Beth Kery

My fingers hurt. For the past couple days, I’ve been trying to pull together all the details for my Daring Time contest, which runs from 4/6 to 5/7. In addition to the prize packs, I’m having a guest author nearly every day for a month, and these kind ladies are going to give away a copy of their books to a commenter. Seriously, these authors are awesome. My fingers hurt from writing them all, but it’s been so nice to chat briefly with them. Here’s a partial list of authors who are going to charm us for a day:

Lacey Savage
Lacey Alexander/Toni Blake
Shayla Black
Fiona Jayde
Sierra Dafoe
Lisa Marie Rice
Cynthia Eden
Julie James
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Ann Aguirre
Elisabeth Naughton
Eden Bradley
Lauren Dane
Beth Williamson
Michelle Pillow
Devyn Quinn
Megan Hart
Anya Bast
Denise Agnew
Dakota Cassidy
Nalini Singh

Cool, huh? All that talent in one place. I’ll really have to clean up the blog real nice for the visitors…

For those of you who are on the Total Exposure chat loop (link to join below) you know my good friend Fiona Jayde. Fiona is one of the most interesting people I know. She was born in Russia and learned how to speak English through television shows like Growing Pains. She’s a true polymath–a graphic design artist, painter, musician (piano), author and a student of the martial arts. If you want to imagine her accent, think Russian valley girl. She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, so sweet, in fact, that she’s giving away one download of her new Red Sage book Booty Call! Ask Fi a question or make a comment, and she’ll choose one name tomorrow afternoon as the winner!

Booty Call

Nicole Lang, erotic romance author, has a secret. Well, two secrets —
and she’s keeping them both from her boss. Now that’s she’s blurted out
exactly what genre she writes for when she quits her job to write full
time, she’s not about to tell the drop-dead-gorgeous Dan Gust that she’d
rather work under him than with him…. Until the ring she bought as a
good luck charm falls off and Dan bends down to pick it up. How can a
girl resist those firm full lips when they’re so close to hers?

Dan has worked with Nicole for years, smelling her perfume, hearing her
voice, constantly schooling himself to act the cool professional. He
never even considered that the calm and curvy blonde is interested in
him, or that she spends her nights choreographing hot love scenes. Now
that he knows, Dan issues a challenge Nicole can’t refuse: if he can
prove that mere mortals can have mind-blowing sex, Nicole’s next book
will feature humans and not stamina enhanced werewolves or super-endowed
aliens.

And with a bit of luck, Dan might convince Nicole that a booty call can
lead to so much more…

Read an excerpt

Buy it here

What Reviewers are saying: “Short, sweet and hot. Fiona Jayde packs in a
lot of story in a very compact space.” Sarah Silversmith, Romance
Readers Connection

Lacey Savage interviewed Fi about Booty Call at the Total Exposure chat group.

Fiona Jayde Interview

LS: Oh, my… hot-sex-with- the-boss stories are scorching! I know you’re
a big fan of this theme, too. What made you want to write BOOTY CALL?

FJ: I’ve always loved co-worker stories, but this particular idea stemmed
from every authors dream – supporting yourself through writing, making
writing the primary full time job. And thinking about how that “final
conversation” might go :)

LS: I absolutely adore the cover for BOOTY CALL. Since you do cover art
yourself, walk us down memory lane a little. What are some of the best
covers you’ve gotten for your books? What about some of the… umm…
not-so-hot ones? Links would be appreciated so we can drool or boo
accordingly. *g*

FJ: LOL – there’s a loaded question:) I’m extremely opinionated about cover
art:)

I also love the cover for Booty Call – its exactly what I wanted –
dramatic eye catching light, and a large focal point. I think at this
point its the best cover I’ve gotten.

Not so hot ones? I would say the official cover for Dark Lotus… Its
really hard to translate the writing brain into the artistic brain (at
least for me) and I have a feeling the concept that I communicated just
didn’t translate well into the visual product…

LS? Now, how about showing off some of the gorgeous covers you’ve
created? Can you share with us some of your favorites?

FJ: Recently I had the pleasure of doing cover art for Old Fashioned
Detective Work – which I think is the best cover I’ve done.
Its the first cover on my Cover Art page –

http://www.fionajayde.com/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=1&Itemid=15

LS: Which of your books has been the most challenging to write? The most
rewarding?

FJ: I would say Rookery Cove: Restrictions Applied was the most challenging.
I had an extremely difficult time putting myself into a world that I
didn’t create. When I read – I read sounds and feelings, I don’t
actively see images in my head. (Which would explain why I don’t do much
of setting descriptions). So I had a hard time putting my characters
into a setting I couldn’t see or describe to myself:)

Most rewarding? I would say Dark Lotus and Dragon Slayer which I just
recently finished. I’ve gotten into this plotting thing – and the deeper
I plot the more I immerse myself into the characters and their
personalities, and they become real to me.

LS: Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on now. In particular,
I’d love to hear about your writing process — what stage are you at?
How’s the story treating you?

FJ: LOL – I’ve been OCDing on my website – so the story got put on hold for
a bit. But I’m jumping in with both feet this week! I’m working on a
dark paranormal – and true to fashion it’ll have plenty of action :) I’d
tell you more… when its done:)

LS: Close your eyes. (Okay — read this question, /then /close your eyes.
LOL) You’ve fast-forwarded 10 years into the future. You’re sitting at
your writing desk. On the wall next to you is a reminder of your
proudest achievement, which you’ve accomplished within those 10 years.
What is it?

FJ: HUH.. Remember that whole thing about me nothing thinking visually?
(Yes, I have an Art Degree… Don’t ask me how… Actually, when I paint
I can’t think of anything , total disconnect from reality).

You know, all I really can see is the award on my wall – the same one
thats hanging behind me now. Its an award to “The Best New Author in the
neighborhood” presented to me by my hubby at a time when I was feeling
very unsure about my writing career.

Thanks for stopping by Fi!

Professional writers amaze me, especially the more of them I know. They have the power to completely immerse themself in a story–live it, sleep it and breathe it. One day, they finish. They shed a tear and whoop in happiness. They, along with their wonderful beta readers, groom it and fuss over it a bit…and then?

The author releases it into the hands of that trusted nanny–their editor–and says, “Okay. What’s next?”

I’m currently in the grooming and fussing stage of my Berkley Heat book, Release, which comes out in February of 2010. (General fact, but also my lame explanation for why I’ve been so negligent on my blog.) But despite my post-completion bliss, I’m already thinking about starting a proposal first chapter of Making Time, a follow-up to my erotic time-travel Daring Time. It seems a little strange, upon reflection, that I could have been so utterly immersed in one project for months, only to start creating something entirely new and different in my mind within a week of finishing a draft.

But that’s the world of a writer, I guess. The creative appetites can be voracious.

Just wanted to give a head’s up to those in the Chicagoland area that I’ll be doing my first book signing evah at the Barnes and Noble–DePaul Loop bookstore. Kind of nice to be doing something in the south Loop, not too far from the Prairie Avenue District, where DARING TIME takes place.

Where:
DePaul University Bookstore
1 East Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60614
When:
5/6/9
5:30 PM
Why: To celebrate the 5/5/9 release of DARING TIME!

Hi All!

Just wanting to let everyone know, I’m giving away a free download of FLIRTING IN TRAFFIC today at the yahoo group I share with Juliana Stone, Fionna Jayde, and Lacey Savage! All you have to do is tell me your funniest, unluckiest (unfortunate?) moment. You go into the pot to win for just participating.

To enter Total Exposure, just hit the Total Exposure link under “Beth’s Stuff” below.

Hope you all are well!

Beth

Hi All!

Sorry I’ve been so negligent. Very busy trying to finish my Berkley Heat book called Release. I’m nearing the home stretch, and things are getting a bit easier now. :)

This Monday I met at the Michigan Avenue Borders with Stacy of Stacy’s Place on Earth and author Julie James. Stacy has better pics if you want to have a peek. We had a ton of fun gabbing about books. Stacy’s quite the expert, so I got tons of good ideas on who to buy so that I can be more romance savvy. (Between writing and the other job, I need guidance as far as what to read in my limited time.) I had a great, relaxing time.

Frauke, who is my fabulous web designer, just made me the graphic for my Daring Time contest, which will start the first week in April! It’s so purty. I’m getting very excited for Daring Time to release. I’ll be giving away a BOOK A DAY until release day, PLUS two fabulous prize packs.

Also, RT is coming up next month! I can’t believe it. Anyone else going?

Hurray! You can find FLIRTING at Cerridwen Press.

I had an adventurous day yesterday. I live in the city, and there’s a restaraunt/bar across the street from me. While glancing out the window, I noticed two suspicious looking characters huddled in a cubby hole next to the restaraunt. As I watched, one of them pulled out a gun while talking on his cell phone. WTF? But it got better–or worse, as I thought at the time. As I’m calling our doorman, who is also a Chicago Police officer, both dudes go running into the street, gun drawn at the people in a car approaching! Adrenaline shot into my blood stream. I swear you can feel it when this happens. I thought I was going to witness an execution style murder! It was awful.

But then everyone got out of the car and the two hoods hugged them.

My doorman told me the precinct officer said they were shooting a video. Sigh. Afterwards, I suffered the effects of adrenaline rush…fatigue, head ache, etc.

But then I went to a cozy wine bar, drank some excellent Chilean wine, and dished with author Julie James about her new book, Practice Makes Perfect. She agreed to visit next week and tell us about it, so look for that!

So, that was my adventure for the day. Ever had anything like that happen to you?

Michelle has a really juicy series coming out this Friday, 3/6/9, from Samhain called Realm Immortal. As I’ve said before, Michelle is a gifted, award-winning writer. Plus, she just signed with the fabulous agent Laura Bradford, so that makes us both Bradford chicks.

Here’s the blurb from Book One, King of the Unblessed.

BLURB:

Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good—happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick’s and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the Blessed, coveted by the Damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father’s, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the Unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her…or die.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, trickster goblins, overly helpful sprights, a king of necessary evil who lives to get his way and a woman who would dare to deny him.

Doesn’t that sound smoking hot? Find out more the Realm Immortal Series and Michelle Pillow at her website.

Congratulations, ladies. My husband just randomly chose your numbers to win a free download of FLIRTING IN TRAFFIC.
Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate the release of Flirting, which comes out tomorrow from Cerridwen press!

I like to pimp my fellow authors when they have a release. Shayla is a fellow Berkley author who writes them hot and steamy. I asked Shayla a few intimate questions so we can all get to know her a bit about her and her delicious book which releases today, Bound and Determined.

BK: Welcome, Shayla! What do you think a typical romance reader should know about you before they pick up your book?

SB: It’s definitely hotter than average, and I focus on characters and all their flaws and emotional hang-ups. I don’t think every character needs to be heroic at every moment. People just aren’t. I do think they need to grow and learn something and struggle. They also need to deal with deep emotions. And whether I’m writing erotic, contemporary romance, paranormal romance—whatever—there WILL be a happily-ever-after!

BK: Excellent. I love an emotional, steamy romance.
Now for a writerly question, if you were to end up on a flight to Europe and one living author ended up being next to you (who was willing to talk) who would you wish to have in that seat?

SB: I wouldn’t mind picking Nora’s brain, of course, but I’d honestly talk to just about any author. I always find that, when I meet someone else who enjoys stringing words and stories together, we have LOTS to discuss.

BK: I couldn’t agree more. Everyone has a few unique insights, and it’s so fun to talk to other people who are on a similar…er, adventure, we’ll say.

Okay, now on to the BOOK!

BOUND AND DETERMINED
Berkley HEAT
Genre: Sexy Contemporary Romance
Release: March 3, 2009
Purchase: Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Link to Shayla’s blog and an excerpt of BOUND AND DETERMINED.

Blurb and Reviews for BOUND AND DETERMINED

WANTED FOR KIDNAPPING: A bubbly blonde with a penchant for trouble. May be armed (with good intentions) and dangerously seductive…

Kerry Sullivan is running out of time-and patience. With her brother wrongfully accused of embezzling millions, she can’t face one more humiliating hang-up from the man she’s begging for help. Rafael Dawson may be one of the top electronic security experts in the country — and the only man who can prove her brother’s innocence — but his phone manners are appalling. Damn Yankee. Too bad kidnapping the man isn’t an option. Or is it?

There’s nothing Kerry wouldn’t do for her brother. There are lots of things she longs to do to Rafe Dawson when he’s lying tied-up and naked in her secret hideaway. Rafe is certainly something to look at, but Kerry’s brother’s life is riding on her pulling off the impossible: getting this man who’s always in control to lose it. But when the tables get turned, Kerry finds herself at Rafe’s mercy. And the only way to get her way is to let him have his way — with her…

Reviews

***Top Pick***
“Shelley Bradley has outdone herself with this highly entertaining read. Falling in love should be so much fun!”
— Romantic Times Magazine

“A sinfully sexy hero, snatches of humor, intrigue, and sultry love scenes should be treasured for the gem it is.”
— Rendezvous Magazine

“BOUND AND DETERMINED is a flawless story that grips a reader from page one and doesn’t let up… Ms. Bradley’s imaginative storylines and irresistible characters keep her readers coming back for more… Don’t miss it!”
— Road to Romance

“BOUND AND DETERMINED had me laughing out loud one minute and reaching for a glass of ice water the next… a definite Perfect 10.”
— Romance Reviews Today

“This fast paced romantic adventure will take you on the hottest ride of your life.”
— Wateena, Coffee Time Romance Reviews

“You simply won’t want to put BOUND AND DETERMINED down once you turn over the first page. Ms. Bradley simply shines… A fabulous book I’m not likely to forget in a hurry.”
— Aggie, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

“BOUND AND DETERMINED is steamier than a Florida night, with characters who will keep you laughing and have you panting for more!”
— New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Johnson

“Plenty of chick-lit wit… In BOUND AND DETERMINED, much sexy fun is had by all.”
— New York Times Bestselling Author Angela Knight

“When BOUND AND DETERMINED doesn’t have you grinning, it will have you grabbing for the nearest fan (or man)! Hot and fantastic!”
— Jenna Petersen, author of SCANDALOUS

“A searing, frolicking adventure of suspense, love and passion…A must read!”
— New York Times Bestselling Author Lora Leigh