Eden Bradley talks about her research for The Beauty of Surrender

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/ !

Special Guest Interview: Delaney from Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke

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 🙂

 

Red Rose Author Laura Breck is here today

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 🙂

Winner: Kylie Brant guest interview

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner for a copy of Waking Nightmare is:

Bella

There were 29 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Bella
2. Jenn E
3. Melissa
4. Linda Henderson
5. Lillie A
6. Barb P
7. Willa
8. Donna S
9. RachaelfromNJ
10. Frana
11. Debbie F
12. Jamie Michele
13. chey
14. EMoore
15. Liona
16. Terri W
17. Eva S
18. Chelsea B
19. Raonaid Luckwell
20. Lori T
21. highlandlove
22. Teresa W
23. Anne
24. Raelena
25. Marjana
26. Amie Stuart
27. Deidre
28. Cathy M
29. Quilt Lady

Timestamp: 2009-10-15 11:13:52 UTC

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

I am over at

Nikki blog today: http://nikkiduncan.com/blog/?p=527 talking about my love of romance books. Come say hi. Also giving away some books.

Please welcome Cathryn Fox today

Cathryn, Thank you for agreeing to be my guest today.

Thank you so much for having me!

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Ah, well, besides being a writer, I’m a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend, and a dog lover. 

Everyday I get behind on emails, struggle to find balance in my life, and when it comes to the computer I’m technically challenged. 

I love junk food, red wine, and hanging out in the evening with my family watching big action flicks.  I’m not much of a party girl (anymore <wink>), and prefer quiet time at home.  I work hard every day and try to write stories that touch readers on some level and leave them wanting more.    

How long have you been writing?

I was a closet writer for years, then put it away when I had children.  After my kids went to school, I knew it was time to go back to work, but the writing called out to me again.  So this time I told the world I wanted to be a writer, and I joined writers organizations and really worked at the craft.  That was back in 2000.

What is your writing process like?

I write Monday-Friday, and sometimes on weekends if I have to get edits done or complete some other kind of office administration work.  I aim for five pages a day and on good days I write plenty more, on bad days it could take me my whole day to get those five pages.  I like to finish when the kids get home from school so we can go over homework, cook together, and just generally spend time together. 

Can you tell us about your newest release Instinctive?

Oooh, yes, I’d love to tell you about Instinctive, the first book in my Eternal Pleasure Series because I’m just so darn excited about it.  It’s my first paranormal release at NAL and it comes out in October!  (Mark that on your calendar LOL!)

Enter Serene, a supernatural playground where sexy shape shifters live behind the white picket fences…

Free spirited Jaclyn Vasenty is about to inherit a cosmetics empire, yet her scandalous personal history may ruin her chance for a corporate take-over. Saying goodbye to her naughty ways, she moves into a quaint gated community in Serene, New Hampshire. But these gates are locked at sunset…

The town’s dark sensuality rocks Jaclyn’s insatiable appetite to the core—and stirs desires that are… inhuman. That’s because Serene is home to demons, witches, vampires, lycans, and panthers, for whom primal exploration comes naturally. Especially for shape shifter Slyck, the cunning panther who’s pushing Jaclyn to the brink of erotic possibilities and making her feel wildly…feral. As tension between species rises, Jaclyn learns she must draw on all her feminine wiles and join forces with Slyck if she wants to make it out alive.

Here’s an early review!

Fox’s tale of paranormal beings and primal exploration lurking under the surface of a quaint New England town is a winner! The strong heroine and hot panther hero are a combustible combination. This book is hot enough to steam up the windows and exciting enough that you’ll ruin your manicure.

Summary: Jaclyn Vasenty is afraid that her personal history may prevent her from inheriting a cosmetics company. So she vows to leave her naughty ways behind and moves into a charming gated community in Serene, N.H.
She’s surprised to learn the gates are locked at sunset. Before long, an erotic appetite that barely seems human overcomes her. That’s because the town is home to a collection of inhuman sensual beings: vampires, werewolves, witches, demons and shapeshifters. As tension between species rises, Jaclyn must call on all of her strengths and join forces with Slyck, the panther shifter who’s been exploring erotic possibilities with her, if she wants to get out alive.

This is the beginning of a new series correct?

Yes, the second book in the series, Impulsive comes out in May 2010, and it’s a hot werewolf story.

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

Yes, besides INSTINCTIVE I have:

CLAIMED, Samhain.  This is a print book containing my story, Blood Ties, released on September 2nd.

DANCE OF THE DRAGON.  Samhain.  An ebook released on September 8^th.

ALL WORKED UP.  Samhain.  This is an ebook, the second story in the Pleasure Inn series.  Scheduled for release this December.

WRAPPED IN SEDUCTION:  NAL HEAT, October29th.  This is a HOT Christmas anthology with stories from Lisa Renee Jones and Jodi Lynn Copeland.  It’s a unique book in that the three stories overlap.  It was fun and challenging to write, that’s for sure!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on something completely different than my readers are used to.  I’m working on GAME OVER, the first book in a series for TOR. 

Here’s the gist:

Be careful what you wish for…

Because sometimes legends are based on truths.
And fairy tales don’t always end in happily-ever-after.

Just ask gamer girl River Weston. When she unwittingly sells her soul for her latest creation to work, only one man—Guardian, Chase Hawkins—has the ability to help her buy it back.

But will the price they have to pay pit Earth against a dangerous Dark Lord, or will they discover a way to reclaim her soul and save her own world before it’s…Game Over.

Where or how do you get your ideas for your books?

I think I just take in everything around me and ask what if, and then play with that until I have a story.  I could see a TV show, read something in a magazine, or hear someone say something that can lead my thoughts astray, and next thing I know I have an idea for a book. 

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

I do love reading and even though I’m busy I try to make it a part of my everyday.  I just recently moved into a new house and had a nine foot by thirteen foot bookshelf build and it’s full of books.  I have so many auto-buys and just a few are Shayla Black, Sylvia Day, Sasha White, Lori Foster, Lora Leigh, Christine Feehan, Kelly Armstrong, Larissa Ione…and the list goes on.  

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Every book I’ve ever read, I swear.  I can’t part with anything, because I love books too much. 

Do you read books other than romance books?

Yes, I love Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fantasy…

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

I used to sneak my mother’s old Harlequin Romances and read them.  I can’t remember who the authors were, but do know they whisked me away into a new world, and made me a lifelong reader of romance. 

If a book of yours 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’d love to see the new story I’m writing for TOR put into a movie.  I’d like to see Matt Damon as the hero and Kate Beckinsale as the heroine. 

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

I think it would be River, the heroine from Game Over because she goes on quite the ride in the story!  And the hero Hawk is so yummy.

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

I love to spend my spare time with my family.  My son plays on the Provincial soccer team so that keeps me pretty busy.  My daughter and I love to go shopping, cook and bake together, and hubby loves to relax in the evening with a big action flick. 

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

Since I’m always interested in other people’s lives, and relationships, I’d ask them to tell me a little about themselves. 

For more information on Cathryn and her books please visit her website at: http://www.cathrynfox.com/

***Leave a comment answering Cathryn’s question and one lucky comment will win a download e-book from Cathryn. Good Luck 🙂

Nikki Duncan takes over my blog today

This month on my blog there have been several great guests so far and they’ve had me thinking about things that make me happy. They’ve talked about favorite kinds of books, sweet indulgences, and funny things NOT to do when the creative well dries up.

I started to write a long blog about all the things that make an author happy. The things that get us through the day and past our neurotic obsessions and even self-doubts. Instead, I decided to entertain you a little differently.

Hey! Get your mind out of the gutter. As if I would post that kind of video online. lol

Okay, so here’s the deal. Tell me what makes you happy. What has the power to make you smile when nothing seems to be going right? What melts the stress and tension away after a rough day?

 

By chatting it up, you’ll be entered in a drawing for an ARC of my debut release SOUNDS TO DIE BY. (http://nikkiduncan.com/bookshelf/sounds-to-die-by) If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s the blurb.

“AWESOME READ!! I love Ian and Kieralyn. Ian may have been blind but he saw so much and helped Kieralyn see opening her heart didn’t make her any less then what she was but more.” ~ Maggie, an avid reader.

THE BLURB:

Rookie FBI Agent Kieralyn Beckett is in a delicate position. Her team refuses to buy into her theory that a string of kidnappings is connected. If she pushes too hard, they’ll discover the latest victim was her college roommate and boot her off the case. A garbled recording is the only evidence, and there’s only one man who can decipher it. The hard part will be convincing him to take the case.

Blinded as a child, NSA “listener” Ian Cabrera spends the majority of his time analyzing data while secretly searching for his father, a missing CIA operative. His plate is full, but Kieralyn’s passion and determination, as well as the erotic beat of her heart, spark his interest. So does the mention of his father’s code name on her recording.

There’s only one way to follow this new crumb-trail of clues without tipping her off about what he’s really after. Convince her she needs him to be her undercover partner, despite his handicap. Between her eyes and his ears, they make one beautifully orchestrated team. Every time they touch, though, the arousal they generate creates one red-hot element of distraction…

Visit my website to view the video and read an excerpt.

Winner: Jessa Slade author interview

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of an autographed copy of Seduced in Shadows by Jessa Slade is:

Chelsea B

There were 40 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Chelsea B
2. Deidre
3. Rebecca Boyle
4. Cathy M
5. Karin
6. Anne
7. Mishel
8. EMoore
9. Terri W
10. blodeued
11. Armenia
12. Eva S
13. Barbara Elness
14. Stacy Stewart
15. Jessica Kennedy
16. Suzette
17. Jeanette Juan
18. Joder
19. Barb P
20. Lori T
21. Lisa F
22. Book Junkie
23. Teresa W
24. Frana
25. Chris
26. Raonaid Luckwell
27. I Heart Book Gossip
28. Rainmaiden
29. Cybercliper
30. Lillie A
31. chey
32. Maija P
33. flygirl
34. Pamk
35. Donna S
36. Linda Henderson
37. Morning Glow
38. Quilt Lady
39. Ina
40. Lisa N

Timestamp: 2009-10-08 02:50:00 UTC

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

Winner: Ann Aguirre guest interview

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of their choice of book from Ann’s backlist is:

Ina

There were 29 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Ina
2. Amy
3. Ilona
4. Barbara Elness
5. SeaGrace
6. Scott Romanski
7. Chelsea B
8. Fiction Vixen
9. TDF Pamela
10. I Heart Book Gossip
11. Mandi
12. Rainmaiden
13. Morning Glow
14. flygirl
15. Lori T
16. EMoore
17. Michele Lee
18. Bea
19. Caroline Allard
20. Carolyn H
21. Michelle M
22. Sue A
23. Teresa W
24. blodeuedd
25. Fedora
26. Raelena
27. Armenia
28. Linda Henderson
29. Mishel

Timestamp: 2009-10-08 02:15:15 UTC

Please review Ann’s backlist at: http://www.annaguirre.com/books/ and e-mail me at gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your choice of book and mailing address, so I can forward the information on to Ann. Please include “Ann Aguirre Book Winner” in the subject line. The winner will three days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

Winners: Jami Alden guest post

Jami chose the winners of Kept and Unleashed and posted in comments.

The winner of Kept is Amy M

and

The winner of Unleashed is Marial

Please e-mail Jami at jami @ jamialden.com (without the spaces) with your mailing address.