Banned Book Hop

I would like to thank Jen from I Read Banned Books and Kathy from I'm a Reader, Not a Writer for putting this hop together.  


The American Library Association has a list of Banned books and frequently challenged books on their site.  Check it out. 

Banned and/or Challenged Books from the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Ulysses, by James Joyce
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
1984, by George Orwell
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
Catch-22, by Joseph Heller
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh

Banned Book Giveaway

One of my Favorite Stories

The most nostalgic and reflective of Evelyn Waugh's novels, "Brideshead Revisited" looks back to the golden age before the Second World War. It tells the story of Charles Ryder's infatuation with the Marchmains and the rapidly-disappearing world of privilege they inhabit. Enchanted first by Sebastian at Oxford, then by his doomed Catholic family, in particular his remote sister, Julia, Charles comes finally to recognize only his spiritual and social distance from them.

About the Author
Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966) was born into a publishing family in Hampstead, England, and educated at Oxford. After a brief stint as a schoolmaster, he turned to writing. His biography of Dante Gabriel Rossetti appeared in 1928, but it was his sensational first novel, Decline and Fall, published the same year, that set the course for his career. Waugh wrote sixteen novels, including The Loved One, Scoop, andBrideshead Revisited.

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Musa Publishing

Contact Elspeth McClanahan                                     Permission to forward granted

Phone 919-877-0375                                                   For Immediate release

Email Promotions@MusaPublishing.com

Ebooks,Penumbra eMag, and so much More

Musa Publishing Opens its Electronic Doors

After months of editing, designing, contracting, and formatting Musa Publishing launches on October 1, 2011. The E-publisher opens with a large catalogue including Penumbra Speculative Fiction eMag, new works by three bestselling authors, and the full backlist of Aurora Regency, featuring traditional Regency romances and historical fiction.

Penumbra eMag  http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=12

Penumbra's inaugural issue is a collection of speculative fiction stories that encompass the arts--the arts we love and revere. Some of these stories deal with the arts we're familiar with. Some create arts we haven't thought of and some resurrect arts buried in the depths of the past.  And yet, all of these offerings celebrate the creative process, which makes them a fitting theme to launch Penumbra--an enterprise that will showcase the creative work of speculative fiction authors each month with a new collection of works within the genre.

New Works by

Gini Koch

The Martian Alliance 1: The Royal Scam

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=13

Things aren’t what they seem to be when Princess Olivia of Andromeda jumps aboard a spaceship to escape a loveless marriage.

Join the crew of the Hummingbird as they take on the rich, famous and sleazy of the galaxy. They're also on a long-term secret mission, so it's a good thing they're the best con artists, spacers, and roughnecks in the Milky Way, because they need all their skills to pull off this particular Royal Scam.

Cindi Myers

West with the Wind 

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=19

More than gold awaits two lovers at the end of the trail.

Mariah Tate and her dog, Worthy, persuade veteran guide Campbell Jefferson to let them join his expedition headed to California. Camp can't say no to the beautiful widow, but his need to protect her soon clashes with her need to keep secrets. Mariah left more than bad memories behind in Pennsylvania and her growing attraction to the stoic but surprisingly sensitive Camp forces her to face up to the consequences of the choices she's made. Camp doesn't know what Mariah's hiding, but he's determined not to let the only woman who ever made him want to settle down get away. He pursues her across the prairies, through stampedes, Indian raids, desert drought and mountain snows. In the gold camps of California, Camp will discover Mariah's secret, and prove the love she wants most isn't out of reach.

And the return to writing after five years for USA Today Bestselling Author

Sharon De Vita

The Estrogen Posse http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=20

"The Estrogen Posse is a hoot! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down! For every woman who needs a pick me up, this is the book for you!"
Janet Evanovich, NYT bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum mystery series

Once upon a time Ellie Briotti had a quiet life as a suburban housewife.

Until…she confronts her wealthy husband Nicky about doing the pecker polka with another woman, and Nicky tosses Ellie out of his life like some misbehaved household pet.

Until…Gram Crackers, her dotty mother begins passing out house keys to homeless bums.

Until…Joey, her eleven-year old son starts on a new career path: breaking and entering.

Until…Rina, her best friend, a single, successful, entrepreneur learns she's about to become a mother.

Until…Candi, Nicky's 22-year-old mistress turns up murdered with traces of furniture polish on her bare backside!

A rip-roaring ribald mystery about a woman’s journey to discover what she really wants in life. Now, if Ellie can keep her son from becoming a second-story man, while trying to hide everything from the gorgeous cop who’s started sniffing around, Ellie might be able to get a new life.

That is—if she doesn’t go to jail for murder first!

Aurora Regency

Musa has acquired Aurora Regency and Aurora Regency Historicals. Within the next month over forty books in this line will be available to Regency and Historical Romance buffs to enjoy.

Stop by www.MusaPublishing.com check out the books already for sale as well as those coming soon. Over the next few weeks, Musa will offer literature geared for every reader's tastes. Musa aims to offer well writing, interesting stories, all at a price that doesn’t bite into your check book.

“Hearts set upon song, spirits free from care”~ Hesiod

# # #

If you'd like more information about Musa Publishing, please contact Elspeth McClanahan at Promotions@Musapublishing.com or go to our blog http://musapublishing.blogspot.com/

Welcomes Deena Remiel Decadent Publishing Tour

For the BANNED BOOKS HOP click on the Blog Hop TAB above!
You can also scroll down and enter the drawing for MASQUERADE

I am so excited about being a part of this tour.  Thanks so much Deena for coming.

Michael D’Angelo, Brethren Protector Exposed!

It’s taken a bit of hustling and fancy footwork, but at long last, Pimpin’ and I have cornered Michael D’Angelo for his first interview ever! And believe me, we won’t let him go until he’s answered all our questions! So sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know our Brethren Protector extraordinaire!

DR: So Michael, we finally got you cornered! (I chuckle.) Pimpin’ and I have been dying to get our hands on you ever since Emma and Hannah appeared over at Kelly Mueller’s place, www.Books-n-Kisses.com.

MD: Oh, really? Do I need to call Emma for security? (He winks.)

DR: (winks back.) Oh, there’s nothing to be afraid of, Michael. It’s just little ol’ us asking you questions that your fans would like answered.

PR:  Yes Michael (coughs) it’s just us.  Don’t be shy.

MD: I think I can deal with that. I mean, I’m a tough enough guy. I can handle whatever you throw at me.

DR: Well, I’m ready to throw down. How about you, Jo?

PR:  Oh, I am more than ready!

DR: OK, first question, Michael. How long have you been on Earth?

MD: I’ve been here for about 2 millennia now
.

DR: What time period is your favorite?

MD: Oh, you know it’s gotta be right now, Deena. I couldn’t imagine not having Emma and the kids in my life.

DR: Good answer! No doghouse for you! So, let’s get to the nitty gritty. Boxers or briefs, and what do you wear to bed?

MD: Whoa, you don’t waste any time, do ya? (laughs and shakes head) Well, if you all really must know, I wear boxer briefs during the day, and I wear my wings at night. (winks)

DR: Nice. (smiles and nods approvingly) About those wings, Michael. They set our hearts aflutter in Trinity, so what’s the deal with them? Can you describe what a touch to those wispy tufts of magic do to you?

MD: (coughs) What’s the rating on this place? Hopefully not PG…

PR:  If you look in the left hand corner it is a solid “R”.  Go ahead you’re good.  (Tucks hands under chin. Bats eyes)

MD: All right, well, when Emma touches my wings while we make love, it sends millions of electrical impulses through each and every barb and quill, the nerve endings of my wings, straight to my brain and my “other brain”. Honestly, that woman can bring an orgasm on with those magical hands of hers, I tell ya.

DR: (fans self, eyeing Michael’s wings ) And what if I were to touch them right now?

MD: It would feel mighty fine, but in a “scratch my back” kinda way. Sorry!

DR: (sighs resignedly) That’s okay. I understand. You’ve only got wings for Emma. Anyway, back to the questions. So how do you keep in shape? I mean, really, those abs of yours are killer scrumptious!

MD: (raises his shirt, flexes, and points to his stomach) You mean these bumpy things? I work-out with Emma. For every ten sit-ups I do, I get a kiss. If I do fifty, I get to touch her, if you know what I mean. Guess how many sit-ups I do a day?

DR: I don’t know… a hundred?

MD: How about two hundred fifty or more! Yeah, I like “working out” a lot! Ha ha ha!

DR: Lucky woman, whew! So how’s the balance between Good and Evil been lately?

MD: Well, it’s been relatively quiet lately, but the guys get busy from time to time with minor demonic eruptions. You know, where there’s temptation, there’s bound to be Evil lurking.

DR: How are the other Brethren doing since the showdown earlier this year?

MD: They’re good, they’re good. Except for a couple who Emma and I are keeping an eye on. Nathanael’s always acted a bit different from us. I mean, he’s had a really challenging life on Earth, being in the military world for centuries and now bounty hunting,so maybe that’s just who he is. But Raphael is concerning us. Ever since the last war, he hasn’t been himself, and not working much either. Emma’s gonna talk to him if he keeps putting off his latest mission.

DR: Hmmm. I hope he’s okay. We don’t need to be another Brethren down…

MD: I know, but we’re getting a new Brethren soon. E.L. takes his time, though, with matters such as this so who knows how long it will take.

DR: What’s in the future for the D’Angelo family?

MD: Well, you’ll just have to keep writing to find out, won’t ya?

DR: Oh ho ho! You are a smart one! (laughs) Thanks so much for being such a good sport, Michael! Say hello to Emma for me and kiss the kids…

MD: Sure thing, Deena. Jowanna, thanks for having me over today. Deena may have some pictures of me for you to hang onto if you’d like. (winks)

PR:  I would like VERY much.  Thank you for coming. 

In honor of Michael’s unprecedented appearance, he has brought along a free eBook of TRINITY for one lucky commenter! He’s agreed to take on more questions, so when you ask him a question and include your email address, not only will he answer them personally, you will be entered to win this FREE eBook!

To Buy:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trinity-deena-remiel/1030557676?ean=2940011230776&itm=9&usri=trinity

http://www.amazon.com/Trinity-The-Brethren-Series-ebook/dp/B004T3V8ZU/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Good luck to all!

Hugs,
Deena Remiel

FIND ME!

www.deenaremiel.com
http://riseofthebrethren.wordpress.com
http://paraposse.blogspot.com
http://plotmamas.com www.facebook.com/deena.remiel

Extras! Extras! Here are some pictures Michael left of him, Raphael, and Nathanael for Pimpin’ Reads and her readers! Enjoy…

        MICHAEL

       
































 RAPHAEL

           NATHANAEL

Gabrielle Bisset's Masquerade Giveaway and Excerpt

Welcome Gabrielle Bisset to Pimpin' Reads.  Gabrielle is the author of Masquerade
 (Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy)

Annelisa Fielding has had the blessings of wealth her entire life, thanks to her industrialist father. However, there is one thing even he can't give her: a title. So he arranges a marriage between his daughter and the Earl of Swindon, Thornton Sutcliffe. As long as his future bride is a virgin, the Earl will tolerate the marrying down because in return for taking Annelisa as his wife, her father will pay off his debts. Everyone wins, as far as the men are concerned, but Annelisa wants more out of marriage than a title and is willing to wait.

But she won't be able to wait if she doesn't find some way out of the marriage and fast because the deal is in one month she'll become Lady Annelisa Sutcliffe. The solution to her problem? Count Nikolai Shetkolov, a diplomat in the service of the Tsar and stationed in England. An honorable man, he's the perfect person to help a young lady lose the one thing her odious future husband prizes most. But Annelisa must watch out or she may get more than she bargained for with Nikolai.


Excerpt:  

He spied her near the gazebo at the far end of the garden. She appeared to be upset—or was it sadness her face conveyed? No matter. He would make things right and from this day forward strive to ensure all her days were happy ones.

“Miss Fielding?”

Annelisa turned slowly toward him and smiled. “Yes, Count Shetkolov?”

Nikolai approached her cautiously as to not frighten her. When he reached her, he whispered, “I think it may be permissible for us to use our first names considering our recent history.”

The smile disappeared from her face, replaced by a look of surprise. Her voice, however, betrayed nothing more than its usual politeness.

“Recent history, sir?”

“There’s no need for any more lies, Annelisa. I know it was you at the ball. And I intend on doing the honorable thing, I assure you.”

“The honorable thing?”

“Why, of course. I’ll confess to your father my part in our rendezvous and properly ask for your hand in marriage. While what we feel may not be love now, I believe it will grow in time and we can be quite happy.”

Bending down on one knee, Nikolai took her hand in his and gazed up into her eyes. “I pledge to make you happy and take care of you, as I know you will me.”

While he’d never proposed marriage before, he was sure her stunned reaction wasn’t common. But perhaps she’d underestimated his honor.

“Did you think I’d abandon you when you need me most?”

“Count Shetkolov, please get up.”

Nikolai rose and stared down at her, liking what he saw.

“Sir, please forgive me, but I no more want to marry you than the Earl of Swindon. While I’m positive you are an honorable man, I simply don’t want to marry anyone at all.”

Nikolai stood stunned. “Pardon?”

“I see by your expression that I’ve offended you. I am sorry. But I’m not in need of a husband.”

“But what we did in the Stewarts’ garden...”

“Was what I had to do to be free of the earl. Nothing more, Count.”

“Please call me Nikolai. And it was far more than what you say. I took your virginity, and for that we must marry. I would be a scoundrel if I allowed you to face this alone.”

Annelisa smiled and touched his hand. “Nikolai, for that I must thank you for you helped me retain my freedom. I am sorry I had to resort to tricking you, but if I remember correctly, you enjoyed yourself. Let’s leave it at that—an enjoyable experience each of us will remember.”

Nikolai glared down into the face of this obstinate woman.

“Uprymaya!”

“What does that mean?”

“Perhaps French would be better, mademoiselle. Fille tetue.”

Annelisa dropped his hand and stepped back. “Stubborn girl?”

“Yes, and if you won’t agree to marriage, I’m sure your father will when I confess to him that I’m the man he seeks.”

“You wouldn’t! He’d be furious. He’d never forgive you.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’d be angry, but he likes me. In time, he’d forgive me.”

Nikolai held out his hand and waited for Annelisa to take it. “Shall we?”

All confidence drained from her face. “Don’t do this, please! You don’t love me, and I don’t love you. Why would you want to marry me?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do.”

“Why is everyone always telling me what they want to do is the right thing?”

Ignoring her question, he repeated his question and added, “Or perhaps you’d prefer I approach him myself?”

Nikolai began to walk back toward the house.  In truth, his stomach was in knots over telling her father what he’d done, but he had to show her he meant business. If she even thought he might be anything less than strong now, she’d never respect him as a husband.

Annelisa ran in front of him and stopped him with her hands on his chest. “Please, Nikolai! Don’t do this. I’ll do anything you require. Just not marriage.”

Every word from her mouth insulted. Did she believe him to be unworthy of her hand?

“Anything I require?”

“Anything!”

So now she was willing to submit to anything he required as long as it wasn’t marriage to him? What about everything? That would be better yet.

“Then anything it shall be, Annelisa. The cost of your freedom will be the continuation of what we began at the Stewarts’ ball. Unless you’re willing to do this, I will leave to speak to your father now.”

“The continuation of...” she stammered.

Nikolai watched as her face grew red. “There’s no reason to be bashful now, Miss Fielding.”

“So I am to be your sex slave?”

Finally, something had left her mouth that didn’t offend him. “Sex slave? No, not exactly. I’m looking forward to your efforts showing the eagerness of our first time together.” 

“I thought you were an honorable man, Count Shetkolov.”

Nikolai chuckled at her attempt to sway him through his honor. “I’m not the one who began this, my dear, but I see nothing dishonorable in what we are to do.”

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Next STOP on the Tour

Erotica For All

 Website - http://www.gabriellebisset.com/
Blog - http://gbisset.blogspot.com/
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Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/gabriellebisset