Menagerie Authors

Sunday Book Video ~ Their Boss's Pet: Their Submissive Switch by Tonya Kinzer

2012-01-29T04:00:00.001-05:00

Nick continues to teach Sondra more about the lifestyle they share and the things a submissive needs to know...how to follow rules being one of the most important. Sondra strives to make Nick proud of her as she learns all he shares with her but...is he aware she's learning more than he ever imagined? How will he react if and when Sondra decides to take what SHE wants for a change?

Available here!
And here's Tonya Kinzer's links:
http://www.tonyakinzer.com/

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

The Best of 2011 Satuday Hottie - VOTING TIME!!

2012-01-28T04:00:00.006-05:00

Okay folks. It's time to vote for your favorite hottie for the year. The guy crowned The 2011 Saturday Hottie of the Year. Here's the list and what a list it is...

The Best of January/February
~ Alexander Skarsgard ~

The Best of March/April
~ Adam Rodriguez ~

The Best of May/June
~ Jonathan Rhys Meyers ~

The Best of July/August
~ Channing Tatum~

And
~ Paul Rudd ~

And
~ Torrance Coombs ~

The Best of September/October
~Josh Holloway ~

And
~ Stephen Bamber ~

The Best of November/December
~ Zachary Quinto ~

Remember to vote early and often. These are your hotties! Vote!

My brain hurts today...

2012-01-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

I've got too MANy irons in the fire and thought I'd have a week to chill out. Thought some MANcandy would be perfect. Doesn't hurt the brain to look up hot guys.

I know it's not the most intelligent or thought-provoking post, but hey, they can't all be cerebral. Enjoy! I'm off to find some tylenol.

Happy Hump Day!

2012-01-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, now that's a scene I could be a part of. Yum!

Monday Author Interview with Morticia Knight!

2012-01-23T04:00:00.003-05:00

I want to thank author Morticia Knight for coming by. It’s always wild here at the Menagerie, but she gives us a dramatic flair. Welcome, Morticia! Why don’t you tell us a little bit about you? Where are you from?
I'm originally from Los Angeles, and I grew up around the entertainment scene. I spent a lot of time as a rock singer on the famed Sunset Strip, and also performed in a couple of theatre groups for awhile. My flair for the dramatic has been amazingly helpful in coming up with different scenarios when I write. Plus – I met a lot characters in Hollywood!

I bet that was a lot of fun! When and why did you begin writing?
Both my parents worked long hours, and I didn't have siblings to play with. I was watched by old ladies who watched soap operas all day, so I had no choice but to entertain myself. I would draw picture stories that went on for pages, and I would add the little cartoon balloons above their heads to tell the story. There were usually magic genies and ghosts or princes involved in my stories. Oddly enough, my current WIP is inspired by one of those kid stories. Except it's spiced up considerably since I was 8!

Hey, you never know when you can use those ideas. Grin. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was contracted by a rock 'n' roll journalist to ghostwrite his story. He was paying me large chunks of cash every week to make sense of his crazed 1960's adventures, and I had to work really hard to have it come across readable. He would blather stream of consciousness recollections into a mini recorder, and I had to interpret it. I did this for a year, and at the end of it, there was a complete book that publishers were interested in. I was amazed.

Now that sounds like a fun but strange trip. Very cool. If you had to choose, what writer would you consider a mentor?
Stephen King. I read him early on as a pre-teen, and have read dozens of his books. He has a certain way of taking something ordinary , and putting that certain twist on it. Those gears in his brain must be turning all the time. He was also one of the first popular writers I read where the characters seemed very real and like my buddies. They would say quirky things and have these great sarcastic observations that I could absolutely relate to.

There is at least one or two King books that felt doggoned real to me. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Several, actually – it would be way too many to list. Some maybe aren't all that new on the scene, but they're new to me. A few come to mind becasue I just read something by them: Lisabet Sarai writes some excellent and smart BDSM, GLBT and more. In paranormal romance, Dani Harper is just now releasing the third installment of her Changling series. In other contemporary erotica, Megan Hart is a very talented writer; I recently read one of her menage stories.

Lisabet is a dear friend of the Menagerie. So, dish about your latest news.
I'm currently finishing up Part 4 of the Bound by Pleasure Series. This one will be called Dirty Discoveries, and continues the theme of some pretty hardcore BDSM. I'm planning a total of six in the series. I also have a menage story coming out in May through Total-E-bound Publishing for their Anthology, All Together Now.

Cool! What animal makes the best pet and why?
Snakes. They only eat once in awhile, and their poop is easy to clean up. They also don't bark.

Shiver. I’m not a snake person. I like things that bark. You can have the snake I was meant to have. Are you a morning person, or a night person?
How could anyone with the name "Morticia" possibly be a morning person?

This is true. Do you like thunderstorms?
I LOVE them. Especially with an incredible lightning show. Windstorms are great too. The more drama, the better!

Yes! Now that I can relate to. Grin. What stereotype would you label yourself as?
A Valley Girl. Totally.

Hee hee. Gotta be something. Do you sleep with the light on? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. The darker the better baby!

Yeah, I’m on board with that, too. How many fingers am I holding up?
Just that one in the middle.

Now why does everyone think I have my middle finger up? I was raising my little finger and drinking tea. Giggle. But seriously, here's a little bit more about Morticia and where you can keep up with her:
http://morticiaknight.blogspot.com

Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys a good saucy tale. Whether it is contemporary, historical, menage, M/M or BDSM - she loves it all! One of her passions is bringing people's fantasies to life on the page, because life is too short for even one boring moment. Her stories are volcanic in heat, deep in emotion, and sprinkled with doses of humor. She is currently working on her first erotic paranormal romance about an evil Djinn.

Thanks Morticia! So glad you could be here! Check her out!

Sunday Book Video ~ Grey's Lady by Natasha Blackthorne

2012-01-22T04:00:00.002-05:00

Book one in the Carte Blanche Series

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.

But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.

But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.

For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1318

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

The Best of November/December Saturday Hottie is....

2012-01-21T04:00:00.006-05:00

Your Saturday Hottie winner for November and December is....

~ Zachary Quinto ~

YUM!

COLD!!! (part two)

2012-01-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

You're probably confused. Part two? Well, I ranted about it being cold and people driving in snow over on my blog. You can read it here. But right now I thought I'd share a little bit of what warmed me up. Grin.

Warming you up yet? He's doing wonders for me. Grin. Happy Friday!

Happy Hump Day!

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

It's the dead of winter here in the northeast, so this picture appeals on many levels. But mostly, I just think it's beautiful....

Monday Author Interview with Ilona Fridl

2012-01-16T04:00:00.002-05:00

Our author today is Ilona Fridl. A word about the author... she’s always loved to write. She is a transplanted Californian who has lived in Wisconsin for forty years with her husband, Mark. She took creative writing and journalism in college and has sold short stories and articles to various magazines. Let’s welcome Ilona!

Thank you, Megan for hosting me today!

Where are you from?

I'm originally from the Los Angeles area in California, but have lived in Wisconsin for the last forty years. Still have issues with the winters around here.

It’s really, really cold here in Ohio so I can totally understand. Tell us your latest news?

I've completed my first three book set Dangerous Times with the release of Bronze Skies. The first two books are Silver Screen Heroes and Golden North. The first book takes place in early 1920s Hollywood in a movie studio that was taken over by gangsters. The second takes place in Juneau, Alaska Territory about a year later, when the Shafers flee from the gangsters. The third book is set in the 1940s and follows the next generation out as they deal with World War II.

I love a good historical. Can’t wait to read it. When and why did you begin writing?

I think my first book was a picture book about a snowman I did when I was four. I've always loved making up stories, but didn't do it seriously until we got our first computer.

Computers can be addictive things. How did you come up with the title?

When I first started Silver Screen Heroes in the Dangerous Times series, I heard the classic rock song by the Kinks, Celluloid Heroes. It's a song about the actors honored on Hollywood Boulevard. I didn't think many people would know what celluloid was, so I changed that to silver screen. Book two takes place at a theater/restaurant in Juneau, Alaska Territory, so I called it Golden North. For the third, that took place in World War II in Alaska Territory, so I was going to call it Alaskan Skies. My friend pointed out to me that for the first two, I had metals in the title, so for the third, it was called Bronze Skies.

Nice way to tie everything in. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Tom Shafer glanced down to Juneau’s airfield. “I see my cousin Hank has fallen asleep on top of the hood of the car. This is too tempting.”

Sitting behind Tom, Ernie Collins knew what the young Army pilot was going to do. “Damn it, Tom, don’t buzz him! I’ll get blamed for it.”

Maneuvering the small mail airplane into position, Tom grinned over his shoulder at Ernie. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell them I made you sit in the dummy seat.”

The early morning Alaska sun was well up in the sky. Below, Hank was stretched out on the Hudson’s hood and windshield, using it as a lounge chair. His white Navy uniform ruffled in the summer sea breeze, the cap over his face.

Centering the plane on his target, Tom picked up speed while dropping, pulling up just in time. He circled around and Hank was on the ground, his white cap rolling off on the other side of the car.

Laughing, Tom headed for the landing strip and brought the plane coasting toward the mail office, as he had done many times before he joined the Army Air Corps. The post office agent, Bill Wright, stood next to the door, hands on hips and a less than pleasant look on his face. “Ernie! What the hell do you think you’re doing? You know you have government property on that airplane!”

Tom hopped off the wing. “Yeah, and a part of the property is me.”

Mr. Wright started, then smiled and held out his hand. “Tom, it’s great to see you again. How’s everything in Anchorage?”

“Busy, as usual. But for once Hank and I managed to get leave the same week. By the way, don’t be hard on Ernie. He didn’t know I was going to pull that stunt.”

Mr. Wright glanced at Ernie, who wore a contrite demeanor. “I’ll let it go this time, only because Tom was one of our best pilots.”

Ernie sighed. “Thanks, boss.” He started unloading the sacks of mail from the cargo.

Tom paused for a moment in helping him. “Is Pam still working at Millie’s?”

“Yes, she is. Are you going to stop over?”

“I plan to.”

Hank stalked toward them, knocking the dirt off his cap and uniform. “Still doing those circus tricks, I see. Damn it, Tom, you practically scared the shit out of me!”

They scuffled, then threw their arms around each other, and Tom clapped Hank on the back. “My God, it’s good to see you. It’s been almost a year, with us not getting leave at the same time.”

Saying their goodbyes to Ernie and Mr. Wright, the boys headed to the car. Tom looked around and took a whiff of the new-car smell as Hank started it up. “Wow, this is a great car. Yours?”

Hank snorted. “I couldn’t get this on a sailor’s wages. I borrowed my dad’s.”

“Whew, the theater must be doing better now. They were still behind, a year ago.”

“It looks like we’re finally coming out of the depression, although even then people still came to the movies.”

“How is the restaurant doing? I heard Mrs. Hutton retired and went to Los Angeles to live with her son.”

“Jen took over the business end, and Aunt Amelia is our cook, and a good one since she was working with Mrs. Hutton all those years.”

Tom shifted on the seat. “I’m going to miss Mrs. Hutton. Anything new?”

“The folks are getting into stage again. Mainly at the insistence of your mother.”

Tom chuckled. “Not many can say no to her. I’ve tried countless times. I guess everyone will be at the theater, since this is the busy season, but first, Hank, can you drop me off at this corner? I want to go to Millie’s.”

Hank smiled knowingly. “Going to see Pam first, uh-huh. Don’t be long. Everyone is going to grill me when I get back without you.”

“Stay in the kitchen. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

Nice excerpt. Who designed the covers?

Rae Monet. She is one of the excellent artists at The Wild Rose Press. She did my first cover and I was so impressed, I've asked for her for my other books. She also designed my web site.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to thank them for their support on my first series. I'm working on a new series of mysteries and hope to have the first one out next year.

Cool! When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

The eighteen-year-old that lives inside me was wondering who the hell that old woman was.

I know the feeling. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Do pencil erasers count?

I guess they can. What is your heritage?

I am an American mutt. I've got everything from Native American to a number of nationalities in Europe.

Mutts are good. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

My favorite movie is Casablanca and the scene at the end at the airport where Rick and Ilsa break up always leaves me a mess. Especially when he says, “Here's looking at you, kid.”

LOVE that scene. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Definitely a night person. My heart doesn't start until at least noon.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com
http://www.ilonafridl.com
Also on FaceBook and GoodReads!

Here's a little more about Bronze Skies:
Dangerous Times

When her plane-crazy high school sweetheart goes off to join the Army Air Corps, Pam Wright writes him often but is disappointed that he doesn’t reply to every letter. She’s lonely, hurting from his seeming lack of interest, and dances with someone else one Saturday night.

By the time Pearl Harbor is attacked, Lieutenant Tom Shafer has been home on leave, explained how busy he’s been with officer training, and made sure Pam will be waiting for him after the war. He’s also had a fight with the guy who won’t leave her alone after that one dance. But is it safe to leave her in the same town with this obsessed bully? How can Tom fulfill his promises to protect both his country and the love of his life?

Sunday Book Video ~ Animal Attraction by Jenna McClure

2012-01-15T04:00:00.001-05:00

Environmental consultant Emmalyn Ashmore is outraged when she discovers the last minute replacement for guest speaker at her annual conference is none other than Adam McLean, a cattle rancher, whose lifestyle represents everything she loathes.

Adam McLean has never met a more contrary woman. From the moment Emmalyn opens her mouth, he knows she's exactly the type of woman he doesn't need in his life—ever.

As the sparks fly, Emma realizes there's more at stake than conserving the environment. She has to figure out how to conserve her heart, before she loses it forever.

Buy Here!

Website: www.jennamcclure.com.
This has some bio info and an excerpt, as well as the links to TWRP and Amazon for buying my book. It also has my Blog and a Forum for readers to participate in. Check it out!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-McClure/141729892552797

Twitter: @JennaMcClureRW

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Voting Time ~ Best of November/December Saturday Hotties

2012-01-14T04:00:00.003-05:00

It's time to vote for the Best Saturday Hottie of November and December. I'll announce the winner next weekend, so you should vote!

~ November ~

Joel Edgerton

Armie Hammer

Zachary Levi

Zachary Quinto

~ December ~

Rodiney Santiago

Henry Cavill

Tom Hardy

A Tour and Fun Stuff!! Come Check it out!

2012-01-13T09:13:00.006-05:00

Okay, if you read my tweets or posts then you know I use the phrase 'check it out' a lot. But that's cuz I've found some pretty cool stuff I think you might like. Today's my day to chatter on the Menagerie, but since you're here, I thought I'd mention some stuff I'm taking part in or well, stuff you might like. :-)

Fallen releases today from Changeling Press! Yes! Today! I'm so excited! What's Fallen? Here's the blurb:

He's her salvation if she's willing to lose her wings all over again.

Livia was cast out of heaven for the crime of falling in love with a human. So what's a fallen angel to do when she meets the man of her dreams? Falling certainly has its perks.

Ty didn't expect the angel at his party to be fallen or to have a murky past. He also didn't expect her to end up in his arms. Now he's not about to let the past stand in the way of their future.

Also, I've been on tour all week for Permanent. Want to get in on the action? Here's the tour link. Where am I today? Well here for one, but also over at My Odd Little World. Want that link! Here you go! I hope to see you there.

The Romance Studio is having a HUGE ebook giveaway. Yep. Go here and check it out. Why? You could win enough ebooks to fill your reader. Worth it to me.

The Cock and Bull Tour is winding down. What's the Cock and Bull Tour? A group of MM authors talking about their recent releases. Oh and there's a GC involved. Yep. Here's the deets:
To celebrate the release of Blind Space, I’ll be embarking on a two week blog tour with a great bunch of authors. We hope you’ll follow along! Our schedule is:

Jan 2: TA Chase
Jan 3: Julia Knight
Jan 4: LA Witt
Jan 5th: Freddy MacKay
Jan 6th: Marie Sexton
Jan 7th: JP Bowie
Jan 8th: Megan Slayer
Jan 9th: Amber Kell
Jan 10th: JP Barnaby
Jan 11th: Sue Holston
Jan 12th: Simone Anderson
Jan 13th: Kit Sands
Jan 14th: EM Woods
Jan 15th: Devon Rhodes
Jan 16th: Sara York

Grand Prize: $150 Amazon gift card
2nd: $100 Amazon gift card
3rd: $50 Amazon gift card

There will be smaller prizes along the way. We’ll also be hosting a chat here on January 4th, noon to 5:00 EST. The more comments you leave along the way, the better your chance of winning! I hope you’ll join us!

Happy Hump Day!

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

Love that she looks like she can't get enough of him....

Monday Author Interview with Tanith Davenport!

2012-01-09T04:00:00.005-05:00

This week, I'd like to welcome my pal and fellow Total-E-Bound author, Tanith Davenport. It's always fun to talk to folks from the same publisher and when she came up on the calendar, well, I was excited!

So let me welcome Tanith!!!

So glad you're here. Let's get this party started! What inspired you to write your first book?
I had been noting down ideas for some time, but never got around to actually writing anything until the idea for The Hand He Dealt came to me. There was something about it that gripped me – I like to say it was the characters with their entwined personal problems, but the ménage sex was certainly a push! I was working on it for three years before the approach of my thirtieth birthday, and the ensuing “ohmygod turning thirty” crisis, spurred me on to finally finish it and get it out to publishers.

Hey, we all have those OMG moments! How did you come up with the title?
I often take titles from songs, as music inspires a lot of my writing. The story was called Shiver for quite some time before I recognised that the title simply didn’t suit it any more. I didn’t come up with another title until I was finishing it off, when I started to throw around casino-based ideas and landed on the expression “you’ve got to play the hand you’re dealt”, which works not only in casino terms but also for the way the individual characters behave in the story. In particular, Astra’s boyfriend Harry is the catalyst for her personal arc, so I decided she was playing the hand he’d dealt, and there was my title.

Gotta love it when one character or one idea gets stuck in your head. I have it happen all the time. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I’ve always felt that sexuality and orientation is on a continuum rather than falling into neat little boxes. Very few things about sex are black and white. The characters in The Hand He Dealt are all discovering their sexual preferences in their own way, and what they do tends to fall into the grey areas.

Cool! What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?
Probably Astra Scott, who is currently in The Hand He Dealt but began as a fanfiction character. Originally she was an Australian performance arts student who went everywhere on roller-skates. I re-invented her for Hand, since she was such a fun character to write that I couldn't leave her to languish in discarded fanfic - I did keep her musical ability and love of partying, but I couldn't keep the skates; it would have been too much like Boogie Nights.

Yeah, you don't want the story to be too much like a movie, unless it's your movie! Grin. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
About thirteen, and it was terrible! That said, it did serve as an apprenticeship, as did the one I wrote immediately afterwards, which was slightly better but still not something I’d want anyone to see.

Despite my obvious inexperience, both books contained a lot of sex, so apparently I was starting early with an interest in erotica. They also contained a couple of characters I may make use of at a later date if a suitable plot suggests itself.

Grin. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
My cat is sitting on me ready to claw me if I say anything other than cats, and since he owns the house and everything in it I’ll have to agree with him. If I could, I’d definitely be a crazy cat lady – not only are they cute and furry, they’re self-cleaning.

I've got a couple cats like that. They think the keyboard is there for them to lounge upon. Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why or why not?
Yes, and I imagine most people who have seen how I look in pictures can immediately tell why. Cameras hate me. I’ve just had some professional shots done for future promo work, but in the meantime I’m making do with shots that make me look slightly demented.

Considering I don't take good pictures, I can understand. Grin. Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?
Once I would have said boxers, because I always hated tight little pants on a man. Now I say commando. It saves time if you feel the urge to have sex in the car.

Yanno, when I see that question, I think, well, if I'm writing him, he can be commando. If it's the CBs then they better have boxers on underneath because I am not washing those pants if they weren't. Isn't that sad. Sigh. Let's talk about something more fun. What is your favorite pizza?
Meat Feast or four cheese. In fact, Meat Feast on top of four cheese, with a garlic stuffed crust. I don’t skimp when it comes to pizza.

I guess you don't. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Very much a morning person. I’m usually up by half past six – I do all my clearest thinking in the morning.

Good dog, you get up way before me. If I had my druthers I wouldn't get up before 10. If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?
The freedom to spend my time either writing or travelling the world as the urge took me. I don't expect that for a long time, if ever, but I can dream.

I want to thank Tanith for dropping by. I'd love to go travelling, too. Hopefully that can be a goal we both achieve. Now, do you want to know more about Tanith? Here’s the official bio:
Tanith Davenport lives in Yorkshire with her long-suffering husband and pampered cat. Her interests range wildly between rock music and modern cinema to medieval literature and the language of flowers. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.
Tanith writes erotic romance and has just had her debut novel published by Total-e-Bound Publishing.
You can follow her blog at: tanithdavenport.blogspot.com

And here’s a little bit more about The Hand He Dealt:
Astra Scott likes to live life to the full. A sorority girl and Gaming Management student, she spends her days studying and practising guitar, and her nights partying or working at the Fountain Casino, where she has an internship as part of her final semester. The only blot on her landscape is Ash Drake, her best friend Sasha’s boyfriend. Arrogant, physical and blond, Ash has never forgiven Astra for her rejection months earlier and enjoys annoying her at every turn.
But when Astra’s boyfriend Harry reveals a shocking secret, Astra responds in the only way she can think of: by finding a way to take on a more attractive, masculine role in the relationship. Her experimentation with sex toys finds a surprising outlet in Sasha, but when Ash discovers their secret and wants to get involved, Astra finds herself torn between dislike and desire… and as their undercover relationship grows, Astra finds herself falling in love, a path she feels can only end in heartbreak. For Ash may be the only man whose own fantasies are a match for hers, but can she knowingly steal his affections from her best friend?

Sunday Book Video ~ Blue Light Special ~ Mysti Holiday

2012-01-08T04:00:00.001-05:00

When Karin Lattimer moves across the country and her over-protective brother asks his friend Caleb Hawkes to keep an eye on her, she’s more than annoyed…she’s turned on. The attentive cop is a walking wet dream, but Karin knows he’s only hanging around out of a sense of duty. Acting on her crazy attraction would reveal more than the man’s buff body—it would also reveal her heart.

Caleb is well aware that Karin is all woman. He can’t keep his eyes off her and his hands itch to touch her. But she’s not one-night-stand material, and he firmly believes cops make lousy partners for long-term relationships.

Still, thinking clearly isn’t a top priority when Karin and Caleb finally touch. Sparks fly and barriers melt away as easily as their inhibitions, but can she convince him there's more to life than playing it safe?

Want a copy? Get yours here!

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Colin Egglesfield

2012-01-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

~ Colin Egglesfield ~

Courtesy of: http://colinegglesfield.com/bio.html

Colin Egglesfield was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Colin moved to New York City and continued to work with some of the most significant names in fashion and began to book national commercials and guest appearances on such TV shows as “Law & Order: SVU” and “Leap of Faith.”

After a few years in New York, Colin moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting on a full time basis. He immediately booked a pilot for the WB and continued to work steadily including more guest appearances and supporting roles on such shows as “Gilmore Girls,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Charmed.” He also landed lead and supporting parts in films such as “Must Love Dogs”, “Beautiful Dreamer,” and “The Good Guy.” After completing a three year stint at “All My Children,”

An avid runner who completed the Chicago, New York, and San Diego marathons, Colin has also raised money for such not-for-profits as “Team for Kids”, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In addition, Colin has tutored high school students at “The Door” Youth Center in lower Manhattan and is active in book readings to schools in Los Angeles. Colin plans to continue his quest to create better educational opportunities for children wherever possible and has his family to thank for all the amazing opportunities that he has been blessed with.

Enjoy!

At the Risk of Being Blunt...

2012-01-05T21:43:00.008-05:00

I've been really thinkin'

And

I got nuthin' today.

Nil, nada, zip, zilch.

Can you say done tuckered out?

Yeah, well... curling up with this wouldn't hurt.

Okay, I guess I had something after all. Grin.

Happy Hump Day!

2012-01-04T04:00:00.002-05:00

What a fun little tangle!!

Monday Author Interview ~ Jenna McClure

2012-01-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

Our guest today is the fantastic Jenna McClure. She's a Wild Rose Press author and friend. And since she's here on the couch, well, let's get this thing started! Grin. How did you come up with the title?

It sounds clichéd to say it, but it’s true…it just came to me. Since my two main characters are an animal lover and a cattle rancher turned land conservationist, I wanted the title to reflect something to do with animals. And since their relationship is based on physical attraction, my subconscious put two and two together! Some may think the title is a bit cheesy, but it really does reflect the two main components of the book.

Nothing wrong with a little cheese from time to time. Besides, it is a great summary of the book. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There is, but I don’t want it to be the only thing readers remember about my book. I want my readers to like the characters, the plot and the writing first, and think about the message second. To be blunt, the message is that eating meat is not good for the environment. Not only does it waste precious water, it also contributes more to the destruction of the ozone layer than all forms of transportation combined. But that’s another book…

It might not be good for the environment, but if you come from a cattle raising family, like I do, that's money on the table. To each their own. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Of course, and I bet I’m not the only one who thinks this about their work! Besides the small grammar mistakes I missed during editing, I would probably add another scene or two with the main characters to help support their character growth. I’d also want to fine-tune one of the sub-plots to provide more support for her book, which I’m currently working on. Do authors ever really feel 100% confident their work is the best it could be?

I never feel 100% confident. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
There were two distinct experiences actually…The first was in 7th grade, when our English teacher gave us an in-class assignment…to look at a group of pictures, pick one and write a one-page paper about it in 30 minutes. She picked the top three papers and read them to the class, and mine was one of the top three! Then, in my senior year of high school, in AP English, we had to write an in-class paper about a book we’d recently read. I picked Death of a Salesman. It was the first time I used the word “albeit”, and I actually got it right even though I wasn’t completely sure what the word meant! The teacher gave me an A+, which was extremely rare for her. And finally, I’m sure my sister had something to do with my becoming an author. Grin. She’s the one who started me on romance books as a teenager, and we’ve been trading favorite authors and books since then. If she likes my book, then I know I have a bit of talent!

How cool. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, but when I got to college and realized how much science I would have to master to become a vet, I changed majors. I’ve never lost my love for animals, which is probably why I have more animals than I currently have ideal room for. If I didn’t have animals in my life, making me laugh and getting fur all over my couch, life would definitely be much less satisfying.

I love critters, too. 2 cats, 2 dogs, and one totlet is more than enough for me, though. What is one thing scientists should invent?
The Transporter or Beamer, or whatever that thing is from the Star Trek movies, that disperses you, then reassembles you somewhere else. This would, hopefully!, reduce our dependency on cars and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. There is probably one in progress in some top-secret facility somewhere, but come on, get it finished already!

Can't rush science. If we did, who knows what evil would lurk around every corner. Oh wait. That's another show. Back to the questions. Do you like thunderstorms?
Love them! They are so relaxing and great for sleeping. They wash the world clean and make it new again. I love to watch all kinds of extreme weather, either on television or from a safe distance. It’s amazing to watch how powerful nature can be, and fascinating to learn how storms/extreme weather form.

IMHO thunder storms, when the power is fine and dandy, are great for writing sinfully hot scenes. Hee hee. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
Now that I’ve had a Greyhound for a few years, I have to say they make the best pets. Yes, they are big and can take up a lot of room in a small space, but they are so laid back and low maintenance, it’s like having a cat. They sleep most of the day like cats do, but then they have these brief moments of frantic energy that make you laugh and wonder how you ever got along without one. They’re just big four-legged goofballs with such sweet personalities. Plus, they aren’t barkers as a breed, so they’re great for condos or apartments.

Dogs are great. Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
I do – I write in a strange half-print, half-cursive combination. I don’t remember exactly where or how I picked it up, and it’s slowly getting more and more illegible, but I think that’s genetics. My paternal grandmother’s handwriting became more slanted as she got older that I stopped being able to interpret it altogether. I used to dot my lowercase “i’s” with hearts, but that took too much time, and I could never get the hearts to actually look like hearts. No one ever really appreciated it anyway…

Teens. They never appreciate anything. Grin. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?
Of course! The first one I remember crying at was Bambi in the 3rd grade. I knew it was a cartoon movie, but I am not sure I realized that it was really fiction. Another one was E.T. I was with my father, and I think he even had tears in his eyes. I cry every time I watch Armageddon because Bruce Willis’s sacrifice is just so brave and courageous, and his last scene with his daughter very touching. The Last of the Mohicans is another tear-jerker. Very emotional, with a musical score that makes you cry even when the movie isn’t playing. Is that enough??

Yeah. A great soundtrack does make a movie great. Now that you've read the interview, and thank you Jenna for being here, want her links?Of course you do. Here you go:

Site: http://www.jennamcclure.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-McClure/141729892552797
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JennaMcClureRW

Want to know more about Animal Attraction?

Environmental consultant Emmalyn Ashmore is outraged when she discovers the last minute
replacement for guest speaker at her annual conference is none other than Adam McLean, a cattle rancher, whose lifestyle represents everything she loathes.
Adam McLean has never met a more contrary woman. From the moment Emmalyn opens her mouth, he knows she's exactly the type of woman he doesn't need in his life—ever.
As the sparks fly, Emma realizes there's more at stake than conserving the environment. She has to figure out how to conserve her heart, before she loses it forever.

Buy here!

Sunday Book Video ~ Fire Woman ~ Megan Slayer

2012-01-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

She's everything he needs... if he can withstand the burn.

Atria Moline isn't your average photographer. She controls fire. Sounds fun, being able to scorch whenever you like? Think again. She's lonely and desperate for the touch of the man who can dance in her flame -- if she doesn't immolate him first.

Zac "Iceman" Frost controls the stage with his band Glow. He's not about to back down from Atria's challenge. He's got secrets of his own and his sights set on her.

Want a copy? Get yours here!

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hotties ~ Tom Hardy

2011-12-31T04:00:00.007-05:00

~ Tom Hardy ~

Courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0362766/

With his breakthrough performance as "Eames" in Christopher Nolan's 2010 science fiction thriller, Inception (2010), English actor Tom Hardy has been brought to the attention of mainstream audiences worldwide. But the versatile actor has been steadily working on both stage and screen since his television debut in the 2001 miniseries "Band of Brothers" (2001). After being cast in the WWII drama, Hardy left his studies at the prestigious Drama Centre in London and was subsequently cast in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down (2001) and as the villain "Shinzon" in 2002's Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).

Has a dog named Max. He loves to drink coffee, Coke, fizzy water, fruit drinks, Red Bull, and tea.

Been on A Tudors Kick

2011-12-29T19:55:00.005-05:00

Thought I'd pop in and share this because I've been on a Tudors kick and well, with Henry Cavill in it, who can look away? Enjoy!

Happy Hump Day!

2011-12-28T04:00:00.002-05:00

Another creative use of the blindfold and spiked heel. Kudos!

Monday Author Interview with Natasha Blackthorne!

2011-12-26T09:55:00.006-05:00

Kealie took another breather, so I’m here welcoming our Monday Interview author and my friend, Natasha Blackthorne! Welcome!! And what’s cool, is we both have a release with Total-E-Bound, TODAY!! Yeah, pretty neat! But she’s here for her interview, so let’s get that going. Grin.

When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote from an early age. My imagination pressed me to write. Whenever my mind is at rest my imagination gives me images and stories and they won’t give me peace until I write them down and try to bring them to life. It becomes an obsession. A painful drive pressing down on me. It was never a choice to write or not to write. I had to write. But the choice came in when I decided to apply myself and learn how to write craft-wise. No one is born knowing how to write. The desire and drive may be there but one still has to learn how to do it well just like any art or skill. And then choice came into play again to decide to submit a story for publication. These were huge, scary steps.

No kidding. There’s all kinds of scary involved in deciding where to send your MS which is like sending your kid out into the world alone. What inspired you to write your first book?
Grey’s Lady was the first book that I submitted for publication. It is not the first book I ever wrote. The inspiration came while reading a book on male-female sexual interactions in Revolutionary and Federalist Philadelphia. After I had read this book, in a quiet moment, Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.

I love when the characters show us what they want. How did you come up with the title?
The heroine Beth doesn’t believe she is a lady. She’s the illegitimate child of a housemaid and an unknown man. When young, she was seduced and had her heart broken by a gentleman. She believes that she is a soiled dove and that she doesn’t deserve love from the kind of man who really attracts her.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Out of something common, something uncommon and unexpected may develop.

How much of the book is realistic?
Did a wealthy American merchant prince ever have an assignation in a carriage with a lovely young woman and become obsessed with possessing her? Well, I am not sure. LOL. It’s a fairy tale about love, let’s not over think it. Seriously, it’s meant to be a fairy tale for adults set in an early USA setting. It’s character based romance set against a realistic as possible historical backdrop.

Hey, there’s no crime in just letting the story be what it is! What book are you reading now?
Henry Adams and the Making of America by Garry Wills

What are your current projects?
I am working on the Carte Blanche series for Total E-Bound Publishing. The sequel to Grey’s Lady is titled White Lace and Promises and is out now.

The next book in the CB series is titled Alex’s Angel and is set in Philadelphia in 1793 right after the devastating yellow fever epidemic. Sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble—and into the arms of gorgeous, golden haired Alexander Dalton. Alex’s Angel is due to be released February 28, 2012. I am currently working on a sequel for Alex’s Angel and I plan another book for CB after that.

You’re a busy girl! Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a necessity like breathing or eating. Even if I had no access to paper and pen, I’d be writing in my head.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always just there. When I learned how to read and write in school I knew this was the way to record my imaginations. I did not know at that time that writing is also a craft. The people around me were not supportive of my budding attempts to write. I was strongly discouraged to write by those around me. (A vast understatement.) I can’t help but have deep regrets that I didn’t learn early that writing is a craft that must be learned. It would have made sharing my writing and publication seem more tangible, something real I could aspire to. But it really didn’t matter. The drive to write was never a choice and it wouldn’t be pushed away.

Who designed the covers?
The art department at TEB and April Martinez made me the loveliest possible cover for Grey’s Lady. I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It really brings the story to life, what more could any author hope for in a cover?

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Being patient with my imagination. I’d like to have more control over the process but when I try to take over the process it always slows me down and lands me into writer’s block.

Yeah, writer’s block stinks! Do you have any advice for other writers?
Study all you can but respect your own processes.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I am mostly always writing. Some at the computer, some in my head. When I am unable to spend time writing I feel very lost as if some vital part of myself is missing so it is always the priority for me.

I’d love to have that much time to write. Grin. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was six. For many years I wrote for my own self-expression and I had no thought of being a “serious” writer or publishing. As I said, I wrote not because I wanted to or because I made a decision to at any point but because I had to. Becoming serious about writing and applying myself to learn to write didn’t happen until much later. There’s a huge difference between writing and becoming serious about learning the art and craft of writing.

What does your family think of your writing?
My husband believes in my writing deeply. He always has.

That’s fantastic! What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
Cats. I have always loved cats. It runs in the family. My father and older sister loved cats too. Cats are so warm, affectionate and loyal yet they are selective. They don’t give their affections or loyalty easily. People who say cats are aloof have never truly known a cat. They are capable of deep loyalty and emotional closeness. The right cat makes a dedicated companion. Sometimes I really do despair of getting any time alone! Cats communicate with those they love in such subtle ways, if only the person they seek to connect with will attune to them and be open to it. It hurts me but I know it’s true, when I was younger I was not always patient or open enough to what the cats in my life wanted to communicate or share with me.

Dogs are wonderful, loving creatures but I am a steadfast cat person.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?
I can’t stand boxerbriefs. I am not sure why, I just don’t like the way they look on a man. On my husband naked is best.

What is your strangest habit?
Zoning out and daydreaming. This got me into a lot of trouble as a child. Oh, who am I kidding, it gets me into trouble now.

Nothing wrong with getting into trouble here and there. I spend a lot of time in trouble. Grin. What is your favorite pizza?
Cheese and mushrooms with black olives.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am definitely a night person.

Now you know you want to learn more about Natasha! Here’s her links:

Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Nblackthorne
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Blackthorne/e/B0056H8TY6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002385587652

Want to know more about Grey’s Lady? Here’s the vital stats!
Book one in the Carte Blanche Series

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.
But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.
But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.
For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?
Buy here!

And here’s a little bit about White Lace and Promises:
Book two in the Carte Blanche Series

Beth and Grey’s passionate battle of wills continues...
New York Merchant Prince Grey Sexton loves the audacious, spirited young temptress who seduced him in a Philadelphia bookseller’s and made passionate love to him in his carriage. Her fiery nature broke through his cold self-protection. But in a time of war and trade disruption, he cannot allow himself to be distracted. He vows to put business above all else in his life, including his bride.
Shocked and hurt by Grey's distance, Beth wonders whether he truly returns the burning love she feels for him. Beth demands that Grey prove he can truly change once and for all or else she will not start a family with him. But will the dark, sensual secrets she yet keeps repel this arrogant, self-controlled gentleman she has married?
Buy Here!

And coming soon: Alex’s Angel!

Sunday Book Video ~ Shut Up and Kiss Me ~ Mysti Holiday

2011-12-25T07:20:00.001-05:00

Kasey Davenport and Cole Roberts—adversaries since junior high when Cole did nothing but pull her hair, snap her bra strap and tease her mercilessly—find themselves unexpectedly thrown together when Kasey is in town on a layover. As always, sparks fly between them, but this time the attraction simmering close to the surface explodes into a passion neither of them expected or wanted.

After years of mutual avoidance and denying their attraction, can Kasey and Cole stop arguing long enough to discover if what they feel will last more than just one night?

Want a copy? Buy yours here!

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T02:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday Hotties ~ All Our Favorites!

2011-12-24T04:00:00.020-05:00

I asked the girls to give me a list of their top three hotties of all time. Thought this would be a great Christmas present to all of you. So...who made the list?

Jenny Kat
picked...
Sean Connery

Johnny Depp

And Pierce Brosnan

Mysti
picked...

Chris Hemsworth

Shemar Moore

and Ryan Reynolds

Kealie
picked...

Timothy Olyphant

Colin Egglesfield

And...Bradley Cooper

And me?
I picked...

Gabriel Aubry

Levi Crocker from The A-List Dallas

and Gerard Butler

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all and to all a good--scratch that, SEXY night!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T20:08:00.002-05:00

Tt's the holidays and well, we all deserve to have a great day filled with warmth, friends, family, and fun!

Happy Hunk Day!

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

Work that blindfold and handcuffs!!

Monday Author Interview with Starla Kaye!

2011-12-19T20:45:00.005-05:00

This week we have the fantastic Starla Kaye on the couch. I apologize now for not getting her here faster. Blame it on the craziness of the holidays. I would like to thank her for stopping by. But who wants to hear me chatter on? Welcome Starla!!!

How did you come up with the titles?

The title for a book is the first thing I come up with, followed by the characters. I’m just one of those authors that can’t us “WIP” as a title. My title fits everything about the story and I’m fortunate enough to publish with e-publishers that never change my titles.

Their Lady Gloriana refers to the heroine in this medieval and the two powerful knights. These men have not only been lovers prior to meeting her, but also both fall in love with her. Their situation, of course, is complicated.
Starting Over fits the two men, who are both in some way starting over in a relationship in their lives. One man has finally “come out” as a gay man and struggling to take the next step in his life. The other is a long-time gay man, who has lost the man he considered the love of his life.

Aww. Sounds heart breaking, but good! What is the hardest scene you have had to write?

I’d like to modify that a bit to make it the most interesting, surprising, and difficult for at least one of the characters scene. The scene was in Their Lady Gloriana and has come after when she has accidentally witnessed an intense love moment between her husband Thomas and his best friend Rowan. She and Thomas had had an argument and then he left to ride off by alone, frustrated and disgusted with himself. Rowan found him and the men had another intense sexual scene. When Thomas joined Gloriana in bed later, he squirmed around a little in discomfort and she was worried about him. She refused to let him get away with “it’s nothing” and eventually he grudgingly admitted that Rowan had taken him and hard. The tender-hearted side of her came out along with her stubbornness. She wanted to help him heal by applying one of her salves. He, naturally, was appalled at the idea. The scene was a complete surprise to me as I wrote it. Gloriana often surprised me throughout the story.

Don’t you love when the characters pull fast ones? What is the favorite character you have written?

I have published 19 novels and 19 novellas, so I have had a gazillion characters to deal with. I fell in love with both Thomas and Rowan in Their Lady Gloriana and will be writing Rowan’s story for Christmas this year. Yet I have to say that the character probably most near and dear to my heart was the heroine in Whiskey’s Rebellion, from Blushing Books. This was a story that I wrote a dozen years ago and never could quite get it the way I wanted it…until I had an epiphany one day. Whiskey was one of my most fun, most independent heroines. She was the daughter of an English nobleman, raised in Dodge City with two older brothers, and a twin sister (who will have her own story next year). The young deputy she thought would be the love of her life died and she went to live with an aunt for a short while. Until her oldest brother insisted she come home and marry his U.S. Marshal partner, Morgan. Morgan was every bit the gruff, stubborn, macho alpha man. She, of course, drove him crazy from the moment she flew into town in a hot air balloon. There is nothing better, in my biased opinion, than bringing a man to his knees and making him admit that he loves an impossible woman.

Hee Hee. We here at the Menagerie know NOTHING about impossible women. What are your current projects?

I have four publishers, though I write for only three at the moment: Blushing Books, Black Velvet Seductions, and Decadent Publishing. I have three projects going on at all times. Currently I’m writing a novella, So Not a Cowboy, a contemporary western romance, for Blushing Books. But I’m also writing an historical western series of novellas about five brothers for this publisher. I will be starting on the second book, Braddock Brothers: Adam, next.

I am working on the follow-up story to my medieval ménage story, Their Lady Gloriana, for Black Velvet Seductions. This novel will be For the Love of Rowan, which will continue the complicated relationship and have him find a woman who finally heals the emotional wounds he bears. I have to admit that I will hate to finish his story. He is my most beloved hero.

And I am working on Naughty, Naughty Santa for Decadent Publishing as a holiday novella. This will be a very sexy, very fun story and I don’t want to give the characters away right now. I write at least one holiday story every year, usually two.

Busy, busy, busy! How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 19 published novels, 19 published novellas, and 5 published anthologies from my various publishers. Starting Over, which comes out sometime in August, will be my 10th novella. It is hard to say which one is my favorite and they are from a number of romance sub-genres: contemporary, erotic, historical western, sci-fi, futuristic, pirate, medieval, and Regency. I’d have to say the ones dearest to me are Whiskey’s Rebellion, If You Loved Me, Bah Humbug Cowboy, Maggie Mine, Hawke’s Lady, Maggie’s Secret Wish, and Their Lady Gloriana.

You’ve got a lot going on! Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why?

Pictures, like mirrors, give too accurate an image of who you are at a particular time. I think most people, me certainly, carry an image around in their head of what they looked like at a certain time…when they looked their best. It can be a grave disappointment to look at a photo or the mirror and see what you look like now.

Yes. I agree. What is your heritage?

I’m half German and half a mixed bag of nationalities. I’m the genealogist in our families, not necessarily by choice. But I like finding about my heritage and relatives I never really knew. It’s all those quirky things that I find which most interest me. Like that my great-grandmother decided one day that she didn’t like the spelling of her husband’s last name (Toliver) and he let her change it to Tolliver. Let me tell you, little things like that really screw up genealogy work. One time I found a will from the mid 1600s, where the two daughters were each left a spoon while their brothers inherited land, etc.

Well, that’s certainly fair. (said sarcastically) Have you ever cried during a movie?

All the time. I’m such a softy that I even cry at Disney movies. I like it, though. I want a movie and a book to play with all of my emotions.

Yup. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Morning definitely. I’m up with the sun (which is difficult in the winter) and ready to go. I work my best on whatever I’m doing until about 1 pm, then I drag a little. I revive and can work more for another 4-5 hours. But come 7 pm or so, I’m done for the day. I don’t write at night because generally anything I write then gets thrown out the next day.

Do you like thunderstorms?
I LOVE thunderstorms. The intensity of the moment in invigorating. The rumbling of thunder, the smell of rain, the brilliant flashes of lightning…all great stuff. And I enjoy sharing them with someone.

Want to know more about Starla Kaye? Here’s her official bio:
Starla Criser, aka Starla Kaye, wears many hats, too many at times. Having a B.S. in gerontology, she coordinates a number of projects with and for the benefit of senior adults in Wichita, Kansas. Married to an aggressive CPA with his own accounting firm, she works part-time plus as the firm’s community coordinator. In the back of her mind, though, at all times is her love for writing. She uses her skills in a variety of ways: writing and publishing a newsletter for a senior adult church group, writing articles for the writers’ group that she is editor for, and maintaining two websites with blogs.

And here’s her links:
Author Website: http://starlakaye.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/starlawrites
Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=151725
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5494986-starla-kaye
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjGj_cZKzXc

Sunday Book Video ~ Bite With Height by Lucy Felthouse

2011-12-18T04:00:00.003-05:00

When Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she’s intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.

Buy Here!
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Henry Cavill

2011-12-17T04:00:00.002-05:00

Who did we get to grace the couch?

Henry Cavill

Courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0147147/

Henry Cavill grew up in Jersey, Channel Islands. Jersey is his home but he is currently, in his own words, "floating around the world." He has four brothers and a pet parrot.

Henry Cavill was a main actor the boarding school he attended. The boarding school, Stowe School, is located in Buckingham. His roles include Oberon in a rendition of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and Sonny in "Grease". He also starred as Hamlet in "40 Minutes", which he also happens to have directed. Henry Cavill starred in Dennis Berry's Laguna opposite Joe Mantegna. He enjoyed working in Laguna more than all his other movies because he played the lead and therefore developed a close relationship with the director.

Since then he has appeared in a couple of well-known movies such as The Count of Monte Cristo and I Capture the Castle. He also has a number of lesser-known movies, and television movies. He delivered a captivating performance as Chas Quilter in Inspector Lynley's Mysteries: Well-Schooled in Murder.

He has worked with the actor Bill Nighy twice, once in I Capture the Castle and also Well-Schooled in Murder. He has worked with the young actor Joe Sowerbutts three times, also in 'Capture', 'Well-Schooled' and briefly in Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

Enjoy!

Just a Little Stuck...

2011-12-15T18:14:00.006-05:00

You're probably looking at the title of this post and thinking, gee, where is she stuck? Yeah, it's a strange way to start a post, but it's a start anyway.

So where am I stuck?

I'm at the critical part of my latest WIP. The love scene. Now don't get me wrong. I love to write hot and these two are begging to get hot. The thing is, and I'm sure the girls will agree with me, you can't just write hot on the spur of the moment. You have to be in a mood to write it. Just saying, I'm gonna write it and making yourself do it and letting the love flow the way it's naturally going to flow is like being at opposite ends of a spectrum. I want to write it, but if I force it, then it won't be sexy or fun. It won't flow. It will sound tight and not in a good way. So I'll let it run for now.

But, I've got a surprise in store for you. What is it you say? Why, the new cover for Fallen, coming in January from Changeling Press. Yep. I'm pretty sure I drove the cover artist berserk being particular, but I am completely thrilled with the outcome and am so happy to share it with you.

Here's the blurb to tide you over until January...

He's her salvation if she's willing to lose her wings all over again.

Livia was cast out of heaven for the crime of falling in love with a human. So what's a fallen angel to do when she meets the man of her dreams? Falling certainly has its perks.

Ty didn't expect the angel at his party to be fallen or to have a murky past. He also didn't expect her to end up in his arms. Now he's not about to let the past stand in the way of their future.

Happy Hump Day!

2011-12-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

That's not how you play hide and seek...it's hide and peek!

Monday Author Interview with Dr. Robert Birch

2011-12-12T04:58:00.001-05:00

I’m alone this week as Kealie’s busy doing other things. Can’t say as I blame her. Let’s hope she’s writing so she can say, look what I did, when she comes back. Grin. Anyway, I’m not really alone as our guest this week is none other than Robert Birch!!! Thanks for being here, Bob. Why don’t we get started? Where are you from?
I grew up in the country, living in the City of Pittsburgh. When I was a boy (1935 to 1950), getting to our home from three directions required walking through woods. A bit of country boy was engrained into me during those early years, and has followed me my entire life. My most recent history includes living in the City of Columbus, Ohio, for many years, but moving to a rural area following my retirement. I know of both city and country living, and this comes in handy when I write.

Ah, another Ohioan. Nice. When and why did you begin writing?
Back in 1958, when I was a 21 year old soldier spending time in a radio hut sitting in the middle of a Korean rice paddy, I would write short sci fi stories to pass the time between the infrequent radio messages. After the passage of over 50 years, I transferred my words from yellowed paper to my computer and finally got these stories into print. The paperback book is appropriately titled Science Fiction from the Radio Hut.

I did not begin writing again until 1996. At the time I was a Ph.D. Psychologist specializing in marital and sex therapy. My first publication was an explicitly illustrated manual on cunnilingus, titled Oral Caress. This was followed by an illustrated self-help guide for premature ejaculators, titled Male Sexual Endurance. Then came a book for women who were not reaching or having difficulty reaching orgasm. Sensual Pathways to Pleasure was followed by my book for older men, titled Sex and the Aging Male. Five additional “professional” books followed.

My first erotic romance novel was not written until I had retired. To date I have eight full length novels and four novellas published, all available in Kindle, ebook and print formats.

Prolific. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
While in clinical practice, I considered my writing of self-help books to be a part of my profession. Once I retired and moved from the hustle bustle of the city, I began writing fiction and poetry. It was then I took on the identity of a writer and poet.

Makes a lot of sense. What inspired you to write your first book?
I would honestly have to say that it was boredom that got me sitting in front of my computer, and with over thirty-five years of experience in the field of sexuality, it seemed natural for me to begin writing about sex. For my very first novel I tapped into my knowledge of human behavior, and I must admit, the 400 plus pages are more erotica than romantic. The hot sex is interwoven into a very complex murder mystery, with a hint of education slipped in. One reviewer asked the question, “Will a reader learning anything from a book written by a sex therapist?” She then answered herself, “Oh, yes, the book is filled with novel advice.”

Do you have a specific writing style?
I write more than I read, and so I wonder how my writing would compare to the work of female writers of erotic romance. Being male, I wonder if I overemphasize the visual qualities of my characters, although I do recognize the importance of all the senses. Tastes and aromas in particular are mentioned frequently. I’m very comfortable writing of the emotions folks experience in sexual and romantic encounters.

When not writing of alien beings, I stay pretty realistic about human anatomy and human sexual abilities. In my stories the reader will not find men with ten inches of equipment who can go for two hours, having six orgasms in the nonstop process. My men are sensitive and sensual, not Alpha Male studs with superhuman sexual stamina. I do not write of S&M activities and there are no gory details in my murder mysteries.

I do rely a lot on dialog and I like including descriptive details to add color. I will not pass up an opportunity to slip in some humor. This was particularly true in my writing of the four books in my sci fi erotic romance novella series. I had much fun describing the bodies and the carnal activities of aliens. A touch of humor will also be found in my new release, I’m At Your Service. Sex should be fun, and at times funny.

Interesting. Love Sci-Fi. How did you come up with the title?
Very early in I’m At Your Service we learn that the main character, Karen, is a young escort. She becomes involved in a number of fetishes and is a participant in several role play encounters. One role she plays is that of a French maid, at the service of an unpredictable client.

Sounds sexy. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Life is not always easy, and if we see something we would like to have, there might be some risk in getting it. A reader might also learn how the G Spot can be stimulated during cunnilingus and might also learn the value of using Ben Wa Balls to tone up the muscles that contract during orgasm. My female characters often take control, get on top and move in a way that will maximize their clitoral stimulation. However, I have tried to avoid having the story read like a sex manual.

It’s rather hard sometimes not to make a sex scene look like a how-to, but then again, who knows? Lots of people might read erotic romance to LEARN how. Grin. How much of the book is realistic?
I think the majority of I’m At Your Service is realistic, for fetishes do exist and there are professionals who promise to satisfy them. As would any cautious sex worker, Karen is aware of her need for birth control and how to protect herself from sexually transmitted disease. Many escorts have a sensitive and caring side. When Karen’s neighbor thanks her for having done something nice, she characterizes herself as a classic character – the whore with a heart of gold.

Wasn’t that Pretty Woman? Grin. What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one, for if I want a reader to love my characters, I need to make them loveable. However, I think there’s something special about Margaret, the friendly ghost in my novel titled Margaret’s Diary. Margaret’s playful and clever, but she can also be quite serious. The messages she leaves are cryptic, and the other main characters must decipher Margaret’s clues to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder of her son. The cold case must be solved before this ghost will finally be free to cross over and join her deceased husband and son.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I have started an erotic romance novel featuring a female sex therapist. This has been nicely done by several other writers who involve the therapist in a mystery and a hot affair with a detective. The plot surrounding my psychologist will go in a different direction, and she’s going to experience a strong attract to a drummer with long hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Short answer – Getting started!

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?
My God, I look old!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
When I was in Korea (1957 – 58), I was stationed at a very small outpost, ten miles from a large city. There was a small village just down the dirt road, and we soldiers befriended the Korea farmers and their families. I loved the kids and was easily persuaded by one to eat fried grasshoppers. These hardly rival buttered popcorn, but I found them edible and loved the reaction of the other GIs when then saw me popping them into my mouth.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?
I will confess to being very emotional and extremely sentimental. I will cry at the sound of a bugler playing Taps, at the passing of the American flag during a parade, and cannot make it through singing the National Anthem without tearing up! I cry listening to songs from the 40’s (my growing up years). I’ll bawl at funerals and weddings. In movies I weep for happy and for sad.

What is your favorite pizza?
My favorite is a thin crust pepperoni, but I will add slices of onion and green peppers to the top. This sure beats fried grasshoppers!

What is one thing scientists should invent?
I would be in the line of first time travelers if scientists could invent a time machine. My father died with I was only six, and I would love to go back and get to know him, man to man. As it is, time travel will only occur in some of my novels.

What stereotype would you label yourself as?
I would probably be best described as a dirty old man! Here I am at 75, writing hot explicit fiction. I should be writing storybooks for my grandchildren!

Well, you gotta do something to stir things up. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Definitely a morning person. My wife and I are in bed by 9 and up by 5. My most productive hours are the morning hours.

Do you like thunderstorms?
I do like thunderstorms. The claps of thunder, bolts of lightning, torrents of rain and driving winds remind me of the power of nature. Living in a rural setting surrounded by trees, there is always the risk of a power outage. This presents an exciting challenge, for my wife and I have three dogs and two cats, plus two birds and two fish tanks. We have prepares in advance, have a camp stove, an abundance of flashlights, and a reserve of human and animal food.

If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?
Being older than my dear wife, I wish for long life so as not to leave her alone for an extended period of time. If she were to go first, I would wish for my own speedy death, knowing it would be accurately said that I died of a broken heart.

Do you want to know more about Bob Birch? Here’s his official bio:

Robert W. Birch, Ph.D. is a retired marital and sex therapist, having practiced this specialty as a psychologist for over 35 years. He had characterized the focus of his teaching and counseling as interpersonal issues of love and intimacy. In his more serious mood, Bob has written self-help books about common sexual concerns, and a clinical manual for sex therapists. In a more playful mood he has authored six books of his bawdy limericks. In a more sensual mood, he has published twelve erotic romance novels and a book of erotic short stories. He is the author of a collection of short sci fi stories and over ten collections of poetry in a variety of formats, both naughty and nice.Bob is a prolific writer with a sense of humor and many styles. He is a resident of rural Ohio, where he writes in the company of his wife, three dogs, two cats and a talkative cockatiel named George.

And here’s a little bit about I’M AT YOUR SERVICE by Robert W. Birch :

Karen is a beautiful 23 year old woman who became an escort after leaving her country home and moving to the city. She chose this line of work because for her sex is not work, it’s fun. She’s a responsive woman and with her creativity she’s able and willing to satisfy many of her clients’ erotic appetites. Although she reminds herself never to become emotionally attracted to a client, she develops strong feelings for a handsome sensual man she knows as Steve. She always schedules him at the end of the day when she needs sexual fulfillment, for he’s an expert at satisfying an expert.

Karen is shocked when she is contacted by a homicide detective and told the man’s name is not Steve and he is thought to have been stabbed and throw off a bridge. She’s even more surprised when Steve, who is very much alive, calls her and identifies himself a Howard, an FBI agent. She’s angry when she learns he had come to her on assignment. There’s something mysterious going on in the city that’s resulting in the destruction of federal property and the deaths of federal employees. Howard warns Karen not to trust anyone and shares his own distrust of the city police. It’s a complicated case in which Howard is involved as a computer geek. Karen somehow becomes a suspect and she suspects she’s being followed. Howard warns her that her phone and email are being monitored and she’s not sure who she can trust. The sexual encounters between Karen and Howard, however, remain sizzling hot, and her feelings for him intensify. He remains noncommittal, however, and one moment she finds reason to believe he loves her but the next she thinks he’s only using her for his sexual gratification.

The reader will discover why the need for secrecy and understand Karen’s need to sneak around to meet with Steve. It occurs to her that as long as the case goes unsolved she’ll never be able to spend quality time with this man. The only way she’ll know his true feelings is to involve herself in the investigation. Against Howard’s advice she puts herself at risk, at one point fearing for her life. Her sights are ultimately set on Steve, but can a sex worker capture the heart of a FBI agent?

Print copies of I'm At Your Service at:
http://www.amazon.com/Im-At-Your-Service-Escorts/dp/1463708211
http://www.erotic-romance-novels.com/At_Your_Service.htm

Thanks Robert. I had a great time conducting the interview. And for the readers, you can keep up with Robert on his website, http://www.OralCaress.com

Sunday Book Video ~ Punk Rox Warrior by Rachel Cron

2011-12-11T04:00:00.003-05:00

Life is about to get interesting for Rainne.

Rainne Stanton is a young woman who lives by her own rules. She has her band, she has her little business, and now she has a stalker. Her world is turned upside down when her mother gets involved.

James Decker is competent, lethal and Rainne's new shadow.Hired by her mother to find and eliminate Rainne’s stalker, he never anticipated what was waiting for him.

Their passion was something neither one expected or welcomed.

Together, can they clear the haze of deception surrounding Rainne? As James begins to unravel the mystery that is Rainne herself, what he finds will forever change him in ways he never could have anticipated.

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Siren-Publishing-Classic-ebook/dp/B004VA9V3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317570394&sr=8-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/punk-rox-warrior-rachel-cron/1102291086?fmt=200&itm=1&usri=punk%2brox%2bwarrior

http://www.facebook.com/rachel.cron1

http://www.siren-bookstrand.com

http://rachelcronauthor.blogspot.com/
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Rodiney Santiago

2011-12-10T04:00:00.002-05:00

This week we wrestled down...

Rodiney Santiago

Courtesy of : http://www.hunkdujour.com/images/imageviewer.asp?s=rodiney_santiago_by_richard_gerst_for_dna_magazine_141_3&key=95ca13cebedc13a68c050086ceda0f0e&c=&cl=&b=Rodiney%5FSantiago%5Fhotd%5F12092011

I don't have a whole lot of info on him other than he's hunky and plays for both teams. But really, other than him getting back with Reichen because I loved them together, who needs a huge bio on him? Not me!

~

Enjoy!!!

Did You Ever....

2011-12-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

Did you ever do something so totally foolish and out of your personality that the moment you did it you thought, gee, why did I do this?

What am I talking about you may ask? I'll be general, but this.

I usually at least look at the person I'm friending when I accept a friend request. You never know who might want to friend you. I like to friend readers/writers/potential readers etc. So this person sends me a request.

Seems harmless enough.

I check the pics out and this person looks harmless enough. So I hit accept. Don't want to discourage a potential reader or faithful reader or whatever.

That's when it got strange.

The person wanted to chat. Fair enough. I chatted. But then this person started asking questions. Was I married? Did my kids live with me? Where did I live?

Um...yeah... I'm a pretty open person and I don't really hold much back. But if I've JUST been friended by you and I really don't know you...um sorry. I'm not just going to tell you my street address and blood type.

I had this odd feeling at the time that it wasn't a good idea to hit accept. Was this person dangerous? Probably not, but what if?

Have you ever done something like that? Something you knew in your gut wasn't real smart and then had to take it back? Just wondered if I'm the lone stupid one.

Titles...

2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

I found out this past week that my very short, sexy romp formerly known as "Her Handyman" was offered a contract from The Wild Rose Press (Wilder Roses). I haven't actually signed on the dotted line yet because we need a new title. My editor asked for some suggestions (within certain parameters) and I sent along six or seven, but OMG titles are harder than writing a book!

Two things make a first impression: title and cover. I really think a lot hinges on both. So coming up with just the right title is important. There are the standard ones that we all giggle at, but apparently sell books (or Harlequin wouldn't keep using them). You know the ones: "The Greek Billionaire's Widowed Virgin Mistress".

Okay ... I can't resist... I have to go find some real ones to share.

"The Greek's Convenient Mistress"
"Sophie and the Scorching Sicilian"
"Shameful Secret, Shotgun Wedding"
"The Sabbides Secret Baby"

Ooooh.... I like this one:

"Forbidden or For Bedding?"

Yeah, baby.

Anyway, I'm hoping for a decent title. And a smoking hot cover. That's what I want for Christmas this year.

Happy Hump Day!

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

My favorite time...SAMMICH TIME

Monday Author Interview ~ Carolyn Rosewood!

2011-12-05T07:43:00.002-05:00

I want to thank the wonderful Carolyn Rosewood for being on the couch this week. Kealie is down with a cold and I’m not much better, but I’m vertical, so I’m in charge of the interview this week. Don’t worry, I’ve had meds, I’ve got tissues, and I’m using hand sanitizer. I’ll sit at the far end of the couch, too.

Let’s get the interview started! J Where are you from?

I grew up on the near west side of Cleveland Ohio, and lived in the surrounding area until five years ago, when we moved to Murfreesboro Tennessee as part of my job relocation. Murfreesboro is about thirty five miles southeast of Nashville, and is home to approximately 120,000 people. It’s a nice community I enjoy living and working here.

How cool is that! I’m on the west side of Cleveland right now. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing as soon as I could print! I was the geeky kid in middle and high school, carrying a notebook filled with stories. When I’d get bored in class I’d write. My English teachers loved me because I was one of the few who didn’t groan when they announced a writing assignment. Even though I didn’t major in English in college, and didn’t get serious about writing until approximately twelve years ago, I always wrote. The stories would start writing themselves in my head, from the most common objects or pictures. I’ve been reading romance since I was 19, and I wrote my first romance manuscript about twelve years ago. It was a mess, filled with every newbie mistake imaginable. I didn’t even have a computer! I wrote it on an electronic Smith Corona typewriter. I wasn’t an RWA member, and I had no idea how to query agents. Two years ago we had a devastating tornado in the town where I now live, and I realized first-hand how everything can change in an instant. I also realized if I was going to pursue my dream of being a published romance writer, I’d better get my butt in gear and get serious about it. I joined RWA and our local Nashville chapter, the Music City Romance Writers. I learned my craft, asked a million questions, and began to write for publication, not just for fun.

Always gotta learn that craft. What inspired you to write your first book?

When my daughter was two years old we bought Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on VHS. She was afraid of the beast, but the scene at the end where he turns into the prince captivated me. A manuscript that I’ve been tweaking ever since started writing itself in my head. Over the years it’s taken on new characters, lost a few, and the plot line has undergone too many changes to remember. After I finish the third book in my current Seduced By A Demon series for Evernight, I’m going to finish that manuscript for real and submit it.

That’s a great movie. How much of the book is realistic?

It’s fiction. None of it is real. J Seriously, all my characters have bits of pieces of real people I know in them, though not so much anyone would recognize themselves. My heroines each have a little bit of me in them. As for the plots, even my paranormals have some reality in them. I don’t write pure fantasy.

It can’t all be realistic. What books have most influenced your life most?

So many… To Kill A Mockingbird, 1984, Little Woman, A Wrinkle in Time, Main Street and The Great Gatsby, just to name a few.

Those are great books. I’ve read and own most of them. Now this is an important question, do you see writing as a career?

It has been even when I wasn’t making any money from it. Writing is my passion. It’s that thing I’d keep doing even if no one paid me to do it. It’s my dream to be able to write full time.

We’d love to write full time, too. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up. Learn your craft, hone your skills, and learn to take constructive criticism. Find writers who are where you want to be and pick their brains. If you can’t speak with the directly, devour their books and pick them apart to see what worked for you and what didn’t – and more importantly – why or why not. Reading in your chosen genre is just as important as writing.

Never hurts to know a lot about the genre you want to write in, but absolutely you must write, write, write. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope I’ve created characters you can fall in love with, and that you don’t want to leave at the end of the book.

Sigh. J What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

I’m a cat person. You can leave them alone all day and they won’t do terrible things to your house, but will still be thrilled to see you when you get home. They’re naturally clean animals and as long as their litter box is kept clean they will use it. They can be loving and affectionate when the mood strikes them, and will stick close to you when they sense you’re sick or feeling bad.

I’m a cat person, too, to the tune of owning two of them now. Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why or why not?

Everyone does, don’t they? I don’t know anyone who loves the picture they take.

I love the pictures I take, not the ones I’m in. Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?

I print some capital letters simply because I can’t remember how to write them in cursive. It was a long time ago when Iearned it.

I mix mine up, too. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I have a few of them. But the one that stands out is a boy I dated in high school, and hurt very badly because I was naïve and didn’t know any better. I don’t necessarily want to erase that because it would change too many things, but I would love to be able to go back and apologize to him.

But at least you learned. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Sleeping! LOL! If I didn’t have a real job to get to every morning I’d be a night owl, but not anymore. When you rise at 5 AM on workdays it’s hard to stay awake past midnight.

Oh, if we aren’t sick as dogs, we’re usually up way past midnight, but that’s when we write best. What is your heritage?

My mother is Sicilian and my father is Hungarian.

Cool. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

I cry during lots of movies! The last one where I cried was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. How could you watch that and not cry?

I’ve never seen that movie. I think I got to the third HP movie and quit. Not enough time to watch them all for me. What is your favorite pizza?

Anything smothered in veggies, especially olives and peppers. YUM!

OH! Sounds good. Do you like thunderstorms?

I don’t mind them but where I live they’re usually violent and I do mind that. The power goes out which means my Internet goes out.

Yeah, no power can be a bummer. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Absolutely! Pepsi has a sweeter taste and I prefer it over Coke.

I want to thank Carolyn for being on the couch today. I’m also going to apologize for not getting this up faster. Colds suck. But since you’re reading along and don’t give a hoot about my cold, you can find out more about Carolyn at: http://carolynrosewood.com

Want to know more about Hunted? Here you go:

For the past four hundred years, Jahi Wickes has made forged documents and credit cards for the female demons who seduce men into signing away their souls. While enjoying the parades at Mardi Gras, she's ambushed by two angels. One is her former guardian angel, and the other is the Nephilim who’s tracking him.

Dagon has been chasing Vassago for three years. His first big break comes in the form of a cute, sexy demon. When he learns the real reason Vassago is hunting her, Dagon has more trouble than he bargained for. Not only was Vassago sent to guard souls in Purgatory after screwing up his assignment with Jahi, but the person who paid him to destroy her is one of her fellow demons.

Buy it here: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/products/Hunted-by-Carolyn-Rosewood.html

Sunday Book Video ~ Dracula's Kiss by JoAnne Kenrick

2011-12-04T04:00:00.004-05:00

Cathela's Office Halloween Ball is a complete bust; she spills out her Dracula's Bride costume and her vamp fetish chases away her boyfriend. Only redeeming feature to the night? Necking multiple shots of Dracula's Kiss--a lush Black Cherry Vodka cocktail--and an interlude with a gorgeous man dressed Gary Oldman style.

No one comes close to satisfying Alec Murray's needs until he meets Cathela during some lame-ass party for bankers. One taste of her blood, sweet yet darkly dangerous, he knows she's perfect for him.

A night of goth bondage is planned for one. For the other, a night of sexual control is a must. A perfect fit. Alec is compelled to reveal his true nature, but can he trust her with his secret.

www.decadentpublishing.com
http://www.joannekenrick.com
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Santa!

2011-12-03T04:00:00.001-05:00

SANTA!!!

Is MM More Mainstream or Are We More Tolerant?

2011-12-01T21:08:00.005-05:00

I wasn't sure what to write about this week, but this crossed my mind. Why? I'm seeing a lot more MM becoming more mainstream. That's awesome.

But I wondered if it was that the gay culture is more mainstream or is it that we as a people are more tolerant?

I was watching American Horror Story and love the gay couple subplot. It's great and it shows the characters (IMHO) in a natural light. Yes, they fight. Yes, they get silly, but you feel the fading love they had for each other. Plus it's kinda fun to watch them spar.

Now this isn't the only gay show on tv. Sheesh. Far from it. Logo is all about LBGT. That's fantastic. There's the A-List NY and Dallas, both of which crack me up because those manly men (and this is meant in all love and respect) are so girly sometimes it's hilarious.

There are the designers on Project Runway and the characters that crop up on prime time.

This also translates into books. MM is really, REALLY big right now. I'm glad. I love those stories. Its a romance and men are doing hinky things, I'm there.

Now I wonder, and feel free to chime in on this, is it that we are more tolerant and accepting of everyone or is it a bit of market chasing? Okay, so people tune in when there are gay couples. That's fine. They buy MM books because they want to broaden their spectrum. Fabulous. Now we see the statistics for books and flix with MM in them. The numbers can be staggering. People want their gay men. But when is the story/show less about the characters and more about the titillation?

There are a lot of authors out there who write quality MM work. They tackle tough LBGT issues and really make a statement. There are those who can write MM angst like no one's business.

Then there are those stories where it sure seems like Johnny was originally June and made a Johnny because the story would sell better.

There's lots of authors who are strictly or mainly MM writers. But there's a lot more wandering over. They are dabbling. Is this because they truly want to write MM or because they are, and I hate this phrase, market chasing? I had a friend who generally writes sensual romance. This person doesn't read or write erotic. When this person heard there is gold in them thar LBGT hills, the decision was made to write MM. Is this reason enough?

How do we stop this chasing and how do we ensure that the reader is getting quality work? I can tell you from personal experience, just because there are two men rather than a man and a woman, doesn't make it easier to sell the book to a house. It's not. In fact, lots of places who publish a lot of LBGT are really HARD to get into.

I'm glad.

What are your thoughts? Is it because it's more mainstream? Because we're more accepting? Or something else?

Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

Prelude to a happy hump day...

Monday Author Interview with Lucy Felthouse!

2011-11-28T04:00:00.001-05:00

We are happy to welcome the fantastic Lucy Felthouse to the couch this week. We love her stories and her FF are smokin’. But let’s get going with the interview!
Where are you from?

I'm from Derbyshire, in the UK. I was born in Derbyshire, though not the same place I'm living now, and have lived in the same house since I was a small baby. I'm a home girl, through and through!

Tell us your latest news?

I'm currently hard at work promoting my new release, LOOSE ENDS, which is my first release from Summerhouse Publishing. It's an erotic romance short story about two people who meet at a University reunion and are startled that even after all those years have passed, they still have feelings for one another.

Sounds exciting! Do you have a specific writing style?

I don't consciously have a 'style', I just write what comes naturally. I guess many of my stories have a fairly conversational tone with humour thrown in, but it just seems to be the way it flows out of me, or the way my characters talk.

What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?

I really like my character, Meg, from my Noble Romance release, BITE WITH HEIGHT. She's a vampire, and even for a vampire, she's a kick-ass chick. She turns typical on its head and was a really fun character to create. She and her new girlfriend, Grace, are currently nagging me to continue their story, which is why I have a research trip to Paris planned. I can't wait!

We’d love to go to Paris. So Lucky!! Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Tense! I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I often change tense without realizing it. It's often not until I read back through my completed work that I see what I've done and have a real *headdesk* moment. Sometimes I make my life even more difficult by including flashbacks or anecdotes in my work which make writing in past tense and past-past tense (if that makes sense!) a real challenge!v

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I certainly don't have to. As much of my work is short, it's more character-led than description led. However, I'm often inspired by the places I visit and sometimes want to go back and do further research when I'm struck by an idea, hence my research trip to Paris.

Well, we never have to go anywhere per se, but travelling is so much fun! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to read, watch TV shows, spend time with my other half, family and friends. I like to go walking and visiting historical properties and sites.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?

It depends on the guy. A guy would have to have a certain look to pull off briefs, I think. If we're talking Jared Padalecki or Chris Hemsworth, anything is fine, or nothing. I really wouldn't mind either way. If we're talking 'real life' then boxers.

Depends on who has to to the laundry. What is your favorite animal?

I love dogs. I don't have one (yet) but I do love them. I just find them comical, cute and fun.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

What? I have to name just one? I'm quite soppy when it comes to crying at films. Just a few that spring to mind are Dirty Dancing, Ghost, P.S. I Love You, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, The Notebook.

Some great flicks there.  What is one thing scientists should invent?

A cure for cancer. I'm not going to get maudlin, it's not my style, but I've lost so many people to it that it's difficult not to resent it. And I know lots of people reading this will feel exactly the same, so let's keep hoping, eh?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

A night person, definitely. I very rarely want to get out of bed in the mornings, never mind what I'm doing that day.

Not much for getting out of bed in the morning myself. Guess that’s why we have the cabana boys! Do you like thunderstorms?

Nope, I'm a big old wimp. I don't scream or cry or anything, but they definitely freak me out, so expect to find me with my bedcovers pulled up to my chin!

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Yes, absolutely. Pepsi is sweeter, and Coke can leave a bit of a weird aftertaste in your mouth. I prefer Pepsi as I have a real sweet tooth.

Want to buy Lucy’s books? Here’s the links:
Bite with Height: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitewithheight-575237-139.html
Loose Ends: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-looseends-577310-149.html

Want to know a little bit more about her?
During Lucy’s first year studying Creative Writing at the University of Derby, she was dared to write an erotic story. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing and Xcite Books. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter

Sunday Book Video ~ Sweet Irish Kiss by Joanne Kenrick

2011-11-27T04:00:00.005-05:00

Shaun Bell, a divorced workaholic, spends all his time tending bar in his Irish Pub. He's ready to love again, but the women who visit his bar are only after his infamous Irish cocktails. At the advice of his darts team over a tanker or two of Beamish, he applies to 1Night Stand to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the company of a woman specially selected for him by Madame Evangeline.

Rachel Taylor has issues. Her father broke her mother’s heart with his cheating and Rachel swore never to let that happen to her, but one ruined relationship after another and she’s realized she's got to get over being closed off to men. Perhaps a one-night stand is just the baby step she needs to begin to build trust again.

A match seemingly made in heaven...until morning rolls around and Shaun can't bring himself to say good-bye. Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=357&osCsid=a477ef73029a4cb96d786774a44adf5c
http://www.joannekenrick.com/2011/09/sweet-irish-kiss.html
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Zachary Quinto

2011-11-26T04:00:00.001-05:00

Who did we wrangle for the site this week?
None other than...

~ Zachary Quinto ~

Courtesy of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Quinto

Born in 1977, Quinto grew up in Pennsylvania and was active in high school musical theater. In the early 2000s he guest starred in television series and appeared in a recurring role in the serial drama 24 from 2003 to 2004. In 2006, Quinto acted in the sitcom So NoTORIous and portrayed series antagonist Sylar in the science fiction drama Heroes from 2006 to 2010. He was cast as Spock of the Star Trek franchise and appeared in the 2009 reboot Star Trek. He will continue the role in the 2013 sequel Star Trek 2.

Quinto publicly came out as gay in October 2011.[23] He explained that, after the suicide of gay teenager Jamey Rodemeyer, he realized "that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it, is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality." Prior to his coming out, Quinto had long been an active supporter of gay rights and organizations like the Trevor Project. In 2009, he appeared in the one-night production Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays, a benefit stage reading in response to the passing of Proposition 8, as well as in the play The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. In 2010, Quinto contributed a video to the It Gets Better Project, an Internet-based campaign that aims to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.

RANT!!! Those Black Friday Commericals!

2011-11-24T22:19:00.004-05:00

Okay, I am not normally one to rant, but this really got on my nerves this year. The Black Friday commercials.

Commercials tend to be a source of humor for me. I loved the Nationwide commercials with Loren Wallace for the Nationwide Series for Nascar. Cracked me up. I could watch the Mayhem commercials until I'm blue. "I'm your blind spot" "I'm a hot jogger" "I'm a wind storm" Great stuff.

But this year's batch of Black Friday Commercials seriously drove me crazy. Why? Which ones?

The crazy target lady. Screaming at the ad because she's shocked at the good deals. I don't think I've ever screamed at an ad. Even when there's something I really want, I just circle and try to be there when it's available. Then she runs through the store...in heels. Um. Okay. So she wants to be in shape. Fine. But the last time someone ran in the store I was at, the person was trying to shoplift and run from the in-store cops.

Then there's the Kohls commercial. I'm a big advocate of do unto others as you'd have done to you. Why? Because. I have a child. Do I want him to go through a store, singing, and take things out of other people's carts? NO. Why? It's not courteous or polite and I'm sure they don't want it done to them. Oh and the big reason, IMHO?

Because it's TACKY.

I understand there is stuff you absolutely want. I get that people are willing to go to crazy lengths to get those things. I even kind of understand the need to sit outside a store for five days to be first in line.

We teach our kids not to cut in line, but on Black Friday it's okay? I'm sorry. It's still not okay. Shove elders? Still not okay.

Go do your shopping. Have a good time, but keep this in mind. The world won't end because you don't have a tablet, smart phone or whatever. And if your idea of having a great holiday means being a jerk to someone else, then it would appear you've lost the idea of the season. Tis better to give than receive. Tis better to have the spirit of brotherly love and kindness towards men rather than acting like a spoiled brat because you have to have a certain electronic device.

I've probably made people mad. Probably stepped on some toes. But, I can guarantee, I'll still open doors for those who are older than me (even if older by only a few moments) or younger than me. I won't poach something out of your cart. If I didn't act fast enough and get it from the display, then tough titties to me.

But that's just me.

Am I wrong to be irked with these commercials? I'm always willing to talk about it. Let me know.

Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

Smart. They used a sheet.

And the Best of September/October Saturday Hottie is....

2011-11-22T04:00:00.005-05:00

We had a tie!!!

~Stephen Bamber~

and

~Josh Holloway~

YUM!

Monday Author Interview with Sam Crescent

2011-11-21T04:00:00.002-05:00

This week we’d like to welcome our dear friend Sam Crescent on to the couch. She’s a fellow Total-E-Bound author and well, we love her work. But hey, let’s get down to the interview. That’s what we’re here for! Grin.
Where are you from?
I’m from a very small country known as the United Kingdom. It maybe small but I can find many sources of inspiration and ideas for writing my books.
Awesome. Tell us your latest news?
My latest work, Tempting Research, was accepted for the Claw Marks anthology by Rebel Ink Press. This anthology will feature so many wonderful Rebel Ink writers and I’m so pleased to be given a part amongst such talent.

My first story, in a rough six part series was accepted and contracted by Total-E-Bound and now I’m working like crazy on the second.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not massive experiences but Raven in Clifford Arbor, can’t make toast, she is always burning the stuff. Guess what? So do I. I can bake and cook and have some great responses to my cooking. Toast? Not a chance.

Hey, write what you know.  What are your current projects?
I have a load of second books to write. I’m writing book two as part of my vampire/ werewolf series with Total-e-bound. I’m also writing the second book to Clifford Arbor.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I guess it started with unhappy endings in films and I would find myself spending way too much time analyzing the ending and then it would develop to what I hated and that would change. Then before I knew it I was coming up with whole new ideas and writing them down in a note book. A dear friend then suggested to me, with the amount I read, maybe I should start writing. After a lot of humming and arghing I did and now after three years, I’m here :-)
Sometimes the arghing is all it takes, and the nudge from a good friend. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I always struggle with the edits. I have this obsessive nature which means I have to learn all of my mistakes and sometimes I don’t understand completely what I need to do. Edits are a real problem and for me take the most time. At the end of the day they are really worth it. I always want my story to be the best it can be.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
To allow it all to come naturally. No matter how many words I wanted to write on the day, I couldn’t force them. I would try and write the word count I set myself on the day and if I really wasn’t with my characters or my story, I would have to scrap the words the next day. So for me just relax and take it as it comes. Since doing this, my word count has increased and I can write so much more.
Too true. Do you have any advice for other writers?
I never feel qualified writing an answer to this but as an aspiring writer I always was searching for some key or some magical advice. The real advice I would say is start talking to authors, go into yahoo groups, not to stalk or anything but to talk to them about writing. I started talking with a wonderful writer and a lovely person and she really helped me to understand this craziness better. The other piece, would be to understand that no matter how many rejections you get to keep on writing. The final bit of advice, I think I received my fifth rejection and then I thought, what the hell, and I sent them an email asking if they could provide any feedback. Their feedback was wonderful. It stopped me feeling like a useless writer and made me realize with a lot of hard work I could achieve this.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you so much for reading my first ever story and for all your kind words. I hope you’ll like my other work I have coming out and all the new plots I’m developing. I look forward to this amazing journey with all of you.

Cool! How long does it take you to write a book?
This differs. For instance I just received a contract with Total-E-Bound for a paranormal vampire book. This is the first one in the series and I’m currently writing the second. It took me around a month to completely understand my characters and what I wanted to do. I did all the planning while working on two other books. When I had nothing other to worry me and my slate was clear so to speak, I managed to get the main story wrote within two weeks and then I spent another week, adding and taking elements away and then I spent another week reading it through before sending it off for submission. Office Hours took me over three months to write and then over a year to get to a standard that meant it got accepted.

I find with every acceptance I get a bit more confident with my writing and I’m not spending time over every paragraph thinking it is useless and awful.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
So far I have 7 books in total, 6 are under contract. I will always have a love and fondness for Office Hours as it was my first book accepted and published. A Wild Older woman is the first story my sister truly believed I could write. She loves this story and that is scheduled for a September 30th release through Secret cravings publishing. Clifford Arbor: The Seduction of Raven Peters, is the book with a lot of firsts for me. It was my first m/m relationship, it was my first longest book, It was my first menage and it was also my first story where I created the town Clifford Arbor in my own head.

My next book is about vampires and werewolves and I have somewhat of a guilty pleasure when it comes to these and I love the fact I created a series and a world all for me and hopefully a world my readers will love.

Now for some fun questions. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
Dogs, they are cute and fluffy.
Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. I hate having my picture taken but I imagine with the progression of my writing I’ll have to splurge out soon and go before the dreaded thing.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?
Boxers definitely. They just seem hot on a guy. And commando, it makes my writing so much easier *wink*

You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
French class and puberty. Don’t ask !!!
When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?
Ahh, serious bed hair.
What were you doing at midnight last night?
Falling asleep on my keyboard. Edits are awful, don’t you think?

Have you ever eaten a crayon?

As a kid I imagine there wasn’t anything that didn’t go in my mouth :-)

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Squid, just give me a moment to shudder...no wait Tofu, I mean really what use is that blob of stuff. Eww.

What do you want to know about the future?
Nothing and that way I don’t have to panic or worry about anything. I’m quite happy to live everyday as it comes. It’s nice to turn round and say I wish I knew what happened but in truth, I’m happier not knowing what is to come.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?
All the time. I cried when Leo/ Jack died on the Titanic. I love that movie. Three times during the Green Mile. This will be a long list. Call me sensitive.

What is your favorite pizza?
A meat feast, why is there any other topping?

Are you a morning person or a night person?
With coffee, I’m any time of day person. I can do everything with coffee :-)
Do you like thunderstorms?
I like watching the lightening light up the sky. It is scary and beautiful.
Can you tie a cherry stem in a knot?
Absolutely not. Wouldn’t even try it.
Do you sleep with the light on? Why or why not?
No, I have darkness. I use to have to have a light on somewhere but that is because I have a wild imagination, which is why I don’t watch horror movies. I’m 100% romance and animation.

How many fingers am I holding up?
Erm...
Cyber searching, erm, three lol.

Terrible trick question, I know, but I love it. Want to know more about Sam?
Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Sam-Crescent/100002178529657
http://twitter.com/#!/SamCrescent
http://samcrescent.wordpress.com/

Office Hours:

Fiery red headed temptress Anya King is desperate for the carnal delights of a pleasure weekend. A chance to indulge in every sexual fantasy.

However...

Demanding sexy boss, Nathan Banks, has signed them both up for a “team-building” weekend, in the beautiful country town of Buxton.

Innocent weekend turns to hot, lusty sex. Enough to melt the snow outside and the ice around their hearts. Will the job she loves survive the weekend? And will their time be more than just a moment?

And the blurb for A Wild Older Woman

I don’t have a buy link for this yet.

Blurb:
Do younger men treat a woman better? At least that is what Karen Wild is to
find out what being a cougar is all about. She believed she could battle
anything that came her way...that is until Nick Marshall entered her life.

She never anticipated Nick, thirteen years her junior, being interested in her.
He’s hot and he wants Karen all to himself.
Join this cougar as she learns to accept her sexuality and finally learns what it
means to love and how a younger man can melt the years away.

Sunday Book Video ~ Rock You Like a Hurricane by JoAnne Kenrick

2011-11-20T04:00:00.003-05:00

[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romance, public exhibition, wax play]

It's 1989 and Ryker Conall, American rock star and heartbreaker, is looking all kinds of Bon Jovi hot. He’s back in Australia and staying in the exclusive Darling Harbour Hotel where Sadie Fox works. His plans include more than rocking it down under. He also wants to rekindle what he had with Sadie back in ‘85. But wanting and getting are two different things.

Sadie’s objective is to get through the week without getting under Ryker. Getting over him was hard the first time around. She’s not sure she could do it a second. Just one week, that’s all, then she’s home free.

When a hurricane moves in, they have to wait it out. It might be a big hotel, but Sadie can’t hide from Ryker forever. It’s not long before Sadie is backed into a corner. A corner she is not sure she wants to get out of.

http://www.joannekenrick.com/
http://www.bookstrand.com/rock-you-like-a-hurricane

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Zachary Levi

2011-11-19T04:00:00.001-05:00

Our hottie today? Why he's....

~ Zachary Levi ~

courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1157048/bio

The middle child between two sisters, Zachary Levi was born September 29, 1980 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He grew up all over the country before his family put down roots in Ventura County, California. At the early age of six, Zachary began acting, singing and dancing in school and local theater productions.

He then began acting as Kipp Steadman in the TV series "Less Than Perfect" (2002) with Sara Rue, Andrea Parker, Eric Roberts, Andy Dick and Sherri Shepherd.

He recently was seen in the television movie See Jane Date (2003) (TV) on the WB with Charisma Carpenter, Holly Marie Combs, Linda Dano and Rachelle Lefevre. In his spare time, Zachary enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, skydiving and participating in various other sports. He lives in Los Angeles.

Enjoy!!!

I Wanted to Post Something Fun...

2011-11-18T04:00:00.001-05:00

I don't have a lot today. But this is my favorite part of this movie:

Enjoy!

Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-16T04:00:00.001-05:00

Peeker!

Monday Author Interview with Jan Irving

2011-11-14T04:00:00.002-05:00

This week we have a dear friend of mine and fellow Total-E-Bound author, Jan Irving on the couch. Welcome Jan! We’re so glad you could be here. Why don’t we get started? Do you have a specific writing style?

I can write in different voices. What I usually do is decide what emotion I want to channel. Do I want to laugh and experience a light hearted book or do I need to write something that feels deeper? And then a story that feels like a good vehicle comes from that basic seed feeling. It might be m/m or m/f or ménage, it might be “I” voice or third person. It might be contemporary or historical. When I do a series, such as Uncommon Cowboys, I have a familiar feeling that comes through the books, so if you like one, likely you will enjoy another.

Cool! I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Speaking of theme, is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

With my series Uncommon Cowboys the theme of forgiveness, balance and finding love are in all the stories. One of my readers pointed out that all the heroes in that series have to go through a healing process. It’s very strong in a book like Wounded Cowboy.

That’s very cool. All the books are on my TBR list. Speaking of the books, are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

At the moment I’m writing a cowboy story set in Italy, so fragments of a trip are coming up, kind of like when you dig pebbles up from under clear water on a beach. Some attract your eye that you might not see if they weren’t shiny and sparkling. I’m never quite sure what bit of detail will come into play. It’s like taking a trip all over again with my heroes.

I feel totally immersed in my stories when I’m writing, so I get you. What are your current projects?

I’m working on a new Uncommon Cowboys book set in Italy and I’m also playing with a new book that came to me because I was craving something light and frothy, like a summer beer. It’s called The Viking in My Bed, and it’s about a young college student who wakes up with—you guessed it—a Viking in his bed.

Sounds exciting. I can’t wait to read it. Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Travel opens the mind and takes you out of your rut into new experiences. It’s not always comfortable but I feel better for doing it. Looking at a broken Roman column or a Greek temple will somehow seed itself in you and come out at some unexpected time.

Great way to put that. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

I have a dog named Cadfael. He does what I call ‘twirlies’ where he will spin on his leash if something walks or drives by he doesn’t like. He’s a Sheltie so he’s naturally a guardian. Since he’s so small this is sometimes funny. He sees himself as mighty.

I’ll bet he’s adorable, too. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Naturally a morning person. I’m not sure if it’s because my sign is Aries, the first sign in the zodiac. I try to do my writing in the morning if possible since I’m at my best, clear and focused. I tend to prefer doing things like yoga in the evening.

Sounds like fun. Do you like thunderstorms?

I love thunderstorms. I experienced one in the middle of Turkey once when I took shelter in an ancient Roman bake house. The lightning was striking all around us and the rain came down like we’d be different people after being washed under it. It was exhilarating.

Cool! If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?

I’m thinking of writing some challenging things in future, so I’d like some clarity. When I practice yoga, I also practice asking the universe for help in some aspect of my life. I might ask for abundance if I have a lot of bills, or I might ask for support if I am dealing with something difficult. It really works, it’s amazing!

Uncommon Cowboys Book Four.

Book four in the Uncommon Cowboys Series

When Charlie Danvers finds Luka, a beautiful scarred man with silken black hair and feral green eyes, naked and freezing in an April snowstorm, he takes him home to his lonely cabin, unaware the man who can’t sleep in a bed or use cutlery is far more than he seems.

Luka is dying. He survived captivity and abuse from the brutal pack that killed his family, holding out because of dreams of a man with big, gentle hands. When Charlie Danvers finds a beautiful scarred man with long silken black hair and feral green eyes, naked and freezing in an April snowstorm, he takes him home to his lonely cabin and will do anything to heal him.

At first, Luka is afraid, even of Charlie. He has nightmares and can’t sleep in a bed like a normal person and he can’t even figure out how to use a knife and fork at Charlie’s table. But Charlie’s patience is rewarded as Luka slowly comes out of his shattered pain, helping Charlie take care of the other wounded creatures on his nature reserve.

Now that we’ve captured you with the blurb for Wounded Cowboy, I know you want to know more about Jan Irving. Well, here’s more:

I've always been a super creative person, from painting silk to making porcelain ceramics, to interior design, but writing is my passion. My perfect day I'm writing a chapter and also painting a yoga mat or dyeing silk with marigolds. I knit, I garden, I study ceramics.

My website is here: www.janirvingwrites.com

Sunday Book Videos ~ Just Gotta Say by Laura Kaye

2011-11-13T04:00:00.001-05:00

When Callie Davis stumbles upon two of her three male roommates in a surprising, molten-hot midnight tryst, she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. Desire to play with them grips her, and she can’t stop fantasizing about having multiple men, particularly her three long-time best friends.

Callie is thrilled when a guys’ night out gives her the perfect opportunity to recreate her fantasy—with the help of a threesome porn video and a bag of sex toys. That is until Lucas, Jack, and Noah return early and catch her in the act. More than anything, the guys want to make her fantasy come true. But Callie has a secret, and she can’t help wondering if being with all three men will risk the future she’s always wanted with one of them.

As three strong sets of hands caress and undress her, Callie surrenders to desire, because sometimes you just gotta say…yes.

Buy: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=356&osCsid=a16c478bef96fd1dda135ca957a5c0f3
Website: http://www.LauraKayeAuthor.com
Blog: http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/laurakayeauthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurakayeauthor

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Armie Hammer

2011-11-12T04:00:00.001-05:00

This week our delicious eye candy is...

~ Armie Hammer ~

Courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2309517/bio
He is the great-grandson of industrialist, art collector, and philanthropist Armand Hammer. He has a younger brother, Viktor. He is the son of Michael and Dru Hammer.

He plays the guitar. He spent the better part of his formative years in the Cayman Islands after his father saw the movie, "The Firm.".

Became engaged to journalist, Elizabeth Chambers on August 18, 2009.

Voting Time! Best of Saturday Hotties for September and November!

2011-11-12T03:00:00.002-05:00

It's time to vote for the best of for September and October. Remember, vote early and often. It's your right!

The Best of September

~ Andrew Garfield ~

~ Matt Lanter ~

~ Christian Cooke ~

~ Joshua Jackson ~

The Best of October
~ Jamie Bamber ~

~ Stephen Bamber ~

~ Jonathan Jackson ~

~ James Van Der Beek ~

~ Josh Holloway ~

RELEASE DAY!!!

2011-11-10T19:51:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd share with everyone, yeah, I'm a little late, but better late than never, my newest release: Under and Over It. It's my very first MM story and I'm both excited and scared to see what the reader verdict is.

Here's the blurb:

Rock hero Camryn Tate makes the girls scream, but his roommate, Regan, holds the key to his heart.

What happens when an artist finds his muse? Regan Finley's photography makes the local music scene shine. He's four months from his final exhibition and graduation with a Masters in Fine Art Photography. But instead of preparing for the party, he's fretting about his exhibition theme--bondage and passion. There's one person he wants to make his exhibition come to life, if he can convince his housemate to participate.

Camryn Tate plays the music that makes the young girls scream. He likes being a local rock hero. His time on campus is coming to a close as well. In four months time, he'll have earned his Bachelor's of Music degree in composition. The moment he finds out what Regan wants to do for the exhibition Cam has to make a decision. He can let Regan have his commanding way and get the pictures he needs for the exhibition or he could walk away from the best roommate and friend he's ever known... all because of a little ball of nylon rope.

I hope you enjoy and let me know if you do!

Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

And so flexible, too....

Guest Blog: Jami Gray

2011-11-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

For the first Guest Blog on Menagerie Authors, we'd like to welcome Jami Gray. Take it away Jami!Thanks for having me. I love the leopard print on your couch!

Where are you from?
The Southwest, where summer is a year -long event. I’ve made a few forays to the northwest, but the fact that mold would grow in the strangest places, the roads are planned around trees and gray seems to a central color palette has kept me under sunnier skies. The only drawback is the amount I invest in sun screen since my Irish/Scot genes have chosen fluorescent as an acceptable skin tone.

Tell us your latest news…
My book, Shadow’s Edge is out November 1st from Black Opal Books. It’s the first in a planned Urban Fantasy series where magic exists in the real world. It follows our lethal heroine, Raine McCord, as she comes face to face with the demons of her past as she wades through a series of murders stalking the world of the Kyn. Of course, she’s not sure if she should drool or curse when she finds herself having to work with the extremely sexy and disturbing, Gavin Durand.

So is writing your only career?
I wish. It’s hard not to turn green when I hear of those other lucky authors who finally figure out the secret code of having their writing become their “job”. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to decipher the code, but I seem to get closer every year. *sigh* I telecommute for the “job-that-pays-the-bills”, and I have two monsters…I mean, boys…who torture…sorry…enrich my life. Plus a knight-in-muddy-armor and a hellhound, who resembles a small horse, but is mistaken for a lab.

What are the pros/cons of writing?
I have a type-A personality and the phrase “OCD” pops up occasionally. My critique group thinks it’s hilarious that with my personality I am actually a “panters”—I write by the seat of my pants. I’ve tried outlining, but it always turns into an epic fail. Instead , an idea or character spark and then they take over. Take Raine, for instance. The idea of magic existing in the real world, then that magic being exploited by government agencies, started my world building. As I created the world, bits and pieces of Raine started to peek out and then one day she was lounging at the opening of a dark alley I was skittering pass to get out of the damn rain in Portland. Talk about near death experience. She had a little chat with me, and when I could breathe again, she was in control. She’s not one to follow outlines.

I don’t suggest writing this way for the faint of heart. It’s a rocky, perilous road and you never see the yawning pit of hell until you’ve got one foot hovering over it.

Sounds dangerous…
Yeah but I love every minute of it. Writing is my form of therapy. Instead of paying someone to listen to my perceived issues, I just work them out with the voices in my head. At least on paper when I have to use lethal force as a solution, I don’t have to hit up friends for bail.

What are your hobbies…
I read, listen to music, mountain bike (okay not so much in a desert but rocky, sand bike then) and hang with my family, at least when I’m not writing, editing or promoting. I have two huge bookcases filled with writers I can only hope to someday be like. Don’t ask me for a favorite because it’s too hard to choose.

Who’s on your nightstand?
CE Murphy, JR Ward, Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Kerrelyn Sparks, Juliana Stone, Eileen Rendahl and Kelley Armstrong. That’s not counting the ones on my Kindle. I could go on. I’m a bit behind on my reading lately.

Who’s on your ipod?
Iphone, actually. *wiggles it in the air* The greatest invention…well almost. *winks* Let’s see, Bush, Nine Inch Nails, Nickleback, Adele, Foo Fighters, Shakira, Rhianna, Tori Amos, Depeche Mode….

Okay thanks, but I’m not sure we have enough time for the complete list.
Sorry, got a little carried away.

Oh hon, we get carried away all the time. Look at the cabana boys...yeah, it's a good carried away. Let’s get back on track…what were you doing at midnight?
Making mental lists in the dark. My mind tends to go into OCD overdrive at night.

Can you tie a cherry stem in a knot?
Nope, I’m a massive klutz, but I have friends who can!

Chocolate or vanilla?
Seriously, do you really have to ask….chocolate!

Where can you find Jami Gray?
Buy Link: www.BlackOpalBooks.com
Website: www.JamiGray.com
Blogs: www.7EvilDwarves.wordpress.com or www.JamiGray.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor

Want to read more about Shadow’s Edge? Ta da!

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking. Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head. Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Want to know more about Jami Gray? Here you go:
Growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border, Jami Gray was adopted at the age of 14 and suddenly became the fifth eldest of 37 children. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and three minors-History, English, and Theater. Shortly after marrying her techie-geek hubby (who moonlighted as her best friend in high school) she completed a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix Oregon.

Now, years later, she’s back in the Southwest where she’s outnumbered in her own home by two Star Wars obsessed boys, one Star Wars obsessed husband, and an overly-friendly, 105-pound male lab. Writing is what saves her sanity.

Monday Author Interview ~ Gail Koger

2011-11-07T04:00:00.004-05:00

This week we have Gail Koger on the couch. Welcome Gail. Why don’t we get started? When and why did you begin writing?

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea of what a real emergency is. Take this for an example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am, but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone, I took up writing.

I can see where that might be a little trying on a daily basis. Tell us your latest news.

The Nasty Vamp was just released by Whispers Publishing. All Bunny wanted was to be a normal, ordinary girl whose biggest worry was what to wear to her twenty-first birthday party. She needed for a few hours to forget about her mother’s murder and the monsters that inhabit the night. With all her heart Bunny wished for a little romance, for a man who could make her forget the bloodshed and death. Bunny longed for a prince charming who would sweep her off her feet and kiss her under the stars. Then fate kicked her in the teeth and granted her wish. Bunny’s perfect prince charming turned out to be a vampire.

Sounds great. What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on I Hear Voices another paranormal romance in the vein of Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Romancing the Stone. Zelda has just been laid off from her psychic gig and decides that finding Montezuma’s legendary treasure has to be easier than prying a check out of the state’s unemployment office. Her competition is a hunky, modern day Tomb Raider. Needless to say, sparks soon start flying.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never, ever give up. I’ve got stacks and stacks of rejection letters. I think every writer has a drawer full. Don’t let them stop you. Persistence is the name of the game. Write what you love and you will be published. Once you’re published you have to market, market, market your work.

Yeah, we have boat loads of them, but it makes us all stronger. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If I need to write a really hot sex scene I just go out in my backyard and wait. My neighbor and his current girlfriend are pretty frisky in the pool. Their screams get every dog in the neighborhood howling and I can pick up some pointers from their unusually athletic positions. No, I am not a Peeping Tom. It’s call research.

Research is research. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

Dogs of course. They’re love on four legs and no matter how bad your day has been they always greet you with a kiss. Hey, a girl’s got to get it somewhere.

Dogs are loyal. Do you hate how you look in pictures. Why?

Eww! All those wrinkles! I know I earned everyone of them, but yikes. Scary! And it’s little depressing when the men running shrieking in the opposite direction. Aw c’mon, I got a bag over my head, what more do they want?

Mine is the gray hairs, but I combated them with blue dye. If I’m going to go gray, I’m going blue. What is your strangest habit?

Talking to myself. It’s a dispatcher thing. Okay, it’s also a sign of insanity, but we won’t go there.

Nah. We’ve been known to talk to ourselves and to finish each other’s conversations. It’s creepy, but true. When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

Eeeeek! Another wrinkle! Omigod! Is that a gray hair!?

Blue hairs!!! How many fingers am I holding up?

One. You do know that holding up the middle finger is kinda rude. Right?

Oh, you didn’t want her to do that? Sorry. Shrugs. Grin. Want to know more about The Nasty Vamp? Here’s the blurb:

All I wanted was to be a normal, ordinary girl whose biggest worry was what to wear to her twenty-first birthday party. I needed for a few hours to forget about my mother’s murder and the monsters that inhabit the night. With all my heart I wished for a little romance, for a man who could make me forget the bloodshed and death. I longed for a prince charming who would sweep me off my feet and kiss me under the stars. Then fate kicked me in the teeth and granted my wish.

My perfect prince charming turned out to be a vampire.

Want to find out more about Gail Koger?
Buy link: http://whispershome.com/erotic/the-nasty-vamp/

Website: www.gailkoger.com

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrI2eRVIOe8

Sunday Book Video ~ Blue Light Special by Mysti Holiday

2011-11-06T03:00:00.003-05:00

Blue Light Special

When Karin Lattimer moves across the country and her over-protective brother asks his friend Caleb Hawkes to keep an eye on her, she’s more than annoyed…she’s turned on. The attentive cop is a walking wet dream, but Karin knows he’s only hanging around out of a sense of duty. Acting on her crazy attraction would reveal more than the man’s buff body—it would also reveal her heart.

Caleb is well aware that Karin is all woman. He can’t keep his eyes off her and his hands itch to touch her. But she’s not one-night-stand material, and he firmly believes cops make lousy partners for long-term relationships.

Still, thinking clearly isn’t a top priority when Karin and Caleb finally touch. Sparks fly and barriers melt away as easily as their inhibitions, but can she convince him there's more to life than playing it safe?

Available from the Wilder Roses!
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie ~ Joel Edgerton

2011-11-05T04:00:00.005-04:00

On the couch...
~ Joel Edgerton ~

Courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0249291/bio
Joel Edgerton was born on 23 June, 1974 in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia.

The Edgerton brothers have collaborated on several film projects.

Joel's brother, Nash Edgerton, was also in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002). Nash was the stunt double for Ewan McGregor (Obi-wan Kenobi).

Joel appears in the video clip for Ben Lee's (Claire Danes's then-boyfriend) 2002 single 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue'. The clip was directed by Joel's brother, Nash Edgerton.

Is the second Star Wars actor to have played Sir Gawain in a King Arthur movie. Liam Neeson played the role in Excalibur (1981).

Auditioned for the role of "Ty-Zor" in McG's now-aborted version of "Superman."

Starred in Ned Kelly (2003) with Orlando Bloom. Bloom in turn starred with Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). Kiera also starred in King Arthur (2004) with Edgerton.

Enjoy!

Posting Hot Guys Because I Can...

2011-11-04T04:00:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd share some yumminess.

Enjoy!

Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-02T04:00:00.001-04:00

Let's see just a little more...to the left...just a tick...

Monday Author Interview ~ Marie Sexton

2011-10-31T05:00:00.001-04:00

I want to welcome fellow Total-E-Bound author, Marie Sexton. We’re thrilled she’s here and can’t wait to get going with the interview! Where are you from?

I was born in a little town in southwestern Wyoming, and I still have family there, but I consider myself a Coloradoan. We moved here when I was eleven years old, and there’s a good chance I’ll be here until the day I die.

Also, for the record, there’s some debate as to whether we’re “Coloradans” or “Coloradoans”. Technically, The Coloradoan is a newspaper, and a person from Colorado is a Coloradan, but for myself, I’m a Coloradoan. :-)

Tell us your latest news?

My first non-contemporary novel is coming out on August 22nd! I’m very excited about this one. It’s called Song of Oestend. I don’t really know how to classify it. It’s fantasy, but not traditional fantasy. It’s set in an alternate universe, sort of frontier-style. There’s also a haunted house. It’s a lot of fun.

I also have a space pirate novella called Blind Space which will be published by Silver Publishing in the not-too-distant future.

Wow! You’re a busy lady. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Little bits and pieces only. There’s a karate school in A to Z that’s based on a real school. The game Matt and Zach make up in The Letter Z is one my husband and I came up with while visiting Vegas. There’s an incident in my short story Putting Out Fires involving a glass lid which happened to me in college - from the flaming pot holder all the way down to the melted linoleum. But for the most part, I just make this stuff up.

I won’t disclose the story about Megan and the ice machine, but let’s leave it as, Megan doesn’t realize that the door goes up, not out on the ice machine. And she’s not a blonde...odd. What is the hardest scene you have had to write (published or not)? Why?

The ending of One More Soldier. I sat there on the couch crying as I wrote it. I rushed through it, because it was just tearing me apart, but then when I read back through it, I realized it was way too short and too abrupt. I had to go back over the next few days and slowly expand it until I felt like it worked.

Ugh. I’ve had stories like that, too. But I love them. How long does it take you to write a book?

Each book seems to take longer than the one before. I keep thinking it should get easier, but it doesn’t. It probably takes me about three months, start to finish. Give or take a few weeks.

No crime in taking your time. What does your family think of your writing?

My husband loves it. He’s very supportive. My daughter (who’s 7) thinks it’s cool, but keeps asking me to write a book with a girl in it. Specifically, a book about a girl and a horse, and she wants me to call it A is for Apple. I have no idea why. My extended family are supportive to varying degrees, although my mother does still ask at least every three months if I’m ever going to write a “real” book.

My totlet wants me to write a Godzilla book, so I get it. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

To date, I have five novels, three novellas, and a few short stories. Most of what I’ve written is part of the loosely-connected Coda series, published by Dreamspinner Press: Promises, A to Z, The Letter Z, Strawberries for Dessert, and Paris A to Z (plus a couple of short stories). I also have a short story with Silver Publishing called One More Soldier, and a novel with Amber Allure called Between Sinners and Saints.

It’s hard to pick a favorite. I love Promises, A to Z, and The Letter Z, because I was able to fit so many bits and pieces of being a Coloradoan into them - from the Eddie Mac mustard to the rivalry between CU and CSU. They were a lot of fun to write. And Paris A to Z, because I was able to put all three Coda couples into it.

Sounds like a blast. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

A better question might be, have I ever NOT cried during a movie? I’m a total sap. Especially when it comes to anything involving animals. In fact, last time I went to the movies, I actually cried at one of the previews! It’s completely pathetic.

We’re both saps. SAPS. We get it.What is one thing scientists should invent?

Oh gosh. Hard to pick one thing. I’m going to give you two:

1. A laundry robot (must also fold and put away).
3. A mute button that works on my daughter.

And then share the mute button and the robot with us. We can both use both, if that makes sense. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Rocky Mountain Oysters. And if you don’t know what those are, well…. I’ll just let you Google it. ;-)

I’ll make Megan do it. Do you like thunderstorms?

LOVE them. When I was a kid in Wyoming, the power used to go out during the thunderstorms. We’d light candles and sit on the front porch watching the lightning over the mountains. We get some good thunderstorms here in Colorado, too, although the power rarely goes out. I especially love the sound of thunder up in the mountains. The thunder echoes off of them, and it really does sound like it’s rolling back and forth over you.

I’ve never experienced thunder on a mountain, but it sounds really cool. What’s a saying you use a lot? Where did it originate from?

“What the fuck ever.”

My character Angelo uses this phrase a lot, and it’s a great phrase. It has a billion uses. It’s very non-committal, and yet with a nice dose of disdain. For example, if somebody says, “How do you feel about _____ (name a hot-button issue)?” you can simply reply, “What the fuck ever.” They still don’t know whether you agree with them or not, but chances are, they won’t bother to ask for an explanation.

It also works as sort of a life motto: What the fuck ever.

Want to know more about Song of Oestend? Here’s the blurb!

Aren Montrell has heard tales of the Oestend wraiths - mysterious creatures which come in the night and kill anyone who’s not indoors. Aren’s never had reason to believe the stories, but when he takes a job as a bookkeeper on the BarChi, a dusty cattle ranch on the remote Oestend prairie, he soon learns that the wraiths are real. Aren suddenly finds himself living in a supposedly haunted house and depending on wards and generators to protect him from unseen things in the night. As if that’s not enough, he has to deal with a crotchety old blind woman, face “cows” that look like nothing he’s ever seen before, and try to ignore the fact that he’s apparently the most eligible bachelor around.
Aren also finds himself the one and only confidante of Deacon, the BarChi’s burly foreman. Deacon runs the BarChi with an iron fist and is obviously relieved to finally have somebody he can talk to. As their relationship grows, Aren learns there’s more to Deacon and the BarChi than he’d anticipated. Deacon seems determined to deny both his Oestend heritage and any claim he may have to the BarChi ranch, but if Aren is to survive the perils of Oestend, he’ll will have to convince Deacon to stop running from the past and finally claim everything that’s his.

Want to know where to find her on the web?
http://mariesexton.net/
http://twitter.com/#!/Mariesexton
http://www.facebook.com/MarieSexton.author
http://www.goodreads.com/mariesexton

Vampire Mine ~ The Finale

2011-10-31T01:00:00.001-04:00

copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer

Cy fisted his hands behind his back. Not because Martin wanted something impossible, but because he wanted to make Martin’s desires come true. Was that crazy? Not as crazy as the need to be inside the man. Cy’s fangs elongated in his mouth. The bloodlust bubbled within him. Oh fuck. The last time things happened so fast, he damned near drained his partner. He turned away and grabbed the bottle of lube from the bureau.

When he returned his attention to Martin, Martin smiled and tipped his head. Sweetness radiated off his body and the scent of his blood filled Cy’s nose. The smile broadened a bit. “I trust you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come on to you.”

Trust. What a completely common word with such an overwhelming meaning. His baser desires roared within him. Bite. Bite. Bite. Cy shivered and squirted lube onto his hand.

“Hard. Make me feel every last inch.”

Martin wanted it, then Cy would give. Cy wrapped his fingers around his cock, coating himself with the slippery lube. He swayed on his feet, caught up in the overwhelming need to sink his teeth into Martin’s vein. Cy lined his cock up with the tight rosette of Martin’s ass and pressed.

“Oh fuck!” The smile left Martin’s face and his eyes closed. His lips parted. “Yes.”

Cy groaned and pushed deeper into Martin’s ass. His vision blurred like when he bit into a victim. God, it was heady being with Martin. And he hadn’t even moved. Cy grabbed Martin’s hips and worked in and out of Martin’s body. Time and space meant nothing as he lost himself in the tight, hot depths of his lover. He tilted his head back and growled.

“Do it,” Martin gasped. “Please.”

Cy forced his eyes open. Where was his restraint? Where was his reserve? He wasn’t the type to let his vampire instincts just take over. “I can’t hold back.” Frustration thickened his voice.

“I’m yours.”

The world blurred again as Cy slumped forward and clamped down onto Martin’s neck. Sugary sweetness burst on his tongue. The pressure of Martin’s ass around Cy’s cock grew tighter. Fuck. He’d lose his load in a hot second. Cy shuddered and emptied his seed into the condom. He braced himself on his forearms and withdrew from Martin’s vein.
“Oh. My. God.” Martin went limp beneath Cy. “Wow.”

Cy pulled out of Martin and flopped onto his back beside his lover. Wow was right. He wasn’t sure how long they laid together.

“I came looking for you tonight.”

“Why?” Here we go. Cyrus braced himself for the worst. The things he wanted most never seemed to turn out. He stared at the ceiling rather than look into Martin’s eyes.

“I wanted you.” Martin rose up on his elbow. He splayed his hand across Cy’s chest.

“So you said.” Optimism blossomed, but Cy snuffed it out. No hope was better than crushed hope. Still, he liked the feel of Martin touching him.

“I wanted you to notice me. You always seem so low—like someone kicked your cat. Broke my heart.” Martin smoothed his hand up Cy’s chest to his chin. He forced Cy to look at him. “When I see your gorgeous eyes and sexy smile, I can’t look away.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Flatter you?” Martin nodded and caressed Cy’s bottom lip with his thumb. “I don’t, you’re right, but I want to. Call me crazy, but I’ve been a little in love with you since we met.”

“Met? Like a couple hours ago? That’s too quick for love at first sight, even for a pessimist like me.”

“Kinda.” Martin shrugged. “I’ve been coming to the bar for at least six months. Since I made partner at Ellis and Ellis.”

“Partner? Wow.” Okay, that impressed him. The guy had a career and a future. Coming to the bar for six months watching him? That was a little spooky. Was it a vampire fetish? Death wish?

“Yeah, I’d sit in Candy’s area and just take in the sights. She knew about the crush. Hell, she figured it out before I did. Maybe it was the look in my eyes or the bloody Mary. I’m not sure.”

Cy did the mental computation. He’d made so many drinks, but with a name like Bloody Mary, it stuck out. He hated mixing the concoction...so messy and unappealing. “So that was you... but why didn’t you come talk to me before tonight?” If he’d have known it was Martin on the receiving end, things would’ve been different.

“I never said anything. I’m shy. I know, a shy lawyer. What a crock of shit.” Martin rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I have to sound like a lunatic.”

“I don’t think so.”

Slowly Martin turned his attention back to Cy. His eyes widened. “Can I be honest?”

“Please do.” There wasn’t much more Martin could say that would shock him.

“I worked over at least fifteen ways to say hi without looking like a stalker but I couldn’t go through with it. Chicken shit, I guess. I saw how you dealt with customers, how you smiled, laughed every once in a blue moon, and I wanted more than one night. Yes, Candy gave me the extra push, but offering myself was purely my idea. It was exactly what I wanted to do.” Martin’s chest rose and fell with each excited breath.

“Wanted?” Cy cupped Martin’s cheek with a shaky hand.

“Still want to.”

If Martin could be honest, then so could Cy. “You know the mate thing is a crock of shit, right? A tall tale perpetuated by those who know nothing about vampires. We hook up like anyone else and there’s no destined love. Its just attraction and we hope it works out.”
“Good.”
“Good?” The response was so final.

Martin shrugged again and the smile returned. “I’d rather be your boyfriend and lover than some made up mate.” He crinkled his nose. “Besides, mate sounds so primitive.”

Cy chuckled. He still had the limp condom on and Martin’s blood on his tongue. Being with Martin wasn’t anything like he’d expected, but more than he could’ve hoped for. “Boyfriend does have a nice ring to it.”
Martin snuggled up next to cy and wrapped his arm around Cy’s middle. “Cy?”
“Yeah?” Cyrus raked his fingers through Martin’s hair. Things had gone so fast, but hell who was he to question a simple twist of fate?

“Let’s make love again. I like knowing I belong to you.”

“You got it—once I ditch the rubber.” Then they could make love all night long.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Sunday Book Video ~ Careless Whisper by Wendi Zwaduk

2011-10-30T04:00:00.002-04:00

Careless Whisper

He’s her kinkiest desire, if she’s willing to open her heart and believe in him.

The dead don’t always rest in peace. Some stick around to make the lives of the living hell on Earth. Ryan Black knows the frustration of dealing with the dead. He’s a Ghost Explorer. He’s conquered houses filled with apparitions, abandoned school buildings that house angry vermin, and managed to woo the female population of Snake Falls, Ohio. But he’s about to face his toughest challenge, convincing sceptical Samara Jacobs she not only shares his gift, but holds his heart.

Women fall at Ryan Black’s feet and Samara’s determined not to be one of the many—that is until she’s forced to work with him. He’s certain ghosts exist and willing to prove it. The more she gets to know the man behind the television persona, she decides the handsome klutz who chases things that go bump in the night isn’t so silly after all. But is he worthy of her love?

This book contains anal sex and a little harmless domination.

Available Now FROM TOTAL-E-BOUND!

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday Hottie....Josh Holloway

2011-10-29T04:00:00.001-04:00

On the couch this week....

~ Josh Holloway ~

courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0391326/

Although born in California, his family moved to Georgia when he was a baby, and he still considers himself a "Blue Ridge Mountain boy."

Had a successful career as a model until he got bitten by the acting bug and relocated to Los Angeles.

After going out of his way to lessen his Southern accent to get a wider variety of work, he had to pick it back up to play the shady "confidence man" Sawyer on the hit show "Lost" (2004).

He's the second of four brothers.

While he says it looks "cool", he admits to hating the long hair he has to wear as "Sawyer" on "Lost" (2004).

Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. [2005]

At around 4:30am on Wednesday, October 13th 2005, he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint in their home in Oahu. The robber took cash and credit cards as well as stealing Holloway's Mercedes-Benz that was later dumped not far from his home in Hawaii Kai, which is about 12 miles east of Honolulu. They were shaken but unharmed. An arrest was later made in the robbery.

Born on the same day that Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

Favorite foods are fried chicken and chocolate pie.

Has earned his real estate license. He said that prior to Lost, he had considered quitting acting; he earned his license to have something to fall back on.

Daughter, Java Kumala Holloway, born April 9, 2009

Enjoy!!

Vampire Mine ~ Part Four

2011-10-28T04:00:00.005-04:00

copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer

Martin stepped back. He’d opened his heart and poured his thoughts out for Cyrus to do whatever he wanted and all Cy had to say was it’s not that hot. What the hell?

“They say hell’s hot. It’s bad, but not that bad.”

Oh. Wait. Martin processed Cy’s words. “What are you talking about?”

“Hell.” Cy’s voice dropped an octave. “I’ve been there.” He nodded. “Come on in. You’re here.”

Something wasn’t right and yet, he had no idea what the fuck it was. He stepped into the living room of the apartment. Boring. That was the first word to come to mind. Cy’s home, if it was indeed his home, was boring as all get out. No knickknacks, no posters, nothing to give the room personality.

“I don’t usually crash here. This was my grandmother’s place.”

That explained a lot. Martin forked his fingers into his hair, not knowing what else to do with them. There was so much he wanted to say and so many things he wanted to do with Cy—like fuck against the door. “Cy.”

Cy crossed the space and pulled Martin into his arms. He parted his lips and rubbed his thumb along Martin’s bottom lip. “You’re a very beautiful man. I’m a monster. I like you. A lot. Run or stay, it’s up to you.”

Wow. He’d hoped, but Martin wasn’t totally sure Cy would appreciate his coming to Cy’s place. Hell, he didn’t even think Cy saw him as attractive. But beautiful...? Martin swayed on his feet. He had to do something other than just bobble there. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Cy’s. Rough skin met soft slick skin. Martin shivered. Cy tasted like wine and something else. His brain shouted sunshine, but how the fuck was it possible a vampire could taste like the one thing that should kill him?

Cy’s groan, combined with his inching closer to Martin turned Martin on more. Cy was intoxicating. Getting involved with him could be deadly. Why did Martin suddenly not give a shit if Cy killed him?

Martin broke the kiss and dropped to his knees. He’d never been so overt, but fuck, he needed to taste the delectable vampire. Martin rubbed his face on Cy’s groin, memorizing the scent of smoke and liquor on Cy’s clothes. The musk of excited man hung in the air as well. Nice.

“I shouldn’t want you so much,” Cyrus rumbled. “But shouldn’t sucks cock.”

“No.” Martin fumbled with Cy’s button and the zipper on his jeans. “I suck cock.”

Eyes rolling back, Cy forked his fingers into Martin’s hair, tugging the short strands. The rush of pain kicked his lust into another dimension. The definite bulge in Cy’s jockey shorts indicated something was brewing between them. Martin smoothed his mouth over Cy’s erection and breathed in deep. God, he loved the smell of turned-on man.

Cy moaned and slowly worked his groin against Martin’s face. Martin took the opportunity to lick from the bottom to the top of the bulge.

“Fuck.” The grasping got tighter. “Too good.”

No shit. The whole scene was too damned good. Martin inched back and rifled in his back pocket for his wallet. Condom. He always had a spare or two. Too bad he never really got the chances to use them. The foil refused to budge from the thick leather. Fuck. Of all the times he wanted a condom and now the thing wouldn’t cooperate.

“Take your time.” Cy ripped his shirt up over his head and shifted his weight. He smoothed his hand from Martin’s hair and cupped his cheek. “We’ve got till the sun comes up around seven.”

That sounded a little better, but he still felt stupid. Couldn’t even get a condom from his wallet. Martin closed his eyes and took a long draw of air. Settle, he reminded his nerves. Time to settle. As he let out the breath, he gazed at Cy. Even a little weathered, the guy oozed sex appeal. Crooked grin, deep-set eyes. And then there was the body. Lean muscle in all the right places, a thin trail of hair between his pecs...delicious. Martin wobbled on his knees.

“Sheath me so we can find heaven.”

Cy’s command brought Martin from his lust-induced haze. Sheathing. Yes. That would be a great idea. He pulled the pesky packet from his wallet and ripped the foil with his teeth. At the same time, Cy worked open his jeans and shoved the denim towards the floor. The fabric pooled at his feet in a soft thump.

Martin gasped. No boxers. No briefs. Just sexy, shorn cock. Wow. Martin stared up at Cyrus as he rolled the rubber down Cy’s length. Cy shivered and a slow smile curled on his lips.

“Drop you pants.”

Martin scurried from his position on the floor and unbuttoned his slacks. The cotton tangled around his ankles as he shoved his boxer shorts in the same direction. God, he had no grace when he wanted fucked.

“Easy does it.” Cy placed his hand on Martin’s back. “On the bed on all fours.”

“I want you to bite me.”

“Martin.”

“There’s more between us than just lust.” Martin sat on the edge of the bed and leaned back, exposing his ass. “I don’t understand how, but I belong to you.”