My Foray into Indie Publishing/W*n a #Book Today! #Amwriting #Kindle #Nook #Indieauthors

Alisha: Please welcome the very talented Michelle Miles to my blog today! I'm thrilled to have her here today!



Michelle: Hello! Alisha was kind enough to ask me over to her blog today so I thought I’d take this opportunity to talk about why I decided to go into indie publishing.

When I first started writing many years ago, I wanted a NY pub. I wanted to be with TOR, specifically (still do). But I was so green. I had no idea what I was doing. And writing fantasy? PSHAW. I couldn’t figure out how to world build to save my life. But all that comes with experience. And the more I wrote the more experience I gained.

Fast forward to last year. I’d been tinkering with the idea of self-pubbing some things. Specifically books on which I had the rights back. Mostly that was a waiting game on the publisher. I’d gotten the rights back on one book but was still waiting for the other two. In the meantime, I wrote and submitted a little paranormal romance to my current editor. She rejected it. I revised it. She rejected it again.

So then it came to decision time. Do I continue to submit it? OR do I go out on a limb and publish it myself? I decided I’d give indie a chance. What could it hurt right? It felt the right time to do it for me. I’d seen my friends do it successfully. One of my other pals was giving me a push into the indie direction. Since I had this book rejected and I’d wanted to write and publish a trilogy of novellas, I decided to take the plunge.

The Guardians of Atlantis was born. I came up with a mad scientist who wanted to kidnap human females and mix human DNA with Atlantean DNA. And, naturally, our heroes can’t allow this experiment to happen.


Sabre (Tempting Eden – Available Now). Strong, sexy and serious. He’s no-nonsense. He is chosen as the one to lead the Guardians when his general is arrested for treason. When he refuses to help the lead geneticist and the president of Atlantis in this quest to kidnap women, the life of his sister is threatened. He has no choice but to cooperate. When he meets Eden and can hear her every erotic thought, it’s enough to touch her to ecstasies she’s never before experienced. But it quickly changes to something more and something deeper. He intends to keep her for himself…no matter the price.


Lucian (Seducing Eve – Available Now). Quick-witted and fiercely protective. He meets Eve in the lab and is immediately taken by her. He admires her strength of will to break free of her bonds in Atlantis. When the two are thrown together, becoming fugitives, Lucian finds he can’t stop his heart from ruling his mind. He’s enamored with Eve as she is with him. She agrees to team up to help save the women from the lab.

Raven (Ravishing Helene – Coming Soon). A man of very few words. He’s all action and no talk. He prefers to shoot now and ask questions later. When Sabre’s sister, Helene, is captured and held hostage by the scientists, Raven is sent to retrieve her. It should be a simple job—get in, get the girl, get out. But nothing goes as planned. Rescuing Helene turns into a battle of wills—she wants to go topside and she wants him to take her. And she’ll do whatever it takes to get her way—even seduce him.

I’m really excited about this series. It has a little of everything—action, adventure, romance, good guys, bad guys, strong women. It’s been a lot of fun to write.
I guess you could say I’m a “mixed bag” author. I do some myself as well as write for smaller presses. I still want the bigger houses, too. It’s something I haven’t given up on yet. Whichever way I go, though, I enjoy the process every step of the way. It’s a lot of work but I know in the end, it will all be worth it.

Today I’m doing a giveaway. I’ll give one copy away each of Tempting Eden and Seducing Eve in whichever format preferred.

To enter, just leave a comment and tell me what’s on your summer reading list. Inquiring minds want to know!

About Michelle:
Michelle Miles is the award-winning author of fast-paced, fun-filled paranormal, fantasy and contemporary romances. She is the author of the Ellora’s Cave epic fantasy romance series, Realm of Honor which includes her latest book, Only for a Knight, the second in the series set in the Celtic Otherworld.

Currently, she is writing and publishing her erotic paranormal series, Guardians of Atlantis, about the sexy men of Atlantis and the women who love them. She is also the author of the Coffee House Chronicles, a contemporary romance series set in and around a coffee house, as well as an action-adventure series The Adventures of Ransom and Fortune. She is a member of Romance Writers of America®, PAN Liaison of the Dallas Area Romance Authors chapter and member of the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter. Her work has placed in the highly-acclaimed Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and the Stroke of Midnight Contest sponsored by the Passionate Ink chapter. She is also a contributor of the charity paranormal anthology, Entangled, which has donated over $10,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Where to buy TEMPTING EDEN:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

Where to buy SEDUCING EVE:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

Where to find Michelle:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |Pinterest | Plotting Princesses

#DirtCheap #Ebooks for your #Kindle, #Nook or #iPad! #Bestseller #Romance #Paranormal #Fantasy #Western #Kidlit

Looking for some great deals on ebooks for your Kindle or Nook? 10 titles all for .99 EACH or get the 5-Book Collection for $4 and save a buck!!!! That's dirt cheap!!

My Little Texas Tornado ~ .99!


Colt Daniels is a Texas rancher known for his award winning steaks. The king rancher has known his good neighbor and vintner, Mr. Moon for years. In fact, he recommends the Moon Wines as the ideal label paired with his mouth watering steaks. When Mr. Moon dies and leaves the vineyard to his long lost niece, Savannah Moon, Colt offers to show her the ropes since the California girl is clueless, not only about Texas but about wine. Even his Southern Charm is lost on the snob who doesn't even have the decency to thank him for saving her life her first day in town.

Thing is, he ain't cut out to train someone he can't stand, even if Mr. Moon was like a grandfather to him. But there's no denying it, the Moons know how to grow 'em...wine and women. Savannah isn't a woman he can easily forget. Bitchy or not, he finds reasons to teach her about grapes, among other things. And while he's finding reasons to stomp the grapes with his new neighbor, a plan is brewing to bring the wine heiress down.

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Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I: ~ .99!

(WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!! ULTRA DARK HORROR EROTICA! This is NOT your Grandma's Romance!)

Blurb: WELCOME TO AXL WOLFDORN'S WORLD WHERE THE WOLFEN HAVE LIVED AND THRIVED IN UNDERGROUND CAVERNS FOR 1500 YEARS...

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation.

DON'T TAKE IN STRAYS IN CIRCLE CITY...

When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne.

CAUGHT AND IMPRISONED BY WILD CREATURES WHO CARE NOTHING FOR HUMAN LAW...

Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears.

A MAN ON THE EDGE OF TURNING INTO A BEAST...

Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation.

A WOMAN WHO SHOWED COMPASSION....

But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

CIRCLE CITY: LORD OF THE WOLFEN ~ BOOK I
How much wild can one woman take? Do you have enough wild in you to make it to The End?

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Uncaged: ~ 99! (Interracial Paranormal Romance)

Abused and cast off as a dirty blackamoor, Wren Whittier meets a white man who soothes her pain and leaves her breathless with desire.

Fifteen years have passed since a captured African lion has lived life as a man. Time enough to forget, but when Bruce Remington meets, Wren Whittier, a lovely quadroon, the scent of a woman comes flooding back to him.

Returning to Africa is no longer an option, not when the lion-man is hell-bent on claiming Wren as his wife. But when his new love is captured by a lynch mob and jailed on charges of witchcraft, Bruce must use all his animal powers to rescue her before she's burned at the stake.

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Tusk: ~ .99! (Ice Age Adventure for All Ages)

Blurb: Two Ice Age kids are orphaned and left to survive alone in the wild after their parents are killed in a bear attack. Tusk and his sister, Flint, discover ancient cave paintings with a horrific warning and instructions on how to survive a deadly meteor headed their way. Tusk is a natural born leader and believes only he can warn others and lead the clans to the land bridge and the New World. Flint has secrets of her own and a plan with a woolly mammoth to unite the animal kingdom before their world is blown away.

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Deadly R&R: ~ .99! (Steamy Romantic Thriller)

Blurb: Shay Reynolds was raised solely by her father and abandoned by her mother at an early age. Old enough now to take the reins of her father's business, R&R Advertisting in Palm Springs, Florida, she's about as happy and as successful as a modern woman can get without a mother. Engaged to handsome Chase McMillan, an anchor on the popular national morning television show in New York City with her ads regularly nominated for the prestigious Clio Awards, she's a woman accustomed to life handing her roses. Her good fortune takes a nose dive when her fiance dies mysteriously. Falling into a deep depression, Shay confides in her chauffeur, Tommy Smith and agrees to hire his father's private eye service to investigate. Afraid to be alone, Shay shares her thoughts and broken dreams with Tommy. A serial killer is on the loose. Bad timing for Tommy who has always had it bad for his boss. Hot on the trail of a sicko who enjoys the shock factor of cryptic messages and creepy packages sent to the object of his affection, Tommy fights to shield the only woman who has never treated him like a hired hand.

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Voodoo Moon: ~ .99! (Steamy yet Scary Ghost/Shapeshifter Romance)

Blurb: When London rock star, Tammie Palmer inherits the historic plantation, Rose
Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, she decides to make it her new recording studio, moving her band, Witch Storm, to the haunted mansion. Tales of her ancestor, Annie Palmer have been floating around Jamaica for nearly two centuries. Horrifying acts of slave torture, black magick, Haitian voodoo and murder are part of the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall.

Ancient spells conjure a powerful houngan from the 1800's. A voodoo priest who performed black magick to shift into a wolf in order to save his wife, Daisy from the White Witch. Now he's alive again, hell-bent on revenge against the witch's ancestor. But how can the shifter voodoo-king punish a woman whose scent reminds him of his former love? Can he confront his past and survive in this new world as a beast, without falling in love with his enemy?

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The Wooden Nickel: ~ .99! (Sweet Romantic Historical Set in WWII)

Blurb: When Louise steps into a bread line in the middle of a dusty Texas town, the last thing she expects to find is a filthy hobo-boy taking pity on her. But when Cliff offers her his last piece of change, a worthless wooden nickel, her life changes forever. The Depression era coin proves to be worth far more than the five cents etched beside the wooden buffalo as it becomes a symbol of faith, hope and love, weaving in and out of their lives time and time again.

The Wooden Nickel is an emotional gripping tale about a bond between two young lovers trying to find their way in the world. An intense drama, unfolding amid the backdrop of war torn Europe and a naive America, desperately in need of new hope, The Wooden Nickel is an unforgettable romance full of mesmerizing characters, deep longing and eternal hope.

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The Hour Glass Witch: ~ .99! (Steamy Romantic Time-Travel)

Blurb: Travel back to the Salem Witch Hunt when a wicked glance could have you hanging from the gallows, convicted of lustful witchcraft! Accused of being a witch, Clio, the Muse of History is thrown in prison by a former lover from another life. To escape the gallows, she flees back in time, to the Italian Renaissance, where she becomes a courtesan for a famous Italian painter, living a life of luxury while pining for her lost love. Her favorite god and good friend, Dionysus, is living it up in Tuscany. He invites her to a wild party at his palace where she runs smack-dab into her destiny, only to be separated once more by the Queen of Gorgons. While the sands of time run out, she travels to Hades to face the hounds of Hell in search of her love. Can she salvage her one true love, please the gods and save the lost souls of Salem?

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Nocturnally Vexed: ~ 99! (Steamy Vampire/Shapeshifter Romantic Thriller)

Blurb: King’s Cross Station, London, England, 2006
-“He’s killed again, Vex.” Vex stared at the grainy black and
white photos, taken one hundred and eighteen years earlier, comparing them to
the full color photos taken overnight. Detective Red O’Malley had no choice but
to ask for his help. Vex was their last resort. He was used to dealing with the
undead, whether it be of the blood sucker variety or the elusive shifter-rapt,
after all, he was a combination of the two.

Vex Savaker works as special detective for the Metropolitan Police and has been called to work on the recent Whitechapel killings. The murders resemble the autumn killings of 1888 when Jack-the-Ripper terrorized London. Chastity “Chass” Bartholomew is a seasoned investigative reporter working for London’s newspaper, The Daily Mirror. Chass’s virgin status is far too dangerous with a modern day Jack-the-Ripper on a virgin killing spree. Nunhead Cemetery is a hotbed of paranormal activity and unexplained phemomena but Chass is just too good of a reporter to stay away. Can Vex protect her from the night creatures of London and steer the killer away? Can he protect her from his own dark side, from the beasts within?

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Canyon Wolf Bride: ~ .99! (Steamy Werewolf Romance Nominated for Best Romance of 2007 at Night Owl Romance!!!)

Blurb: The long awaited re-release of Alisha Paige's debut novel has arrived! Canyon Wolf Bride was awarded Recommended Read at My Book Cravings, Reviewer's Top Pick at Night Owl Romance and nominated for Best Paranormal Romance of 2007 at Long and Short Reviews!

When Olympic ski champion, Sean Wilson, takes his best friend’s widow, museum curator, Paige Wellington, on a vacation to The Grand Canyon, he’s attracted to more than the beauty of his companion and the magnificent scenery. Sean discovers an entire pack of werewolves thriving in a canyon paradise. The Havasupai, known as the people of the blue-green waters, share his genetic defect, the werewolf gene. Paige learns the secret of the wolf tribe and struggles with her decision to end their relationship, unable to imagine herself married to a half-man, half-wolf creature. Sean wars against the beast within. Even as the werewolf, he is an intelligent and keen animal, never losing touch with the man lurking beneath the fur and never losing sight of the woman he loves. Will the wolf gene keep them together or tear them apart?

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Paranormal Romance 5-Book Collection (The Very Best of Alisha Paige's Dark, Sensual Romance)

The very Best of Alisha Paige's best-selling sensual, dark paranormal books, including 2 full length novels and 3 novellas, are now available in a 5-Book Collection. 5 Books for the price of 4!

This book collection includes the Night Owl Romance TOP PICK, Alisha's debut novel, Canyon Wolf Bride; the highly acclaimed time-travel, The Hour Glass Witch; the scorching shapeshifter historical, Uncaged; the dark, sultry ghost/shapeshifter tale, Voodoo Moon and the fan favorite, the Jack-the-Ripper shapeshifter thriller, Nocturnally Vexed!

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Celebrating A Writer's Mind! #amwriting #amreading

I'm pretty thrilled! Just grinning ear to ear because I like good news and I really LOVE great news! And this news is about one of my favorite girls in all the world. And it is no surprise that she's a writer like me. Writers like to stick together, talk shop and gab about what crosses a writer's mind.

Ever wonder what crosses a writer's mind? All kinds of great junk! We can sit on a city bus or a in a park and come up with a new story just by people watching or listening in on conversations. Nosy little things aren't we? Well, yeah!

For five glorious years, Sky Purington has brought us fantastic blog posts about exactly that: A Writer's Mind! She's welcomed over 300 amazing authors to her blog, introducing us to many wonderful books, genres and given us a look-see into "a writer's mind"!

(I love this photo of my sweet friend! My personal fave! Isn't she gorgeous?)

To celebrate, Sky is having a 5 year anniverary MEGA GIVEAWAY BOOK BUNDLE!!!

So what’s this big prize? A total of EIGHT eBOOKS! (either PDF or gifted to your Kindle). The titles include The MacLomain Series Boxed Set by Sky Purington, Highland Sorcerer by Clover Autrey, Cowboy-Sexy by Donna Michaels, Welcome to Eden by Rynne Raines and In The Air Tonight by Lainey Bancroft.

Contest ends Friday, October 19th, 12:01 AM EST. *PLEASE NOTE* This bundle includes books with content that ranges from sweet to X-rated saucy. You must be 18+ to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Here's a bit from Sky's very first blog post!

"Here I am, blog 101, fresh off the grill. This is my first time blogging and love it already! For those of you that already know me, stop rolling your eyes, I won't ramble on. For those of you that are hearing the 'real' Sky in your internal ear right now... a grin and wink your way. Have no fear, I like to talk about writing, reading and everyday life. I have a beautiful son turning 2 next month, a husband that inspired my novels and live in New Hampshire, where the maple trees are getting ready to slam out an amazing shade of red this year.
I love history, magic and romance. Could you guess? Ah, but I've a particular fondness for Scotland and Ireland. I can't help it, it's in the genes. But enough about all that. I think in this case, I'd like my first post to be dedicated to my mom. Aye, my mom, hero and best friend. She's a second time breast cancer survivor and the reason I kept writing long after I decided to throw in the towel and give up. Thank you, mom.
And in her honor I hope that you all remember that it's BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. Please, get your yearly check-up ladies. I care!”

From Sky: It's five years later and I still care. If you're a woman with a history of breast cancer in your family, PLEASE SCHEDULE your first MAMMOGRAM at 35 so that your docter can get a base reading and spot problems right away if they arise. If you do not have a history, 40 is fine. Early detection is the key.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE BOOKS IN THE MEGA GIVEAWAY!

HIGHLAND SORCERER by Clover Autrey

Charity Greves has the gift of healing. So when a naked bleeding Highlander materializes out of the air into her kitchen, she does what any rational free-thinking herbalist under the same circumstances would do--she heals him. She didn’t expect to be drawn back to the 13th Century where a dangerous whacked-out witch holds the handsome Highlander captive.
Nor is she prepared to be drawn so strongly to him that she’ll do whatever it takes to save him.
Imprisoned by the witch, Toren Limont the High Sorcerer and Protector of the Faes’ magic, uses the last of his magical reserves to go forward in time and find a healer the witch doesn’t have any influence over. He merely seeks the small respite a healing can give him in order to continue to withstand the witch’s tortures long enough for his clan and siblings to flee.
Until Charity falls with him through time as either his salvation or his entire clan’s downfall.
Purchase Highland Sorcerer at Amazon and many online bookstores.

COWBOY-SEXY by Donna Michaels

Finn Brennan is used to his brother playing practical jokes, but this time he's gone too far--sending Finn a woman as a ranch hand. And not just any woman, but a Marine.When 1st Lt. Camilla Walker's commanding officer asks her to help out at his family's dude ranch until he returns from deployment, she never expects to be thrust into a mistaken engagement to his sexy, cowboy twin--a former Navy SEAL who hates the Corps. But before long, Cammie is wishing their fake engagement could be real.The Corps took Finn's father, his girlfriend, and threatened his naval career. He's worked hard for another shot at getting back to active duty. The last thing he needs is a headstrong, unyielding, hot Marine who not only tempts his bed, but soon has him rethinking his goals.

Purchase Cowboy-Sexy at Amazon and many online bookstores.

WELCOME TO EDEN by Rynne Raines

Eden Series- Book One

Within the walls of Eden, temptation rules and anything goes….

Psychiatrist Caitlyn Ward never imagined setting foot inside the hottest fetish club in Los Angeles until the day a patient’s concerns about sexual desires went beyond her expertise. Now, determined to uncover the answers needed to alleviate her patient’s mind, Caitlyn ventures into a world of dark and forbidden pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.

Purchase at Amazon and many online bookstores.

IN THE AIR TONIGHT by Lainey Bancroft

As reigning queen of Toronto’s talk radio, Lacy Monroe has found the venue to rise above her questionable past without stifling her natural tendency to speak freely. Until the media dubs her "Loose Lacy," and a fan crosses the line from "caller" to telephone stalker.

When her apartment is broken into, Lacy grows desperate to discover the identity of her caller. Could it be Mark, the ex-boyfriend who dumped her because he felt she’d prostituted herself for her job? Johnny Rock, the sexist drive-time DJ at the station where she works? Or could the caller be firefighter Reid Walker, the winner of her Dream Date contest? Reid believes the subject matter of her show should be censored, yet he doesn’t seem to mind setting her sheets ablaze.

Lacy searches for answers and discovers the past she thought she’d escaped has everything to do with her present problems.

Purchase at Bookstrand and many online bookstores.

THE MACLOMAIN SERIES BOXED SET by Sky Purington

THE KING'S DRUIDESS - Chiomara will not be swayed from prophecy. If the Gods of Ireland request that she couple with the king, so be it. If it is also their wish that he marry another woman, who is she, a simple Druid, to stand in their way? But King Erc is in love with Chiomara. Will he risk the whole of his kingdom for what lays in his heart?

FATE'S MONOLITH- Arianna has been haunted by the dream of a phantom Scottish warrior. Her infatuation with the dream intensifies until All Hallows' Eve when she's whisked back in time. Iain MacLomain has long awaited the arrival of his promised bride. She claims to not be the woman intended for him but she fits the description given him of her. Her defiance will end up costing them everything and rips them apart. However, a Scottish Chieftain with magic at his disposal is capable of most anything. Will he hold Arianna in his arms again or is she lost to him forever?

DESTINY'S DENIAL- Caitlin relives the same nightmare every night for three years. Then one day, the dream seeps into reality when an ethereal Scotsman visits. When Caitlin discovers a family heirloom in the attic she soon learns the truth about her dream. Ferchar MacLomain found what he was looking for. Caitlin. To bring her to Cowal will spell disaster-a foreseen threat to himself, his clan, and Caitlin. As a visionary, it's his obligation to protect her. As a man, he's determined to ignore his heart. Can he thwart his destiny? Or will he forever be a slave to the gods of old.

SYLVAN MIST- Coira refuses to acknowledge the Scotsman haunting her. Why should she? She carries no magic and she's newly engaged. She much prefers a proper English gentleman to a barbarian living six hundred years in the past. However, as one whirlwind day will prove, she has little choice in the matter. William MacLomain did not call her back, yet she arrives. Coira is not the woman meant for him. Or is she? Her arrival marks the start of a highland war unlike any Scotland has witnessed before. Soon, he finds himself in a tangled web of duty, loyalty and unexpected love. A love so unattainable and powerful it may cost him the war; and his heart.

This boxed set is intended for a mature audience.

Purchase at Amazon and many online bookstores.

Alisha: Happy Anniversary, Sky! A Writer's Mind will always be one of my favorite blogs to visit to find great new books, industry news and learn all about a writer's mind! Love and hugs, my beautiful friend!

Debut Vampire Novelist, J.B. Stilwell!

Alisha: Pretty damn excited for this book to release! I'm a sucker for vampire novels and this one has sucked me in...one thing is for sure...J.B. Stilwell does NOT suck. Sorry, couldn't resist the corny vampire jokes. Watch this author..she is GOING PLACES! This is a book to add to your reading pile!

THE SOURCE ~ Chapter 1

RELEASING WORLDWIDE ON AUGUST 14TH

I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing here. When I had answered the ad online, I really wasn’t expecting to get the call, but then again I’ve become a pro at selling myself short. Or maybe it was just because I didn’t think it was a legit posting. Seems legit. They gave everyone a white coat and name badge before seating us in this room. This stale, white room. No furniture except black folding chairs and a whiteboard. Minimalist to say the least. It seems more military than federal government. I had always thought the feds lavished themselves with things like two thousand dollar ashtrays made of Italian marble. Well, maybe not for their scientists.

There are fourteen of us. Looking around the room, it’s hard to find anyone like me because we all seem so different. Except that we were all hired for medical research by the U.S. federal government. And we were all brought here, a secret government research facility in Rowan, West Virginia. Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, away from the skeptical eyes of the world. Men, women, thin, fat, white, black, Asian…human…vampire. How did I know? Well, some of that is obvious, but with vampires you just know. I have developed a radar over the past ten years, since vampires were accepted into U.S. society and given full rights. Still, sometimes I have been wrong. Nothing worse than being publicly reminded of how foolish making assumptions can make you look.

The door to the left of the whiteboard opens, and a man in a black suit walks through to the center of the room. Now he looks like a fed. Closely cut light brown hair, styled in the most boring way possible. Cleanly shaven without a hint of stubble. Suit completely wrinkle-free and shoes polished so brightly that I could probably see my reflection in them. Yep, definitely a fed.

“Thank all of you for being here today and accepting our offer to work on one of the most important medical research projects of our lifetime. My name is Robert Caulfield. I’m the director of the Federal Office of Human and Vampire Administration.”

Bingo. I guessed another one right.

“As you may know, the U.S. government has been looking for ways to address the criminal element within the vampire community. There are those within the community who continue to kill humans and are rousing a counter-movement to revoke the equal status of vampires in the United States. What FOHVA proposes is to begin research toward a medical solution to prevent any possibility of the counter-movement earning any legitimacy or gaining political backing. If this small group of extremists go mainstream, not only will we see the collapse of ten years of social progress, but vampires will essentially have to go back into hiding.”

I can’t think. It’s hard to process everything that Mr. Caulfield had said. Surely such a lunatic fringe group could not become powerful enough that people would actually support them. Why make vampires go back underground? It just doesn’t make any sense to me.

“Each one of you has been chosen out of thousands of applicants because of your areas of expertise. You will be paired with someone with a complementary background to work as a team to develop a solution to the anti-vampire element. Keep in mind that what we are looking for is prevention. We need to remove the reason why a counter-movement would need to exist by addressing the high rate of human murders committed by vampires. The pair that succeeds in developing a viable option to address our problem will receive a fifty thousand dollar bonus in addition to the regular salary.”

I can literally feel my eyebrows touch my hairline. I’m afraid to look around at the other researchers as I didn’t want to confirm that I was the only one who was reacting like the country bumpkin in the big city, eyes wide and full of wonder and hope.

A woman in a gray business suit walks in and hands Mr. Caulfield a clipboard. “When I call your name and the name of your partner,” he begins, “please pass through the door to my right and you will be given further instructions as well as advised as to which research suite you will be using in the coming months. Any questions?”

The room is dead silent. Either we all understand, are too afraid to ask or haven’t heard anything past “fifty thousand dollar bonus.”

“Very good,” Mr. Caulfield continues, “ and welcome to FOHVA.”

Copyright 2012 J.B. Stilwell

Guest Blogger: Sky Purington and an Interview with Alexandria and Salvator from Heart of Vesuvius!

Hi Everyone! I’m totally thrilled to be visiting Alisha’s blog. For those of you unfamiliar with my work I write a cross genre of fantasy/paranormal with a twist of history and a splash of time-travel. Sound like the perfect cocktail? Good!

This visit I’m going to get down to the nitty-gritty. Dive into the depths of my latest release in a most unconventional way. What do I mean? Well, I’m going to have the hero and heroine from my latest vampire tale interview one another. Yep, it’s been done at this blog before BUT has it been done by two vamps over eight hundred years old? Not only that…has it been done by a female vampire with a chip on her undead shoulders? But all that’s blood under the fangs. Love survives!



Before we hand the blog over to a couple of vampires with very strong personalities, here’s a basic run-down of their story, HEART OF VESUVIUS.

(One lucky commenter gets a download of their choice from my backlist. That includes Heart of Vesuvius.)

Two vampires…one goal.


Alexandria has no choice. She must flee to the last place she wants to. Straight into the arms of a vampire she was determined to forget. Salvator, ancient vampire, finds this a clever fix to obtaining the one vampire he’s always desired…Alexandria.

Together, they must find a way to evade her powerful enemy, Salvator’s brother Luciano. On the run, they struggle to understand one another. Deep, dark secrets are revealed. Denied passion ignites. Blood is spilled.



Within the heart of Vesuvius, anything is possible. All can be conquered. But will it be? Can wrongs be made right? History is the locked door. Forgiveness is the key. Time will tell if ancient love can once again flourish.

So there you have it, a general idea. What do you say we get back to the fun stuff? Of course, that means it’s time for Alexandria (Alex) and Salvator to interview one another. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve called Gabriel (Alex’s brother and the hero from Darkest Memory- Prequel to Heart of Vesuvius) in to act as an intermediary between the two because, well…these vampires are rather like a volcano when they get too close! And you never know which way they’ll erupt. My guidelines? Three questions only aimed at the other. No more. Trust me, if I let them they’d ramble on or worse. So, floor’s yours first Alex. Gabriel stand strong my man. Salvator, just be nice, k?

ALEX: (Long dark hair pulled back, wisps hang loose. Painter’s smock speckled with her latest color pallet. Crisp English accent takes on a soft sexy Norman tongue when dealing with all things Salvator) Thanks, Sky. Glad to be here. But truth told you were a bit dramatic when introducing us. Salvator and I have made it through the toughest of our tale. Now it’s all pure romance. Gabriel, glad to have you here brother, but unnecessary. Best we get to the interview. So, Salvator, my love, what were your first thoughts when you knew I was coming back into your life?

SALVATOR: (Tall, too dark and handsome for his own good, dressed in black, haute couture head to toe, lounges casually nearby) ora che il mio amore

Alex frowns. Gabriel says, “English, Salvator.”

SALVATOR: So sorry, Alexandria. I said, “It was about time, My Love.”

ALEX: (Nod of approval) What plans do you have for the future?

SALVATOR: To please you for many centuries to come, preferably in the bedroom.
Alex shoots a pointed look Salvator’s way and shakes her head. Gabriel says, “You need to let the readers know more, Salvator.”

SALVATOR: Thought I did. You need details? Her long, sexy as hell legs being tossed up over my shoulders. That wet, hot−“

ALEX: Stop! Moving on. Salvator, we’re looking at an eternity together. How do you intend to make that work? You’re not exactly−“

SALVATOR: I’m exactly everything you need and it will work. You are my existence be it past, present or future. You are my love, Alexandria. Do you doubt that for a second?

Passion ignites mid-interview. The room blurs and two vampires are instantly in one another’s arms. Gabriel clears his throat. “We owe Alisha’s blog a full interview. Can you handle it or should we leave?”

SALVATOR: (Licks the side of Alex’s throat, eager to bite) We’re vampires. We are in true form. (Nibbles her neck) but we will finish the interview. Alexandria, m’dear, why were you such a prickly wench?



ALEXANDRIA: (Small smile, head thrown back) Because I could be.



SALVATOR: Devilish woman (Incisors out. Sniffs her skin with a secret grin.) Tell me, was that the real reason you fled my brother? I think it was because you had to be with me. Had to have me.

ALEXANDRIA: (Head snaps up. Eyes narrow.) You know damn well that wasn’t why.

SALVATOR: Are you quite sure because I felt the way you used your mouth on my−.
(Slap. Alex’s hand across Salvator’s face.) She pulls away. He growls.
Gabriel shakes his head and shrugs. “You see. They can’t handle a civilized interview.”

SALVATOR: (Tries to pacify…kind of) What the hell’s the matter with you, sweetness?

ALEXANDRIA: You know that wasn’t why I fled to you. I had no choice. As to how I use my mouth, that’s between us!



Gabriel winks and leaves. Sky here. Did I not warn you? Oh, no worries, Alex and Salvator already vanished down the garden path leading toward their special place. They’ve been through an awful lot and while passion rules them…man are they stubborn! There are still some kinks to work out. I wrote their tale. I brought them together because truly, they’re meant for one another in not only this life but….wait, almost gave away too much. I suppose all we need to know right now is that they really are in love despite that interview. Dang vamps.


HEART OF VESUVIUS takes you down their path. PLUS you had the added bonus of meeting Gabriel.

What they’re saying about HEART OF VESUVIUS…

"...this haunting story about loves lost and found is certainly worth the read. The ominous climax of the story, where we learn the origin of the feud between the two brothers and the truth that lies at the heart of Salvator's relationship with Alexandria, was beautifully, heartbreakingly written."

~The Romance Reviews

“The vampire on vampire sex is hot and wild ...a great read for all you romantics and vampire lovers!"

~Nocturne Romance Reads

“This vampire romance grabs you and keeps you riveted until the very end. I couldn’t put it down. If you love paranormal or vampire stories, this is one to read.”

~ Lisa- Happily Ever After Reviews

Purchase HEART OF VESUVIUS at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Kindle, All Romance Ebooks and most online book stores.

Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about Alex and Salvator from Heart of Vesuvius. Don’t forget, their tale is better tasted if Darkest Memory is sampled as well. Why not? Twice the hot vampire action!

Learn more about my vamps and previous works including some very sexy Scottish Highlanders. Then there’s my upcoming trilogy about three To-Die-For modern day Warlock Paranormal Investigators. All can be found at my Website. Enjoy blogging…better yet meeting great authors and winning tons of prizes? Then swing over to my blog, A Writer’s Mind and join the fun. I always welcome friends and fans. Hit my website to find out how to hook up via Facebook and Twitter.

Interested in touching base? Contact me at Sky@SkyPurington.com.



This just in… Are you an author looking to promote your work for FREE? A Writer’s Mind will be opening its doors in May to feature you in a whole new way. Click this link to learn more. A Writer's Mind

Thanks for letting me and my vamps chat at your blog, Alisha. We had an absolute blast!

Cheers
~Sky

An Interview with Mary Alice Pritchard!

Today I'm thrilled to interview Mary Alice Pritchard!

Alisha: Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood? Favorite memories?

Mary Alice: I was born in a little delta town in Mississippi. I have one brother. I grew up reading. I read everywhere we went and didn’t have a clue how to get anywhere in town until I started to drive. I remember spending summers with my grandparents and miss those years.

Alisha: I was close to my grandparents too. Don't you wish we could just turn back time? Tell us about the hero and heroine in your latest release.

Mary Alice: Lizzy is a spunky red head channel for ghosts. She is bound to a ghost until she can help him finish his business on earth to move on. Jacob is the highway patrolman who pulls her over for speeding. He’s talk dark and handsome, but they all are, right?

Alisha: I already like the sound of this story! Right up my alley! If you were granted three wishes by a genie, what would they be?

Mary Alice: First, to be able to write full time without worrying about paying my bills. Second, to live closer to my brother and his family. Third, to live closer to my favorite critic and friend.

Alisha: How odd! We share the same wish (#1..tee hee). If you could go anywhere to tomorrow, where would you go?

Mary Alice: I can’t make up my mind….Spain maybe.

Alisha: If you could see anyone tomorrow (dead or alive), who would it be?

Mary Alice: John Wayne

Alisha: I love the Duke! If you could choose six people to spend one week on a desert island, who would it be and why?

Mary Alice: Nita Wick, my best writing friend. Vin Diesel, because he’s a hunk. Roark from J.D. Robb’s Death series because he’s a perfect idea of a man. Lora Leigh to learn how she manages to write such damn good books. Sam Elliot because I like the bad boys. Richard Dean Anderson because I was in love with him for years! LOL

Alisha: Wow! What a great group that would be! What word or phrase tingles in all the right places for you?

Mary Alice: I Want You. 

Alisha: Mmmm...wonderful. If you had one day to spoil yourself, what would you do?

Mary Alice: I’d go to a wonderful spa and have all the services and then read the rest of the day.

Alisha: Perfect! If you could change one incident in your life, what would it be and how would you change it?

Mary Alice: I would go back to highschool and change how I dealt with my first boyfriend who turned out to be my ex-husband. Enough said.

Alisha: Hmm...I have one of those too and he was my highschool sweetheart...lol! What’s the sexiest thing a man has ever done for you or said to you or both?

Mary Alice: Set up a sexy bath and bathed me. I loved it!


Excerpt

Oh, rats! It wasn’t like all of the spirits she’d found bound to her were huge hassles, but lately, most of them were. Case in point, Carlton Taylor. Her most recently acquired spirit knew his time was short and still managed to die without fulfilling his promises. Just like a man to think he had all the time in the world. They could cheat death and lift fully decked out monster trucks over their heads.
“Carl, are you sure there’s no one who would remember where your great-grandmother, Augustine Rhodes, is buried? It sure would be a lot easier than exploring every cemetery in the county.”
“No, there ain’t nobody around who keeps up with all that stuff since Momma died.”
“Well, your Momma isn’t here, Carl, and that leaves me walking blindly from marker to marker. Since you’re so insistent on hanging around me at all hours, you can take half of the next one and help me look. She’s your great-granny!”
“I can do that. So long as there ain’t no protection around the place. I can look as good as you.”
“I doubt that, Carl, you’re about two weeks gone and starting to get ripe.”

Howlllll! Okay, now I really have to read this! I love ghost stories and this one sounds like a hoot! Thanks for being a guest on my blog today, Mary Alice! Please come back soon!
~Alisha