SPOTLIGHT - ALIEN MINE ( #GIVEAWAY )

"THE BLUTHEN HAVE ONE CONSUMING PASSION: THEMSELVES.

IN THEIR EXPANSION ACROSS THE GALAXY, THEY WILL GO TO ANY LENGTHS TO DOMINATE SPECIES THEY ENCOUNTER.

Torn from modern day Earth and stranded on the far side of the Galaxy, Sandrea Fairbairn must use every particle of courage she possesses to adjust to her new life and live for tomorrow.

Eugen Mhartak, a general in the Tri-Race Alliance Army, refuses to bow to the merciless Bluthen. Haunted by the loss of far too many innocent lives he has vowed to drive the ruthless invaders from Alliance space.

The strength and valor of Eugen Mhartak attracts Sandrea as no man ever has, but she struggles to read the enigmatic general’s heart. Determined to help him triumph over the Bluthen she uncovers a diabolical plot against the Alliance.

Drawn by the courage and exotic beauty of Sandrea, Mhartak battles to overcome the barriers of cross-cultural differences that separate them and claim her ardent interest. He must conquer his deepest fears to be the man she needs. When his principles are betrayed by his own government and he is faced with the impossible prospect of taking Sandrea’s life in order to save his home planet, Mhartak desperately searches for a way to keep safe both his world and the magnificent woman who has stolen his heart."

Sandrea blinked and focused on Kendril’s worried face. Her friend knelt beside her, eyes filled with concern. 

Cramps struck Sandrea’s legs, urging her to unwind from a tight huddle. Beneath her vest and over-shirt, Dexter’s warm body hugged her ribs. “What happened?” she asked.

Kendril gazed at her with steady consideration then eased her grip on her upper arms. “Did he kill your dog, too?”

What? “No.”

“Well you ‘happened’ to him as you did the Bluthen who killed your dog.”

“I did?”

“You did.” 

“Did they rape you?” Kendril asked quietly.

Sandrea shook her head. “No. Violate, yes.” She hauled in a deep, shaky breath, gathered herself, and rose. “Where is he?”

Kendril pointed with a jerk of her chin. “Over there—mostly.”

Sandrea moved to the cliff edge and peered down. Early afternoon sunlight revealed a sheer tumble of boulders in shades of grey with a gruesome embellishment of stark, dark-red gore.

After a few moments of silent observation, she pursed her lips in contemplation.

“He is all over here, Kendril.”

“Well, technically, I suppose, yes,” Kendril admitted, coming to her side. “It’s just that he’s spread out over a few square meters. Sandrea?”

“Mmm?”

“Is that little lizard one of those things we’re not telling the General about?”

Sandra will be awarding one Alien, Mine customized iPhone case to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. This will be available for Apple iPhone 5, 4/4S, 3G/3GS, Samsung Galaxy S4, SIII/S3, SII/S2 or BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 (winner to choose phone case size) and is US ONLY.

Comment to take part! 

Your Question:

What did you think of the excerpt?

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/virtual-blurb-blitz-alien-mine-by.html

Born in the far north of Australia, yearly cyclones, floods and being cut off from civilization for weeks at a time were the norm. An outrageous imagination helped occupy Sandra’s mind.

An abiding interest in astronomy and a deep-seated need to always see the good guys win naturally influences her writing. Not satisfied with the amount of romance in science fiction novels she set out to redress the balance.

She currently lives in sunny South East Queensland, Australia, with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who doesn’t seem to realize she comes from royalty and should act in a more appropriate manner.

Amazon buy link: http://tinyurl.com/ka4jskr

Website: www.sandraharrisauthor.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sandra1Harris

BOOK SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY - CLAIMING MAGIQUE

"A man at the center of power. A woman who won’t be ruled. They call her Magique. 

Sought out by the District’s elite, she’s no ordinary call girl, deciding who will pleasure her for the evening. Her preference is for several men at once. Games of bondage and submission heighten her arousal and desire to have a strong male take her. 

Hunter is only looking for a good time, not a woman who unleashes a hunger so deep it changes his world. He won’t stop until Magique is his alone, a prisoner of his lust, powerless against his growing need for her body and heart. 

With this man, resistance isn’t allowed. For this woman, he’ll create a world of sensual delight and yearning like none she’s ever known."

Reader Advisory : Magique’s sensual journey includes some brief ménage and BDSM elements.

              On the other end of the room was a wet bar. And Magique.

              Hunt stepped closer, unable to help himself.

              Her back was to them. She made no move to turn around despite David’s nervous throat clearing.

              Her hair was glossy and black with blue highlights, worn so long the ends dangled over her ass. From his vantage point, Hunt could see her right leg. She wore strappy gold heels, three inches high. He estimated her to be about five-seven or eight without them. Her dress, a simple sheath, was of an amazing gold material, slightly shiny and so snug she might as well have sprayed the damn thing on.

              It wasn’t gauzy lingerie, but it did reveal her every curve.

              Adrenaline pumped through Hunt, making it difficult for him to stand still. His mouth went dry.

              Her figure leaned more toward a Victoria’s Secret model than the waiflike look of high couture. The dress’s left strap had fallen down, making her seem more accessible, oddly vulnerable. Light glanced off her bare shoulder and arm as she moved, lifting a glass, tipping a bottle. Her skin was an ivory shade, looking delicate and seductive as hell.

              He pulled at his tie’s knot, needing to loosen it so he could breathe more easily. The air, so fresh a moment before, seemed suffocating now. His fingers ached. He’d been making fists. To control himself? Damn right.

              He longed to cross the room and turn her around so she’d notice him, her expression saying she not only approved, she wanted him more than the others, her actions affirming her reckless desire.

Tina will be awarding the winner's choice of a backlist eBook to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop. You can find all the tour stops here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.fi/2012/08/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-claiming.html

              Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romances (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition.
              The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years).
              Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com

Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

NIGHTFALL - REVIEW, GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY

"When a wounded runner stumbles into her workshop, sculptor Talena Spenser’s comfortable, quiet life is shattered. Aiding the escaped slave risks losing more than just her freedom. She is in phase, when Cy’ren females are overwhelmed by the drive to mate."

Author: Robyn Bachar
Pages: 265 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing on July 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Erotic Sci-fi Romance (+18 Only)
Series: Cy'ren Rising #1
Amazon: Buy / $6.75 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.87 (Nook)
Samhain: Buy / $3.15 (E-book)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"When a wounded runner stumbles into her workshop, sculptor Talena Spenser’s comfortable, quiet life is shattered. Aiding the escaped slave risks losing more than just her freedom. She is in phase, when Cy'ren females are overwhelmed by the drive to mate.

Mordacki Loren, shadow sword of House Nightfall, knows the pain of losing a mate. He never intended to take another. But Talena, raised by humans with little knowledge of Cy'ren ways, leaves him no choice. As the mating lust consumes them, Dack promises to honor her wishes - even if that means letting her go.

Scarred and hardened by a munitions accident that sent her Alliance career up in flames, Carmen Hawke joined the Cy'ren resistance as captain of the flagship Talon. When old flame Dack returns from a mission with Carmen's childhood friend and first love, Talena, in tow, the temptation to allow someone - or two someones - close to her again cracks her emotional armor.

Pursued by an unknown enemy, the trio works together to discover the secrets of Talena's past, and to uncover a threat that could destroy the fragile peace of the Cy'ren homeworld."

The story in Nightfall was great, I loved the idea of a slave race rebelling, especially when the slave race includes some stunningly hot purple/lavender specimens of humanoids with good looks, rippling abs and wide shoulders! Who wouldn't root for them? Bachar does make the Cy'ren very interesting, even though very human like except for skin color and some special skills, and gives them enough background for multiple books! I loved the Cy'ren Phase and the fact that there were Cy'rens after her for more than Phase reasons - made for interesting reading.

I haven't yet read any ménages with male/female/female relationship going on, but it worked for me in Nightfall. Talena and Carmen had been in love for years even though they hadn't met in several years, Dack was a new acquaintance that had had dalliances with Carmen before and was more than willing to accept Carmen to his and Talina's mating. The relationship with Dack and Talina was just lust in the beginning which was softened by the love and friendship between her and Carmen. In all not a bad trio!

What stood out for me the most about the characters in Nightfall was the male Cy'ren, they had the vengeance and their good looks going for them - of the whole book they were what intrigued me the most, Jace included though he was quite the bad boy of all alien bad boys. ;)

If you are into erotic ménage sci-fi romance then this is for you!

Don't miss the 20$ Gift Card Giveaway and the Sexy Side of Sci-fi Guest Blog below!

Rating :

Robyn Bachar will be giving away $20 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the Tour! The more entries you comment in, the better your chances of winning!
The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/06/virtual-book-tour-nightfall-by-robyn.html

Don't know what to comment about, read the Guest Blog The Sexy Side of Sci-fi!

The Sexy Side of Sci-fi

by Robyn Bachar

            There’s always been a sexy side of sci-fi. Many pulp covers featured a scantily clad woman wearing a space helmet and little else, usually while being menaced by an alien or a robot. In classic Star Trek Captain Kirk always got the girl in one episode and moved on to another in the next, a tradition carried on in Next Gen by Commander Riker. But the stories that I love have more than just the relationship of the week. What would the original Star Wars trilogy be without the romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia? Or Firefly without the sexual tension between Mal and Inara?

            As a romance writer, the love story is always important to me. I want my hero to save the world and get the girl—or girls, as the case may be in Nightfall. Though I’m pretty sure Captain Hawke would have words with me for referring to her as a girl, because as the tough captain of the Talon she’s not the girly type. Being with Dack and Talena allows her to indulge her softer, squishy side, and that was an essential part of the story for me while writing Nightfall.

            I wanted to tell a story with epic space battles and political intrigue, but also with a passionate romance. Together, Dack, Talena and Carmen complete each other, and as their relationship develops so does the fate of the Cy’ren home world. Writing red hot ménage love scenes was a fun added bonus, and I hope my readers enjoy the ride.

GUEST BLOG: HOW TO SAY "I WON'T" NICELY?

How to say "I won't" nicely

by Jo Sparkes

How do you say,  "I won't" nicely?

First, be sure of your answer. Then step into your heart, and say it.

When you come from your heart, the answer is honest. They may not like the answer, but they have to respect it.

We can all recall a time when we asked someone for something, maybe help with a project or a ride when our car is in the shop. And we got a 'yes' answer, but knew the other person really did not want to do it. You may have even added, “only if you have the time,” or “I can find someone else.” And you were brushed off with a “oh, it's okay” sort of statement even though it obviously really wasn't. The other person begrudged it, and you felt that 'put upon' feeling the whole time.

Wouldn't you have rather had honesty? Honesty really is a gift.

So when you're asked, take a moment to ponder. Do you really want to do this? Is this a close friend who's helped you many times, and here's a chance to return the favor? Is this someone who is constantly needing a ride, or always wants a shoulder to cry on?

Do you feel good about it or not?

And if not, why not? Are you running ragged at the moment between kids, husband, and work? Maybe this is someone who wants more than he/she is saying. Someone who wants to go to lunch so she can complain about her boyfriend? Is this a male friend who constantly pushes to change the relationship?  Or perhaps your mother wants to needle you into another blind date?

Guilt is very common when we don't want to do something. We tell ourselves that poor Mary is having a rough time with her boyfriend, the least we can do is listen. But if Mary has been having the same problem for six months, with a cheating boyfriend that she won't leave, you're not helping her by allowing yourself to be dragged through it over and over. She may choose to cling to the situation – but you don't have to.

What answer do you truly wish to give? Find that 'mindset', that place in your heart. Not anger at the other person, but that good feeling for allowing yourself to do as YOU choose.

And feeling good, smile and simply be honest. “No, thanks, Mary. I'm just not in the mood for a lunch today.”

“Thanks for the thought, Bob, but you know, we always seem stuck on the one topic. Let's give it a rest.”

“Mom, I love you. But I have nothing in common with your friends' offspring.”

I have found over the years that what is the best thing for one is actually the best thing for all. Honesty is a gift of respect, and it serves both the giver and the receiver.

Answer from you heart. Smile at them, let them know you still care. But let them also know your answer, and you both can move on.

Jo Sparks will be giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Comment here to take part? Can you say I won't nicely?

All the Tour Dates can be found HERE! The more you comment, the better your chances in winning!

Find  Jo Sparks at her Website and Booksite 

"Feedback … a kinder word for criticism, is an organic component to life.


When a toddler learns to walk, he falls. He screams, cries – and persists. What would happen to the human race if he gave up after a few bumps?


Before we could read self-help books, before we could understand a language and sit in a classroom, we learned by trial and error. “Feedback” is the natural teaching process. It’s how the creator set it up. It’s how the world actually works.


Here, at last, is a simple process for getting the most from all the feedback the world offers us."

GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY: DARKEST WOLF

"Rex Kane has always known he was different than his brothers, down to the fact that when he shifts into his wolf form, his coat is completely black. Always in trouble, he is given one more chance by his brother Tristan, the Alpha of the Westervelt pack, to bring back to their island a witch who can stop some of the magical assault that has plagued their war-torn home. Rex knows he has one last chance to set things right. Everything depends on him and he cannot fail.

Elizabeth Willow has been cursed to look so repulsive no human eyes can bear to view her. Raised in a gentle coven of witches, she is ill prepared for the realities of the harsh world she now lives in. Raised to mistrust wolf-shifters as witch-killers, she cannot seem to help being drawn to Rex. Even if she doesn't believe she is his so-called mate. He can see her as she really is and is the first person to look her in the eyes in years. Although she is not naturally devious, she sees no choice but to use Rex to gain her own freedom and her families' safety.

Together, Rex and Elizabeth will see just how evil the people around them can be. If they can trust their hearts, perhaps they will survive another night. If not, both of their battles will never be won."

I asked Rebecca Royce "What music would your main characters listen to in Darkest Wolf?" and here are her answers - do you share any similar taste in music with the hero or the heroine?

Rex’s Playlist…

1. Alice in Chains…Rooster
2. Nirvana…No Apologies
3. Soundgarden…Black hole Sun
4. Pearl Jam…Black
5. Stone Temple Pilots…Vaseline
6. Temple of The Dug…Hunger Strike
7. Bush…Come Back Down
8. Oasis…Wonderwall
9. Buckcherry… I love the Cocaine
10. Guns N Roses…November Rain

Elizabeth’s Playlist...

1. Dar Williams…Are You Out There?
2. The Byrds…Mr. Tambourine Man
3. Simon and Garfunkel…Bridge of Trouled Water
4. The Beatles…In My Life
5. Judy Collins…Both Sides Now
6. Rod Stewart…Maggie May
7. Closer to Fine…Indigo Girls
8. Jefferson Airplane…My Best Friend
9. Glen Campbell…Universal Soldier
10. David Crosby…Laughing

Rebecca Royce will be giving away a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour...

• Comment here at For The Love of Reading, for example answering... do you share any similar taste in music with the hero or the heroine?
• Leave your e-mail address in the comment so that if you win you can be contacted 

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/03/virtual-book-tour-darkest-wolf-by.html

[ THE GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED ]

GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY: HOW TO WRITE HOT SEX SCENES

At For The Love of Reading today is Gabrielle Bisset with a sexy Guest Blog and some treats! Check out the giveaway below! Now to the guest blog...

How To Write Hot Sex Scenes

by Gabrille Bisset

Thanks Niina for having me here for Blood Avenged's book tour.

One of the most important parts of an erotic romance author's job is writing really hot sex scenes.  Each writer has his or her own methods.  Some need to drink to get themselves into a state that is less inhibited, and some listen to sexy music.  So what do I do?  I write exactly what I fantasize about when I think about my hero in whatever book I'm writing.

So take Vasilije from Blood Avenged.  Tall, incredibly built, with black hair and blue eyes, he's gorgeous, so it's a good place to begin thinking about just looking at him.  My heroes are always men I find appealing, so it's just a matter of thinking about what I'd like to do with him if he were standing in front of me.

For Sasa, the heroine in Blood Avenged, Vasilije is pure sex.  He's unlike anyone she's ever met, and he's attracted to her.  Something in the way he speaks and stands so close thrills her like nothing else she's ever felt. The reader senses his effect on her through her words and movements.

With a male like Vasilije, sensuality is everything.  He's consumed with enjoying the sensations around him.  For his character, much of the sexual experience is sensory.  He loves the feel of Sasa's hands on his skin.  He relishes the taste of her tongue as it sweeps over his lips.  His excitement is raised as he hears the need in her voice as she begs him to give her what she wants.

I always focus on the smaller facets of sex as I write a scene, so I may make a man's hands important because they convey the feeling of him touching the heroine.  Or I make the kiss important.  Many people want to skip over the kiss, hurrying on to the actual intercourse, but for me, the kiss is where the magic begins.  The feel of one character's lips brushing against the other's, the sensation of the hero's tongue grazing the heroine's, the teasing breath of one character as her sharp intake of air shows the hero that just his kiss is driving her insane with need for him.  This is what makes everything that comes after the kiss so great.

For me, sex scenes are just a natural extension of my own fantasies and my characters' personalities.  I use techniques I've enjoyed, those I've seen in movies or on tv and haven't had the pleasure to experiment with yet, and the tried and true things like kissing and make them unique to the characters I have in the scene.  Their personalities dictate how they'll approach sex, and with that in mind, I let them enjoy themselves.

It's hard to believe this is considered a job.

~Gabrielle Bisset

 Site / Blog / Facebook / Twitter 

Places to Purchase Blood Avenged:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / All Romance / Smashwords

Gabrielle will be giving away:

• A signed bookmarks from Blood Avenged and the upcoming books Blood Betrayed and Blood Spirit at each tour stop ( that means right here, ladies! ) 
• $10 gift card for one randomly drawn commentor during the Tour

How to participate:

• Comment here answering this question "What makes a great sex scene - and what makes a bad one?"
• Leave your e-mail address on the comment ( for example: iwantalphas at gmail dot com )

Here are all the Tour Stops! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Click HERE! Giveaway ends May 4th 2012.

SOULMATE - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

"For in steps a strange suitor that will not be denied in his own quest for Kate’s heart, body, and soul.  His scorching kiss competes with James’s touch while they both pursue her.  But who will she choose?  Because though one offers passionate life and the other offers blissful death."

Author: McKinzie S. Heart
Published: Rogue Phoenix Press on February 2012
Pages: 51 Pages
Form: E-book (from a tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance 
Amazon: Buy / $6.89 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see US price )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.99 (Nook)
Rogue Phoenix Press: Buy / $3.99 (Ebook)
Excerpt: Below the Giveaway

"It is 1882 Midwest North America and fiery Scottish lass Katlyn MacKenzie has inadvertently found herself working in a local saloon after her father’s death.  Handsome cowboy James Granger wants Kate more than he’s wanted any woman before so he is determined to make her his come hell or high-water.

She is tempted by his heated, experienced touch but will she succumb to his charms or will another stake his claim?  For in steps a strange suitor that will not be denied in his own quest for Kate’s heart, body, and soul.  His scorching kiss competes with James’s touch while they both pursue her.  But who will she choose?

Because though one offers passionate life and the other offers blissful death, only her Soul Mate can claim her." ~Goodreads

I love stories about soul mates and in Soulmate you get ghosts as well! I like that this was a historical late 1800's story, it explains the fact that people were willing to believe in ghost, and Katlyn being sensitive to seeing ghosts made this "romance" possible.

I felt everything happened very fast, just in one night, and it just didn't feel believable which took a bit away from the story. I would have liked it to be at least three days long, it felt rushed and poor Katlyn went bit odd at the rush of it.

The story had great potential to be really excellent if it hadn't been so rushed to one night. Kat, James and Houston made an awesome set of characters. Even James being misguided and unable to control himself I still really really liked him! Houston was bossy, arrogant and very sure of his right on Katlyn which made him so yummy to read, crossing over to seduce a woman while a ghost, talk about hot! Katlyn was feisty, headstrong and prober Scottish girl - but she went a bit panicky there, I'd have loved to have seen her take a day or two think about things instead of blindly falling in place.

The romance was hot, I loved Houston coming to seduce Katlyn until she had to give in, and I loved James's misguided lust and passion for Kat, which almost had dire consequences. All that passion in 51 pages was delish read!

This book would have a been great, if it hadn't been, like I mentioned before, rushed into one night. But even as it was rushed it was still really good read for a ghost and soul mate lover like me. :)

Rating :

McKinzie will award a $20 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, as well as to the host with the most comments!

I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! The tour dates can be found HERE! 

Commenting here today? Please become a follower to support my little blog ( much thanks! ) and asnwer this:

"Do you believe in soul mates and have you met yours?"

I complitely believe in Soulmates myself, I'm new age enough that way, I believe there are actually many soulmates out there, sisters, brothers, lovers, mother and fathers, and then one other half of your soul your Twin Flame who you might not meet every reincarnation. ;) That's my belief, and I'm happy to say I married my Soulmate. ;)

           Nothing looked familiar but she pushed on bombarded now by flashes of images in her head. Her head felt full and heavy undoubtedly proving it would worsen unless she could escape. She must escape now! She lifted her skirts and bolted in blind desperation. The images and feelings increased, pressing against her skull. Gunfights, murders, natural and unnatural deaths…too numerous to count and now the whispers began. Some threatening, some enticing weaving in and about the mixed images…calling her, luring her. The multiple voices bombarded her mind as the flood of feelings threatened to overwhelm her. And the mixed scents of gunpowder, leather, and assorted perfumes flowed about her threatening to drown. One particular headstone stood strong and comforting in the distance. She concentrated in that direction feeling only a soothing wave.

           She dropped her skirts and covered her ears as she raced to it leaping over misty hands and arms that only she could see reaching up to grasp at her skirts and legs. Kate didn’t know if they could actually touch her but she surely didn’t want to find out. When she finally jumped upon that soul’s site, everything quieted receding back into a calm after the storm.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY - CARA AND THE DRACA

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, Ms. Louisa Kelley, I’m glad you could make it!

Louisa Kelley : I’m very happy to be here and thank you so much for hosting me today!

Niina : Let’s get started! Can you tell my readers here 4 fun unknown facts about you so we can break the ice?

Louisa :  I’m a vegetarian for one thing, pretty much my entire adult life. I was born in the year of the Dragon, which is my best excuse for my obsession with dragons! I also like to express myself with a lot of exclamation points, a fatal weakness that makes my editors nuts. However, blogging is a bit more forgiving ( grin ). I live in Portland Oregon, where the most popular bumper sticker is “Keep Portland Weird.” I’m doing my best to live up to that sentiment.

Niina : Tell us a little about your newest novel Cara and the Draca , what’s it about?

Louisa : This is book two in my Daughters of Draca series. Like the first book, our heroine lives in Portland. The story is another ( easily stand-alone ) hot and spicy tale of the dragon shape-shifters called the Draca. These sexy Draca are scheming once again to increase their numbers with a powerful spell cast upon the citizens of Portland in the form of magical tattoos. Our shifter hero, Aedhan, is sent to Portland on a mission as the tattoo master of the mysteriously hidden tattoo shop. He wants to redeem his reputation as a bad boy; a Draca of who rarely follows the rules or cares about his own responsibility to the clan. Running the spell and minding the strict rules of behavior are all he’s supposed to be doing.
Then he meets Cara, who is magically drawn to the shop. And that’s when he finds out she may be another precious ‘human daughter of Draca.’ Daughter of Draca indicates a human woman who carries some DNA from an ancient Draca bloodline. This bloodline has the potential to reinvigorate the Dracan species, which at the onset of the first book, had actually been on the verge of extinction. Once Aedhan figures out he’s found another one—in Portland of course!--  things get exponentially complicated, out of control and pretty damn sizzling after that.

Niina : What chapter did you most enjoyed writing and why?

Louisa : I loved writing the big bridge scene. Portland has many old, picturesque bridges that cross the Willamette River. As soon as I moved to Portland and saw those bridges, I started envisioning dragons roaring from the top of one. In a climactic scene, I’ve got Aedhan in his dragon form breathing fire and roaring and creating total chaos in metro Portland. Since it is forbidden for the Draca to show their real selves to humans, this is a very big deal. A complete blast to write!

Niina : How did you find your cover and if you didn't take part in the search, what is your opinion of it?

Louisa :  I adore my covers. Both book covers were done by the amazing artist Christine Griffin, who works for my publisher, Loose Id. I expressly requested her to do the second cover because I love the first one so much and she did a fabulous job.

Niina : What are you working on right now? Can you give us a sneak peak?

Louisa : I’m working on the third and final story in my Draca trilogy. This story will focus on Nareen, who is the de facto Queen of the Draca. She’s a major secondary character in both books, and the instigator of the powerful spells that fuel much of the action. She’s been clamoring to go on her own emotional journey and I am happy to oblige. I’d love to give you a sneak peak but I fear it’s not quite ready for prime time viewing!

Niina : What do you think makes a story sexy?

Louisa :  I think it’s all about characterization and erotic tension. I have to like the characters for one thing, and be invested in their feelings and the story line. The sex needs to make sense, and fulfill an emotional arc in the story. I’ve read sex scenes that go on for pages that leave me cold, and others that are only very short but light my hair on fire. I think writing good sex is a difficult task and challenges me the most when spinning my own erotic tales…My personal preference is that it takes a while to get to the sex. I like the tension to build, until you can hardly wait another minute for the kiss or the love making to happen. However, that’s not always what my publisher wants, so there’s compromise in order for me to meet the demands of the genre and the publisher.

Niina : What’s the best compliment you’ve received on your writing? And who complimented you?

Louisa : I had a great review from The Romance Studio for ‘Lydia and the Draca’. The reviewer said things like: “spicy and fast moving” and the characters were “well written and the story flows well.” She said, “there was instant chemistry between Lydia and Eremon that could almost be felt.” She also said I “penned the sex scenes with detail and believability.” She ended with stating that it was a great short story and she wanted to read more about the Draca. These statements make it all worthwhile to me. I love to know that readers enjoyed the book- and for such gratifying reasons!

Niina : Now to more personal questions! Your Top 3 dangerous fictional bad boys, and why them?

Louisa :  Any of the bad boys in J.R. Ward’s The Black Dagger Brotherhood- they really set the standard for the ultimate bad boys. Brilliant characterization by the author. I’m also partial to Clay, the love interest of Elena Michaels in Kelley Armstrong’s the Otherworld series. He’s hot and bad but has a soft heart for love, my favorite combination. I also adore the hero Lachlain MacRieve, in Kresley Cole’s “A Hunger Like No Other”- Again, skillful and compelling characterization by the author.

Niina : Oh, Lachlain is so good! What is your signature dish?

Louisa :  Probably vegetarian pot pie. I make one big pie, stuffed with yummy vegetables and tasty sauce. Delicious!

Niina : I'm a vegetarian myself so props for that! What does it take to write a really hot love scene?

Louisa : I play soft, sort of new-agey music when I am working on a story. If I’m uninspired at first to write the sex scene, I try to channel memories of making love and focus on specific actions that turned me on and then bring all my senses into the description. I will admit that there were times I got so turned on writing the scene, I had to take a break and go for a walk! Or, um, something else ( grin ).

Niina : Now, before we finish, here are some Quick Fire Questions: 

Night or day? Day
Pick-up or Mini-van?  Pick-up
Beer or Wine? Beer
Boots or Heels? Boots
M&Ms: With or Without Peanuts? With
Treats: Sweet or Salty? Sweet
Pizza or Burger? Pizza
Date: Going to Park or Going to Movies? Movies
Friends or Will & Grace? Friends
Drama or Comedy? Both!
Winter or Summer? Summer
Jewels or Chocolates? Chocolates
Men: Alpha-male or submissive? Alpha. And Beta. There are the in betweens you know!
Men: Clean Shaven or Stubble? Clean Shaven
Tattoos or Piercings on a guy? Tattoos
Bad boys or good guys? Both! Depends!
Brunettes or Blonds? Brunettes
Vampires or werewolves? Werewolves
Cops or Cowboys? Cops
Time-Travel or Sci-fi? Isn’t Time-Travel by its very definition Sci-Fi? So, both please!
Romance or Erotica/Erotic Romance? Erotic Romance
Male POV or Female POV (Point Of View)? Both. I like it when it’s mixed up
Times New Roman or Courier? Times New Roman
Pens or pencils? Pens

Niina : Thanks for visiting the For The Love of Reading, Louisa! Any news would you like to share with your readers, or websites they can check out?

Louisa : This has been fun Niina. Thanks again! I’m on a blog tour so please stop by and say hello. One randomly commenter during the tour will win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-book-tour-daughters-of-draca.html

For more information on my books ( including significant excerpts and purchase links ) visit my website www.louisakelley.com You can also find me on Amazon and most of the major romance e-sellers.

Author: Louisa Kelley
Published: Loose Id Publishing on January 2012
Pages: 125 Pages
Form: E-book (from a tour for an honest review)
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance (18+ Only)
Series: Daughters of Draca #2
Amazon: Buy / $9.19 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see US price )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.97 (Nook)
All Romance Ebooks: Buy / $5.99 (Ebook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Cara is haunted by recent memories of a warehouse explosion that took the life of her best friend and caught her in the blast. Desperate for a way to cover the burns scars on her shoulder, Cara heads for the mysterious tattoo shop in Portland everyone is talking about.

Aedhan, the gorgeous tattoo master, leaves her senses reeling and her knees weak. Just the touch of his talented hands brings welcome relief and a sense of release from her emotional pain. His charming, eccentric ways combined with his tangerine hair and odd accent create an intoxicating mix. To her delight, the incredible tattoo he expertly lays over her scar hides everything-- and makes her long for more of his healing touch.

Soon Cara is pulled into an erotic journey of unimagined delight, terror and transformation. Dragons? In Portland? Magical and sexy beyond belief? Yet, something isn’t quite adding up. Is Aedhan really telling her the truth about what he’s doing in that shop? But she's so crazy in lust and wonder, it's hard to care.

Dragon shape-shifter Aedhan fully intends to follow the rules of his secret mission, number one being no sex with the human women in Portland. Then Cara shows up at his shop and her sweetness and delightful freckles almost stops his heart. When he perceives the sorrow in her life, he is consumed with the need to know more. Who has hurt her? After he gets a taste of her blood on his tattoo needles and discovers the extra special something in her fluids, he decides he must see Cara again, even if it means breaking the rules. And that's when things start to go terribly wrong...or perfectly right." ~The Blurb

Cara and The Draca is the second book in the series. I felt it wasn’t complitely a stand alone story, as I was not familiar with the story before I had no idea what the Draca were and anything about their history and culture and where they came from. Which is why the story didn’t sink in fully for me. The cover is gorgeous and very well portraits the hot erotic romance story!

The plot was very interesting though, can’t get too into it so I won’t reveal too much but the Draca are experiment with humans through Aedhan’s tattoo shop and Cara getting a tattoo to cover a scar from a explosion brings her out a Daughter of Draca, a woman who has Draca DNA to Aedhan’s attention and attraction flames up immediately. As interesting as the plot is, there was very little built on it, I would have liked to have seen more.This story was much more about the erotic romance, even though the plot was really interesting.

Cara and Aedhan were both interesting as characters though I felt that wasn’t explored fully. Reading this story I felt it had tons of potential but didn’t quite tap into it. Cara and Aedhan both were shying away from getting together, but eventually gave in anyway. The explanation for most things was magic, it felt bit too loose, I wanted details of a spell or effect or how it caused it instead of just saying it was a spell or magic.

I think my main issue was that this could have been great, and I wanted just a little bit more most the time – but even that said it was still a good book, and a quick read!

You’ll like this book if you like your erotic romance with a touch of fantasy, dragons and mystical pull getting two lovers together no matter what.

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