Welcome back to the Release Your Inhibitions Contest and a huge hug to Vivi Andrews. I’m very appreciative that Vivi is not only a talented author, but also a very good sport, since I got her and Vivi Anna mixed up on my calendar for the contest. (Why, oh, why, did I just put Vivi A)?

Repeat Offenders: Reunion Romances
by Vivi Andrews

Do you like a reunion romance? Some of my favorite romances are stories about couples who have known one another forever ““ long-time friends, long-time enemies, or lovers who couldn’t make it work the first time around. I love that their history is always lurking in the background, ready to jump up and bite them. Just when you think this time they’re going to make it to happily-ever-after, history rears its head and complicates everything.

Maybe reunion romances appeal because we romanticize the idea of getting another shot at the One that Got Away. Or maybe they’re familiar to us because we’ve all known someone with a boomerang boyfriend who she just couldn’t get out of her system. Whatever the reason, I love that juicy conflict, layered with years of emotional baggage.

My new release Serengeti Storm is a first-love-gone-bad second-chance-at-romance story ““ with a shape-shifter twist. Now, not only are they dealing with all those not-quite-buried feelings, they’ve also got pride politics and some lethal claws added to the mix. The heroine, Shana, is… well, let’s call her feisty, shall we? She isn’t exactly the easiest person to love, but strong, silent Caleb has had her number from day one. They’ve put one another though a lot in their on-again-off-again affair, but this time (because it’s a romance novel) it’s gonna last.

Thanks for letting me play your blog today, Beth! Today, one commenter will win an ebook copy of the first Serengeti Shifter story, Serengeti Heat. Good luck!

~Vivi

BLURB:
The bitch is back, and nothing gets in her way. Except her own heart…
Shana Delray is hissing mad. The pride’s Alpha has chosen a mate—and it’s not her. Bred to be his consort, she’s not going to let some runt of the litter take her destined place—no matter how much ass she has to kick in the process.
Her way back into the pride is Caleb Minor—her former lover, the Alpha’s loyal enforcer…and the runt’s brother. And if she has to go through Caleb to get what she wants, so be it. She’ll do whatever it takes to pry the little usurper out of her way.
Caleb’s familiarity with Shana’s manipulative ways serves him well when he’s assigned to keep the seething she-cat in line. A nearly impossible task, as he’s forced to use his body—in more ways than one—to save her from herself. Now if only he can save his battered heart from the explosive desire that isn’t as dormant as he’d thought.
Caleb’s stronger now. Tougher and harder. And, to Shana’s fury, he won’t be used. The harder she pushes, the more she finds her heart yielding…and suddenly she wonders if she can somehow win back the man she spent a decade trying to destroy…
Warning: This book contains manipulations and power plays (in and out of the bedroom), a naughty kitten who deserves a good spanking, and a second chance at that first love.
Excerpt Link
Buy Link
Vivi’s Website

* * * *
Bad Kitty!
Leave Vivi Andrews a comment on her article or Serengeti Storm, and you will qualify to win a free ebook of Serengeti Storm on Tuesday morning, so be sure and stop back now!

Have you read Wicked Burn yet? It was rated the reader favorite erotic romance of 2008 at AAR, and it’s on sale now at Amazon for just 5.42. That’s a big discount for this trade paperback. These bargain books usually go quickly, so run on over to Amazon and get a copy. Romance Junkies said of Wicked Burn that it’s, “a passionate, soul-stirring novel…Pick up a copy of this unforgettable, sensually irresistible romance and find out why Ms. Kery is one of today’s rising stars of romance.”

In other news, authors Juliana Stone, Fiona Jayde and I are throwing a HUGE blow-out at our Total Exposure yahoo group on February 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm EST. Why? Because all three of us have books coming out on February 2. Cool huh? It’s going to be a blast, with lots and lots of fun, friendly chat, contests and book giveaways galore. But you have to join the group to attend, so go ahead and join now, and on the night of the party, make sure your setting is to ‘individual mail’ so you can see all the hot covers and who knows what other photos. To join, go here and hit the “join this group” button. We’re a relatively harmless bunch, although we do get sort of silly at times. Problems joining the group? Write me at bethkery@aol.com. We do have a brief “approval” process, but only because we were being infiltrated by spammers, damn them. Anyway, where it says “why do you want to join this group” just say I saw the invite at your blog, or whatever.

Are you near Moline, Illinois? If so, consider coming to my booksigning there next month. Here are the deets:

February 29, 2010
1-3 p.m.

Waldenbooks
4500 16th Street
Moline, IL 61265-7073
(309) 797-8140

And don’t forget…the Release Your Inhibitions Contest starts again later this evening. Get to know author Vivi Andrews and take part to qualify to win a book!

(Okay, so maybe that all wasn’t necessarily headline news, but you know…)

~Beth

This excerpt takes off where the one I’ve given you before, and which you can find here.

RELEASE by Beth Kery, February 2 from Berkley Heat

“The house in Lake Forest burned down,” she whispered. “It’s . . . gone. Everything.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders and spun her around. His tall shadow loomed over her. She blinked in disorientation when he switched on the crystal chandelier. He stared. The color washed out of his face.
“Come ‘ere,” he growled, taking her hand. Genevieve stumbled after him into the living room. A bar lined the north wall. He slid one of the suspended goblets from the rack and grabbed an opened bottle of wine. The crimson liquid splashed into the bowl of the glass.
“Drink it,” he ordered, all traces of his accent absent from the terse command. Genevieve hesitated before she glanced into his glittering eyes. She took the glass, draining half the wine in her first swallow. He pried the trembling goblet from her clawlike grip. He guided her over to the sofa and pulled her down next to him.
“Were you in the house?”
She shook her head as she released her hands from his warm grasp.
“I was working late on Oak Street. I drove home at around nine. I’ve been watching them try to put the fire out all night.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
She just stared at the carpet sightlessly. He didn’t seem to expect her to answer once he’d considered his impulsive question.
They both knew the days were gone when she would have leant on Sean for support.
“Four engines were working on it when I got there, but they were just trying to contain the blaze at that point . . . keep it from getting to the trees and spreading. One of the firemen told me it had likely started in the garage and spread first to the kitchen. They had it out by the time I left. It was a nightmare. The police were there. The press . . .”
His body tensed for action but he remained seated beside her. She threw him an exasperated glance. Three years hadn’t dulled her almost preternatural ability to read him. Never mind that he’d been trained by the United States Army to be an intelligence operative.
She’d known her fair share of spies. Max had held a top position at the CIA before he’d retired and started his private intel firm. But while Max had proved to be an enigma to her, Sean was pretty much an open book.
“Go ahead, call if you want to,” she said. “There was a cop—Sergeant Gould. The chief from the fire department was a Martin McGruder.”
“I’m not going anywhere right now. What about Jim? Is he okay?” Sean asked, referring to Jim Rothman, Max’s longtime, live-in employee who did everything from house maintenance to grocery shopping.
“He’s fine,” Genny whispered. “He’d been out for the evening, like me. He came home from the movies at around eleven and stood with me, watching it burn.” Her breath caught on an inhale. “He was more upset than I was. He kept worrying he’d left some appliance running or hadn’t maintained the furnace the way he should. I must have told him a million times it wasn’t his fault, poor man, and even if one of us had done something inadvertently, it wasn’t intentional. He was worried sick. He’s staying with his daughter in Niles.”
“There was no indication it’d been set?”
“Set?” She sharpened her gaze on him. “Of course not. Who would have set my house on fire?”
His brows drew together as he studied her. His hand rose to cradle her jaw. “Was there a medical unit there? Did they treat you?”
“For what?”
“Shock.” Their gazes met and locked.
He didn’t try to stop her from standing. She returned to the bar where she lifted the wineglass to her lips. The crystal hummed when she set the goblet on the bar too forcefully. She saw him watching her in the mirror lining the back of the bar.
“Am I going? Or are you?”
“I think you know the answer to that, Genny.”
She turned around. “You can’t expect both of us to stay here.”
He shrugged and leaned back, spreading his arms along the back of the couch. He’d buttoned the crisp white shirt, but not completely. When he spread his arms, the fabric parted. Genevieve found herself staring at the sexy triangle of exposed skin and curling, light brown hair. She blinked when he spoke.
“I’m working on a big project. My assistant will be here first thing in the morning. It’s easier to sleep here when I’m staying so late in the office.”
“Sleep, huh?” she muttered sarcastically.
“You can’t expect me to have known you’d show up here tonight. I said I was sorry about that.” He waved toward the hallway and the bedroom. When she glanced out the window dismissively, he added, “Right—I forgot. You’re good at ignoring my apologies. You’re an expert at the business of ignoring me in general.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. She opened her mouth to bring him to task for changing the subject but he interrupted her before a word left her tongue.
“I own this penthouse, too. Have you forgotten that?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten. Fine. If you’re staying, I’ll be the one to go. I’ll stay with my mother.” Her eyes widened when he just shook his head slowly, his expression implacable.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “But until I can get some more information about what happened with the fire . . . until I know for sure nobody set it with the intent of harming you, you’re staying here. And so am I, Genny.”

5 Blue Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies—“Try not to fall in love with Sean and Genny’s story ““ I dare you!”

#3, Lea! Congrats, Lea! Write to me at bethkery@aol.com to claim your prize. Beth, thanks for sharing your energy and time with us yesterday to talk about your wonderful books.

And thanks to all of you for celebrating with me for the first week of the Release Your Inhibitions Contest! We’ve had six winners already, and some really awesome authors.

Up next…a steamy excerpt from my upcoming book Release!

Hurray, Beth W. is in the house. Leave a comment on her post and qualify to win a Beth Williamson book of your choice. All those sexy cowboys and western guys to choose from….

******

Experience or Imagination
by Beth Williamson

Some writers hold to the belief they can’t write about a place or an event unless they’ve experienced it themselves. It gives it that “real” flavor for the reader, that taste only gotten by a writer who has “been” there.

Well, I don’t hold to that principle myself because although my physical self has boundaries, my imagination has none. 🙂

Take for example, my current release, The Stranger’s Secrets. The heroine, Sarah, has suffered a life-changing injury to her leg that requires her to use a cane. Although I’ve never walked with a cane, I have used crutches (am now using them as a matter of fact) temporarily. That, of course, is simply not the same.

Yet, I can use my super-powered imagination to put myself in her shoes and then the story takes on a life of its own. There are so many things we can do if we tell ourselves we can. I mean, it’s normal right? People convince themselves things are real all the time (and I don’t mean take drugs to stop the voices kind of things). It’s the power of our minds, and in this case, of the imagination.

Would it surprise you to hear that I cry when I write my books? My husband looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind and tells me “You made them up, why are you crying?”. Well, because although I made them up, I made them real to me. Real enough that I feel that emotion when they do, and cry, laugh, squirm, and shout.

If I make myself feel all those things, then I’m damn sure hoping the reader does too. I know my sister has told me she cried, and my mom too. Maybe I’m crazy and I only make my family cry. LOL. Really though, I think the mark of a writer is one who dives in deep into the pool of the story – one who becomes part of it.

That, ladies and gents, is writing a good story.

****

You are so right about that, Beth. So let’s take a peek at one of your good stories…

Betrayed By Her Own Heart

Sarah Spalding has learned to forge her own way and never to trust anyone—least of all a Yankee. But when her companion abandons her while on a train to Colorado, Sarah begrudgingly accepts the help of Whitman Kendrick—a Yankee, yes, but one with the most bewitching green eyes. Allowing Whit to be her traveling escort is one thing, taking him as a lover is another—even though she’s tempted beyond reason…

Whit Kendrick isn’t quite sure what to make of the sharp-tongued, sassy woman sharing his train compartment. All he knows is that Sarah is refreshingly different from most women—and his urgent, primal attraction for her is unlike any he’s experienced. Breaking down Sarah’s wall of defense won’t be easy. But Whit is determined to prove to Sarah that they’re more alike than different—and loving each other is all they need…

Excerpt
The dining room was nearly bursting at the seams. There was only one unoccupied table by the time Sarah and Whitman arrived to eat. Unfortunately it was in a corner and made for two.

“Told you to hurry,” Whitman grumbled under his breath.

Sarah couldn’t stop a very unladylike snort, again. “Next time I’ll run up the stairs and you stand at the bottom then.”

He didn’t respond, but she saw the corner of his mouth twitch, as if he was holding in a laugh. Perhaps the serious Yankee did have a sense of humor after all.

When they sat down, Sarah realized it was the first time they were face to face. On the train and even walking to the hotel, they’d been beside each other. Facing Whitman was an entirely different experience.

He wasn’t classically handsome, but damn, he was exactly the kind of man Sarah was attracted to. His face was angular, the late day whiskers only added to his appeal, his nose was slightly crooked, and a few scars were scattered here and there as if he’d been wounded by small pieces of something.

But it was his eyes which captured her attention. Deep, green and framed by those long eyelashes, Whitman had the sexiest gaze she’d ever seen. Fortunately or unfortunately, she felt a tug of sensual awareness just looked at the tousled chocolate locks above those eyes.

Hell and crackers.

He frowned. “Why are you scowling at me?”

“I’m not scowling.” She fiddled with the fork and knife on the table while hoping the missing waitress would appear to save her from the awkward situation.

Damn Mavis Ledbetter. The woman was over by the window with that same gentleman, completely ignoring the fact she’d been paid to take care of Sarah. Whit had been right—she was going to fire Mavis and leave her in whatever town this was.

“She said she was a spinster.” Whit followed Sarah’s gaze. “Looks as if she hasn’t given up the quest for a husband though.”

“She spent so much time declaring she was a spinster, she kept most men away from her.” Sarah frowned at Mavis. “Nobody in town wanted anything to do with her because of her reputation.”

“You’re from the same town then?”

His question was one anyone in polite company would ask, but Sarah found herself unwilling to answer any personal questions. So she decided to insult him to keep him disliking her. “You’re nosy.”

“You’re rude.”

“You’re pushy.”

He barked a laugh. “And you’re refreshingly honest.”

Sarah found herself holding back a chuckle. What was it about this annoying Yankee that set her on her head? Aside from being handsome, there wasn’t anything else remarkable about him. She needed to figure out his appeal so she could combat it and keep her distance, at least as much as she could considering they were stuck in a train compartment together for fifteen hundred miles.

“Then you won’t mind if I continue being honest.”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”

Why in the hell did that make Sarah’s heart thump like a bass drum? Back home when she ate a meal, it was with her friends, a group where everyone chatted and relaxed. Sitting with Whit made me feel jumpy and awkward—a condition Sarah was definitely not used to.

“You make me uncomfortable,” she blurted.

His eyebrows went up. “I do?”

Now that she’d gone down that path, she had to finish her thought. “I’m sure you’ve heard the song before, Mr. Kendrick, but Yankees aren’t high on my list of favorite folks, much less one I have to rely on. It’s going to take some time for me to ah, adjust, so if you can, be patient with me.”
Whit nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

She didn’t want to demand anything from the man. After all, there was no reason for him to help her. His actions told her more than anything that he was a gentleman. “When life kicks you once, you get back up and move on. When life kicks you a dozen times, you’re less willing to forgive and trust.” That was as far as she planned on going with that train of thought. He seemed like a sharp man and could likely understand why she felt uncomfortable.

“Don’t worry. I won’t give you any cause to kick me back. I promise.” The sincerity in his gaze made her want to believe him.

Ridiculous of course, why should she trust a stranger? She had to rely on him to be her companion, however that would turn out. Yet expecting him to carry her bags was a far cry from trusting him with her life. Sarah could take care of herself, for the most part anyway, and she regretted the fact she couldn’t do it all the time.

“Good because I bite when I kick.” She fought back a grin.

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me in the least.”

Learn more about Beth and her books here.
Learn more about The Stranger’s Secrets here.
Beth’s Blog

I feel very fortunate to have Vonna Harper here today. Vonna was probably one of the first erotic authors I ever read from Ellora’s Cave. It took 24 hours for my eyes to move out of the ‘popped’ condition and back into my head. Vonna writes BDSM and shape-shifters for Kensington and Ellora’s Cave, among others. I hope you’ll join me in giving her a huge welcome to the Release Your Inhibitions Contest!

Beth: Welcome Vonna! It’s an honor to have you here. For those who don’t know, I think Vonna is a prime example that eroticism, emotion and top notch literary writing can be found in the erotic romance arena.

Beth: In your opinion, what’s the most difficult thing about being an erotic romance author?
Erotica is still the new kid on the block. A lot of publishers jumped on the bandwagon and now all that is shaking down. For me at least the most difficult thing is staying on top of the constantly changing market.

Beth: What are you most afraid of?
Something bad happening to the people I love. Bugs, snakes, moonless nights don’t bother me but then I’m a country gal with a mountain cabin we share with all kinds of critters.

Beth: In your opinion, how has the erotic romance readership changed over the past ten years?
It has exploded and now is correcting. Ten years ago I don’t believe anyone was writing m/m and the BDSM (or capture stories as I prefer to call them) were just taking hold. If there are any more barriers left to be broken I can’t guess what they are. Fortunately taboos like rape don’t take place in mainstream books but like a lot of other writers, I pen stories about shape shifters, etc.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?
Good question. Probably that I gave everything I had to give.

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

I’m doing this on the fly and picked Winter of the Beast because its my latest release. I chose this scene because to me at least my hero comes across as part predator and part human and acutely tied to the land which resonates with me.

“Movement at the base of a tree in the middle of the grove drew Dio’s attention there. It was so slight it might have been caused by the wind playing with some leaves or maybe a rodent. Knowing better than to dismiss it, he continued to focus on the tree trunk.

The movement came again. He compared it with everything he knew about what took place in nature, but nothing came to mind. More interested than ever, he slid around the trunk that had been sheltering him. As he did, he gave silent thanks to the Beast for what he’d learned about being a hunter.

A familiar presence stirred his senses. He didn’t try to make out the Beast because if the great creature wanted to remain hidden, it would. Reminding himself to be patient, he waited for the Beast to communicate with him. After a few seconds, a deep voice resonated inside him.

An intruder.””

Beth: What project is up for you next?
Winter of the Beast was the last Ellora’s Cave story I did with my longtime editor, sob. I have a new editor and will soon be submitting a shape shifter/capture story to her. Wish me luck.

Beth: Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Vonna!

You can find out more about Vonna and her books here. (You have to check out her section entitled, “Strange Sex Laws).

Today, we are lucky enough to have Vonna give away one of her super-sexy shifter books to one lucky reader. Somebody out there…your fingers are going to be scorched, trust me.

Taming the Cougar, blurb
Deep in the canyons of northern Arizona, animal psychic Kai Tallon senses someone ““ or something ““ watching her, and wonders if the legends are true. This is the land of the Tocho ““ a pride of half man/half cougars borne of the Navajo ““ and rumored to possess unearthly masculine prowess…As night falls, Kai knows sleep will elude her, for her body is thrumming with sexual energy. But once she surrenders to the erotic sensations sweeping through her, she discovers a pleasure so breathtaking it can only be a dream…so intense it can only be real…so teasing, she knows she isn’t alone. Kai lusts after this mysterious presence whose visitations arouse her with his primal sexuality. Quivering with need, she longs to feel him deep inside. And she will, for the man in him wants her, and the animal in him will take her. Now a willing prisoner to rapture, Kai must choose between her captor-lover, and returning to civilization.

Good morning, all! Happy Thursday. The weekend is a coming! I’m starting to really get excited about Release’s debut. I’ve been getting some really nice advanced reviews, which I’ll be sure to share some time soon. So now, with no further ado…

The winner of Elisabeth Naughton’s first stolen book is…#5, Sarah Simas!
The winner of the bonus book RELEASE is #28, CrystalGB!

Ladies, write to me with your addresses at bethkery@aol.com.

Up next, learn more about scorching-hot, veteran erotic author, Vonna Harper!

Join me in welcoming the awesome Elisabeth Naughton! If you haven’t read her sexy, adventurous Stolen books yet, what are you waiting for?

STOLEN SEDUCTION Blurb:
The individual who collects all six statues and deciphers the code locked within will be awarded controlling interest in Roarke Resorts.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS ENDEAVOR IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.
Hailey Roarke was never interested in her family’s fortune. That’s why she became a cop. But with her father and now her cousin dead, she’s suddenly on the wrong side of a police interrogation. The only way to clear her name is to solve the riddle before the real killer. Without getting killed herself.
Detective Shane Maxwell can’t deny the spark of lust he feels every time Hailey is near. But the woman is clearly hiding something. Trusting his gut—and the heat in her eyes—he joins her on an elaborate global treasure hunt staged by her late father. Caught between a sizzling seduction and a maniacal murderer, for Hailey and Shane the biggest reward of all will be making it out alive.

Read an Excerpt
Order Stolen Seduction

Bio:
A previous junior-high science teacher, Elisabeth Naughton now writes sexy romantic adventure and paranormal novels full time from her home in western Oregon where she lives with her husband and three children. Her debut release, Stolen Fury, was a 2007 Golden Heart Finalist and has been heralded by Publisher’s Weekly as “A rock-solid debut.” When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ball park or dreaming up new and exciting adventures. In 2010 she launches her all new paranormal series, the Eternal Guardians. Visit the author’s website at www.elisabethnaughton.com

Elisabeth’s Interview

Beth: Welcome, Elisabeth!

Thanks so much for having me here, Beth!

Beth: Congrats on the recent release of the third book in the Stolen series, Stolen Seduction! What sort of feedback have you been getting from readers, both on Stolen Seduction and the Stolen series in general?

Thanks. It’s so hard to believe book three is already out!

Readers have been loving the Stolen books. I’m constantly thrilled (and amazed) when I open my email and there’s a new message from a reader who recently discovered me and my work. All three books are very different, so I always worry how readers will react from one book to the next, but if anything, the excitement has grown. With every book I hear, “this is better than the last”, which is exactly what an author wants to hear. I couldn’t be more pleased and I’m especially happy to hear that readers love STOLEN SEDUCTION so much. That book has a very special place in my heart for a variety of reasons.

Beth: What’s your favorite Elisabeth Naughton book cover and why?

Hm, that’s hard. It’s like picking your favorite child! (And since I have three kids, very fitting, I must say.) As much as I love ALL three covers, I think the first one is probably my favorite ““ STOLEN FURY. I love the colors. I love the embrace and the view of the man’s back. I love that you can’t quite see their faces. I love the fury relic on the bottom and the columns in the background. And because it was my very first book, I can honestly say that nothing, NOTHING beats seeing that first cover in person. An artist’s interpretation of your book. It’s a heady moment.

I love the other covers too. I’ve been blessed by the cover gods (as my writing pals say) and I’m not arguing in the least. The model on the front of STOLEN HEAT looks EXACTLY the way I envisioned Pete in my head, and the colors on the cover of STOLEN SEDUCTION blow me away every time I look at them. The contrast is very eye-catching, and since I have a thing for palm trees…sweet.

Beth: What’s the best thing you ever heard from a reader?

“I stayed up until 4 AM reading your book. I couldn’t put it down!”

Beth: I think I told you a while back that I’m really excited about the concept for your new series, The Eternal Guardians. Will you talk about the series a bit and tell us when we can look forward to the first of the books?

Absolutely! I love talking about my upcoming series.

The Eternal Guardians are seven males who are descendents of the seven greatest heroes in all of ancient Greece ““ Hercules, Odysseus, Achilles, Theseus, Perseus, Jason and Bellerophron. They are the warriors who protect not only their race but humans as well from the evils of the Underworld and the gods who like to dabble too much in their affairs. The first book, MARKED, which releases May 2010, is Theron’s book. He’s the leader of the Eternal Guardians and he’s been sent to the human realm to locate the one woman who will complete the prophecy that will end an evil god’s immortal reign and protect his people from certain doom.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

THERON ““ Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He’s the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.

From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn’t exist in real life—silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.

She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron’s duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendent of Hercules, he wasn’t strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.

As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

The first book ““ MARKED – releases in May 2010, and the second ““ ENTWINED ““ will be on shelves in August, 2010.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?

I strive to write stories that are fraught with emotion. So when readers think of me, I want them to know they’re getting a book that isn’t superficial. It’s deep, it’s rich, it’s full of heart. There will always be adventure in my books, possibly murder and mayhem, but at the core, a satisfying love story readers won’t be able to forget.

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

You’re evil. Okay, this is from STOLEN SEDUCTION:

She’d pushed off the sheet sometime in the night, and thanks to the T-shirt now twisted around her belly, he knew her red lace panties matched the bra he’d seen yesterday in the morgue. Red that was going to haunt him the next time he closed his eyes.

Since Hailey had been half out of it with exhaustion when they’d arrived at the apartment last night, Shane had tucked her into the master bed, then settled on the couch. Several times he’d gotten up in the middle of the night to make sure she was breathing, and each time he’d come into the room to check on her and she’d made those sexy little mewing sounds in her sleep, a little bit of his self- control slipped away.

Probably shouldn’t have driven up to Lake Geneva yesterday morning, he thought as he watched her. Definitely shouldn’t have gotten on that plane. Absolutely, positively shouldn’t be drooling over her in her underwear right now like a peeping- frickin’- Tom. Especially after everything she’d been through yesterday. But hell if he’d change any of it if he could.

I think I love this little section because Shane is one of those guys. You know the kind. He’s moody and dark and conflicted. He’s head over heels for the heroine but he fights it every step of the way. When I was writing this book, he and I struggled, mostly because he didn’t think he deserved happiness, and as the writer, my job is to give him that Happily Ever After. His issues became my issues until it was almost too hard to write the book. But when I look back on where he started and how his character grew and changed over the course of the story, I fall in love with him all over again.

I think that’s the kind of guy most women want. Strong, tough, alpha, but protective and in many ways, scared shitless, just like we are deep inside.

Beth: What project is up next for you?

Well, I just finished ENTWINED, book two in my Eternal Guardians series, and sent it to my editor. Right now I’m putting together the proposal for book three, tentatively titled TEMPTED, and I’m waiting to hear on a brand new romantic adventure series, which I REALLY hope I get to write. I love writing both romantic adventures AND paranormals, and am absolutely thrilled I get to do what I do for a living.

Beth: Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Elisabeth!

Thank you, Beth! And before I go, I’d like to mention the contest I’m running on my website. Click the widget below for a chance to win $100 Amazon Gift Card!

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Wow, how fun is that!
Leave Eli a comment, and you will qualify to win book one in the Stolen series, STOLEN FURY, tomorrow morning!

And because Elisabeth’s post put me in a good mood, I’m throwing in a free copy of the reason for the celebration, RELEASE to one random person who has entered the RELEASE YOUR INHIBITIONS CONTEST by tomorrow morning.

Have a great day, everyone!

#13, Fran! Congrats! Write to me at bethkery@aol.com with your address.

Just a reminder that winners need to contact me within 48 hours. It’s a fair amount of work running a contest like this for three weeks straight, and I’m not going to go hunting winners down.

Up next, The amazing Eli Naughton is here!! Woot! She’s talking about tons of cool stuff, and giving away a STOLEN book!

Please join me in welcoming writer Vivi Anna to the Release Your Inhibitions Contest! Vivi is the author of steamy paranormal and fantasy novels. Here’s a photo of Vivi at the Romantic Times 2008 award ceremony, where I saw her win an RT award. (She’s up for another award this year).

So with no further ado, say hello to Vivi!

Vivi’s Interview:

Beth: Welcome, Vivi!

What book are you going to tell us about today?

Vivi: I’m going to talk a little about my upcoming Nocturne book called THE VAMPIRE’S KISS. It’ll be out in July and I’m really excited to return to Nouveau Monde and the crime scene team there.

This book is about crime scene investigator Olena Petrovich, who is a three hundred year old vampiress with attitude. But she meets her match and equal when Interpol agent Cale Braxton comes to Nouveau Monde to take over a bank robbery case from her. Tempers flare, sparks fly and danger lurks around every corner.

I don’t have a cover yet, but I’m hoping it reflects the hero I had in mind. I fashioned Cale after Jensen Ackles from Supernatural fame. That sexy, charming, bad boy with the quick wit and killer smile.

Here’s a little except from the book:

Chapter 1

Olena Petrovich had close to three hundred years to perfect sin to an art form. In the past, she’d used her vampiric charms to get whatever she wanted in life—money, sex, power. It helped, she supposed, that she was curvy and possessed a mouth some men had said was made for sin. But it had always proven to be too easy.
She didn’t want easy any longer. She liked working for the things she’d received. Like this case.
This was Olena’s first time as lead investigator and she was excited about it. She didn’t want to make one mistake. It wasn’t often that Inspector Gabriel Bellmonte let go of the reins. But he had for her. Or it could’ve been because she had begged him for the past three months.

The crime scene at the National Bank of Nouveau Monde wasn’t typical for a bank robbery. Usually the robbers took the money, but instead these guys—four armed, masked men—had herded everyone in the bank into the vault then blasted apart the safety deposit boxes.

Olena and her team wouldn’t be able to get a clear view of the situation until they pieced together all the boxes that had been destroyed. And by the looks of the mess, that was going to take considerable time.

The heady odor of smoke still hung oppressively in the air as Olena eyed the wall of boxes taking in the destruction. Charred residue marred an array of the shiny metal squares in a circular pattern. The explosion caused a lot of damage.

“I wonder what they were looking for.” She glanced over her shoulder at her investigative partner, Sophie St. Clair, who was busy taking pictures of the metal and plastic shrapnel scattered all over the black and white tiled floor.

“I guess someone must’ve lost his key.” After snapping her last photo, Sophie stood beside Olena and surveyed the destroyed wall. “Kellen called, he said he’d be on scene in about fifteen minutes,” Sophie informed her.

Olena nodded. “Good. He can figure out this blast pattern on the remaining safety deposit boxes.”

Kellen, a recent addition to their crime scene team, was a damn good ballistics expert. He had come from America to France for treatment for a rare blood disease and had ended up completely cured, with a new job on the team and an engagement to Sophie.

Beth: Very nice, Vivi. So glad you shared.
What’s your favorite Vivi Anna book cover and why?

Vivi: My favorite cover would have to be Hell Kat, my Kensington erotic futuristic that came out in 2006. I think the cover encapsaluated the main character and the flavor of the book. It has a very graphic novel look that I really dig. Unfortunaely the sequel Inferno originally has a similar cover, done in red, but at the last minute the publisher changed the cover. I was really bummed about that because I thought the pair of them together, would’ve looked sexy on the shelf.

Beth: What’s the best thing you ever heard from a reader?

Vivi: The best thing I’ve heard was that I gave a reader the courage to do something in their life, to change something for the better. That really fills my heart that with my words I was able to make a difference in someone’s life. I love hearing from all readers.

Beth: I’m curious about the mind-workings of paranormal authors. How real does your fictional world become to you? Do you ever find yourself dreaming about the world you have created, for instance, the world in the Valorian Chronicles?

Vivi: Hmm, I’m not sure it becomes all that super real. I do dream about it but only when I’m having plot issues with it. I do SEE it in my head like a movie, so it’s always playing when I’m writing. But I don’t know if I’d call that real or not.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?
Vivi: That’s a tough question. Probably that I always try and offer a good raucous time. I’m not all about symbolism or meaning, but excitement and danger and action. If a reader is looking to be entertained, then I’m their author.

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

This is from my UF WIP called GLIMMER:

Some paintings were lovely, with exquisite attention to detail and eye appealing color, and some were so dark, so violent and twisted, I even had trouble looking at them. And I knew that was what his soul looked like, a mixture of beauty and darkness, twisted together. Light and dark in conflict. Always in conflict.

That was what being fae-struck did to a person. Made them fractured, disjointed, with a mind barely able to hold onto reality. And an aging withered body to match it.

That was my legacy, my secret and my curse. My mother was from the realm of the dark fae, a place steeped in darkness and mystery. I was born to it, but would never see it. Never wanted to either.

I love this small piece because it really sets the tone of the book, and it’s musical in my ears when I read it. And that musical whimsy mood is what I wanted to portray in this book.

Beth: What will you bring to your readers in 2010?

2010 will bring two books from my Valorian Chronicles series. THE VAMPIRE’S KISS will be out in July, and THE WOLF’S HEART should be out in October or November. And I’m also hoping to have a couple of ebooks out in 2010 as well.

Beth: It’s been terrific having you here today, Vivi!

Leave Vivi a comment today and I’ll send one random commenter a copy of one of her Valorian Chronicles books. See your choices here.