New Vampire Release

Please welcome the awesome Sheri Velarde on my blog today. She’s here to tell us more about her latest release of vampire shorts and her inspiration behind the collection.

I think that all authors have weird ticks in their writing, things that they can’t even explain why they exist. For me one of mine is the fact that all of my vampires seem to be French. I have other tick as well, like werebears are Russian and werewolves seem to be American in my writings. But none are more prevalent for me than my French vampires.

Why French vampires? I don’t know if I can full answer that. I suppose part of it is that I lived in France for a while when I was younger and the French culture really stuck with me. Especially their attitudes about sex and sexuality. They are so open and fluid about sex over there. I guess part of me just figures those are the same attitudes that vampires would have. Why be prejudice or prude when you get to live forever? Also, the French accent is just dead sexy. I don’t care what you say, French is one of the sexiest languages out there!

I think I also make my vampire French because I always assume their origins are in Europe, from countries with rich and vast histories. Well France is the country I know the most about, the one I am most comfortable discussing, so it seems to be a natural fit for me. That was extremely important in my historical piece, Curse of the Blood. Plus I want to be different, I don’t want my vampires to be from Eastern Europe. I want a sexy French vampire to dazzle my heroines and heroes.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B01ATU0ZBO

Social Links:
Website URL: http://www.sherivelarde.weebly.com
Blog address: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/books-and-more-blog
Facebook:
Personal: https://www.facebook.com/sheri.velarde.1
Author: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/632892500084202
Twitter handle: Sher_V
Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/shervelarde/
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8102988.Sheri_Velarde

Here’s more…

Three vampire stories in one collection for the first time!

In Under a Ring of Fire, everything changes for Jackie thanks to an eclipse of the sun. She is a dying woman, living what’s left of her life in misery. One night, one mysterious guest and she will be forever altered. Is this her chance to live at last?

In Curse of the Blood, not even service to his king in time of war could prepare Melvil for the pleasurable evil he would suffer at the hands of Honnor. One act of kindness dooms him to a life that he never wanted.

In Alone No More, the tortured Melvil is back, living a life of penance. One night he saves a young woman from ghouls and sees hope for the first time in years. Ella is a woman alone in life, until a mysterious Frenchman saves her from more than ghouls.

Guest Post: Sheri Velarde – The Lust, Sex and Tattoos Blog Hop

Hi Everyone,

Please welcome the super awesome, fabulous author of Lust, Sex and Tattoos on my blog. First let’s take a look at the sexy cover.

Now let’s pick this lovely author’s brains a bit.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I started writing stories when I was a kid in grade school. I always wrote in some shape or form since then. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I even thought of becoming published. It was a gentle nudge from a friend who gave me the courage to submit those first stories.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Well that depends on the books. Shorts and novellas only take a month, then some time for editing. Novels take me at least three months, sometimes more. Depends on the story and on the muse at the time. That’s why I always have more than on story going at once. If one is being stubborn I can work on another.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Now that I work at home I try to make my writing schedule fit my husband’s work schedule. That means I don’t start my work day until about 11:15 when he leaves for work. I start off by doing some art or jewelry (my side business) and then tackle emails, marketing, and the like until a late lunch. After lunch is when I truly begin writing. I would say I try to write from 2:30 in the afternoon until about 7:00 when I break to make some dinner. Then I get another hour and a half in before the husband gets home. Then it all starts again the next day. I rarely take a day off.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t seem to write at a desk! I write in bed. I write at the kitchen table. I write on the couch. Never at a desk though. No idea why.
Where do you get your inspiration or ideas for your books?
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Take Lust, Sex and Tattoos for instance. It is patricianly based off my own experiences in tattoo shops (I have 16 and counting tattoos) and Karen was a mixture of friends. One whom I did go with to get her first tattoo and another who left and abusive relationship and found herself and her courage after that, though she did not get tattooed in the process or have a wild night with a tattoo artist… to my knowledge! lol

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to paint and make jewelry. I am in the process of learning to make hats and fascinators. I love to read and listen to music. My husband and I are avid players of board games. I love comics and all things nerdy.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is completely supportive. He is the one who convinced me to give writing a go full time. He is the best fan/reader/husband ever!
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was young I really wanted to be an archeologist. Then I found out I have an issue with the sun (I get sick and overheated easily) and that they did not all carry whips like Indiana Jones. A part of me is still disappointed.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B019PONFHQ
Short Blurb:
Karen is a woman looking to make a new beginning after breaking away from an abusive past. Her first stop is a tattoo shop, to show herself that she is no longer afraid to live her life the way she sees fit and to mark her freedom with a permanent reminder to never go back. When she catches sight of her tattoo artist, Ben, well she suddenly has things other than ink on her mind. Ben is wild, free and uninhibited, everything that she wants to be and more. Soon she is left alone with the man that embodies her dreams and sparks begin to fly. It’s safe to say that she gets way more than she bargained for when she originally stepped into his shop, as Ben helps her unleash her wild child and truly begin her life again. One wild night can truly change a woman forever.
Short Excerpt:
With measured steps to try to hide her nerves, Karen followed him through the curtains and down a hall lined with tattooing rooms. She could hear the needles more clearly now and for a moment she thought of running from the shop just to escape that unnerving sound. Taking a deep breath, she continued on, knowing she could, and would do this, to prove something to herself if nothing else. Ben’s tattoo room was in the very back and away from the others who were working. She stepped in and he closed the door behind them. She was completely alone with the most alluring man she had ever met. She gulped. This was definitely going to be an interesting night.
Ben motioned for her to take a seat on the tattoo chair as he sat down on a rolling stool. “Hop on up and take your shirt off for me and lay on your side, facing me.”

Author Bio:

Sheri Velarde, lives in New Mexico with her husband and their two dogs.
Being an avid reader since an early age, she has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living. She specializes in all things paranormal and that go bump in the night. Her heart truly lies in exploring unknown worlds or adding the supernatural to our world. If it goes bump in the night or has magical connotations, Sheri writes about it.

She is constantly putting out new material with various publishers, so it is best to keep up with her on her website http://www.sherivelarde.weebly.com.

In her spare time Sheri is an artist, jewelry designer, independent comic writer/artist and freelance non-fiction writer. Hiking in the mountains, going to live concerts, art openings, museums, and hosting intimate dinner parties.

Links:
Website/Blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/632892500084202

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sher_V

New Release – A Sanguine Gem

Hi Everyone.

I have a fab Valentines day treat for you all. My fab writer friend, Dawn, has a new book releasing from Breathless Press. Here’s a sneak peek.

Gemma confessed her love to Liam and he walked away. Now, years later, she doubts Liam could love her. Can she trust this newfound love?

Lady Gemma Kemsley is in dire straits. Her cousin Alfie inherited her father’s estate upon his death. He quickly bled it dry of funds and is turning his lecherous intentions toward her. Alfie wants to have complete control over her inheritance. Without Alfie’s approval she can’t marry. She only has one option—run away and live with her best friend in America.
When his sister begs Liam Marsden to help Gemma he reluctantly agrees. He has a past with Gemma he’d rather forget—involving a failed attempt at betrothal and her professed love. When he sees Gemma again he realizes he can’t ever let her go. Instead of sending her to America he uses the old betrothal agreement to marry her.
Gemma doubts Liam truly loves her. Can he convince her of the veracity of his love or will he lose her forever?

Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. There is nothing like a nice glass of wine and a good book to relax with at the end of the day.

There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet. If you want to contact Dawn you can visit her webpage at http://www.authordawnbrower.com, her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/DawnMarieBrower, on her blog http://dawnbrower.wordpress.com or her twitter page at http://www.twitter.com/dawnab33.

Promo – Author Ember Leigh

Please welcome author Ember Leigh who has a brand new release due tomorrow.

Casey and Carlos

Releasing from Breathless Press on September 12th, 2014.

Casey hasn’t seen Carlos in four years, but a business trip brings the ex-lovers together, making them question whether the spark is still really there.

Blurb: Recently divorced, Casey has been longing for a man’s touch. So when business brings her back to Carlos, the one that got away, it has to be fate. The four years apart have only done him better, and all she can think about is having his arms, and body, wrapped around hers. But Carlos is not the same man he was four years ago, and Casey too is feeling the weight of too much time gone by. Can Casey help reignite his fire or has time left them behind?

EXCERPT:

Her breath caught as she followed him up the staircase, tucked to the far side of the house. Carlos had always been fit enough, but it looked like he’d taken up some new form of exercise in the past four years. He was beefier, yet still lean. His ass moved round and tight in front of her as they climbed the stairs. At the landing, he gestured in front of them.
“This is my studio, but it’s all yours for tonight.”
It was a rec room that took up the whole second floor, and far more standard male than the ground floor alluded to. Movie posters, gaming systems, books scattered on floors and coffee tables, and, off to one side, the trumpet, asleep in a bed of sheet music. In the corner there was an overstuffed couch just about as wide as she was long – it would be great to sleep on, even better if he could bend her over that armrest and fuck her until dinner was ready.
She cleared her throat, deciding adult friendships could be fun, even after four questionable years. “I thought I’d be sharing a bed with you?” She tried to keep her tone playful as she sauntered toward the couch. She tossed him a smile and she caught a glimpse of him looking very stricken. Shit. Too far. Things are too different now. Abort!
Maybe too much time had passed in general. Maybe he was courting a girl and wanted to take it slow with her. Maybe he no longer found her attractive, four years becoming the dagger in the heart. Maybe he’d become celibate, or found her life too normal and boring. There was a whole list of reasons why she shouldn’t make the first move.
“I was just joking,” she said after a moment, rolling her eyes. “Come on, lighten up.”
He exhaled slowly, looking down at the ground as his tongue found the corner of his mouth. “I know it was a joke, Case.”
“In case you forgot, we used to share a bed.” She looked at him pointedly, already horrified that the words were coming from her lips. What was the getting at? Who had authorized this dialogue?
He squeezed his eyes shut and laughed softly. “Oh, I remember.”

BUY LINKS

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=9&products_id=630
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carlos-Casey-Ember-Leigh-ebook/dp/B00NBBKJBK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1409877161&sr=1-1

NOW’S THE TIME…Get to know Ember Leigh’s work!

During September 10th – September 17th, get Ember Leigh’s erotic romance novel ‘Jaded’ for half off at Breathless Press.

BIO:

Ember Leigh has been writing erotic romance novels since she was far too young. A native of northern Ohio, she currently resides in South America with her Argentinean partner, a detail she uses to justify her Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Literature. In addition to romance novels, she also writes travel articles, maintains three blogs, and continually attempts to complete a mildly-gripping short story. In her free time, she practices Ashtanga yoga, travels the world, and eats lots of vegetables.

Website: http://www.emberleighromance.com
Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmberLeighAuthor
Twitter: @EmberLeighAuth

Snippet From Giving In – Book #2 in the Moving In Series

Dean
“I’ve never spent weekends at home – until I moved in with Lace. She’s a sweet girl with a smoking hot body and an innocence that urges every part of my body to take her in my arms and. . . . Oh stop it, Dean. Lace isn’t mine to fantasize about. I need to draw the line somewhere with my crazy hormones and maintain the platonic relationship I have with Lace.
I shake my head as I pull into the parking lot of ZN Consulting. Lace is more than just a girl who gave me a place to stay – she’s my lucky charm. In the three short weeks I’ve been at ZN Consulting I’ve been promoted to Independent Business Consultant. I don’t mind working with small business owners. Everybody has to start somewhere and educating new entrepreneurs on marketing their fledgling enterprises has inspired me to work even harder. However my bosses recently entrusted me with two of their multi-billion dollar clients. Their faith spurred me to work harder and fall deeper in love with my career. And the beauty of it all is returning home to Lace. I don’t want to ruin the relationship we have with spontaneous sex. Lace’s kindness has exposed me to stability – something I’d never imagined achieving before I hit thirty. And the best part about having a stable job and place to call home is the joy of knowing I belong somewhere.
I smile to myself as I sling my lap top bag over my shoulder and lock the van.”

Book #2 in the Moving Series is done !!!!

Book #2 is with my editor and the title is …

Giving In.

Will Dean and Lace fight temptation or give in to the undeniable passion between them?

Watch this space for teasers, memes and a contest.

Check out what releases today.

My first NA paranormal story under the pseudonym Lace Higgins. Check out this awesome anthology.
Larissa’s Last Night by Autumn Jones Lake

To care for her ailing mother, Larissa works two jobs. After a particularly long day, a handsome stranger walks into her store and changes her life. She’s about to learn that some legends are very real.

Once Bitten by Brantwijn Serrah

An apprentice geisha’s mizuage ceremony is a night to change her life. Ayame’s coming-of-age, however, will change things more than she could ever guess.

A Fire in the Blood by Tysche Dwai

Talitha McCoy, a reluctant working girl, turns one last trick on Halloween and gets an unexpected treat from a dream come true.

Dimitri’s Walk by C.V. Madison

After a demon hunt, Dimitri finds his love draped across the threshold bleeding and nearly dead. With his unique gifts as a vampire, he can heal her wounds and save her life, but will the siren song of her blood be too much to conquer?

The Flavor of Fear by C.P. Foster

Celeste loves to experience the past by visiting the remains of ghost towns. But in Cooperstown, a not-so-ghostly man steps out of history to lead her on a more intimate journey of discovery, one of fear, pain, and pleasure beyond her wildest imaginings.

Witch Apprentice by Lace Higgins

Tina, a virgin apprentice witch, doesn’t count on landing in the arms of a sexy Ocean Vampire while learning how to fly. When the vampire makes a proposition that’s difficult to resist, Tina has to fight temptation or give in.

A Lord’s Dark Desire by S.J. Thomas

When Lord Henry and his dearest companion, Thomas, encounter a seductive vampiress, their darkest desires are revealed. To succumb could mean their ruin, but will Henry and Thomas be able to resist the dark passion that is offered in the vampire’s embrace?

Her Dark Rewards by Brantwijn Serrah

The vicious S�lva, vampire maven of the Orch�lyvan guild, has a very special way of rewarding her favorite student, Rhiannon.

My NA Paranormal Witch Apprentice – Crimson Anthology releases 28 March 2014

Here’s a teaser from Witch Apprentice.

Tina spread her arms, shut her eyes, sucked in her breath, and jumped. Her flaming red hair, which normally hung to her waist, fanned above her head. Tina had deliberately worn figure hugging, black, stretch pants and a matching blouse for this wondrous moment. She wanted to look her best after her planned victory.
Her slim body sliced through the bitter winter air. There was still a fair distance to cover and…nothing happened. Panic gripped Tina as she continued to fall. Not like it made a difference during her descent from Ocean’s Peak, a lethal volcanic formation that caressed the clouds in the center of Mid Ocean and was only visible during the moon’s last quarter. Rocky sections of the sea bed were exposed beneath her. Few beings hung out in these parts. She was out of range of being summoned by the Elders, and there was little chance of anyone witnessing her practice session, unless she counted the marine life.
“It’s too soon.” Tina grimaced. Jagged blue-black rocks taunted her from below, poised to break every bone in her body. As if that wasn’t enough, she’d have to live with the shame of not being able to master something as simple as a free fall while the Elders nursed her. Damn.
“Help.” Tina doubted anyone would hear her feeble plea in these remote parts. Heck she’d even accept help from a mortal, if they were brave enough to venture here.

And here’s the awesome cover:

Crimson Volume 2 from @BreathlessPress

My first adult story is featured in the Crimson anthology which released on March 28th.

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover. Oh and I’m writing under the pseudonym Lace Higgins.