One Enchanted Evening

That’s what begins it all in The Yearning, my just-released erotic paranormal romance. The stakes are high for Jasmine and get even higher for Mike, a stranger she meets at a club. Together, they’re in for the ride of their lives, including passion, danger, and a love like nothing they’ve known.

Here’s the blurb and an excerpt to show you what I mean:

BLURB:

To break this curse, they’ll have to turn the heat up. Way up.

Jasmine Dante prowls Key West’s nightlife, fighting a losing battle against a jealous rival’s curse that forces her to seek carnal pleasure, no matter the danger. Weakened from lack of sleep, driven by insatiable lust, she spots a man who stirs her desperate craving, and begins yet another dance of seduction.

Except the dark stranger who returns her direct stare is no ordinary lover. Inside his powerful body lies a raw sexuality that just might be enough to break her curse. There’s only one way to find out: imprison him in her bed and feed on his passion.

Former U.S. Marshal Mike Stearn is many things, but he’s no woman’s sex slave. The deadly telekinetic power he ruthlessly suppresses comes alive again at Jasmine’s touch. Beneath her bold, potent sensuality he senses vulnerability and desperation. He may be in handcuffs, but she’s the one who’s enslaved.

As Mike resurrects his power to free himself so he can find the curse’s source and defeat it, Jasmine revels in his masterful rule. Her ravenous yearning evolves into rapture as she surrenders to his hunger, her darkest needs—and the emotional connection that lies beyond. Unless the curse takes her life first…

Warning: Tons of steamy sex, smoldering passion and a to-die-for love story with a hot Alpha hero who finds himself imprisoned by one sultry and desperate babe.

EXCERPT:

Holding her gaze, his eyes searched. “What’s your name?”
Although it shouldn’t have, the question rattled her. She struggled to remember the fake one she and her sisters had concocted, but all her mind gave up were generic and unbelievable choices like Jane Doe or Mary Smith. Flustered and having to say something, she offered her own. “Jasmine Dante.” She transferred the bottle to her left hand and put out her right. “And you are?”
“Happy to make your acquaintance, Jasmine.” His large hand covered and warmed hers.
A roguish grin crinkled his eyes, mellowing his features.
She liked his effortless confidence and calm strength. It awakened memories of how her father had behaved with her mother. His long fingers squeezed gently. The small intimacy reached her soul, leaving her breathless and lighthearted. “So do you go by Happy or do you prefer the more formal Make Your Acquaintance?”
He chuckled and released her hand. “Call me Mike.”
“Ah, a nickname. I like that, Mike…?” She deliberately made it a question and sipped a bit of the brew, giving him time to add his last name and more.
Still regarding her, he did not.
Faster than she wanted, her pulse quickened. Unease seeped through her previous comfort. Travis had also offered little, only that he owned a body-piercing shop. He certainly hadn’t confided his violent past. No matter her attraction to Mike or her cruel need, Jasmine couldn’t take another gamble on her safety.
Seconds passed as she searched for the right questions to ask to learn as much as she could about him. Perfumed flesh and the smell of beer thickened the air. Animated chatter created a din near the tables. Someone laughed too loud. A woman squealed girlishly. Jasmine handed him the bottle. “Are you a musician?”
He enjoyed a sip and shook his head. “Never came close, not even in high school when it’s more or less required to be considered cool.” He appeared amused. “Why would you think I played?”
“You seemed very interested in the band. Is that why you’re here tonight?”
“I like their sound. What brings you here?”
“I thought going out tonight might be fun.”
A deeper smile tugged the corners of his rich mouth. “It might be. So, tell me about yourself, Jasmine.”
Again, he’d taken command of the conversation. Could he be a cop? He acted like one, never really answering a question. But what about his long hair? Cops didn’t look like that, not even on TV, unless they went undercover in vice. Thoughts racing, she put her forearm on her thigh and leaned nearer to him. “You first. I insist.”
“Why?” His gaze dipped to her breasts, then inched back up. “I’m not half as interesting as you.”
“Let me be the judge. Please.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Confusion? Fascination? At last, he put the bottle on the bar. “My name’s Mike Stearn. I spend my days in front of a computer.”
Jasmine tried not to show her surprise. Of all the occupations she might have given him, none would have called for full-time use of a PC. He certainly didn’t look like a programmer or an Xbox junkie. She hazarded a guess. “You’re a novelist?”
He laughed, an easy, rumbling sound. “I swear I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”
Briefly, she smiled. “Then that only leaves hacker. You’re a computer bad boy?”
As his laughter wound down, his broad shoulders relaxed. Resting his arm on the bar, he considered her. “Hardly. I’m an outside consultant for various federal and state agencies.”
Law enforcement? Had she been correct in her earlier assessment? Her throat tightened. Not wanting to grill him too obviously, she joked, “Please tell me the IRS isn’t included in your work.”
“You cheat on your taxes, Jasmine?”
She gave herself to men she didn’t know to relieve her oppressive hunger, putting herself in danger. Tonight’s plan was supposed to end that. “No—but if you could divulge a few tips on how I might get away with it, I’d be forever in your debt.”


As Jasmine’s plan unfolds, Mike realizes it’s something he never anticipated…and that it will forever change their lives.


The Yearning is available now!!!!

Buy Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/the-yearning-p-6248.html

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097

To celebrate the release of The Yearning, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:

1. Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
2. Adored – ebook
3. Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
4. In His Arms – ebook
5. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
6. Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks

Wow! I haven't posted on here for quite a while. I guess I should.

Check out RomanceBooksRUS blog today for my input on writers conferences at http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com/.

My newest cowboy story called Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys 1) is now available from Secret Cravings Publishing! Check it out at www.secretcravingspublishing.com/OurBooks.html. You'll fall in love with Cade and Kale and the small town of Red Rock Montana.

Give it a try!

~ Sandy

P.S. I'll link the cover on here for easy access.

Please help me welcome XOXO Publishing author, Vivi Pruitt!


What inspires your poetry?
Life inspires me. Translating my experiences, especially the meditative ones, was challenging to me. It’s difficult to put something into words that is beyond words. I’ve always been clever and witty, a gift from the advertising career I had in the past. But my perceptions of reality coupled with a lot of meditative experience and my love for minimalism, rhyming couplets and poetic verse all came together. Beautiful experiences create beautiful poetry.

How long does it take you to write a novel from start to finish?
I usually allow one to two years to complete a book. Publishing takes at least 6 months. “Night Light” was written before “Divine”, if you want to know the linear time. My new book, “VIVIJI”, was written in less than a year. Lots of inspiration.

Do you have a demanding muse?
I want my muse to be satisfied. Gifts of love are always a pleasure. My challenge was typing, and compilation of the manuscript to satisfy my publisher, which created a few nail biting nights.

What do you hope every reader gets from a Vivi Pruitt novel?
Enlightening perspective!

What does your work space look like?
When I began writing these two books, I had just moved into a new log cabin in the mountains. I was living in a small town and needed space, so a move to the outskirts into the mountains seemed a smart one. I loved creating a beautiful environment, very spiritually uplifting, so I decorated with gold and statues, pictures of Krishna, Buddha, mirrors and prisms and crystals to create rainbows, really like a temple or shrine. And I began settling in, and meditating. It was a wonderful place to write these two books. Surrounded by nature, I had incredible views of mountains, and storms followed by rainbows. It was a very spiritual place. I even had a vegetable garden. It seemed many times like I was in a boat. I’ve visited many log cabins, but I had never lived in one until then. To make a long story short, I wrote the books and moved.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Contact XOXO Publishing!

What qualities should every hero have?
To be the example. Every hero should be the model and inspire the reader to be like him, in my opinion.

What qualities should be in the heroine?
A heroine should make you feel excitement! The eternal honeymoon of life, bursting at the seams with all the pleasures.

What would you like to ask our readers?
Can you read so slowly that the spaces between the words in my books of poetry allow you to experience silence and stillness, and perhaps meditate?
vivipruitt@aol.com
ebook exclusives available from Xoxopublishing.com


An excerpt from Night Light by Vivi Pruitt

When true loves kiss awakens me
Within my soul divinity.
A holy union in my heart
Reflected in the sacred art.
The magic of a fantasy
A gift of love so heavenly.

Within the one the many hides
A face of love with many sides.
Divine the father holy ghost
Divine the mother sacred host
Divine the child within the womb
Eternally the roses bloom.

Unto this world my mind I give
The breath of life these days to live
The angels fall before me now
Her grace behold a humble bow.
The magic chord a golden key
Behold the light her majesty.

A song of love the memory
Sweet melody a symphony.
Two disappear remaining one
To light the way the moon the sun.
Around my head halo of stars
Sweet unity the world is ours.

Upon the altar in my mind
The sacred cross for thee to find
The light of love surrounds me now
Filling my heart astound me now.
The sacred union in my soul
The one and only makes me whole.

In silence beating hearts so still.
This emptiness for Thee to fill
On angel wings so red the rose
Into my ears whisper propose.
The master’s hand and heart to steal
Angel asleep the kiss the seal.

When true love’s kiss awakens me
Within my heart divinity
A curtain opens in the night
The light of love still burning bright.

Behind the veil dark shadows lie
I raise my hands up to the sky
Into this world Awaken me!
My love shall not forsaken me.

Around me now arms open wide
Astound me now nowhere to hide
Abound me now beyond compare
Surround me now with riches rare.

One final note my gift to you
May all your hopes and dreams come true.

Hot Summer Love (Cowboy Style 1) is up for LASR Book of the Week!

I would appreciate your vote at http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/index.htm


Thanks folks!

~ Sandy

Please help me welcome XOXO Publishing author Brandi Quick!

I’m Brandi Quick and I write Romance novels for www.XoXoPublishing.com. I don’t write just Romance novels, but Hot Erotic Romance novels that are steamy—very steamy. There is a difference between porn and erotic Romance novels. I do not write porn. However, when my hero and heroine close the bedroom door, I do not cut to the ocean crashing against the rocks. I want my readers to feel his touch, to smell his erotic essence. If I don’t feel his lips on mine and on my body, I rewrite the scene.




A recent novel is The Best Man.

Jerry Tidwell and Doug James have been best friends since grade school. They did everything together until Jerry met Sherri. Sherri is jealous of their relationship and slowly cuts Jerry off from Doug, despite her Attraction to Doug. She is not in favor of Doug being Jerry's best man at their wedding but goes along with Jerry's wishes. Over time, she manages to stop all their activities together except their Saturday morning run and breakfast. The first Saturday after Jerry and Sherri return from their honeymoon, Doug gets his revenge on her – or at least, that's what he thinks.

The Best Man can be purchased at the XoXo Publishing on line store.

http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online

~ Interview ~

Describe yourself as a hero or a heroine and why would you describe yourself
this way?
Female or male? Male, would be Frank Lightfoot from Murder on Marsh Island. He’s a quarter Upper Creek Native American who becomes the sheriff of a small county in South Georgia. Why? I’m part Native American and I love the relationship that develops between him and his girlfriend, Nancy Tillman. Female, would be Linda Lopez form the same book. She is what every girl wants to grow up to be – her own woman, self-reliant, and beautiful. After retiring early from the army she joins the sheriff’s department and soon advances to Chief Deputy Sheriff. They are strong characters, and a lot of myself went into both. The book isn’t out yet –manuscript is done, but I’m still doing some editing.



When did you start writing?
Bring an only child I have always made up stories to have something to do. It became serious a few years ago when we were sunning by the pool and the love-of-my-life was reading an erotic romance and laughing. I said, “What?” Handing me the book, she said, “Read this. Is this possible?” It was a scene with three large men and a female Amazon in bed. Now, I didn’t question the number of participants, but that was a lot of action and weight on a double bed!
The next thing I heard was, “I’ve read your writing you can write better than that,” and I did. I must say it was better.


What made you write your book and why?
Most of my writing is from my experiences in my life and of my friends -- thus why I use a pseudonym. This particular story –The Best Man – came from me sitting in a bar and over hearing a conversation next to me. We’ve all had that happen. Some people are just too loud. One of the guys was telling the other how he had sex with his like long friend’s bride and she didn’t even know it. Now I ask you, have you ever had sex and not known it?? I thought about that for weeks until I came up with a reason. I won’t tell you the reason for that would give away the ending! Let’s just say when it comes to women, men do stupid things.


Who is your inspiration?
My best friend and soul mate. It’s nice to have an English major and accountant in house, so to speak.

How did you feel when you found that XoXo Publishing contracted you?
Jubilation . Opened a bottle of champagne!

Are you writing anything new and if so what are you writing now?
The Coming of Kate. It’s deals with the life of a college football player destined to become an NFL Star. After graduation he comes home and falls in love with his fifth grade teacher.

Do you listen to music when you're writing and if so which kind?
No. Don’t laugh, but I write lounging in my oversized recliner. I have my lap desk with my computer on it and I sit in front of a big-screen TV. There is a table to each side - a phone and coffee on one, research material and, of course, the remote on the other. I just cannot write sitting at a desk!

What advice would you give a new writer breaking out into the writing field?
Write about what you know. I have heard that all my writing career with no explanation. Well, here is mine. Most people had a roommate sometime – college or somewhere along the way. When you write, if you use your memories of these times in your stories, it will add realism. Use the apartment you had when you were twenty as background, then put a lover in it, whether you had one there or not. The description of the apartment adds to the story. When he swoops you up in his arms and takes you to the bedroom – describe your old bedroom.

What promotional advice would you give a new author and why?
Now this is something I am still learning myself. Look for someone who knows what they are doing and emulate them. Hey – Sandy Sullivan comes to mind. Watch what she and others do. How they promote your books on the loops and blogs.

Give us a glimpse in mind what are you thinking right now?
Why am I doing this instead of watching the Georgia Tech game? The answer is sample I love writing.


Thanks for stopping by, Brandi!

~ Sandy

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.