Drop in!

I'm over at friend and fellow author Tara Lain's blog today. Drop in and say hello!

The winter months can be difficult insofar as maintaining a consistent writing schedule; my own has been all over the place this week. I'm now toying with dropping one of my WIPs into the "stalled" bin. My muse, fickle as ever, seems to want to focus on two projects now rather than three. It might be more manageable, so I'm not going to argue.

I'll see you all again after the holidays. Have an awesome weekend!

Now available: Dark Solace

Just in time for the holidays! A short paranormal erotic from Noble Romance Publishing!





Three hundred years can change many things, but love is not among them.

Forbidden to claim the woman he loves as his mate, Gabriel established a yearly meet with Jael to satisfy their hunger for one another. Time has not weathered their need, or made the pain of every other day more bearable. Christmas Eve together might not be much, but pretending for one night that they can belong together is the only way either knows how to survive.

Except this Christmas, Gabriel can't go on pretending. Living for one night is no way to live, and he is determined that he and Jael will see the new day together. The only question is, after all this time, is she prepared for the consequences of saying yes?

Interested? Intrigued? Desperate for more? Click here!!!

Dark Solace - Adult Excerpt

Three hundred years can change many things, but love is not among them.

Forbidden to claim the woman he loves as his mate, Gabriel established a yearly meet with Jael to satisfy their hunger for one another. Time has not weathered their need, or made the pain of every other day more bearable. Christmas Eve together might not be much, but pretending for one night that they can belong together is the only way either knows how to survive.

Except this Christmas, Gabriel can't go on pretending. Living for one night is no way to live, and he is determined that he and Jael will see the new day together. The only question is, after all this time, is she prepared for the consequences of saying yes?

Release Date: December 20, 2010



Excerpt

Tonight was going to be different. He felt it.

Hell, he'd known it the second he stepped into the pub. Seeing her under the soft glow of lights much too cheap to capture her glory. The woman he loved. The woman he lived to see for just a few hours. Every second apart from her constructed another level in his personal hell. He felt cheap for being so easily defined, for being strung along for so many years for the promise of the one woman he could never have; but love knew no reasoning. No boundaries. The rules of the Order didn't apply, and love certainly didn't listen to them.

Time had not healed him. Time had only made his feelings grow almost unbearable. And being so close to her now . . . something was going to change. Something tonight was going to change.

They were at the door now. Her apartment. Her bedroom. Her refuge. The place where he was welcomed once every year to forget his loneliness in the sanctuary of her body. Her body flush against his. His cock so hard he was sure the flimsy zipper on his slacks would pop. Had it been anyone else, he would have been surprised at the depth of his reaction. But it wasn't anyone else; it was her. Jael. His golden goddess. She could smite him with a look if she wanted. So much power in her small, capable hands. It unnerved him to think himself so easily rattled.

There had been no such thing as love in his life before he met her. Before he found her three hundred years ago and was forced to let her go. Forced to forfeit their promised eternity because she could no longer be human. It had been no fault of hers. No fault of anyone's, really, though he would have loved to lay blame on someone's shoulders. Illness was a culprit without a body, and hers had nearly killed her. He'd had no choice if he wanted to keep her in this world, regardless of the consequences. His act of saving her, turning her into a nightwalker, had taken away the only woman to whom he could see himself mated for the rest of time.

A bittersweet pang struck his heart at that. He thought of it sometimes still. Of losing himself and claiming her, to hell with the rest. He longed for the taste of her blood, the feel of her fangs, the promise of her arms. The thought alone was enough to inspire anyone to tears. Anyone who knew the agony of what he felt. Of having everything he had ever wanted right beneath his fingertips and forcing himself to let her go. Every year, he let her go all over again. Every year, he relived that horrible night when she had died in his arms. And every year, he fought the temptation to claim her. To make her his forever.

Of course, any sort of ceremony was impossible, and he felt like a fool for even entertaining the notion. Still, the thought of spending eternity with her was too rich to cast aside, even if such aspirations only filled him with sorrow. He was still so terrified of scaring her off with the intensity of his regard. He felt if she ever knew just how much he loved her, there would be no more of this. No more tempting fate, no more tempting desire, no more challenging the decree of the Order to have their night together. No more sharing this stolen holiday with her. No more tasting each other for hours and pretending it was enough for a year. No more pretending his heart didn't break when he left her before the sun rose and returned to his cold, empty existence.

No more of her guiding him into their bedroom and closing the door behind them.

"Jael . . . ."

Her hands were already busy at her top, revealing the satin of her black bra to his hungry eyes. The cream of her skin against the contrast of the material was surprising in its effect. Gabriel liked fancy lingerie and scantily clad women as well as the next hormone-infused male, but he had never truly envisioned himself being so turned on by something that simple. Logically, he knew Jael wore bras. Hell, he had snapped her out of practically every style the past generations had fed to impressionable women, always eager to feel the weight of her breasts in his hands. He had never known her to wear black. Never known her to go out of her way to look so delectable in her undergarments. She had a rather adorable fixation on her assumption that her panties and other unmentionables were, as she called them, plain and boring. She assumed this despite the fact that seeing her so bare fogged his eyes with lust to the point that she could be wearing a doormat and he wouldn't notice.

His thoughts must have run away with him, for when he blinked, Jael was wearing nothing but that black bra and a pair of matching panties. And he was still fully clothed, unable to do anything but gawk at how gorgeous she was.

Jael shifted uncomfortably. "I . . . I wanted to try something new . . . for us tonight."

"You're beautiful."

Her blush enchanted him. She was his seductress, his only temptation, and she somehow didn't know it. "I was hoping you'd like."

Gabriel released a deep breath, fighting his desire to growl something primitive and throw her on the bed. Instead, his eyes glazed over, and he stepped toward her predatorily, a lump forming in his throat. "Beautiful," he murmured again, fingers entertaining themselves at her left strap. Then his mouth couldn't stand the torment of being parted from her flesh, and his lips descended once more upon her neck, tasting her sweet skin as his arms curled under her shoulders and pulled her against him. "You're killing me."

Winners!!

I'm using the names under which these were entered on Twitter, GR, my blog, or the LJ where I cross-posted.

WINNER OF "RIPPLES THROUGH TIME" PAPERBACK!

Amy

Karahelen

Congratulations! Please email me (rosalie.stanton@gmail.com) with your snail mail addy and I'll have your books on the way ASAP.

WINNER OF "FIRSTS" ECOPY!

Scarlett2U
tjb_waldring
wrigglerosie



Drop me a line (rosalie.stanton@gmail.com) and I'll send your e-copies your way.

Congrats to the winners, and thanks to all who participated! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Contest Closed!

The Deck the Halls Contest is officially closed! I'll announce the winners this afternoon!

Thanks to all the participants!

New release!

Monday, December 20, Noble Romance Publishing is releasing my short story, Dark Solace, on their Naughty Nibble Line.

I received my cover today. Isn't it gorgeous??!!?!

ONE DAY LEFT!

Winners of the DECK THE HALLS GIVEAWAY will be announced tomorrow. You have until TOMORROW, 12PM CST to enter. Just click this link for instructions on how to throw your name into the gauntlet.

This has been my first massive giveaway, and between three blogs and Twitter entries, I'd say fairly successful. Good luck to all who have entered!!!

New reviews!

I received two new wonderful reviews this weekend; one for Firsts and the other for Moving Target.



"The feelings that swept through me as I read this short novella. I found myself laughing out loud at the conversations and witty banter that takes place between Thorn and Savannah and the one conversation that took place between Savannah and her girl best friend Allison. I found myself holding in my breathe as Savannah and Thorn coursed through previously unchartered waters in their relationship, how Thorn takes care of Savannah in all the little ways during their journey of discovery which made me fall for him just that much harder."

More here!




"Mmm.. you guys guessed right! Of course Wolf tops the list of my likes for this short novella. I felt my heart literally go aflutter when Wolf came up beside Anna asking her to dance, while promising with his eyes of things that he wants to do to her that just made my knees go weak. The club scene was definitely something! *wicked grin*

2- Anna. I liked her because she doesn’t wait around fussing and bemoaning about the fact that an assassin who has been hired to kill her is the one who ultimately rides to her rescue when the shit hits the fan. I loved Anna because in spite of everything she still saw the gentleness that resides in Wolf that yearns to show itself, and because she opened up herself to let Wolf in, giving him a chance to embrace the light to escape all the darkness in his life.."

More here!

This definitely made my weekend a good one, and gave me enough motivation to get my 2k written last night. ;)

I feel so productive recently. I must have forgotten something.

REMINDER: DECK THE HALLS GIVEAWAY!

REMINDER:

Two participants will have the chance to win a signed trade-paperback copy of Ripples Through Time. Three runner-ups will win a free e-copy of Firsts. December 15, 2010 at 12:00PM CST is the deadline for entries.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

New Link Section

As followers of my blog are most likely aware, I am an Obsessive Compulsive. I'm very open about this, as it's nothing I can help. I just try to get the word out because I know the "popular" or "mediaized" versions of OCD are typically what people consider the actual condition to entail. That's not so, and some of the darker thoughts can terrify those who don't know what they are.

My own OCD story is linked in one of the tabs in my blog. I am now linking a wonderful new blog I discovered earlier this week devoted to de-stigmafying OCD and reaching out to fellow sufferers. I will add blogs and links as I come across them.

Exposing OCD

Writing Is (a) Pain. (Not really, but it can be)

I can't have it both ways. And quite frankly, I prefer it when my muse wants me to work for it.

Those who frequent my blog are likely aware that a few months ago, I suffered through a bout of writer's block. It was difficult, but I have recovered. And this is what's happened: rather than no ideas and no energy, I have three lengthy WIPs I'd like to work on and WAY too much energy. Know Thine Enemy is the same story I've been planning/outlining since last year, but I took a break to write Lost Wages of Sin, which is complete and with one pub for consideration. I didn't know when I began writing it that LWoS would turn into a series, or that I'd want to start working on that series immediately after completion of the first installment. I also wasn't planning on getting struck with yet another lengthy WIP out of the clear blue sky.

I know there are some writers out there who can work on multiple projects with no trouble at all. In a chat the other day, someone revealed they had almost 30 WIPs with at least 10k written on each. And I think I have problems.

I can't do that. I've never been apt at juggling WIPs. Yet with three stories I want to write, all at once, I have decided to challenge myself.

My previous attempts to juggle WIPs revolved around writing a chapter per story at a time before turning to my next project. I'm scrapping that. With the wonky unreliability of my schedule, writing a single chapter of something might take me as long as a week. Therefore, I am instead implementing a "by word-count" course of action. Yesterday, I managed to get over two thousand words written, one thousand each on two of my WIPs. That's my new goal. Two thousand words a day. Whether it's 2k on one story or divided up some other way is up to my muse. But in order to work on each story, I need to focus on the word count rather than the chapters. I might leave it in mid-chapter, and that's fine. My aunt, young adult and nonfiction author, says it's a good idea to quit in mid-scene, that way you have a place to start without staring at the screen. This doesn't always work, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

So here are my active WIPs, marked by current word-count and goal:

Know Thine Enemy
Erotic Paranormal Romance


Sinfully Scandalous
Erotic Paranormal Romance


Quintessence of Dust
Erotic Paranormal Romance


And here is my "will finish it one day" WIP, marked by current word-count and goal:

Blackout
Erotic Contemporary Romance


Yes, the one with the lowest WC goal is the one currently on the back-burner. I can't help what I want to work on, and right now, while I love the idea behind Blackout, that ain't it.

My mind is a dangerous place.

Wish me luck, everyone!

Deck the Halls Reminder!

We're narrowing down on the deadline to enter in the Deck the Halls Giveaway! Visit the contest for information on entries.

I have announced the contest on three different blogs and have around 20 entries. Five prizes available!

Hope everyone's December has kicked off with a shower of holly and mistletoe!

Deck The Halls Giveaway!

Deck the Halls Giveaway

Okay, so it’s no secret I love the holidays. This time of year definitely rivals all the others in terms of my affections, and to celebrate appropriately, I am announcing a massive giveaway! Between now and December 15, 2010 at 12:00PM CST, two participants will have the chance to win a signed trade-paperback copy of Ripples Through Time. Three runner-ups will win a free e-copy of Firsts.

To enter:

1) Follow my blog and comment on this post with your name

OR

2) Follow me on Twitter (and let me know you want to be entered in the contest).

AND IF YOU LIKE…

3) Do both! It is NOT necessary to be eligible, but it’ll get you a second entry.

If you already follow me on Twitter, I have no intention of leaving you out. Just RT one of my contest reminders, and it’ll give you a second entry. That being said, only two entries possible. I’ll love you if you RT my contest reminders more than once, but it won’t increase your chances.

Due to the fact that I am quite poor, I am restricting the Ripples Through Time paperback recipients to US only. However, anyone in any region is eligible to win a free e-copy of Firsts.!

So spread the word! Tis the season!

Insert Working Title Here

My good friend and colleague Madelyn Ford has posted two wonderful pieces on pre-editing. They can be found here and here.

A little over a week has passed since submitting Lost Wages of Sin (Book #1 in the Hellfire Series) to Samhain. I hate this part, which is no surprise since I'm no good at it. I've already bemoaned the fact to my crit partners and friends, but patience is definitely not my virtue. In the meantime, I have started working again on "Blackout" and hope to have it complete - or at least somewhere near complete - by the end of the year. I'm doing my best not to start work on the second Hellfire book until I receive word on the fate of the first. In the meantime, I have two active WIPs and a handful of other ideas to keep me occupied.

Likewise, I believe I’ll start writing short Dante/Ava stories once the fate of Lost Wages of Sin has been decided. Hopefully, readers will fall in love with them as I did.

I've also decided to compile a list of my current favorite books and their authors.

------------

Recommended Reading

Book: Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between
Author: JA Saare
Buy Link: http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781770650145
Author's Website: http://www.jasaare.com/
Reason: The author’s voice and wit, her characters, and the OMG! ness of the end. Ms. Saare creates such vivid worlds and fills them with real people. She is likewise not afraid to push boundaries and comfort zones. There aren’t enough words for how much I love this book.
My full review here.

Book: Lucifer’s Daughter
Author: Eve Langlais
Buy Link: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/lucifersdaughter.htm
Author's Website: http://www.evelanglais.com/
Reason: Creativity, characters, and voice. Also, Satan’s parenting skills are hi-larious. This book definitely works as a standalone, but from the way it left off, I’m anticipating another…highly anticipating. I’ve also put this author on my TBR list, and from the looks of things, I have a lot of catching up to do.
My full review here.

Book: Coercion
Author: Lux Zakari
Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_12&products_id=315
Author's Website: http://luxzakari.com/
Reason: This novel is an emotional rollercoaster with an ending that I began praying for halfway through. The unexpected happy ending. Ms. Zakari killed me over and over again, and though there were definite assholes and general people you didn’t like in the story, no one came across as two-dimensional. I could fully sympathize with every character.
My full review here.

Book: 666 Angel Lane
Author: Lori Green
Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_31&products_id=300
Author's Website: http://twooldfartstalkingromance.blogspot.com/
Reason: This book made me laugh and cry, not to mention kept me on the edge of my seat. How can you turn a reality-TV program into a battle between life-and-death, good-and-evil, heaven-and-hell? Read and see. You will not regret it.

Book: Down in Flames
Author: Sarah Ballance
Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=136
Author's Website: http://www.sarahballance.com/index.html
Reason: Just the WOW factor. Brand new author with an emotionally rich story and vivid characters. She’s gotten her second contract, and it’s not hard to see why.

------------

The Top of My Constantly-Growing TBR List

Book: My Avenging Angel
Author: Madelyn Ford
Buy Link: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/romance/my-avenging-angel
Author's Website: www.madelynford.com/

Book: Betrayal: The Awakening
Author: Angela Steed
Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/betrayal-the-awakening
Author's Website: http://www.angelasteed.com/

Book: Surrender to Sanctuary
Author: Leah St. James
Buy Link: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=surrender+to+sanctuary
Author's Website: http://www.leahstjames.com/

Book: Damaged Cowboys
Author: Stacey Espino
Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/damaged-cowboys
Author's Website: www.staceyespino.com/

------------

What is everyone else reading? Any recommendations?

Status report

Well, I had a very good weekend, but it wasn't particularly restful. My best friend of 10 years and I ventured to Washington DC for Jon Stewart's March To Restore Sanity. The actual rally was too packed to watch, but I got to hear Ozzy play a bit of "Crazy Train" and listen to good parts of Stewart and Colbert's talks and banter. Whatever I missed will be covered by TiVo.

In the meantime, my friend and crit-partner, Jaime Saare, finished reading "Lost Wages of Sin," and I've both completed and edited my synopsis. I plan now to reread at least the first five chapters, but otherwise start preparing for submission. I've also begun plotting the next book in this series. I just can't help myself.

Today is my blogger day at Romancing the Muses. My topic: Stealing The Show: Writing People v. Writing Characters. Hope to see you there!

Another one bites the dust...

Lost Wages of Sin

Erotic Paranormal Romance



This is now complete! I've sent it to my CPs and will begin piecing together blurbs and synopses to send off.

Definitely the first in a series, that will be at least eight books long. I'm so freaking stoked.

I'll blog updates on what becomes of it now.

Small victories

Well, I'm over the 50k mark. I have still a chapter and an epilogue to write. At the very least, I made my word-count goal. I'm hoping I'll have that complete by tonight, but tomorrow is a tad more realistic.

I haven't given any thought to blurbs or synopses in months. Granted, I'm not going to send it anywhere until my crit partners have looked at it. I'm also going to let my husband read it, which is a huge step for me. While he knows the nature of my writing, I've never been brave enough to let him read it. He keeps asking about it, though, because he knows how excited I get toward the end of a project and he seems interested about the premise.

Anyway, right now I'm aiming for Samhain, though I think I'll submit to Liquid Silver and Ellora's Cave (this just for kicks...it has plenty of descriptive sex, but not enough to get in-house, I think).

More later.

I haven't finished a WIP in a while, but I'm now within 3k of my 50k goal on Lost Wages of Sin. I have roughly a chapter and a half left to complete before I send it off to my CP's and start seriously thinking about where to submit it.

Lost Wages of Sin


I'm so excited!

Vampires and Demons and Shifters, Oh My!

A part of me likes to believe I was into the whole "vampire" thing long before it became popular. A friend of mine sent me the first three books of the Sookie Stackhouse series before anyone had heard the term “True Blood,” and I devoured them before patiently waiting for the next one’s release. I had never really been one to purchase romance novels before then, and actually hadn’t imagined legitimate, royalty-paying publications printing the sort of raw, explicit, sexy material I enjoy reading. I first encountered erotica through the art of fan-fiction, and naively believed the realm of explicit fiction solely reserved for the Internet. It makes sense now, of course, years and many, many, many books later that the phrase “sex sells” applies to all media. Of course, I knew about romance novels, but I hadn’t thought the sexual encounters would be anything more than clever allusions to the act itself. And while this has been the case with a handful of authors, this misconception was at the blame of my own obliviousness until I started reading.

I’ve been a huge vampire buff for about ten years now, therefore I began devouring every vampire romance I could get my hands on. After Sookie Stackhouse, it was Lynsay Sands, Christine Feehan, Amanda Ashley, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. I’d spend hours in a bookstore, buying more novels than I could read. Even today, I have a healthy collection of books I haven’t cracked open. I tell myself I’ll get there eventually, but the stack keeps growing by the year. Point being, I loved a good paranormal. I’d read werewolves and demons on occasion, but vampires were my poison. It was actually around the time Twilight took the world by storm that my interest in the paranormal at last began to wane.

I’m not talking in terms of writing. I’ve written paranormal romance for so long that writing anything else seems strange and unpredictable to me. My world might change from project to project, but some staples remain the same. Yet over the past year, my reading library has expanded from strictly paranormal to mostly contemporary, with perhaps a paranormal title thrown in there out of habit. I likewise have entertained more contemporary ideas (one I’m very excited about) and even more I will likely never get around to writing. Still, when it comes to the sort of stories that motivate me in terms of creativity, it has monsters…more than likely vampires.

My current project is no exception. The main world-focus contains angels and demons, which is something I’ve never touched, but my hero is a vampire. This world will likely be expanded in further series, as I’ve fallen in love with the premise and have enough side-characters that their story, including Lucifer’s, will need to be told down the line. I plan to include shifters and other paranormal aspects the more it grows, but vampires have always been my first paranormal love, and paranormal heroes have always been my writing preference. There’s just something about a larger-than-life hero that gets my engine going.

Still, while my creativity seems to be led by the paranormal, I keep selecting contemporary romances for my bookshelf. I’ve published two to date, and have another in the works, and I do feel a sort of accomplishment upon drafting a new non-paranormal. I hope to expand my personal writings in that direction, as well.

At any rate, I definitely won’t be short for ideas anytime soon.

Writing report, contests, et al

First of all, my short story, Falling, has survived the first round of voting at ARe. If you get a chance, please drop by to cast your vote in round 2.

Secondly, I'm getting very close to completing one of my WIPs. I'm pretty excited about this one, as it's unlike anything I've ever written before and likely the first in a series. I've never written a series, or really aspired to write a series, thus I'm excited and nervous all at once. I hope to have it sent to my CP within a couple weeks and then will begin the submission process. Right now, I have my sights set on Samhain, though I'm really attracted to Noble Romance, as well. I want a place where paranormal romances perform well.

This story, tentatively titled "Lost Wages of Sin," is the story of Ava and Dante, and, as I said, likely the first in a series. It involves angels, demons, Heaven, Hell, vampires, rituals, and will eventually involve werewolves and other mystical creatures. I obviously have an affinity for vamps, but I've never broached anything like this in my paranormal writing. I'll post more updates as the story wraps to a close, as well as blog on its reception once I submit it.

It's been a crazy few days on the home front. Hope everyone's had a good weekend.

VOTING HAS COMMENCED!

My short story, Falling, is a finalist at ARe! Voting for your favorite stories commences October 1, 2010. Please swing by and cast your vote! 

Exciting news!

About a month ago, I submitted a short story to All Romance Ebooks' Just One Bite Contest; today, I received word that my submission has been selected as one of the 32 finalists! Voting commences tomorrow. I appreciate your support!



I'll post an update tomorrow with an active link. Please, spread the word!!

Mostly curious...

Regarding this project, I wrote another 1200 words last night. I'll update my progress bar this evening.

Reviews, writing progress, etc.

I have had a longer than long day, but this made it all better: HEA Reviews - Yadkny's review of Possession.

Seriously, thank you.

My personal book reviews are on a slight hiatus. I'm working on one of my paranormal WIPs and, according to my own progress bar, I'm 1/5 of the way through. Being that I began really working on this last week, I'm pretty psyched.

11079 / 50000

Look for more updates soon!

Halloween Giveaway

I'm giving away a copy of Ripples Through Time and Possession in my good friend J.A. Saare's Halloween contest. Check out her blog and author's group for details.

I'm thinking about opening a Yahoo! Author's Group. I don't know if I have enough people who would actually join, but hey...I suppose I could post excerpts and details and whatnot pertaining to my new WIPs.

What say you? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

New features, interviews, etc.

I've added a few pages to my blog, as well as updated my website.

I have Character interviews available with the protagonists from all my published works. I also recently sat down with one of my favorite authors and - let's face it - people, Lux Zakari. She asked about my current and former works, and my early years in writing. Check it out!

If you visit my blog often, you'll see there are new pages featuring a brief bio, a list of my publications to date, some information pertaining to OCD, and a progress report on the WIP's on which I'm currently focused.

Hope everyone's week is going smoothly thus far.

Facebook throughout the ages

I received this in an email and decided it'd be cruel to keep to myself.

MELODEE AARON PROMOTION

X-POSTED AT MELODEE AARON'S YAHOO! GROUP

MELODEE AARON
ROSALIE'S SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW


Hope everyone had a great Labor Day—at least those who celebrate it. Today, I’m posting three new excerpts from my debut publication, Firsts, as well as character interviews with the two leads, Thorn and Savannah. Both interviews take place before the events of the novella to give new readers the chance to get to know them before purchasing. For those of you who have already read Firsts, hopefully you’ll enjoy a quick glimpse into the people they were before Savannah asked Thorn for the favor that would change both their lives forever.

Reminder: I am running a contest for a free copy of one of my works—winner’s choice. All you have to do is respond to ANY of my posts with your email address and a lyric from your favorite Beatles song. Contest ends Saturday!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone. Here’s the first of three NEW EXCERPTS from Firsts.


Title: Firsts
Author: Rosalie Stanton
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: LOOSE ID
Editor: G.G. Royale
Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Firsts.aspx

Blurb:
Savannah is looking at entering college as a virgin. After getting her heart shattered by one of the high school’s notorious playboys, she turns to her best friend, Thorn, and implores him to help her solve the tiny problem of her virginity.

What she doesn’t know is Thorn has been in love with her since the second he laid eyes on her, and asking him to touch what he can’t have is nothing less than torture. After succumbing to her advances, Thorn makes it his mission to convey everything he hasn’t been able to put into words into touch, hoping Savannah will feel in his hands and mouth what she has never seen in his eyes.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.



Her eyes softened at that, a gentle sigh rolling off her shoulders. “You won't lose me, Wesley.”

“You say that now. If we do this—”

“If we do this?” she asked, her voice hitting a note. “You've gone from 'no way, no how' to if we do this.”

Thorn winced inwardly.

“Sex changes things,” he repeated lamely. “And I don't want things to change.”
Not like this.

“Did things change with you and Paige?” Savannah countered.

“Well, no.” He frowned. “I couldn't stand her before, and I couldn't stand her after. It didn't—”

“Then I don't see—”

“We were dating. There's a difference.”

“And you couldn't stand her—”

“Right,” Thorn said shortly. “And I love you. Didn't fucking matter if Paige never spoke to me again, did it? But if this blows up in my face, I couldn't stand it.”
He stood staring at her, chest heaving, a dull ring piercing his skull. He was distantly aware that he'd said something he shouldn't have, but it didn't matter in that moment. Knowing Savannah, she wouldn't hear the sentiment behind it; she wouldn't pick up on the sincerity, the desperation, the truth in his words. Savannah couldn't fathom him in any other fashion but as her gal pal, only with one rather large exception. In her world, confessions of love didn't mean what they meant in his.

True to form, she smiled again. “I love you too, Wes,” she said in that totally platonic girl way. Thorn's spirits died. He exhaled a deep breath, hid his misery under a quick grin, and tried not to whimper when she continued. “That's why it has to be you. Nothing will change, I promise. It'll just be… We do this, and it'll be fine. We'll just…have done it and go on with our lives. It'll be fine.”

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING…

“It’s also about growing up, individually and as friends, and falling in love. I really liked Savannah’s best girl friend Allison; she was the voice of reason for her rather impetuous and hard-headed friend. Thorn, well he was just killer ~ sexy and madly in love with his best friend, but he was also quite wise and willing to take the risk of opening Savannah’s eyes to the truth of their relationship.
What follows is a rather stunning story that turned all my expectations completely on their head. An emotionally rich story that also contains laughter, tears and, overall, a story that enchants.
Will I be looking for more books by Rosalie Stanton? You betcha!”
- Kathy K, Reviews at E-Book Addict

The sex scenes are funny at times and sizzling hot at others. We all remember what it was like the first time–awkward, uncomfortable, and exciting–and Ms. Stanton has wisely chosen to sprinkle a bit of humor here and there to keep things real. I chuckled, gasped, squirmed and, when I finally finished the story, sat there thinking about it for a good hour afterward. Good stories leave an impression after, but great ones linger. This one is still lingering.
- Fern, Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews

I loved this story. It was sweet and funny at times but also tense and awkward. Thorn’s seduction was sensual and expert[ …]and made my girly parts tingle. I enjoy an instant attraction story, but this was special because of all they’d shared through their lives and their excitement of what was to come. Highly recommended.
- Chris, Night Owl Romance Reviews

Interested? Follow this link!

Melodee Aaron: Author Spotlight

And this week is officially underway! My interview is up at Melodee Aaron's website. Be sure to drop in!

Also, I'm going to post several book promotions, excerpts, and character interviews throughout the week at her group. I'm also running a contest for a free e-copy of one of my works - winner's choice! Just leave a comment to any one of my posts this week with your email address as well as a lyric from your favorite Beatles song to enter! Winner will be announced at my chat this Saturday, which runs from 4-6pm CDT. Hope to see you there!

This is going to be a fun week.

Author Spotlight

Just a heads up: I will be in the hot-seat this week at Melodee Aaron's group. I'm going to post excerpts, character interviews, open myself up for questions, host a chat, and conclude with a book giveaway. It should be a fun week!

Want to participate in the giveaway? It's easy! Just respond to one of my posts with your email address and a lyric from a Beatles song. Any old lyric will do. Just make sure to put it in quotation marks.

I'll do a drawing for those who participate and the winner will select which book he/she would like.

Contest starts tomorrow!

Funny video

I normally won't post YouTube vids here, but this one, IMO, deserves a mention. Then again, I love corny humor.

Review: Witching Hours [The Preacher's Daughters 2] by Sheri Gilmore

Turning her back on the society she grew up in, Starr Chappel has to fight everyday to live the life she's chosen for herself, running a Pagan supply store in a small, southern town full of prejudice toward her religion, and gossip concerning the murder of her mother. A murder, she's sure, still needs to be solved in a discreet, investigatory manner.

But, the local preacher isn't helping her keep a low-profile. With his suave southern charm and warm as molasses brown eyes, he is fast melting her heart and resolve to keep all preachers at arms length. There's the vague impression that they've met before, but with his sexy looks and sizzling bedside manner, she's certain she would have remembered him!

Reverend James Edwin Mason III has never met a more enticing woman than Bay St. Louis's local witch, Starr Chappel. With her fiery, red hair, flashing green eyes, and luscious curves, she could be Lucifer, himself, come to tempt a less honorable man to his fate. But, Mason soon learns he's been less than honorable in more than one of his past lives in regard to the delectable Starr Chappel. Can he convince her of his sincerity this time around?

This book contains substantial explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Domination/submission, voyeurism.

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's Review: 3.5/5


Truthfully, the stories to which I seem most commonly drawn are those involving forbidden attraction, often between mortal enemies. While The Preacher's Daughters: Witching Hours doesn’t contain anything so dramatic, it is a novel detailing the importance of life, love, acceptance, tolerance, and what it truly means to embrace one’s spirituality. These were all themes I didn’t expect to encounter upon adding this book to my shopping cart.

The Preacher's Daughters: Witching Hours tells the story of Starr Chappell and Reverend James Edwin Mason III. Starr is a practicing witch who often finds herself at odds with the town locals due to her religious beliefs. Mason is the town’s new preacher, though he hasn’t yet been fully accepted. As a man of God, he is expected to take a wife, and despite his spiritual reservations, the only woman in whom he’s interested is a pagan who seemingly wants nothing from him than a roll in the sack. Starr is not without cause for her prejudice against men of the cloth; her father was a minister, a skirt-chasing one at that, and drove her mother to an affair with her sister’s boyfriend. Starr has had more than enough of the preacher-type, but she can’t deny the way she reacts whenever Mason is around.

Unfortunately, Mason and Starr have more on their plates than they could have imagined. They were lovers once before: she, the wife of a colonial minister, and he, a philandering witch whose sexual appetite was not satisfied with just one woman.

This was a very good erotic romance wrapped in a morality play. It’s definitely worth a read.

Review: Lucifer's Daughter by Eve Langlais

Hi, I’m Muriel, the only white sheep in a sea of black ones, and a virgin to boot. I am determined to wait for love, but my Dad, more commonly known as Lucifer, just wants me to stop being an embarrassment. I’m hoping the hunk I met in my bar will turn out to be the one–just looking at him makes my insides melt like marshmallows over the coals of Hell, but trusting is hard when it seems everyone I get close to ends up trying to kill me.

Not only am I dealing with an extreme case of lust, there’s a new threat in Hell, one my Dad says to ignore. Something easier said than done since it seems everywhere I turn demons are trying to kill me. But I’m okay with that, because one thing I’ve learned being a princess of Hell is that sometimes I have to grab a demon by the horns and slap it around a bit.

A rebellion in Hell, demon assassins and scorching kisses, could my life get any more interesting?

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's Review: 5/5


Angels, demons, and a plot to over-throw Hell. Oh my!

Meet Muriel, daughter of Lucifer and princess of Hell. Aside from being the white sheep in a family of black ones, she spends her evenings running her business and dodging the advances of the demons her father sends her way, hoping his half-human daughter will loosen up and start living up to the family name. Then she meets Auric and his two friends, whose secrecy and determination more than intrigue her. While in serious lust with Auric, Muriel is no fool. She’s been the target of too many assassination attempts and on the receiving end of just as many gomers who claim they are worthy of popping her cherry. From the get-go, Auric is different, and after passing a few of her “getting to know you” tests, Muriel begins to wonder if she might have just met “the one.”

Lucifer's Daughter is everything I look for in a book. Witty, engaging characters, true sizzle-off-the-page chemistry, betrayal, deceit, sex, lies, passion, love, all wrapped a well-written, involved plot that keeps you on your toes. This is truly one book you can’t afford to miss.

FIRSTS - NEW EXCERPT: R RATED

Author: Rosalie Stanton
Publisher: Loose Id
Length: Novella
Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Firsts.aspx

Title: Firsts
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Blurb: Savannah is looking at entering college as a virgin. After getting her heart shattered by one of the high school’s notorious playboys, she turns to her best friend, Thorn, and implores him to help her solve the tiny problem of her virginity.

What she doesn’t know is Thorn has been in love with her since the second he laid eyes on her, and asking him to touch what he can’t have is nothing less than torture. After succumbing to her advances, Thorn makes it his mission to convey everything he hasn’t been able to put into words into touch, hoping Savannah will feel in his hands and mouth what she has never seen in his eyes.




R-Rated Excerpt


“T-teach you?” Thorn repeated shakily, his hands balling into fists. He had to progress very carefully; the world could shatter with a bat of her gorgeous eyes. “Like…you want…”

“I figure I'll have to do this eventually,” Savannah explained hurriedly, her gaze darting to the floor, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks. “So…umm…I thought…if you want me to…”

He laughed nervously. “Savannah, I—”

“If you don't want me to, I won't,” she amended quickly.

The laughter kept coming. He couldn't switch it off, nor could he keep himself from saying something stupid. “Not want a gorgeous girl to wrap her lips around my prick? You really are new to this, aren't you?”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

He'd officially lost control over words. They lived on their own.

Savannah's face fell, hurt replacing nervousness, and Christ, it was his kryptonite.

“Never mind,” she said. “I just thought… You did it for me, so—”

“Kitten—”

Her head whipped up, her eyes blazing brilliantly. “Don't you 'kitten' me, you big…jerk guy! I don't… I thought you'd want something. I thought… I don't know what I thought, but I wanted to do something for you, and that seemed like the best thing, and if you can't be decent about it, then…” Savannah's face fell again when words ran empty, gaze redirecting to her bare, bronzed legs. She hadn't bothered dressing in his brief absence, and at the moment, he didn't know whether he should consider himself lucky. It was awkward enough between them without taking nudity into consideration. “I just thought…”

Thorn sighed harshly, running a hand through his hair and hating himself. “Sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer. “Savannah. Will you look at me?”

The request only hardened her stare. She didn't budge.

Well, if she wouldn't come to him, he'd go to her. He found himself kneeling before her the next instant, hands rubbing her thighs of their own volition, waiting for her to relax before raising a hand to her face.

“I'm an ass,” he said plainly.

She snickered.

“A good-looking ass, yeah, but an ass.”

Another snort. “Conceited much?”

“My beauty's a burden, love, not a perk.”

This time she laughed outright and looked up at last. He smiled when he had her eyes. Maybe there was a chance he could talk himself back from a full-blown train wreck…providing his dick didn't do his talking for him. “You made my brain short-circuit,” he said honestly. “Can't rightly offer a bloke a blow like that and expect him to be anything but…well, this.”

Savannah pouted at him a minute longer. “Jerk.”

“Yeah.”

“I am new at this.”

Thorn smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I know,” he replied. “And as much as I want to say yes, I don't want you to feel like you gotta do anything for me. I'm just happy to—”

Her eyes widened. “I don't feel like I have to.”

“No?”

“No, I just…” She licked her lips, and he bit back a moan. Just imagining those lips around him, that tongue caressing him, licking him, drawing him in deeper, deeper. Oh God. “I want to.”

Every muscle in his body tightened. His cock had hardened to the point he thought he'd bust his zipper. Her flesh against his…her skin…her scent…around him, sucking… “You want…Savannah… Oh God.”

“What?”

Rational thought fled the room. His hands closed around her face, and his lips crashed hard against hers. A long moan raced through her body, igniting his every nerve. She responded so wildly to his touches. Her kisses tasted hungered and desperate, mouth stealing aching, hot drags off his lips as her hands reached and grabbed. She explored him with boundless curiosity, fingers trailing up his arms and over his shoulders, down his chest and across his thighs. Her thumb brushed against his denim-clad cock once, and when he gasped into her mouth, she did it again with gusto. No part of her lacked fire or passion; she touched and discovered, leaving his skin feverish in her wake, and for one perfect moment, she belonged to him. Touching him, her beautiful, bare body his for the taking. She belonged to him. He could pretend.

He could pretend…

Click here to purchase!

Review: Ex Appeal by Cari Quinn

As the webmistress for one of the Northeast’s hottest dating sites, Hunk Du Jour, Jenny Talbot is no stranger to reading the applications of potential clients. But when the latest application that crosses her inbox belongs to Ty Randall, the guy she broke up with a mere twenty-seven days ago, she does a double take. Reading what Ty wants in bed not only gets Jenny hot, it also makes her rethink ending their relationship. All she longed for was a little more spice in the bedroom—okay, a lot more—but he let her go without an argument. Faced with the possibility that Ty may really be moving on, getting her ex back becomes more appealing than ever. But will revealing exactly what she needs allow Jenny to finally experience ultimate pleasure or will she drive away the man she loves for good?

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's Review: 5/5


Ex Appeal gives us the sweet, heartwarming tale of two people who overcome trial and error and fight their way back to each other. Jenny has been with her boyfriend, Ty, for several years, and recently ended their relationship due to infidelity—that is, he had developed a love for his job that seemingly outweighed his interest in her.

This story drew me in for two key reasons: the strong emotion between Ty and Jenny, and the insights given to the nature of their relationship. Ms. Quinn successfully wove a realistic tale that was nearly bittersweet at first; we see misunderstanding has separated our lovers, but the passion they felt for each other had nowhere near subsided. Ty believes Jenny to have lost interest in him due to the changes she made, both cosmetic and in the bedroom. Jenny believes Ty to have lost interest in her, due to his lackluster response to said changes, which were designated to rekindle and save their romance. The realistic portrayal of a seemingly doomed relationship and the hopeful, not to mention hot as all get out, reunion was the perfect combination in any good erotic romance.

Ex Appeal is the uplifting story of rediscovering love, understanding the importance of communication, and the hope for what lies ahead. This is one that should go to the top of your TBR list.

POSSESSION - NEW EXCERPT: X RATED

Author: Rosalie Stanton
Publisher: Loose Id
Length: Novella
Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Possession.aspx

Title: Possession
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Blurb: Arianna is a demon hunter who isolates herself from society. Over the past few months she has become increasingly dependent on her uncertain alliance with Kade, a vampire informant who literally stepped out of the shadows and into her life.

On the night of a rumored attack from a group of demons, called Eros, who feed off passion for sustenance, Arianna meets with Kade to plan a counterattack before the demons can strike. However, upon retreating to Kade’s apartment for supplies, both Arianna and Kade are overwhelmed with a sudden rush of passion. Their bodies refuse to obey their minds, and before they can stop themselves, they are engaged in endless rounds of lovemaking. Lost to pleasure even as their minds fight sensation and each other, Kade surrenders to his love for Arianna, and tries to convince her he is what she’s needed all along.




Adult-Rated Excerpt


Arianna's face blanked comically. “I…I don't give you permission to read my thoughts!”

“I can't read your thoughts.”

“Then how—”

“They're called ears.”

“I said that out loud?”

“Yeah. And my ears are particularly sensitive, so I can hear even if you are muttering under your breath.” He smirked unpleasantly, palming his balls and giving them a good squeeze. “You want me back inside?”

Yes. She ached all over. She felt wet and aching and very much in need of him. She needed that cock inside her and not in his hand…no matter how hot watching him masturbate made her. Especially when his gaze flickered alternately between her breasts and her pussy. Especially when he licked his lips like that and snarled all predatorily.

She felt certifiable. Absolutely certifiable.

“The spell's over,” she said slowly. “We…we've done—”

“I don't know about you, Arianna…” Kade paused and sniffed at the air, his lips stretching into an obnoxious sneer. “Well, actually, I do know about you. You're dripping for me.”

“Ugh!” Arianna shot out a leg in his direction, only to have him seize her by the ankle with his unoccupied hand. She tried hard to ignore how good his fingers felt against her. “Get over yourself.”

“We're not done,” he replied softly.

Then he tugged on her leg, dragged her down the mattress, ignoring her surprised yelp, and positioned himself at her opening yet again. She felt certain that any second now her heart would leap out of her chest. She lay on her back, stretched out before him, and he had her pelvis lifted as an offering for his cock. He didn't touch her at all. His body didn't stretch above hers. His chest didn't press against her breasts. He held her only where he needed to, rubbing his length across her slit.

“You're mine, Arianna,” he said again. Slowly. Intently. He refused to look at her—his eyes were glued to her pussy. “For better or worse.”

“I am not yours.”

“I claimed you.”

“Not my problem.”

Kade's brows flickered with interest, but he didn't look at her. “You accepted.”

“You forced me.”

He sniggered. “Yeah. I've never seen anyone react to force so enthusiastically.”

“It'll go away.” The head of his cock brushed against her clit, and she trembled hard. Her body reacted in all the wrong ways. If this happened, she wanted body-on-body contact. She wanted him with her and not using her only for what lay between her legs. He didn't touch her, and she needed him to touch her. She needed to feel him against her. “It'll go—”

Kade tsk-tsked and shook his head, slipping his cock inside her again and tugging on her hard until her legs were wrapped around his waist. “Doesn't go away,” he replied, his voice distant. “Not after you accept.”

“You made me—”

“That point's fucking moot. You're stuck with me.” Finally he blinked and trailed his eyes up her body until their gazes clashed. Only Kade didn't look out through his own eyes. Not the Kade that had been with her all night. This seemed a different Kade. A Kade who guarded himself from her. “You're mine.”

Arianna shook her head and wiggled, earning little more than a sharp thrust and an enthusiastic gasp. “No!” she protested. “No!”

“Arianna—”

“You can't—”

She choked out a sob and reached for him, feeling idle and stupid. She needed him to be with her. This emotional-distancing crap would only kill them both. Her body didn't feel conditioned for sex without feelings; hatred and anger seemed preferable over nothing. She needed Kade to feel something. She needed him to touch her. She needed him.

Oh God.

Kade blinked hard. It took only seconds for the facade to melt. “Oh, Arianna.”

“Please?”

The next thing she knew, he'd slid his hands under her shoulders and lifted her into his embrace. Arianna linked her arms around his neck and swallowed him in a kiss.

Kade whimpered, his hands dropping to her ass, squeezing her encouragingly as she began to bounce on his cock with renewed enthusiasm. “Arianna,” he whispered, nipping at her lips.

“God…”

“Keep touching me.” She kissed him again, wiggling her hips. “Kade…keep touching me.”

He smiled kindly, wrapping his arms around her to hold her to his chest, and her heart melted.

“I'll never stop.”

Arianna cupped his cheeks and kissed him, banishing her thoughts.

Click here to purchase!

Writing status

I’ve completed two interviews in the past week and both have asked what I’m currently working on. It's a good question, but one I'm never really sure of how to answer. All the interviews I've given over the last few months have mentioned, in some way or another, the paranormal WIP I've been working on since February. It's been a struggle; I had a listless female protagonist, who was listless for a reason, granted, but she provided absolutely no drive or reason for me to come back…therefore I found myself apathetic, road-blocked, and incredibly frustrated. It wasn't until I participated in an author chat for one of my publishing houses that I decided the story was worth more than my original version of my protagonist and if it was to survive, I needed to man up and do some serious revising. Over the past month or so, I've completely rewritten the beginning of the book, adding in a prologue from my hero's POV and a new chapter featuring his first encounter with the heroine. It flows much better now, and it gave my character a voice whereas before she lacked depth.

I’m encouraged because I do truly care about this project and I’m not going to let the shaky beginning deter me from my goal. However, I’ve recently found myself bombarded with ideas for lighter stories that won’t take nearly as long to get out. Writing can be two things for me, and hardly ever at the same time: easy-peasy or “all work and no play.” Lately, it’s been the later. If I’m deeply invested in a project, I’ll obsess over it. After all, people with OCD are known for obsessing, and since I already obsess over everything under the sun, I have a tendency to stumble over sentences and self-edit as I write, which is something I know, I know, I know I shouldn’t do, but I find myself doing it anyway. No matter how many times I tell myself to worry about edits later, my brain doesn’t want to function that way, and since I care about this project, I don’t want my own neuroses to interfere with its progression. That’s where I believe lighter projects might help its progression. If I can get my mind out of the place where everything has to be “just so” and on a lighter, fluffier note, the blood might blow a bit easier, and I’ll have a real chance at tackling the story I really, really want to tell.

Anyone else out there have this problem? Please? Bueller? Bueller?

In other news, one of my interviews will go live soon. I’m thinking about doing a giveaway for those who comment on the blog it’ll appear on. Any takers? I’ll even take suggestions on what book to giveaway.

GIVEAWAY SPOTLIGHT!!!!

Centuries ago, Ravenna Mal was One of the Few, one among many sworn to protect the world from the night’s creatures. Her upbringing was unforgiving; as a warrior, she could form no close relationships, and she could especially never fall in love.

A vampire called Nicolai challenged everything she knew, introducing her to worldly sins, worshiping her flesh with his hands and mouth, and worming into her heart before she realized how painful love could be…especially when ripped away.

In the present, Raven Rayne has a problem. A new vampire called Nicholas in town; one who speaks to her without saying a word, one who stirs long-dormant feelings she can’t dismiss as dreams.

A chance spell reunites Raven with the past she never knew, and memories of Nicholas she couldn’t have dreamed. And though he doesn’t remember her, she knows she must do everything she can to remind him.

REVIEWS

4 DELIGHTFUL DIVAS: "Rosalie Stanton is a new and promising author. If you love an angsty vampire romance where love conquers all, then this is the book for you! Ripples Through Time was an emotional rollercoaster ride of love surviving death. The writing was poetic and expressive and allowed us into both the hero and heroine’s point of view. I look forward to more work by this passionate, new author." -- Stacey, Dark Diva Reviews

4 TEACUPS: "Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Ripples Through Time's Nicholas and Raven. I really, really, really loved Ripples Through Time. I went through so many different emotions reading this story, I laughed when Raven was sassy to her guardian and when it looked like Raven's desire to stay with Nicholas forever wouldn't come true, I was anxious, hoping that their love would be enough to keep them together. Miss Stanton is a really talented author and I look forward to reading her next masterpiece." -- Ashira, Happily Ever After Reviews

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Review: Coercion by Lux Zakari

How far will one woman go for love?

Introverted and insecure Valerie Mercer was promised that during her senior year of college she would finally attract attention from boys…but never dreamed that would include Michael Vartanian.

Good looking, troubled and every parent’s nightmare, Michael is adamant on introducing Valerie to a world of both pleasure and, inadvertently, heartbreak. His interest in Valerie is dependent upon the mood and fidelity of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Breeze.

Nevertheless, Valerie lets her hope and desire override common sense and soon finds she can’t deny Michael anything…no matter what’s at stake.

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's Review: 5/5


I truly had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but what I received was something out of left field: a realistic coming-of-age story with characters so real you nearly expect to run into them on the street.

Coercion is a bittersweet tale about a shy young woman, Valerie, who enters her senior year of college, thinner and optimistic about her romantic prospects. She attracts male attention, which is foreign to her, and also encounters a high school crush – bad boy, bad-influence Michael.

Michael is everything Valerie is not. He’s not academically ambitious, not particularly driven by anyone or anything, a habitual drug user, and constantly on the outs with his longtime girlfriend, Breeze. Michael is particularly taken with Breeze almost to the point of obsession; they don’t get along most of the time, but mutual understanding keeps drawing them back to each other. They are routinely unfaithful while still remaining jealous of the other’s infidelity. Breeze goes through a number of both reputed and verified sexual partners, while Michael notices sweet Valerie, and proceeds to take her on a dark sexual journey, either unaware or apathetic that her heart is in the balance.

This book was—oh, what’s the word—fantastic. It typically isn’t my sort of story, admittedly, but I found I couldn’t stop reading. Every page, every word, hell, every syllable drew me in even more. What really propelled the novel forward were the characters. These were true people on a page, complete with their virtues and vices. I really loved Valerie, even in her weaker moments, even when I thought she was a complete moron for the way she allowed herself to be treated. Sometimes people are morons. Sometimes people are weak. Sometimes people make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. Sometimes people do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Sometimes, smart girls fall for the bad boy. And if we’re being truthful, the bad boy doesn’t always turn into Prince Charming. Sometimes it goes exactly the way it should.

This novel was a perfect blend of characterization, dialogue, writing, angst, realism, and the unexpected happy ending. Anyone who loves a good story will adore Coercion. I eagerly await Lux Zakari’s next work. This is definitely an author to watch.

Review: Goldie and the Three Behrs by Harris Channing

Some men are too hard. Some men are too soft. But only one man is just right…

Choosing the perfect bed is easy, but sometimes finding the right person to share it with is an adventure!

The Marquess of Blackwood lays eyes on Goldie Locksley, and immediately falls for her. Unfortunately, his youngest brother, Joseph, decides to make her his bride. But when their father tells him no, all hell breaks loose and all three brothers will do their utmost to see that they are a part of her future. But her happily ever after lies in the arms of one man. Will he be able to prove himself in time, or is Goldie destined to a life of misery or mediocrity?

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's rating: 4/5

This one surprised me.

I don't make a habit out of reading menage or multiple partner books unless I'm in the right mood. For a story to appeal to me, the characters must have a connection above the physical, and in the menage/multiple partners stories I've read to date, the emotional connection either isn't there, or is completely forced for the sake of excusing the prolific sex scenes.

Goldie and the Three Behrs is a prime example of "Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover." You have Goldie, who is a sweet, perhaps headstrong young woman who is auctioned off by her family to marry someone she doesn't know, only to find herself on the edge of a scandal when she discovers the marriage was a deception to trick Goldie into bed. Then you have the elder brother, William, besotted by Goldie but promised by family duty to someone else. Ms. Channing did an exceptionally good job developing the emotional bond between Goldie and William, as well as a good, solid plot to keep the action moving and the reader guessing.

I expected a lot of sex with little substance. What I got was a very hot, fast read with likable characters and a lot of heart.

Sugar and Spice/Snakes and Snails

So, it's been about a year since I entered the wacky world of publishing. My initial release was Firsts, which was contracted approximately this time last year and released in November of 2009. I've made some fantastic friends within the writing community, learned a thing or two about the differences between publishers and editing styles, and for someone who did very little promotion, comparatively, have enjoyed moderate success.

I suppose the most important thing I've learned over the last year is the impact of reviews. Like almost every writer I know, I take my work very seriously. I put all of myself into whatever I'm crafting, often obsessing over word placement and sentence structure to the point of insanity. While I try to keep myself grounded in terms of reception, I was terrified after each one of my first three releases that the review sites would rip them to shreds. They didn't...at least not yet. Now, I didn't receive a glowing review every time, but every site had something nice to say. Those reviewers that loved my work REALLY loved my work, and those that didn't love it still enjoyed it, at the very least. Ripples Through Time was a radically different story for me, at least at the time it was written, and after it was released I spent countless hours Googling for review results. It was, ironically, the least reviewed of all my releases, but those reviews it received were complimentary, even the lukewarm ones.

I suppose this is what ultimately convinced me to calm down when it came to reviews. Yes, a bad review can hurt - my non-professional peer-reviewed writing has taught me that much - but it's an inevitable part of being published. You can't please everyone, you can't appeal to everyone's personal tastes, you can't make the perfect book in terms of everyone's definition of perfection. Therefore, when my latest release, Moving Target, hit the e-book shelves, I barely followed its initial progression.

This is the first release I've had that has displayed an almost even divide in its reception. I've received some positively flattering reviews from HEA Reviews and Seriously Reviewed, and at least one downright depressing review from Book Utopia. What these individual reviewers took away from Moving Target is completely different. Completely. And it has illustrated something that I needed illustrated for my own survival as a professional writer. I'm a sensitive person, though I try not to be, and I let little things get to me, even though I know I shouldn't. I've wanted badly to be well-received, and while I've gotten my wish in many venues, I've come to accept emotionally what I've always known intellectually.

You can't please everyone. Sometimes, you can't please anyone. I'm perfectly content now knowing that I can please some of the people some of the time, and at least hope to keep the others entertained. If a reviewer from one review site doesn't like something, that doesn't necessarily mean it was a bad story...it might mean that, granted, but not necessarily. What it definitely means is that story didn't speak to that person, and that's fine. I just like knowing my work speaks to others.

So thank you to my reviewers, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And thank you to my readers - all of you. You have helped me develop a better sense of self. For a year into my publishing career, I think I'm exactly where I need to be.

GIVEAWAY SPOTLIGHT!!!!

An innocent woman. An assassin with a conscience. A deadly attraction.

Although Anna Winter doesn’t fit the profile, Nathanial ‘Wolf' Thornton can’t be sure she isn’t the woman he’s supposed to assassinate without getting a closer look.

Once he discovers his cover’s been blown, his options are limited: walk away or watch an innocent woman suffer the consequences.

A slave to his conscience, Wolf decides to take Anna along for the ride of her life…all the while battling his desire for her.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Review for 'Shakespeare Undead,' a novel by Lori Handeland

Click here to purchase

Rosalie's Rating: 3.5/5

A brief summary: Shakespeare Undead is about a necromancer vampire who goes by the name Will Shakespeare and has, among other things, penned a good percentage of the world's great literature over his considerably long life. He abstains from drinking from humans and raising zombies, though he has done both in the past. Teamed up with Kate, a zombie-slaying machine, Will works at chopping the undead down to size all the while attempting to identify the necromancer responsible for the zombie invasion. He and Kate are also infatuated with each other, though she is married and he is, well, a vampire.

There were many things to enjoy in Shakespeare Undead. The writing is above par, and while I didn't care for the shifting POVs, it didn't distract me from the story as much as I thought it might. I also really enjoyed Ms. Handeland's characterization of Shakespeare. He is drawn as a brilliant, though aloof character, often fantasizing about various plot ideas that come to him at the most inconvenient moment. The audience is supposed to infer that Shakespeare ultimately pens The Wizard of Oz, The Sixth Sense, Star Wars, and perhaps one or two other works of consideration. This was cute the first time the reference was made, but by the time Shakespeare started envisioning Princess Leia telling a wise old sage that he was her "only hope," the joke had run its course.

Ms. Handeland also did a good job of creating sizzling chemistry between Will and Kate. I truly enjoyed the back-and-forth of their relationship.

I mentioned the shifting POVs, and while they didn't distract me, they didn't seem necessary by the end. Kate's first person narration didn't reveal anything that Will's third person did not. Likewise, if there was any mention as to what Will used as a blood substitution, as he didn't feed from humans, it wasn't made obvious. Yes, vamplore is ever-changing and subject to the author's personal mythology, but when the cornerstones of vamplore are dismissed, we need some explanation as to where the vampires who abstain from blood of any kind get what they need in order to survive. Like I said, this might have been touched upon in the book, but if it was, it was done so in such a way it was easy for the casual reader to overlook it.

I also caught myself thinking of Shakespeare in Love more than I should have. Obviously with any fictionalization of Shakespeare's life, we're going to see some references to his literary works, but from the stolen balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, to the R&J lark/nightingale back and forth as dawn approached, to Kate masquerading as a boy both to hunt zombies and to act on stage, to the Silvia speech from Two Gentleman of Verona, it seemed Ms. Handeland's best knowledge of Shakespeare came from the movie and not history books. I would have liked some hint at other Shakespearan insight than just from the film. Constantly reciting from Shakespeare's plays was also a little jarring when Ms. Handeland returned to normal dialogue. It was likely meant to be an intentional anachronism, but the shift was very obvious.

I will say I thought the last few lines of dialogue were brilliant, and I love where she left this story off.

Overall, this was a very entertaining read, one I gobbled up in less than 36 hours. It kept me interested, made me laugh, and while I did find fault with it upon reflecting, the plot spoke to the Shakespeare enthusiast in me, as well as the lover of a good paranormal romance.

Wonderful review for Ripples Through Time at HEA Reviews!

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Centuries ago, Ravenna Mal was One of the Few, one among many sworn to protect the world from the night’s creatures. Her upbringing was unforgiving; as a warrior, she could form no close relationships, and she could especially never fall in love.

A vampire called Nicolai challenged everything she knew, introducing her to worldly sins, worshipping her flesh with his hands and mouth, and worming into her heart before she realized how painful love could be…especially when ripped away.

In the present, Raven Rayne has a problem. A new vampire called Nicholas in town; one who speaks to her without saying a word, one who stirs long-dormant feelings she can’t dismiss as dreams.

A chance spell reunites Raven with the past she never knew, and memories of Nicholas she couldn’t have dreamed. And though he doesn’t remember her, she knows she must do everything she can to remind him.

Ashira Datya’s Review

Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Ripples Through Time's Nicholas and Raven. Their love began in the 1700’s, despite the differences in who they were; she is a Vampire Slayer and he is a Vampire. Their love was forbidden and despite the tragedy that befalls them, Raven is determined not to let it destroy them or their love and does the unthinkable to ensure that they stay together. Flash forward centuries later; Raven and Nicholas find each other again and have to fight a big bad evil demon to stay together.

More here!

If you're interested in reading excerpts for Ripples Through Time, click here for a hard-R excerpt, and here for a raunchier selection.

Now available!

An innocent woman. An assassin with a conscience. A deadly attraction.

Although Anna Winter doesn’t fit the profile, Nathanial ‘Wolf' Thornton can’t be sure she isn’t the woman he’s supposed to assassinate without getting a closer look.

Once he discovers his cover’s been blown, his options are limited: walk away or watch an innocent woman suffer the consequences.

A slave to his conscience, Wolf decides to take Anna along for the ride of her life…all the while battling his desire for her.

NOW AVAILABLE FROM LYRICAL PRESS!!

New paperback release!!!!

Ripples Through Time is now available in paperback! This is a first for me. I'm so excited!



Click here to read excerpt I (R)
Click here to read excerpt II (NC-17)

Centuries ago, Ravenna Mal was One of the Few, one among many sworn to protect the world from the night’s creatures. Her upbringing was unforgiving; as a warrior, she could form no close relationships, and she could especially never fall in love.

A vampire called Nicolai challenged everything she knew, introducing her to worldly sins, worshiping her flesh with his hands and mouth, and worming into her heart before she realized how painful love could be…especially when ripped away.

In the present, Raven Rayne has a problem. A new vampire called Nicholas in town; one who speaks to her without saying a word, one who stirs long-dormant feelings she can’t dismiss as dreams.

A chance spell reunites Raven with the past she never knew, and memories of Nicholas she couldn’t have dreamed. And though he doesn’t remember her, she knows she must do everything she can to remind him.

Now in paperback!

New review for Moving Target!

So, I know I haven't updated this thing in...oh, what time is it...two months, but I bring news!

Moving Target will be released on July 5th, and it has already received a rave review from Happily Ever After. Go check it out!!!

In other news, the past few weeks have been rather stressful, but ultimately with steps in the right direction. As of July 2, I will no longer be working at the bank. I'll also be working on my WIP (paranormal romance, though I'm tossing around some contemporary ideas). Writer's block has been lifted (it seems), and even though I'm still technically working for the bank for the next week and a half, the stress level has gone down considerably.

So, look to see me around a bit more. :)

The lovely and talented Stacey Espino allowed the chance for an interview at her blog. Go check it out!

Also, my short story, Moving Target will soon be made available from Lyrical Press. Check back for release dates!



An innocent woman. An assassin with a conscience. A deadly attraction.

Although Anna Winter doesn’t fit the profile, Nathanial ‘Wolf' Thornton can’t be sure she isn’t the woman he’s supposed to assassinate without getting a closer look.

Once he discovers his cover’s been blown, his options are limited: walk away or watch an innocent woman suffer the consequences.

A slave to his conscience, Wolf decides to take Anna along for the ride of her life…all the while battling his desire for her.

Content warning, explicit sex, language, exhibitionism.

Thank you!

Thank you for all the votes! Possession won the Clash of the Covers! Although, this is really the victory for April Martinez, my wonderful cover artist.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: Loose Id
Editor: G.G. Royale
Cover Art: April Martinez

Excerpt
Arianna is a demon hunter who isolates herself from society. Over the past few months she has become increasingly dependent on her uncertain alliance with Kade, a vampire informant who literally stepped out of the shadows and into her life.

On the night of a rumored attack from a group of demons, called Eros, who feed off passion for sustenance, Arianna meets with Kade to plan a counterattack before the demons can strike. However, upon retreating to Kade’s apartment for supplies, both Arianna and Kade are overwhelmed with a sudden rush of passion. Their bodies refuse to obey their minds, and before they can stop themselves, they are engaged in endless rounds of lovemaking. Lost to pleasure even as their minds fight sensation and each other, Kade surrenders to his love for Arianna, and tries to convince her he is what she’s needed all along.

Sometimes, possession is mutual.

---

But please, don't judge a book by it's cover! Judge it by reading! :)

Happy Sunday!

So Possession has been selected for Clash of the Covers. Who would like to go vote?

Guest blogging

It was my day to guest blog at Loose Id's Reader's Retreat at Coffee Time Romance. Drop by and say hello!

Interview!

Lynne Roberts recently interviewed me at her blog. Go check it out!

Also, just some more self-pimage, Ripples Through Time has officially been on sale for a day. Whee!

New release!

My latest work is now available for purchase at Siren Publishing!



By: Rosalie Stanton
Categories: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves
Word Count: 97,819
Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.


Centuries ago, Ravenna Mal was One of the Few, one among many sworn to protect the world from the night’s creatures. Her upbringing was unforgiving; as a warrior, she could form no close relationships, and she could especially never fall in love.

A vampire called Nicolai challenged everything she knew, introducing her to worldly sins, worshiping her flesh with his hands and mouth, and worming into her heart before she realized how painful love could be…especially when ripped away.

In the present, Raven Rayne has a problem. A new vampire called Nicholas in town; one who speaks to her without saying a word, one who stirs long-dormant feelings she can’t dismiss as dreams.

A chance spell reunites Raven with the past she never knew, and memories of Nicholas she couldn’t have dreamed. And though he doesn’t remember her, she knows she must do everything she can to remind him.

Excerpt

He’d had his eyes on her all night. She knew. She felt him watching.

Club Intensity was, well, as intense as ever, but she hadn’t scoped out anything dangerous to slay. Aside from Mr. Stares-A-Lot, a few harmless demons chattered in the corner about an upcoming marriage, and the only slightly frightening demon in the joint had passed out at the bar. Raven knew she shouldn’t be here. Dexter would kill her if he found out, especially since she’d forgotten her cell phone and hadn’t told him where she planned to go on the evening’s watch, but the streets lay dead and the club buzzed with life. Just once… just once, she wanted to look and feel and take in what everyone else experienced every day.

Just once she wanted not to be One of the Few.

Which was all fine and dandy, except a vampire had spent the night eyeballing her, and that was never a good sign. Vampires were unpredictable. Some lived by a code of protecting humans, while others loathed the human race and wanted nothing but the world to return to the way they thought things had once stood. Judging by the malice in Fangy’s eyes, he fell into the latter category. It was just as well, Raven supposed. She hadn’t had a good fight in ages.

It looked like she didn’t have to wait any longer. Blood Breath had started her way, worming a path through the club’s rowdier patrons, eyes never wavering.

Something about those eyes…

“You know what I am,” he said by means of introduction.

Raven licked her lips and nodded, trying and failing to shake off the feeling that she’d seen him before. She hadn’t. She’d certainly remember a vampire like him. Most anti-human vampires were fangs out, ask questions later. This one didn’t come bearing fangs. His short brown hair fit his face nicely, accentuating high cheekbones and those killer blue eyes which seemed to hypnotize. His well-muscled body stood clad in a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt, and though he didn’t tower over her, he did top her off by a few inches. It was… nice, in a weird way. Raven wasn’t exactly known for her height. She figured she appeared well proportioned with the hour-glass shape, and everything looked like it belonged where it belonged. She wore her chestnut hair at her shoulders and she definitely wasn’t tall, making most men feel like skyscrapers in comparison.

The vampire was different. He didn’t overwhelm her with his size. He complemented her.

A very dangerous thing for a vampire to do.

He was so…pretty.

“I know what you are,” Raven said, pressing her thighs together. All at once, she was aware of a thousand things. Her skin was hot and flushed, and strange tinglies were spreading through her veins and making her panties moisten. Lust seemed a foreign sensation, one she’d felt in spurts during her teens but she’d never been given the opportunity to explore it as it served as a danger and could cost One of the Few his or her life.

Right now, she just wanted the vampire to touch her.

Another very dangerous thing for a vampire to do.

“Then you should know my name,” he said, head dipping. His voice fanned her ear, igniting a flame she hadn’t known there was to ignite. Her nipples tightened inexplicably, and she felt damp between her legs. Hot and… wet.

Oh God, so dangerous.

He whispered his name. Nicholas. It rolled off his lips and wrapped around her like a blanket, and the shiver she’d felt before exploded into a world of sensation.

It didn’t strike her as a remarkable name, rather it was one that she’d heard many times before. However, that did little to explain why she felt so…

Complete.

And then, like proverbial mist, he was gone.



© Rosalie Stanton, March 2010
All Rights Reserved


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