Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. Is it part of a series? A stand alone title? What inspired it?

My latest release is a stand alone title, Diary of an Incubus. It is, like many of my books inspired by dreams and just flat wish fulfillment. LOL Who doesn’t want two hot vampires?

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to put what I think, feel, and imagine into words. It’s wonderful. I hate that I never have enough time to spend coming up with all those words.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I like to sketch my characters sometimes. I normally do this while listening to R&B and enjoying a glass of wine. I occasionally share my drawings with some of my closest friends, but they tend to drool on my notebook.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

I would love to go back to Jamaica, simply because I’ve been there before and it was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. It’s an easy place to forget the rest of the world … I think we could all use that from time to time.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

I would take Lilith Mercury’s (from my werewolf hunter series) life over mine most any day. LOL

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

J.K. Rowling is one of my new favorites. I am in love with Professor Snape. LOL Other than that, I tend to stick to the classics. My bookshelf is full of a little bit of everything, comic books (I collect Batman and Vampirella), reference books (Vampire Dictionary, Bullfinch’s Mythology, etc.). I haven’t read anything in my own genre in a while, just because I don’t want it to influence my work.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

*sigh* All the time. Sometimes, I get my best ideas then.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?

I pursued my dream of becoming a bestselling author and didn’t listen to the people who said I couldn’t do it.

What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween. I just love to dress up. It’s like the one day of the year where I get to be myself.

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?

Hmm … That’s a tough one. Probably Bitten or Diary of an Incubus, they really are a tie.

And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*

A tie once again. In Bitten there are four hot vamps and in Diary of an Incubus there are two …. I just can’t decide. LOL

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

You can find out more about me and my books at www.traceyhkitts.com

On a slightly different note, I thought readers might like to know that 10% of all my royalties are always donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. That goes for every book.

Sneak Peek into Diary of an Incubus, now available at New Concepts Publishing:

“Of course. Like I was saying, I love clubs. There are so many different kinds of fear here. Fear of being alone, fear of never finding that special someone and falling in love.” As he spoke Alucard clapped his hands together and batted his eyes.

I laughed. “You’re sick.”

“This is true, but you find me attractive.”

He winked at me and I couldn’t fight back the smile. Still, I denied it. I mean, I wasn’t supposed to find the bad guy attractive. And Alucard was the bad guy … wasn’t he?

“What? How dare you?”

This time he laughed and I shivered again. I was beginning to learn that fear also made my heart race and if handled properly that was only a heartbeat away from arousal. How twisted was that?

“Deny it all you want. I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Bastard.”

“So my mother said.”

“Why are you here, Alucard?”

“Dance with me.”

I turned to order another drink. “I don’t think so.”

He leaned in close and whispered for my ears only, “Wouldn’t you like to know why her boyfriend is dead?”

“You knew about this,” I hissed.

“Dance with me and all will be revealed.”

He held out his hand and I only hesitated a moment before accepting his invitation. Fortunately, Brea was too drunk to be paying attention to any of this. She only gave us a sideways glance as we walked onto the dance floor before turning back to her rum.

“Did you kill James?”

He twirled me around and pulled me close. Despite our height difference, my high heels made it possible for us to dance with relative ease. I wish I could deny that it felt good to be pressed against him. But he knew that it did so why bother lying to myself?

“No.”

He watched me for several minutes before saying anything else. I took the opportunity to observe him more closely too. I couldn’t help myself. He put his hands on my hips as we moved and I liked it. His touch was possessive, yet gentle. And the more I was near him, the more I wanted his hands on me. The top few buttons on his shirt were open and I moved my hand to touch that small expanse of flesh. I shuddered at the contact and so did he. Skin against skin, it was so wrong, so sinful to touch him. He was the monster underneath my bed and all I wanted to do was pull him under the covers with me. Every move, every smile, every subtle gesture spoke to me. And they all said, “I want to do bad things to you.”

To purchase a copy of Diary of an Incubus:

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/diaryofanincubus.htm

Q: Please tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it and is it part of a series or a stand alone title?
Dead Hunter is the third book in the Dead series at Aspen Mountain Press. It is an eBook, but the first two novellas in the series have been combined into a print duet that will be available at Amazon in POD, in additional to the Kindle single versions.

Q: What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?
Characters that I like, enjoy or commiserate with and a story that makes me laugh or moves me in some way.

Q: Do you have a strict writing schedule? I’m working on that. This year’s goal is to become stricter with myself in that area. How do you balance your personal and writing time? Some days, not very well. I know how I want the day to go, but I have a family that can need help with a problem, or my husband will need me to handle something for him and I have a hard time saying “no” unless I’m down to the wire on a deadline. Even then it can be difficult…grin

Q: What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and
writing?
Snuggling with my husband, watching a movie or reading. I love to read and if my brain isn’t numb after dinner, I love to dive into a book.

Q: What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?
A lot of them would be interesting if one didn’t have to live the day to day horrors. Roman history fascinates me, and in our country, I’ve always gobbled up history on the Revolutionary War and especially the Civil War period. Maybe it’s because I’m from the South and so much history was around.

Q: What character out of all your books is the closest to your
personality?
I don’t think any of them are really close. There is probably a little of me in each one, or at least some of the character I’d like to have.

Q: What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? That would include the floor around the bookcase, too. A little bit of everything. Stephen King, Ian Rankin, Melissa Mayhue, Linda Wisdom, Robert McCammon, Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts…the list can go on forever! What is one of your favorite authors? Wolf Hour and Swan Song by Robert McCammon are ‘must’ rereads every few years. I love the stories.

Q: Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book come out? How much does reader response mean to you over your books? Want to try “every time” one releases? What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them? Enjoyment and a sense of fun.

Some of the books on the planning board will hopefully have the reader come away with a better sense of how the hand life deals one, helps make them the person they become, unless they take steps to change.

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
Romancing the Stone, is right up there. Along with that, Saving Grace, Sabrina and Something’s Gotta Give.

Q: Where can readers find out what’s new and how can they contact you?
www.lizzietleaf.com has a list of books available and the links. Also, a Coming Soon Page when a book is scheduled. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Q: What is coming in 2010 for you? Anything you want to share with us?
Currently, I’m working on a new book in the Cougar Club series for Aspen Mountain Press which is scheduled to release in April. And a stand alone for Red Rose Publishing is in the works, but not sure on a release.

I’m polishing a full length novel that I’m not sure where it will go. Its the first in a new series.

Q: If the world ended, what would you be able to not live without (Computers, candy, etc)?
The only 2 things I couldn’t live without…food and water. After that, there are a number of things I’d miss, but books would be at the top of the list.

Sneak peek into DEAD Hunter, now available at Aspen Mountain Press:

They were here, no doubt about it.

They were here. The chilly tingle radiating across the back of her neck left no doubt.

Hot damn! I’m in the mood to kick some ass. Don’t mess with ArieAnne Hews when she has a bad case of PMS. This time of the month didn’t bring much in the way of bloating and cramps for Arie.

Just a seriously pissy mood.

The only person who could tolerate her when she was in one of her “moods” was her father. He’d just pat her on the head and laugh when she snarled at him. The fact he could accomplish that said something about how big he was. She stood six feet without the added inch of soul in her favorite red high-tops. Of course, he was a minister and found good in everyone, except for the creatures he’d trained Arie to destroy—vampires.

The chill on the back of her neck intensified. They’re here all right. But where?

A quick scan of the park revealed a woman sitting on the bench shaded by a huge oak tree. Obviously pregnant, the spiky-haired blonde munched on a chocolate bar.

Wonder if she has an extra she’s willing to share? Chocolate was at the top of her food list all the time, but the craving was another symptom for this time of month.

Oblivious to Arie, who was salivating as the blonde consumed the rich chocolate, the pregnant woman watched in amusement as an older female pushed a tow-headed toddler on one of the kiddy swings.

“Higher, higher,” demanded the child who squealed with delight when a stronger push met her request for greater height. “Watch me, Mommy. I can fly with the birds.”

The woman shoved the last bite of candy bar into her mouth, freeing her hand to wave. She seemed reluctant to move her other hand from the pregnancy-induced protrusion she was using as a table. “So I see. If Grammy pushes much higher, you can touch the sky.”

ArieAnne picked up the pace as she trotted along the path toward the family. They were exactly the kind of prey vampires loved to stumble on and it was up to her to protect them.

Just let you bastards try to feed on these unsuspecting victims. It’s not wise to mess with a hunter in PMS mode.

As she drew nearer, the chilly tingle over her neck reached vibration level. The blood-suckers were getting closer to their intended meal, but they’d have to go through her first.

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/dead-hunter/prod_272.html

Dead Hunter is also available at Amazon in a Kindle version

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XZOUBA/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p351_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0S1FKCWA4G0VBWGHZMPB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
*** Love: Being published, having more deadlines, able to get paid doing what I love and people telling me they enjoyed my stories. Hate: The deadlines. Though I love them because it means I’m working, they can also stifle creativity and create unwanted stress.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?
*** I like to lay out in the sun and then take long bubble baths. It helps me to relax and get grounded.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?
*** A cabin in the woods either in the mountains or near a lake. To get away from the city and all the people and stress. To commune with nature in a peaceful environment.

Is there any heroine from one of your books who you would change places with?
*** I’d be Calissa Parker, a heroine in my book Postponing Eternity (released April ’09 by Devine Destinies,) so I could hang out with her cute, younger love interest Tarrin. Yum!

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?
*** Anne Rice is my favorite. My TBR pile is a bit unwieldy at the moment but it includes Barker, Ludlum, Rice, Roberts, Galenorn…

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?
*** It’s happened a couple of times but I think my muse knows better now.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
*** I’ve done a bunch of things… hiked in the Swiss Alps, crewed for a balloon pilot, rode horseback in the jungles of Cozumel…

What is your favorite holiday?
*** Halloween/Samhain

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?
*** So far my favorite for steamy is Dirty Little Trip and non-steamy is Into Eternity.

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?
*** For information on my available books and WIPs, please visit me at the following links:

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cr_moss

http://themanyshades.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CRMoss

Excerpt from my favorite steamy story ~ Dirty Little Trip
Time seemed to slow and she could have sworn she was in the dream again, this time as an active participant. This time, with the man she craved in the flesh.

So you crave me, my pet?

She nodded and warmth encompassed her. Like in the dream, he reached out to her without moving and wrapped her in a soft, cushioning embrace. He continued to smile, his dark-eyed gaze penetrating her, his overwhelming virility zinging her. His steady attention peered into her soul, searched it, found the core of her wants and desires.

Do you fear me? He took another drag of his smoke and though he tried to be a gentleman and blow the smoke away from her, it went into her face anyway.
She shook her head, breathing in the heady fumes. Her muscles, stiff and hard from all the tension during the past several months, eased, became light and pliable.
Good. I sense your needs, your longing to feel beautiful, to be a woman desired. I feel your passion, how you want to touch me, feel my hands stroking your skin. I ache for your touch as well.
A feather light contact caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and tilted her head into it, but encountered nothing. Mary Jane opened her eyes and studied the man on the other side of her car door. His hands were at his sides.
If I asked you to take a trip with me, would you? Would you go wherever I wanted to take you?
She nodded again, already feeling transported from reality. …
Lustful need drilled through her and her knees went weak. She clutched the top of the door to steady herself. The sexual hunger terrified her and thrilled her at the same time. She stared at the throbbing pulse at the base of his throat, gazed at his full carmine colored lips, looked into his deep, dark eyes. Never in her life had she been so erotically driven in her want for a man. But before she lost herself in the throes of a sexual wonderland, there was something she needed to know. She cleared her throat. “What is your name?”

Her voice sounded far away and faint. For a moment, she wondered if she had asked it or only thought it.
“You may call me Ash,” the man’s deep, sensual voice rolled. He held out his hand.
Eagerness flooded all her senses and primal attraction took control. She slammed her car door shut, strode up to him and took his hand.

For more information, visit: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cr_moss/id31.html

Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?

Hot Chocolate Kiss was released by Eternal Press on January 7. Since it’s the story of a couple who meets up during some extreme winter weather, I expect there will be three seasonal adventures for Rick and Keela.

Hot Chocolate Kiss began when I was caught in a nasty storm at the summit of a ski mountain and remember thinking “I have to write a story about this!” It took three years before the idea formed into a plot, and then I wrote the story in about a week.

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to indulge my wildest fantasies, to put my dreams into words. I hate editing. But it’s all worth it if even one reader says, “Wow, what a great story.”

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I’m so boring. I love a long, hot bath. I treasure a day I can sneak in a nap. I also long for enough free time to take a full afternoon of ballet-both a traditional and pointe class back to back. Then I don’t feel so guilty about a huge frozen yogurt cone, a soak in a hot tub, and a nap.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

Since it’s midwinter, and a cold one at that, I’d pick a secluded beach in the tropics. The seashore is one of my favorite places, with the mountains being a close second. I can watch the ocean for hours and hours, and wander through the woods for days and feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Of course, I’d want my husband to go with me–without the kids.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

Honestly, no. All my characters face difficult trials and challenges. I’m thankful to be boring me.

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

I walk around with The New Yorker, which I love for “Shouts and Murmurs” and the fiction. Their articles are great, too. One of my most favorite recent short stories was “The Shoot” by Andrew Richardson. It was an Eternal Press release in December and a wonderful contemporary women’s fiction piece (F/F).

On my list now are Sharp Points of a Triangle by Rachel Brimble, a romantic comedy, and Killing Havana by David Pereda, a thriller. I also am trying to get to Angel of Windword by Maggie Dove. All three were recent Eternal Press releases.

Cecilia Tan of Circlet Press edited an awesome anthology a couple years back: Best Fantastic Erotica. I’d love to see another one. She is a very bold writer, as well as a superb editor. Great person, too.

I hate e-reading, by the way. There is just something about holding a book in my hands.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

All the time. That is my “witching hour.” My husband thinks I’m crazy but I dream up plot and dialogue. If I don’t write it down, it’s gone.

If the world was going to end within the next 5 days, what 3 things
would you HAVE to do before everyone perished?

Well, besides spending time with my family, I’d publish all my stories remotely near being finished on my blogs so they could be read. I’d try to get a few special places–to visit my grandparents’ graves, to my absolute favorite beach in the world, and to walk in the woods one last time.

How important is reader/reviewer feedback to you?

Reviewer feedback helps strengthen my writing. They can sometimes point out flaws, and I won’t make the same mistake again. Reader feedback is very important. No one likes everything, but if at least one person “gets it” I’m happy. All my books have deep underlying themes which are important to me.

What is your writing schedule like? Do you have a strict daily schedule or do you write when the mood strikes?

I write whenever I can. I get up at 5:30 most days to figure out what has to be done and structure a schedule. Early morning is for social networking and marketing. Assignments and things due come first. Then revision and submission. Then critiques and feedback for other authors.

Unfortunately, I don’t have time for new writing unless there is a deadline to meet. So I scribble outlines or type up scenes and save them in a file for the future use. I use every minute of down time I get. I try and read published fiction or nonfiction every night, even if only fifteen minutes. I have to be up on the trends

What character do you identify with the most? Who could be said to be a bit like you?

Everyone thinks I’m Keela from “Hot Chocolate Kiss.” That’s because I’m an avid skier and hiker. But I’m not out looking for amorous adventures in the wild. Just a little peace and quiet—and sleep.

Milena, my heroine in The Journey, is one of my strongest characters. I’d like to have her resolute determination in the face of the impossible

Which book, character was the most difficult to write? Who was the biggest challenge?

I wrote a horror story a few years back about a psychopathic, serial killer bent on revenge. The motivation was there, and people identified with her. But getting into the mindset of a villainess is very hard, especially when you’re a very passive, peaceable person like me. That story is pending publication, if the anthology doesn’t die an economic death.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Lots of places, depending on their preferences.

My Website:

http://giannabruno.com

My Blog:

http://giannabruno.blogspot.com

My Social Networks:

http://twitter.com/Gianna_Bruno
gianna_bruno@yahoogroups.com

Eternal Press Reader’s Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders/

Rick and Keela’s character blogs:

http://www.giannabruno.com/forums

What is coming in 2010 from you?

I’m marketing The Journey, which I just finished. It’s a historical, paranormal erotic novella featuring a witch in Salem, circa 1850. This required a lot of research and was slow to write, but I love the way it turned out.

Rick and Keela from “Hot Chocolate Kiss” will have a spring skiing adventure. Keela wants to try surfing, and they’ll likely get lost in the woods around Samhain. There, that rounds out the sexy, seasonal adventures.

“At Home With Peter and Sandra” is right now a collection of humorous, erotic shorts about a couple in the suburbs seeking to “reinvent” their relationship. I’m working on that, not sure about length or structure.

Then, last night, I dreamed up (I’m not kidding) the plot for a ménage story involving a M/M couple and a woman they meet for a business deal which turns into a very tender love story.

Excerpt:

His arrogant stare looked her up and down, but didn’t focus on the designer clothes. She could tell he was wondering how good she was après ski.
Keela met it with her own version of his tilted head leer and savored the adult male attention. She hadn’t gotten laid for nearly a year.
“You’re paying to go out there today? With the wind chill, it could go below -60°. He gestured to the thermometer that read -10° at the base- without the wind.
“I’ve skied worse. Tuckerman’s.” That was usually sufficient to shut up an amateur. You couldn’t claim to be a real backcountry skier in the Northeast unless you’d been there, done that.
“Must be pretty good then.” He rolled a wad of gum around with his tongue.
“Yeah.” She cocked her head and pursed her lips.
“Later.” He pushed the door open with the tip of his boot and exited.
The blast of cold air reminded Keela she was there to ski, not hook up. She hobbled back up to the ticket booth.
The blonde perched on a stool wore boots that looked like she’d strapped a husky dog to each leg. Keela doubted she had ever skied in her life. That sleek blonde ponytail wouldn’t fit under a helmet, and she’d freeze her perky tits and tight ass off wearing that pink fleece jacket and black spandex pants.
She prattled out the usual disclaimers while processing the credit card transaction. “No refunds for conditions. The gondolas are closed due to high winds. Only the open chairs are going to the summit, and we might have to close them as well. The ski patrol has put up an extreme weather alert: no exposed skin, take frequent re-warming breaks.”
Keela tried not to sound bitchy. This wasn’t one of Ken’s girlfriends. The kid was just doing her job. “Thanks for the tips.”
After securing the $75.00 ticket on her parka and putting on every piece of protective equipment in her pack., she waddled out the door like a stuffed pig, sweating like one, too.
She knocked the ice off the bottom of her boots with her poles and clicked into the bindings. No matter who I’m with, it’s always me against the mountain—alone. Keela skated over to the lift where the same guy she’d met outside the can was working. “It’s the Tuckerman lady.” He winked and guided the chair under her butt.
She couldn’t see the rest of his face but imagined him licking his lips.
The lift swept her up, and he called out, “Seriously, be careful. I’ll buy you a Hot Chocolate Kiss when you come down from the summit, sister.”
I don’t think so, dude. No more being treated like a buddy who happened to have a receptacle instead of a plug. No more schlepping boots and ski equipment, plus a backpack full of camping gear to the summit of Mount Washington , dodging rockslides and avalanches, to ski Tuckerman Ravine. No more romantic nights crammed into a lean-to, surrounded by a unisex cadre of other idiots, with a sleeping bag, thermals, and Gore-Tex to light her fire.

Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?

Ebony & Ivory is the third book in my Sky Castles trilogy. The first book Blue & Silver was inspired by a song about castles in the air. The original thought developed into three books and each one evolved from a character from the previous books insisting that I tell their story.

What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

I love being able to let my imagination run wild and put the stories in my head down on paper. I have never been stuck for a story; in fact I have so many floating around in my head I have to consciously make the decision which one to choose next.

I hate not having enough time to write. I would love to be a full time writer, but the time isn’t right. Hopefully it won’t be too long though.

Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?

I have two guilty indulgences. I love to go to the day spa and indulge in a spa, massage and the Spectracolor Spa – don’t ask me what that is because I don’t know. All I know is I am feeling great when I have one. The day package also includes a healthy lunch with bubbly.

My other indulgence is twice a year I get away from everything and write. One is at a writers retreat weekend held in one of the up market tourist lodges near here and facilitated by the creative writing tutor who taught me how to put my ideas onto paper. The other is at the Michael King Centre in Auckland. It’s a cottage which is run for writers. I spend ten days there and get so much writing done it’s unbelievable.

If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?

Oops, I think I answered that in my reply to the previous question. One place I’ve never been but where I would like to spend a secluded weekend is a little bed and breakfast place set in the bush about two hours away from where I live. Friends tell me the owner takes good care of you but leaves you to your own devices too. An ideal place to get away and write, or take my husband and have a romantic weekend.

Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?

I love all my characters but each time I finish writing a novel I want to be the heroine of that book. This means my latest heroine, Tazia of Ardon, is the one I would like to change places with at present. Next month—who knows?

What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?

Where do I start? Ann McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, David Eddings, Trudi Canavan and that’s just the fantasy authors. I tend to buy them in paperback version. I did buy all of Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series in e-book though. Romance I always buy as e-books. I don’t think I have favourite authors in this genre. E-books make it so easy to browse and buy the ones that appeal to me.

Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?

I usually sleep right through the night but no doubt if I woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep I’d hop out of bed and go and write. You’ve got to take the opportunity when it comes haven’t you? When I’m away on writer’s retreat I get up early and write—I’m determined not to waste a minute.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?

The most interesting thing would definitely be living in Kuwait for two years. This was before the troubles with Iraq. I found this a wonderful experience. Residents of Kuwait tended to be multi-national and my children got to know how other people live. They made friends from many different countries around the world.

What is your favorite holiday?

Holiday – what’s that? Seriously, we haven’t really had a holiday as such for some years due to job commitments. My next one is going to be to England to see my grandson. He’s two and a half and I haven’t even met him yet. It’s just so expensive to go the other side of the world.

Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?

I don’t really write steamy but I am rather fond of the bath scene in Blue & Silver for the emotional interchange and sexual tension between Caishel and Ailan.

And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*

Ooh I’d rather not answer that one. Although maybe a sharing a bath with my beloved—no best not go there!!!

Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

As I have more than one publisher the best place to go is my website or my blog. I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to blogs but I’m trying to find my way with help from fellow authors.

http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/

http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Thank you once again Raine for providing me with this opportunity to reach out to readers of romance and fantasy. It’s been a very enjoyable experience.

Sneak Peeks into Ebony & Ivory AND Three Hearts:

Three Hearts – Excerpt

The younger man was incredibly handsome and looked familiar. Blonde hair like dark gold shone above a finely sculptured, tanned face, and when his body shifted slightly, the sleeves of his tailored suit pulled tightly across his muscled arms. Dreamlike, her gaze shifted to his eyes and she blinked, her admiration replaced with confusion.
The grey eyes staring at her were steely with disapproval. She didn’t know him, so why on earth would he look at her with such obvious dislike? Recognition dawned as she realized she did know him, or at least she’d seen him before. He was the man who’d talked to Brooke at the ice cream van yesterday.
“Miss Farrell.” The middle-aged man rose and held out his hand. “I’m Herbert Case, and this is my client, Mr. Travis Denton.” He indicated his companion.

“Mr. Case, Mr. Denton.”

The younger man took in every detail of her clothing, and made no attempt to hide the look of disbelief cross his face.
“If you’d like to take a seat, I think it would be better if I came straight to the point, then we can progress from there.”
“As you wish.” Darcy felt disadvantaged as she sat across the desk from Mr. Case. The other man still leaned against the cabinets, arms folded across his broad chest, eyes hard and unforgiving, his whole demeanour intimidating.

“I believe you have an eight year old niece named Brooke, whose mother died giving birth to her.” The solicitor looked at Darcy over his half rimmed glasses, waiting for her acknowledgement of these facts.

Darcy nodded, bewildered by this opening statement. What does this have to do with Brooke?

“And you are her legal guardian?”

“Yes. I’m also her only living relative,” Darcy replied.

“I don’t think so.” Travis Denton spoke for the first time and she blinked in surprise as his broad American accent cut through the room.

“I beg your pardon, but I believe I know my own family situation better than a total stranger.” Darcy prickled defensively, determined not to be intimidated by the man’s dislike of her.

“Now, now.” Mr. Case tried to ease the tension in the room. “Perhaps it might be better if I explained my client’s circumstances. Mr. Denton’s wife left him almost nine years ago telling him she couldn’t stay married to him and was returning home to New Zealand. When he had no further communication from her, Mr. Denton assumed she would eventually contact him when she wanted a divorce. She never did, and of course, we know now the reason.”

“Mr. Denton’s private history is fascinating.” Sarcasm filled every word Darcy. “But I fail to see what it has to do with me.”

“My wife’s name…” A smug smile crept across Travis Denton’s lips. “was Kelly Farrell, your sister. Brooke Farrell is my daughter.”

****

Ebony & Ivory: Sky Castles Book 3 – Excerpt

The doors were flung open and Tazia took a deep breath before walking towards the group around the big table near the fire. She was pleased to see Jefor had accompanied Robard. At least there would be one friendly face at the ceremony.

Her brother turned to her with a grin, which changed to confusion when he saw what she was dressed in. He shook his head and Tazia knew he realised Halla had been making mischief again.

The tall dark man standing talking to her father turned and she recognised Duke Robard of Ardon. The welcome on his lips began to fade then turned into a fixed smile as she moved towards the group.

“There you are, my dear.” Her father came forward to take her hand. “Looking lovely as usual.”

For one small moment, Tazia wondered if her father was blind, but then realised women’s fashions held no interest for him, so he had no idea how ridiculous she looked. Taking his arm she moved forward.

“Duke Robard, may I present my daughter Tazia.”

“I am pleased to meet you again, Milady.” Robard bowed over her hand and dropped a kiss on the palm. “Especially on such a happy occasion.”

Embarrassment flooded Tazia. Quickly, she dropped her head to hide the blood rushing to her face. Robard led her towards the dignitaries who were waiting to perform the legal duties of the betrothal. The touch of his hand sent a weakness rushing through her body and she longed for this to be over so she could go and hide in her bedroom.

“Milady, if you would sign here and Duke Robard, if you would sign here.” The dignitary pointed to the appropriate places and she wrote her name, hardly knowing what she was doing.

After the legal part of the ceremony was over, wine and finger food were served. She noticed Robard was attentive but distant and she knew he was disappointed. She’d got the better part of the bargain, while he must think he was lumbered with a half-wit woman for his Duchess.

* * * *

Thank You so much Raine, for having me for your guest today. Good morning everyone. I’m delighted to be here.

Did you always want to become a writer?

Yes. Since I was fifteen, when I discovered the magic of writing my own story.

What is the most and the least interesting fact about writing?

Editing. I’d rather be writing. (Laughs)

How did you celebrate your first release?

Mainly by laughing and calling everyone I knew. What was it like to see your book in a bookstore/internet? Oh, it’s was simply wonderful. I still pinch myself to make certain it’s real. Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release? Not really, just a sigh of relief that one more book is finished and I can start the next.

Do you prefer stand-alone books or series?

Series. I write series and prefer to read them.

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

Nyra from Witch’s Touch, still to be released. I’d love to meet her hero, Dym. Dym is a special character. He’s Death and his life is very complicated. A paradox I know.

If you could go back to any time period, which one would it be and why?

Pre-Civil War. Those days just seem so glorious when men were such gentlemen, plus who can resist those gowns the ladies wore?

You got to meet a mythical creature/person, who would you choose to meet and why?

Zeus. King of the Gods. All that power at his fingertips. Yeah. Zeus.

Where can readers find you on the web?

http://www.tabithashay.com

What is coming in 2010 that you want to tease the readers on?

Gosh, there’s so much. A new publisher, Moongypsy Press. A new agent who’s working for a book deal for me with Mira. And of course, for now, the continuation of my Winslow witches of Salem series. Book Six, Witch’s Touch should be released later in 2010.

Sneak Peek into Witch’s Fire, coming February 2010:

EXCERPT FROM WITCH’S FIRE by Tabitha Shay. Scheduled for release mid-Feb. from Moongypsy Press.
Slowly, he slid his arms around her hips and squeezed her buttocks. “Well, hel-lo.”

Kirrah widened her eyes. Oh, crap, that’s all she needed, a concussed Romeo with a sexy voice hot enough to curl her toes and set her thighs on fire, a voice that both compelled and could easily lead a woman astray.

The man looked at her as if he’d never seen her before and had just discovered his favorite eye-candy. “Aren’t you just a sweet little beauty?” he purred, sounding for all the world like a hungry cat whose appetite had just been satisfied. A big, dopey, contented cat.

Sweet little beauty? She blinked. Oh, yeah, the man was definitely off his meds. Obviously he was no stranger to seduction 101, either, if the way he massaged her butt was anything to go by.

And damn, did he have to have such dreamy bedroom eyes? Tiny gold specks sparkled like angel dust in the warm amber depths. Thick gold tipped lashes completed the allure of his heavy lidded gaze. He had the kind of gold-flecked irises that attracted a woman and sucked her right in.He might as well wear a sign around his neck that read: Come and get it, sinful indulgence right here!

And boy was she ready to go get it.

Her brows knitted together in a deep scowl. What was wrong with her? All of a sudden her hormones were out of control? She wondered if her face was as red as it felt. Since she had red hair, her complexion was the fair one typical of redhead’s. She blushed as easily as she sunburned.

His gaze wondered from her hair to her lips. Oh, my. Those tiger-colored eyes fixed on her mouth. He licked his lips as though he’d just discovered a delicious snack he contemplated nibbling on.

Startled, Kirrah gasped as he suddenly tugged her closer.

Her hands splayed across his wide chest. “Uh-Mr. Wa-Wa, I think you might be getting a tad bit carried away here. Unhand me.”

“No.” One hand slid up her back and his fingers curled around her nape holding her in place. “I don’t think I should do that at all. You’re belong to me,” he whispered, and took her mouth.

That was the only word for it. Took. He ravaged her mouth with a slow steamy gut-wrenching kiss. Warm and wet. Hot and melting. Yum. He might be half-dead, but he had a mouth to die for and he knew how to use it.

Did you always want to become a writer?
I started writing in elementary school. Of course, I didn’t write about romance at that time, it started off with fantasy, unicorns, magic, etc. But as I got older, I expanded my stories, mixing my love of the paranormal with the romance of a man and woman.

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?
Most interesting–I can create any character, any plot, and setting. Least interesting–nothing. I can’t think of anything I don’t love about writing. Even the research I do for a story’s setting. I love having the freedom to do what I want and create stories for others to enjoy.

How did you celebrate your first release? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?
Nothing special really. My family is proud of me. That’s all I need.

So tell us about your latest release/coming soon. What is about, what inspired it and is it a stand alone title or a series book?
I’m actually working on a few different titles. No tentative release dates. I have a science-fiction romance, full-length. A vampire romance, full-length. And a couple of short eroticas, paranormal of course. I’ll be posting more about these as they get closer to completion on my website, myspace, and yahoo groups.

If you could meet any paranormal creature, who would it be and why?
Gosh, there’s so many. I can’t say which I’d prefer. Of course I’d love to meet a vampire, but I’d also like to meet a werewolf, and a dragon, a unicorn, need I continue? Each has their own unique appeal. I’d love to meet them all. Is that greedy? ha ha

The holidays are coming, do you have any traditions you like to do to get in the spirit of the season?
I like to put my christmas tree and decorations up right after Thanksgiving. Of course, I usually buy more stuff so I add to it up until Christmas, but it takes so much work, I want to enjoy it for a while before having to take it all back down!

If you could change places with one character from any book, who would it be and why?
Cheyenne, from my full-length romance, More Than Prophecy. She had a purpose that didn’t just serve herself, but all of Zandar. Her whole character and personality traits are ones I strive to possess myself. And the love she found with Lord Darian is what I think all girls dream about. I’m so jealous!

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?
Maybe the Roman Empire when it was in it’s prime? I dont’ know. Things were a lot different that they are today. I’m kinda spoiled on having rights as a woman and stuff. I guess if I were someone important or my family were in the upper class I might want to visit, but I doubt I’d want to stay. I love today’s technology and all the opportunity I have as a modern woman.

Where can readers go to find out more about you, your books and other good stuff?
Website: http://shannonleigh.org
Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shannon_Leigh_Newsletter
Promo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pillow_talk_with_shannon_leigh
My Space: www.myspace.com/author_shannon_leigh
Blogspot: http://authorshannonleigh.blogspot.com

If you could meet your favorite celebrity and spend the day with them, who would you choose and what would you do?
I would love to meet Gerard Butler. I think I’d just love to listen to him talk. His accent is awesome. *swoon* After I got over the dotting fan act, I’d get serious and ask him about what he likes to do, when he’s not acting. What his interests are, dreams, etc. I’d like to get to know the person he is, behind the actor.
I’d also like to meet Sandra Bullock. I think she is so entertaining. No matter type of role she plays, she’s just so animated and pulls it off.

Sneak peek into Chasing Booty:

…With an air of “don’t-fuck-with-me” in her step, she made her way toward him. “The bartender seems to think you can be of some assistance,” she declared, stopping a mere six inches to the left of the man’s seated frame.

He ignored her, choosing instead to take a long swig from his mug.

Removing her laser from its holster on her left thigh, she plopped it onto the counter top. Her hand rested lightly on its black metallic shape, her finger hugging the trigger. “Well?”

“I can take you there, for a price,” he replied, his deep voice a thunderous rumble within his muscular chest.

Annoyed, she lifted her chin. “Name it,” she practically growled.

The man chuckled. “It’ll be steep,” he warned. “Perhaps more than you’re willing to pay.”

Gaelyn’s patience wore thin. They wasted precious time. Is this guy gonna get down to business or what?

Struggling to see his face beneath the shadowed hood, she leaned a little closer. “Look, buddy. I don’t have time for games. Either name your price or I’ll take my business elsewhere.”

He glanced at her, his onyx, deep-set eyes two bottomless black pits within his handsome angular face. “I want half the booty. For starters.”

Gaelyn’s breath caught in her throat. Reese.

This wasn’t happening.

He pulled back his hood, letting the heavy material fall onto his broad shoulders in a neatly folded pleat. “Hello, Gael. It’s been a long time.”

Her right fist doubled at her waist. With forced control, she resisted the urge to knock that superior smirk right off his handsome face. “Reese,” she said through clenched teeth. “I suppose you’re after the same hit.”

He shrugged. “It’s a sizeable payoff.”

“He’s my contract.” Warning laced her tone.

Reese turned fully toward her, his massive frame almost comical atop the strained bar stool. “Well now, seems we have a difference of opinion on that matter.”

He offered a grin so seductive it could melt the ice right off Quaoar’s frozen surface. The bartender’s description fit him to a tee. With his rectangular features—the wide zygomatic breadth, the broad jaw and flaring gonial angles, the prominent chin—Reese did look like the devil himself. Of course the red skin, horns, and barbed tail only added to his demonic appearance.

Gaelyn’s gaze dropped to the tight black T-shirt stretched across his bulging pecs and flat abs. Warning bells clamored in her head, but her inspection continued on to the waistband of his faded jeans, and inevitably to the generous bulge at his groin. An old song her father used to play popped in her head and it took everything she had not to belt it aloud.

The devil went down to Georgia, he was lookin’ for a soul to steal.

In a bind, cause he was way behind, he was lookin’ to make a deal…

Despite her fury, Gaelyn’s insides responded. Her stomach knotted with instant need, causing her pussy to clench. One couldn’t dispute the man’s virility. While they’d never “hooked” up, she couldn’t deny her attraction. She’d be willing to bet half the contracted pay that he’d be awesome in bed.

She’d heard Trøndite males had large penises, that they were, in fact, able to do extraordinary things with their members. She wasn’t sure what those things might be, but the swell in his pants clearly indicated his considerable endowed. She imagined herself down on all fours with Reese up behind her, pounding his big cock in and out of her tight channel.

Moisture seeped between her legs, making her leather pants cling to her crotch most uncomfortably. The room felt hot. She hadn’t had a good fuck in quite a while. Perhaps they’d work that into the deal…

Raine Delight is excited to share her first Devon Falls Title; Sticky Magic (found in Babes in Toyland II anthology) is now available on its own with a brand new cover from Aspen Mountain Press

To celebrate this surprise release and to get in the mood for the holidays, Raine is having a New Release Contest.

The winner will receive a Gift Certificate to Aspen Mountain Press ($5.00) and a holiday Gift set with candles, Holiday CD and more to one lucky Winner.

The Contest runs from 12/7-12/18 with winner being announced on my loop and website/blog on December 19^th, 2009.

This is open to everyone.

What to do to win this great prize, Email me at rainedelight @ yahoo dot com with “HOLIDAY CONTEST” in subject line with your snail mail addy information in there. That’s it. Isn’t that easy?

GOOD LUCK!

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic

Book 1 in series

Author: Raine Delight

Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press

Paranormal Erotic Romance Holiday
A chance meeting at a sweet shop…Can it be love?

When a stranger stops in at her shop, Jenna is surprised by the immediate attraction. Apparently, Marc is too because he wants to get to know Jenna. A whole lot better and won’t take no for an answer.

Excerpt:
The wind lightly swirled the snow around the people walking along the sidewalk. Kids having snowball fights in the local park, shouts of laughter as one hit an unsuspecting person. Jenna saw all this through a slight haze as they walked to the Dew Drop Café. All she thought was that Marc was her dream come true, and how she could get him into bed.

All of a sudden, Marc grabbed her as a car skidded to a stop. She saw it was inches from where she was walking. Shaking and trembling she felt his arms around her. As her trembling eased his scent reminded her of the wild untamed yet equally primitive African jungle. It stole into her senses so that she was on a whirly gig ride at the carnival and she definitely didn’t want to get off! Marc rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed . He leaned down, tipped her chin up and slowly slid one finger along side her pouty lower lip. Leaning down, he replaced his finger with his tongue and slowly slithered across her lips until she parted them.

Jenna didn’t know what happened but the next thing she knew, she was pressed up against him wrapping her arms around his neck, sliding her fingers in his hair as the kiss became deeper, more primitive. Moaning softly , he slipped his hands to her waist. He softly broke off the kiss with a groan and his breath came out his mouth like a steam locomotive starting as he rested his forehead against her own..

“My god, mia Cara, you are intoxicating to me!” Marc said.

Blushing, Jenna made a show of wiping something off her jeans to still the trembling in her hands. Then she felt his fingers caress her face in a loving gesture and she unconsciously leaned into him before she could stop herself.

BUY at:

 Aspen Mountain Press www.aspenmountainpress.com

All Romance E-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-stickymagic-391150-.html

Tell us about your latest release. What inspired it?

My latest release is a paranormal M/M romance or Yaoi, set in 1930′s California Bay Area called “The First Full Moon”. Here’s the blurb:

Adam Ross doesn’t believe in demons. After a house fire killed his family at the tender age of twelve, he’s not even sure he believes in God. But that is about to change. Under the light of the full moon, in 1930, rumrunners wash ashore dead on the Northern California coast amidst carnage, slashed and drained of blood. Rumors and local Indian lore tell of the existence of creatures out at sea, demons. Among a second rash of dead bootleggers, Adam finds Necalli, a stunning young man with strange physical anomalies and amnesia, who arouses him beyond belief. Adam becomes determined to help Necalli and solve the mystery lurking in his broken memories. Will he fall under Necalli’s spell and save himself in the process?

This book was inspired in part by the anime Ergo Proxy. I was fascinated with the character of Vincent Law and drew on some of this character’s attributes when coming up with my character, Necalli. I also used to live in the town that the book is set in and always thought the backdrop of late-summer fog and the rich history of the California coast would be a great setting for a paranormal story.

Did you always want to become a writer?

No, I wanted to be an artist or a veterinarian. I’ve always had a knack for writing, but only started writing stories 2 years ago when I stumbled upon anime and fanfiction.

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

I’d say the most interesting part of writing is making up the stories and the creative process of just letting go with it. The least interesting has to be the promotion. I’m a single mother of two young boys and my time is very limited, so taking time out for promoting is hard for me.

How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore/internet? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

I was out with friends at a local bar and we basically had a toast and a drink when the book went on sale at midnight. It was my first novel, A Summer without Rain, and this went on sale February 1, 2009. It was very exciting seeing the book for sale online, my friend has an iPhone, so we pulled it up on his phone. I don’t really have any special rituals for celebrating a book release, maybe I need to start one;)

Do you prefer stand-alone books or series?

I prefer to write stand alone books. I tend to write full-length novels and after writing about two characters for 300 some pages, I tend get bored with them. I’m fickle like that…

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

I think I’d like to change places with Adam Ross from The First Full Moon because he has a hot boyfriend, LOL.

If you could go back to any time period, which one would it be and why?

I’d go back to the 1920′s. It was a time of cultural change and upheaval, yet it was still elegant. I tend to buy a lot of antiques from that time period. I have a real sculpture from Demetre Chiparus – it’s an art deco statue of a flapper girl and I love it!

You got to meet any mythical creature/person, who would you choose to meet and why?

I’d like to meet Anne Rice’s Lestat. I loved her vampire chronicles and I’d love to just see what the real Lestat would look like.

Where can readers find you on the web?

I’m on the web at the following places (there are a lot of them;) )

www.christiegordon.com

www.facebook.com/ChristieGordon

www.myspace.com/author_christie_gordon

www.twitter.com/ChristieGordon

http://lestat2007.deviantart.com – artwork

http://animegeik.deviantart.com – writing

http://www.goodreads.com/Christie_Gordon

http://www.goodreads.com/.M_M_Romance – my M/M Romance Group on Goodreads

What is coming in 2010 that you want to tease the readers on?

I have another full-length M/M Romance novel coming out on February 15, 2010 called “The Obsession”. Here’s the blurb:

As a senior-year art student at a Santa Barbara university, Tristan is caught in a mental prison of his own making. Sexually repressed and emotionally abused by an oppressive mother, his preference for men leads him into sexual addiction. Then a new roommate appears in his dorm – Collin, a stunning psychology major from class he’s fantasized about since the start of the school year, a young man Tristan’s fallen in love with from afar. Collin uses his charm and knowledge of psychology to pull Tristan out of his self-destructive existence and into a tumultuous affair. But Collin has a secret, a secret that could potentially further damage Tristan and send him plummeting farther into isolation and desperation than he’s ever been before. Will Collin’s secret emerge? And will Tristan move forward and find the love he’s always craved or will he fall headlong back into addiction and lose everything he’s worked so hard for?

Excerpt from The First Full Moon:

Heat pressed against Adam’s cheek. His eyes fluttered open to an exotic set of light-brown eyes with flecks of gold gazing back at him. “Whoa.” Startling, he clamored to crawl up against the back of the couch, tilting his body up at an angle. The eyes, framed by long, black hair, followed him. “Ah, so you’re awake?”

Sitting on his legs on the floor, the young man continued to study him as if fascinated by everything about him. His hand came up to rest over Adam’s.

He flinched and yanked his hand away. His breath quickened from the contact and his morning erection felt hot.

As if on cue, the young man’s gaze roamed Adam’s chest and rested on his groin.

Feeling self-conscious, he draped his arm over his hips in an attempt to cover himself.

The young man leaned forward. Reaching up with a quizzical gaze, he ran a clawed finger down Adam’s cheek. The touch tingled all the way down into his groin. Why is he touching me like this? And how was it his mere presence aroused him? He melted further into the couch. “Um, do you understand English? Do you speak?”

The young man focused his attention on the hand covering Adam’s groin. Reaching over, he took it, absently brushing Adam’s erection through his trousers.

He gasped, closing his eyes for a second. His hips moved forward ever so slightly with the contact.

The young man pulled Adam’s hand toward him and inspected it. His delicate thumb arced across the top, giving it a light caress. His fingers probed underneath. He held up his other hand, fingers splayed, and examined it as if comparing the two.

An abrupt tug on Adam’s hand made him jerk forward to mere inches in front of the young man’s face. He became mesmerized, lost, in the beautiful eyes. The shape was like the Chinamen he saw in San Francisco, but not as pronounced. Not quite Indian either.

Lifting himself up on his knees, the young man reached his free hand out and cupped Adam’s chin, pushing a thumb into his lower lip. He ran the thumb along the thick flesh of Adam’s lip, moving it gently to the side, before releasing it.

“Ah…” Adam whispered, despite himself.

“Your breath and pulse quicken when I touch you.”

The young man’s voice was soft and smooth, but much lower than Adam expected. It held a soft accent he couldn’t place. “What? No it doesn’t.” Snapping back to reality, he yanked his hand away from him.

The young man grinned, showing long eyeteeth. “I excite you.”

Available at: eXtasy Books

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