Author Spotlight: Elizabeth Amber

Today's author in the spotlight is Elizabeth Amber, and her upcoming release Lyon, The Lords of Satyr which hits stores this August! To learn more about Elizabeth and the first two books in The Lords of Satyr series, Nicholas and Raine visit http://www.elizabethamber.com/. In the meantime, read the blurb for Lyon, and a steamy excerpt below.

Blurb:

In this erotic historical paranormal romance series set in the heart of Tuscany's centuries-old wine country, three half-Satyr brothers receive a letter that sends them in search of three endangered half-Faerie brides.

Charming youngest brother Lyon is so ruggedly handsome that his looks have actually caused women to swoon. Though he resents that duty calls him to wed and doubts that he can ever love one woman, he nevertheless travels to Paris in search of the third bride.

At first glance, Juliette seems a good choice for him, for he discovers her to be a courtesan. Their passionate night together leaves him sated beyond his wildest imaginings, but her magic results in dire repercussions that only she can reverse.

Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia

$12.95 August 1, 2008

http://www.elizabethamber.com/

# ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-2041-7

Excerpt:

Lord Lyon Satyr prowled the twilight streets of Paris, hunting. He breathed deep, searching the air and finding it rife with the scents of chimney smoke, dank river, and likely feminine prey. The blood of his ancestors pumped in him tonight, priming his body toward a carnal lust that was vital to the survival of his kind.

Because King Feydon had sown his seed where he should not, Lyon would soon find himself yoked with a bride not of his own choosing. One whose name and face were unknown to him, but whom he nevertheless had journeyed here from Tuscany to find.

According to Feydon, his three FaerieBlend daughters were each in some sort of danger and time was of the essence. Nicholas, his eldest brother, had found the first of the daughters on the outskirts of Rome in a matter of weeks and quickly wed her. Raine had recently located the second daughter in Venice and brought her under his protection.

Now Lyon was left with the task of finding the third daughter here in Paris. But tomorrow would be time enough for duty. Tonight was for something altogether different.

This-his first night in Paris--could well be his last night of freedom. He planned to enjoy it.

A shout drew his attention. There was some sort of revelry commencing ahead, atop Pont Neuf, the Seine River's most famous bridge. The "new bridge" it was called, though it had seen completion over two centuries earlier.

Lyon veered in its direction, abandoning the row of stately town homes along Quai de Conti for the opposite sidewalk that edged the river. As the light waned, the black-clad booksellers that lined the walk had begun to pack away unsold books in their boxes. In the depths of the channel just beyond them, the river flowed like molasses, cutting a long serpentine swath through Paris.

His hotel was expecting him. He'd sent his bag ahead and could be there himself within thirty minutes. Which meant his cock could be buried deep inside a conjured Shimmerskin female within thirty-one. No doubt his brothers would have made their way there and done exactly that in his place. It would be the wise thing to do. The careful thing.

But unlike his brothers, he craved variation in both setting and partner in his liaisons. And an element of risk.

© Copyright 2008 by Elizabeth Amber

Naughtiest Excerpt Contest Winner!!!!

Tempting Tess...available now at Ellora's Cave.

Regina Carlysle

Excerpt 3: (very hot)

Torn, Daniel made a rough sound and lowered his mouth to her breasts.
Near violent with urgent need, he raked his teeth over her nipples,
loving her gasp of pleasure. He pressed his heavy erection hard
against her core and a cry tore from her mouth.
"Damn it, Tess. If you want to stop this, tell me now or I won't be
able to stop."
"Don't stop. Don't ever stop."
"Shit."
He carried her through the dimly lit cabin and straight into the only
bedroom. He'd built the place with his own two hands and knew every
inch of it. Her bed was made so he reached down with one hand and
jerked the bedspread down and out of the way. All the while, Tess
clung to him, pressing kisses to his throat, nipping with her teeth.
The room was dark. Daniel lowered Tess to her feet and didn't
hesitate. Not any more. He yanked the white nightgown over her head
and tossed it away. He didn't take time to feast his eyes on her body
limned by moonlight sifting through the blinds. He didn't take time
to kiss her sweet, delicious mouth. Instead he filled his hands with
her breasts.
Her nipples were stiff, prodding the palms of his hands, stabbing at
the pads of his fingers. A hungry sound tore from his throat and he
took one hard, swollen bud into his mouth to suck. Drawing deep,
raking gently with his teeth, Daniel devoured it as if starved. He
was a man who understood loneliness, who felt despair that his life
was often more shallow than he'd like. No, he didn't know this woman
who writhed in his arms but something about her was like a balm to
feelings he'd buried deep. Passion for her brought it all to the
forefront now as he sipped at her flesh.
Tess drove her fingers through his hair, held his head close and
Daniel wanted more. More. He sent exploring fingers over her soft
skin, touching her waist, her belly, diving into the curls between
her thighs.
Daniel groaned low. "God, you're wet. Beautiful and wet. I'm going to
fuck you with my fingers. Let me stroke this sweet cream."
She gasped and it fueled the heat that roared to life between them.
Two sad strangers who met in a moment of need. Daniel sank his teeth
gently into her shoulder as his fingers sought and found her
distended clit. He strummed it lightly and Tess' breath broke. Her
stance widened as she sought a firmer touch.
He gave it to her, diving his fingers deep into her cavern. She felt
like warm, wet, satin and he wanted more, wanted it deep.
"Sure?" He murmured knowing he'd die if she stopped him.
Tess' answer came with the brush of her hand against his cock as it
pushed against the denim of his jeans. "Daniel," she whispered.
"Hell, yes." Reluctantly, he withdrew his fingers from her depths and
yanked his shirt over his head. He grabbed a rubber from his pocket
before his jeans were pushed down and tossed aside. "No more waiting,
honey. You're burning me alive." His head dropped back when her hand
fisted around his pulsing cock. She squeezed lightly and he shivered.
She moved her hand slowly down and up, spreading his semen over the
head of his cock with her thumb and he wanted to roar. "God! You're
sweet, Tess."
Daniel wanted her spread out beneath him. He wanted to take her, fuck
her, suck her sweet clit into his mouth until she screamed.
Making his imaginings reality, he lifted her and spread her out
against the backdrop of crisp cool sheets. She spread her legs. Her
fingers were splayed across her belly. Beautiful.
Feeling savage, he clasped her knees and dragged her to the edge of
the bed. She made a startled sound but he didn't want to give her
time to think. He just wanted her to feel. "Fuck! You're creamy and
sweet," he murmured as his dipped his fingers into the hot, silk of
her pussy. "I'm gonna drink your cream, eat you like I'm starving and
I am, Tess."

Author Spotlight: Melissa Mayhue

Today's author in the spotlight is Melissa Mayhue, with her new novel Soul of a Highlander, available from Pocket Books. To visit Melissa, check out her website: http://www.melissamayhue.com/ or friend her at MySpace, www.myspace.com/MelissaMayhue

Blurb

Nine years ago, Faerie Magic saved Mairi MacKiernan at the cost of her dreams of happiness, snatching her from her life in 1272, and depositing her in the twenty-first century. Now, she must save the last Daughter of the MacKiernan family...who was murdered in 1295. Transported back in time at her request, Mairi finds herself captured by the same evil men as before! Is this the price the Faerie magic requires of her this time?

Ramos Servans has dedicated his dreams to service as a Guardian, but when he discovers the evil unleashed on the Mortal Plain by his father and their people, he swears he will atone by ridding the world of Nuadian deceit. Part of his mission involves rescuing a lovely Highland lassie, and in the passion that grows between them, Ramos and mairi find a new dream.

But falling in love can be dangerous when Faerie Magic is involved. Dreams may not be the only cost...

Excerpt

PROLOGUE

“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?” Ramos Servans looked into the eyes of the man who offered to champion his cause. The man from whom he’d very nearly stolen everything. “After all, you better than most know what I really am.”

“Aye, that I do. And for that reason alone I stand as yer sponsor.” Ian McCullough shrugged. “Besides, my Sarah vouches for yer character. That should be enough for anyone.”

They stood deep in the forest, in the same clearing where only a short time ago they had faced one another as enemies. Now this man, this Guardian, had forgiven him. If only he could forgive himself.

“It’s certainly enough for me.” Dallyn nodded his head in agreement. The High General of the Faerie Realm stood with them. He had come to hear Ramos’s decision. “Well, young man, what will it be?"

“You offer me an avenue to offset some small portion of the damage I have done. I am eternally grateful. And wholly unworthy. I will do my best to serve you in any way I can.” Ramos bowed his head, guilt eating at his soul. He would never be able to right all his wrongs. The wrongs of his father.

Dallyn arched an eyebrow, trading a look with Ian before answering. “Eternity is a very long time, my young friend. A very long time. Welcome to our ranks.”

Ian grasped his wrist, shaking his hand. “You’ve made a good choice, Ramos. I’m sure you’ll do well.”

“I don’t know how I can repay your kindness.” Ramos stopped. What could he say to this man? “But know that I consider myself in your debt.”

“There’s no need for that. You’ve showed yer true colors. Now go on. You’ve work to do.” Ian clapped him on the back before turning and striding away down the path.

“You’re ready then?” Dallyn held out a hand, inviting him forward toward the large rocky embankment in the dense trees.

“I am.”

He was ready to leave this place.

Being here brought it all back, the pain and humiliation stark and fresh as if it had been yesterday. The physical wounds might have healed, but it would take more than time to heal the emotional wounds.

He had entered the clearing that day, his arm around Ian’s throat, a knife held there. The first thing he’d seen was the rage distorting Reynard’s features, revealing a side of his father he’d only rarely experienced.

“You think to defy me? We’ll see about that,” Reynard had threatened Sarah. “Ramos, bring him.”

Surprisingly, Ian hadn’t struggled as they’d moved forward.

“It’s very simple, mon petit,” his father had said to Sarah. “Take me to the Portal now, or Ramos kills him. You can watch the mighty Guardian, sworn Protector of the pitiful mortals, die, his life blood spilled out on the ground. Here. In front of your very eyes. Is that what you want?”

What had his father said? “Sworn protector of the mortals? Is that true? You never told me that.” He couldn’t believe his ears. It flew in the face of everything he’d ever been taught.

“There are many things I’ve not told you. Many things you’ve no need to know,” his father had dismissed.

“Is it the truth?” he had demanded.

“Aye, it’s true.” Ian had answered. “I’ve spent the last six centuries protecting them from the ravages caused by yer people. Those who murder mortals at random for nothing more than the energy released when their soul is forced from its host before its time. Thousands upon thousands of lives lost to those monsters. Those same monsters who would capture the Fountain of Souls for their own purpose, throwing the cycle of life out of balance again, risking what’s left of humanity in both worlds.”

“Father?” He’d wanted desperately to have his father deny the horrendous accusations.

“You doubt me son? You’d listen to the words of a Guardian? A creature who’s no more than a lap dog to the enemies of our people?”

But that was no denial.

Instead Sarah had confirmed his fears. “Ian doesn’t lie to you, Ramos. What he tells you is the truth. I attest to that. It’s as I told you before.”

“Father? Is what the Guardian says true?” He had to know. Had to hear the words from his father’s own mouth.

A cruel smile curled Reynard’s lip. “In a manner of speaking.”

“We’re responsible for all those deaths?” This couldn’t be happening.

“Deaths which were of no consequence. Mortal deaths. Once we retake the Faerie Realm, once you taste the power of the Fountain, then you’ll understand why all of this has been necessary.” His father had turned his attention back to Sarah then, demanding again she take him to the Portal.

“Of no consequence?” How could Reynard say that? “Father, have you forgotten that I am as much mortal as I am Fae? That those lives you so easily dismiss are my people too?”

When Reynard had answered, he hadn’t even bothered to look at his son. His words, the words which cut Ramos to the quick, delivered with no more care for his son than a complete stranger.

“No. I haven’t forgotten what you are. Nicole, kill one of the men. I don’t care which. Perhaps that will help our little Sarah to understand how serious we are.”

“You can’t mean that. He’s your son.” Sarah had sounded incredulous.As incredulous as Ramos had felt.

Reynard shrugged carelessly. “He’s also a mortal.”

His father had lied to him, used him his whole life. And at that moment as he had looked into his father’s eyes, he had seen nothing. No compassion, no care, no love.

Ramos had done the only thing he could think of at the time. He had taken the bullet meant for Ian.

All those years of training to fight the Fae because they were the monsters who threatened the world of Mortals. And they weren’t the monsters at all. It was his people.

That betrayal had nearly driven him mad until he had been offered this opportunity. Yes, he was ready. Ready for a new life. One he didn’t deserve, but one he would spend in attempting to atone for the atrocities his people had caused.

Dallyn placed his hand on Ramos’s shoulder and urged him forward, directly into the solid rock face tucked between two large, gnarled trees. One moment he thought he’d slam up against the boulder, the next he stood in a sylvan glen, a place more beautiful than any he had ever seen. The clarity of the colors stole his breath away. He glanced back the direction from which he had come and stopped in amazement at the sight of a huge carved rock door.

“Where did that...” He hadn’t seen it before.

Dallyn smiled. “You will always be able to find this Portal now. That’s how it works. Once you have been through a Portal, you will always be able to see it. Come now, you have much work to do before you’re fully prepared.”

They walked side by side on a wide rock path toward a massive building just ahead of them. Sunlight glinted off the doors and roof of the structure as if it were coated in gold. Ramos stared about in awe at the spectacular beauty. No wonder his people missed it so much.

“Here we are. Our quarters are inside.” Dallyn swept an arm toward the door, which slowly swung open ahead of them. “Let me be the first to officially welcome you to the Hall of the High Council in the Realm of Faerie and to the next chapter in your life.”

Ramos nodded his head respectfully and then squared his shoulders. With a deep breath he readied himself for that next chapter. For the work and the training that would be required of him to prepare him for his new position.

As a Guardian, Protector of the Mortals and of the Fountain of the Souls.

Where can you buy it?

Simon & Schuster or Amazon

It's Casual Sex Friday!!!

Hope to see you there.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DarkDivaReviews/

Author Spotlight: Shannon Robinson

Today the spotlight is on author, Shannon Robinson. She was born at Fort Polk, LA, to military parents. After some traveling around, including a stint living in Alaska, they settled in upstate New York. The oldest of two children, Shannon completed her high school career and with an infant in tow, entered the workforce.

Shannon married her hero, Jake, in May of 2006. With two wonderful children, her life is very active but fulfilling. Able to squeeze time in for her passion of writing, Shannon enjoys creating new worlds and characters.

Shannon is an active member of the RWA Chapter CNYRW (Central New York Romance Writers), HHRW, Celtic Hearts, and is a member of several writers groups and online chapters.

Her first publication is a contemporary erotic short story titled Fired or Fired Up included in the GOIN' Down Anthology, Book 1, recently released by Aspen Mountain Press.

Blurb from Fired or Fired Up:

What happens when a shy secretary decides to prove to the arrogant hunk of a boss who just fired her that she’s more than what he thinks?

One heated encounter in an elevator, of course!

Chirene Matthey is tired of being a secretary. Making coffee and hearing complaints from her boss, Jacob Kennedy, is getting on her nerves. So when Jacob offers her a chance to show that she’s able to do more than just filing, Chirene jumps at the opportunity. When the assignment goes south, Jacob unexpectedly fires her, and Chirene decides that it’s time he learned exactly how she feels about his pompous attitude.

When her complaints begin to rouse Jacob’s desires, Chirene decides to indulge in the pleasures she’s only fantasized about before and take advantage of the new opportunity her ex-boss offers.

Excerpt:

“Chirene.”

“No, shut it Jacob. You’re an inconsiderate, pompous jackass who doesn’t deserve—”

She paused; the heated flare of his brown eyes stared at her so intently, her breath was stolen from her. Every fantasy she’d ever imagined with him radiated at her. Unable to withstand his intense, uninhibited gaze, Chirene glanced down and nearly gasped as the outline of a very large arousal greeted her through the polyester fabric of his trousers.

“Oh my,” Chirene blurted out, raising a hand to her mouth. She’d fantasized about Jacob’s size before, but what was obviously evident within his pants was much larger than she had guessed. “I, um…”

“I have never been as turned on as I am right now.” Jacob’s voice was low, hoarse as he stepped towards Chirene. “No one has ever spoken to me like you did just now and I have to say,” his lips curved up in a sexy smirk, “I definitely like it.”

He stepped closer to her and Chirene backed up until she hit the paneled wall behind her. Jacob raised his arms up and braced his hands against the wall on each side of her, encasing her inside a cage of steely muscles.

“That’s exactly the kind of attitude I wanted to see from you.” He muttered, his breath warm and smelling of peppermint, before leaning in and capturing her mouth with hungry urgency.

Chirene couldn’t move, frozen by the intoxicating motion of his lips devouring hers. His cologne, a dark, musky fragrance, invaded her head and weakened her knees. He moved closer, his fingers gently tucking her blonde hair behind her ears and framing her face. She felt the pressure of his bulging shaft on her stomach and jumped.

“Wait,” she protested and pressed a hand against him, trying to ignore the hardness of his chest. “What are you doing?”

“What I should have done a long time ago.”

Her own words emerging from his mouth sent chills up her spine as she realized exactly what he meant. If his actions were any indication, then she could have been in this predicament a long time ago, if only she’d spoken up. But she believed in not mixing business relationships with pleasure.

However, Jacob was no longer her boss and perhaps it was time she showed him exactly who it was he’d let go.

“Then do it.”

Where can you buy it? You can purchase the GOIN' Down Anthology, Book 1, where Fired or Fired Up is included at Aspen Mountain Press - http://www.aspenmountainpress.com.

Author Spotlight: Tracey Devlyn

Today's Author Spotlight is on Tracey Devlyn, and her latest release, His Secret Desire, with The Wild Rose Press.

BUY NOW!

Lily Weston struggles to save her family’s racing stable while her brother’s gambling submerges them further into debt. She’s confident their prized stallion will win a substantial purse at a prestigious race in two months, however, the machinations of her handsome neighbor hurtles Lily into a web a deceit. After watching her dear mother endure years of abuse from her father, Lily has no desire to marry. When she finds out her brother lost their home - and her - in a foolhardy game of chance to their new neighbor, Julian, Lord St. Vincent, she’s livid...and tempted.

Julian's attempts at wooing Lily gently have gone unnoticed. When Lily's brother's bungling efforts to save their indebted racing stable goes awry, Julian finds himself in a unique position to help his beautiful neighbor and...grasp his secret desire.

Excerpt #1

Beads of sweat trickled down the valley between Lily's breasts. The early morning heat a prelude to a sweltering August day. She continued her firm, long strokes along Alaric’s back, causing his muscles to ripple beneath her hands. His eyelids drooped in sleepy contentment.

"How does that feel, my love?" she murmured near his ear. "By the time I'm through with you the pain shall be a distant memory."

"Does this tempting guarantee extend to your neighbors?"

Lily sighed. The last thing she needed was for Lord-of-a-Thousand-Questions to plague her this morning. She enjoyed the comfortable silence of the stables during the early morning hours until whickering horses and scurrying stable boys alerted her to the fact another day of backbreaking work lay ahead. Her brother, Bennett's, recent escapades forced Lily to release several servants, which meant their duties fell to her to do.

Two more months, Lily reminded herself. Once Alaric won the St. Leger race, she’d be able to hire her servants back and pay off the rest of Bennett’s debts. Two months wasn’t so long. She could do it.

Her resolve renewed, Lily blew an ebony curl away from her light gray eyes. She patted Alaric's long, sleek neck and whispered her apologies before turning around to acknowledge the most beautiful, yet irritating man she'd ever met.

"Good morning, Lord St. Vincent."

Excerpt #2

"You should be thankful it was I he lost to."

"Oh?" She halted and directed a narrow-eyed stare his way while waiting for him to draw near. "Why is that, my lord?"

"Because I have no need to throw you out of your home like your land-greedy neighbor to the south, Mr. Lupton." Julian received another pinch of guilt upon his conscience. He convinced himself he must be brutal at this stage in the game. By being so, she would be more amiable to a means of compromise when he suggested it.

Tick. Tick. Julian watched her jaw work back and forth as she battled to contain her emotions.

"I will raise the funds to pay you back." Lily's long legs ate up the gravel path as she resumed her earlier march. Julian indulged his baser nature for a moment as he admired the sway of her hips and the rhythmic swish of her ebony braid. She was a stunning beauty by anyone's measure. Her long, svelte form would fit perfectly along the contours of his own tall frame.

"Miss Weston?" His call didn't even merit a slight hesitation in her step.

"Lily," he said as his fingers circled her upper arm, halting her progress.

"Let go of me. Now."

He released her...one finger at a time. Impatient, she wrenched her arm away from his grip.

"We might be able to come to an understanding, of sorts." Julian somehow managed to keep the low hum of his burgeoning arousal out of his voice.

"Who does the ‘we’ in this understanding refer to?"

"You and I, of course."

Guarded hope lit in her smoky eyes. She touched his arm. "You won't be sorry, my lord," she assured him. "Alaric will win at Doncaster – I have no doubt."

"I'm not interested in your money, Lily."

Confusion knitted her brow as she tried to make sense of his words.

"If not money, then what is it you desire?"

"You."

She snatched her hand away and suspicion blazed across her face. "Me?"

"Aye. You."

Excerpt #3

Lily set off down another foot trail and traipsed past a small clutch of oak and plane trees. Soon, a hidden slice of heaven opened up and as far as the eye could see, verdant hills rolled across the river valley. Lily felt the tension from the past sennight begin to drain away. She sat down on the soft, cool grass to remove her sturdy riding boots and stockings. Her toes tunneled through the green blades as her gaze followed a hawk gliding on an air current with graceful majesty.

She stretched out on her back and smiled as great snowy clouds floated across a deep blue sky. A sky the color of Julian’s eyes, Lily thought drowsily. Her eyes drifted closed while she listened to the rat-a-tat-tat of a nearby woodpecker, and the loamy earth enveloped her in its motherly embrace. So peaceful...

"Do you have room for two, my dear?"

The low baritone jerked Lily back to full awareness. She angled her head back to find an upside down version of the man whose haunting eyes had the ability to soothe her weary soul and set her budding desire aflame.

Review For Jen Campbell's Top Hunt

Top Hunt is a skillfully written book which gives you a good look into the world of BDSM. If you’re into the Bondage/ Submission/ Domination lifestyle or just interested in the lifestyle then this a book for you. But a word of warning this book is not for the faint of heart. Some of the things Jennifer, the main character, goes through to prove her submission may seem extreme. Especially if you aren’t familiar with this lifestyle. Yet it is somewhat novice friendly, giving you some term descriptions and showing you a glimmer of submission getting into the head of a sub.
Ms. Campbell draws you into the world of her character, and keeps you reading. She blends scorching sex, submission, domination, bondage and plot to make a very good book.
5 Delightful Diva