Guest Post/Giveaway: Dakota Trace

*whistles a jaunty tune, entering the room* Happy St. Patrick’s Day. *Throws green and silver confetti into the air.* What? *places hand on hip* You didn’t honestly think that I would ignore St. Paddy’s Day did you? *arches brow* I’ll have you know I’m a devout Irish muse and can get my Muse card revoked if I don’t celebrate our national holiday.

“Girl, you make me soo jealous. Where did you get that corset?”

*spins around* Rena! This little thing *gestures to hunter green corset* I found it at some little shop on Lake Shore Drive. But enough about my kick ass clothing. What are you doing here? I thought I was gonna have to deal with your man at this stop. *hugs the black submissive*

“Like I’d let her out of my sight.” *Jackson saunters into the room wearing a forest green pullover*

Well damn it. *bats eyes at Jackson* Why did you have to be wearing green? I was looking forward to pinching your hind end.

*rolls eyes at antics* “Like I’m going to be stupid enough to show up without green on after you assaulted Hark yesterday. I’m surprised he let you free so soon.  Besides it isn’t St. Patricks Day yet. You can’t pinch me even if I wasn’t wearing green.”

*shakes head*  Like that’s gonna stop me.  Us Muses celebrate the whole weekend.  And Hark? He knew what was good for him. If he kept me tied up too long I’d have given him the biggest case of blue balls ever known to man.

*Jackson shudders* “Evil, evil woman.” *joins Rena, nuzzling her neck* “So we going to get on with it? I know a submissive who has a date with a crop.”

*Rena squirms* “White boy, you don’t stop that I’m going to…”

“What?” *nips her ear*

Ooooo can I watch? If you folks didn’t know this Jackson and Rena from Choosing Rena. He’s got a fetish for exhibition. Don’t let his southern boy charm fool you, he loves to perform. *wiggles eyebrows* If you know what I mean….

*Jackson growls* “It’s not happening. I had enough of that while Dakota was writing our story, you damned voyeur.”

*pouts* But you like to be watched, remember?

“There’s a difference between watching and giving rude suggestions and pointers in the middle of a scene, Muse.”

 *giggles* Can you believe a man who loves to be watched is actually offended because I told him it was better to…?

*Jackson interrupts* “Where the hell’s that scarf? Hark definitely had the right idea. You are best seen and not heard.”

*sticks tongue out at Jackson* Whatever. I hid that scarf, so don’t bother looking Demo-boy. *turns to viewers* Before Jackson decides to do something unnatural with the contents of my slave’s – I mean Dakota’s basket, lets get around to discussing why I’m here and Dakota’s off in Florida bathing in the sun. She has a new addition to her Doms of Chicago series. Gabriel’s Light revolves around the grumpy restaurant owner every one saw in Choosing Rena and this little sweet Greek honey from across the pond...

“Ah Livvy you do realize that ‘across the pond' refers to England right?” *Rena offers*

*shrugs shoulders* Pond, ocean, there’s a lot of water between that little back asswards Greek town she grew up in and the bustling city of Chicago. *giggles* So anyhow Zhenya meets the hunky Gabriel and decides she needs to jump his bones but he’s still mourning the delightful Sara. *nibbles on lip as Jackson unbuckles his belt* Hey you gonna perform here? I know that this is adult rated blog but I don’t know if Ms Sheri will be happy with you getting jiggy with Rena right here…

*grins* “Oh this isn’t for Rena.” *lays belt on the table* “It’s for you if you get out of hand….so why don’t you get to the point our visit, so I can take Rena home, hmmm? You have thirty seconds…”

Or what? *taunts* You’re gonna paddle my butt with it?

*shakes head* “Nope, I’m gonna use it to hogtie you with it and send you home to your mother.”

*pales* You wouldn’t dare…                                                                                                                                                     

*tsks at Muse* “You ought to know me better than that, Livvy. And you have twenty five seconds left.”

*swallows* Fine *eyes the dark leather belt* As I was saying before, I’m not the writer, just Dakota’s lowly muse and she does such a better job describing her book than me. So CLICK HERE to read the official blurb and excerpt.

“Twenty seconds.”

 *continues in a rush* And today we’re giving away a E-copy of Choosing Rena to one lucky commenter. It’s a steamy story featuring these two….

*Rena giggles as Jackson counts down*

“Ten, nine, eight…” *reaches for belt*

*squeaks* …just leave your addy below with your comment. It will enter you for the daily prize as well as the grand prize Dakota will be giving away on the 23^rd. *muse finishes with a rush* I’m soo out of here…I’m going back to Coffee and Books Anytime. Not only aren’t there any Doms there at the moment I can at least find some new reading material for my St. Paddy’s reading marathon.

“Don’t forget the parting gift, Livvy…” *Jackson stops fleeing muse*

*tosses chocolate bar at him.* You give it to her. *disappears*

*Jackson catches it and grins at Rena* “I told you it would work.” *pulls Rena close, before setting chocolate bar on the table next to his belt* “Here you go Ms. Sheri. Thanks for letting us invade your blog for a while. Enjoy your chocolate and St. Patty’s Day. I know I intend to.” *wolfish grin as he escorts Rena out of the room*

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Review: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

BLURB:

Mercy Thompson returns in the seventh novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Mercy Thompson’s life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman—the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack—has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy’s life. But on the edges of humanity, what passes for a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more…

After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can’t reach Adam—or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They’ve all been abducted.

Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam’s disappearance may be related—and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

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MY REVIEW:

I’m not going to lie….I LOVE this series, this author and this world! I've read an enjoyed all the books and was so happy to be back in Mercy’s head and world. When Adam and the whole pack disappear it’s up to Mercy to save herself and the love of her life. Ms. Briggs pulls off this story with amazing details, and I was guessing right up until the last page. Frost Burned was filled with the action packed story that led me to fall in love with this series in the first place. I don’t read many stories with married characters that I love more and more every time I visit them. We caught up with beloved characters and I loved that a character from her Alpha and Omega series played a prominent role, since while we know the series are connected it was nice to have that extra reminder. I look forward to the day that Charles, Anna, Adam and Mercy meet in a book.

There are events in this book that made me almost throw my Nook, but if anything the events will only bring the pack closer in the end. We spend a lot of time with Kyle, Warren’s mate and I love their pairing even more. I loved the interaction between Mercy and the myriad of people she calls on to help her in her time of need. Her allies aren’t what most sane people would want to call on but when you’re desperate, you’re desperate. Also, I think Mercy and her unique outlook and place in life is why I love this series so much. She’s part of the supernatural community but doesn’t truly fit anywhere, which makes her able to have such an eclectic group of friends. My biggest complaint was that one of my favorite secondary characters wasn’t in this book at all, but I hear they are getting their very own book so I’m appeased.  The bond between Adam and Mercy is stronger than ever and the changes in the world were touched on and I really felt like the story just continued from the last book, just a few months down the road.

I remember the day I read Moon Called, and then immediately raced to the store and bought Blood Bound and Iron Kissed. I had that same rush with Frost Burned minus the part where there are more that I can rush out and buy, which makes me kind of sad. I’ll be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series and the world.

Now this is an Urban Fantasy so it is in the first person just as a warning to anyone who might not like first person, but I still urge you to try it. Ms. Briggs immerses me in the story so much that I don’t even notice. I push this series on all of my friends and I urge you to run, not walk to buy the first one in this series, you won’t be disappointed. 

                                            5 Books! 

Guest Post: Heather Long

Tour Schedule

Welcome Heather Long to the blog today! She dropped by to chat a little bit about her writing process and to share a story or two about Las Vegas and Atlantic City!

Thank you Heather! Now for information on where you can find the book and Heather online!

Blurb:

Fifty years ago, Jeannie Williams made her way to Las Vegas seeking fame and fortune. Instead, she lost her soul and wound up performing nightly shows at the Arcana Royale. Every day, she straps on her feathers, her glitter, her stilettos, and she dances. Every day, it’s the same.

Until the day he walks in.

For six centuries, Malcolm Reynolds has been the go-to guy for anything his family needs: warrior, diplomat, wrangler, researcher, and now an attorney. He enters the Arcana Royale Casino, intent on negotiating the release of his cousin’s bad debt, but one look at the golden-skinned showgirl ignites a fire of need that he’s never experienced. When the fantasy come true sits at his table, words he never expected to hear come out of her lush mouth: “I need your help.”

Now he’s in for the toughest battle of his life, because the Overseers own both his cousin’s debt and her soul. And he’s not planning on leaving the Royale without either one.

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Warning: Contains high-stakes games, sexy showgirls, and a powerful showdown between a vampire that can’t lose and the House that never does. Spells, slots, sirens and sex, oh my!

Buy Links:

Amazon         B&N         Samhain           Bookstrand         ARe

To read an excerpt and to find out more about this series click here.

Find Heather online:

Website           Facebook            Twitter

Sword's Call Blog Tour Excerpt/Giveaway

                                    Tour Schedule

For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald.

Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight.

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption or will the epic battle end in tragedy and evil conquer them all?

 Goodreads

Excerpt:

“Tell me about it,” Jorrin encouraged.

“I pictured our magic as a rope and wrapped it around us. I stepped into him, making us one. I concentrated and I saw you. But then I saw me, too. My eyes were closed, and I felt like I was sitting beside myself. It was…unsettling, at first. But then Trik must have moved his head, because I saw into the woods…he turned, right?”

He grinned at her. “Yes, he did. You did do it.”

“His eyesight is so sharp. It was a wonder to see.” Their eyes locked and held. Air ruffled her hair, causing gooseflesh to rise on her neck as a substantial breeze kicked up.

Trikser made a noise in his throat but she ignored him.

Jorrin looked so wild and beautiful with the wind in his dark hair, his high cheekbones flushed with color to the tips of his slender tapered ears. Her heart skipped as his blue eyes darkened and she read intense heat there.

Last night he’d been in her dreams. Try as she might, Cera could no longer deny that she was attracted to him. That she’d liked that kiss he stole what seemed ages ago.

Would he kiss her again? Heat crept up her neck and burned her cheeks.

The way he was looking at her right then made her lose her train of thought and her worries.

“Tell Trikser to move.”

“What?” But Cera already sent the mental command. Her bond slipped off her lap with little encouragement. He’d caught sight of a rabbit, and took off after it.

Jorrin grabbed her hand and tugged forward. She fell onto his lap, moving to him instead of away, ignoring mental cautions that this wasn’t a good idea, despite her dreams, her admitted attraction.

Their lips met in heated rushed. Cera’s arms shot around his neck and she pressed closer. His body was hard against hers and a tremor shot down her spine.

Her breasts pressed into his chest as he pinned her against him. Jorrin shoved his tongue into her mouth and groaned. She clung to him, moving her mouth under his

When she touched her tongue to his, he moaned, his hands shooting down to cup her bottom.

Cera wiggled in his arms as an unfamiliar warmth enveloped her like an embrace. Jorrin’s erection pressed into her hip and she clutched his tunic with both hands.

When he kissed her harder, her head spun. Feeling his urgency, confusion rushed her. She moaned, fighting the sensation of his warmth, his strength as he squeezed her against him. Her desire for more. Her desire for him. She couldn’t lose control.

Yanking back, she panted against him.

Jorrin’s chest heaved into her breasts as they both struggled for breath. “What’s wrong?” he croaked.

Buy Here:

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About the Author:

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

She works with kids when she’s not writing.

She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.

Find C.A on the Web:

Blog       Twitter       Facebook       Amazon       Goodreads  

What's next for CA Szarek ?

Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1)

Bad boy FBI agent and feisty widowed police detective collide pursuing a human trafficker in small town Texas on their way to true love.

Badboy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.

Cole doesn’t do small towns and doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.

Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs a cocky FBI agent that sees her as no more than a tag-along.

Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.

Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she’d left behind when her husband died. Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.

Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardize their case and their hearts?

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY:

C.A. has offered one winner on this blog their choice of a swag pack (US) or ebook copy (Int. and US). Just leave a comment with your email address to enter!

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Spotlight/Guest Blog: Stephanie Tyler

Lonely is the Night by Stephanie Tyler

Recently retired Delta Force Operator Reid Cormier utilizes his special skills by working black ops jobs all around the world with his former teammates and their wives. Reid's career keeps him busy, but he can't get his last job—or the woman involved—out of his head.

US Marshall Grier Vanderhall faked her own death without telling Reid of the plan first, and he couldn't forgive her duplicity. But when Reid learns that Grier has been kidnapped by a dangerous ring of criminals, he drops everything and heads to New Orleans to rescue her. And while Reid knows that his skills make him the best option to get Grier back, he's not sure if this mission will give them another chance—or get them both killed.

Buy Now:

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Surrender by Stephanie Tyler

On the run and living for revenge…

Desperate, fearless, and hunted.

For ex-Navy SEAL Dare O'Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off-the-books international missions. And their handler, who answered only to the president, was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.

Nothing can stop them. Nothing can break them.

Now, the handler of Section 8 has given extreme orders: kill any remaining members, along with their families. It's then that Dare makes a startling discovery: the existence of a long-lost half sister named Avery he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together the last members of Section 8 for one last mission: to avenge their families, and to survive.

 Pre-Order Today:

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Guest Post:

Recently, I was asked to fill in my profession on a form in a new doctor’s office. I put down, writer.

The doctor was perplexed by this. Writer. Writer. Oh, you mean, author, he said finally, as if he’d just figured out the greatest puzzle in the world.

I nod.

I won’t ask if you’re published or not.

I am, I tell him.

Then you should call yourself author.

I shrug. And tell him that I consider myself a writer because that’s what I do – the part I love. The writing.

You should still call yourself author, he said confidently.

Hi – I’m Stephanie Tyler – and I was born a writer – there’s no other way to say it. When I tell people things, it’s in story form. I use dialogue tags in emails. I carry a notebook with me all the time, even to dinner with friends. They ask me if I’m planning on writing if they bore me and I tell them, maybe.

I also don’t really like to be told what to do, which is why I adore writing. Even though the characters tell me what they’d like to do (and, most of the time, I listen) - and eventually, my editor tells me what she’d like done (and again, most of the time, I listen) I still rule my created world for those four hundred plus pages. And, when it’s done, I get to do it all over again.

So writing for a living was absolutely my dream, but I never thought it could be a reality.

In college, I was a double major – English Lit and Creative Writing. I wrote poetry and short stories and then I graduated and had no idea how to make a living from writing.

For a long time I did things that circled around the writing world. I was a manager in a bookstore. I went back to school for a Masters in English Lit – and finished half a PhD as well, while completing a Masters in Secondary English Education (there’s that only child, overachiever thing. Add to it a strong dose of impatience and a sense of, I must do it all, at once, and you’ll understand.) And then I taught – middle school and college, at the same time, which was fun. Except I wasn’t writing. I was too busy being creative for my students and had nothing left over for myself.

I also got married – traveled to Africa a couple of times and decided that one day I must live there. And then my daughter was born in 2001 with some serious medical problems and my world changed completely. I left teaching. And I went back to writing and I haven’t stopped since.

It took me about four years and ten manuscripts before I got my first sale call. Which was quickly followed by another, and then another, and so in one year, I was offered contracts for eleven books. Three years later, Hold on Tight hit the New York Times Bestseller list. Persistence pays off – as does practice. And so what I’ve learned is that, even if you try to give up on your dreams, they somehow have a way of finding you.

• Why do I write romance? I answer that question here and here.
• Why do I write as both Stephanie Tyler and Sydney Croft? Check out my Frequently Asked Questions page.
• Looking for a shorter bio? Try this on for mini-size:
  New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. She also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
• How about a longer, publishing industry-oriented bio? Bring up this page, and print it out, if you want.

Find Stephanie on the Web!

                                                Website