It's Party Time!

That's right! Cyber Launch Party for Hot Summer Love (Cowboy Style 1) at http://www.cyberlaunchparty.blogspot.com/

One lucky commenter will receive their very own autographed print copy of Wild Wyoming Nights!

Check it out and leave a comment today!

See you there.

~ Sandy

Please help me welcome XOXO Publishing Author Vikram E. Diwan to my blog.




Describe yourself as a hero or a heroine and why would you describe yourself
this way?
I am a neurotic person with a mind that has thousands of thoughts flashing at lightning speed. I delay work until the story-demons trouble me and then I work like a man possessed.

When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was twenty years old. Since I could not find the story with which I could entertain myself; I had to write it to please myself.

What made you write your book and why?
X-Files in British India – that is how I look upon the series that I plan to write with the main characters of my debut story ‘The Snake Princess’, which is part of the Tattoo Anthology Vol.1. It was just by chance that I found out XOXO publishers and decided to send my entry for their Tattoo anthology. Their acceptance came as a pleasant surprise to me.

Who is your inspiriation?
Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and George Orwell, to name only a few.

How did you feel when you found that XoXo Publishing contracted you?
Mu first reaction was disbelief, followed by a tremendous uplifting. It was also deliverance. I could finally identify myself as an author and not a crazy person doing crazy things that no one in the world cared about except him. For that I shall always be grateful to Gina and you, Ms. Sandy.

Are you writing anything new and if so what are you writing now?
Many things actually; the love story of Hitler’s sculptor with a married Jewish woman in War time Berlin, entitled ‘The Neighbor’s Wife’. Then there is ‘The Return of Mr. Jim Brown’, which is a story about a man who is not willing to die and comes back from the grave to fulfill his desires.
I am also working on ‘The Hippie Guru’; which is about an Indian Guru in the 1970’s, who sets up his commune in America and attracts thousands of disciples and is considered the most dangerous man alive. The story has everything - drugs, free sex, spirituality with gun running, FBI - as the Eastern wisdom clashes head on with the highest centers of political and religious powers of the west.

Do you listen to music when you're writing and if so which kind?
Both Indian film music and Western classical. But the funny thing is that once I am deep into writing, I am unable to hear any sound. It is akin to meditation or being in some other world or state of being.

What advice would you give a new writer breaking out into the writing field?
I do not believe I am qualified for that, being a beginner myself. Still, I would say don’t give up on your dreams and do not lose hope. The night is darkest just before dawn. Just keep writing, re-writing, editing, re-editing, polishing your work and honing your skills, above all read as much as you can.

What promotional advice would you give a new author and why?
Again a question that should be asked to veterans like you; and not to a new kid on the block. I try to promote me and my work, as I want readers to give me at least one chance, and make their judgment only after reading me. Promotion is a means for that end and not any personal hunger for fame.

Give us a glimpse in mind what are you thinking right now?
Oh! Always thinking about my stories. I wish I was in the mountains, writing day in and day night; amazing the world with my stories.

Thank you for participating. Please write your blurb including http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online and include your website link or social network.
Blurb of THE SNAKE PRINCESS (published by XOXO in TATOO anthology Vol. 1)

The mysterious tattoo of a snake mermaid on her body takes an English woman to the nineteenth century British India. The land of Thugs, Fakirs, Snake worshipers, Rajahs (Kings) and thick jungles holds the key to her future and past.

Can a soul be reborn to fulfill its unfinished task? A fantastic roller-costar ride of adventure, danger and daring with an unbelievable climax!


Excerpt

“It is magnificent!” said Liz as they reached the ancient shrine of the snake god Seeshnaga after a long and arduous journey through the jungle.
The place was hardly isolated as she had mistakenly imagined, neither was the ground covered with crawling reptiles as she had feared. The shrine was a place of pilgrimage and over time a shanty town had developed around it. A stairway with a crowded bazaar on both sides led to the main shrine complex, lined with cheap lodges for pilgrims, priests and Sadhus (Hindu ascetics).

Passing mules, monkeys, cows, beggars, pilgrims and numerous touts selling rooms or vendors selling prasadam (offerings of sweets, milk and flowers) they reached the enclosed court-yard of the shrine. Liz could feel the rocky surface, sticky with the milk spilled over the centuries beneath her feet an overpowering ordour of marigold flowers and oil being fried to cook food for the pilgrims in the bazaar.

**************************

“Did not knew that I would live to see this day in my life. The ancient promise had been fulfilled. The princess has come back. Here, see this,” he said showing her an old book of worn out plant leaves with ancient scripture unwrapped from a red linen cloth that was taken out from a gold rectangular box. “This was written 500 years ago and it is passed to each head-priest by his predecessor.

Liz saw the drawing of her tattoo; but the real shock came when saw her own image, she was dressed in the picture wearing garlands and leaves and sitting on a throne. How was this possible? But before she could question the priest, the dead body of his young assistant she had met earlier in the day fell before them and all hell broke loose. A gang of sword wielding men dressed in turbans, whose open cloth covered their faces grabbed the head-priest and hit the head of the white woman with the handle of the sword making her lose consciousness.


Buy link: http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=84
The Tattoo Series - Volume 1 [E-Book] - $3.95 : XOXO Publishing™ Shop Online, Books, E-Books
xoxopublishing.com
XOXO Publishing™ Shop Online The Tattoo Series - Volume 1 [E-Book] - 978-1-897521-49-6 Click here to read an excerpt.

Blogspot for my latest updates:- http://vickramediwan.blogspot.com/
http://vickramediwan.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vikramdewan



Thanks for visiting Vikram. You can check out his stories on www.xoxopublishing.com.

Please help me welcome fellow author Mary Eason to my blog!



Book Title: In The Arms Of A Stranger
Release Date: September 24, 2010
Authors: Mary Eason
Author websites: www.maryeason.com
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Buy Link: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/maryeasonbooks.html#INTHEARMSOFASTRANGER
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Blurb: Everything Kate Bradshaw believed to be real about her marriage to her husband Alex slowly slipped away from her as the newspaper reports explained the sordid truth in black and white. Their marriage and Alex's seduction had been nothing more than a lie, a means of accomplishing one thing--Alex's revenge against the man he believed responsible for killing his one true love--Kate's own father.

Welcome Mary Eason, I hear you have a new book coming out soon?
Yes, in fact, In The Arms Of A Stranger is out now at New Concepts Publishing. It released, September 24th.
Tell me about the heart of your story, "In The Arms Of A Stranger".
In The Arms Of A Stranger is about two people who have been hurt in the past and are afraid to trust in love again. Kate Alexander fell in love with the wrong man when she was in college and since then, she's been on a self-imposed exile from men. Meeting Alex Bradshaw for the first time, Kate believes Alex is too good to be true. By the time, Alex asks her to marry him she's crazy in love and completely unaware of the secrets her husband possesses.
Alex Bradshaw is a man set on revenge. Kate Alexander is the woman who can help him accomplish this plan. But, what Alex hadn't planned on was falling in love with Kate. Now, Alex has to convince Kate that his feelings for her are real and not just part of his plan for revenge before he loses Kate forever.



What is your darkest moment in the novel without giving too much away?
The darkest moment occurs when Kate finally realizes she's been wrong about Alex all along. She's afraid that realization may have come too late and that Alex might have finally given up on making their marriage work.

Why do you write and when did you start?
I started writing as a pre-teen. It was a little after I first started reading romance novels. I loved everything about them. Soon, I wrote my first romance novel, filled with the usual clichés, but I was hooked from that moment on.
What is your process when you write a novel?
I usually start with an idea. It might come to me from something I've seen on TV, read about, or even in a dream, (as crazy as that sounds, I've created lots of stories from dreams). With the premise in mind, I take a few days to let the story develop in my head before putting it down on paper. It never fails, the end result, is nothing like what I believed it would be when I started the story.
What do you want your readers to pull away from your story?
I want my readers to be emotionally satisfied when they read those final words of my story. I believe a romance novel should be like a rollercoaster ride. Crazy, exciting, a thrill ride of emotion. And when it's over, it should leave you with a smile.
Is there someone in your immediate family or a friend that reads your material as you write? A sounding board?
Nope, I'm kinda a lone wolf when it comes to writing. I prefer to work alone.

What is a really romantic evening for you? Sitting outside watching the stars at night with my hubby. And when its cold out, snuggled together in a blanket with a sky full of stars.

If there were one word to describe you, what would it be? Sentimental. I'm a very sentimental person. I find, as I get older, that increases.

Tell us about your next project.
I love romantic suspense stories. Both reading and writing them. I'm about halfway through my next romantic suspense novel that is about a woman who is given the heart of a former spy and with that heart, comes the spy's memories of her murder and of the man she loves.

Thank you for stopping by we hope to see you again and wish you great success! Anything else you want to tell your readers today?
Only that readers can check out my latest work as well as learn about my latest contest on my website. I'm giving away an e-book copy of In The Arms Of A Stranger there this month. So, stop by and check it out: www.maryeason.com


Thanks so much for letting me drop in this week.

Mary Eason
www.maryeason.com
www.maryeason.blogspot.com


Excerpt from In The Arms Of A Stranger:
Kate was feeling more than a little tipsy, but not enough to face the empty bedroom alone. She finished off the third pitcher. It was such a beautiful night. Kate added more wood to the fire and made another batch of drinks.
To hell with Alex Bradshaw and his stupid plans for revenge. Maybe she’d do a little revenge of her own. Find someone close to him and then sleep with him, making sure Alex found out of course.
Kate lay back against the cushion of the double lounger and smiled to herself. The more she thought about it, the better she liked her plan. One of his coworkers or a close friend would do nicely. Maybe she’d arrange it so Alex caught them in the act. That would certainly teach him a thing or two.
She closed her eyes and settled into the fantasy. But it wasn’t some nameless stranger who appeared before her. Alex filled her with a need for fulfillment she hadn’t known existed before him.
Kate imagined his lips against her skin and moaned softly. Her hand drifted to her breast, stroking it before moving lower, down to the juncture of her legs. God, she wanted him. How could she still want to be with someone who hurt her so badly?
Her free hand moved to the buttons on her shirt. What did it hurt, here in the darkness, to admit the truth? She loved him; she wanted him. She would never let him hurt her again.
The buttons slipped free, first one, then two, then all of them. She hadn’t bothered with a bra. It was just her and Ronnie. The coolness of the night touched her bare skin. Kate shivered and caressed her nipple the way Alex did, feeling it harden beneath her touch. Her breath caught in a sigh as her fingers rubbed the spot he’d once stroked to make her his slave. It didn’t take long before she was writhing in pleasure, remembering the way it felt to have his body joined with hers. Kate cried out in pleasure before collapsing against the cushions once more, weak and unfulfilled.
She was crying. She’d cried each time they made love. Kate drifted off to sleep, exhausted from the physical release and the alcohol, wanting only to forget she’d ever let him touch her at all.
A tiny little whimper escaped as his lips caressed the rosy peak of her breast. She was dreaming. She must be. Alex was thousands of miles away in Texas. And yet he felt so real.
The minute his lips touched hers Kate knew this was no dream. He was real and he was here in Colorado touching her? She opened her eyes and met the raw desire in his. How long had he watched her before? Kate tried to push him away, but he didn’t move. His lips moving across hers, his fingers stroked her breast where his lips once caressed. Her traitorous body responded to him with abandon.
She stopped resisting for the moment. His hold loosened at her surrender. Alex’s hands slipped over her body slowly, touching all of her, reaching past her anger and hurt. Kate trembled all over in response.
“I liked watching you touch yourself. You are incredibly sexy to watch. Even more sexy to touch.” Her breath caught at those words.
“No.” Kate was mortified he’d seen her weakness.
Shh,” he whispered into her mouth, leaning closer so their bodies touched. The friction of his sweater against her bare flesh was thrilling. She shuddered and moved closer.
“No Alex, no. You shouldn’t be here. Go away.” Her words died against his lips. He smiled at her surrender.
Alex stopped kissing her for the moment and watched her struggle with disappointment.
“I came for you, Kate. You won’t talk to me over the phone. I didn’t have any other choice. You won’t listen to me.”
“No.” She tried to push him away, but he didn’t let her go. He continued caressing her, until she moaned again and arched closer to his touch.
“Kate, we need to talk. Surely, you see that. Things can’t go on like this.” His words were like a cold rush of air against her heated skin.
“Things aren’t going on like this at all. I told you, it’s over. I don’t trust you anymore. I’m getting the marriage annulled,” she whispered and then gasped as his hands tightened around her and he hauled her up into his arms and carried her to her bed.
“You’ll never get this marriage annulled,” Alex told her before he lowered her slowly back against the bed, his lips meeting hers, matching the need growing inside of her. Since she’d left him in Austin without any hope.
“Then I’ll get a divorce. Face it, Alex, this marriage is over.” Her body was already responding to his familiar touch. With each stroke, his hands and his lips showered her with love.
“There won’t be any divorce either,” he said against her lips as his hands continued to work magic.
“Deny you want this as much as I do?” he challenged. She couldn’t. She stopped trying.
“Please, Alex. Please, I can’t wait,” she said, begging him to enter her. But he took his time. He let her body relax while bringing her closer. Alex gripped her chin and forced her to look at him.
“Kate, I know you love me, and I know you’re hurting,” he began, but she didn’t want to hear what was coming next. She could never trust anything Alex told her again.
“You don’t know anything. You certainly don’t know how I feel. You don’t know anything about me, and clearly, I don’t know anything about you either.”
“Yes, you do. You know I love you. You know I’d never hurt you.”
Kate started to laugh, but her laughter quickly died away into a soft little moan when Alex shifted her body further beneath his. His rolled over on his side, his hand sliding slowly down her body to her thigh and then up to stroke the soft curls. He cupped her, his fingers teasing her until she whimpered softly against his lips. He slipped one finger, followed by another inside her body, exploring her innermost warmth, caressing until Kate’s body exploded from his skillful touch.
He smiled into her eyes, wide with surprise and pleasure. “This seems to be the only way I can get you to listen to me. Not that I’m complaining—I love touching you like this.”
His words both thrilled and filled her with shame at the same time. Why couldn’t she resist him? This was just a game to him. He wanted to have sex with her. It hadn’t been anything more than a physical attraction for him. She loved him. He’d lied to her.
His fingers continued to stroke her. “I admit I went to the bookstore that night to follow through with my plans of hurting your father, Kate. But after I met you, after I got to know you—after we made love—I knew it was over. I couldn’t do it.” Kate tried to look away, but his eyes held hers. “Do you believe me?”
“No! You’re lying, Alex, no...” Kate’s voice died into a whimper as Alex’s lips moved across hers before trailing kisses down her throat to her breasts. Bringing each nipple to arousal. She sucked in a ragged breath, bringing his eyes back to hers. Alex was smiling. He’d seen her expression before, a hundred times no doubt.
Stop him before it’s too late. Before you lose yourself to him forever.
But she didn’t want to stop Alex or herself. Alex’s gaze came back to hers once more. There were questions in them. Kate couldn’t answer them. She closed her eyes and let him remove the last of her clothes. His touch held remnants of his anger. He was still angry, but he wanted her more.
Alex undressed and took her back into his arms. He moved between her legs and thrust inside of her. Kate cried out his name with each stroke. He plunged deeper, harder, faster. Tension mingled with the pleasure forming within her. She tried to hold onto it a moment longer, but it shattered and then spiraled out of control.
Alex captured her cries against his mouth. His body grew tense as he continued to fill her. Her name coming from his lips sounded like a hoarse cry. Alex continued to drive deep into her, his body crashing against hers for a moment longer until his own powerful release sent her body convulsing out of control along with his.
His body collapsed against hers, their breathing coming in ragged gasps, filling the silent room. Reluctantly, Alex untangled himself from her and rolled over on his side, gathering her close.
* * * *
What was wrong with him? He’d come here tonight to talk to her—not make love.
He needed to make her listen instead; seeing her pleasure had been his undoing. He wanted her too much not to take her.
“Are you okay?” Alex forced the words out. Kate heaved a shuddering sigh and tried to push him away. He had no intention of letting her go. His body responded against hers.
This was so wrong. He knew in every part of his being, he was going to regret touching Kate like this for the rest of his life.
But that didn’t ease the need. His body swelled inside of hers once more, quickly filling her. She whimpered softly, pulling his mouth down to hers. Kate might not have expected the outcome of tonight, but she was certainly ready for him. He killed what was left of his conscience the second her lips met his.
She was warm and sexy—eager for him. He began to move inside of her once more. He wanted this to last all night, or at least until she came to her senses. She responded immediately. Her body rose to meet his, thrust for thrust. Her legs slipped around his waist more. Their bodies fit together perfectly.
“God, you feel good,” he whispered into her open mouth and felt her inner muscles tighten around him in reaction.
“Alex, this isn’t what I want. Please, this is wrong,” she told him even while her tongue stroked along his. He drove into her harder, moving in perfect rhythm to the thrusts of her tongue.
“Stop lying to yourself. You want this just as much as I do.” He wanted to be closer. Her body was all but meshed with his as it was, but it wasn’t enough. His arms circled her shoulders, drawing her against his body.
Her fingers stroked down his back and lower. Alex shuddered as her gentle stroking drove him closer to losing control.
“Don’t...Kate, no.” Her lips left his, their eyes met, locked. The tiny space separating them filled with tension. He continued thrusting against her, but his eyes never released hers. He watched her climax through the windows to her soul.
He too was close; he couldn’t hold back any longer. He drove into her once, twice then threw back his head and slipped over the edge along with Kate.

Second Excerpt From In The Arms Of A Stranger:
She took Earl for a long walk around the neighborhood, hoping to relax. She was too wound up. Kate had just unlocked her apartment door when Alex stepped up behind her.
“You went through with it? You filed for divorce!” he demanded, reaching for her arm. Earl recognized him immediately and began yelping with excitement, even though he and Alex only met twice.
“Alex, you shouldn’t be here.” Kate opened the door and pushed Earl inside.
“Kate, I’m not giving you a divorce. I don’t want this. You don’t want this—I know you don’t.” She tried to ignore him and simply walk past and close the door, but Alex blocked her efforts.
“Kate, let’s at least talk about this first. Don’t just write our marriage off without giving me a chance to make things right between us.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Alex. We both know why you married me. I just can’t believe I was foolish enough to fall for your lies. There is no marriage. There’s only a huge series of mistakes.”
“You don’t believe that. Why won’t you let me talk to you?”
“Alex, please.” Kate stopped when new tears threatened to take away her voice. God, all she did anymore was cry. “Please just let me go. Please—just go.”
But he didn’t. Alex spotted the tears and guided her inside the apartment, closing the door. “I can’t let you go, Kate. I won’t. Not without a fight.”
They stood facing each other in the semi-darkness. He looked so good. Kate’s resistance crumbled.
Alex moved slowly towards her, forcing her to back away until she reached the wall of her tiny living room. He stood in front of her, quietly watching her closely and reading every-thing in her tears.
“You don’t want this anymore than I do, baby,” he told her softly. “Why fight it. Stop fighting me and let’s work together to save your marriage.”
“No.” her voice shook with emotion. “I can’t trust you, Alex.”
“Yes, you can,”
“Don’t,” she said desperately, as his finger stroked away her tears. “Don’t do that.”
“Kate, you love me. You can’t deny that.”
She took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice. “Maybe, but it doesn’t matter.” She jerked away from his touch. “Don’t you see, Alex? It doesn’t matter why you married me. You still lied.”
“I didn’t lie about how I feel about you, baby.”
Kate tried to push him away, but he simply gathered her close and held her while she cried. He felt so good. So strong. She let him hold her close for a moment. She wasn’t ready to let him go just yet. But soon, his hands grew restless, roaming over her body, his lips brushing across her temple. She pushed at his chest, but he didn’t release her. Alex gripped her chin and forced her to look at him.
There, for a moment, before his lips took hers once more she saw so much uncertainty in his eyes it took her breath away. Alex uncertain? She’d never imagined him feeling vulnerable.
“Please stop fighting me, Kate. I know you don’t want this to end. Neither do I. Whatever needs fixing between us, we can work it out. Stop fighting me.”
The second his lips touched hers, it was over. Kate knew she wasn’t going to fight it or him tonight.
Alex’s mouth met hers again, this time unhurried. His lips brushed tantalizingly across hers, awakening responses in her that surprised them both. She lifted her hands to touch his chest, before letting one of them slide slowly down. Alex grabbed her wrist and brought it lower allowing her to feel his reaction. His eyes never left hers.
“This is how you make me feel,” he whispered softly, before taking her hand in his once more. Alex took their joined hands and slipped under the hem of her dress pushing it up until their fingers touched her panties. When she tried to jerk her hand away, he held her fingers tight and moved beneath the edge of her panties, pulling them down to her thigh. Their fingers moved over her body, parting her legs. Kate’s breath came in a rush as he stroked across her moist inner lips, parting them before their fingers joined together moved inside of her. She closed her eyes. She couldn’t look at him and let him see how excited she was. Not that it mattered. He’d felt her reaction.
“No,” she whispered against his lips.
“Yes.” Alex released her hand—and she jerked it free, but his continued to explore the intimate parts of her. When another finger slipped inside, Kate couldn’t hold on any longer. Her body tensed around his searching fingers. She shuddered and climaxed against his touch. Weak with reaction, she leaned against Alex for strength.
“You feel so good,” he whispered into her mouth
His fingers caressed her breast through the course fabric of her dress creating a painfully exciting friction.
Alex unzipped the dress and let it fall from her body before kneeling in front of her. He leaned in close and spread her legs. One finger dipped inside again. He watched her reaction. She was close again. His lips rested against her warmth where his fingers once touched. His tongue stroked across her moistness before slipping inside. Her reaction was immediate. She came in a burst of passion. When she was still once more, he got to his feet and lifted her against his body, letting her feel how much he wanted her. And then he carried her slowly to the bedroom and set her down close to the bed.
Alex Bradshaw was the perfect lover. Skilled in all the ways to make her want him—beg him to take her. He was much too good for Kate’s resolve to last. His fingers slipped over her body clothed only in her bra, making her aware of how vulnerable she was at that moment.
Kate forgot everything but Alex. The moment she looked into his blue eyes, something deep inside of her splintered into a thousand tiny pieces. She would never feel this passionate about another.
They didn’t say a word. They simply watched each other in the semidarkness for a long time.
He urged her back against the bed, his hands and his eyes telling her all the things he wanted from her. Kate seemed incapable of resisting him.
She moved closer to his touch and watched his shocked reaction to that move. Her hands reached out to touch his face bringing him nearer.
Her need for Alex took on a will of its own now. There was no stopping it. She didn’t try. Her lips took control of his this time, slowly exploring him, brushing across his. At that moment, she wasn’t sure who was seducing whom, not that it mattered. They both knew where this was going.
Beneath her stroking fingers, he shuddered as a little more of his resolve crumbled.
He jerked her closer, his eyes never leaving hers. Alex was still very frustrated with her. It was all there in the words he whispered against her lips.
“I’ve never felt this way about another woman. And I’ve never wanted any woman the way I want you. I can’t get enough of you. I love you, Kate.”
Another lie. Theirs was a marriage based on a series of lies and physical fulfillments. On shifting sands. She couldn’t stop the tears now, any more than she could stop herself from wanting him. She didn’t move away. She didn’t want to. His hands continued to roam over her body, touching every part of her.
Alex pushed her back against the pillows, pulling the covers away from the bed. His eyes wandered slowly over her all the while her conscience screamed how sorry she was going to be if she went through with this.
As she watched, she saw Alex’s expression change. He believed she was going to fight him. He leaned over her, his hands on either side, the tip of his tongue tracing away her tears. Kate couldn’t control her trembling reaction to his touch. The fight went out of her just as quickly as it had come.
She wasn’t going to resist him—who was she kidding? She didn’t want to. She wasn’t fooling anyone especially not Alex Bradshaw.
His lips took possession of her body. He took his time, exploring every sensitive inch of her flesh, while she lay powerless in his arms, hating herself, and knowing only Alex could fulfill all of her fantasies.
Her body shook with each kiss. Each stroke. Alex smiled down at her, aware of everything she was feeling. His hands clasped her thighs gently, urging them apart. He moved between her legs, thrusting deep with a single movement. Kate couldn’t hold back her sob. It had him frozen in place looking down at her in wonder.
Somehow, she managed to let go of her tension. She lifted her hips to meet his movements. The need he created inside of her was nothing short of torment. When she opened her eyes, she knew he felt the same way.
Kate shut the door on her conscience, along with the little voice inside her head that assured her she was going to live to regret this night very soon. Beneath Alex’s skillful touch, the tension within her soon shifted to passion. As Kate gave into her body’s desire, she gave up the last hope of coming out of this moment untouched.
Reality came back slowly, bringing the world around them into sharp focus. Alex rolled away from her, his arms still wrapped around her. She lay exhausted on top of him, listening to the sound of his heart racing against her ear.



Mary's Bio:
Mary Eason grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her brothers and sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seem to come natural to her.
As a pre-teen, Mary discovered romance novels and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.
She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first romantic comedy and was hooked.
Today, Mary still lives in Texas, and still writes about romance. In fact, she can’t think of anything else she’d rather do.
You can read more of Mary’s work through the following publishers: New Concepts Publishing, Samhain Publishing, Champagne Books, The Wild Rose Press, Whiskey Creek Press, and White Rose Publishing. Or at her websites:
Blog: www.maryeason.blogspot.com
Website: www.maryeason.com

And be sure to send Mary an email and let her know what you think about her work. She loves hearing from fans.

Thanks for stopping by, Mary. Check out her stuff. You won't be disappointed.

~ Sandy

Please help me welcome XOXO Publishing author G.W. Pickle!






Interview:

Describe yourself as a hero or a heroine and why would you describe yourself this way?

A hero, I'm not sure if I am a hero. I strive to be one. I'm no knight in shining armor. I'm more the ninja type. I prefer to work in the back ground, helping and doing whatever I can. People tend to turn on a known hero if they mess up and let them down.

When did you start writing?

First in Jr. High School, then in 1970, I went to college and started working at a local newspaper as a photographer and reporter. Fast forward to 2003 when I started writing a science fiction short story that became a full length novel

What made you write your book and why?

“The writer’s of the Future Contest” I read one and and decided I could do better. My entry made it to the semi final round of judging I got a letter from WOTF telling me that I needed to proceed and make the entry into a novel and I did.

Who is your inspiriation?

My desire to tell great stories and write great books.
How did you feel when you found that XoXo Publishing contracted you?
I was ecstatic. I had a lot of people who was behind this story.
Are you writing anything new and if so what are you writing now?
I have 3 stories I’m actively working on and I have 4 more on the back burner. I plan to submit them all to XoXo Publishing first
Do you listen to music when you're writing and if so which kind?
No music at all. When I’m working on a story the only way to silence the inner voices is to play some good music.
What advice would you give a new writer breaking out into the writing field?
Write, write something everyday, even if it’s only 10 minutes and worry about grammar and punctuation during the edits. The important thing is to get the story down. I’d also suggest they buy books on writing and join good writer’s groups online.

What promotional advice would you give a new author and why?

I’m still learning about online promoting. XoXo Publishing is really great about helping authors with promoting their books. This Blog tour is a great example of their commitment to helping their authors promote. I understand XoXo even has a promotional person to help.

Give us a glimpse in mind what are you thinking right now?

Right now I’m planning & plotting on my current story. I’m also planning what I’m going to do to next to promote my book as well. In addition to all this I’m coordinating my writing time, my online time, taking care of my wife time, and working my regular “Day” job time.


Book Blog

Nineteen year old Bryan Summers and his Mother moved to Middleford, Texas
six years ago from California to get away form the violence and street
gangs. He thinks Allie, the girl who lives next door, is a sexy albino, who
happens to need blood transfusions two or three times a month. He wants to
marry her and is frustrated because she wants three days to give him her
answer.

For the last three days Allie has struggled trying to decide what to tell
him. She wants to say yes, but how will he react to her secret. He had told
her, early into their relationship that, he had gotten into the vampire scene. Most of the group he belonged to went around wearing black capes and fake or implanted fangs. He even confessed, to Allie, that once he wanted to become one. They both laughed about it. Now Allie wonders how Bryan will react when he learns that she is a real vampire. Will he change his mind about marrying him or worse, hate her? Will he ask her to change him? Will he wait until he can learn and except the vampire's way of life or will she keep him a mortal and love him until he dies. Allie finally tells Allie her secret and answer. She vows to him that she will only marry him as a mortal and change him only after she is sure he can handle the vampire's life style.
Bryan agrees to her terms. The next day they buy a ring. On the way home
they stop for gas, Bryan is shot, at point blank range with a shotgun by a
man robbing the gas station. He is now in surgery and has a twenty percent
chance of survival. Does she turn him into a vampire and save his life only
to loose him because of her vow, or does she let fate decide for her.

To find out what happens and to read a 5 page excerpt or buy an excellent
erotic vampire romance go to http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online


G W Pickle Author of "A Vampire's Love." from XoXo Publishing
http/www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/http/www.facebook.com/#!/pages/G-W-Pickles-A-Vampires-Love/117494981635399 http/gwpickleswork.blogspot.com/ http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_I6MMslOx8&feature=related

Author of SENTI Book One of the Jackwill Chronicles." from Trytium Press at www.Amazon,com

Thanks for visit G.W. and come back anytime.

~ Sandy

Please welcome XOXO Publishing author Lenore Butcher!

Describe yourself as a hero or a heroine and why would you describe yourself
this way?

I see myself as more of an antihero, like Han Solo in the Star Wars movies. Quick with a witty comeback and hiding emotions behind bravado, yet always comes through for his friends in the end. I'm outwardly very glib and cynical by nature, but underneath I treasure my friends and family and pride myself on my honesty and integrity.


When did you start writing?


I was six when I wrote my first short story, "A Dark and Stormy Night with Scott", who was my Grade One crush. It was two pages long and was about myself and my First Grade crush in an abandoned mansion during a thunderstorm. I was very proud when my teacher read it out loud to the class. I think Scott was likely less than thrilled. Anyhow, I never looked back and I've written like a fiend every possible waking moment ever since.

What made you write your book and why?


NaNoWriMo made me do it. NaNoWriMo is an international writing competition that takes place every November. Participants are challenged to write an entire novel in 30 days. The year I wrote my first draft for Dead Girls, Dogs and Ponies, I couldn't take place in NaNoWriMo in November, so one of my friends challenged a group of us to do it in January. I set to it and the first draft was written in just under 31 days (29 days to be exact, if such things matter). I then set about polishing and editing it over the next several months until I was satisfied enough with it. Oddly enough the girl who challenged me to write this book is the graphic artist who did my cover art for the novel. Funny how things work out. So it was my own competitive nature that really inspired me to write this book. And yes, I do NaNo every single year. I'm already gearing up for this year's effort. Two weeks and counting!!!

Who is your inspiration?

Professionally, I'm inspired by other paranormal writers such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris and Kelley Armstrong, along with a host of others. Personally my husband and my children are my strength and my solace and I've also been blessed with close ties to my parents and my younger brother. I have the kind of life where strange things happen on an almost daily basis and many of them help encourage my creative exploits.


How did you feel when you found that XoXo Publishing contracted you?


I think my FaceBook status from the day says it best: "Ohmigod. Ohmigod. Ohmigod."

Are you writing anything new and if so what are you writing now?


I'm always writing, usually more than one project. Right now I'm hard at work on the sequel to Dead Girls, Dogs and Ponies. It's called "Food Chain Boogie". I'm also working on two short stories for upcoming XoXo anthologies and I have two completed novels that need a bit of polish before they go in. I'm also writing a play about a creepy gothic family in a creepy gothic mansion -- it's a comedy of errors called "In Poor Taste".

Do you listen to music when you're writing and if so which kind?


If music is playing, it either has to be instrumental or something I don't know. If it's music I'm familiar with, my writing session is in danger of becoming an air band session. I do quite often have the tv on just as background noise but I'm usually not listening to it.

What advice would you give a new writer breaking out into the writing field?

Keep writing and keep reading. Invest in a good dictionary and a good thesaurus. Have beta readers, yes that's right, more than one is best in my experience. I actually have three beta readers and everything goes to them before I send it to the publisher. One is wicked smart in grammar and spelling and she's there to catch any of those mistakes. One is uber critical with a very good memory and is very good at finding any continuity errors I may have made in rewrites. And the last one is my desired target demographic... he lets me know if I've nailed it, if it's something he would read even if I wasn't making him read it and bribing him with promises of lasagne. I also don't usually send my work to the beta readers until I'm on at least the third draft. Until then, I guard my work in progress very closely.

What promotional advice would you give a new author and why?


Keep in mind that although yes, your publisher will help you promote your book, they are also promoting every other author in their company. It's up to you to help your promotional efforts. Scope out opportunities, like sending press releases to your local media (or at least making sure your p.r. department at the publishing company gets the right contact info!) Most importantly, keep every single commitment you make at all possible costs. You do NOT want to get a reputation for being unreliable this early in the game!

Give us a glimpse in mind what are you thinking right now?


Two weeks from tonight is Hallowe'en! I love Hallowe'en. Next to Christmas it's my favourite holiday. My living room is strewn with decorations ready to be put up in the next few days. My daughter wants to be a goblin and I have no idea how to make that costume!!! I told her the most I can do is cut two holes in a sheet and throw it over her head and she can be a ghost. She didn't like that idea.

The Bio:


Lenore Butcher Bio

Lenore successfully fended off her first zombie apocalypse when the living dead attacked the kibbutz she was raised on in Isreal… Okay, so that’s maybe not the whole truth. Lenore was born in a small town in Ontario where she still lives to this day, right around the corner from the house she grew up in.

Lenore was almost two weeks late being born. The family joke is that she was finishing the book she was reading. Everyone who knows Lenore knows that’s not true. It’s never taken her two whole weeks to read a book. From the age of two and a half when she began reading, she has been a voracious reader and from the age of six when she penned her first story, a little ditty called “Dark and Stormy Night with Scott” (her Grade One crush), she’s also been a prolific and dedicated writer.

Her first full length novel “Dead Girls, Dogs and Ponies” was published by XOXO Publishing as an e book in November of 2009 and is also available as a paperback. She prefers to write stories with a dark edge and rife with black humour.

Lenore lives with her husband, two children and two hamsters in the aforementioned small town where her hobbies include reading, writing, walking, roleplaying games, video games, crafts and being the town weirdo.


The Blurb:
Dead Girls Blurb

Dead Girls, Dogs and Ponies introduces a new twist on an old genre. It is a hard- boiled detective novel set in the dark underbelly of a city populated by supernatural citizens living secret lives among the mortals. Justin is an information broker who just happens to be a zombie. He is an advocate for justice for the oppressed servants of the city's vampires and yearns for the day when he will once again be reunited with his lost love, Honey. Justin is hired to solve the mystery of who was foolish enough to begin a war with the city's most powerful vampiric Dynasty. He quickly realizes that there is much more at stake than just petty vampire politics. When the vampires themselves prove to be the ones with the most to lose, Justin finds out he’s in for more trouble than he’d originally anticipated.

The book can be purchased at: http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=42&products_id=6
(ebook) and http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=42&products_id=56 (paperback)

Thanks for stopping by Lenore and good luck on your book sales!

~ Sandy

Good morning! Please help me welcome XOXO author Brianna Martini!



Describe yourself as a hero or a heroine and why would you describe yourself
this way?

I wouldn't describe myself as a heroine because it doesn't fit my profile. Thanks for the honour.



When did you start writing?

All my life at the age of three, I come from a family of writers and artist.

What made you write your book and why?

Writing is in my blood like a vampire, I like to create stories that makes a reader want to become a
part of the storyline and the hero or the heroine.

Who is your inspiriation?

My inspiration comes from God, my father and the people around me.

How did you feel when you found that XoXo Publishing contracted you?

I was overjoyed and very very optimistic about my future writings.

Are you writing anything new and if so what are you writing now?

II have written a romance with Carl De Gasperis, I was his mentor for a year and half and he asked to co write with him.
The book will be released soon and the title is Sex It Up! Please.


Do you listen to music when you're writing and if so which kind?

I don't listen to music all the time but I do like to relax however when I do listen to my favorite music I listen to rock, love songs,
and easy listening.

What advice would you give a new writer breaking out into the writing field?

Don't stop writing, if you get rejected one time you'll be given another chance.


What promotional advice would you give a new author and why?

My promotional advice is to promote yourself one month in advance of your book release until you've exhaust all other promotional venues.

First this first is to setup your own website, then a social networking site and proceed from there.


Give us a glimpse in mind what are you thinking right now?

I'm trying answer the questions to this interview. lol...which I'm enjoying.


Thank you for participating. You're welcome and thank you for inviting me.







Add a blue shot glass, a touch of liqueur an emotional woman and a naked man. Is she drunk? Is she dreaming or has she hit her head on the marble bar stand? Find out now get a copy of Martini on the Blues. http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online click on the bookstore button and search Martini on the Blues. You will fly and smile reading Brianna’s latest ebook release. Martini on the Blues Book One from the Martini Series.









Excerpt:





Jade proudly placed a glass in front of Adrienne, skilfully whisking away the already empty chocolate martini glass. Adrienne was really hitting it hard tonight, harder than Jade had ever seen her.

Tears began to flow anew as Adrienne contemplated the azure blue liquor in the smoky glass in front of her. It reminded her of his eyes. Not the cheating lying louse she'd just virtually dumped, or even the eyes of almost dearly departed husband. Looking into the glass' smokey blue depths was just like staring into the gaze of her long ago college boyfriend Justin. “Oh gawd”...she cried silently.

"Wh- what's this– a, a new drink, Jade? She hiccupped then squinted her eyes to focus more clearly on the drinking glass. She had a vaguely uneasy notion she should go home soon, but she found she didn't want to, not really. Something was keeping her here, something more than seeing her friend and drowning her sorrows. She had a feeling of almost impending euphoria, as though something very good was going to happen if she stayed here long enough.

"Yes it is honey. Something I've been working on quite awhile now and it's just about perfect. It's called 'Martini on the Blues' in honour of the Christmas and of course your birthday on Boxing Day. Tonight is the first night I'm making them and you're my very first customer to have one. Happy early birthday, babe."

Adrienne sniffed it tentatively and decided she liked the smell of it. She took a quick taste. It was to her liking – a touch of strawberries, and something else. She couldn't figure it out what it was. She took another drink, then another. As she swallowed the last drop, Adrienne was surprised to see that the glass started glowing. She figured it was some kind of glow stick or something and she hoisted the glass up to peer myopically at the bottom of it, then sneezed as smoke began to trickle down from the bottom of the glass, thin and reedy and scented with cedar and strawberries.

She shook her head, setting the glass down again and catching sight of the bright Christmas decorations over the bar. Loneliness came over her again, slamming into her with almost physical painfulness...

http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online

It's a party!

Cyber launch party for Halloween Anthology Vol 1 with my first ever, shifter and yes folks, he is a cowboy too!

Check it out at www.CyberLaunchParty.blogspot.com. It goes live at 10am and there will be prizes for those who comment!

~ Sandy