NEW BLOG, NEW RELEASE = CONTEST

To kick off my new blog and the 4th book in my good friend Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren Series…

I’m having a contest

Go here to find out all the deets: Ann Laurie

Don't worry I'll still be around here too, but what a better way to celebrate!

Sneak Peak - Too Wicked To Kiss Giveaway

Next week I’ll be giving away a copy of Erica Ridley’s debut book Too Wicked To Kiss Don’t you love the cover!

Here’s the backcover blurb:

His Touch Holds Her Captive...
From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait...

To His Every Dark Desire...
Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have murdered his parents. Initially, Gavin's towering presence and brusque manner instill fear in Evangeline...until his rakish features and seductive attentions profoundly arouse her.

But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

You can read an excerpt here

So, this is a little sneak peak for next week.

Happy Weekend Everyone,

Vicki

Surprise Book(s) Giveaway

Before I begin today's actual post, I'd like to say thank you for all of the well wishes and prayers for Science Guy. And for those who might not have known and wondered where I was all last week, well Science Guy gave us quite a scare last Friday. He ended being in the hospital for four days and after many test and x-rays they determined that he had a TIA (mini stroke).

He was very fortunate and this was a wake up call to take better care of his health. Now we're going for walk, and watching that dreaded salt in take and yes first child, he's quiting smoking. Or at least he's working very hard on it.

Okay, now for today's post. Since I've been extremely busy with SG and being back to work, I've decided to a contest this week for a box of books. There'll be no less than 4, but it could be up to 10. All you have to do is leave a comment to be entered.

Well, maybe that's not all you have to do. How about you tell L and I about something that's your favorite. It can be a seasonal thing, a back in the day the thing, a vacation thing...you get the picture.

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Last Day With Karin Tabke

I hope you've had as much with Karin being here as we have. Today's the last day to ask those questions and enter into the contest.

Tomorrow the randomizer.org will choose two lucky winners.

Have a great Friday everyone!

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Karin Tabke - Master of Craving - She's here!!

This week we have none other than the fabulous Karin Tabke in the land. Karin is not only an amazing author, but she has to be one of the sweetest people I know.

I first meet her at RT this past year, which was so cool, then in DC at RWA nationals, we got to hang out quite a bit. Let me tell you Karin knows how to have a great time and still be such a gracious person to those of us fan girls. Yep, I might be a writer, but I’m still a fan girl.

Karin will be here off and on this week to say hello and answer questions. Yay!!! And on Wednesday’s she’ll be here with an interview. Fun Stuff!

Enough of that (for now), let’s get on with this week’s contest.





Master of Craving is Book three in the Blood Sword Legacy series. And here’s just one of her awesome reviews.

"Tabke's alpha heroes and strong-willed women captivate. Her third Blood Sword Legacy novel is a powerful battle-of-wills love story that resonates with the atmosphere of the era and simmering passion, betrayals and politics that add depth to a stirring tale."

-- Romantic Times

Sounds great, right? It is.

Here’s the backcover blurb:

The Blood Sword LegacyEight knights bound by a brotherhood forged in hell claim their legacies the only way they can: by right of arms, by right of victory, by right of conquest.
Most of England has submitted to King William, but Wales refuses to yield. The King's trusted Blood Swords are unable to prevail, and while Stefan de Valrey is left unconscious on the battlefield, his sworn brothers are captured. Despite terribile injuries, Stefan vows to liberate them. Even rescuing a delicately beautiful -- and naked -- maiden from peril cannot deter him, for the silver-eyed Arianrhod is a Welsh princess, a hostage Stefan can exchange for his brothers...so long as Arian remains as pure as when he met her. But that is a constraint Stefan finds harder to honor with every passing day.

When the scowling knight slings her across his saddle, Arian knows she should fix all her thoughts on escape. But Arian has never before experienced the deep, soul-changing desire that Stefan arouses with merely a glance. Breaking their vows could set two kingdoms ablaze -- can they control the sweet, terrible burning between them?

Now that you’re dying to know more, you can go here for an excerpt.

Are you back? Dying to read the book? Have you read the first two? If so, please no spoilers. :)
Well then, leave those comments and questions all week to be entered.

In fact, there may just be a surprise for one the people who ask Karin a question. So bring ‘em on. But remember to play responsibly. Heehee.

Hugs,
Vicki

Query Your Day….

Disclosure: I am borrowing this idea from Karin Tabke (http://www.karintabke.com/) because I think it was an awesome idea and a lot of fun. And you get a free book out of the deal.

Write a Query about your day in 200 words or less – Come on this is fun so participate.

I made a few tweaks to what I put on Karin’s blog, but only because I thought of something better, hours after I hit submit – oh and some things had to be changed to protect the innocent. :-P

My Life As A Writer, is a 90,000 word, romantic comedy, where Laurie Kapkowski often finds herself waking up between a hot man and two other females. Oh, did I forget to mention: Trixie her Chihuahua, and Bella, her crazy cat, are allowed in bed.

By day she's a mild-mannered programming manager for a television shopping channel. Her world thrives on color and puzzles. Highlighting (color-coding) the hours that belong to her department and a 744 piece grid (actual hours in a 31 day month - puzzle) that must be changed multiple times, while people steal away pieces, and an over-abundance of arguments along the way. Yes-men have no place in Laurie’s life as she isn’t afraid to use no at any opportunity.

Her nights are filled with laugher and love as her adult daughter and husband keep her laughing, when she can hear them, that is, past the 5 barking dogs, or when she isn’t submerged in the fantasy world of her own making. If only she could figure out what her handsome husband, who is cooking dinner, and beautiful daughter, who is cleaning, mean when they say they want to be reincarnated as a writer?

This is 197 words so don’t tell me you can’t do better because I really suck at query’s. Come on let's see what ‘cha got. And we get to learn about each other - How cool, huh?!

Place your entry in the comments section - I can’t wait to read them!!! You will be disqualified if it goes over 200 words - sorry there has to be rules - we all hate them, but they are there to protect the innocent :-P

And remember one randomly selected winner will win a book of my choosing, just tell me your favorite genre and I'll try to see what I can find :-D

I mean hey, its FREE (nothing is better than free) If you're the winner you have until next Friday to contact me or a new winner will be chosen (I know more rules).

Ready...Set...GO!!!!

XOXO
LKap

Shayla Black In The House

We’ve got Shayla Black in the house today. Woot!!! We are so excited to have her with us and to be giving away a copy of Tempt Me With Darkness.



In case you missed it on Monday, you can read an excerpt here. Just scroll down the page.

Before we start with the interview I must confess. I totally put the wrong information for the surprise. I was so excited (and at the day job) that I just typed and squeed (inside my head, remember day job) like a fan girl. Which I am.

Shayla is giving away one ARC of Seduce Me In Shadow (people, I don’t even have this) and one pdf of the first three chapters. OMG, does she ROCK or what!!!

Okay, now back to what you all came here to read.

Here’s Shayla (and me):

Vicki: How did you get started writing and have you always written paranormal?

Shayla: I actually started in 1999 writing historical romances as Shelley Bradley. From there, I morphed into contemporary romances. I very much enjoyed them, but then discovered erotic and paranormal romances, which I dearly love. So here I am today…

Vicki: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Shayla: Very much a plotter. In fact, I give storyboarding classes both online and in person from time to time, which allows writers to “see” the flow of their plot, sub-plots, character arc, etc. in a more visual manner than a synopsis. I wouldn’t write a book without a storyboard, particularly a suspense or one of my complex Doomsday Brethren books.

Vicki: You’re not only an amazing writer, a wife, and mom, but you also write for three lines. How do you manage to do it all?

Shayla: Thank you. I’m not sure I always manage to do it all. Currently, I’m about 6 weeks behind schedule, but everything comes down to priorities. I confess to being something of a workaholic, but I do find small pockets of time each day to take care of necessary stuff, be with family, and just relax. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the pool, playing Rock Band 2/Guitar Hero, and watching some favorite shows. I also try to read at least one book a week and am always mentoring a person or two.

My work schedule is fairly regimented: Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6pm, then 9pm-11pm (sometimes later). During those hours, I try to write at least 10-12 pages and answer emails. The rest of the time is devoted to family. Weekends are different. I try to get pages in, but I don’t always succeed. I think the key is managing is to have goals and figure out how long it takes you to achieve those goals. Then set aside the necessary time without excuses. That may require sacrifices, but if you’re really serious, it’s worth it.

Vicki: Can you tell us how you came up with the Brethren Series idea or was it originally a single book that turned into a series?

Shayla: Vicki, RT Bookclub recently asked me that same question. I’ve written my answer, along with and excerpt of my next Doomsday Brethren release, for some exclusive bonus web content here. Please check it out. I’ve also chatted just a bit about future installments in the series.

Vicki: What’s your favorite part of the job?

Shayla: I worked in Corporate America for 18 years, so I very much appreciate my flexible schedule, the very casual dress code, and the fact everything I do contributes to a my business, and not someone else’s. But the best part of my job is creating characters and worlds to provide enjoyment for readers who want to escape or be a part of something different or identify with someone else’s situation. I love giving readers an experience. It’s not always easy. I wish words just flowed every day, but working through a book and being satisfied with the product when you type “The End” is the best feeling ever.

Vicki: With the release of Fated coming up and the novella of Seduce Me In Shadow do you have anything planned for the future of the Brethren series that you can share?

Shayla: In Fated, you’ll meet a handful of new characters, including twin wizards, who have been magickind’s playboys for decades. All that changes when one of them embraces the human barmaid he’s been lusting after. But will a family curse and danger keep them apart? You’ll also meet a wizard grieving Auropha MacKinnett, the first casualty of evil Mathias’s return in TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS. He’ll join the Doomsday Brethren in SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW. Also in the book there’s more about Lucan and Anka. Shock continues to be…well, Shock. Bram encounters an unknown danger he can’t outrun that may do him in. But the core of the book is about Lucan’s brother, Caden, and human paranormal tabloid journalist, Sydney, who knows far more about the magical war and the Doomsday Brethren than she should. When she receives the Doomsday Diary as a birthday gift, Caden finds that getting it back and shutting her up aren’t as simple as it sounds.


Vicki: Whose journey was it harder to write, Marrok’s or Olivia’s? And can I just add I love Marrok.

Shayla: Thanks! I loved Marrok, too. Sometimes uber-alpha…and sometimes adorably clueless. His journey was harder for me to write, both because he had the most to overcome and because he was such a recluse. I’m a total people person, so that level of isolation boggled my mind. Getting him to not only tolerate magickind, but agree to help them, was a feat. But getting him to fall for his enemy’s great-granddaughter and admit to her and himself that he truly loved her was altogether more challenging.

Vicki: Can you tell us a little about your upcoming release?

Shayla: Actually, there are 3! Fated and SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, which you’ve already mentioned, plus Doomsday Brethren 3, POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT releases in November.

Here are the blurbs for both:

SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW
When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black’s seductive new paranormal series.

Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book’s existence, she will jeopardize magickind’s most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard’s number one target. Caden has never trusted magic’s cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic—even if it means risking his heart.

POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT
An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black’s electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both.

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard’s intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible—and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother’s sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power. Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life—and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover’s fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can’t ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can’t resist?

I have to say that I’m totally thrilled to advance existing storylines, introduce new ones, and share three totally different relationships with everyone. I love them all, but Sabelle and Ice have an extra special place in my heart. Ice may be my favorite hero of all I’ve ever written…

Vicki: If you weren’t an author and could be anything you wanted to be, what would it be and why?

Shayla: If a life of indolence is out of the question (LOL), I’d love to be a book editor. I love reading, and I really enjoy shaping books into the best they can be. I’ve been writing and dissecting books for so long, that it’s second nature.

Vicki: Any advice for those of us who are aspiring writers and parting words for our readers?

Shayla: Do NOT quit. It’s not always the most talented who make it, but the most dedicated. I ran across a roster from one of my chapters, dated 1992. Of the 115 people on the register, only 3 are still chapter members. I can think of a handful of people who have simply chosen not to rejoin but are still writing, but even then…10 out of 115? Some published but quit, most never published and quit. Point is, they quit. I’m too damn stubborn for that. J

Vicki: Did I say we are super excited to have you here. Okay, so I did, but really, it’s been fabulous. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting with us.

~Vicki

Shayla's Not Here Today, So How About That Surprise

Shayla is currently on her way home from vacation with her family. Most of us know this means one thing. Spotty WiFi. OMG, it's like death without access to our computers. Emails go unread and you just know that Macy's or Hot Topics (see I cover all areas) will be having the biggest sale ever and you'll miss it.

Or worse. Our author won't have access to do the interview. Yeah, I know, really a sad moment. In fact we could take a small moment of silence here as we mourn the lose of today's interview. It was a good one, full of life and upcoming release information.

Ahem!

We'll have that interview either tomorrow or Friday so no worries, the things we want to know will be here. All in good time, my pretties (she rubs her hands together and shifts her eyes...wait, wrong story).

So, how about the surprise. You've come back to check and even left comments and now it's time.

Maybe you've heard about this book Shayla has written that's yet to release. Seduce Me In Shadow? Maybe you'd like to read a quick excerpt here

Well, how would you like to win your very own PDF copy?

Okay, you'll have to quit jumping up and down the screen is getting blurry. Whoo, that's better. Yep, several of you will be randomly chosen to win. How cool is that!!!

Keep leaving those comments and now you can even add a question or two for Shayla and we'll see if she can answer them when she has her lifeline back. Yes, our Internet is part of our lifeline. The wire aren't visible, but they're there nonetheless.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Books, Glorious Books

I have bookcases! My books are unpacked (finally), and sitting proud on the shelves. Every time I walk into the family room I smile. There’s something about seeing the vibrant colors on the spines of the books that just makes me feel good. Books to read for the sheer pleasure of reading them and books for studying the craft.

It’s sort of like what came first the reader or the writer. Truth be known that’s a hard question so I called the one woman who would know and remember perhaps accurately then I would. My mom. Her answer? “You did both.”

Okay, so that’s not what I was looking for, but as we continued to talk she reminded me of how many times a book (probably a little Golden Book) would be read to me and then I’d try to write my own story. Especially if I didn’t like the way the book ended. I mean really the chicken running around saying the sky is falling just bothered me. Even at an early age I wanted to tell the chicken to wise up, the sky couldn’t fall.

So I wrote my own. Well, I scribbled what I thought were words to make my own stories until I realized that one, I couldn’t read that well just yet, and two, I didn’t know how to spell the words in my stories. Again, mom or my best friend who was older than me and could already read and write chapter books.

We’d sit and I’d tell my story. It was great. I’d changed characters and plotlines and make the big bad wolf beg for forgiveness or my favorite was when I was older and wrote the continuing tales of the Wizard of Oz. Who knew back then there were already books out there with other story lines?

The cozy teenage mysteries of my youth were the best. I loved Trixie Bleden and wanted to so bad to be in the club with Honey and Jim. And I couldn’t wait for Trixie to get old enough for Jim to kiss her. :) Yep, many of you may have guessed it. I wrote my own scenes. Very sweet and tender scenes where their hands brushed each others and Jim stared deep into Trixie’s eyes as her legs became wobbly. He’d tuck the strands of hair that were free from her ponytail back behind her ear. And then ever so slow he’d lean forward while her eyes closed and…kiss her on the cheek. Hey, I was only ten years old. Kissing on the lips wasn’t allowed just yet.

What I remembered as I unpacked books and lovingly sat them in their new place of honor is I’ve always loved to read and I’ve always loved to write. I told Science Guy that now our new home felt like a home and not a house.

Oh yeah, in case you thought I forgot about the surprise, nope just not quite ready to reveal it. Heehee

So, what about you? Since we’re all readers and many are writers, I’m sure you’ve got books. But do you feel a sense of rightness when you see them? When everything else in the world is going crazy are they the things that can help you escape if only for a little while? And what about writing? Are you like me? Did you every want to change the ending of the stories of your youth?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Shayla Black and Tempt Me With Darkness

I’m so excited to be giving away Shayla Black’s book Tempt Me With Darkness.



This is the first book in the Brethren Series and if you haven’t read them, then you’re in for a treat. A sexy paranormal treat, that is. :)

On Wednesday I’ll have an interview with Shayla.

Here’s the backcover blurb:

He's an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction....
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray's dark windswept hair and burning violet eyes, he's sure they've met in eons past. He's felt her soft gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own hard powerful body...Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur's warriors, has endured a terrible curse cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

She's a modern woman about to discover ancient magic....
Olivia shares a mystical — and irresistible — connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful — and intimate — than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna's hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy all magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love — with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren — can save them.

Click here to read an excerpt.

I’ll wait go ahead and read it, then come back.

La, la, la, I’m going home to the place where I belong…Oh, you’re back. Don’t pay any attention to red glowing from my face. I always sing while I wait. Yep, singing Daughtry.

Okay, now that you’ve checked out Shayla’s site and read the excerpt I know you’re itching to get your hands on a copy. And really the cover art alone is enough to make you pick up the book.

So, leave your comments today and any other day this week to be entered in the contest. On Saturday I’ll use the trusty number randomizer and someone will win. Could be you.

Oh yeah, and if winning a copy of Tempt Me With Darkness isn't enough, Shayla has a surprise for a couple of people as well.

What? You want to know what it is??? Hmmm...check back this week to find out. I know, that's kinda mean, but really, it's a cool surprise.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

It's Here!!! I'm Happy and Sad

The last book in Diana Peterfreund’s Secret Society series is here. We’ve had the privilege to go along Amy’s journey and now we’re reaching the end.

This past weekend I got to see Diana at our chapter meeting and it was great. She’s a long distance member now and so we don’t see her near often enough. Having a book signing with her there was icing on the cake. And since I like to share when I have cake, I’m giving away a copy of Tap and Gown

Here’s the backcover blurb:
Top secret societies . . . bizarre initiation rites . . . campus love triangles . . . political shenanigans . . . Diana Peterfreund has dazzled readers and critics alike with her Ivy League novels, hailed as “impossible to put down” (Publishers Weekly) and “witty and endearing” (New York Observer). In this final installment, Eli University senior Amy “Bugaboo” Haskel and her fellow Diggers are preparing to face real life in worlds far beyond the hallowed halls of Eli University.

For Amy the countdown to graduation has begun, and suddenly the perfect ending to a perfectly iconoclastic Eli career is slipping from her grasp. Her new boyfriend’s been made an offer he just can’t refuse. Her fellowship applications haven’t even been filed. And the young woman she’s chosen to take her place in Rose & Grave—the country's most powerful and notorious secret society—seems to come complete with a secret life already intact.

Lunging toward the finish line, Amy finds trouble around every corner, from society intrigues and unlikely stalkers to former flames and mandatory science credits. Surely it couldn’t get worse . . . until Initiation Night explodes into a terrifying scene and into a last test of wits for a young woman just trying to make it out of the Ivy League in one piece.

And click here to read an excerpt.

If you already have your copy please do not leave any spoilers in the comments. We can do that later on.

To enter leave a comment about your favorite scene in any of the first three books. You can as many comments as you’d like to be entered. This weekend, the randomizer will choose a winner.

Smiles,
Vicki

S.J. Day Book Giveaway….

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED


We had the pleasure of meeting Sylvia Day/S.J. Day/Livia Dare at RT in Orlando this year. No not three different people, just one amazing writer, with three different pseudonyms.

I have a hard time keeping it straight, I have no idea how she does it. But let me tell you, as I helped set up her books at the Allure Party, she didn’t have one bit of trouble talking about or signing all those books, under all those names. What a lady, I’m just sayin’.

Her new book written under S.J. Day is Eve of Darkness, which just released on April 28th. To show our support for such an amazing person and writer we want to give you get a chance to win book 1 in this compelling new Marked series.

Click on the names above to find more from Sylvia, and to read an Exerpt of this book, or the others within the series, click on the book title. ENJOY!!!!!





EVE OF DARKNESS

Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work.
For Evangeline Hollis, a long-ago fling with a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks just became a disaster of biblical proportions. One night with a leather-clad man of mystery has led to a divine punishment: the Mark of Cain.
Thrust into a world where sinners are drafted to kill demons, Eve knows her learning curve must be short. A longtime agnostic, she begrudgingly maneuvers through a celestial bureaucracy where she is a valuable but ill-treated pawn. She's also become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...
But she'll worry about all that later. Right now she's more concerned with learning to kill while staying alive. And saving the soul she'd never quite believed she had.


Leave a comment all week for your chance to win.

Hugs
Xoxo
LKap

Angie Fox's The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers - Are you One?

It’s Here!!! Finally. The wait is well worth it, but OMG, it was so hard to wait for Angie Fox’s newest release to hit the shelves.

The Accidental Demon Slayer was amazing and The Dangerous book for Demon Slayers is even better.

Here’s the backcover blurb:

Seriously. Why does a new hair dryer have a twelve-page how-to manual, but when it comes to ancient demon-fighting hocus-pocus, my biker witch granny gives me just half a dozen switch stars and a rah-rah speech? Oh, and a talking terrier, but that’s another story. It’s not like my job as a preschool teacher prepared me for this kind of thing.

So I’ve decided to write my own manual, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, because no one tells me anything. Dimitri, my “protector,” may be one stud of a shape-shifting griffin, but he always thinks he can handle everything by himself. Only he’s no match for the soul-stealing succubi taking over Las Vegas. If I can’t figure out how to save him—and Sin City—there’ll be hell to pay.

You can go here to read an excerpt. And then (oh yes, there is more), go here to take the quiz and find out what part demon slayer you are. :)

Leave your comments here and in any other post this week to be entered into the drawing. On Friday, I’ll have the randomizer choose a winner for the book.

And who knows, Angie may just pop in during the week, so if you have a question leave it for her. Okay, and one more thing. Tell us what part demon slayer you are.

Here’s mine.

78%

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

MY PREROGATIVE by Sasha White…Giveaway

What can I say about Sasha White…honestly a lot, but I don’t want to bore you with my gushing admiration of her work. **Twisting arm** Okay, maybe a little gushing.

Her ability to tell a story is unsurpassed in the marketplace IMO. Her voice is strong and edgy (see why I like it), and let’s not forget….HOT! Don’t believe me check out what I had to say about Sasha White's MY PREROGATIVE.

This was my review from Borders.com for this book:

"Kelsey isn't your typical heroine which makes her all the more enticing to read about. Her life might not seem normal to most, but is normal for her. There is always a point in Ms. White's books where you are empathetic with her characters and Kelsey is no different. It couldn't have been written any better! The feelings and emotions jump off the page, erotic or not. Everyone finds their happily ever after in different ways and Kelsey is no different. Poignant writing from one of today's best erotic writers."


If you aren’t familiar with her work, let me introduce you to her as she is one of my favorite erotic writers. **batting eyes** I get this way around her, because I admire her work so much ;-)

To Sasha: Meet everyone
To Everyone: Meet Sasha White

She does what she likes…
…and what she likes is absolutely wicked.

Kelsey Howard is happy with the single life. She has great friends, a fun job tending bar, and a nice apartment. Not to mention the freedom to enjoy a few wild sex games with strangers—the riskier the better. But what she’s really looking for in the darkness is love.
Then Kelsey realizes she’s got an anonymous stranger watching her every move—and every move she makes is arousing them both. In fact, not only is she not scared, she thinks she may have finally found her soul mate. Especially when she meets the mischievous mystery man in the flesh. That’s when the fun and games really start, and Kelsey realizes just how far she’s prepared to go for love.

Read an exerpt

This was not my first Sasha book, nor will it be my last just wait till June when Most Wanted comes out. Yes there will be another giveaway. I have read almost all of her books, and can honestly say her characterization is outstanding.

Don’t believe me? Leave a comment anytime all week for your chance to win MY PREROGATIVE.

On my Thursday blog - you’ll want to come back and see my ramble about Sasha!
I’m hoping if she has time she’ll be stopping in, but be patient our girl works nights and she lives in Canada so check back – often ;-)
I urge you to check her out—you won’t be disappointed!

XOXO
LKap

Karen Rose - Kill For Me, It's Here and You can Win It

Karen Rose has done it again. Yep, her world is amazing and although it doesn't, there might should be a keep the light on sign with her books.

She keeps you turning pages, staying up late, and perhaps sleeping with one eye open.

Here's the inside jacket blurb:

Six teenage girls have been kidnapped. Five have been murdered. One survived. Only she can reveal the secrets of a disturbing ring of people who kidnap and sell teenage girls on the black market. But those responsible for the crimes will do whatever it takes to maintain her silence.


Susannah Vartanian and Luke Papadopoulos have both sworn to stop the murderers for their own personal reasons. The investigation will lead them to the shady realm of Internet chat rooms, where anyone can mask their identity. They soon discover a chain of deception so intricate they don't know who to trust. Finding comfort in each other's arms, they begin to unravel the intricately knotted threads, but the killers are ruthless and determined, and won't hesitate to take extreme measures to insure their anonymity and keep their business intact. When Susannah discovers an unexpected link to the girl she is trying to save, her life is soon in danger and Luke will do everything he can to save the woman he loves.

To read an excerpt, click here.

Karen may stop by this week, so if you have any questions leave them with your comments. I'm hoping to have an interview with her on Wednesday.

As always your comments can be anytime during the week, leave one each day to be entered more often.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Next Week...

Check back tomorrow for this week's contest...you won't want to miss this one.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

TGIF - Fun - Newsletter

Friday. The last day of the week for the day job. The one I thought would never get here this week has finally arrived. Woot!!

Remember to sign up for the newsletter on the sidebar. Tomorrow is the drawing for the 'secret prize'.

So, for all us whose brains are tired, or rambles are brewing, but not yet concocted, here's a Friday Fun Quiz. I took it twice, changed one answer and here's what both said:

What's Your Medieval Profession?

You Are a Playwright

You are a highly literate wordsmith. You love both reading and writing. You are also a natural storyteller. You can turn a mediocre anecdote into a riveting tale. You find people and all aspects of life fascinating. No topic is off limits for you. In modern times, you would make a good filmmaker or novelist.

What's Your Medieval Profession?

You Are a Jester

You are a natural entertainer. You can get a laugh from the toughest of crowds. You make friends very easily. You tend to know a lot of popular, rich, and powerful people. You are also good at playing politics. You know how to get along with many factions without upsetting anyone. In modern times, you would make a good actor or world leader.

Yep, I'm a writer, but a world leader...hmmm...I'm liking that one. And really doesn't acting and world leading go hand in hand. :)

Okay, Now it's your turn. Take the quiz (twice if you're like me), come back and tell us what your medieval profession is.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

And the Winner is...

Thanks to Vicki for having my visit this week. I've enjoyed sharing my elements quiz with everyone who's taken the quiz and posted their element.

I'm delighted to announce that Brandy W won the signed copy of The Magic Knot! Congratulations, Brandy. I hope you enjoy reading my book.

For anyone who'd like to read a two chapter excerpt, please visit my website. I also have a link on my home page to a 'sexy snippet' of The Magic Knot that Dorchester have up on their website.

Helen

Brandy, major congrats! Please send your snail mail addy to helenscotttaylor2@yahoo.co.uk.

It's been my pleasure to have Helen this week and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Have a great weekend everyone,

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Interview with Helen Scott Taylor and You Can Ask Questions Too

I’m so excited to have Helen Scott Taylor in the house today. She’s an amazing author and last year’s American Title winner with Dorchester Publishing. Her world building is great and you’re immediately pulled into Niall O’Connor and Rosenwyn Tremain’s world.

Helen it’s great to have you here. I’ve been waiting for your book to hit the shelves since the first time I read the excerpt on your website. Yes, I said first time, as I’ve re-read it several times.

Me: Needless to say, I’m already a huge fan. Can you tell us how you came up with this idea and what’s coming up next?

Helen: I initially conceived the idea for The Magic Knot to be a contemporary story of identical twin Irish brothers running a pub in Cornwall. When I changed my focus from contemporary romance to paranormal, I wanted to write something a little different from the vampire and shape-shifter stories other authors have done so well. I researched myths and folk law and decided the fairy world provided great scope to develop my own interesting characters and a world a little different to anything else that is available.

I have two male secondary characters that play sizeable roles in The Magic Knot. Michael is the hero’s brother, and Nightshade is a winged vampiric fairy who can’t decide if he is their ally or enemy. I’m hard at work on the sequel due out in December. The Phoenix Charm features Michael as the hero, and the next book I have planned is Nightshade’s story.

Me: You won the American Title with Dorchester. What was the call like? How did you celebrate?

Helen: The day after voting closed, I had an email from the Romantic Times editor who was coordinating the contest to tell me I’d won. By the final round we were down to two entries, so I knew I had a 50:50 chance of winning. But I was still disbelieving when I received the email with the good news. My family took me out for a celebratory dinner, and we had to take a photograph of us celebrating to appear in Romantic Times!

Me: With the release of The Magic Knot and working on the next book, have you found it easier or harder when you sit in front the computer? What has changed for you now that you have deadlines?

Helen: I’ve read other newly published authors say that the first book they wrote after being published was the hardest, because they have greater expectations of themselves. I’m definitely finding this is true. The first hurdle was having my second book accepted for publication, then the worry over whether it is as good as the first book. I’ve not written a sequel before, so I’m learning how to write a stand-alone book that is also a continuation from the first. I’m sure there will be new challenges at every stage in this business. All I can say is getting a book published is most certainly the beginning of the work and not the end.

Me: You run your own business, write, and have kids. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Helen: I don’t have a lot of spare time. I try to have a walk most days, but I’m a fair-weather walker and don’t go out in the cold and rain. Unfortunately, we’ve had our coldest winter for twenty years in the UK. I would like to read more but rarely get time these days. When I have to choose between reading and writing, writing usually wins.

One thing I do enjoy is visiting historic houses. The British National Trust historic houses are open from Easter to October. I like to make time to visit some every year, especially while I’m researching a book. I like to use historic houses as settings in my novels, even though my fantasy worlds are contemporary set. In The Magic Knot, I used a Palladian mansion called Powerscourt, near Enniskerry in Ireland, as the inspiration for the Irish fairy queen’s home. In The Phoenix Charm, much of the action takes place in a medieval castle situated on an island in the middle of a lake in Wales.

Me: Whose journey was harder to write, Niall’s or Rosenwvn? And can I just add I love the line Niall’s soft Irish brogue.

Helen: Niall’s was more difficult. I found him a challenging character to write, as he is so proud and private. He didn’t want anyone poking their nose in his business, not the heroine, or me! Rose was much easier as she is very down to earth and practical.

Me: Did you do your research for Ireland online or have you visited the beautiful land of green?

Helen: I took a special trip to Ireland to research The Magic Knot. My husband and I spent four days visiting the area of the Wicklow Mountains where the Irish fairy troop lives. The weather was bad most of the time. When we drove over the Wicklow Mountains, which is more rightly just an area of high moorland, all we could see was mist. We enjoyed visiting the Palladian mansion, Powerscourt. The gardens and the waterfall in the middle of the lake were beautiful.

Me: Was The Magic Knot your first book, or do you like most of us and have the manuscript graveyard with the dust bunnies?

Helen: The Magic Knot was the third book I wrote. The first was a short contemporary, which helped me learn how to write, but also taught me short contemporary was not my genre. The second ms was a paranormal romance, Passion Beyond Reason, about a parallel world inhabited by demons. This story did very well in contests, winning as many as The Magic Knot. In fact in once contest where both my paranormals finaled, Passion won and beat The Magic Knot into second place. I intend to revise that story and submit it sometime.

Me: For those of us in the pre-published stage, what advice and motivation would give us?

Helen: I don’t think there is any magic formula to getting published. Success is down to hard work and persistence. I took lots of online classes and read many craft books. My husband jokes that I must have put myself through the equivalent of a degree in creative writing. My advice is to learn the craft, write stories, enter contests, and submit your work. It might take one book, or twenty before one is accepted, but eventually it will happen if you persevere. There is an element of luck involved—your story being the right genre on the right editor’s desk at the right time. But if you write enough and send out enough that will eventually be your story.

Me: Did I say I'm so excited you're here??? Cause I am :)Thank you for sharing your a little of your world and your characters world with us. And isn't the cover amazing.


Okay, everyone, now it’s your turn. Leave your questions in the comment section and Helen will be back through out the day to answer them.

The Magic Knot - Helen Scott Taylor's In The House

It is with great pleasure I welcome Helen Scott Taylor to the blog today. This week she’s giving away a copy of The Magic Knot.

The cover is amazing and the book, I’ve been waiting forever to read it. She’s an American Title winner, how cool is that!

Here’s a note from Helen,

In my fairy world featured in The Magic Knot series, each fairy embodies the qualities of one of the elements. The leprechauns and Cornish piskies are Earth elementals, the noble old blood Tuatha Dé Danaan are either Fire, Air or Water. This gives them their powers, strengths, and weaknesses.

Humans embody all four elements, but we each favor one, which manifests in our personality and dictates our moods and emotions.

Find out which element you are! Visit my website, take my elements quiz then come back and tell us which element you are and if you think it suits you.

Now that you know your element, here’s the back cover blurb.

HE'S A BIKER WITH AN ATTITUDE
What woman wouldn't be attracted to Niall O'Connor's soft Irish brogue and dark good looks? But Rosenwyn Tremain must find her father, and she isn't going to let a sexy, stubborn Irishman and his motorcycle distract her. Rose's intuition tells her he's hiding something, a secret even the cards cannot divine. Her tarot deck always reads true, but how can one man represent both Justice and Betrayal?

SHE'S A WOMAN ON A MISSION
Magic. Niall's body tingles with it when he finds the woman snooping in his room. Rosenwyn might believe she's a no-nonsense accountant, but her essence whispers to him of ancient fairy magic that enslaves even as it seduces. Her heritage could endanger those he'd die to protect, but her powers and her passion, if properly awakened, might be the only thing that can save both their families, vanquish a fairy queen bent on revenge, and fulfill a prophecy that will bind their hearts together with... THE MAGIC KNOT
And you can read the first two chapters here

Okay, you know the drill. Leave your comments to be entered. And yes, if you leave comments each day you’ll be entered for each of them. So what element are you?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki