Just Imagine

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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

What Happens When a Sheltered Cat-shifter and a Dark Fey Come Together? Dai's Dark Valentine by Dariel Raye.



Today it's my pleasure to welcome back author Dariel Raye to help celebrate her latest release, Dai's Dark Valentine. Congratulations, Dariel!


“Dai’s Dark Valentine” by Dariel Raye


Blurb


What happens when a sheltered cat-shifter and a dark fey come together?

Three-hundred years is a long time, but left to its own devices, what began as the vendetta of one man can grow to encompass even more formidable hatred.

Daitre Salons is a beautiful but naïve heiress whose true heritage has been kept secret even from her. Now, her abilities are emerging and her father’s enemies want her dead, but what bothers her most is that her new husband “in name only” insists on treating her like a child.

Joban Beaucoup, professional guard to the Salons family, and dark fey (alternate spelling from Vodouin origin), has chosen to leave the quaint yet suffocating French town of his orphan-childhood and venture to the Americas, but he needs one thing he cannot concoct, despite his magical abilities – a wife.

When Joban agrees to marry Daitre and take her to the Americas with him, he carries her three-thousand miles away, then whisks her three-hundred years into the future to assure her safety, but while Daitre struggles to adjust to this strange new world, manage her newfound powers, and make peace with her feelings for Joban, Joban learns that even here, their enemies have followed them, now more deadly than ever.


Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win a Belated Valentine Gift Box valued at over $65.


Excerpt


New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. - Present


Daitre instinctively wrapped her arms around Joban’s neck, wonder overshadowing every other thought and emotion.

Before she could blink, he slid her arms from him and took a step back. She blinked again and glanced around, the environment too strange for comprehension. What seemed like millions of images flashed around her synapses at once.

She closed her eyes again and did her best to ignore the rocks in her stomach, but the feeling of rejection would not go away. She’d over-stepped. He made it clear he did not want to be touched. Apparently he’d meant what he said about their marriage being a union in name only, and God alone knew where he’d brought her.

The magical orb resurfaced in her mind and she watched Joban in awe. She’d always known he was a time bender, and he’d even flashed her from one place to another before, but his particular species of fey were so rare, she’d never met another, and no matter what she thought she knew, experiencing the phenomenon was no less overwhelming and amazing.

Everything seemed to happen in a flash, glimpses of familiar and unfamiliar things slowly registering as the light faded. Joban told her they were in The Americas, the United States of America to be exact, three-hundred years in the future, the twenty-first century, and he began showing her odd clothing.

“Things are very different here and now, Daitre. You will need to adjust as fast as possible. I got these for you after your father told me your size. They will take some getting used to, but dressing is much easier in this century, I imagine.”

“What part of America are we in?”

“We are in a place called New Orleans, Louisiana. I should have family here, and so should you.” He waved across his left hand and a picture appeared.

“This is a map of the United States. We are here,” he said, pointing to the bottom tip of Louisiana.

Daitre frowned.

“What is it, Princess?”

She placed her hands on her hips and folded her arms. “The picture in your hand. That’s something else I did not know you could do.”

“And why does this trouble you?”

She waved him away, the frown morphing into a scowl as she raised her voice. “I do not know. You are all I have, yet I know nothing about you for certain. I find it very troubling.”

He sighed, but otherwise said nothing.

Daitre fingered her gown and glanced warily at the pants, dresses, and other garments he’d purchased. All of her beautiful things were left behind – gowns, jewels, everything left in Monsieur Beaucoup’s carriage.

She wrapped her arms around her midsection. “No.”

“’No,’ what?” His ominous tone did nothing to help the situation.

“No, I will not wear those. They are the garments of a harlot, and all of my things have been left in another place and time.”  

About the Author  





Dariel Raye writes powerful IR/MC (Interracial/Multi-cultural) paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with alpha male heroes to die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning. Her stories tell of shifters, vamps, angels, demons, and fey (the Vodouin variety).

For more about Dariel, follow her blog or website. She also publishes a new release newsletter and daily newspaper. You can contact her on TwitterFacebook,  Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Stay with us for the entire launch tour. Click the link below to join the Facebook party and view the tour calendar!




 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Supernatural Dark Erotica. Forbidden Gems I and II by Damian Jericho.



Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Damian Jericho, author of Forbidden Gems I, Hasty Introductions and Forbidden Gems II, Carnivores.

Forbidden Gems I, Hasty Introductions

Genre: Erotica/Supernatural Erotica/
Dark Erotica

Date of Publication: February 17, 2015

ASIN: B00S71GSEG
Number of pages: 46

Word Count: 12,148

Cover Artist: Xio Axelrod

Book Description


It’s an unusual night at the museum. The legendary Pazuzu gemstones are making an appearance, in the company of the man who discovered them: the almost equally legendary Argent Leeds.

Mara, a young intern, expects nothing more from the evening than a chance to get a glimpse at the almost mythical stones. What she gets is a private showing, and a great deal more: the beginning of an erotic journey unlike anything she could have ever imagined.

Forbidden Gems is a six part serial. It begins here.

Available at Amazon   ARe

GIVEAWAY: Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win. Prizes include 2 ebook copies of Hasty Introductions and 2 ebook copies of Carnivores.

Excerpt


He said, “I wonder, before we allow Mrs. Toomes the use of her office again, if you could do me one favor. I’d like for you to think about the gemstone you touched.”

“The blue sapphire?”

“The sapphire, yes.”

“You want me to think about it? That’s a strange request.”

“I know. Just picture it in your head. Close your eyes if you want.”

This is weird, she thought. But she did as he asked, shut her eyes and thought back to Saturday night. Not the part where Argent had her pressed up against a glass display cabinet—that was something she almost couldn’t stop thinking about—but the part before, when he had taken the sapphire from the cabinet and slipped it into her hand. The memory came easily enough, as if this was something that was always buried at the edge of her memory just hidden behind thoughts of Argent and everything that happened later. But she could recall exactly how warm the sapphire had felt, and how smooth it was in her palm.

Did it glow? Or had that been a trick of the light?

She could feel it in her hand again, the sense memory was so strong. And just as soon as she imagined she was holding it, she felt something else. Something sudden and urgent was uncoiling itself inside her, beginning with a shiver that traveled up her back to her scalp and down to her fingertips, echoing through her and turning into a dull throb in her groin.

She opened her eyes and looked at Argent, who seemed to be aware of exactly what she was feeling, even though she’d barely moved.

“Argent, what is this?”

“No, don’t stop. Keep thinking of it,” he said.

It was as if she had no choice but to obey his request, and as she closed her eyes again, the memory of the sapphire filled up her thoughts completely.

Blue, so blue.

The gemstone was in her hands again, but now she was caressing it and sliding it across her skin, over her chest and down her naked stomach. It was a memory of a thing that had never happened, yet it felt as real as anything that had happened, and she didn’t know anymore how to tell the difference. And as she slid the sapphire down her stomach and past her wet lips and into her, she didn’t care because it felt real.

Also real was the rush of wet heat in her crotch that turned into a pounding need, as if the gemstone was still inside her and vibrating in time with her body. As if they were becoming a part of each other.

And she was about to burst. Her nipples, which had become exposed nerves, rubbed against the inside of her bra and ached to be bitten and pulled, and she yearned to reach out and grab Argent and pull him onto her. Instead she dug her hands into the soft leather of the chair and let out a little moan.

Think of the stone, she reminded herself, and there she was again in her falsified memory, naked and leaning up against the wall pushing the blue sapphire in and out of herself and then running the slick stone back up her chest.

Her legs were opening. She couldn’t stop them. Sapphire blue was everywhere and everything, and her hands wanted to let go of the chair, and she couldn’t let that happen, but she couldn’t stop them either somehow. She was so close.

“I can’t . . .” she whispered, even as she trembled from another shiver and fought just to stay upright and keep her hands where they were. It was a losing battle, because in her memory was the notion that the stone belonged back inside her, and so she spread her legs and thrust it as deeply as it could go. And then her hand—the real one, that was holding on to the chair desperately—let go and she was shoving it between her open legs and pushing her fingers in as far and as hard as she could through her jeans.

She came violently and suddenly, like something physically snapped inside her vagina and spilled out hot oil that ran all the way up to her face. Her head tilted and her back arched, and a scream began to slide out of her throat when Argent clapped his hand over her mouth to muffle the sound.
“It’s okay,” he said soothingly. “Settle down now. Settle down.”

The orgasm dug in and held her body rigid for what seemed like minutes before subsiding. She sagged into the chair, pulled her hand out from between her legs, and leaned against Argent, who was kneeling next to her.

“I’m all sweaty,” she complained quietly. “What the hell just happened to me?”

“Research,” he said.

“I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I,” he said. “But I want to. Do you?”

Let’s Interview...


What inspired you to write this book?

I didn’t know if I could. 

I’ve been writing for some time (under a different name) in a range of other genres, but I’d never tried erotica.  I’m most effective when writing as a dare, essentially.  If I don’t know for certain whether or not I’m capable of it, I feel like I have to try. 

What made you choose the main setting for your book?

The main setting for Forbidden Gems is “a city”.  I don’t ever specify which city it is, because I wanted the story to retain a sort of mythical quality.  It also freed me from worrying about—for instance—describing the city’s archeological museum inaccurately.

Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story.

On the surface, this is a familiar story: a young ingénue attracts the attention and affections of an older, extremely wealthy and successful man.  But there is a matter of the rare gemstones he has, and the possibility that these gemstones might have a mystical quality to them, and the further possibility that the successful man is somewhat more dangerous than he seems.

The conflict is between the heroine Mara’s sexual desire and the realization that she is losing control of herself, possibly due to a supernatural influence she can’t entirely bring herself to believe is real.  That conflict gets pretty dark and extreme by the end of the book.

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

Mara is intelligent, rational and independent.  That probably describes a lot of heroines, though, so let me try a little harder.  She’s the girl everyone is in love with and nobody thinks they have a shot with, someone who knows she’s attractive but doesn’t thinks much about that or use it to her advantage.  She’s openly disdainful of people who see her as a woman first, and a scientist second or third.  She doesn’t know how special she really is.

Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

I have three answers for this one.  Forbidden Gems is a serial, and all of the episodes have already been written, so if we are talking about the story as a whole, there was one section I particularly enjoyed writing, only because it’s utterly outrageous.  Book four has the beginning of… well, it’s a dungeon orgy scene.  A really long dungeon orgy scene.  It’s so long half of it is in book five.

If we are talking about the first two serial installments, there is a scene in the first book in which Mara is talked into a state of arousal, and in the second installment there is that dinner scene…

How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?

This is Damian Jericho’s first published work.  Under my other name I’ve been a published writer for fifteen years.  I’ve been writing all my life.

What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

I don’t know if prefer is adequate.  I enjoy writing stories, and those stories inevitably cross multiple genres, whether I fully intend for them to do that or not.  Forbidden Gems, for instance, is likely classified as erotica of the non-romance species, and further as supernatural erotica, dark erotica and erotic horror.  I didn’t intend to cross into any of that territory, it’s just where the story ended up going.  I’m sure I’ll write other genres in the future, both because I have to keep challenging myself and because I never know what genre I’ve actually written until it’s done.

Forbidden Gems II, Carnivores


Genre: Erotica/Supernatural Erotica/
Dark Erotica

Date of Publication: March 3, 2015

ASIN: B00SE2JJP8

Number of pages: 47

Word Count: 13,101

Cover Artist: Xio Axelrod

Book Description


While sorting through the archeological findings from one of Argent’s digs, Mara makes a surprising discovery, one that might connect back to the gemstones. Eager to share what she’s found, she meets Argent for a private dinner in an exclusive club, and ends up sharing a great deal more when clothing becomes entirely optional.

Forbidden Gems is a six part serial. The journey continues here.

Available at Amazon

Excerpt


Mademoiselle Alleman was an alarmingly thin older woman who resembled an unusually fleshy species of bird but who had at her disposal a dazzling array of high-end designer products that were so high-end Mara had never heard of any of them before. This was not, she granted, an ideal litmus test given her historical lack of funds and parallel lack of fashion knowledge. She knew what she looked good in, and she knew what fit, and for any additional details, she usually leaned on her friends.

The mademoiselle—she did not appear to have a first name—was seemingly happier to meet Mara than anybody had ever been to meet her ever, and while Mara was pretty sure Alleman greeted everyone with the same extraordinary level of enthusiasm, it rang so true she was happy to imagine this woman had been waiting for Mara all her life—or if not her, then someone just like Mara—to come along and try on some of the clothing she had lying around that was all about exactly the right size.

They began simply enough, by making sure the criminally short black dress Argent had picked out for her was properly sized. Mara thought it was a perfect fit—better than any other outfit in her wardrobe already—but the mademoiselle disagreed and ended up taking in an eighth of an inch at the waist and lowering the hemline by a quarter of an inch.

“You will see, chéri,” she said. “It will look perfect.”

It looked pretty perfect already, Mara thought. But she wasn’t the expert in the room.

Underwear came next, and that was just sort of strange. Mara had never had a personal shopper for outerwear before, but she liked the idea of it immediately. But Mademoiselle Alleman, a woman old enough to be her grandmother, had opinions on what underwear Mara should be wearing with the dress, and nobody was pretending this was going to be anything other than fuck-me underwear.

“I think Monsieur Leeds, he will like these very much,” she said, holding up a thong that was essentially three strings and an eye-patch. In the mademoiselle’s French accent, the suggestion sound perfectly normal, which made Mara wonder if her accent was even real or if she just used it to make these moments slightly less weird.

“It’s not very much of anything,” Mara said, “so yes, you’re probably right.”

“It is more than nothing, and that is the point, dear. Nothing is only nothing. Nothing is not mystery. This is mystery. Small mystery, but still mystery, and not nothing. It’s what you choose not to show that makes them want you. So you try these. And . . .” She grabbed a lacy push-up bra that appeared to be a solid match. “And this.”

Mara stepped behind the privacy screen—they were alone in a shuttered, private shop so there was no particular need for a full dressing room until such a time as Chalmers decided to check in from the car or something—to change into the lingerie.

“Have you known Mr. Leeds for long?” Mara asked.

“You suppose I know him?” the mademoiselle countered. “Perhaps I do not. He is a man who wishes to pay for your wonderful new clothing, is that not enough?”

“But you do know him.”

“Yes, chéri, Monsieur Leeds and myself are familiar with one another. It has been five years, I suppose.”

“Does he send all of his women here?” Mara asked, realizing after it had already been said that it came off as a little bitchy.

“Oh, haha. No, you misunderstand, chéri. You are only the second of his, his women as you say, to come here. The first was from five years ago, and Monsieur Leeds and I have remained acquainted through social circles.”

“So there was another woman, but five years ago?” Mara asked. She was now blatantly digging for information but didn’t seem to have any patience for a more nuanced approach.

“It has been since three years,” Alleman answered. “But Monsieur Leeds has, I’m sure, told you of her by now.”

“He has not,” Mara admitted. “But I haven’t asked. I’m not even sure if we’re dating, Mademoiselle Alleman, or if that’s what people still do. We’ve never really talked about that either.”

“It is just the sex, then.”

“Mademoiselle!”

“It’s better if it’s the sex first, chéri. Love, romance, relationships—these are confusing. Sex is simple. Now you must be changed. Please. Show me how they fit.” 

About the Author



Damian Jericho is the pen name of a best-selling sci-fi/fantasy novelist who tragically does not have a name that is half as interesting as ‘Damian Jericho’.  Both of them reside in the Boston area and one of them is real.




Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Paranormal Romance. Enchanter's Echo by Anise Rae.



Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Anise Rae, author of Enchanter’s Echo, Mayflower Mages, Book Two. So cozy in and check out a fabulous interview!

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Kensington/Lyrical

Date of Publication: February 17, 2015   

ISBN: 9781616505394
ASIN: B00PP2ZX8M

Number of pages: 270
Word Count: 99,685

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win either a $25 Amazon gift card or one set of Paper copies of Syphon’s Song and Enchanter’s Echo open to US Shipping. 

Book Description


Aurora Firenze lives a quiet life hiding in a junkyard. Her repair shop is the last hope for gadgets and gizmos before they get tossed onto the trash towers. Fortunately, Aurora can fix almost anything, including mages, though repairing people with metal enchantments is highly illegal.

Edmund Rallis, heir to the Rallis senate seat, has spent months hunting down his errant enchantress. He’ll play every game he knows to win her back and entice her to share the secrets she hides. But he’s inadvertently put her on the frontlines of a new game, one with an opponent who’s determined to destroy Rallis Territory and drive the Republic toward war. If the new enemy isn’t stopped in time, Edmund will lose his enchantress again—and this time there won’t be another chance.

Available at   Amazon    BN    Kobo   iTunes

Let’s Interview!


What inspired you to write this book?

I love this question because the answer is so easy. Two words. Edmund Rallis.

Edmund is the hero in Enchanter’s Echo, but he first appeared in Syphon’s Song, Mayflower Mages #1. As I was writing Syphon, it was clear that Edmund needed his own book, although he was still very much a mystery to me. All I knew was that he had a scary, dark power that everyone ignored. I didn’t even know what his power was. He was charming and funny, yet completely doomed because of this mysterious power. I had to give him a happy ending with a true love of his own.

How did you come up with the title, Enchanter’s Echo?

Aurora, the heroine of the story, is an enchantress. In the Republic of Mage Territories, this gives her instant celebrity because enchantresses are so rare and special. (I won’t tell you why…I don’t want to spoil the story!) But being the center of attention is not her style. Her kind heart doesn’t need the spotlight to shine. The fact that she can’t resist being the champion of the disenfranchised earns her the spotlight anyway. Her compassion and bravery have ramifications that echo through every corner of the Republic.

What made you choose the setting of this book?

For me, home is not only where the heart is, it’s also wherever my imagination can find seeds of inspiration and wonder. For years now, Columbus, Ohio has been just that for me. My mother lives there in a neighborhood that is very walkable. My kids and I visit at least a couple of times a year. We walk to Starbucks, to the park, to restaurants, and to the most fabulous bookstore in existence. I love it all. I find magic in every corner. It’s the perfect setting for my city-dwelling mages. However, in the Mayflower Mages series, Columbus is not the capital of Ohio. It’s the capital of Rallis Territory.

Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest?

There are so many parts of Edmund and Aurora’s story that I cherish, but here’s a little snippet of one of my favorite scenes. To set this up, the two are facing some terribly trying times. Their whole world is falling apart, and they are struggling to stop it. They’re heading toward another spot of trouble, and they know it. But in this one little moment, despite their obstacles, they find joy in each other.

“We’re off to save the city together this time. If we had capes and purple boots, we’d be like Mageman and Vibe Girl. Saviors of the city,” Aurora quoted.

Good goddess. He’d already thought she was perfect. “You read comic books.” He might have howled at the moon if not for the clouds.

“I’d like to see you in purple boots,” she said. Her eyes shined, a teasing sparkle in their depths.

Just like that, contentment settled back into his soul despite the fact they were tracking down an evil that had the potential to destroy his land. “I’d look dashing and handsome in purple boots.”

“Naturally. The kingdom’s prince could be nothing less. Although, I’d rather be Energy Woman than Vibe Girl. She has that sleek suit and long legs. I always thought Vibe Girl looked kind of dumpy and fat next to her.”

“Dumpy and fat! No way. Her curves are essential to the Mageman/Vibe Girl team.” Just as Aurora’s curves were essential to every fantasy he’d had in the last nine months. “Mageman could never hold onto Energy Woman while he flies. She’s all straight and slippery. She’d fall right out of his grip and smash to pieces against the ground. Vibe Girl’s curves give her man something to hold onto. Besides, her little skirt flutters in the air.”

“And if it would flutter just right then you could see what she wears under it?”

“You’ve wondered, too?” He grinned, foolishly happy.

She laughed. His heart fluttered just like that pink skirt.

“No.”

Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details.

I’m always working on another story. Right now, I’m editing Sorcerer’s Spin, Mayflower Mages #3. It stars Gregor, who’s one of the guards in Enchanter’s Echo. His sorceress is one amazing lady.

Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

My favorite place to write is my screened-in porch. I live in an urban forest. (Really. It’s an official designation.) I’m surrounded by trees, songbirds, deer, owls and more. As I wrote Enchanter’s Echo, two baby deer would frequently saunter through my yard and take a nap in the ivy. My porch is a magic spot. I miss it during the winter.

What genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

I’ve been dreaming up stories ever since I can remember. Even when I was little, those stories always included magic and romance. Paranormal and fantasy romance are the perfect genres for me. However, I also love sci fi romance…otherworlds, spaceships, handsome aliens species just waiting to be discovered…some of whom have to be magical, right? Surely a thorough statistical analysis of the endless possibilities of the universe would show this.

Therefore, for the sake of those unknown handsome aliens with magic, I also write sci fi romance. And someday I’m going publish those stories.

Thanks so much for having me on A Writer’s Mind!

Excerpt


The keep-out spell awoke at her approach. The enchanted mesh of vines and branches that blocked the entrance to Rallis Territory’s forbidden forest vibrated in welcome as its creator returned. Aurora Firenze cast her vibes along the perimeter of her spell, testing and prodding. Its strength resonated back. It was as strong as it had been six months ago when she’d created it and hid her secrets within the forest’s depths. She let go of a relieved breath, but it didn’t cure her tension.

Her nerves were strung tight, as if she’d spent hours placating customers in her repair shop. But the day had been quiet. She’d even made decent progress—fixing a curling iron with a too-hot heating spell and a stapler that had a bad habit of chasing the boss around the conference table. Yet a restlessness itched at her skin with an unpleasant persistence. She’d closed up early and headed out for the short walk to the forest. Within its heart, she’d find the peace to wash away this unease.

She sent another stream of vibes into the keep-out spell. A discreet doorway formed. With a quick glance around the barren field and the junkyard behind her, she stepped beneath her illegal spell.

As she brushed against the branches, a faint thump sounded at her feet—the soft crash of a pinecone or a weak branch falling to the ground. A normal forest noise. She flinched anyway. Her glitter puffed around her in an anxious cloud as her mage energy escaped her control. It was the fifth time today. Enchantresses did not make good criminals. She should probably let the other three in existence know, in case they were considering lives of crime. Those blasted sparkly clouds would blow their covers wide open.

She lifted her foot to continue into the small forest that was tucked inside the territory’s capital city, but stopped. A proper lawbreaker should investigate mysterious noises outside her lair. She turned and scanned the ground for the culprit. A gold coin glinted in the crisp weeds. That wasn’t normal. She reached to pick it up, scanning the field and the junkyard beyond with a twitchy gaze. Empty. 

She was alone.

Behind her, the forest shuttered closed, nearly catching her in its fortress wall. She jumped forward with a surprised lurch at the swat of vines and twigs. A basic rule of illegal enchantments: get out of the way or risk being incorporated into the spell.

Ignoring the sting of the swat, she stared at the coin. It was tarnished at the edges, a used-up charm. See-me-not was embossed on its golden surface. She jerked her head up. A man stood ten paces away. He was tall, broad...beyond familiar.

“Edmund,” she whispered. A shiver tiptoed across her shoulders like kisses, soft lips that hid a sharp bite. Her nerves stretched thinner yet, trapped in a battle between memories of lovers’ frolics and the promise of a dark fate that had just materialized from thin air.

Behind her, the forest’s trees rustled with the wind, a warning to retreat, one she dare not heed. Not until she knew why he’d finally come searching for her. She hadn’t thought he’d ever come back.

He prowled forward. “Hello, princess.” Though his words might have held some affection, nothing of the lover she’d once known appeared in his countenance. He lifted his left hand to reveal a glowing ball of mage vibes in his palm. His blue eyes reflected the tiny flashes of energy, and his power snapped in the air like a miniature electrical storm. The heir to the most powerful territory in the Republic had quite a steam of anger built up.

Dark hair waved across his forehead, and little curls peeked out at the edges of his neck. Though the wind buffeted and pushed at Aurora, winter’s boldness didn’t dare touch Edmund, not his hair, nor his dark gray suit or scarlet tie.

The hard slope of his nose matched the sharp lines of his jaw and cheekbones. When he smiled, he was deadly handsome. At the moment, he was simply deadly.

“Aurora.” He cast her name through the air and a piece of her soul tumbled away, as if it might dash toward him and cling like a forlorn, discarded lover. But he hadn’t discarded her....

“You stand accused of melding earthen metals to human flesh with an enchantment.”

Her heart thumped once, hard and loud, and then took off with a sprint, drenching her veins from head to toe with lightning sharp fright.

Goddess, he’d found out. How?

Even as she thought it, he revealed the answer. The glow faded from his ball of energy to reveal a small metal sphere. Her racing heart shriveled at the sight, pulling the rest of her organs with it, as if they thought to hide, seeking a chance to slip past this disaster unnoticed and, perhaps, survive. She shifted her feet on the ground, unable to resist the fear pumping through her core. Run, her gut whispered. She couldn’t afford to listen... not with the evidence sitting in his hand.

The sphere was heavier than it looked. She knew that. After all, she’d made it...and thought it long gone. He closed his fingers around it, capturing her fate within his fist.

“How’d you get that?” Her fast words shot out, hustling forward before fear, creeping up her legs with tingles and pricks, stole her voice.

“You ought to be down on your knees thanking me for confiscating it.” His voice was sharp and cutting. He sounded like a stranger, his jokes and teasing wit long gone.

“What did you do? Sneak into the junkyard and pluck his eye from his skull? Has it been hiding under your pillow for six months?” Not at all where she’d thought it was. Betrayal jolted through her.

“Hardly actions befitting the heir of the mighty Rallis realm.” Her voice wavered.

“You have no idea what I’ve done.”

About the Author



Anise Rae has been reading romance novels since she first discovered her grandmother’s stash of books hidden away in a cabinet. Learning that she wasn’t the only one dreaming about love and magic was a turning point in her life. She started her own stash of books and wrote a few too.

A native of Ohio, Anise long ago moved south, armed with boxes of romance novels and degrees in chemistry and library science. Creating chemistry on the page between two lovers proved to be a lot more fun than working with test tubes in a lab or searching patent databases. She refocused on writing.

Her stories revolve around heroines who dare to stand up to society’s expectations and be true to themselves and heroes with plenty of savvy to fall in love with such brave women.

Anise lives in Atlanta with her two children and a fluffy dog that has an amazing ability to find dirty socks.

For information on future releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter at www.aniserae.com.


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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Author Shari Nichols Interviews Cover Model David Santa Lucia.



Today I'm thrilled to welcome back talented author, Shari Nichols who wanted to share an interview she recently conducted with gorgeous cover model, David Santa Lucia. Hold on tight ladies! Delicious pictures again. *grins*

Shari, the floor's all yours...

Cover Model David Santa Lucia is Fifty Shades Hotter than Christian Grey…I invite you to decide!

Whenever I think of Valentine’s Day, images of long stemmed red roses, heart shaped boxes of chocolate and of course, hot men come to mind. The Fifty Shades frenzy has hit with a vengeance. This Valentine’s Day women will be lining up at theaters around the globe to finally experience the allusive Christian Grey in all his male glory on the big screen. But there will be another incredibly sexy male on the scene, whose face and muscled physique will soon be everywhere.

I have no doubt he’ll capture the hearts and the imagination of women both young and old. His name is David Santa Lucia, and not only is he easy on the eyes, but he's smart, grounded and damn if he doesn’t look good soaking wet!  

Looking at your pictures, it’s clear that you must’ve turned many heads. When did you first consider a career in modeling? How did you get in the industry?


That’s nice of you to say! To be honest, I’ve had people tell me that I should model, but I never gave it a second thought. It all started this past January. I began training for my first NPC physique competition. I was in the best shape of my life so I posted a couple of progress pictures online, as most competitors do. One day, I got a message from a local photographer asking me if I had any interest in being on the cover of a bestselling author’s next series. I’m usually skeptical when it comes to these kinds of things, but after she explained the details and that I’d be getting paid for my work I decided “why not?” I submitted some additional photos of myself for Author Kimberly Knight to review to make a final decision on who to pick. To my surprise, she chose me to be on the cover of her next series.

The six covers that I’m featured on for her series are the product from my first real photo shoot. I wasn’t convinced about a modeling career until I saw the results and how wonderful the images turned out. Liz Christensen is the photographer that took the incredible shots and managed to capture the moment perfectly. She told me that I was a natural. It got me thinking that I could make something out of this opportunity. My career has been “running” ever since and I’ve been extremely fortunate. I’m forever grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities that have come my way!   

-Your handsome face and gorgeous body have graced many romance novels covers and I can see why. What covers have you done?

Oh god, I’m blushing from these amazing compliments. I work with the best photographers in the industry and we collaborate as a team to get our images seen by the wonderful author community.

My first job came from Amazon Best Selling Author Kimberly Knight’s B&S series. Additional covers came from New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author Aurora Rose Reynolds. I’m also featured on another cover by Aurora that will be released in the near future. Currently I have eight released covers and three more that’ll be coming out in the near future by Aurora Rose Reynolds, Emma Hart, and Sandi Lynn. I’m also discussing deals with a few other authors right now. Hopefully there will be even more to come, so please stay in touch with my page to see my new covers.

-What do you do in your free time?

I don’t have too much free time. I’m either at school, work, studying, exercising, networking online with authors and photographers, answering emails/messages, or cooking and preparing meals. When I do find some free time I like to spend it with my beautiful girlfriend and go out to a nice dinner or just relax at home and goof around with her. She insists that I’m secretly a dork at heart, but she loves it.

-What would a woman have to do to win your heart?

I have a wonderful and amazing girlfriend. She’s the beautiful female model Rachael Baltes, who’s featured on the covers with me. I’m picky when it comes to dating. I’ve had my fair share of liars, cheaters, drama lovers, fighters, and crazies. From all of my bad experiences I have learned to have a keen eye to even the slightest red flag that would tell me to avoid a female. The most important characteristic that a woman must possess to win my heart is the ability to make me genuinely laugh and not just once in a while, but all the time.  Rachael has the best sense of humor and she always keeps things lively and fun with all of her positive and wild energy. I also need a woman who exercises regularly and knows and understands the challenges and the value of training hard, as it is a major part of my daily life. Besides, there is nothing sexier than seeing your woman dripping in sweat from a grueling work out! Aside from humor and exercise, my partner must be a genuine sweetheart. I’ve dated attractive woman who were just nasty and let me tell you, looks can only get you so far with me. Rachael is both beautiful and a total sweetheart. She has my back no matter what.

-Where are you from originally? Where do you call home now?

I’m from Buffalo, New York and I still reside here to this day. I plan on moving south this year to seek out employment after I graduate from my doctor of physical therapy program. I love New York, but I need to go where the opportunities are and to a warmer climate.

-What can we expect from you in the future?

Well it’s my hope that you should expect to see me on many more covers. I have seven photo shoots scheduled in the next few months with excellent photographers. There will be a ton of great new pics coming out. I’m also trying to break my way into the fashion industry. I’m hoping to get some exposure in fashion and fitness magazines in the future. I’m also looking to earn sponsorships through work out supplements and clothing companies. You can definitely expect me to continue competing in physique competitions. I will also continue to travel around the U.S. for author signing events, which is wonderful because it gives me a chance to meet and spend time with my author friends, as well as my fans. I love to meet the fans and enjoy getting a chance to talk and joke around with them!


-Who do you admire most? Why?

I would say that the person who I admire the most would have to be my best friend Ryan Boggs who’s a fellow classmate in my Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Balancing my modeling career, traveling, training, physique competitions, relationships, and everyday life while also enrolled in a professional doctoral program is nothing short of tough. Every day is a challenge and Ryan has been the man behind the scenes who keeps me on track when things get overwhelming. Ryan will also be my future business partner when we open up our own practice. He’s truly an inspiration and sets the bar for human character and morality.

-Are you ever shy or embarrassed to get such adulation from women for your looks?

I definitely still get shy and embarrassed when I get such adulation from women. I don’t know if that will ever go away. People make fun of me after I receive compliments because I turn red and can be at a loss for words. It still amazes me that people can have such nice things to say about me because I just view myself as a regular guy. Nevertheless, the compliments from my fans make me feel amazing inside when I see their appreciation.

-What's your favorite food?

Italian food! I love all things Italian and am an absolute sucker for good bread. I always tell people that when I am sick, down, or upset, just bring me a fresh loaf of good bread and I will be right as rain, when I am not strictly dieting of course.

-What do you do to have fun? Distress?

I go to the gym, of course. I also love bicycling outdoors in the summer and usually go about twenty miles at a time. I love watching the scenery and the beauty of nature as I ride. I also like people watching and seeing what others are up to as I cruise by their houses. Hiking in the woods is another favorite pastime of mine. I love to get engulfed in the beauty of nature. It frees me from the stresses of the world.


-What is the best part of your job? The worst?

I will start with the worst part first because there isn’t too much that’s bad. Staying in prime shape costs a lot of money, and requires a ton of healthy food as well as supplements. I wish that I had more time to chat with authors, photographers, friends, and fans.

The best part of my job is getting to travel around the U.S. and getting to meet so many amazing and hard working authors, photographers, and models. It’s crazy that I never even knew a book community like this existed until I became a part of it and I’m thankful for the opportunities that have come my way. I’ve met so many truly wonderful people, new friends, and amazing fans.  Before I began modeling, I rarely traveled because I was so busy with school and money was tight. Traveling has to be one of favorite things to do in life. I love experiencing beautiful and exotic places and cultures. Staying in one place my whole life just made me feel like I was truly missing out on life. Modeling has allowed me to participate in what I’d been missing the most out of life and for that I couldn’t be more thankful.

Thank you, Dave you've been a doll and a pleasure to work with. You certainly make this job fun! Check out Dave on FB, Twitter and Instagram.

        
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Shari Nichols is the author of WITCH HUNTER, a new erotic romance with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Shari grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. She’s thrilled to spend her days in sweats, eating chocolate while pounding on her keyboard to create her next novel.