Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Little Crow by Caitlin Ricci

Today I am telling you about The Little Crow by Caitlin Ricci!



This book was so much fun! I grabbed me on page one, which I started reading at my desk at work. Dangerous let me tell you, since I spent the rest of my day in torment knowing I couldn't read until after work lol.

Official blurb: Detective Jamison Landry knew his job was never going to be easy. He’s dealt with the worst criminals imaginable and believes in his work and the community he serves. But he’s never met someone like Mal before. The mysterious man keeps him guessing, both confuses and excites him and Jamison isn’t sure how he feels about him. Things turn from unusual to downright strange when people start insisting Mal isn’t quite human. And Jamison’s creepy dreams of crows and graveyards don’t make things any better for him. Will Mal stay around long enough for Jamison to figure out his secrets or will this stranger leave him wanting more?

The whole story leaves you sitting there going DUDE! Well at least if your me and when funky stuff happens you yell out DUDE! Which I might do. The story starts with the Detective and his team doing a bust on a house looking for drugs, to find a cult and a mystery man barely restrained in a basement. Things get weirder when Mal at every turn does the exact opposite that Jamison wants him to do. Jamison can't seem to help himself when it comes to Mal even though he doesn't understand why he's acting so out of character. 

This is a great read! I loved every page and can't wait to see what comes next! 5 smooches for The Little Crow!


Saturday, January 12, 2013

Guest Author : Xavier Axelson




Interview with Xavier Axelson!









Missy and I would like to welcome Author Xavier Axelson to our cave today! Pull up a chair, grab some coffee and let’s have a chat! 




So Xavier, today we are going to interrogate, I mean interview you on some fun things! J




When did you first start writing? 
 I first started writing in elementary school; I think it was around 4th grade.




Do you have any funky habits you do while writing? 
 I need silence but actually this year I’m making it a point to try and learn to write in different noisier environments.



If you were attacked by zombies what would be your weapon of choice?  
 I’m pretty sure I’d be a zombie.



Now we had the joy of reading your first book Velvet, and we are both very curious to if you if you have your own obsession with the fabric velvet.  
 I do like Velvet, but the idea for the story came from an article about 15th century sumptuary laws.



Where did you get the inspiration for your book? 
 The very last page of Vogue magazine and the picture of a shoe. 



Do you plan on writing a sequel? If so is it about the brother? We liked the brother.   
Thank you.  Sylvain is one of my favorite characters.  It was important that his disability not be a weakness and that his portrayal was respectful, I hope I succeeded.  As for a sequel, I have no idea.  We’ll see.



Did you do any research on velvet for the book?   
A ton.  I spent a lot of tine researching Elizabethan, Edwardian, and 15th century customs, costumes, castle maps, and how the blind learn to sew and cut patterns.  It was incredibly rewarding.



If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you chose to go?   
Until recently I would have said Sweden, but I’m fascinated with Patagonia right now.



Who is your greatest inspiration? 
 Nature.



     Thank you so much for joining us today!   Thank you!

 Review!
 
 Velvet is a very intreaging read. It's not often that we find ourselves reading historical romances. I think they are more thought provoking in the sense that you are not only taken out of your present time into a different world, but a world that actually once existed. It's easy to imagine having to go to a tailor and looking at different fabrics and colors and requesting things to be made for you, and depending on the tailor to make something that fits your coloring, and standing in society. It's a little scary cause I can only imagine what I'd end up wearing lol. Velvet brings you back in time, to a place where things such as a certain type of fabric that no one has seen before is almost like magic! Virago has found himself in the position of Royal Tailor. The Prince is soon to be crowned King, and after seeing this velvet, wants no one to wear it before him. Velvet tells the tale of how power changes a man, and how something as simple as fabric can tear worlds apart. Though even in the turmoil, love can be found, and is a treasure. If you enjoy historical reads and thoughtful romances, give Velvet a try. It will take you back in time! 
 We give Velvet three and a half smooches!
 
You can find Velvet here!



Sunday, January 6, 2013

And the winners are....



Happy Sunday everyone! Thank you to all of you who came out and joined our first blog party! Jenny and I are happy to have everyone come out and play with us. We hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and start to the New Year.

<3 Missy

Here are the winners for the 2012 - 12 Authors of Christmas Blog Party!

Day 1: Urb - Let me know which book off of Lissa's backlist you would like!
Day 2: Ashley - The Winter Heat Anthology!
Day 3: Cathy - Let me know which book off Havan's backlist you would like!
Day 4: Michael - The Winter Heat Anthology!
Day 5: Ashley - Venom Valley Series book 1 - Bounty by Hank Edwards
Day 6: Amy - Family Matters by DC Juris
Day 7: Laura - The Interview by Lee Brazil
Day 8: Pat - Let me know which book on Allison's backlist you would like!
Day 9: Chris - Let me know if you would like Papercuts and Mistletoe, or See by Jackie Nacht
Day 10: Amy - Christmas Magic by Pelaam
Day 11: Suzanne - Merry Christmas Shelton by Dianne Hartsock
Day 12: Renee - Let me know which book on Sara's backlist you would like!

If you are a winner and did not put your email address on here please email Jenny at steelstories@gmail.com so I can get your book to you!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

On the twelfth day of Christmas my Kindle gave to me...

On the twelfth Day of Christmas my Kindle gave to me....

A book by Sara York!

We are happy to welcome Sara to our blog party today! 

Author:  Sara York

Intro: Sara York writes thrilling tales that in multiple genres. She lives on the east coast in the United States with her family and dogs. 

Today's question is:

 What would be the ultimate Christmas present?

Sara says:  There are so many things that I could say. Christmas is such a special time. I love getting surprise gifts and giving surprise gifts. An ultimate gift would have to be something so amazing and special that I couldn't get it on my own. Anything I could buy would be too easy to obtain so I think my ultimate Christmas present would have to be time with my family away from everyone else and all technology on a private island, and not just once, but every Christmas from here on out. That would be my ultimate Christmas present.

Sara's giveaway is any book in her backlist found here. To be entered tell us what your ultimate Christmas present



Sara has written the awesome Texas Soul series! 

Blurb

Texas Rough
Lane Daniels loves his job, working as a foreman on the south Texas ranch gives him the type of satisfaction he’s always craved, but the owner of Crazy Hills ranch, Gresh Hamilton Miller the third, has woven his way under Lane’s skin, leaving Lane crazy for the man’s touch. But doing the boss is out of the question.

Gresh wants more from Lane than his ability to handle livestock, he wants it all. Lane won’t give him the time of day so he forces the issue, setting up a date that Lane believes to be a business meeting. Alone together, Lane and Gresh ignite in a flash of passion.

Just when it feels like there could be something more between Lane and Gresh, the new doctor in town, Riley, sets his sights on Lane. Riley chases hard after him, insinuating himself in Lane’s life, highlighting Gresh’s faults. But Gresh won’t give up without a fight. Will Lane and Gresh be able to survive the intrusion, or will Riley be the one walking away with Lane's heart?

Texas Hard
Spurned by his heart’s desire, Riley’s aching for a fight, and he finds one with Connor, a sexy Texas lawman. Attraction fires between them, but Riley walks away, ignoring the lust between he and Connor...Until weeks later he’s caught trespassing on Connor’s new property--Naked.

Connor’s tempted to arrest the audacious naked man in his watering hole until he realizes it’s Riley. Lust muddles Connor’s logic and soon he finds himself on a path rife with temptations. Passion twists Connor inside out leading him to share one of his deepest secrets. Still Riley’s hiding something and the lack of mutual trust may end their relationship.

Then there’s the Lane factor. Riley’s ex leaves Connor feeling threatened. Riley swears it’s over, but something doesn’t sit right and Connor needs resolve. Coming to terms with their attraction means submitting to the fears haunting Connor and Riley before they can grasp the love that brought them together.

Texas Twist
Life at Crazy Hills has become crazier, and the cowboys are misbehaving. Their worlds are turned upside down as lust leads them to places they never thought they would go.

For Erick McTavish, meeting the handsome young cowboy, Sterling White, is the first sign he may be able to put the pain and the flashbacks from his brutal abduction behind him for good. Too bad Sterling doesn’t seem to return those feelings.

Determined to remain straight, Sterling hates the walking, talking temptation that is Erick, yet he can’t seem to stop his desire to experience his first kiss with a man, but not just any man, only Erick will do. The tattered remains of Sterling’s denial are stripped away when fate steps in and wickedly hot passion ignites between the pair, leaving Sterling unable to imagine a life without Erick.

Meanwhile, the bonds of friendship between Gresh, Connor, Lane, and Riley are tested when dark desire leads them down a dangerous path twisting their relationship to the max, leaving all four men wondering if any relationship is possible after betrayal.

Excerpt

Texas Rough

Sara York

Chapter One

The old girl came at him, her eyes wide and her nostrils flared. She aimed to escape, no matter what it took. She was a mean one, had been for years, always looking for trouble. He’d kept his eye on her all morning, just waiting for her to make her move. With her head low, she aimed for his gut.

Lane Daniels jumped; he scrambled up the tall metal fence, jerking his feet away from her aim seconds before her horn scrapped the rung he’d been standing on. He pushed himself over the top and dropped to his feet outside the corral. The cow bawled, jumped, bucked, and huffed, spraying spit all over the dirt where he’d been standing only moments before. He pushed back his cowboy hat and adjusted his gloves as he blew out a quick breath, thankful he’d gotten away from the cow yet again.

“Whoo boy, you almost got it in the dick, or was it your belly?” Jamie called out. He looked half like a scraggly rodeo clown with that huge smile on his face, his bright plaid shirt, and his flaming red hair sticking out from under his tan Stetson—the one Jamie’s daddy wore when he worked this very same ranch. Jamie told that story over and over again, letting Lane know just how long he’d been connected to the Crazy Hills Ranch, and how he knew the place better than anyone.

Andy, Jake, and Sterling, three of his ranch hands, busted out laughing, slapping their knees and pointing at Lane; then they danced around funny, like a cow would run them over at any moment. Lane smiled and laughed with them. They’d been at it for hours and needed some comic relief. Being the target of their jokes didn’t bug him. They all respected him as boss, even if they did rib him unmercifully during the workday. Hell, most cowboys were total practical jokers; pushing buttons and clowning around to lighten the mood and make work fun. At least his crew played nice and didn’t pull any destructive pranks.

The cattle bawled as three more calves were cut from their mammas. It was hard on the cows when their babies were culled from them. The old gal would have run him through if she’d been a bit faster and he a bit slower. She knew his actions were wrong by her. She had a little girl calf, so at least the baby wouldn’t be aching between the legs when the veterinarian finished his tasks.

Lane breathed out a heavy sigh as the cowboys went back to work. In a few months they’d be here again, doing the drill for a second time this year. Rolling Acres, the ranch next door, had asked Mister Miller to take their cows and work them, paying a handsome percentage of the profits from market. Lane had agreed to the plan—now he wished he hadn’t. Too many of Rolling Acres' cows weren’t on the same calving schedule; not that they were mismanaged, but at Crazy Hills he ran a tight ship.

Lane slapped his hands on his jeans, wiping them off. His head hurt and he wanted more coffee, some good barbecue, and maybe a hot man to snuggle with—possibly even take the edge off—but only the first two were a sure thing. He’d been up since three this morning and the sun had about hit its apex. He didn’t want to check the time, didn’t want to know how long they’d worked. He loved being a cowboy but hated working cows through the chute to give them medicine, especially the babies. Days like today made him long for a good jump zone even if he were getting shot at. At least they were almost done with the cows and then he’d have the luxury of kicking off his boots, enjoying some of that barbecue and beer with the boys while they joked with each other. Too bad he felt the need to keep his sexuality under wraps and couldn’t go into town for a quick screw. He didn’t have time off to drive into Houston for a few more weeks so getting some loving would have to wait.

The crunch of tires on gravel sounded behind him. Not today. Jamie came close again and glanced over Lane’s shoulder, his face going blank.

“Shit.” Jamie drew out the word to two syllables then spit a stream of tobacco juice into the dirt a few feet from Lane. “Here comes trouble.”

The last thing Lane wanted, or could stand, made its way to the corral. Perhaps the unexpected guest was Daddy Big Bucks and not his son, Gresh the Third. He didn’t want to look, didn’t want to know, and didn’t want to think about Gresh. Ignoring the sound of the car behind him, pretending he hadn’t heard anything on the gravel road, would only last so long. The car drew closer and slowed. Acting as if he wasn’t here would prove useless since he couldn’t ignore the man who wrote his checks. The boss ruled and expected to be catered to, especially out here in Texas ranch country. Hell, that was unfair; Gresh wasn’t too bad of a guy and Hamilton was old-school, imprinted during a different era with different expectations.

Lane’s foot started tapping and the skin nearest his spine tingled. He gritted his teeth and forbid any errant thoughts. Who the hell drove their rich ass out here to pay the ranch a visit in the middle of the week on a workday? Gresh or Hamilton? Lane turned his head in time to see Gresham Hamilton Miller the Third step out of his shiny black BMW, his Italian loafers attracting dust like flies to honey. Lane groaned and bit his lip. Damn, why did he have to think of honey and Gresh at the same time?

Lane didn’t curse and tried to not show any reaction to observing the man, though his dick didn’t obey. He forced his thoughts to go dark, thinking pain, like when his leg had snapped in two, to will his dick down. He gritted his teeth as he pulled off his well-worn work gloves. After wiping his hands on his jeans, he looked down and cursed. Filth from driving cattle and working them through the chute covered him. Dried cow shit, blood, and whatever the hell else he’d gotten into while rounding up the cattle flecked his jeans.

Gresh looked like he’d stepped off the cover of GQ. His white starched shirt and black slacks wouldn’t fly here, but he sure looked delicious enough to eat. Damn, had to be today of all days for him to show up.

Lane pushed his hat low on his head, covering his eyebrows and hiding his peepers. He didn’t want to look Gresh in the eyes and see his contempt. Lane found it humiliating enough to be covered in cow shit, he didn’t need Gresh’s judgment on his choice of employment, which Lane happened to love; well, except for today because working the cattle sucked donkey balls.

“Lane, good to see you.” Gresh held out his hand, ready to shake.

Lane started to stick out his hand but held back. “Sorry, I’m dirty from working today. Mister Miller, what can I do for you?”

“We’ve been through this before, it’s Gresh.” The million-dollar smile lit up the man’s face, leaving Lane tingly all over.

Lane pursed his lips and squared his shoulders. “If you don’t mind, you’re the boss and I like to keep it formal.” Goose pimples rose over Lane’s arms as awareness of the man raced through him.

If he said Gresh’s name out loud he’d get hard, like rock hard, and granite would have nothing on him. Too many nights he’d taken care of his wood, whispering Gresh over and over again as he ran his fingers over his pole. The name would wake up his dick and he didn’t need that. Hell, hard enough not imagining Gresh’s full lips on his body, Gresh’s hands twisting in his hair. Fuck, cool it, idiot.

“Well, I came by to say that Daddy is really pleased with your numbers this year. We were going over the financials and wanted to sit down and talk with you about next year.”

“You could have called. We’re kind of busy out here.”

Gresh looked out across the cow pens at the cowboys tossing their hats in the air, their whoops of celebration carrying across the fields.

“I think they just doctored the last of the cows,” Gresh said. “Y’all seem to be done. And if I remember correctly, tomorrow will be a light work schedule, even for the foreman.”

Lane watched as baby cows and mammas were reunited at the exit gate to the pens. Smarty-pants in the education world might not think that cows had feelings but witnessing a mamma and baby reunited after the cowboys worked them told him a different story.

“We want you to drive into Houston tomorrow. We’ll meet at the office downtown, and Daddy wants to take you to dinner.”

This time Lane groaned. A half-day away from the ranch was the last thing he needed. Fuck, he sure as hell didn’t want to spend Friday evening with Gresham Senior. Crap, not like he’d be going on a date anyway. He wasn’t out of the closet so to speak. But traveling into Houston to meet men like the Millers wasn’t exactly the type of men he wanted to play with on a late Friday night. If he took the time to drive into town he’d go straight to Get Bent, Houston’s hottest gay bar and, well, he’d get bent. Hell, maybe he would stop by the bar on the way home to take the edge off. A little poke would go a long way to relieving the pressure of being near this guy.

Gresh walked closer to the pen, his ass looking super fine in his dark slacks. The material hung just right, cupping the rounded globes of the ass he wanted to nail. Fuck, the desire to rip off Gresh’s pants and push him up against the fence raced over Lane, and he had to clench his fists to stop himself form stalking forward and claiming the man. Gresh had no idea Lane played for the other team and wanted to hump him like a dog in heat or be the one getting humped, with Gresh hanging over him, pounding into his ass. Lane shivered. The poor man would probably punch his lights out. Fuck, knowing what he did about Gresh, he’d probably find a lawyer to sue him or send him a strongly worded memo. Gresh wasn’t a pussy, but he took proper to a new level. Raised in the world of private schools and even more private clubs, Gresh lived differently than he did.

Lane had no idea how Gresh kept in shape. The guy probably belonged to one of those fancy pants gyms in the city with a personal trainer. Not that Lane cared how Gresh got his amazing body; he appreciated the muscles all the same. Too bad he’d never get the chance to run his tongue over the man’s sweet skin, finding all the dips and bulges, sucking love bites and marking the man as his own.

Gresh spun around and the smile on his face almost knocked Lane on his butt. Then again, Lane could stare at Gresh for hours and never tire of the sight.

“So, Lane. We’ll see you tomorrow downtown Houston. About three?”

Lane nodded once. “Sure. I’ll be there at three. I’m looking forward to seeing Hamilton.”

“It’s a date.” Gresh stuck out his hand for a shake and Lane almost accepted.

At the last second, Lane held up his hands and shrugged. “Sorry, still dirty.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Gresh turned around and sauntered back to his luxury car.

Lane tore his eyes off Gresh’s perfect ass before any of the other cowboys noticed Lane drooling over a man. He’d picked a bad job to match with his sexuality. Who the hell ever heard of a gay ranch foreman? He was damned good at his job and knew animal husbandry better than almost anyone this side of Houston. Crazy Hills turned a huge profit compared to most other ranches that were drying up and selling off.

Lane took pride in the work he did, but he’d never be enough to capture Gresh’s eye, much less his heart; he’d need double X chromosomes to do that. Through the entire conversation he'd kept his gaze elsewhere, afraid to meet Gresh’s eyes. What a coward. So what if two years ago Gresh had curled his lip and turned his nose up in a blatant show of snobbery every time Lane entered the room. Lane had grown wiser and ignored those types of people. But hot damn, he wished Gresh would open his eyes and stop despising the work Lane did and the way Lane made a living.


Check out what previous authors said about their ultimate Christmas present:

Lissa said: Discovering I’d won the lottery or a really big grant so I could just write for a year.

Daniel said: I have already got it! MY FAMILY, Ben, Jake, and Travis.

Havan said: Time...more time in the day, more time in the week...just more time...lol

Kimber said: Oh man!  That’s a tough one.  I don’t know.  Lol there isn't anything materialistic that I would want because no matter what it was it would lose its newness, or be used up eventually. I think my ultimate Christmas present would have to be the financial ability to open a nonprofit organization that would help teens in the lgbt community that had been put out by their families for being who they are.  That would have to be the one thing I really wish I could have.  But, since I didn't win the Power ball  I guess I’ll have to wait on that one.  But one day… *crosses fingers*

Hank said: A cruise around the Greek Islands. Ahhh…

DC said: Marriage equality in all 50 states. And slippers. O.o What?? Everyone likes new slippers!

Lee said: Ultimate Christmas present...hm. Housecleaning service for a year? A chauffeur on call? No, I know...Tyler Florence in my kitchen, wearing a kiss-the-cook apron.

Allison said: A MacBook Pro. No kidding. That’s all I want for Christmas this year. Okay, a best-seller would be awesome too, but really I’m more of a whore for Apple than I am for myself.

Jackie said: I don’t know.  I like to give more than get so I guess the ultimate would be getting that “Oh wow” gift for my hubby.  He manages to do it every year for me.  I’ve been able to do it in the past but this Christmas I’m biting the nails lol.

Pelaam said: Ooh difficult!! A best seller like 50 Shades would be pretty awesome. But, if I could have anything, it would be a dog. We currently live in rented accommodation and so the rule is no pets. I’m a huge doggie person, although cats like me too. I’d love to be able to get a rescue dog or puppy *sigh*

Dianne said: On a selfish note, I would love to have all the time I wanted in which to write. At the moment I seem to be scrounging for every minute I can come up with to work on my stories.
But the ultimate present? No, not Peace on Earth, but more like, Tolerance on Earth. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world where we embraced and celebrated each other's differences? That would be the best present, I think.

Friday, January 4, 2013

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Kindle gave to me...

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Kindle gave to me...

A book by Dianne Hartsock!

Welcome Dianne to our blog party today! We are very happy to have you!


Author:  Dianne Hartsock

Intro:  After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.
I have to say, Oregon's raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There's something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands, which kindles my imagination.
The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating. Having worked with the public through various careers I've come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. I'm always trying to capture that spirit in my writing.
Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Today's question is:

How old were you when you decided there was no Santa?

Dianne says: I think I was about eight years old when my cousin, who was my age but much more worldly-wise, told me there was no Santa. I felt devastated and went crying to my older sister. She calmed me down, and after she explained that Mom and Dad were Santa's helpers, well, I felt much better about the whole thing.
I think the myth of Santa adds that touch of magic to the holidays that I love so much. It's harmless fun, and I know my kids still enjoy getting full stockings on Christmas morning!

Our giveaway today is a copy of Merry Christmas Shelton! To enter for a chance to win a copy leave a comment telling us your favorite holiday tradition!




Can Shelton and Nevil overcome the obstacles of a blizzard, a baby, and one hot redhead and find their way to a merry Christmas?

Shelton and Nevil have rented a cozy cabin in the mountains in which to spend the Christmas holiday. Tree is lit. Presents sparkle. Shelton anticipates a very merry Christmas indeed. But then a blizzard springs up, landing a sexy redhead on their doorstep looking like trouble in a pretty package.

Tommy brings a message for Nevil, but when he first hits on Shelton in the shower, then offers to drive Nevil to his sister's side while she has her baby, Shelton begins to wonder just how this mixed up Christmas is going to end.

Find it here at Breathless Press!

Check out what previous authors have to say about how long they believed in Santa:

Lissa said: Seven or eight I think.

Danny said: THERE IS NO SANTA????

Havan said: What are you talking about? Santa isn't gonna put you on the nice list if you keep talking like that...sooooo, wanna join the naughty list with me? *winks*

Kimber said: Lol I was thirteen, believe it or not.  I held on as long as I could, but my dad left the tools sitting out in the living room after he put something together and I realized I had to let the idea go.

Hank said: WHAT?!?!

DC said: I never believed in Santa. We didn't have a chimney. LOL

Lee said: What? Dude...You're kidding right? I saw him over at the mall just the other day...

Allison said: I can’t even remember. I had to keep pretending because I had a little brother who was four years younger than me, so I didn’t want to ruin it for him.

Jackie said: My sis, Steph told me when I was five.  I was pretty devastated but in her defense I was hoarding in on her gifts and annoying the heck out of her.  Every eleven year old has a breaking point with the younger sibling.  Nabbing her gifts was it :D

Pelaam said: I think I was five or six. My Uncle used to come and stay with us, so he got my bed (which was normally in my parent’s bedroom and moved to a spare room) and I shared their bed. This particular Christmas, I couldn’t sleep and got the usual dire warnings of no presents. I always hung a pillow case at the base of the bed. My Mom came in and took it, and I crept down the hallway after her, thinking the worst. When I peeked into the lounge, she, my Dad and Uncle were filling it with gifts. I tiptoed back to bed and never told them what I’d seen.