Author Cage ~ In the hot seat today is author Shannon Casey

Today in the hot seat is author Shannon Casey, author of Passion From The Vine. We would like to thank Shannon for stopping by today and taking on our Only The Brave interview. So…

 

Are you ready???

 

Welcome to Darkest Cravings, tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Shannon and I live in the Sierra Nevada’s of CA in a relatively rural area. I have three children and unfortunately still have a day job. My hobbies are horseback riding, reading, traveling and of course hanging out with my family. My dream is to write full time and devote my daytime hours to creating unique and hot romance novels for others to enjoy.

As I child I always dreamed of becoming an author, but as a teenage I was quite intense and focused, so I decided to do the “mature” thing and go to college for law and psychology. I had my first daughter at 17 years of age, which drove me harder to do well in college so that we could have a better life. When I graduated with my BA, I was 8 months pregnant with my second daughter. I started my master’s degree the following spring and worked my ass off to become a psychologist for special needs children. Throughout the years I have been thankful for my career and the life that it has given my family, but I have always felt like a part of me was missing. So when I married my second husband and had our son, he pushed me to fulfill my dream of writing.

I finally put fingers to keyboard and created “Passion from the Vine” last year. It is one of my greatest accomplishments and now I crave writing even more than I used to. My mind is constantly daydreaming scenes for other books and I can’t wait to write my next novel.

Writing adult fiction isn’t for everyone, how did you end up writing for the toughest audience?

This is my passion; what I want to do more than anything else is to create stories that others with enjoy and that can enhance their intimate lives as well.

Most of the intimidating parts of being an adult fiction writer are the steamy scenes, how did you overcome the “stage fright”?

For me, that was the easy part. My husband has lent himself to my sexual studies for years, so I had a lot of data to use!

Which fictional character would you like to go on a date with? Why?

Valentino, of course! He would be interesting to talk with because he has a lot of knowledge about the culinary arts and wine making, which I’m interested in. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous, well endowed and has a great mouth.

Your favorite adult fiction books is-?

Wow, that’s a difficult question because I love so many books, but I would have to say my current favorite is Effortless by SC Stephens.

Do you think adult fiction have reached its full potential yet, or are we still in for a huge surprise?

I believe that we are still in for a huge surprise and I’m hoping that I can be part of it!!

We all have a treasured possession, what is yours?

My children’s baby books because they are full of my best memories. I’m an avid journal writer so their baby books are full of stories from their lives’ and mementoes. Currently, I am on my oldest daughters 4^th journal.

Are your characters based on real people or did you create them from scratch?

I didn’t base any of my characters after real people; however, as I wrote I did recognize characteristics of their personality in people I knew. The mother definitely has some of my snarky personality and I can see pieces of my daughters and best friend in the female characters.

Do you think adult fiction helps improves relationships?

Definitely, I think people get stuck in intimate ruts and don’t know how to create spark within their relationship. Erotic stories open new avenues for couples and show them how to add some spice into their relationship. Where most men are visually stimulated, women need to fantasize about sex and feel stimulated to engage in sexual acts. I believe that adult fiction is better than any drug/toy to obtain that end.

If you have to pitch adult fiction to someone that’s too shy to read it, what would you pitch?

It’s not porn, its real relationships and connections between people that leads to the sexual acts. You can choose from different heat levels and read only those things that turn you on. It’s one of the best things that you can do for your relationship because it increases your desire for intimacy.

What is your motto?

Be a good person, contribute to society, but don’t live your life in fear. You never know how long you have, so enjoy each day to its fullest and keep trying to live the dream, whatever that may be!

You have a few steamy moments in your novel. Were they created from fantasy or is there real life experience behind it?

Both, there were times when I was writing a scene and realized that it was a memory from something my husband and I had done. Some steamy moments started as a simple thought that grew into a full fledged fantasy, but I have to admit that we tried them out afterwards, strictly for research, of course.

Why did you choose a more experienced woman rather than a virgin?

I chose a woman who was sexually experienced but had not enjoyed sex because it was key to my storyline. I believe that a lot of women are sexually unfulfilled and go their entire lives without having an orgasm or only having a few, so I wanted to show women that sex can be amazing if your with the right partner. The fundamental element in “great” sex is having a partner that wants to please you and who puts your needs above there’s and vice versa.

Foreplay, some say it’s just a waste of energy, others feel that it’s a must. You’re opinion?

I don’t know how anyone could say it’s a waste of energy, foreplay is a must!! Foreplay is more than preparation for sex, it’s that time that you truly connect with your partner and learn what they enjoy. I’m usually at the brink of an orgasm by the time I have sex and usually have already had an orgasm or two by that time. As a woman, foreplay is that time when I feel sexually dominate/powerful because of the way I can make my partner feel. There’s a lot of freedom that comes from sexual contact prior to the act of penetration.

What sexual position is your favorite?

I prefer to be on top where I can control the movements and depth of penetration. That being said, there’s nothing like grabbing your partners ass and racking your nails down his back in the heat of the moment.

Have you ever used your nails and left marks?

Definitely yes!! There have been times when my husband couldn’t take his shirt off to go swimming because we didn’t want our families to see the claw marks on his back.

Do you think lingerie is a must for a relationship?

I enjoy lingerie because it not only makes me feel sexy, but I often feel like a different person, which allows me to experiment with new sexual endeavors. If not for lingerie and thigh high boots I would never have had the courage to play the Dom and use my whip!!

Are you a screamer or the bite it down kind of lover?

The biter!! I don’t scream but I can moan pretty loud.

Just smashing! If you would like to find out more about Shannon, check it out here

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Passion From The Vine by Shannon Casey

Passion From The Vine
Shannon Casey
Genre: Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4918-2508-2
ISBN: 978-1-4918-2509-9
ASIN: 2013918106
Number of pages: 188
Word Count: 55,045
Amazon BN
Book Description:
Izzy, a woman shattered by the man who was supposed to protect and cherish her, sets out on a journey to mend her broken heart and discovers a passion greater than she had ever imagined.
Valentino, a man driven to expand his family’s empire and bury his own tormented past, finds a desire that runs deeper than the vines he tends.
Enthralled with each other, Izzy and Valentino want a real relationship but can’t let go of their painful pasts. Izzy, seeks her independence while still trying to hold onto Valentino, but he will not settle for pieces of her love and halfhearted trust. Will these two broken souls, who were brought together by fate and bound by an irresistible attraction, be strong enough to overcome their own insecurities and give love a chance.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18771385-passion-from-the-vine


Excerpt:
When I entered the dining room I feel a moment of despair as he isn’t there. Then he appears from the opposite door and my heart skips a beat. He has taken the time to change into black slacks, a white button down shirt and a black tie. He looks like an ad from a magazine that is selling elegant sex. As he approaches me it’s like watching a Black Panther move towards its prey, so beautiful and yet so dangerous but I can’t walk away. He holds two glasses of wine and offers one to me. I take it and immediately drink it down, trying to find the courage to play his game. I’m relieved when he takes my arm and leads me to the table because I’m too distracted by my own thoughts to worry about food. He pulls the chair out for me and slides me in. Taking the seat beside me he somehow makes the large dining table more intimate.
Maria enters with several dishes and looks at me with a knowing smiling. She has went all out and prepared a full Italian dinner for us. There’s enough food for a small army. Our first course, called L’antipasto was an assortment of meats, cheeses, olives and bread. I take a bite of cheese and find Valentino watching me with a hungry look on his face. He takes an olive from the tray and places it against my lips. “Let me feed you”. I opened my mouth and take the olive in, gently running my tongue along his fingers as I do. I feel his intake of breath more than hear it and it’s like an aphrodisiac. I reciprocate by taking cheese and placing it in his mouth. As he chews I have the overwhelming need to run my fingers along his lip line. His eyes are hot and all for me. I can’t believe this magnificent creature wants me this much.
Before long the second course, la prima piatta is delivered. Maria has made pici pasta with pork sauce paired with a Chainti wine. I sip my wine and feel the familiar warming in my stomach. It’s a heady combination the wine and his sent, but I make sure not to drink too much. As we eat our pasta he comments, “You eat with gusto just like you do everything else, I love that about you”.
I feel a little embarrassment by his words, I have always loved food the different textures and tastes. I know I’m not a petite woman and at times I have felt too voluptuous for American men. He seems to read my mind as he places his hand on my thigh and whispered, “I love your curves, you are a real woman and I intend to explore each curve tonight”. His words make me instantly wet and wanting. I am no longer focused on the food as I look into his eyes and know that he is thinking about fucking me. I reach my hand under the table and begin to draw circles on his inner thigh. He shifts in his seat and I smile.
At that moment Maria brings out the main course or la seconda piatta which is braised beef with vegetables. It is paired with Barolo, a deep strong red wine. As we eat I continued to inch up his thigh and run my finger along his growing erection. His hand which has been resting on my thigh begins inching down. When he reaches the hem of my dress, he slowly slides up my leg until he reaches the top of my lace stockings where his hand bites into my thigh. I can no longer eat as his hand gently slides up to the junction of my thighs and his finger skims my wanting lips through my lace panties. He slides his finger beneath my thong and finds me wet. I see him smile from the corner of my eye, “I love that you are always wet for me. Let’s skip dessert you are all the sweetness I need”. I am up in a second practically coming from his words and the flick of his finger against my clit.
We practically ran up the stairs to my suite. As the door closes behind us he kneels before me and commands “lift your foot”. I do as he demands as he removes one shoe and then the other. “You're so perfect. I wish you could see you through my eyes”, he pants as he runs his hands up my legs. When he reaches the bottom of my dress he grabs the hem and slowly slips it over my head. He reaches out and runs his hands through my thick black hair, following it down to my waste. His hands don’t stop there, but continue to glide over my hips.
Wrapping his hands around my waste he pulls me against him for a passionate kiss. He seems intent on being in control and keeping the pace slow and seductive. “Let me lead you, I want to make you come over and over again”, he says in a controlled voice.
Yes, my mind screams but I just look into his intense green eyes. “Your eyes have bewitched me, there like amber and gold swirled together”, he says in a whispered voice.
“Me, you fill all my waking thoughts. You look like a Roman God that’s come to life”, I say between gasps of pleasure.
For a moment he looks angry, “It’s just looks”. Then the moment has passed and he’s touching me again. He reaches out and traces my lips, along my chin and down my neck. He gently circles my breasts and then pulls the lace down to pull my nipples with his fingers. My back arches in response as he encircles my left nipple with his mouth and sucks. I’m so turned on and ready for more. I try to press my body against his to create more friction but he holds me back, “slow” he growls “I’m in charge tonight”.
I still immediately and wait for him to continue. He torments each breast and then slides lower, licking across my stomach and down to the tops of my panties. He presses his palm against my mound and I can’t help but push back I’m so turned on. No one has ever tormented me this way. He keeps my thong on and licks between my folds through the fabric. The feeling is sensual and instantly has we dripping. He pulls my panties to the side and licks my wetness. I’m panting and grab him by the hair as I push against his mouth. He pushes back against the wall for support as my knees become weak. He flicks my clit with his tongue and I almost come. But then he moves down my wet pussy to suck and pull at my entrance inserting his tongue inside my wanting cunt. I push against him and my hips move of their own accord. He runs a finger through my folds to gather my wetness and then inserts two fingers into my hungry opening. His tongue returns to my clit and circles it. I pull his hair and pump against his beautiful mouth as I scream my release. I collapse against him and realize he’s still fully clothed.

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Shannon Casey was born in Turlock, California, the second oldest of eight children. Being the only girl she had to use her imagination to entertain herself. She was also a tom boy who never let the fact that she was a girl slow her down. She learned to ride horses better than the boys and practiced her hand at roping and barrel racing.
She married her high school sweet heart during her senior year and became a mother at seventeen, but she didn’t let that slow her down. Her daughter became her motivation to obtain her college degree and create a better life for them. Shannon graduated from CSU Stanislaus in 1997 and soon after had her second daughter. She went on to obtain two master degrees in psychology, two credentials and a private license.
During her career as a psychologist she never gave up her dream of becoming an author, but as the years passed she never found the time to actually write. Like most people, the daily grind and spending time with her children took precedence over her desire to create.
Then she met her second husband, Corey Casey, through her older brother Anthony. They married in March 2008. When her son was born in July 2009 it was the perfect time for her to cut her hours to part time. Corey inspired her to pick up her pen and write, telling her that she would never know unless she tried. Since that time, she has written her first novel, traveled and found her creative outlet.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Passion-from-the-Vine/601582543233746

https://www.facebook.com/shannon.casey.750546

http://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Casey/e/B00H5CDSOG/

Twitter: @Shannon79396996

New Release ~ Betrayal - Time Enough to Love Book Two by Jenna Jaxon

 

 

Betrayal

Time Enough to Love

Book Two

Jenna Jaxon

Genre: Historical Romance

Tagline: The worst betrayals come from within.

Book Description:

After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?

 

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Book-Time-Enough-Love-ebook/dp/B00I4IKQ8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391082692&sr=8-1&keywords=Betrayal+%28Book+2%3A+Time+Enough+to+Love%29

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/403200

If you would like to purchase the first part of the trilogy, Betrothal, it is available at Amazon Smashwords

 

“Geoffrey bade me give you this.” From beneath his cloak, Thomas withdrew a small purse, opened it and presented Alyse with a single sprig of lavender. “He picked it this morning ere I left and warned me not to crush it.”

Tears started at the sight of the bit of lavender. She wiped them carefully before she took the sweet-smelling flower from him. Raising the little plant to her nose, she inhaled its familiar scent. And remembered their interlude in the rose bower.

Thomas chuckled. “You and Geoffrey are certainly well matched. He did the self-same thing before he handed it to me.”

Alyse smiled with pleasure at the image his words conjured. “Thank you, Thomas. You are more than kind to have carried these messages from my lord.”

Thomas lifted her hand to his lips. “I am, as always, yours to command, my lady.” He kissed it, barely skimming the surface of her flesh.

It tickled, and she suppressed a giggle. “Will you take your rest now? You must be tired with your double journey in so short a space of time.”

Thomas stretched, the lines on his face making his weariness even more apparent. “Nay, I am off to attend the king. His Majesty will desire my report on how Sir Roland fares.” He smiled kindly. “However, should you have need of me, lady, you have but to summon me. I am at your service until Geoffrey’s return.” With a dashing bow, Thomas spun on his heel, his cloak swirling ’round him.

Alyse watched him go, savoring the words from her betrothed as she once again lifted the sprig of lavender to her nose. A token from her beloved she would cherish until his return. With a sigh for that day to come quickly, she pushed the door to the princess’s chamber open.

She tried to slip in quietly, hoping to be unobserved. Of course, everyone turned their gaze to the door the moment she entered. Alyse sped inside and crossed to the princess, immediately sinking into a low curtsy. She waited, fearing the displeasure of the young woman who had only ever shown her kindness.

Princess Joanna paused before bidding her to rise. “Well, Lady Alyse, you were overlong at your prayers this morning, were you not?”

Alyse stood and nodded, unease sweeping through her.

The princess gave Alyse an eager look. “Are you doing penance for some...indiscretion?”

Her heart leaped into her throat. Guilt over her tryst with Geoffrey on the night of the tournament made her drop her gaze to her hands.

Lord, did she know? Did everyone?

Alyse fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. She opened her mouth to deny the allegation—what else could she do with her reputation at stake?—when Anne spoke up. “Aye, Your Highness, she should have been on her knees all morning.”

Shivers of dread coursed through her. Anne had seen her that night. She knew.

Alyse gaped at her chamber mate, her mouth bone dry. How much would she tell?

The disagreeable girl continued to stare at her, arching her neck, a triumphant smirk on her face.

Eyes wide, Princess Joanna looked from Anne to her before leaning forward. “Is this true, Lady Alyse? What dire transgression have you committed?”

 

About the Author:

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. Her historical romance, Only Scandal Will Do, the first in a series of five interconnecting novels, was released in July 2012. Her contemporary works include Hog Wild, Almost Perfect, and 7 Days of Seduction. She is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as a member of Chesapeake Romance Writers. Her medieval romance, Time Enough to Love, is being published as a series of three novellas. The first book, Betrothal, released on April 19th. The second novella, Betrayal, will release at the end of January.

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

Find Jenna online at:

http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4960704.Jenna_Jaxon

Other Books by Jenna Jaxon:

Betrothal--Historical Romance

Only Scandal Will Do--Historical Romance

7 Days of Seduction--Contemporary Erotic Romance

Almost Perfect--Contemporary Erotic Romance

Hog Wild--Contemporary Erotic Romance

Female of The Day ~ MacKayla Lane from The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning.

Today our female of the day is … MacKayla Lane  from The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. Wow talk about a woman. Mac went from Ms. Rainbow to Ms. Death in a matter of weeks in the fever series. Looking for her sister’s murderer she runs into Jericho Barrons and from there her lipstick days are switched to halo days. Running from evil fairies can really mess up your whole agenda.

"Oh right," I snapped, "but we sure were going to take the time to play your silly game of
death-by-sex, weren't we?"

DEATH-BY-SEX-FAE(e.g. V'lane): A Fae that is so sexually "potent" a human dies
from intercourse with it unless the Fae protects the human from the full impact of its
deadly eroticism. (Definition ongoing)

Poison of The Day ~ Red Stockings!

It’s weekend baby! So if you are like me, we need a drink to kick start our weekends, and of course, toast to another week survived. For this weekend our Poison pick is …

Red Stockings!!!

 

Here what you need to do -

45ml contreau

30 ml cranberry juice

15ml fresh lemon juice

champagne

Shake all the ingredients with crushed ice except for champagne. Throw ingredients into cocktail glass - topping it up with champagne and garnish with fresh berries.

Voila, something to kick off the weekend!

So what is your favorite poison?

Series Blast and Giveaway ~ Brothers of Audubon Springs Series by Rose Ann DeFranco

 

 

RETURN TO AUDUBON SPRINGS

Brothers of Audubon Springs Series, #1

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

When Emma Grant returns to her family's Audubon Springs beach house to fulfill the stipulations of her father's will, she has every intention of forcing her former lover out of the house for good. She's never fit into her wealthy family and would prefer avoiding her past, but with her brother threatening to reveal her young daughter, she has no choice.

Rafe Iuliano has other plans. The wealthy Grants tried to bribe him out of Emma's life years ago, but he's determined to prove once and for all that a master carpenter is worthy of Emma and the house.

Their ridiculous and steamy battle for the house reignites the love and passion that bloomed between them years ago. But when Rafe discovers she's kept their daughter a secret for two years, can he overcome anger and pride to claim his family and the love of his life, or will the deception drive a final wedge between them?

"Over 50 5-Star Reviews on Amazon"

 

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW & ON SALE for $2.99 until January 3rd:

Amazon Kindle & In Print!

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18586846-return-to-audubon-springs

 

 

SECONDHAND ROMANCE

Brothers of Audubon Springs Series, #2

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Annie O'Malley's dream of owning a secondhand bookstore in tight-knit Audubon Springs is coming true. Still reeling from her parents' sudden deaths, she believes that signs or messages can be found within the pages of books. She loves her job and has made plenty of friends but longs for the acceptance only love and a family can provide.

Tony Iuliano is there to fix the wiring in her shop. He doesn't believe in fate, magic, or the power of a good book. All this combined with his sexy-as-sin presence and all-knowing attitude infuriates Annie. The quirky bookworm intrigues him enough to accept her bet to read a book from her shop. When he discovers a stack of fifty-year-old love letters in the book, he wants to leave the past alone, but seeing it as a sign, Annie challenges him to read the letters and search for the long-lost lovers or lose the bet.

While shaking the dust off several ill-fated romances and fighting their attraction at every turn, the pair soon become the town gossip daily special. If they can stop arguing long enough, they may just discover this particular sign was meant for them all along.

 

 

 

 

Amazon | Print

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18907459-secondhand-romance

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

RoseAnn DeFranco grew up in upstate NY with her nose in a book and a song in her heart. Following the pursuit of a musical theatre career in NYC, she turned her creative energy to writing funny, steamy romance with heart. A NJ shore transplant, she enjoys time spent at the beach with her family and would love to one day live in a quaint shore town like the fictional town from her BROTHERS OF AUDUBON SPRINGS series. More information about these Contemporary Romantic Comedies can be found at radefranco.com.

 

 

 

Connect with RoseAnn:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website: http://radefranco.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseanndefrancoauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/radefranco

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7303095.RoseAnn_DeFranco

Author Cage~ Author Andrea R Cooper is in the hot seat today!

Morning guys! So today on the blog we have another author cage, and it’s a brave one! Squeal! We do love out brave ones. Today our guest author is Andrea R. Cooper, author of The Viking Fire and The Garnet Dagger. We would like to thank Andrea for stopping bt today and sharing with us. So…

 

Are you ready??

 

Welcome to Darkest Cravings, tell us a little bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me.

I am from Houston, Texas. It is not the weather that keeps me here (Hot & Humid 360 days a year), but family and the yummy TexMex food. I am a wife and a mom to three kids: two boys and a girl. I enjoy reading and writing fantasy, paranormal and historical romance. Even though I have never took a dance class, I love Zumba. I am addicted to several SciFi/Fantasy TV shows and would have a meltdown if my DVR broke.

Writing adult fiction isn’t for everyone, how did you end up writing for the toughest audience?

I love fiction. 99.7% of the books I read are fiction. I will only read a nonfiction for research, to learn something, or if the book is highly recommended. As a kid, I never read nonfiction unless it was forced.

As far as writing fiction, I have always been a storyteller. I remember being in Elementary school and the neighborhood kids coming up to me asking what we were going to play. I created the plot and characters. Once we played ‘Space Vampires’ (yes I know it sounds silly now, but to a second grader it was revolutionary) and so that the kids did not bite each other, I told them their fangs were their first two fingers.

When I grew up, I could no longer ‘play’ out my characters. Since I had written poetry when I was fourteen until my early twenties, I tried a couple of times to write a novel, but life got in the way. After not writing for years, my Muse got tired of waiting and handcuffed me to her until I wrote my first completed novel in my early thirties and I have not stopped since.

Most of the intimidating parts of being an adult fiction writer is the steamy scenes, how did you overcome the “stage fright”?

I have to tell myself that it is not me. My characters are creating the steamy scenes. I am fine with writing fight or violent scenes so why not sex? Why the double standard? The world might be a better place if we (writers and readers) embraced love and sex more easily than violence.

Which fictional character would you like to go on a date with? Why?

One of my characters? Bram from Viking Fire. I would love to hear more from him about his pursuit of Kaireen and his Viking upbrining.

Your favorite adult fiction books is-?

Many. Ok, I will limit it to three - does series count J The Indigo Court series by Yasmine Galenorn, The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, and The Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop. I also adore The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind – oh wait, that’s four.

Do you think adult fiction have reached its full potential yet, or are we still in for a huge surprise?

I think we are in for more surprises. I have seen the merging and mixing of genres. My own debut novel, The Garnet Dagger, blends fantasy and paranormal romance. I am also updating a Native American historical romance I wrote years ago to include a paranormal element.

We all have a treasured possession, what is yours?

My cellphone, because it not only has phone numbers, (I could not remember them all), but it has games and my kindle app. The only time I am not happy with it is when the battery is too low or I am out of range for the internet.

Are your characters based on real people or did you create them from scratch?

Nearly all of my characters are from scratch. I did base one of the villains in Viking Fire on my horrible kindergarten teacher. I will not mention her name, though I am sure she is dead by now as she was old when I was in her class. However, as I wrote, this character took on a life of her own.

Do you think adult fiction helps improves relationships?

Yes. It can give us a glimpse of love and romance. How someone acts when they do love someone. What appeals to us, and what does not. After I was divorced, I believed that love in books, movies, and songs was exaggerated. Then I met my second husband and realized, love is like they say and sometimes even better.

If you have to pitch adult fiction to someone that is too shy to read it, what would you pitch?

What movie and TV shows do you love? Those are adult fiction and the books are even better. If you have a kindle or nook, no one can see what you are reading – just try not to blush too much ;)

What is your motto?

Love is amazing, but you have to know when to walk away and find it elsewhere or when to stay and fight for it.

You have a few steamy moments in your novel. Were they created from fantasy or is there real life experience behind it?

Both and neither. What do I mean? Some novels I wrote before I had my own experience – though dreams can be intense even if you don’t know what you are doing J Others, like my two currently published ones, I sprinkled in my experience with some fantasy.

Why did you choose a virgin rather than a more experienced woman?

For Viking Fire, it fit the time period for her to be inexperienced. However, if I write the sequel which would be about Kaireen’s sister Shay (which I’ve had readers ask for) her’s would be the experienced woman as she’s a widow.

For The Garnet Dagger, having a virgin fit the story and prophecy. And both the hero and the heroine are virgins.

However, it is circumstantial. I do not purposely write virgins or experienced characters, it is whatever fits – or at least fits to me.

Foreplay, some say it is just a waste of energy, others feel that it’s a must. You’re opinion?

It is a must. However, there are times when a woman is ready and does not need much foreplay.

What sexual position is your favorite?

Any! LOL

Have you ever used your nails and left marks?

Of course, but always unintentional. That’s one way that your partner knows they are doing it right.

Do you think lingerie is a must for a relationship?

It is a must if it’s on the floor. I like to use it every occasionally as a surprise, but my husband’s just as happy if not more so to have me naked.

Are you a screamer or the bite it down kind of lover?

I was a screamer until we had kids, now I have to bite it down and still have to be reminded sometimes.

Why did you choose to write Paranormal/Fantasy?

Because I love it. I crave it – always have. I read it, write it, watch it, and dream it.

Anything fantasy, paranormal, or mythical was taboo in my house growing up and not allowed. Seriously, not even Disney. I think I was seventeen before I watched my first real magical Disney movie. There are still ones that I have not seen like Dumbo. You’d think that would have been ok, but no it has a flying elephant for goodness sakes J

There is a lot of biting in your novel, are you a biter yourself?

I have been known to bite a time or two. I have to be careful though because I have sharp canines. I had a dentist ask me if I wanted them filed down so they were not so pointy, but flat like he did his. No way, I think they are cool.

What creature/species do you think makes the ultimate lover?

I think the individual makes the ultimate lover. However, I do have to go with vampires being sexier. And hybrids or cross-species are amazing.

What creature/species if you’re favorite?

Tough question as I like them all for different reasons. I will have to go with Elvin though since they can be creatures of light or dark (Drow) and magic. And because my first published novel is about an Elvin bitten by a vampire and becomes the Vaer.

Wow another fabulous author cage, thanks for being here Andrea. If you would like to know more about Andrea and her books check it out over here

Book Blast and Review~ Viking Fire by Andrea R Cooper

Viking Fire Blurb: In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.
Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?
Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?
With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.









Excerpt
Chapter One Ireland 856 CE (condensed)

“I renounce Father for this.” Kaireen threw the elderberry gown.
“Shame on you and your children for speaking such.” Her handmaid, Elva, gathered the damask and then dusted off the rushes. “It’s a wonder one of the clim has not scolded you from your hearth for such talk.”
“No, curse Father for a fool.” She plopped on her bed and a goose feather floated away. With a huff, she leaned against the oak headboard. Red curtains puffed like a robin’s chest around oak poles supporting her wooden canopy.
Her bare feet brushed against the stone floor.
“You know your da arranged a marriage within a season.” Elva smirked.
Kaireen shook her head. “To another land holder,” and waved a hand in disgust, “not t-this heathen. Twice they raided our land in the last month alone. Now father wants me as wife to one of them?” She clenched her fists. “No, I will not marry this Viking.”
Elva smiled, reminding Kaireen of the rumors of her handmaid’s uncanny foresight.
Whispers of Elva making strange things happen and often blamed as the cause of
Kaireen’s stubborn refusal to behave as a laird’s daughter should.
“You’ve not seen him yet.” Elva wiggled her brows.
“So?” Kaireen shrugged. “I would like to never see him.”
“Well then, would you not like to know if you have a handsome husband or not?” She waited for her response, but Kaireen scowled. Elva chuckled. “I would rather get a good look at him now than the morning after.”
Kaireen’s ears heated. “I am not marrying.” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”
“If he is handsome, I may fight you for him.” Elva smiled, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.
“Welcome to him either way.” Kaireen laughed.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/m1bPZ3nUyzs

Amazon: http://goo.gl/71VAsf

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5 Kisses for Viking Fire by

Andrea R Cooper

Review by Karen

Kaireen have just been informed that she is to be wedded to another. This would not have been a problem except for one minor little problem. Her husband to be is a Viking, known for their raiding they aren’t considered to be the best choice of a husband, not even an ally. She doesn’t take the news very well and refuse to marry him.

Kaireen’s ears heated, “I am not marrying,” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”

When she finally meets her husband to be, he catches her eyes but she refuse to give in to him. Standing firm she decline all Bram’s advances. But Bram isn’t going to let her win so easily. With charm and wit he turns the table, and Kaireen find herself blushing many times.

“Careful,” His dark sapphire eyes twinkled. “People would think you swoon for me.”

It was a delicious fight for dominance between the two but as time pasts and Kaireen sees the true nature of Bram, he slowly and surely changes her mind.

It’s when her clan is in danger that Kaileen finally decides to follow her heart, and find it cold on the ground.

“I love you Bram. I - I tried to come sooner.”

Andrea created an amazing tale, filled with a feisty vixen that guards her heart and believes with pride and courage. Complementing this, Andrea introduce us to the very charming and delightful Bram that shows that to cast judgment before you know someone is ill advise. The characters and the plot is intriguing and you will find yourself lost in this tale and never whishing it to end.

Andrea’s writing was well written and I didn’t find myself stumbling once. A great read with impressive editing. If you are looking for a great Scottish tale, then you can indeed pick this one up and enjoy the tale with me.

 
More books by Andrea…

The Garnet Dagger Blurb: Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?
Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.
Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and his world will die.
When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?










Excerpt: Chapter One (condensed)
I’ve known death. For over half a millennia, I escorted many to death at the end of my sword. In the eyes of the dying, I watched it shroud them. Foolishly, I thought many more eras would pass before death came for me. It came so swiftly that I could not run; I could not escape. At a village, dressed in human clothes, I took in everything.
I delayed my return to my people as I watched human jugglers bounce torches and knifes. It was autumn equinox and the festivities would continue well into the night. Children laughed as they chased each other. A trail of leaves from their costumes twirled after them. It was dark when I reached the forest.
I hiked slower than my normal speed, so as not to startle whatever human called out. My leather boots crunched upon dried, diseased leaves and bark. Horrified, I glanced up. Branches twisted around each other to suffocating. Lifeless limbs cracked in the wind. Flesh of the trees sloughed off in layers, exposing its bones. Gashes hollowed out chunks of warmth. Fragments of leaves clung to finger tips, marking sepulchers of the dying trees. Trees mourned with wails like splitting wood, and I brought my hands over my ears. I must flee before I became infected, they told me. Flee before the stain of this defilement creeps into you, they warned. Trees spoke to my kind, always had. Yet these trees were in such agony of death that I could not breathe. Felt as though my lungs had folded in on themselves, like a moth unable to break loose from its cocoon.

Trailer http://youtu.be/ISi0u9LoseM

Amazon: http://goo.gl/rMEJ59

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iTunes: http://goo.gl/s1Cugp

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.
What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).
Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.
She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper

Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper

Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/

Series Blast and Giveaway ~ The Justiss Alliance by Tina Wainscott

 

 

WILD HEARTS

The Justiss Alliance, Book 0.5
Published by: Random House Loveswept

January 6, 2014

Read an Excerpt | Read the Reviews

ORDER EBOOK: Kindle | Nook

In this intro to The Justiss Alliance series, meet the five Navy SEALs who undertake the covert mission that trashes their careers—and the offer that changes their lives.

Kicking off a new series in this sizzling eBook original novella, Tina Wainscott returns with a team of tough, fearless heroes who are prepared for just about anything, except the last threat they could ever expect: true love.

On a good day as a Navy SEAL,  you save a life, protect a freedom, stop a killer. And on a bad day . . . well, you don’t get to have a bad day. But then one SEAL team does. Five impeccably trained soldiers—used to danger, unafraid of death—are sent into a black ops assignment where no one knows the full story of deceit and deception. The situation gets ugly. The press gets wind. Someone has to take the fall. And when these five SEALs fall, they fall hard.

Meet the Justiss Alliance: Risk, Rath, Saxby, Knox, and Julian. Led by a mysterious employer with plenty to hide, these fallen stars of the D.O.D. are about to take advantage of their ruined reputations and start turning wrongs to rights—no matter the cost.

 

 

 

WILD ON YOU

The Justiss Alliance, Book 1

Published by: Random House Loveswept

On Sale February 4, 2014

Introducing the Justiss Alliance, an elite team of heroes out to do right. In Wild on You, one untamable SEAL meets a woman who handles the wildest sort of animals—until she herself becomes the hunted.

When Rick Yarbrough, aka Risk, a discharged SEAL with a taste for danger, joins the Justiss Alliance, his first assignment seems like a baby-sitting gig: He must guard an out-of-control general’s daughter. Then he meets his charge.

Addie Wunder is no baby. She’s a dedicated animal-rights activist who isn’t above breaking the law if innocent creatures are threatened. But her work has made her a lot of powerful enemies. If she doesn’t stop, she may just turn herself into an endangered species.

Risk’s mission is to keep Addie out of trouble. But as they grow closer, Addie becomes so much more than a job. And the more he has to lose, the more Risk is willing to put his own life on the line—for her cause, her safety, and her sweet-hot embrace.

 

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Advance praise for Wild on You

“Tina Wainscott delivers high-octane suspense and red-hot romance! Full of edge-of-your-seat action and red-hot passion, Wild on You is a souped-up roller-coaster of a page-turner.”—Julie Ann Walker, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Black Knights Inc. series

 

 

WILD WAYS

The Justiss Alliance, Book 2
Published by: Random House Loveswept

Coming May 12, 2014

When her sister, Diana, rode off into the sunset with a member of the Kings of Chaos, Mollie was beyond worried. Two weeks later, a desperate call from Di launches Mollie into the dark world of violent outlaws. When a sexy SEAL comes to her rescue, he pushes his way into her search—and brings a team from the private “security” firm he works for. Julian Cuevas is living proof that some people can be counted on, even if her savior is a well-armed, world class sniper on a Harley. But Julian’s most lethal weapon, as far as Mollie is concerned, is the tough tenderness that threatens her heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tina Wainscott has always loved the combination of romance and suspense, because nothing complements falling in love better than being hunted down. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas, Wainscott creates characters with baggage, past hurts, and vulnerabilities. They go through hell, find love, and at the end, find peace in who they are and everything they’ve gone through. And isn’t that what we all want?

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