Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Dreams Worth Fighting For: R.M Alexander's Right One Is A Tender Read That Touches The Heart

Okay my booky wooky friends, you know my tastes and very seldom do I ever really turn to contemporary or sweet romances that remind me of all those classic literature books we all had to read time and time again. However, once and awhile, I get a book that I didn't think I would end up reading, let alone ENJOY reading. Author R.M Alexander's Right One, was the right book to read.



Big dreams take strength and determination. 

Cami Lockhart’s dream is on the verge of becoming a reality. Lockhart Sanctuary, a refuge for abused and confiscated cats, is what Cami has worked for her entire life. But a dream that big requires a daily commitment. Cami yearns for someone to share the dream with, and knows everyone in town thinks Alex is the perfect man for the job. There’s one problem. She wants fireworks with every kiss, not just a friendship with a hint of something more. 

Sometimes what you wish for is closer than you think. 

Alex Reynolds shares Cami’s passion for the sanctuary, and at her head ranchhand, spends every day helping her dream come true. He longs to tell Cami she’s held his heart since childhood, but losing a lifetime of friendship is a big risk to take. Being by Cami’s side at the sanctuary is better than letting go, but Alex knows someday he’ll want more. 

Risk losing everything or fight for the dreams to come true. 

The sanctuary is put in jeopardy when ignored threats take a painful turn. Cami and Alex must each chose to stand and fight, or lose everything they dream of.

This story is sweet, passionate, and makes the reader feel a whole range of emotions right along with the main characters, Cami and Alex but does it without being to hot and heavy. For those of you who want something light yet powerful and leaves you feeling not so jaded about love without fearing a cliche Disney movie, then add Right One by R.M. Alexander to your reading list now! 

RM Alexander is an author of Sweet / Clean Romances that are sometimes contemporary, sometimes paranormal or suspense, but are always ruled by the heart of true romance. 

With characters who look for love in wrong places and are victims of the worse kind of betrayals while fighting for what they want and believe in, RM's novels promise a good read with unexpected twists and turns.

When she's not writing, RM is spending time with her husband and two small children in Michigan. She loves to travel, especially to Walt Disney World, and can often be found on Twitter or Facebook chatting with other authors and fans.

BUY IT NOW


TEN THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. No coffee for me, thanks. But I love orange juice, and drink a gallon or more a week.

2. My favorite place to vacation is Walt Disney World

3. I was a travel agent in another life.

4. I love chocolate, and my favorite is Ghiradelli dark with caramel.

5. I’m eclectic in the music I listen to, anything from inspirational to instrumental to country and rock.

6. My favorite book is 11/22/63 by Stephen King, but I also love Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks.

7. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. I watch it once a month or more.

8. I listen to music when I write, watch TV while I edit.

9. I’ve lived in three states: Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.

10. I’ve always wanted to open a tiger sanctuary. The need is great, with too little help.

Stalking links

Facebook  |  Amazon  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter

Veil Of Secrecy by R.M. Alexander: The Tuesday Book Review You Don't Want To Miss!

Imagine yourself, sitting inside roller coaster cart. That is how The Veil of Secrecy begins. Hold on tight because what you think is going to happen, isn't even close to what is on the next page.

Rachel Brackett arrives in Sullivan, Montana with simple goals: relocate, settle an estate, and manage her own antique store. Her parents and friends back home called it running away. That’s just fine with her.

Rachel’s curiosity leads her into the forest, and she finds creatures who know more about her ominous heritage than she does. The creatures only exist in nightmares – grotesque mutants and shapeshifters. They seek vengeance for hideous crimes in genetic engineering, and Rachel is the prime target for retribution. While Rachel searches for the truth behind the family she never knew, a bounty hunter stalks her every move. Only Leonardo, a figure shrouded in the shadows, offers protection. A were lion with the perfect blend of human and feline features. Terrifying. Impossible. Alluring.

When Rachel’s home is ripped apart and a friend attacked, it’s clear there is no safe haven. She is no longer running from her past, but trying to survive to make it to her future.


This book has everything that a great Paranormal read should have-thrills, chills, the creature feature, and characters you can't stop loving or hating. The world that Rachel Brackett verges on Island of Dr. Moreau meets Beauty and the Beast, with a huge slice of Danger! Danger! and enough chills to make you look out your window and keep a porch light on. I loved this book and I didn't want to stop reading but I CAME TO THE END!!! This first book in her Trilogy series and it has me screaming, "HEY LADY WHERE'S BOOK 2! I CAN'T WAIT!" Really folks, I can hardly wait. I have to find out what happens. She leaves you right at a great cliff hanger and I may lose sleep waiting. Dear Readers, you HAVE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK! It's better than anything on television that is for sure and reading it was like watching a really great television program that has action, thrills, chills, and then takes you on that upward slope of inverted roller coaster track into Sci-Fi. YOU HAVE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK AND I HAVE THE BUY LINK! Be sure you check out author R M Alexander today! Right this minute! What are you waiting for? GET ON THIS THRILL RIDE OF A BOOK! 

BUY IT NOW


The Author

RM Alexander is an author of Sweet / Clean Romances that are sometimes contemporary, sometimes paranormal or suspense, but are always ruled by the heart of true romance. 

With characters who look for love in wrong places and are victims of the worse kind of betrayals while fighting for what they want and believe in, RM's novels promise a good read with unexpected twists and turns.

When she's not writing, RM is spending time with her husband and two small children in Michigan. She loves to travel, especially to Walt Disney World, and can often be found on Twitter or Facebook chatting with other authors and fans. 

TEN THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. No coffee for me, thanks. But I love orange juice, and drink a gallon or more a week.

2. My favorite place to vacation is Walt Disney World

3. I was a travel agent in another life.

4. I love chocolate, and my favorite is Ghiradelli dark with caramel.

5. I’m eclectic in the music I listen to, anything from inspirational to instrumental to country and rock.

6. My favorite book is 11/22/63 by Stephen King, but I also love Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks.

7. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. I watch it once a month or more.

8. I listen to music when I write, watch TV while I edit.

9. I’ve lived in three states: Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.

10. I’ve always wanted to open a tiger sanctuary. The need is great, with too little help.

Stalking links

Facebook  |  Amazon  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter

Unlock Secrets, Be Wary of Creatures hidden In The Shadows, and Make Sure You Choose the Right One With Author R.M. Alexander

R.M. Alexander 
Veil of Secrecy and The Right One 
Double Tour
Release date July 29th
UF/Thriller
& 
Contemporary Romance 

Blurb for Veil of Secrecy (Shadows, #1)

Rachel Brackett arrives in Sullivan, Montana with simple goals: relocate, settle an estate, and manage her own antique store. Her parents and friends back home called it running away. That’s just fine with her.

Rachel’s curiosity leads her into the forest, and she finds creatures who know more about her ominous heritage than she does. The creatures only exist in nightmares – grotesque mutants and shapeshifters. They seek vengeance for hideous crimes in genetic engineering, and Rachel is the prime target for retribution. While Rachel searches for the truth behind the family she never knew, a bounty hunter stalks her every move. Only Leonardo, a figure shrouded in the shadows, offers protection. A were lion with the perfect blend of human and feline features. Terrifying. Impossible. Alluring.

When Rachel’s home is ripped apart and a friend attacked, it’s clear there is no safe haven. She is no longer running from her past, but trying to survive to make it to her future.

Excerpt from Veil of Secrecy:

“My name is Leonardo. Please, do not come any closer.” The voice changed locations without stirring a single branch or crackling a single dried leaf.

Rachel turned, scanning her surroundings. “Why won’t you let me see you?”

"Do you need to see to know you are safe? Is it not enough that you are well after hours of unconsciousness? Surely, if I intended to harm you, I would have done so already.” Without menace, the voice changed locations again, now almost directly behind her.

Rachel turned, scrutinizing the fading shadows for an outline, a hand or foot, anything to provide a hint of identity. “Yes, but then, how can I thank you for saving my life?”

“There is no thanks needed, but you have just done so without seeing me at all.”

Rachel glanced to the trees, noticing for the first time the tanagers and morning jays no longer sang. Only stark silence, a forest frozen with anticipation. Rubbing her arms, she dropped her gaze. Why does it feel so hard to breathe?

“You should leave now. There is nothing to fear in the sun – the Others hunt only at night.”

“The Others?” She slowly rotated, waiting for an answer or a clue, wondering if she was speaking to a ghost. She almost smiled at the absurdity of the thought.

“Go south, following the slope. The thickness breaks in a couple miles. When it does, go east along the stream. You’ll come across a marked path which will lead you home.”

Rachel’s stomach swelled into her chest. “How do you know where I live?” Watching her, following her, made him a stalker. A threat. 

A charged lull passed. “Do not come into these forests at night. They are not safe. And I can not guarantee your safety.”

Blurb for The Right One:

Big dreams take strength and determination.

Cami Lockhart’s dream is on the verge of becoming a reality. Lockhart Sanctuary, a refuge for abused and confiscated cats, is what Cami has worked for her entire life. But a dream that big requires a daily commitment. Cami yearns for someone to share the dream with, and knows everyone in town thinks Alex is the perfect man for the job. There’s one problem. She wants fireworks with every kiss, not just a friendship with a hint of something more.

Sometimes what you wish for is closer than you think.

Alex Reynolds shares Cami’s passion for the sanctuary, and at her head ranchhand, spends every day helping her dream come true. He longs to tell Cami she’s held his heart since childhood, but losing a lifetime of friendship is a big risk to take. Being by Cami’s side at the sanctuary is better than letting go, but Alex knows someday he’ll want more. 

Risk losing everything or fight for the dreams to come true.

The sanctuary is put in jeopardy when ignored threats take a painful turn. Cami and Alex must each chose to stand and fight, or lose everything they dream of. 

Excerpt The Right One

“Hey Alex! Which way are we going with this?” Mason, the youngest of the crew at only twenty-four, interrupted the tirade of thoughts, the final roll of fencing forcing a heavy lean.

He pointed westward. “Head out that way first, then we’ll wrap back around.”

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Bio:

RM Alexander is an author of Sweet / Clean Romances that are sometimes contemporary, sometimes paranormal or suspense, but are always ruled by the heart of true romance. 

With characters who look for love in wrong places and are victims of the worse kind of betrayals while fighting for what they want and believe in, RM's novels promise a good read with unexpected twists and turns.

When she's not writing, RM is spending time with her husband and two small children in Michigan. She loves to travel, especially to Walt Disney World, and can often be found on Twitter or Facebook chatting with other authors and fans. 

TEN THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. No coffee for me, thanks. But I love orange juice, and drink a gallon or more a week.

2. My favorite place to vacation is Walt Disney World

3. I was a travel agent in another life.

4. I love chocolate, and my favorite is Ghiradelli dark with caramel.

5. I’m eclectic in the music I listen to, anything from inspirational to instrumental to country and rock.

6. My favorite book is 11/22/63 by Stephen King, but I also love Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks.

7. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. I watch it once a month or more.

8. I listen to music when I write, watch TV while I edit.

9. I’ve lived in three states: Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.

10. I’ve always wanted to open a tiger sanctuary. The need is great, with too little help.

Stalking links

Facebook  |  Amazon  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter


Saturday, July 26, 2014

Forget Fifty Shades and Turn On to a Real Man

I want to welcome my readers to this special treat. I have a special guest and ladies...he is TO DIE FOR. Seriously he makes me howl just looking at him. He is also in my book Cursed Awakening. Let me introduce you to Bodhi Wahpeton; the original Big Bad Wolf. *drool, swoon,...it's all welcome here.* 



Bodhi: Ladies, ladies calm yourselves. *chuckles* There's plenty of me to go around and then some. *nods at one woman who just threw her bra across the blog* Hey girl, none of that wild stuff *he winks* until later baby. 

Okay okay chicks, let's calm down before we have to call 9-11. Bodhi, thanks for stopping by and Um... do you ever own a shirt? 

*He leaned back still flirting with the entire room* Yeah but you know how us Wahpeton boys are; we live on the wild side! 

Yes we certainly do. So tell me, what do you think of all this Fifty Shades of well whatever it is? 

*He leans up and looks dead serious, mischief gleaming in those sea green eyes of his* 

I think it is great for reading. I read it myself. 

*my jaw drops* Really? You? 

Bodhi *chuckling* Yeah, I got to page ten and stopped. I couldn't stop laughing. Then I gave it to Xander, my brother, who started quoting from it and let me tell you-hearing him say "My inner goddess" was shit. Ladies, the Bod man here loves ya but ya got some strange taste in reading material. 

Oh really, so what have you been reading? *I wink at the room* 

He leans back into the chair and gives a naughty flip of that golden mane of his* Who says I need to read at all. I got enough experience and ability that out ranks any book Romeo. 

*I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes at this bonafide Playboy; the room erupts in chaos* 

        Bodhi, you cad! 

         Bodhi: What can I say, I'm the original Big Bad Wolf. Magic Mike took lessons from me. *He laughs totally unrepentant* 

        * I have to calm the room* So you're basically a Casanova of wolves? 

 Bodhi: Wasn't that Dances With Wolves? That movie was long by the way. 

*groan* You're messing with me aren't you? 

*A grin splits his face* It's so fun but seriously, I'm a perfect gentleman. My mom says I am still a pup at heart. 

 Yeah I can definitely see that. Well how do you feel about some questions from my readers? 

Bodhi: Sure, let them rip...well not literally. Sorry gals. 

Alrighty then, *I cough to clear my throat and hide my blush* What is it like being a wolf? Do you ever get any weird cravings? 

Bodhi: Well I never really had to think about it. I guess it is like knowing that there is this extension of yourself-the knowing you are more than just one thing. My instincts as a wolf and who I am as a man mesh together so I really don't think about it as two separate entities. As far as cravings go, I love lace on ladies and I love steak tacos. 

What is your shoe siz...um we are skipping that question and the question of his pants. *smile nervously* When you shift does it hurt? 

Bodhi: No. I mean I get it, I've seen all those movies but no it doesn't hurt us. We are not "werewolves"; we are Shifters. Our animal is within us-not cursed upon us into some blood thirsty monster. 

  Good to know that we are all safe during the full moon, eh? 

*He cocks an eyebrow* Well now I didn't say all that. 

You're bad, bad, and bad. Next question, Now that Nyx and Xander are both attached, have you thought about settling down? 

Bodhi: Ah well I might after I get a stint on The Bachelor. I think I could be a contender. However, all kidding aside, no I don't have any thoughts about getting shackle-I mean settling down. I'm young still. 

Yeah, um just how "young" are you? 

Bodhi: *waves a hand and turns his head for a moment before turning back* Just a mere sixty or so. I quit counting after twenty-five. 

*jaw drop* Well you look good for a senior citizen. *He flexes* 

Your brother Caleb sent this picture, and I was wanting to know what were you thinking at this particular moment. *I hand over the picture* 


    Bodhi: *laughs* I was watching some females at the Res doing some jogging and I was saying, "Hellooo ladies!" Hey don't look at me that way, it's not like I went and actually said that, I mean first off my brother Nauru would have my literal hide and then I would get a lecture from dad but I would cause 4 human females to have therapy.  However, I put the vibe out there....they knew there was a hot male lookin' to make their fantasy come true. I'm a babe magnet, I can't help it. I just am. 

Well you certainly are pretty sure of yourself there, Lady Killer. 

Bodhi: I have never killed a lady. At least no one has ever died from pleasure, yet. 

*groan* Bodhi! *shakes my head* Okay let's get back to the Q&A here. So what do you do at the Reservation? 

Bodhi: *he crossed his arms across his muscled chest and leaned back* Well I run perimeter checks, keep my brothers in line, and guard the Southern gate to the Res while Nauru holds down the front. We all pretty much take care of the Res. It's very important to us. 

It sounds important. One last question asks, "What is your ideal woman?" 

Bohdi: I haven't met her yet but I have been having a blast with all the understudies. *he laughs* Well let's see, you want a serious answer. I want a confident woman. Strong intellectual women turn me on but I like adventurous types too. Someone who wouldn't be afraid to sky dive from a plane and wouldn't mind asserting her dominant side once and awhile. 

So, you're telling us you want to be dominated? 

Bodhi: *leans over the table again and looks over at everyone in the room who is dying to hear his confession* Guess you'll have to wait till I find my ideal woman to find out! *he kisses me on the cheek and stands up and throws his hands up* Ladies, I'm all yours! 

*crawling from the bevy of women clamoring to get a piece of Bohdi, I finally make it out in one piece.* Thank you for dropping by and if you want more Bodhi, be sure to buy Cursed Awakening today! 



Ivy Morgan has re-invented herself and is looking forward to the future for the first time, in a very long time. Since fleeing for her life from an overzealous religious cult, she is able to be a modern woman that is gaining her independence; so taking up with a sexy stranger named Nyx is the last thing she needs. Or, is it?

Nyx Wahpeton can’t stop thinking about the young woman he’s met. It couldn’t have come at the worse possible time with the clans meeting and his family wrapped up in a centuries old war that’s nothing short of what horror movies are made from. He’s been a protector of his people and those that reside at the Reservation. There’s betrayal and evil at his front door; but, in his heart he knows Ivy is the one for him. She’s surrounded by secrets that he’s vowed to unlock, as well as her heart. However, can he keep her safe from his own secrets?

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Howling For Another Cursed Awakening Bite? Sink Your Teeth Into This!



CURSED AWAKENING

Available at:

Smashwords
Amazon
ARe Romance
Barnes & Noble

An ancient evil has returned and betrayal is everywhere. In the midst of all hell breaking loose, two hearts-one wild and the other one still wounded will stand before hell itself to fight for what's right and for a love forged from a Cursed Awakening.



Ivy Morgan has re-invented herself and is looking forward to the future for the first time, in a very long time. Since fleeing for her life from an overzealous religious cult, she is able to be a modern woman that is gaining her independence; so taking up with a sexy stranger named Nyx is the last thing she needs. Or, is it?

Nyx Wahpeton can’t stop thinking about the young woman he’s met. It couldn’t have come at the worse possible time with the clans meeting and his family wrapped up in a centuries old war that’s nothing short of what horror movies are made from. He’s been a protector of his people and those that reside at the Reservation. There’s betrayal and evil at his front door; but, in his heart he knows Ivy is the one for him. She’s surrounded by secrets that he’s vowed to unlock, as well as her heart. However, can he keep her safe from his own secrets?

Excerpt:

They walked through the brush off the beaten path. Ivy heard rushing water as they got closer to wherever it was they were going. When they came out of the trees, Ivy was awestruck. They were standing on top of a cliff that overlooked a beautiful waterfall. She could actually see a prism of rainbow colors as the sun streaked through the rushing waters. 

“Oh, my God Nyx, it’s beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like it before!” 

Nyx pulled her close; the Hope Falls was one of his favorite places in the world. “I’m glad you like it baby! I was thinking that maybe we could be married here if you’d like!” He could feel her smiling. 

“Nyx, you’re Native American right?” she asked a little hesitantly. 

“Yeah, born and bred Lakota Sioux. Why do you ask?” 

“Well…don’t you have some sort of tradition that your family would want for you? I mean I, I don’t have any traditions but I hardly doubt you want to marry in the Shepherds of the Flock tradition.” 

“We have different types of wedding ceremonies. My family won’t mind what we choose and ‘No’ I don’t want any Shitters of the Flock ceremonies.” Ivy had to laugh at Nyx for his candor. 

“Ivy, what exactly do they do…I mean you don’t have to do anything weird or cruel or anything?” Nyx was curious now. 

“Well, it’s simple really. I mean first of all they make us drink goat’s blood and…” she giggled and then stepped back from him. For a moment he blanched, and then she really let the laughter go. He gave her that look of utter mischief that sent her heart into over drive. 

“Oh, you, are so funny, Ivy.” He said as he took a step towards her. 

“Well, I try to be anyhow! Still not as funny looking as Y-O-U when I race you back to the ATV!” she taunted as she started to kick her legs into gear. 

Nyx laughed deep and loud in a rich bell tone while he gave her a heads start. Ivy never even got to the line of trees before he had her rolling on the soft grass among the wildflowers that dotted the landscape. He hovered over her moving a strand of hair that was hanging in her face before he gently touched his lips to hers. He pulled back to look at her and lost himself. Thinking back to where he was this time last year, he had thought himself in love with Tanya; it had been just an infatuation. They had been good in bed together, but it was nothing compared to the fire and heaven he had found with Ivy! 

From the first time he looked into those beautiful eyes of hers it was like she was the sun and he was pulled towards her by a force that he wasn’t able to control. Nyx felt Ivy’s hands cradle his face. He closed his eyes at the sensation of her touch. It was so gentle and warm. It soothed the animal inside him. 

“Nyx, I love you…I love you so very much! If we’re to be married, I want it to use one of your customs! I don’t have any and the one I know of isn’t something I’m ever doing again.” Ivy’s soft voice was like music surrounding his heart. 

He opened his eyes and ran his tongue along the outside of her lip before he kissed her again. This time he parted her lips and slid his tongue in to taste her. Ivy was getting really good at kissing, but it was easy when you had someone as talented as Nyx. He pulled back and flipped her up on his chest so he was underneath her. “You know Ivy, I can’t seem to get enough of you!” he breathed.

Get Your Copy of Cursed Awakening today and become part of the seduction, the magic, and the passion.



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Friday, July 11, 2014

Now Introducing: Julian Notte

Night Class  has NEVER been so HOT!

          Julian Notte is a centuries old vampire who has seen the world change and has traveled the world several times over. Being the hottest professor at Woodridge University can be a royal pain in the fang, but when he meets the miracle of a life mate, his sights steer from just trying to get through the bevy of his female students lusty thoughts and fantasies to her. 


                 Ariel Thorne has one one goal and one goal only-to get through her classes, get her degree, and get as far away from her step-father as possibly can. She has no interest in college guys or romance for that matter. Her life doesn't give her enough time for it and she has already seen the pitfalls of bad relationships. One complication she doesn't need is having the university's hottest teacher that seems bent on undoing everything she's tried so hard to put into place. She doesn't need a savior, or maybe she does but will she be willing to have a savior who fills her every waking and sleeping moments with lustful and erotic fantasies not to mention his definition of "forever" might be a little too much of a commitment for her. 


           So just who is Julian Notte? He's lived centuries and is a modern vampire with centuries of experience in all things and when I say ALL things I mean ALL THINGS. He's the forbidden fruit that leaves a woman wanting more. Although he's not just a pretty face, he's also cultured and intelligent. Boring, huh? Julian Notte is also a powerful vampire and guards his territory well. He can read nearly everyone's minds with the exception of one certain acerbic book worm and he can shape shift. Since his sire was also a witch, he has other abilities. Don't worry, you'll be able to all about them in Night Lessons coming soon. 

            I would love to tell you more about Ariel, but this is all about Julian. All I will say is that she is not the "damsel in distress" type. Julian is a predator yet his bite is seductive and sexual. So aside from being a sexual wet dream come true, what else is there to know about him? 


               



                Julian loves literature both classical and modern. He has found he loves teaching even if he detests being "eye candy". 
                             

                  When it comes to music he has a vast appreciation and love of music. Lately, he's been quite hung up on Darkest Days, Korn, Bastille, Cold Play, and Avenged Sevenfold. 

                  He can shape shift and move with vampiric speed but he loves cars especially Italian and German made sports cars. He has quite a collection of Bugattis, Porches, and Ferarris. He also loves American Muscle cars and has a few of those as well as a few high powered motorcycles. 

                For someone who has seen and done so much in his very long life as a vampire, he has pretty much simple tastes-other than AB Positive. He loves a great book, long walks, but hates Pina Coladas even if it is raining. Julian has been spotted playing guitar at a few local coffee shops and low key bars. 


                In the 21st Century he has come to peace with himself and has survived learning to accept what he is. Julian has a code of honor and it applies to everything even feeding. Until he has come about the revelation of his life mate, he hadn't thought about how lonely he has been through the years but now he has a desire to end his lonely nights with a certain red head that is hell bent on having ZERO to do with him. She has given the whole "Playing hard to get" a whole new meaning but he's patient. After all he's waited centuries for her to come into his life. 


                                             ~Tasty Tidbit~

                   Julian came back to the duplex after he had fed. When he’d gotten so close to her he’d felt his incisors slide down and hunger had nearly gotten the best of him.  She was on the second floor, asleep. He could smell her from her slightly opened window and with his exceptional night vision, he could see every detail of her room, the bed she slept in, and of course the calm serene look on her sleeping face.  He shifted into a small owl and flew in through the small opening in her window and perched on her dresser. Looking around he seen that she had posters of faraway places; Paris, The London Eye, Ireland, Spain, and Florence, Italy. There were a few pictures of what looked like to be her and her mother. He flew silently towards the bedside table where a large portrait of her mother sat.
            Ariel had her mother’s facial structure; delicate angles and features but where her mother’s eyes were a light blue, hers were green almost emerald colored. Her mother also had light blonde hair with streaks of gold through it piled atop her head. He wondered what Ariel’s father must have looked like but there were no photographs of him. There were pictures of her with friends and one of her graduating from high school but she was standing with who was probably her roommate Jenna. She also had a book shelf that was packed with books. There were some mysteries, many classical titles, horror and thrillers, and tons of paranormal/ fantasy selections.  He wanted to smile at that. So his little book worm wasn’t all about all work and no play.  He watched as she moved while she slept. Even within the body of an owl, he hungered for her.  Her hair looked like a river of dark red silk against the pillow and she wore just a thin tank top that outlined her full breasts. He would have bet his fangs that she was wearing tiny white panties beneath the cartoonish looking blanket.
            Just then the fates dealt Julian a cruel blow, Ariel turned and kicked part of her covers off her revealing a fair amount of ass. Julian almost shifted back to his own form at that moment but opted for flying out of her room to keep from embarrassing his self and scaring her half to death.  As he flew towards his lair he couldn’t get those soft lips, full breasts, and that body out of his head. He decided he needed to get out of the sky before he ended up flying into a tree or worse-fell out of the sky. He hovered a moment over the faculty parking garage and when he was sure that the night guards had done their nightly patrol, he flew down and shifted. If the security cameras caught anything it would have been of him walking towards his Aston Martin Vanquish which was one of his favorites in his car collection. He pressed the button on the keypad and it unlocked and he slid in. Within moments he was already heading off the university grounds and to his lair that was conveniently outside the city limits. Julian was determined to slip inside Ariel’s dreams since it was the only way he could get inside her head-a relative new experience since he’d never been able to dream walk before which just proved she was his fated mate.
****
            Ariel felt the warmth of the sun kissing her skin as she walked along the beach. It was secluded with lush green palms and foliage that framed the crystal blue waters. She breathed in the salty clean air as the waves gently lapped the shore. Overhead she could hear the call of the gulls that flew over. Just then she focused on a gorgeous sloop sail boat that had a gorgeous set of sails that were gently billowing in the wind. She walked towards the boat just as a man that looked a lot like Julian Notte, but this was all a dream so she waved and he waved back.
            He stood wearing an open white linen shirt and low cut jeans with his hair tied back. Ariel smiled at all the naughty thoughts running through her mind.
            “Ahoy.” She called out in a sing songy voice.
            “Ahoy yourself.”
“Permission to come aboard, Captain?”
“Sure, come around and I’ll help you up.”
 She nearly skipped as she went around to the side where a small plank had been dropped down. He stood offering his hand. Ariel took it and he helped her onto the sloop.
            “Thanks. You have a gorgeous boat.”
            Pride shown in his golden eyes, “She is a beauty but I think the company has her beat.”
            Ariel felt herself blush. This one was a charmer but since this was her dream, of course he would be a charmer.
            “Would you like to go for a sail?” he asked hopeful she’d accept.
            Ariel looked around at the open blue water and nodded enthusiastically, “Yes, I would love a sail. My name is Ariel by the way.”
            He walked over and began pulling up the anchor while she helped pull up the gang plank. In moments the sails were catching the wind and they were at a good steady pace. She loved how the water parted for the boat and the wind blew her hair.
            “My name is Julian, but you knew that already didn’t you Ariel?”
            He said with an air of confidence as he handed her a cool drink.
            She slowly took a sip of what looked and tasted like a Mimosa. She reclined on the bench seat and winked at him.
            “Why not, sure.”
            Julian returned to the wheel. When he set the course he returned to the bench seat, she was smiling at him, a sexy little mischievous smile that she’d never used on anyone but this was her dream; a fantasy. He gently moved a strand of hair away from her face before he moved in close and touched his lips to hers. Ariel’s whole body came alive as he deepened the kiss by moving his tongue erotically over hers.  Ariel couldn’t help how her body was reacting to him. She arched closer into him. His hand had moved to her breast and with a simple flick, he had her breast free from her bikini top. His hand felt good, too good. Her nipple had hardened and he moved from kissing her to popping her nipple into his mouth. Ariel jerked and cried out as pleasure flooded her body


Saturday, June 28, 2014

THE DARK SIDE OF PUBLISHING: THE SCAMS AND FRAUD OF VANITY PRESSES







THE DARK SIDE OF PUBLISHING
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT PUBLISHING SCAMS
                The first thing an author does once he or she has finished the final draft of their manuscript is start sending it to publishers. For most they send out query letters and follow submission guidelines to the letter. If what they have written catches the eye of a publisher, then they are sent a contract. However, there is a dark side to publishing and it is called the Vanity Press. What is a vanity press, you ask. It is any publisher who charges to publish books and written materials. Not sure there’s a problem with that? Well there is a huge problem when you take a publisher like America Star Books also known as Publish America who has been notorious for its false claims, scams, and not paying authors. I know this because I was once one of their authors when they were under the name Publish America.
                In 2009, I wrote my first novel. I labored over it and even involved the help of a very good friend of mine who happened to be my Creative Writing teacher from college. She helped me to edit it and then I had the task of sending it to publishers. I sent copies to all the big names and of course I either got “Sorry, we cannot accept it at this time” or “Sorry not interested” and “We only take submissions via a literary agent”. Most of them didn’t reply at all which left me in limbo. I was green; I knew ZERO about the publishing game and that was how I found Publish America. I sent in my manuscript and within a week I got a phone call stating that they wanted my manuscript and they would send me a contract. Sure enough, I got that and a $1 check in the mail which I didn’t cash-who wants to cash something that small? Anyhow I was ecstatic. I looked over the contract not really knowing much but it seemed pretty clear. I would get 10% of sales from each book and would receive a royalty check as soon as I sold $500 worth of books. That meant, my commission had to get to $500. I thought, “Okay, I just have to work really hard.” At the time, we still had a local bookstore; Walden Books. I couldn’t wait to schedule book signings and see my book on the local author shelf and get the local library to carry my book. That is where the dream stopped.
                First off, no book store (and I called them all within my state-both big chains and local mom and pop book stores) would carry it because Publish America offered no return policy, the book price points were set too high, and the only way I could do book signings were if I consigned copies (meaning I buy the books and then reimburse myself with the copies that might sell). Publish America never gave me a press release which they had collected information for and promised me. Instead what I got was E-Mail after E-Mail of offers to buy my own book and to have my book reviewed by big name authors, and services that most publishing companies already do that they do not charge the author for. The biggest heart ache was when I at last got my author’s copy. I began looking through each page and was horrified to see sentences cut off and my book basically chopped up more than a Chef’s Salad. It was like they had just copied and pasted and did a poor job at that. The price point for my book was $35.99 for a book that was barely 300 pages long and in soft cover at that. That being said, I did sell copies. I sold over sixty books. I should have been happy about that but according to the Royalty Statement I was only counted royalties for 10 copies of my book due to “intended promotional copies”. I still didn’t want to believe I had been had.
                The straw that broke the camel’s back was the E-Mail I received that for $400 my book would be shown and represented at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. I almost fell for it. We had gotten a pretty nice tax check, and I was nearly to the point of getting my husband to invest in me. Something just kept nagging at me though so I looked up the book fair. Indeed there is a book fair. I ran up my phone bill calling the international number all the way in Frankfurt, Germany and after several calls I finally got an English speaking person to help me. I asked them if Publish America was scheduled to be there to vend books. I was told that they didn’t even know who that company was. I gave them the Maryland address. They still had no clue. I immediately contacted Publish America and asked very nicely why they were not listed and I was E-Mailed with a response that made me feel an inch tall and madder than a wet cat. I was accused of lying and getting wrong information. Then I was told that Publish America has invested in me as an author and I should be grateful. The next offers came-“Pay X amount of money to have your book at the NY Times Book Fair, UCLA Book Festival, and AARP Book Fair” All these places I called and they all had never heard of Publish America. I even got E-Mails that I forwarded to Publish America and they still accused me of false information. Then they began with the book reviews for x amount of dollars from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, and J K Rowling. J K Rowling was to review books at the Edinburgh Book Fair in Scotland. She came out swinging and was even on the world wide news claiming she had no such dealings with Publish America nor was she contracted to review ANY books. Her lawyer immediately sent a cease and desist order, to Publish America.
                I had at this point begun to just save E-Mails from Publish America rather than read them. They were frauds and the BBB and the Maryland State’s Attorney General found no wrong with them because they had their loop holes. I still had never bought a single copy of my book. The only copy I had was the author’s copy they sent me.
                This could have had a sad end because so many of their authors are still under contract with them and still not making a dime. I found a cloud with a silver lining. My dear friend, fellow author, and mentor, Denyse Bridger, found a law office here in the states that were doing a class action suit against Publish America and I immediately contacted them. I sent them all 1200 E-Mails I had including the one that pertained to J K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter. Last year, I got my rights back as an author to my book and Publish America had to remove my book from their site and vendors. To this day, Amazon is the only one who still hasn’t gotten with the program even though I sent them everything from the law office who handled the class action suit. Today Publish America is still in business with their promises but under a new name, America Star Books. How can they do that? I don’t know, your guess is as good as mine. They are predators on authors and will virtually publish anything. They give false promises, condescending responses, and know NOTHING about publishing.
                What to look for with a publisher or even a self publisher
                First off, read your contracts. Read them and even have an actual lawyer look at them. If they are not clear and to your understanding, then run far and run fast from them. A good publishing company has a clear and concise contract with no small print or hidden agenda. The standard percentage for royalties is about 6% give or take. Most publishing companies whether they are self-publishing pay by the quarter. If sales are very low, they might ask that the writer combine it with the next quarter but you get paid and paid what you are owed. Next, the standard contract usually expires within 2-3 years not 7 or even 10. Publish America had me for 7 long years with my book. A reputable publisher also will outline what they intend and what you will have to do for the marketing of your book. Be ready to do a lot of work yourself because most publishers unless it’s one of the big names, will require you to blog, use word of mouth, use of social networks, and do the leg work with book stores. However, they will give your book an ISBN number and list it with online vendors, have a return policy, and do not over price the price points so that book stores and online vendors can move your book to consumers. Publishing companies want you to sell books because that is how THEY make money and everyone wants to make money. They might clue you in to book fairs and what not but most of that is on you, the author to do. If your books are physical books, then you might need to consign copies or the publisher might send a few promo copies and E Book publishers may offer discounts to consumers that they may push with their online vendors but again, marketing is up to the author. Publishers-especially small presses cannot afford to just mass produce books and send them so they don’t advertise that and they do not charge you the author for that service since well they can’t afford to mass produce books.
                Publishers like Publish America do not want to push your book to the consumer they want to get as much money out of you as they can that is why they offer the world practically. A reputable publisher will let you know exactly what they are able to do, willing to do, and what you must do yourself. Blogging and making use of social networks are tools as word of mouth is. Reputable publishers will list your books with every online vendor they possibly can but again marketing and promotion is up to you. The reward is that you will draw people’s interest and they may choose to buy your book which means money in your pocket not out of it. Steer clear of vanity presses. Go to websites like: http://www.writersbeware.com and http://www.authorsden.com. Talk to other authors and publisher and follow submission guidelines to the LETTER! Failure to follow guidelines will ensure no one ever sees your manuscript. Any publisher that seems too good to be true usually is. Go with your gut and if you’re still not sure-ask other authors and publishers. Network! Do not be prey to a predator Vanity Press like America Star aka Publish America.

                Right now the US laws on this kind of pyramid scheme and fraud are pretty vague. I got lucky that there was a class action suit pending with Publish America but that was luck. If you find yourself a victim, keep right on the publisher asking for your rights back. Sometimes you might even have to pay money to be released from your contract but it could prove very profitable to invest in getting your rights back and your work free and clear of them. Once they have their claws stuck in, it is near impossible to get them out. If you can afford an attorney, you will invest more money but that is another avenue to getting out of a vanity press predator. You can also rewrite your work and use a different title but beware because if a publisher even gets a slight hint that you’ve been previously signed with one of these kinds of publishers and it can even slightly be considered copyright infringement they will drop you like a hot potato and you will find yourself black balled. The best advice is to educate yourself before you sign on that dotted line or sign an electronic contract. Read, Read, Read and do some detective work. Once you sign, you are playing Russian roulette and you’re going to lose. Most publishers if they know you have something published by these kinds of presses will NOT do business with you just because of the stigma and black mark these places give off.  They are a scam; a fraud that so far very few laws to fight them with. They are slippery and know their loop holes well. Steer clear and pass this along. The best defense against these scum bags is a great offense and the more word that gets out about them the less people they will prey upon and the less people they will rob.


PUBLISHERS TO BEWARE OF

American Book Publishing (Salt Lake City, UT)
Archebooks Publishing (Las Vegas, NV)
Helm Publishing (Rockford, IL)
Hilliard and Harris (Boonsboro, MD)
Oak Tree Press (Taylorville, IL)
Park East Press (Dallas TX) (formerly Durban House, formerly Oakley Press)
PublishAmerica aka America Star Books (Frederick, MD)
Royal Fireworks Press/Silk Label Books (Unionville, NY)
SterlingHouse Publisher (Pittsburgh, PA--imprints include, among others, Pemberton Mysteries, 8th Crow Books, Cambrian House Books, Blue Imp Books, Caroline House Books, Dove House Books, and PAJA Books)
SBPRA/Strategic Book Publishing/Eloquent Books (Boca Raton, FL--formerly known as The Literary Agency Group and AEG Publishing Group)
Tate Publishing (Mustang, OK)
Whitmore Publishing Company (Pittsburgh, PA)