Her Royal Hotness, Diva Sabrina York, is DEFIANT to the last drop!

DEFIANT

by Sabrina York

Noble Passions, Book Five
Released: July 23, 2014

When rakish Ned falls in with the wrong crowd, his brother decides to send him to the Continent for “seasoning”. For Sophia, this just won’t do. She’s loved Ned for ages—and also longed for adventure. She runs away from her boring suitors and disguises herself as a cabin boy on the Defiant, the ship sailing Ned to Italy.

Ned knows he’s not good enough for Sophia, but once they’re on the Defiant, he can’t stop himself from touching her, tasting her, loving her. Not when a wild tempest and a band of ruthless pirates threaten them. Not when every look from her gives him such pleasure. And certainly not when she comes, warm and wild and willing, to his bed.

If they survive their voyage, Sophia’s brother might kill him, but it will have been worth every moment and every hot, sweet kiss.

A Romantica® Regency historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

READ AN EXCERPT

Sophia stood on the bow of the boat in the dark as the wind and rain lashed her face. She loved it. Loved it. Not only was the storm elemental and fierce, it hid her tears.

Surely she hadn’t expected Ned to greet her with open arms. Not when she had barged in on his adventure as she had. But she certainly hadn’t expected him to be so horrid. His expression had devastated her.

Foolish girl, it said.

But then, her heart agreed.

She was foolish.

Foolish to ever think that he—

“You’re soaked.”

She whirled around, though she knew what she’d see. More glowering.

She was right.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m reveling.” She thrust out her chin, in case he didn’t believe her.

He gaped at her. “Reveling?”

“Yes.” She didn’t mean to shout, but his wintry demeanor annoyed her tremendously. She threw out her arms. “Look at this!”

“It’s a storm.”

“It’s beautiful. The waves are wild, untamed—”

“You could be swept overboard.”

“The wind is howling and the rain is savage. It’s glorious.”

“It’s freezing. Come inside.”

“It’s not freezing. It’s summer.”

“I’m cold.”

“Then you go inside.”

“Sophia Fiona—”

“Don’t call me that.”

“It’s your name.”

“You sound like Ewan.”

“I’m starting to think Ewan is a saint.”

She glared at him. “What a beastly thing to say.” She hated that her chin wobbled a little. Hated that he winced.

“I’m sorry, Sophia. This has been trying for me.” He sluiced the water from his face. “Won’t you please come inside?”

“All right. Fine.”

“You will?”

“You did say please.”

He blew out a breath and offered her his arm. She frowned at it. “I’m a cabin boy, remember? You don’t offer a cabin boy your arm.” When he didn’t lower it, she smacked it. “Someone will see.”

That caught his attention and he slowly lowered his arm. “Right then. Come inside.” He followed her back to the cabin, his stride decidedly unsteady. If anyone was tipping overboard, it was most likely him.

When she once again stood in his chambers, she realized the folly of her actions. She hadn’t brought a change of clothes and she was drenched. So was he. Without a word, he relit the lamp and then opened his trunk and pulled out several shirts, two of which he tossed to her. “Change.”

That was it. One word. Just “change” and then he presented her with his back. She huffed a breath, but did as he asked because she was really rather cold. The feel of the cloth falling over her chilled flesh warmed her. Because it was his shirt. It had touched his skin. She wasn’t sure why the thought sent heat scudding through her belly.

“Use the other shirt to dry your hair,” he suggested, as he began toweling off as well.

She huffed a laugh. “All of your clothes will be wet.”

“They’ll dry. Are you clothed?”

“Yes.”

He turned. And froze. His gaze locked onto her bare legs. “I-I thought you said you were clothed.” A squawk.

“I am.” But the intensity of his stare made her self-conscious, so she slipped into the bed.

“Close your eyes,” he said as he unbuttoned the damp linen clinging to his chest.

“Why?”

“I need to change as well. I’m f-freezing.”

“Okay.” She did. But she peeked.

He ripped off his wet shirt and her breath caught at the sight of his broad back. Muscles rippled as he moved and she swallowed. He was beautiful. He tugged the fresh shirt over his head and she nearly whimpered as that magnificent vision disappeared. But then, he unfastened his trousers.

All pretense of not peeking evaporated.

He sat and took a moment to work off his boots. And then he stood. His trousers were tight, as was the fashion, and he had to peel them off. As he bent, she caught a flash of his bare behind.

She must have made a noise because he whirled around. His cheek bunched when he saw her watching. “You’re supposed to have your eyes closed.”

She hunkered in the covers, as though that would disguise the fact that her eyes were open wide.

“Sophia…”

It was probably wrong to grin at him, but she couldn’t help it.

“Sophia Fiona!”

“Stop calling me that. It always makes me think I’m in trouble.”

“You are in trouble. You have no idea how much trouble you’re in.”

She tipped her head to the side. “We both know Ewan will be so relieved to see me, he’ll forget how angry he is—”

Ned stilled and fixed her with a dark glare. “What makes you think I’m talking about Ewan?”

“I… ah…”

“I’ve a mind to bend you over my knee.”

Why a shiver rippled through her, she had no idea. She’d been spanked once or twice as a child and she hadn’t cared for it in the slightest. But something dark and domineering in Ned’s tone made her womb warm.

“You-you wouldn’t.”

“Wouldn’t I? Now, look away. Your brother would skewer me if I gave you the education you’re about to have.”

She attempted not to snort. Ned—and everyone—thought her a prim and innocent miss on account of the polish she’d acquired at Lady Satterlee’s. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a child, before Ewan had made his fortune, they’d lived a hand-to-mouth existence in the slums of Perth. She’d seen more than one couple rutting against a wall in a dingy alleyway. And at one point, she and her brother had taken refuge in a bordello. She’d been only seven, but if she’d had an education, she got it there. She could probably teach Ned a few things.

Still, because he seemed to expect it, she squeezed her eyes tight and didn’t hardly peek at all as he finished changing. Besides which, the spot she was interested in was mostly shadows.

With a great huff, he threw himself back into the chair. “Now, go to sleep.”

“Don’t you want me to put out the light?”

“No. I want to be able to see where you are.”

“I’m not leaving again tonight.” Probably. Unless her despair overcame her once more.

“Leave it on.” A grunt, and not a very nice one at that. Why he had call to be annoyed, she couldn’t fathom.

Blast and damn, he was an annoying man. Sophia grunted as well and rolled over, facing the wall of the cabin. She studied the patterns the swinging lamp made for a long while, listening as he shifted one way and then the other.

It was really unfair for him to have to sleep in the chair. This was his room. But he would never share her bed. She grimaced at the way the words came out, but it was true. He wouldn’t. Unless…

She rolled over again and watched him twist in the chair. He caught her eye and frowned.

“Ned?”

An impatient groan. “Yes, Sophia?”

“Ned, I’m cold.”

He stilled. Then barked, “Put on another blanket.”

“There aren’t any more.” She faked a shiver. She wasn’t cold in the slightest. She never was. Ewan said she ran hot. “Brr. My teeth are chattering.”

His glower became a frown.

“I hope I don’t get ill.”

He paled. “You shouldn’t have gone out in the rain. Why did you go out in the rain?”

She sneezed. Or something like it. “I don’t know.”

“Sophia?”

“Am I running a fever?” She put her palm to her forehead. “I think I’m running a fever.”

His brow wrinkled. He stood and made his way across the tiny chamber as though on his death march. He set the backs of his fingers to her cheeks. His frown darkened. “You are warm.”

“No. I’m cold.” She shivered and peered up at him, her eyes as wide as she could make them. “Won’t you warm me?”

He wrenched his hand away as though she’d burned him. “What?”

“Lie here beside me and warm me up?”

“There’s not enough room for both of us.”

“I’m small.”

“Sophia.” She’d never heard her name in such a strangled voice, not even when Ewan was at his wit’s end.

“Just for a bit? You can be on top of the covers. Surely that is decent.”

The muscle in his cheek bunched again, as though he were grinding his teeth.

“Please?”

He gusted a sigh. “All right, Sophia. Scoot over and make room.”

She did. With alacrity.

“And roll over, facing the wall.”

She frowned at him “Why?”

“Just do it. Please.”

“Oh, all right.” But only because he said please. And because, when she was facing the other way, he couldn’t see her grin.

He settled in behind her and a shiver rocked her. He was warm. And he smelled delicious. Not fishy in the slightest. It was delightful, lying here with him. She closed her eyes and imagined he wanted this as much as she.

If only. If only.

Purchase DEFIANT at Ellora's Cave
Purchase DEFIANT at Amazon

If this wets your whistle, remember the other books in the Noble Passions Series.

Follow the decadent exploits of friends and enemies as they find love and passion in the glittering world of the Regency—and its dark underbelly.

About Sabrina York:

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the award winning author of over twenty hot, humorous stories written for her smart and sexy readers.
Her titles range from sweet & sexy erotic romance, to scorching BDSM. 
For more information on Sabrina York, please refer to the links below.

Connect with Sabrina:

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Find SALVATION with N.J. Walter's PACK

Today, I am thrilled to feature a new series by Paranormal Erotic Romance Author, N.J. Walters!

Welcome to

The Salvation Pack

 Book One - Wolf at the Door
Samhain Publishing

When Gwendolyn Jones inherits a Tennessee cabin from a great aunt she never knew, she quits her job and follows her dream to write full time. Meeting a stranger in a local cemetery isn’t a risk she normally takes, but she needs the information on his flash drive for an article she’s writing on werewolves. Later that night, when two honest-to-God werewolves come knocking on her cabin door, they’re definitely not Photoshopped. 

Jacque LaForge is on a mission to retrieve a flash drive before it endangers his pack. He never thought he’d find a mate, but the chemistry between him and Gwen is unmistakably off the charts. Now to convince her he’s only trying to protect her from his vengeful former pack—led by his own father. 

Gwen’s first instinct to flee only gets her a smashed car and a concussion. She wakes up in a dangerous new world she never thought existed—and in the arms of the one man who stands between her and certain death. 

Excerpt

Wolf at the Door

A hard, heavy pounding shook the front door, jolting her out of her chair. She didn't waste any time running for the shotgun. Had Hector followed her home? Maybe he was crazy? She knew better than to break her rule about meeting in public. Why had she made an exception tonight? Too late to be asking that question now.

She thumbed the safety off. Her palms were damp and shaky, but she swallowed back her fear. How hard could it be to point and shoot? It was like a camera. This close she couldn't miss.

The knock came again, this time not quite as loud. "Ms. Jones?" The voice was low and deep, definitely male.

Relief hit her hard and fast. Maybe it was one of the local deputies. They often stopped by to check on her, mostly because she was new to the area, but also because she was a single woman. On her first trip into town, Margie at the grocery store had assured her she'd have all the male attention she wanted. Single women were rare in these parts. Most women were either married, too old or too young. The rest of them left for the bigger cities as soon as they were able. A single young woman was cause for talk in town.

Still, she wasn't about to be stupid. She seen too many horror movies where the dumb blonde gets herself killed by not being careful. She might be blonde but she wasn't stupid.

"Who is it?"

"Ma'am, I'd like to talk to you if I can. It's about Hector Canton."

As tempting as it was, she wasn't about to open her door to a total stranger. "Come back in the morning." She glanced at the old cuckoo clock hanging on the wall. It was just past eight, but as dark as it was outside, it might as well have been the dead of night.

"It will only take a minute. I'll stay out here on the porch."

She snorted, like she was stupid enough to fall for that. Gwent backed away from the front door and headed toward the phone in the kitchen. Out here, cell-phone service was spotty, but her great aunt had a land line that Gwen had kept when she moved in. No way did she want to be caught without phone service. She'd call the sheriff's office and have them come talk to the man.

There was no noise behind her, simply a stirring of the air, but Gwen knew she was no longer alone. She whirled around, her finger tightening on the trigger. The shotgun fired just as a male hand pushed the barrel up and out of the way. The bullet harmlessly buried itself in the wooden ceiling.

Gwen screamed as the weapon was tore from her hands and tossed aside. The front door was kicked in behind her, bouncing off the wall. She didn't know where to look. There was a stranger behind her and another one in front of her.

She lunged for the kitchen counter and the knife block. She needed something to defend herself with. Anything. One of them swore and leapt toward her. Large fingers tightened around hers, the pressure making it impossible for her to draw the large butcher knife from the block.

"Relax, chere. Shhh." His breath was hot on her neck and his hand practically swallowed hers whole.

She started to shake. Would they hurt her? Rape her? She couldn't think about the possibilities. She had to fight back. Her muscles, immobilized by fright only seconds before, came back under her control. She threw her head back hard and fast and connected with his face.

Her captor howled in pain, sending an icy-cold shiver racing down her spine. It sounded too much like the dogs she'd heard earlier.

Massive arms wrapped around her torso and pulled her away from her only source of weapons. "Dieu. There was no need for you to do that, chere."

She still couldn't see the man holding her but the one in the front of her was hard to miss. He was huge, probably around six-four, his brown shaggy hair hanging around his massive shoulders. His golden-brown eyes started at her and his full lips were drawn into a thin line of displeasure.

Shit. She was in deep trouble. She recognized him from the picture she'd seen only moments before. Her only option was to try to brazen her way out of this situation.

She cocked her eyebrow at him and inclined her head. "You're either Louis or Jacque LaForge. I'm not sure which." She had a brief moment of pleasure when she noted the surprise in his eyes. Then they went flat, and the expression in them scared her spotless.

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Book Two - Wolf in her Bed

Anny Conrad is a single thirty-year-old librarian—a cliché complete with two cats. Dragged out to a local bar, she’s rethinking her life plan over a few drinks when a man walks up and asks her to dance. And what a man. Tall, rugged and more than a little untamed. Before she knows it, she’s in his arms and throwing caution to the wind. 

With a pack war in full, deadly swing, the last thing Armand LaForge needs right now is a woman in his life, much less a human. But one thing is certain, he’s met his mate, the one woman in the world for him. 

The kindest thing to do is give her all the hot sex she wants and then leave her alone. But when the morning comes, fate isn’t done screwing with them. Anny is confronted with the fact that the myths in her library books are real…and now she’s one of them.  Click HERE to read an excerpt.

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Book Three - Wolf on the Run

Expected Release: October 28, 2014

Blurb coming soon! HERE 

A little about N.J.

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel, Annabelle Lee, and life would never be the same.

N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it. 

N.J. Walters has an expansive catalog of work from which to choose. To learn more about her work, the following links will take you directly to her work: Website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Samhain, All Romance, Kobo and Ellora's Cave 

She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to Email NJ and visit her on Facebook and Twitter  

Enjoy!  

Shelbie =)

Taken from Samhain Publishing
There is a reason for this...

Announcements

Hello everyone!

I know it's been a while since I last checked in and during this time, much has happened.

After receiving the first round of edits back on Loving the CEO, I made the decision to do a complete re-write, as opposed to trying to edit. I am very fortunate, in that I've been blessed with a wonderful Editor whom provided me with a knowledge base I did not previously have. Needless to say, I believe I made the right choice.

Just yesterday, I returned Loving the CEO to my Editor for the second round of edits!

The original manuscript, after first edits, sat at just shy of 69k words. After re-writes, it now sits at 128k, if that gives you an idea of how much I added to the story. My characters simply were not happy with the shortened story and I found I couldn't explore their relationship in such a short word count. I know, maybe 69k isn't short for some people, but in this case, for me it was.

So, you ask what's next? 

Well, that's where the fun kicks in!

I am thrilled to announce that I was asked to join a wonderful group of Authors, working together towards a common cause getting our work out there for the masses to read!  

We are known as The Decadent Divas.

We have much planned in the future, so many exciting things to come, but for now, we have a blog, Facebook and Twitter up and running. Follow us to find out what's coming!

Now, you ask...who are these wonderful Authors?

Jennifer Kacey, Ditter Kellen, Cait Miller, Rebecca Royce, Chandra Ryan, Erin Simone, Sabrina York and Shelbie Knight. 

These are the ladies of The Decadent Divas!

If you are interested in following us, I will place the links below.

Now, for the updates on what's next for me; Rising Dragon is my next project with Ellora's Cave and I will return to writing it, starting tomorrow!

This will be my first paranormal with EC. I'm thrilled to return to what I really love, and have a passion for, writing - Paranormal.

Targeted word count for Rising Dragon is 80-100k.

That's it for now, but there is much to come!  

Remember, keep an eye out on my blog and The Decadent Divas for updates!!

The Decadent Divas FB:  https://www.facebook.com/decadent.divas

The Decadent Divas Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DecadentDivas

The Decadent Divas Blog:  http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/

Have a super week!

*Hugs*

Shelbie  =)

Hello everyone!

News, news, news...well, let's see here.  I will be quick and short today, as I have a deadline on time...but here is where the status stands with my current work.

Loving the CEO was completed (YEAH!) and turned in to my Editor on September 15th with a word count of 68,653.  Due to some delays, I am not expecting first edits back for another couple of weeks, but I am thrilled!  I am hoping to have everything done, ready to go for publishing, by the end of December.  Crossing my fingers for sooner...but you know how that goes...out of my hands.  I am also excited to have a cover design in the making, and hopefully soon, available for everyone!

Of course, once Loving the CEO was done, I went right into my next project, Rising Dragon.  I am just as excited about this novel, as this will be another first - my first supernatural!  I have a target word count of 80-100k, but knowing me...yeah, let's just say I hope to stay under 100k.  My deadline for Rising Dragon is January 15th, but I hope to have it completed, and to my Editor, by the end of December.  I have so much occurring from the end of December through mid-January...

My current word count is 28.080 as of today, this minute!  It's coming along, but has taken me a bit longer than normal as I had to basically start over.

What do I mean by start over?  Well, here's what happened, in time sequence.  When I first set out to dedicate myself full-time to writing, I started with Rising Dragon.  Then, along came a spider who offered me a place in their Anthology for a Contemporary Romance piece.  Of course, I put aside Rising Dragon and began work on Loving the CEO.  

Unfortunately, I learned (and quickly) that I simply cannot write a 5k story, which was the max for the Anthology, so I scrapped the idea of joining.  But, by that time, I was so into Loving the CEO, I had to finish.  

As I was working on Loving the CEO, I received contact from Tina Engler (aka Jaid Black), CEO of Ellora's Cave, asking for a sample of my writing.  Well...since I was well into Loving the CEO, I tightened up the first ten pages and sent them off to her...with a prayer in the wind.

A week later, I received an acceptance from Tina, as well as an offer for a five-book contract!  Whoop!  So, I contracted Loving the CEO, Rising Dragon, and three others.  I know...I said I would make this short, but see what I mean about keeping under 100k?  My brain thinks small, but loves the danged words...the more the better!

Okay, so back around full circle.  Since Loving the CEO was the writing sample I sent to Tina, I contracted it with Ellora's Cave, finished writing it and away she went to my lovely Editor, Kelli Collins.

Right about the time of my deadline for Loving the CEO, Kelli was reverting in her role from EIC to Chief Editor, as well as undertaking a huge move.  Thus the delay.

Now, back to Rising Dragon...in the process of writing Loving the CEO, I learned a lot about my writing style.  A huge amount (and I haven't even received first edits back, which I know I will learn more each time).  So, when I picked up Rising Dragon, which I had to 25k when I originally put it aside and started reading over it...yeah.

So, I started from word one, page one, going over each of the 25k words, the sentences, the paragraphs, the story structure, the character introduction and development, etc.  Everything you do to write a novel.  If I had not done this, I would likely almost be done with Rising Dragon, however I wanted this, my first supernatural, to be as tight as I could get it.

As I read through, correcting this and that, changing an area here, a character action there, I found a lot of areas where there were items I just didn't like - I didn't like the flow, the direction, etc.  Thus, why it has taken me so long to get where I am now.  Plus...I forgot to mention...after I turned in Loving the CEO, I took a wee break (of three weeks) before I even sat down to Rising Dragon!

I imagine, if I was a chicka with no kiddos, my writing would be so much faster.  After all, no disruptions...yeah, but not in my house.

In ending, thank you all for your support!  I am hard at work on Rising Dragon, waiting for returned edits on Loving the CEO and have much more in the future planned!  =)

I wish each of you a wonderful day, a beautiful week and I hope, whatever your dreams and goals may be, you achieve each of them.

Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

CONTRACTS SIGNED!!!

After a long wait of wanting to announce it to the world, I am thrilled to finally be able to announce I have signed a five-book contract with Ellora's Cave!!!  

This is a dream come true for me!  Years of reading work from wonderful Authors, published by Ellora's Cave, I have wished to be a part of such a great group.  Now I am!!  YEAH!!

I was thrilled by the response I received from publishers, having several contracts offered.  I would like to thank all those who offered me opportunities; I have already written each of you personally, but wanted to say it here as well.  I was honored to have such a wonderful response in the publishing community.  Since the offers made to me have remained open, depending on my obligations to Ellora's Cave, I may consider them in the future.  One day at a time...one obligation at a time...one Novel at a time. I need to get into my groove, to see what I am capable of producing, before I consider more obligations.  What is important to me is taking the time to produce excellent work, not rushing to produce quantity.

I do not have publication dates yet, but as the process moves along I will keep everyone up to date.  I am currently working on a Contemporary Romance Novella, which has a set deadline of September 2013. After this project is completed, I have two Paranormal Romance Novels planned.  I have not yet decided what to do with the remaining two books of my contract, but as I go along it will become clearer.  I have the option of creating two more stand-alone Novels, or even continuing one previous Novel into a series....decisions, decisions....

For now, the following is planned with Ellora's Cave:  Title (the genre/EC line) approx word count and deadline.

• Loving the CEO (Contemporary Romance/Romantica) 25-30k (possibly larger) September 2013

• Rising Dragon (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k January 2014

• Corrupted (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k June 2014

• TBD for books four and five

Obviously, the dates listed are my deadline; editing, cover design and publishing afterwards.  Since this will be a first for me writing with a deadline, I am anxious to see how it goes.  As well, I am aiming to have the work to my Editor before these dates, but decided it was safest to allow for more time until I see the time it takes me. 

I cannot explain how thrilled I am and how difficult it has been for me to keep from announcing this wonderful news!!  The offer was made to me months ago, and I have been writing during the contract phase, so no time lost.  =)

I am also thrilled to announce that my Editor will be Kelli Collins!  I am confident, with her talent and knowledge, we will create something which readers will enjoy.

I would like to personally thank Jaid Black, for without her, I would not have this opportunity.  No matter the direction my career goes, I will always remember and thank Jaid for her place in starting it.  Thank you Jaid.  Your confidence means the world to me.

I would also like to thank all of you who have been a wonderful support to me over the last several months.  I have gained an immense amount of knowledge through this process, and thanks to the wonderful Authors, many of whom I count as friends, you too have helped in my journey.  I have met some absolutely amazing people and I am thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.

So, here goes nothing, hu?  Now, the ball is in my court, and I have the huge responsibility of creating a story which is engaging, characters you love to hate and hate to love, contained in a world you believe is real.  No small task, but one I am confident I have the ability to achieve. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has offered words of encouragement, advice, a shoulder of support, or even ears open, even though you probably got so tired of listening to me!!  

I would like to thank Rae Monet www.raemonetinc.com for her assistance - not only in designing my wonderful website www.shelbieknight.com but for her friendship.  I couldn't possibly have met a more wonderful person than Rae.  *big hugs*

As I write this, it sounds like I am writing a damned speech for receiving an award....I swear, this is not the purpose.  Ha-ha!  But, I have to thank my family as well.  Without their support none of this would be possible.  

My Husband is my rock - and always there to support me in whatever dream I decide to chase.  Married for almost twenty years now, together for almost 25, I am amazed he has put up with me....but what can I say, it was love at first sight, so he had no choice!  Ha-ha!  =)  I love you.  

My children, they are the two best kiddos any Mum could possibly wish for.  My Son is growing into a charming young man, capable, responsible and helps his Mum out all the time.  I am so very proud of him.  My Daughter, she's a little hellion (in a good way), although her little stunt on our trampoline has cost me an endless amount of grief (and medical bills) with a grade three sprain, and who knows how much ligament damage.  Aaahh...you would think my son would be the one breaking this and spraining that....nope.  That honor belongs to my hellion of a daughter!!  

My children are my life.  I love and care for them above and beyond any other.  They both support their Mum in her dream as well, even putting up with a "don't talk to me when I'm typing!  You mess me up!"  As the regular thing Mom says!

Last, but never least, I have to thank my own Mum.  Without her, I would be nothing - literally.  She is the one, who from the very start of my life, taught me to not take less than I deserved.  She instilled in me a desire to chase my dreams, no matter the work it took to achieve them.  She is my endless support system.  Always there, always with a smile on her face and her arms open for a hug.  I love you dearly Mummers!

Here we go.....the start of a new journey.  Thank you for your support and for playing a part of this most exciting time in my life!!  =)

Big Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

Tina's Guide to Writing Romantica

By Tina Engler, 2002

1. During "forced seductions", redeeming the hero is crucial - nobody wants to read about a rapist.  Make sure that the heroine clearly wants the situation to occur by the time there is penetration.

2.  Strong heroines are a must.  Women are much more interested in watching an independent female give a hero a run for his money, and then submit, rather than reading about a weak creature who is a pathetic, empty vessel, waiting to be filled.

3.  This is a take-off point on 2:  "brave resistance" = money for Author, "petulant heroine" = negative reviews.  There is a fine line between brave resistance, giving the alpha male a run for his money, etc. and having the heroine be cruel, vicious, petulant and unwilling to give the hero a break.  Said heroines are trying to the nerves, induce gritting of the teeth, etc.

4.  Monogamy = good, faithlessness = bad.  This rule is for the protagonists only/  The beauty of erotic romance is your secondary characters can get away with anything, so if a particularly kinky idea occurs to you, have the secondary characters indulge in it.  But for a protagonist....be careful!  The hero and heroine cannot have sexual penetration with anyone else once they have met.  If you allow that to happen, you will receive angry emails from women all over the world.

That said, you CAN get away with sexual touching in sci-fi so long as it's done properly.  In the Trek Mi Q'an series, for instance, there is something called a "Consummation Feast" where the heroine is brought to orgasm by the hands and mouth of five of more warriors before she's given to her mate for penetration.  In the Oath series, there is the "linking" ritual which requires a male close to the hero to rub all over the heroine's naked body while she's orgasming.  (You gotta love sci-fi!)  If the otherworld you build for your fantasy/futuristic setting includes multi-partner relationships, that is not "cheating."

5.  Don't always write the perfect heroines.  I can't stress this enough.  The occasional "babe" is okay, but they should be more of the exception to the rule than the rule itself.  Write chubby heroines, passingly pretty heroines, average heroines, etc., but not too many drop-dead gorgeous heroines.  Remember that your readers include every race, every culture, every body type.  Never refer to body fat in a bad way, for instance.  Call it "pleasingly fleshly" or something of that nature.

6.  Heroes are always tall, masculinely handsome (never pretty), muscular, and well-endowed.  It doesn't matter who his heroine is....the hero is always yummy.  Best selling heroes are also slightly obsessive - women readers love territorial ales who stake claims right off the bat and focus their energies on one woman.

7.  Vamps, futuristic/sci-fi, and MaleDom bondage sell the best.

8.  Always have a plot.


**I felt this was great information, in a quick, easy to understand format.  Many of you may know Tina Engler as the Founder of Ellora's Cave www.ellorascave.com while many more of you may know her by her Pen Name, Jaid Black www.jaidblack.com.  Either way, she is a leader in our industry, with years of experience, and valuable information to offer.  

**The information is taken directly, word for word, from: Ellora's Cave Publishing, Author Information and Submission Guidelines

Author Interview: J.K. Coi

Author, J.K. Coi

J.K. Coi is in a league of her own in the Paranormal Romance genre.  Her writing is descriptive, provocative, inspiring and steamy.  Reading her work did more than simply entertain me; it engaged and enraptured me.

As a reader, one of my first introductions to Paranormal Romance was made through reading J.K. Coi's My Immortal; her first title in the Immortal Series.  I was hooked from the start, and continued reading the remainder of her available series - Immortal Kiss and Dark Immortal.

I am thrilled to announce that, finally, there is another addition to this wonderful series!  J.K. Coi's newest release, Forever Immortal, is due to for release Wednesday, May 15.  

Even more exciting is J.K. has agreed to sit down with me for a detailed interview to discuss her upcoming new release, as well giving you the opportunity to learn a little something about her! 

Today, I am displaying Forever Immortal and here is my amazing interview with Paranormal great, Author J.K. Coi!

Q:        What originally inspired you to become an Author; did you always want to be an   author?  Why did you choose to write in the genre of Paranormal Romance?

A:       I’ve been a huge reader my entire life, and I started writing way back in high school. I won my first literary contest when I was in grade 10, with a story about a rabbit in the forest. I guess it was about six years ago when I decided to try and take a lifelong love of writing to the next level, by submitting my work to publishers.

And I’ve just always gravitated to paranormal and horror because those are the genres I read and feel most comfortable with—although I do write a lot in other genres as well, including contemporary romance.

Q:       Which Author has offered the most inspiration to you, in your writing?  Why?

A:     I take inspiration from many different places, and all of the authors on my “keeper shelf” inspire me with their fantastic stories. I also greatly admire the authors in the Toronto Romance Writers who are very generous with their time and experience, and are always willing to lend a hand to new authors with questions. Kelley Armstrong is one of those authors, and she has truly been my inspiration. Not only is she wildly successful, but she’s also one of the most genuine and giving authors I have ever met.

Q:        If you could work with any Author, who would it be and

A:     I do not know if I would be able to work with another author, LOL. I am pretty anal about my work and it is very hard to find someone who shares your process enough to make it work together in the same project. I envy those writers who have found a co-writing partner because if you can make it work, that would be a very rewarding partnership.

Q:      What is a typical working day like for you?  When and where do you write?  Do you set a daily writing goal?

A:      I do set a word goal every day, which can be flexible depending on the amount of time I have to my deadline, or the amount of writing time I am going to have for the day. Since I work a day job, I write a little bit on my lunch hour, and then I will do most of my writing in the evening after kiddo has gone to bed. I do not often get a lot of writing done on weekends, since I spend that time with the family. This makes me a very slow writer, but I balance everything the best I can.

Q:       What advice could you offer to someone who is interested in becoming an Author?

A:      I have been asked this a lot and my opinion is not to rush it. I know that with the easy availability of self-publishing many authors are jumping into the publishing arena with both feet—and that’s not a bad thing at all—I just want to urge writers to do everything they can to ensure their very best work is being put out there. If that means taking some writer’s courses, then great. If it means revising and revising and revising again, then do it. Because if writing is going to be your career, you have a reputation to protect. For an author, reputation is at least 80% about the quality of books they offer to readers.

Q:      You have written three books so far in your Immortal Series - Immortal Duty, Immortal Kiss and Dark Immortal; which book did you enjoy writing the most? Why?

A:       I can honestly say that I enjoyed all of them. I think Immortal Duty will always have a special place in my heart because it was my very first book. However, I loved the back and forth between Max and Baron in Immortal Kiss, and the emotional punch of Dark Immortal. The last book in this series, Forever Immortal, is the book I HAD to write because Gideon was always in the back of my head, whispering to me. Having said that, now that I have written Forever Immortal, I am excited to write the next story too.

Q:       Of all of your books, which did you find the hardest (or easiest) to write?  Why?

A:      Every book is difficult for me. When I am in the middle of a writing project, I get really caught up in it. I am a worrier, and I worry that the conflict is not dark enough, the motivation is not deep enough, and the plot is not fast enough. If I did not have the support of awesome critique partners who keep me going, I would probably never finish anything.

Q:    Can you please tell the readers something about your upcoming book, Forever Immortal, due out May 15? 

A:      As soon as I finished writing the first book in this series, Forever Immortal was going to be book 2, but then I realized that Gideon was not quite ready for his own book and there were a few Immortals who had to come before him. However, from the very beginning, I knew what his story was going to be and I even wrote half of it before I started Immortal Kiss or Dark Immortal. When it was finally time to write this book, Forever Immortal was supposed to be the last book in the series, but everything was twisted and now I know there has to be at least one more.

In the meantime, though, here is the blurb for Forever Immortal

Eight years ago, science and reason ruled Gideon Bennett’s life. Until the death of an Immortal triggered a physical transformation, forcing him out of the laboratory and into a world of violence for which he was ill prepared. Now a seasoned warrior, he is still haunted by his one massive failure—and the face and body of the woman he could not save.

Lyssa James was not looking for trouble when she set out to enjoy a night on the town. Instead, she got a first-class ticket to a demon Hell dimension where she was trapped for eight long years. Now she has finally escaped…only to run into the man who failed her. The passion between them is instant and irresistible, but neither of them is the same person they were eight years ago. In addition, even as they battle with their desire, one of the nastiest demons from the Abyss is on the loose, threatening not only their lives but also the future of humans.

Q:       What is your favorite part of the book?

A:     Gideon and Lyssa have such a tortured relationship, I wanted to make sure there were some lighter moments between them, and those ended up being my favorite parts!

Here is a short excerpt from one of those moments that shows both the light and the dark

Gideon stalked over to the refrigerator and pulled it open. “What would you like to eat? I can make pretty much anything.”

“You’re kidding me, right?” She had not eaten a real meal in over eight years. How was she supposed to make a choice like that?

“Look,” he told her, his tone very serious. “You tell me what you want, and I’ll make it. Anything you want.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Yes,” he interrupted, “I do.”

She looked into his eyes and sighed. Nyx did not like that he felt responsible for what had happened to her, especially when she wasn’t even sure that she blamed him.

She wished that she did, because not hating him meant that maybe they did not have to be enemies, that she might start to let her guard down.

That made everything more complicated. Why couldn’t he be a cruel and ruthless warrior who wanted her dead? Her own choices would have been so much simpler.

“Do you have any lettuce?” she asked, suddenly knowing exactly what she wanted.

“Lettuce?” He looked incredulous. “I’m offering to make you absolutely anything you want, and you ask me for lettuce?”

“No. Not just lettuce.” She could picture the salad in her head and her mouth started to water in anticipation. “What I really want is a salad. A salad with crisp, fresh lettuce, maybe some baby spinach and bean sprouts, pine nuts and mandarin wedges thrown in, with a raspberry dressing.”

Gideon stared, his mouth hanging open. “Um…that’s actually pretty specific. I was thinking you were going to say you wanted a nice juicy steak and maybe a baked potato. You know…for the protein and energy.”

Nyx laughed—a real laugh. “Only a guy would come out of hell and ask for a steak. Do you know what kind of plants grow in a place like that?” She raised her eyebrows at his incredulous expression. “None. The only bio-matter comes from the stunted, scraggly weeds that push their way through the dry cracks in the rocks and dusty earth every once in a while. But then the air is so hot and dry, and there’s barely any water, so even those poor withered stalks die within days. And forget finding any fruit or vegetables.”

“Then what did you eat?”

Nyx was suddenly ashamed. She didn’t want him to know the animal she had become in that place. Gideon’s expression was inscrutable. She thought she sensed a trace of disgust in his voice, and it hurt to think that he might disapprove of how she had been forced to survive.

Then came anger. She’d like to see him to do any better faced with the same set of circumstances.

Gideon must have sensed her discomfort, because he let the matter drop without another word, easily moving back to her dinner request. “Well, if it’s a salad you want, I can definitely do that.” He turned to the refrigerator and started pulling things out and setting them on the countertop. “I should have everything except for the raspberry dressing. Since when did raspberry become a salad dressing anyway? Whatever happened to plain old ranch dressing? And what’s with the oranges? I didn’t even know you could put fruit in a salad.”

He sounded so normal, mumbling to himself like that, so much like a typical man. Maybe she could do this. Maybe all she had to do was pretend to be normal too, and eventually it would be true.

Q:        What question have you most wanted to be asked in an interview?

A:       “Do you want to know the winning lottery numbers?”

My answer – “YES!” LOL

Thanks Shelbie for the great interview!! I have had a ton of fun with your questions!

JK Coi

My sincerest thanks to J.K. Coi for taking the time to share with us!  I am anxiously awaiting the release of Forever Immortal! 

If you are interested in learning more about J.K. Coi, her Immortal Series, or any of her other work, below are links where you can find it all!

Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing this wonderful experience with me!  Please excuse the errors in the formatting - no matter what I did, I simply could not get things to line correctly!

Shelbie =)

Website: www.jkcoi.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi

Blog: www.jkcoi.blogspot.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/jkcoi

Forever Immortal:  http://www.ellorascave.com/forever-immortal.html

Images provided by, and property of, J.K. Coi