to win a download copy of her book Anybody by Justin. Good Luck 🙂

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Dana Marie Bell is talking about I.Q.’s & her characters today

ISBN: 978-1-60504-632-7
Length: Category
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: July 28, 2009
Buy from MBaM

He’ll fulfill her wildest fantasies… but only if she believes.

The Gray Court, Book 1

Leo Dunne has been searching his entire life for the one person born just for him. He finds her working in his own company, but the shy little Ruby Halloway constantly hides from him. He hatches a devilish plot with her best friend to bring her out of her shell, and the result proves her desire is more than a match for his own.

Ruby has had the hots for her boss for some time now, but she knows business and pleasure shouldn’t mix. While that can’t stop a girl from dreaming, she sticks by her guns and does her best never to be alone with the handsome CEO. Until the company masquerade party, where she discovers a passion with him that leaves a mark on her soul.

A family emergency calls Leo away, and rather than spend one night out of Ruby’s arms, he convinces her to go with him. With his brother’s life on the line, it’s vital she learn how to deal with who, and what, her new lover really is…before it’s too late.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, a bit of bondage, and a Sidhe Lord determined to claim and protect what is his.

When I was asked if I’d like to do another blog spot for I Do Not Want To Wait, I asked what they’d like me to talk about. The first thing said was, “How about a blog on the I.Q.’s of your characters from the new book coming up as well as some of your more popular characters such as Bunny, Emma, Max, Simon, Adrian, and Becky. Does their I.Q. change when they shift?”

Uh. Hmm. Interesting question. I’ve never taken an IQ test pretending to be a character (I’m not sure those blogthing tests I’m addicted to count, especially after they told me my porn star name should be Sandra Spunk).

As for the I.Q. of the fae and the Norse gods? They’re as smart as you or I, even the ones who shift shape. In them, they’ll assume the shape, but don’t have the animal spirit. The only one who might be said to have bonded with an animal would be Fenris, the werewolf son of Loki in the True Destiny series. He’s a much more even mix of animal and man than the shifters in my Puma series.

The one thing the fae and the gods have that the shifters don’t? Longevity. The Sidhe live for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, as do the gods. Both can be killed (one of the few mythologies where the gods can be killed is the Norse one), but unless that happens they have quite a long time to learn and grow if they so choose. Not all of them do, of course.

Unlike the fae, the shifters have two I.Q.’s. Shifters in my stories have the spirit of the animal bonded to them. They’re men who become animals, not animals who become men. The man is always in charge. But the animal has some definite opinions and isn’t shy about being heard. For instance, in the case of mates the animal spirit knows before the human one does and will let the man know in terms that usually involve growling Mine a lot.

Can the animal take over? Certainly. Becky had that problem in Sweet Dreams when she first shifted. She had to take control back from her Puma or face some nasty consequences. But does that mean that the animal spirit could take over the man? Maybe. But I think people would notice, especially in a Wolf. Could you picture a man, sitting in front of his fire, lifting his leg and trying to… well, use you’re imagination. Let’s just say I think that guy might starve to death.

So where does that put my characters? If I had to say who’s the smartest it would probably be Max from The Wallflower. The man’s a doctor and knows what’s what. I absolutely refuse to rate who is dumbest. Certain people with things like claws and fangs might come and kick my butt if I try. 

For more information on Dana Marie Bell and her books, you can visit her website at: http://www.danamariebell.com/ or you can visit her at her blog  http://danamariebell.blogspot.com/.

***Leave a comment asking Dana about her characters or I.Q. for a chance to win a dowload book from Dana. Good Luck 🙂

Rita Herron says demons aren’t romantic?

IN LOVE WITH A DEMON?

No.     

Demons aren’t romantic. They have fangs, wings, scales, hideous features, can shapeshift into all kinds of creatures, stalk the night and prey on innocents.

They don’t bring you flowers or candy. Sweep you off your feet with romantic compliments or gestures. Or impress your parents with their nice manners.

Some of them even have super powers. Evil urges. Crave sex constantly. Indulge in wicked fantasies.

Have dark hungers.

So why would a smart, tenacious reporter like Annabelle Armstrong fall in love with one when she is out to get the scoop on him and expose his secrets? When he is a cold-blooded killer?

Yes, Quinton Valtrez, the hero of DARK HUNGER, like his brother Vincent in Insatiable Desire, the first book in the Demonborn series, was born part demon, part human. Bred from descendants of Satan and an Angel of Light – they are both good and evil.

And yes, Quinton is a government assassin.

But there’s more to the story than Annabelle every imagined.
And when the Death Angel and other evil beings flood the earth to destroy lives on All Hallow’s Eve, he suddenly becomes a savior.

For Quinton only kills evil beings.

No, he doesn’t bring flowers or candy. Sweep her off her feet with romantic gestures or compliments. Or impress anyone with his nice manners.

But how can she NOT fall in love with a man so tortured by his own past? A man determined to control his inner demons? A man whose dark eyes rake over her with a hunger that stirs her own wicked fantasies?

And what is more romantic than a man who risks his own life to destroy the sinister forces threatening the world? Or a man willing to defy his own father, the leader of the underworld, to protect her?

And what could be more romantic that a man wanting you so badly that when he looks at you, when he whispers your name, when he touches you, your body burns with raw passion, and you will do anything he says, even succumb to the dark hunger in his eyes, to have him?

Who is your favorite romance hero? What about your real-life hero, if you have one, makes him a hero or romantic?

Leave a comment or question for Rita today and be entered in a contest for a copy of Rita’s first book in The Demonborn Series: Insatiable Desire.  But don’t stop there!  There’s a second contest for today’s readers.  Visit Rita at her website http://www.ritaherron.com/ and sign up for her newsletter to be entered in a contest to a copy of both books in The Demonborn Series: Insatiable Desire and Dark Hunger.  And, by singing up for Rita’s newsletter, you will also be automatically entered in Rita’s regular monthly contests.  You can also find extras on the Demonborn series at http://www.thedemonborn.com/. And visit Rita on Facebook, Myspace.com/ritaherron, and Twitter.com/ritaherron! 

***Don’t forget to leave a comment answering Rita’s question for a chance to win a copy of Insatiable Desire. Good Luck 🙂

Dee Tenorio is talking about “the quiet ones”

Distant Lover?

Do you ever look at your mate and think…

“For the love of God, man, SPEAK!”

It’s not that you don’t love him. You do. But some men have taken the strong and silent type and expanded it to…the silent type. 

He doesn’t expound about his day during dinner. Details must be pried out of him about his plans beyond time and place. He’s matter of fact, down to earth and doesn’t see the point in talking things to death when you can just do them and be done with it. And if you really love him, truly love him, you won’t ask him to talk about his feelings. Or your feelings. *shudder*

This might go against the code of female sisterhood, but I just love the silent type. Well, as an author. In real life I’m a wild proponent of demanding my husband just tell me what he wants so I don’t have to guess because, seriously??, I have enough to do. But on the page, oh how I love the concept of a man thinking one thing and saying it in such a way that gets him absolutely boiled alive. 

A good example of such a guy would be the hero David Ellison from my upcoming erotic novella Love Me Knots  (ruthlessly blatant plug–it’s out August 4th from Samhain Publishing. If you click the link, you can read the blurb, see the trailer and read an excerpt!). David can’t say the right thing to save his life. Ever. He’s managed to stumble his way through his relationship, falling for a woman who doesn’t think less of him for his inability to chit-chat, offering his heart but wrapping in ten layers of newspaper to keep it safe. Unfortunately for him, his heroine is at the end of her rope. I’d tell you all about it, but how about I show you instead:

“Tell me why you’re crying.”

Her smile cracked something in him. His chest could have broken concrete with the pressure. “Haven’t you ever been part of something so beautiful you never wanted it to end?”

Before her? He shook his head. “No.”

Her smile died. There wasn’t another word for it. It fell and her eyes shuttered closed. He’d answered wrong, he knew it. But when he opened his mouth to apologize, she reached up to him.

“Make love to me, David,” she whispered, pulling his face down to hers. Her kiss was different, tinged with tears. He didn’t like it, knowing the shaking in her lips wasn’t from pleasure. “Make love to me, even if you don’t mean it.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

You’re probably calling David all kinds of names. But don’t worry, as verbally incapacitated as he is, he has several good points. Such as he’s absolutely, skull-crackingly in love with his heroine and he literally goes to the ends of the earth for her. 

And this shows you why I love them silent types. Because while silent guys might lose out to crickets when it comes to conversation, they are often intense, passionate (if a girl can dig under the layers) and loyal to a fault. Ever heard the phrase, “Beware the quiet ones”?

It’s cause those are the ones that grab your heart and never let go.

What about you? What are your favorite qualities in a hero? Do those qualities cross-over to what you love in a real man?

If you comment, you’ll be randomly entered to win an advance e-copy of “Love Me Knots”! (Please be aware, I’m still awaiting my author copies, but as soon as I have them, the winner will too!)

To find out more about Dee Tenorio and her books you can visit her website at http://www.deetenorio.com/Site/Home.html

 Don’t forget to leave a comment answering Dee’s questions for a chance to win an advance e-copy of Love Me Knots. Good Luck 🙂

Winner: Elisabeth Naughton guest blog

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of either Stolen Fury or Stolen Heat by Elisabeth Naughton is:

Melissa

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

1. Melissa
2. Armenia
3. Lori T
4. Heather Brewer
5. Terri W
6. Cybercliper
7. Jane
8. Karen H in NC
9. AztecLady
10. kh
11. Lillie A
12. estella42
13. Maureen
14. blodeuedd
15. elaing8
16. Lynda
17. Lisa F
18. ann marie
19. Frana
20. Cathy M
21. Donna S
22. Crystal B
23. Flygirl
24. Pam S

Timestamp: 2009-07-26 20:37:48 UTC

Please e-mail me at gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your mailing address so I can forward the information to
Elisabeth. Please include “Elisabeth Naugthton Book Winner” in the subject line. The winner will have seven days to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.

Winner: Allie Boniface guest interview

 

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of a download copy of One Night in Napa is:

I Heart Book Gossip

There were 8 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. I Heart Book Gossip
2. Armenia
3. estella42
4. Lillie A
5. Lisa F
6. Natasha A
7. Pam S
8. Elyane

Timestamp: 2009-07-26 16:03:26 UTC

I have forwarded your e-mail address to Allie who will be in contact with you about your book.

Winners: Debra Webb guest interview

 

Using List Randomizer at random.org the two winners of Everywhere She Turns by Debra Webb are:

Elyane

&

Lynda

and the winner of Debra Webb’s three summer Harlequin Intrigues (Small-Town Secrets, The Bride’s Secret, and His Secret Life) is:

Lillie A

There were 22 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Elyane
2. Lynda
3. Lillie A
4. Estella
5. Melissa
6. chey
7. Noelle S
8. Teresa W
9. Crystal B
10. Pam S
11. Jane
12. I Heart Book Gossip
13. Quilt Lady
14. Ilona
15. susan leech
16. Blanche
17. Terry F
18. Dottie
19. Lori T
20. ARmenia
21. Terri W
22. highlandlove

Timestamp: 2009-07-26 15:30:47 UTC

Please e-mail me at gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your mailing address so I can forward the information to Debra. Please include “Debra Webb Book Winner” in the subject line. Winners will have seven days to contact me or new winners will be drawn.