Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour - Visit from Jess Haines

Welcome Jess Haines - and I could not think of any one better to help us talk about the Sexy Vampires we all love....she has one of my favs in her series. Not only do we get some insight in her inspiration but she has a great giveaway for us.

Sexy Vampires Who Provided Inspiration for the H&W Investigations Series

By Jess Haines

Hello there! Jess Haines here. I’m the author of the H&W Investigations series—urban fantasy novels about Shiarra Waynest, a human private investigator in an alternate, present-day New York. Somehow she keeps getting pulled into supernatural troubles way above her pay grade…

Since Jennifer is all about the sexy stuff here, I thought you might like to hear about some of the smokin’ hot vampires that have inspired me over the years.

5) Deacon Frost (from Blade)

Frost is such a delightful asshole. He has no qualms standing up to vampires more powerful than himself, a vision for how to drag himself up the ranks, and the guts to follow through with the plan to get what he wants no matter the obstacles. All while doing it with style and attitude.

It’s really too bad he’s so evil.

On the bright side, he did help provide a plotbunny that resulted in the formation of more than one of my own bad guys. It’s a good thing when your villains are well-rounded and know what they want, and stick to their guns to get it.

4) Blade (from Blade)

Man, that guy can pull of a trench coat but good. Dark, mysterious, broody—he’s everything a vampire should be.

Too bad he’s not quite a vamp.

Blade was more of an inspiration because he was a vampire hunter, rather than because of his nature. If you know me, you may have heard me mention this before, but I originally came up with the idea for the heroine of the H&W Investigations novels, Shiarra Waynest, when I saw a trailer for the first Blade movie in theaters ages ago.


3) Selene (from Underworld)

Strangely enough, Selene served as an inspiration for the opposite of how I wanted Shiarra’s adventures to start out. Selene is a strong, capable, and kickass vampire. Shia has her own strengths, but as a human, she can’t go toe-to-toe with a vamp or werewolf and expect to survive. What it made me think of was backstory. How did Selene reach the point of being so competent as an enforcer?

That was what I chose to explore for Shiarra. Not starting her in the boots of the ass-kicking heroine, but taking the opportunity to use the series to grow her into them.



2) David (from The Lost Boys)

A classic vampire movie, The Lost Boys set the tone for what I was shooting for in my books. At times frightening, others hilarious, I wanted a mix of camp and horror that wasn’t afraid to feature the absurd while also exploring the serious sides of dealing with supernaturals. On that count, David is playful and seductive, but undeniably dangerous. Just like I wanted the main vampire of my series, Alec Royce, to be.

1) Spike (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Where, oh where, would I be without a mention of Spike? Proving that even an immortal can feel emotions deeper than most mortals, that even a vampire can grow and learn to be more than a monster, that a killer can love with burning passion, Spike embodies so many of the things a vampire could and should be. All while pulling off hilarious one-liners and looking damned fine in leather, if I may say so.


Oh, and for the hell of it, even though I wouldn’t exactly call him inspiration for any of my characters, enjoy some Eric Northman!




So, who are some of your favorite sexy vamps?

For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official FORSAKEN BY THE OTHERS blog tour calendar !

You can also visit me on the web:
www.JessHaines.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Jess_Haines

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Thanks again for having me, Jennifer!


Jess, you are always welcome here! You are killing me for the next book - and thank you for this great giveaway below.
We've got the details on Forsaken by the Others - out this July 2nd.
Forsaken by the Others Book Description:

The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…


Hurry up and buy soon - you won't regret it

Buy Links:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Powells
Indiebound

Enter the US giveaway here -

a Rafflecopter giveaway


International followers are not forgotten - enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit our other blog friends on the tour here - Forsaken by the Others blog tour

COVER REVEAL - Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines

Today Jess Haines is revealing the cover of her latest coming out in the H and W investigations series - Forsaken by the Others and Seduced by Books is a part of the many blogs that have the pleasure to release this to you today as well as letting you know about the giveaway.

The H&W Investigations series is one of my favorites - You can read a couple of my reviews here on the blog - Hunted, Taken, Deceived, Stalking.  Shia is a great character, and something about the way Haines writes has me loving and cheering for an unexpected character.  :)

Today we reveal the AWESOME cover for Forsaken by the Others Book 5 in the series due out this summer (July)-

Back Cover:

The Others--vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night--don't just live in nightmares anymore. They've joined with he mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem...

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head...and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town--namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who'd like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce's suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten--literally--in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them--and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge...

Jess Haines has a giveaway going - starting today and going until Feb 22nd.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Link up to Jess Haines for details here and to see more blogs; increase your chances of winning by visiting all the hosting blogs.

Grab the bundle of the previous 4 books and get caught up here -- you won't be disappointed!

Liz Strange Giveaway

Here we go!!!

Liz Strange has offered 1 lucky winner an eBook copy of Book 1 in her David Lloyd Investigations series, Missing Daughter, Shattered Family. 
In Honor of the Release of her 2nd book in the series, A Fresh Set of Eyes, which is now released as of June 28th.

All you have to do is comment below and make sure you are a blog follower by July 27th. 

Make sure you leave your email in your comment and tell us, what do you love about a good mystery/suspense novel?  Or just give a comment to Liz?  Did you read David Lloyd yet? Have you read her Dark Kiss triology? 

We want to hear from you and give you a chance to read Book 1 because we know you will be dying for Book 2 as soon as you do.  You owe it to yourself to sit down with a good book.

Read our reviews of Missing Daughter, Shattered Family and A Fresh Set of Eyes here on the blog, posted today.  4 slice reviews. 

We will pick a winner July 28th. 

Order on Amazon.com -- Missing Daughter, Shattered Family or A Fresh Set of Eyes

A Fresh Set of Eyes by Liz Strange

A mother turns to David to help free her son and another young man from prison, where they have spent the last ten years for a double murder many feel they did not commit. The police investigation was spotty, the evidence non-existent, and yet someone had to pay for the vicious assault on two young brothers. Never one to shy away from a tough situation David agrees to look into the case, despite the tense situation with his partner's family and the physical and emotional needs of the former-prostitute he's taken under his wing.



With so many lives on the line, David must find a way to help them all without hurting the most important person - himself (courtesy of goodreads)

Book 2 in the David Lloyd Investigations series by Liz Strange

In this sequel, Strange bases our mystery of a famous injustice case where we can find one mistake can corrupt a judgement on a murder case. 

David and Jamie are moving their relationship forward and Jenny is cleaned up and things can only keep moving in that direction.  David uses his heart to help pick cases where he can make a difference.  He has a sense for wrong and right.  Strange doesn't put David so close to the line of fire in this case as in Book 1. 

I thought that Strange took a case from the 'real' world and truly let it unfold.  I thought I was part of the investigation of the actual case.  Her investigative writing is very CSI and the suspense really twists in your gut.  We get to see how our previous characters from Book 1 are panning out.  Jamie has a lot to tackle with his family and with his coming out.  Fricking Jeremy gets a little of what he has coming to him. 

I am anxious to see where the David Lloyd series is going, I think David has quite a future in solving crimes :)

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange

When a brutal homophobic attack ended David Lloyd's career as a police officer, his life was changed forever. Five years later David is running his own private detective agency, where a missing person's case comes to his attention. Digging into the circumstances of her disappearance forces David to realize he has not dealt with what happened to him, and that he can no loner deal with his long-time partner's fear of being honest about their relationship.


Solving the case might not only bring peace to a shattered family, but could finally put David's own demons to rest. (courtesy of goodreads)
 
This is book 1 in the David Lloyd Investigations series by Liz Strange.
 
 
One of the best things about the was Liz Strange can write is that she has a knack for bring in a M/M relationship as instinctive and fluid.  Her books focus on the relationship as ordinary as it should be and not forced or for shock.  That's not what this review is about but I wanted to say that I love how Liz writes the relationships, true and just like it should be.  We open up to a horrible attack on our lead character.  Leaving his career from injuries David has become a private investigator.  He is in a relationship with real problems he has to work through when a case walks through his door. 
 
As soon as David here's the case he's wrapped up in it.  Strange manages to keep you on your toes trying to guess what the out come will be.  As I was reading this book, I literally couldn't wait to figure out our mystery.  David is a classic character, I could just picture him sitting on my couch hanging out, some one I could be close friends with.  He's tough on that outside with a heart of gold on the inside.  The more and more he unravels about this case, the crazier the events happen to him.  Someone definitely doesn't want him to find out where the missing daughter is.  Strange also manages to rope in the reality of life, relationships are not easy, they require work. 
 
Strange gives David the answer to his mystery - and it's one heck of a twist.  David also inherits some family along the way.  Strange gives you a natrual story that flows for our lead character as if you are a spectator on the side lines, you're on a roller coaster as you figure out the mystery, wilder than the Hulk at Universal :)
 
 
 

H&W Investigations is HERE with Jess Haines and Stalking the Others

STALKING THE OTHERS BLOG TOUR
Guest Post Stop 6: The H&W Gang Discuss Their Phobias

By Jess Haines


Hello there!  Jess Haines here.  I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series (HUNTED BY THE OTHERS, TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS, and the upcoming STALKING THE OTHERS).

Shiarra has been having a pretty bad time of things lately. She’s here with some of her friends (and otherwise) to tell you about it.  Over to you, Shia!

____________________

Sara: This one is pretty obvious.

Shiarra:  Yeah. Any bite-y, clawed thing of the night.

Chaz:  Oh, come on. You weren’t afraid of me.

Shiarra:  That’s because I didn’t know what you were. Plus, it’s a little hard to be afraid of a guy you’ve seen wandering around your apartment in his Ghost Busters boxer shorts.

Arnold: I prefer Captain Hammer on my boxers.

Royce: I don’t wear boxers.

Everyone Else: …

Shiarra: We don’t want to know what you’re wearing under those business suits.

Sara: …actually…

Arnold:  Hey!

Sara:  Kidding, honey. Kidding.

Royce:  I should hope so.

Arnold: My boxers are the only ones you should be looking at, damn it.

Sara:  Yes! I know. Anyway. On topic.  I’m afraid of spiders, snakes, and the IRS.

Royce:  I’d have to agree about the IRS. Dealing with the corporate taxes and licensing and such when most of your businesses and shell corporations have been around longer than the country’s established government can be a nightmare.

Chaz:  Yeah? Well, I hate fleas.

Shiarra:  Ew.

Chaz:  And ticks.

Shiarra:  Double-ew.

Chaz: Tapeworms, too.

Shiarra:  Enough already!

Chaz:  What? I do.

Royce:  Dogcatchers, too, I would imagine.

Chaz:  Shut up, fangs.

Arnold: I bet we can all guess what the vamp is afraid of. Sunlight, garlic, fangirls…

Shiarra: …body shimmer lotion…

Sara: …teenaged wangst…

Royce:  Yes, yes, we get the point.

Shiarra:  Vampire baseball?

Royce:  What does that even mean?

Shiarra:  Never mind. My comedic brilliance is wasted on you.

Sara:  I got it.  Heh.

Royce:  This is ridiculous.

Arnold: Oh! Oh! I want to share my phobia!

Sara:  Okay, your turn.

Arnold:  I’m afraid of summoned planar beings that haven’t been harnessed into a body and metaphysically cohered to a mage who is trained how to control it.

Chaz: Was that English?

Shiarra: It sounded like words, but nothing came out.

Arnold: Oh, come on. Do I really have to explain that?

Sara:  I think I get what you’re saying. You’re afraid of familiars that have broken away from their masters somehow. Or never had a master. Right?

Arnold:  That’s what I said.

Shiarra:  Next time, use small, normal people words.

Chaz: I don’t get it.

Shiarra:  Big surprise.

Chaz:  No, I mean—I don’t get how they can’t have a master. How do they get here if no one is controlling them?

Arnold:  Believe me, it can happen, and it’s not pretty.

Royce:  Indeed. They are not easy to banish or kill.

Arnold:  How would you know?

Royce:  Have you ever seen a familiar survive beyond the death of its master? I have.

Shiarra:  Yeah, that’s all kinds of creepy right there.

Sara:  It wouldn’t be that bad if he didn’t look so pleased with himself while he said it.

Arnold:  Wow. Great. I’m ready to go. Forever.

Royce:  That’s right. Run away, little mage. When you’ve been around as long as I have, you see and do things far beyond the ken of mortal men.

Arnold: You guys?

Sara:  Let’s get out of here.

Shiarra:  Right now.

____________________


You can learn more about Shiarra and the rest of her friends in HUNTED BY THE OTHERS .   For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official STALKING THE OTHERS blog tour calendar!

You can also visit me on the web:

http://www.jesshaines.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#%21/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Thanks again for having me and the gang over, Jennifer!
_____________________________________________________
Always welcome here Jess, especially if you bring Royce :) Check out our review of Stalking as well as Hunted, Taken, and Deceived.  You will not be disappointed in this series, especially not in Stalking, but you have got to get out there and start at the beginning so you can catch up before the release on July 3rd :)

Kensington is hosting a giveaway - they have 15 copies in the pot to giveaway.  The giveaway is open to US/Canada only - enter below for your chance to win one of the books :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lara Adrian Giveaway

In honor of her release TOMORROW (Jan 24th) of Darker After Midnight (10th in the Midnight Breed Series) we are hosing a giveaway to help Lara Adrian promote.


What do we have?  

Book 1 Kiss of Midnight in Audiobook

We also have a few other swags prices (bookmarks, pens, etc)

Kiss of Midnight description

INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all . . . .(courtesy of laraadrian.com)




So here is what you have to do - - comment on either the 2 reviews posted today (A Taste of Midnight and Darker After Midnight) or this post.  Make sure you are a follower here on the blog.  Leave your email addy in the comment, or send it do us in private message to seducedbybooks at gmail dot com.  Make sure you comment on the posts to be entered.  


Only 1 comment per post from you will be entered (but that means you get 3 entries if you comment on each post)  And comment by end of release day - January 24th.  


There will be 1 winner of the audiobook (and they will get some swag too) and 5 winners of swag from Lara Adrian ..and maybe we'll throw in a few extra pieces.  

Welcome J W BACCARO

We are so excited to have back Jason - he's so much fun!!!  His books are intense and you can read our reviews on his Guardian of the Seventh Realm series.  We are also lucky to have a giveaway - for 1 lucky commenter you will receive a SIGNED set of paperbacks for all 4 books!!!!! A second commenter will receive a PDF set of all 4 books.  AND a third commenter will also receive a PDF set of all 4 books!!!!  That's 3 winners - - - Comment up - we'll be selecting winners the night of Dec 15th and the winners will be announced on the tour host's site - http://thewytchsmirror.blogspot.com/ on December 16th

About the Author
J.W. Baccaro has written the epic fantasy series ‘Guardian of the
Seventh Realm. Home is in upstate New York with his wife Melissa. When
he is not creating fabulous cities such as Loreladia, he is creating
music with his band. Jason spends his time with literature, gardening,
the wonders of nature, the mysteries of space, and time with his
family.
Contact J.W. Baccaro: jwbaccaro@yahoo.com

Guardian of the Seventh Realm
http://www.guardianoftheseventhrealm.com/

Follow Jason on Facebook
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Follow Jason on Goodreads
Follow Jason on Book Blogs
Follow Jason's Blog  http://prophecyoftheguardian.blogspot.com/


Hello Jennifer and Amy at Seduced By Books. I’m very pleased to be on your Blog once again. Thank you for the time.

If any of your followers have seen me before, then they already know the basics of my Epic Fantasy series “Guardian of the Seventh Realm.” If not, just follow the link below and it will take you to the interview Jennifer had given me back in August 2011:

http://networkedblogs.com/lr3ad/

Today, I’d like to talk about the “violence theme” in my series, something many people love and comment on in my writing. Those who know me are dumbfounded because they call me a “teddy bear” in everyday life, and yet my stories are full of decapitating heads, broken bones and good guys being stomped into the ground by the boots of my sexy Dark Queen Talvenya. *smiles*

For starters, I have to say that I'm happy people are seeing the “darkness” in this story. I admit it is very dark, a tale of brutality, and even some perverse sections involving the Dark Queen Talvenya. There are many reasons why I had written it like that. First, I didn't wish to write a “candy-coated” adversary. When I get involved into a tale of good verses evil, I want to feel “afraid” of the dark—to a certain extant. If I don't feel threatened by the adversary or his or her minions, I gradually lose interest in the conflict, and soon enough the story.

Second, for me, the violence in my series—especially book two “Siege of Darkness,” is a reflection of how cruel mankind can sometimes be, and even the “red in tooth in claw” of Mother Nature herself. Sure, nature is beautiful; I mean, one of my favorite simple pleasures in life is to gaze at a blue summer sky filled with mammoth-sized white clouds (which still remind me of marshmallow fluff!), as a warm breeze blows against you, carrying with it the delightful smells of summer, or the gorgeous lilacs and majestic peonies with their immaculate scents. I swear I could get lost for hours with my face stuffed in a lilac bush or a peonies flower...I just have to watch out for the bumble bees and ants! Darn things! And let’s not forget those adorable little fawns walking with their mother. They often cross our yard—a doe with her two fawns, the little ones following her lead, strolling down the grassy slope, by-passing the apple trees and wandering into the wilderness. Yes, very beautiful indeed, and yet, what goes on every night within that wilderness when the coyotes awaken is far from beautiful, but that is the way of this world, beautiful at times, but also very dark.

”Guardian of the Seventh Realm” is also a reflection of the trials in life that we all face, unless you are one of the blessed ones who have never tasted darkness or even seen it...but that is a rarity. The main protagonist of my stories, Darshun Luthais, learns the hard way by facing this darkness, brutality and death. For him, it was necessary to experience the evils of the world and suffer before he could truly come to terms with what he was born to be, the Guardian of the Seventh Realm. I can parallel this to my own life as well. I would not be where I am now had I not faced my own demons, trials and hardships, and to a certain extant, conquered them. It is an unfortunate suffering many of us have to go through in life, but a “fortunate blessing” once the tribulation is over. And though I often felt alone, as Darshun sometimes feels, there would always be someone there to lift me up with a helping hand, as there always is for Darshun.

And so, as more fans of fantasy enter the “Seventh Realm” I have created, I hope they will continue to enjoy the journey I have paved for them, and feel as though you are traveling alongside Darshun and our other heroes as part of the quest. And maybe, just maybe, when Darshun gets out of line, give him a good kick in the arse! It will do him well, the cocky Nasharin he can sometimes be. *laughs*

Once last thing: besides the violence, I’m really pleased that people are seeing and feeling the courage, loyalty and romantic elements of the stories. Calm down fans of hot and steamy romance—it’s not an erotica, but there is a strong kiss of romance in it between a small number of characters, and also a bit of Dark Erotica. Fun, fun! :)

Thank you again, Jennifer and Amy.

PART ONE: Prophecy of the Guardian
by J.W. Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-913-7
Print format ISBN: 978-1-61160-024-7

The Second Great War between the Light and the Dark has begun, and
Abaddon the Demon Lordis searching for the four ancient Wizard
Crystals of the Elements. Once the Crystals arein his hands, and
corrupted to evil, he will destroy the forces of Light upon the
earth,and transform the world into eternal darkness.

But Darshun Luthais, one of the last Nasharin warriors, along with a
few companions, sets out on a quest to find the Crystals first. Along
the journey they encounter giant six-legged serpents, the ruthless
Cullach, and other entities of darkness; yet the most challenging
obstacle is Darshun's constant struggle against temptations of evil,
and his vow to hold to the faith of all who are calling him the
Guardian—the prophesied warrior who will bring down the Demon Lord.

PART TWO: Siege of Darkness
by J W Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-981-6
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-981-6

Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The
Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has
taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them
into the hands of their master: the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they
will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created
to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun
Luthais—the
chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island,
having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he
not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn
in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the
Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his
Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials
that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most,
challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror.


PART THREE: The Coming of the Light
by J W Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-985-4
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-61160-269-2

The Wizard Crystals of the Elements have fallen into the hands of
Abaddon, forever corrupted and transformed to evil. Abaddon now
patiently waits in his northern kingdom for the coming of
Saruinkai—the evening when the spirits of Darkness rule the night, and
when he will unleash the Crystals' horrific powers against their own
elements and sweep destruction across the earth. The Light's hope now
lies in the young Nasharin warrior Darshun Luthais—the chosen
Guardian, for he alone carries the power to stop Abaddon's black
sorcery and end the war once and for all. But to do so he must cross
over into Abaddon’s kingdom, and that means destroying the one who
guards the border, a Fallen Angelic Throne, the secret to Asgoth's
three hundred year Rule and invincibility.
Led by the elvish lord Caelestias, Darshun and his companions must
seek out and destroy the Throne, encounter a Witch, and a horde of
other vile creatures, only to stir up the entirety of Asgoth, coming
face to face with them, a battle that will determine the fate of the
world.

PART FOUR: The Sword of Righteousness
by J.W. Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

The Dark King Tanarokai...his ever-bitter Queen, and their ‘three
hundred year undefeated army of death’ never thought they’d see the
day when Asgoth would come crashing down by the hands of the Light.
The time draws near when the Light may hold the final victory, but
little as they know, the horrors and tribulations are just beginning,
and fate is not always fair and balanced.

Guardian of the Seventh Realm Book Four: The Sword of Righteousness is
another “chapter” in the Second Great War of the Seventh Realm.

Darshun Luthais—Nasharin warrior and chosen Guardian of earth,
continues his journey across the arctic land of Syngothra, seeking to
destroy Abaddon's Unholy Altar of Power, and bring the Second Great
War to an end.  But when a new and deadly sorcerer working for Abaddon
discovers his plan, he sets up a trap for Darshun and his five
companions, a colossal army of darkness lying in wait among the frozen
elements, ready to unleash its fury once the intruders are in sight.

Now it is up to King Loreus—ruler of Loreladia to unify the scattered
races of Light, and charge into Syngothra before the trap is sprung.
For Loreus wields the Golden Sword of Purity, a weapon forged long ago
by the Five Holy Races, before darkness had separated them.  With
little time to spare, the Loreladian King must stop the Elves from
another civil war, gain their trust and then encounter the Centaurs of
Cestmir, a pious Matriarchy and self-righteous race, where if they do
not remember the Sword, they may prove to be more of an enemy than
Abaddon.


Thank you Cynthia for hosting and putting this together!!
Visit The Wytch's Mirror
http://thewytchsmirror.blogspot.com/

SCARLETT VALENTINE arrives with Awakening and a Giveaway

Scarlett Valentine is the alter ego of award-winning romance author, Kemberlee Shortland. Together they write Erotomance -- Erotic Romance.

Originally from Northern California, Scarlett has spent the last fourteen years living in Ireland. She's traveled extensively through Ireland and Wales. When she's not writing, she can often be found castle hunting.

Scarlett's stories cross subgenres to explore hetero, gay and bisexual relationships in a series of stories that include time periods from historicals and contemporaries, futuristics and science fiction, paranormal and suspense, and more.

Awakening is the first book in The ABCs of S-E-X: Love by the Letter series and is available Nov 2^nd  through Highland Press.

http://www.scarlett-valentine.com/

http://www.theabcsofsex.com/

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WELCOME – SCARLETT VALENTINE!!

The challenge of mixing erotica with historical romance

First let me say, thanks for letting me visit today. And thank you so much for hosting the last day of my tour. 11-11-11 is auspicious and I hope it means all good things to come for Awakening AND Seduced by Books.

I don’t know why, but I really enjoy historical erotica stories. I’ve read several subgenres—contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, etc.—but I’m always drawn back to historical. In particular, medieval.

It probably goes back to my love of knights in shining armor, heroic warriors, and strong heroines who can handle all the testosterone in the room.

I also really love castles. As an avid castle huntress, I’m drawn to this period of history so long in our past and can only imagine or read about it in historical texts. Being at an ancient castle, walking around abandoned rooms, and perhaps knowing a little history, my imagination runs wild thinking about all the things that went on in those chambers . . . or could have. Or maybe should have!

The medieval period was the beginning of a thousand years of modern invention and modern thinking. It was a time of European expansion, and in the last medieval period of North American expansion, and with it trade and tourism. And let’s not forget the spice trade, imports of exotic fabrics and jewels, and the age of chivalry.

Adding all of this up, and it lends itself to a very enticing setting—a mysterious keep high in the mountains; firelight and candles flickering over stone walls; the scents of beeswax, turf and possibly sandalwood in the air; mead warming by the fire; thick sheepskins warming the flagstones; and a bed covered in the finest silks and damask. Cue the music—maybe a little Carmina Burana—and it’s the perfect setting for a sexy romp!

I don’t find blending historical with erotica difficult at all. If anything, the romance of the period inspires me all the more. Or maybe it’s just the castles!

* ~ * ~ *

I wanted to say a big thank you to Seduced by Books and all of my other tour stops for making the launch of Awakening such an amazing experience. I hope everyone had as great a time as I!

Please log into my website to find out who is the grand prize winner of the $25 Amazon gift card, and for more information on further releases in The ABCs of S-E-X: Love by the Letter series, such as book two, Beguiler!

I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to drop me a note to let me know your thoughts on Awakening.

~ Scarlett

“What’s a little bondage between friends?”

http://www.scarlett-valentine.com/

Available now – Awakening, book one of The ABCs of S-E-X: Love by the Letter series

SBB - We are lucky to have you on here – thank you so much for coming – love the post, you’re right, that ‘historical’ setting definitely does lead right up to the ‘romp’ as you put it!  Below find a quick excerpt from Awakening!  So happy to be able to share one with you guys! Comment below to be entered into the giveaway and Scarlett is known to give RANDOM Surprises to commenters :) !  The more comments the more chance - follow the rest of the tour here

He gazed at her slumbering form. Firelight danced over her flawless skin. She was the fairest woman he had ever seen, her skin perfection but for the flush in her cheeks as she thought to defy him, and that of the passion he awoke in her. The fairness of her features only served to accent the deep blush of her lips.

 Her lips.

 She did not kiss him like a novice. Following his lead, she kissed him back with equal alacrity. He felt she was yet unsure of her own power over him, but he knew it was only a matter of time before she could control him with a simple touch.

And her eyes were the palest of green. Or were they blue? He could not tell. He only knew they reminded him of pools of seawater ensnared in the white sands along Cymru’s coast, and just as translucent. He could gaze long into her eyes, searching their depths, letting himself be hypnotized by them.

Her features were gentle, innocent. It was as if she had never witnessed any of the world’s horrors, that her heart and soul were pure. In that she was now married to the likes of the Grave Knower was incredulous. More so incredulous was her fearlessness. She never cowered before him. Not even as she stood naked before him, challenging him with her gaze.

 Indeed, she was the very opposite of himself.

This book is out – GET YOUR HANDS ON IT! as if the cover isn't enough!!

Ysbail of Ellesmere is a pawn in her guardian's war. For decades there has been unrest between the marcher lords and Owain Gwynedd ap Gruffydd, King of Gwynedd. The most recent war had been the bloodiest she could remember in her eighteen years. Madog ap Maredudd, Prince of Powys, and his allies lost untold numbers of men at the hands of Owain's soldiers. When a settlement of truce is presented to Madog, it's at Ysbail's expense. She is to marry Bedwyr ap Owain, one of King Owain’s bastard sons, and his most notorious henchman. If all the rumors and stories she's heard are true, she knows her marriage will be rife with horror and fear.

Since proving himself worthy with his sword, Bedwyr fights at his king's side. He's shed oceans of blood and sent untold numbers of men to their graves. He's become what his name foretold—the grave-knower. He's afraid of nothing, least of all death. All men fear him, including those who fight at his side, and sometimes even his own king. Terror of him lives within women's hearts; only the bravest of whores accept him into their beds. And children weave their own tales of the monster they hear him to be, embellishing the details to their own gruesome degrees.

When King Owain informs Bedwyr that he's to marry Ysbail of Ellesmere as part of a peace settlement with Madog, Bedwyr is furious. A man such as Bedwyr can only survive on the battlefield. For without love, hatred will send a man like him to the edge of insanity. Then push him over. But when Bedwyr sees Ysbail for the first time, blood-thirst turns to blood-lust, and he vows to show her that she should have no fear of him.

Thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions

WELCOME A. Jacob Sweeney Guest Post and Giveaway

NO, THERE ARE NO VAMPIRES IN PULSE OF HEROES

When I first wrote Pulse Of Heroes, my goal was to write something that came straight from my heart. I knew that I was aiming for a young adult readership, because the person that inspired me to sit down and write was my seventeen year old cousin. She loves to read and told me that she wanted more than what was out there, something different, something deep that would sweep her away. I remember specifically asking her what it was that she liked and didn’t like in the books she was reading and being a huge Twilight fan, she told me that she wanted to feel passionate about a book the way she felt for Twilight, but that the others she picked up after, fell short in making her fall in love. She said that they felt rushed and repetitive in their plots. She wanted a great love story. Well, having grown up on the classics such as Shakespearean plays, Greek tragedies, Opera, Mythologies from around the world, and books such as The Scarlett Letter, The Thorn Birds, and other such great epic love stories, I knew that in the romance department, I had it pretty much down 

Now, I never read Twilight or any of the other paranormal genre books out there, and I decided that the worse thing for me would be to actually start reading them if I was to write something original.  I definitely didn’t want to write a vampire story. Not that there is anything wrong with vampires, it’s just that personally everywhere I looked, all I saw was dark, brooding, pale-skinned, beautiful for a dead person images, and I wanted something different. I wanted to show that death is not the ultimate goal, but that life is. And there is nothing more trying than dealing with staying alive. I understand the entire lure with the undead, or death, as I went through the same phases as a young adult myself. The feel of not belonging, and that life as I knew it couldn’t possibly give me what I needed, is familiar to many of us. Still, the images of these blood sucking pretties were just coming out of my nose, as I felt as if I was being forced fed them everywhere I looked. I know that there are many great writers out there that write vampire stories and I respect them for their art. For example one of my all time favorite books is Ann Rice’s Interview With A Vampire, and I also love The Historian By Elizabeth Kostova . And of course there is always the classic Bram Stoker’s Dracula. So in no way am I disregarding vampire books. It’s just that I wanted something different.

The Immortals in Pulse Of Heroes are characters that have floated in my mind for many years. I just didn’t have a full plot to involve them in. They are just as sexy, and yes they can be as broody, as any blood sucking creature of the night can be. Why? Well I can only hint that what they have lived through, or still do, is much more trying than finding their next hot blooded meal without being seen by humans. The backdrop of their world is vast and ever changing. Their loves and their sorrows are just as melancholy, if not more so, as certain barriers prohibit them from the true love that they seek and have sought for far too many years. 
The reviews and reaction to Pulse Of Heroes speak for themselves. And here I will share with you a reviewers’ words to give you a sense of what I mean. Thank you for having me.  -A Jacob Sweeny

“But Michelle's mom knew better. She recognized those cries. Those were the pangs of the heart, the kind that only a girl could experience. She also knew that somewhere in between the weeping and the gasping a boy's name hung onto every tear.” --Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny
This quote is just one of the reasons I love this book! Move over Edward and Bella, a new power couple has hit the scene! Michelle and Elliot from Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny will give Stephanie Myer's characters a run for their money! I have read so many books, it takes a lot to knock my socks off; A. Jacob Sweeny did just that! With her original storyline and unforgettable characters she has an award winning series in the making. Who needs vampires and werewolves when we have a whole house full of extremely sexy superheroes! The story is action packed from beginning to end. You will not be bored anytime… that says a lot for a book that is over 500 pages long. It takes one amazing author to connect the reader to the characters in a way that you feel like you are part of the story…
I was shocked and awed by this book and I know anyone that reads it will feel the same way! I can't remember the last time I read a book that held the power to make me cry. It will be a very long time before this story will leave my mind and heart. What I love most about this book is the fact that like in a real relationship Michelle and Elliot's romance is not without its ups and downs. I was so emotionally… I felt everything Michelle felt. When she was happy I was happy for her. When she was embarrassed I was red-faced right along with her. And when she was heartbroken, I was also heartbroken and teary eyed. It takes an amazing author to accomplish such a feat but that's just what Sweeny did... I am so happy I had the chance to read Pulse of Heroes…  A. Jacob Sweeny is on her way to the very top of the young adult best seller list!
Dawn Hagan- ‘I love Books’ review BlogSpot




Thanks for coming by - we were glad to host as part of the Romancing Your Dark Side Tour - GIVEAWAY TIME - we are extremely lucky - Sweeney has given one 2012 Pulse of Heroes magnet calendar to a lucky commenter!!! Remember - follow the whole tour at www.vbtcafe.com for a chance to win a kindle offered by BK Walker and Book Reader Addicts.  Follow our page and comment below.