Top 15 Reads of 2011

I could not name just 10.  I tried.  
You will see the number in the corner of my
 TOP 5 favorite reads of the year.
All others are in no particular order.  
Now for a VOTE
Who was your favorite of the year?  




~Now for the CONTEST!~
One Random follower will win the book of their choice.  
Courtesy of Pimpin' Reads
HERE ARE THE RULES.  
MUST BE A FOLLOWER!  GFC AND NETWORK BLOG
LEAVE YOUR GFC AND NETWORK BLOG NAME
MUST LEAVE CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS
DO NOT WRITE THANKS FOR THE CONTEST.
A MUST
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FAVORITE READ OF THE YEAR EVEN IF IT IS NOT IN MY TOP 15, AND TELL US WHY YOU THINK IT WAS THE BEST.  
*ALSO FOR INTERNATIONAL WINNERS.  THE BOOK MUST BE AVAILABLE ON BOOK DEPOSITORY AND THEY MUST DELIVER TO YOUR AREA.  
Let the fun begin.  Thanks everyone for a wonderful year.
May you and your family have a wonderful New Year. 

Welcome Gabrielle Bisset

I would like to welcome Gabrielle Bisset to the page to promote her newest release
Blood Avenged 
I am everything you desire. I am vampire. 

Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.

When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije’s need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning... 

Novel length book
Adult sexual situations and language





The Importance of Setting

Before I begin writing anything, I know the setting in which the story will take place.  To me, setting is one of the most important facets of a book.  It can set the tone and even become almost like a character itself at times.  

When I began work on Blood Avenged, my newest erotic paranormal romance, I considered setting the story in London.  The main character, Vasilije, appeared in Vampire Dreams, which was set in London, so it definitely was a natural choice to continue with his story in that wonderful city.  But Vampire Dreams had also been set in the Victorian Era of nineteenth century London and Blood Avenged was going to be set in our time, so more and more it appeared that London might not work.

Long before I began writing Blood Avenged, I knew I was scheduled to attend the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Ball in New Orleans near Halloween.  As I hashed out the story I’d outlined with my editor, it became obvious—Vasilije should go to New Orleans.  It was perfect!

Anyone who’s read Vampire Dreams will know Vasilije fits in perfectly in the deliciously decadent Big Easy.  A hedonist if there ever was one, he believes it’s only right to enjoy life whenever he can.  And enjoy it he does!  He’s pure pleasure, and New Orleans is exactly that.

My trip there was not only enjoyable because of the vampire ball but also because I had the opportunity to do research for the setting of the book, a first for me.  And was it fun!  Every scene in New Orleans is a place I spent time in, such as Bourbon Street (who can go to New Orleans and not spend some time there?), the Garden District, and even the actual cemetery where the climax of the story takes place.


The dark colored tomb in Cypress Grove cemetery stood out from all the other tombs around it, and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it to appear in the book.  If you look very carefully, in the upper left hand corner of the picture is the red line street car that runs up and down Canal Street.  It appears in the book too, as does the green line street car that runs out to the Garden District. 


And the enormous tree is also featured in the cemetery scene.  I only saw it during the day, but imagine that whole area around it in the dark of night. Perfect for a showdown between two vampires!


I can only hope that I get the opportunity to do some more on-site research for my future books.  This could easily become the best part about being an author!

Here’s the blurb and a little taste of Vasilije in Blood Avenged: 

I am everything you desire.  I am vampire.

Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.

When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije’s need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning...

Vasilije didn’t bother to turn the lights on once inside. In truth, as a vampire, he saw as well in the dark as humans did in the light. Even more, there was no point in acting like they were going to sit on the couch and talk or watch television.
He knew what she wanted and he wanted it too.
Closing the door behind him, he reached out to her and pulled her to him, enjoying the feel of her body pressed to his. She was so warm. So willing.
Her hands slid over his stomach and chest as she arched up to kiss him. Bending down, his lips grazed hers for a moment before he pulled her closer, wanting what she offered.
Warm and wet, her mouth eagerly pressed against his and her tongue met his, teasing him with the tip. His fangs had slid into his mouth at the first touch of her hands on his body, and each playful flick of her tongue came so close, just missing them. To feel her tongue against his fangs would be heaven.
His hand tightened its grip in her hair and tugged, making her moan into his mouth. God, he wanted to hear that sound again. The sound of a woman needy for everything he could give her.
Sasa slid her hands over his shoulders and pulled him to her, pressing her breasts against his body as she devoured his mouth. Her tightened nipples rubbed against him, exciting him. Instinctively, he slid his hand under her thin t-shirt and plucked at one hardened pearl through her lacy bra, squeezing it gently between his thumb and forefinger as he cupped the fullness surrounding it.
Again, she moaned, making that sound that hit him directly between his legs. Already rock hard, his cock strained against the front of his pants. Whatever his mind may have thought about sleeping with her, his body had different plans.
And then her tongue flicked over the tip of one fang and sensations raced from his balls, up his cock, and through his body.
“Fuck,” he groaned as she seductively slid her tongue over his fang again. She had to know what she was doing to him. She had been a vampire’s girlfriend.
The idea that he was about to fuck the girlfriend of his dead vampire momentarily made Vasilije pull back from her, but the touch of her hands on his stomach made him forget every guilty feeling he had. Looking down, he watched her fumble with the shirt buttons.
“Sasa.”
At the sound of her name, she looked up and even in the darkness he saw the look of desire on her face. In one swift movement, he pinned her hands above her head. Pushing her up against the wall, he leaned into her and pressed his thigh between her legs, feeling the heat coming from her. Slowly, a low growl slid from his throat.
Sasa pushed against his hands, but he wouldn’t release her. Grinding against his thigh, she arched her body toward his.
His free hand lifted her shirt over her head and in seconds she stood before him in only her bra. A quick flick with his fingers and it was sailing to the floor to join her shirt.
Vasilije cupped one supple breast in his hand and tenderly stroked her silky soft flesh with his fingertips. Eager to feel her on his tongue, he bent his head and captured a nipple, quickly sucking it to an excited peak. A moan drew his attention from her tightened pink nipple, and he looked up to see Sasa’s face. Brown eyes clouded over with need stared into his.
“Please let me touch you. I want to feel you.”
Silently, he released her hands and returned to what his mouth craved. She felt so good in his mouth. Each pull made her grind her pussy against his thigh. Her hands raked through his hair, stroking and tugging as he sensually nibbled on her.
Vasilije couldn’t remember when he’d been with a woman who was so responsive. Every spot his mouth and hands visited aroused her, and she seemed to worship his body as she moved her hands from his hair to caress his neck and shoulders through his shirt.
Softly, he grazed her nipple with his fangs and from above he heard her cry out. He stood up and smiled with satisfaction, his sharp fangs aching to sink into her. He was surprised to find not fear in her face but desire—pure desire. Her cry hadn’t been of pain but pleasure.
Was she just drunk or did she realize what he planned to do?
As he studied her in the darkness, she pulled him to her and kissed him with a need that sent a jolt to his cock. His hands made their way to her jeans, and he made quick work of the button and zipper. Only cotton panties stood between him and his goal.
Vasilije slid two fingers under those panties and down through her bare slickness. Sasa wriggled against his hand as her mouth fed on his, her tongue darting in and around the inside passionately.
Bending down to pull her pants off, he whispered in her ear, “Careful, love. Teagan may have been able to control himself when you toyed with his fangs, but I won’t.”
Sasa stood in front of him naked and looking up at him as she licked her lips. Lifting herself onto her toes, she whispered next to his mouth, “You mean like this?” and then slowly ran her tongue over the point of his left fang.
His head thrown back, one thought controlled him now.


To find out more about Blood Avenged, including buy links, visit my blog at http://gbisset.blogspot.com/p/blood-avenged.html

Beachwalk Press Blog Tour


One Day I’ll Write a Christmas Letter
by Stephanie Beck

Now, I’m not one who actually gets my stuff in order enough to put together a thoughtful, cutesy Christmas letter in my Christmas cards. In fact, the season usually gets away from me and I end up sending Valentines after the loving chaos of the holiday season finishes. I appreciate a nice letter, but I fear I read between the lines, especially when I get one from one of the members of my extended family. One year my grandma wrote of my husband and me: “Stephanie and Tanner had a small, quick wedding and are happy.” (In other words, expect a birth announcement sometime this spring). Ha, we fooled her, our daughter was born the week of our first anniversary.

Sometimes I joke with my husband about what I’d put in our Christmas letter. It would go a little something like this:

Dear Family and Friends,

If you stopped by or called once in a while, I wouldn’t have to write you a stinking letter about how our year was. But since I’m writing—and it’s not the smut you wouldn’t be caught dead reading—I hope you’ll enjoy sharing our year’s events.

Our eldest started first grade this fall. She’s gorgeous and brilliant and loving learning and life. She would like me to remind you all not to tease her about boys when you see her. It embarrasses her, and really, how backwoods is it to imply that a seven-year-old girl needs a boy in her life to be happy?

Our newly middle child has no idea she’s a middle child and is as happy as ever. She loves to play and paint and likes to celebrate with random bouts of fist-pumping when she writes a letter correctly. In a happy addition, we now have three imaginary friends in our household, courtesy of her brilliant mind. They all like peanut butter sandwiches, which works for me since I stink at making imaginary filet mignon.

This past winter we were blessed with the birth of our son. You may have received a text at four o’clock in the morning that woke you up—and no, I’m not sorry about that. He’s freaking gorgeous and you know it was worth it to wake up to look. Like his sisters, he’s incredibly smart and engaging and sweet—and completely adored by his mother and father. Oh, and like a good boy, he said “mama” first.

As for me and my husband, we celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary in October—defying most of the family bets out there. Work situations have changed and life with three kids is busy, but I gotta say, the man is as hot as ever. My writing world continues to grow and two of my books are now in print (yes, you can get them at ‘real’ bookstores) and I’m really happy to have found a career that works for me and my family.

That sums up our year, oh so briefly. We’re healthy, happy and in the hands of God. Here’s wishing your family a blessed Christmas and happy holiday season. And, hey, stop by when you’re on your way through town—or even give me a call and plan a day with us. My cookie jar is always full!

Lots of Love,
Stephanie Beck and Family J

Are you a holiday letter writer? Share a Christmas-letter worthy memory and be entered to win an eBook (details below).

Merry Christmas!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Even before she understood what all the thrusting meant, Stephanie Beck loved reading romance. When the stories didn’t end the way she wanted, writing her own was the perfect solution. From ridiculous humor to erotica, Stephanie loves being transported within a story. When she’s not elbow deep in words, her husband and three children command her attention. After they are sleeping she knits or bakes cookies…or squeezes in more writing.

You can find Stephanie on the web at the following places:

                                          

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BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Beachwalk Press will be sponsoring giveaways at the end of this blog tour. Everyone who comments on a post will have their name placed in a drawing (be sure to include an email address so we have a way to contact you). On Monday, December 19th we will randomly choose four people who will win a Beachwalk Press eBook of their choice from any of the authors who participated on the tour. The more blogs you comment on, the more times you are entered to win! For a list of all the blogs we will be visiting on this tour, click here: http://beachwalkpress.com/2011/11/beachwalk-press-holiday-blog-tour/

BEACHWALK PRESS HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT:
During the month of December, Beachwalk Press will be hosting a Holiday Scavenger Hunt. There will be multiple winners, and the prizes will include gift certificates, Godiva chocolates, and a Kindle Fire! Visit our website for more information. http://beachwalkpress.com/

Cataclysm is released today.

Happy Release Day C.L. Parker
Big Hugs to you!  Congrats!  
Kerrigan Cruz and Dominic Grayson thought the worst of the storm was behind them. In reality, they have only weathered impossible odds to find they are smack dab in the eye of an unforgiving cyclone. More is on the way. The raging bands of chaos that surrounds them are forcing the destructive walls of the monster to close in around them. Taking on a life of its own, the storm growls and gnashes its teeth, threatening to devour everything they ever were or ever will be. There will be nothing but devastation left in its wake, and it sets its sights on Kerrigan and Dominic.

Through the howling winds and punishing lashes of rain, a stranger comes. The promise of a better tomorrow, a brighter, sunnier life filled with hopes and dreams rests in the palm of his hand. It is knowledge, a formidable weapon when wielded by the right person at just the right time. If she can only harness the power of this stranger’s knowledge, Kerrigan may be able to save the one she loves before he fades into nothingness, and she is left all alone. 

But is this stranger friend or foe? Drawn to her side by an unseen force, will he enlighten Kerrigan or will he seek to claim her for his own? 

Cataclysm: 
Through the darkness of night, Light will lead the way.

Review 5 of 5
Cataclysm is an absolute page-turner! No matter how late the hour or how early you need to get up, you MUST keep reading to find out what happens next! Parker weaves a visual tapestry with her words making it easy to visualize the places and people in her story. I was living vicariously through her characters, wishing I was Kerrigan with her Dominic. Parker gives us wickedly sexy, sizzling hot scenes that tantalize and tease the reader. Hold on to your tissues because there are definitely some heart-wrenching moments as well. This book will suck you in, holding you prisoner to the story until the very end, where you will be blown away by the secrets revealed and anxiously awaiting the third book in the Supernova Saga. Parker delivers, believe me!
--Maureen Morga
n

CL's Website: http://www.cl-parker.com/ 


Don't keep him waiting past midnight!  


You Can buy Here:  
or 

You can also get the first in the series.