Joy was one of our favorite people long before The Smutketeers were created. The person we looked for at every conference, scanning the crowd for her signature bunny ears, easy smile and beautiful personality. As a Smutkedette, she has offered advice to young reviewers and kept us laughing with her dirty commentary and unusual graphics.

For those Smutkedettes  and readers who don’t know, this member in the spotlight is the Joy behind Joyfully Reviewed. One of the most successful and widely recognized online reviewers/forums around. To get a Joyfully Recommended is every romance author’s dream…but it is the lady behind the empire and the ninja bunnies with bloody knives that we’re most interested in today.

RG: Joy, can you tell everyone how Joyfully Reviewed came to be?

Joy: My online friend and fellow rabid romance reader, Melissa, who is the quiet partner of Joyfully Reviewed (giggle), wanted to create a romance review site that focused on what we as readers were looking for, when determining whether to buy a romance novel. We wanted to provide a romance site that a reader could go to whereby the focus was a professionally written review stating what worked and what didn’t work, (if applicable) for the reviewer. We didn’t want to use a rating system per say. Be it good or bad, as long as a review is providing a well written and honest opinion of what the person reading the book felt when they finished said book, is ultimately what a reader wants in my opinion. No need for bashing, etc. should enter into the equation as far as I am concerned. Also, at the time, (Joyfully Reviewed opened its doors 6 ½ years ago), reviews sites weren’t posting their reviews to Amazon. We felt that posting our reviews there would not only would be providing a service to the romance reader by having it readily available at their disposal when shopping, but we would also be helping romance authors to get the word out about their work via our reviews to a larger audience.

RG: No wonder you are one of the most beloved review sites around. (we’re all for less bashing…some authors are a teensy bit insecure. Not me, but, you know, other people *g*) On to the next question. We adore them, but we’re curious. Why Bunny Ears?

Joy: I used to answer my e-mails with AOL bunny icons. I didn’t have a lot of time to be online back in the day (lol), as I was working 12-16 hour days at the time. The bunnies fit exactly with what I was trying to say/convey in an instant. I decided to wear bunny ears when I attended my first Romantic Times Convention thereby allowing me to meet as many people as I could since I was “known” for the bunnies online and it has been a symbol of Joyfully Reviewed ever since.

Karen: How long have you been a romance reader?

Joy: I have been a romance reader since the age of 13, that was about ten years ago, rotflmao. My first romance book was Judy Blume, then onto Barbara Cartland (don’t give me side eye people!), Harlequin books came after that and then I read The Flame and The Flower and was hooked for life to the genre.

Crystal: Rumor has it you send bloody knives to people when annoyed, what’s up with that?

Joy: Gasp! I am shocked, I thought that was a secret. HAAAAA. In continuing my theme of allowing icons to convey my feelings,I thought a bloody knife would tell how I felt when displeased. Words sometimes can be misconstrued; a bloody knife pretty much speaks for itself : )

 RG: hahahaha! I kind of love the bloody knife ;)

Karen: Who is your absolute all time favorite author of all time? (and we’ll forgive you if it isn’t a Smutketeer – we’ll just send you a demented bunny as punishment)

Joy: That is pure evilness right there!!! A question like that to a long time romance reader like me is just the ultimate torture. How can one answer such a question? But I shall, teehee. That would be the great Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, whose epic romance novel, The Flame and The Flower changed my life in ways that neither she nor I knew were to come.

Crystal: Who’s your favorite hero in a romance novel? (it better be a Smutketeer book, just sayin’) * RG Note * She’s kidding…I think.

Joy: Gulp, there are so freaking many but if I may narrow it down to three:

John Huntington: Midnight Man by Lisa Marie Rice

Jake Farrell: Waiting For It by Rhyannon Byrd

Mason “Mace” Llewellyn: A Christmas Pride In Brooklyn by Shelly Laurenston

RG: OOH Rhyannon Byrd! I miss reading lol. But enough about me. What would we be surprised to know about you?

Joy: That I used to be very shy and introverted. YES I WAS!

RG: And I used to blush when my sister said the word VAGINA in public (also totally true, so I believe you)

Karen: Do you read other genres beside romance?

Joy: I love true crime novels. The real story, written from a behind the scenes view, really fascinates me.

Karen: Favorite vacation spot and why.

Joy: Anywhere tropical, I must be near warm water, sun, a hammock and a nice breeze wafting from the ocean. That is my idea of heaven.

Crystal: Be honest, who do you think is the smuttiest Smutketeer?

Joy: I think that all of the Smutketeers are smutty in their own right BUT I truly believe deep down in her deepest recesses of her genes that it is…..mwhahahahaa…..R.G. Alexander. Late bloomers have deep, deep secrets that they keep hidden for fear of being judged. But when they bloom, baby watch out! R.G. has let the tiger out of the bag

RG: I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about. :) (I love you) Ahem. Changing the subject now. Joy, as a successful, sexy, self-made woman, what is the best advice you can give to readers out there with dreams of being like you someday?

Joy: Why thank you! Be true to yourself, do things in your own time and have a great support system surrounding you. I was terrified to put my thoughts out “there”, friends, online and off, encouraged me to write about the books I felt so passionately about and that is how I became a Romance Reviewer. Hitting send was the first step to what eventually led me to where I am today. Someone who is doing what makes her happy and meeting people who love this genre with every fiber of their being just as much as me.

The Fast and Dirty Questions

-Tight Jeans or Full on, totally, completely naked?

Tight jeans, I want to see what I will be working with, I need to know if it will be worth my very valuable time.

-Hunky survivalist’s island or Sexy artist’s loft?

Sexy artist loft for sure. I like to do some very naughty things and use props, so they must be handy at all times

-Chocolate martini or Tequila shots?

Tequila shots, preferably Patron please, as it is the only was to get the party started and by that I mean the party in my pants

-Boxers, briefs, or Full on, totally, completely naked?

Yummy briefs every time. I love so see that sexy vee that leads into a mans nether regions

-Sexy chef’s wife, Sexy chef…Or both? Hehe

Why both of course, three are better than two sometimes and in this case, three are better ALL the time

-Vampire or Shifter?

Vampire! Le mewl, those teeth, the intensity, the knowledge, shiver

-Lover, Fighter or Full on, totally completely naked?

I choose all three, a lover who will fight for me, while completely nekkid is the one for me. That is confidence of the highest magnitude, haaa

RG: Wonderful interview! We love us some sexy ninja bunny! To thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule, the Smutketeers will be donating to Joy’s local food bank.

In Power Play, a seductive brat tempts a sexy artist to risk his one shot at partnership for a fling with her. But when he takes control, who will come out on top?

Sergio needs to make partner in the ad firm before he turns thirty, and his last chance is getting a huge new account with an underwear magnate. He’s focused all his time and energy on this presentation, until he meets a beautiful woman in the parking garage.

Liz is hugely successful in business, but not so successful in her relationships. She wants a man who finds her attractive for herself, not her money. She encounters an artistic and sexy man who takes control and that triggers a submissive reaction in her.

The attraction heightens, and Liz teases Sergio until he turns dominant. Once he discovers who she is, he plots his payback, controlling her body, her emotions, and her sexual pleasure. After a glorious night of sensational sex, the real control battle begins. Who will end up on top during the day, and during the night?

EXCERPT

No way he’d fail this time, Sergio thought as he pulled into the parking garage an hour early. After years of honing his competitive edge, he wouldn’t go soft again. He locked his burgundy Civic, flipped the keys into his pocket and slung his suit coat over a shoulder. With his other accounts sacrificed to his coworkers, nothing could distract him from nailing this presentation and finally making partner, just in time.

Heading to the elevator, he saw a profile in the dim light–the silhouette of her flirty dress, her Grecian nose, and her high cheek bones set against the harsh light behind her. Poetic.

She turned and caught him staring. “Did I forget to put on clothes?”

The amusement in her voice stirred him back into motion. As he neared, he saw long strawberry-blond hair and caught his breath. A gorgeous figure and a red-head too? Damn! “Sorry, didn’t mean to stare. I was just captivated by the classic lines of your face… and, uh, dress. It’s just–your silhouette was so lovely against the glare of that bulb.”

She smiled. “You’re an artist.”

He shrugged. “Well, a graphic artist.”

“An artist nonetheless.” Her tone suggested she was accustomed to being correct. “Art is art.”

“I’d like to make art with you.” Damn, he didn’t mean that. Well he meant it, just didn’t mean to say it. Something about her made him to want to strip her nude and pose her in a hundred classic poses. And take her in every one of them.

“Really?” She couldn’t contain her wickedly sexy smile. “Let me guess, you paint nudes?”

Damn, was he that obvious? She watched him in anticipation. Was she flirting with him?

“No, I don’t paint nudes.” A flicker of disappointment in her eyes. “But now that you’ve suggested it, I think it’s a great idea. When are you available?”

An eyebrow raised, then her mouth tightened. “I’m a very busy woman. I’ll have to check my schedule.”

Busy how? A gorgeous woman like that, how many men did she have in her life? Brushing aside that unsettling thought, he forged ahead. He’d never met a woman who intrigued him like this, and he wasn’t gonna let her run away. “We’re all busy. Let me know when you have an opening and I’ll clear my schedule to fit you in.” After he’d said it he noticed the double entendre.

She must have gotten it, because she looked away. “It might be a while till I can find the time.”

So she wanted to play coy. That’s all right, he was determined, he’d persist till she gave in. He approached her, instinctively summoning his most authoritative voice.

“Make the time.”

Her eyes widened for a split second before hardening into slits. “Oh, do you think I do anything that a man tells me to do?”

Her scathing tone was meant to put him in his place. Instead it made him bolder. He stepped closer–too close–and that felt good. “No, of course not.” He moved again. An inch from her breasts. The electrical charge from invading her space zinged through his body. “Just anything I tell you to do.”

Her mouth fell open and her eyes got steamy. It felt as though that electrical charge from his body had surrounded her and drawn her in. She was his.

The elevator doors rumbled open behind her. As she stumbled back, he stepped forward and held them for her. She nodded her thanks, and turned. The soft turquoise fabric draped like silk over her curvy hips as she passed him, and he wanted to slide his hand along those curves. As she tapped the button, he darted a quick glance at her fingers–no ring. This was his lucky day.

She fled to the far corner, almost against the wall. He envisioned himself pressing her against that wall, lifting her skirt and taking her right here in the elevator. His cock was flooded and hard, ready to take control. He shook his head slightly, trying to get blood flow back to his brain. Think. Gotta do something. Appropriate.

Beer or Girly drink with an umbrella? Girly drink with a wild name (especially with Crème de Menthe or Midori)

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate. Or Vanilla with Chocolate sauce. Or Vanilla with Strawberries. I’m just not a plain vanilla.

Hugs or Kisses? What about licks? And nibbles?

Boxers, briefs or commando? That’s a hard one. May I see all the options again?

Steak or sushi? Sushi (but I always like a taste of his Teriyaki Beef…)

Jeans or stilettos? Stilettos go with everything. Or nothing at all.

Quiet dinner in front of the fire or hot night on the town? How about dinner on the town, then a hot night in front of the fire?

Tropical beach or mountain cabin? I have a mountain cabin, so a Tropical Beach makes a better fantasy

Elegant fop or rough-edged rogue? Elegant man in public, wild rogue in private

Cop or Fireman? Can’t decide—a fireman sounds hot, but a cop has handcuffs…

Do you check out Abs or Ass? Ass

Rough and ready Cowboy or Corporate big-wig in a sharp suit? A shirtless construction worker with a nice set of tools (Yes, I’m not very good at following the rules!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chellesie B. Dancer enjoys writing contemporary, historical, and erotic love stories with a sprinkling of comedy. The women in her books dare to ask for their desires, so they truly will be satisfied ever after. Chellesie lives on top of a hill overlooking the smog of sunny Southern California. Other than writing, she entertains at parties as an M.C., a paleontologist’s assistant, and occasionally a dancing gorilla. She’s the mother of three beautiful boys and an assortment of other critters. Luckily her husband cooks!

Her motto: Be careful what you wish for… you just might get it!

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006RW91Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_jbqapb0C2DMGC

Barnes & Noble: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=DfQdldsfxvU&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8433&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fpower-play-chellesie-b-dancer%252F1108113047

Chellesie’s Links:

Web site: www.ChellesieBDancer.com

www.facebook.com/chellesieb

http://twitter.com/chellesieb

Blog: www.GetLoveHelp.com

Smutketeers Contest:

What’s the sexist Valentine’s Day treat you’d like to get? Comment her to enter, winner will be selected on January 31st.

Winner will receive a Naughty Nights kit: 4 Red Silky Restraints, a 7″ bar of Godiva Milk Chocolate (in this case, size matters!) and a Do Not Disturb sign, with sexy suggestions on the back!

Hello! Welcome to January 24! I’m so excited to be sharing this very special day with the Smutketeers! What’s the big deal about January 24, you ask?”
Did you know that on this day:
Ray Stevens (Oh yes, they call him the Streak!), Neil Diamond (Sweet Caroline—bumbumbum), John Belushi and Mary Lou Retton all share a birthday.
In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter’s Mill in northern California, leading to the gold rush of ’49.
In 1935, Krueger Brewing Company placed the first canned beer on sale inRichmond, Virginia (And this is why Virginia is for Lovers! LOL).
In 1957, Elvis Presley recorded “Teddy Bear.”
In 1989, Ted Bundy, the confessed serial killer, was put to death in Florida’s electric chair.
In 1995, the prosecution gave its opening statement at the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
In 2005, iTunes reached 250 million songs sold. (I should know because my kids probably bought half of that number).
AND in 2012, Because You Love Me released! Woot! Woot! Toss the confetti! Pop open the champagne!

Because You Love Me is the long overdue sequel to Because of You. I knew way back in 2009, I wanted to write stories for the other James brothers, but way led on to way and it took me awhile to make it back. This book tells the story of the twins, Matt and Mark, and it’s got a bit of everything—cowboys, suspense, ménage lovin’, a shoot-out and family fun. By the way, history will not be repeating itself on the long wait between stories. I recently submitted the third and final story in the trilogy, Because It’s True, to my editor. It’s a short story and my very first attempt at an m/m romance.

Because You Love Me

Safety in numbers? Depends on what you mean by safe…

Bridget Wilder’s life is shot to hell—literally—when she witnesses the murder of her best friend, Lyle. Protective custody? What a joke. Time after time, someone has leaked her whereabouts, forcing her to run from one safe house to the next.

Tired of cold, lonely beds and living in fear, Bridget convinces her guardian cop she’s safer off the grid, following Lyle’s trail of clues to a missing flash drive that could put the killer behind bars.

It doesn’t take twins Mark and Matt James long to figure out two things. Bridget’s not only in trouble, she is trouble—they both want her. When things get a little hot and heavy one night, though, they’re stunned to discover that they don’t mind sharing. And she loves being shared.

Between the James brothers’ hot, hard bodies, Bridget finally feels safe—and loved. When a hit man tracks her down, the last thing she wants is for them to place those bodies between her and danger. But those cowboys have other ideas. Like keeping her alive long enough to convince her she belongs with them. Forever.

Warning: Scary times ahead! An evil judge, a car chase, a hit man and more! Luckily, the rough times are soothed by lots and lots of ménage sex with two, red-hot alpha cowboys.

Excerpt from Because You Love Me

Walking into the hallway, she locked the door to her room and descended the wide staircase. Glancing in several of the B&B’s common rooms for Todd or Steven, the hotel proprietors, Bridget took a few minutes to study the beautifully restored old home. When they’d arrived yesterday afternoon, Rodney had hustled her to their room immediately, sequestering her there while he checked out the property and secured food for their dinner. It felt good to be free.

She was about to cross the foyer to check the other side of the house when the front door opened. Her new habit of hide first, ask questions later emerged and she panicked, trying to dodge back the way she’d come. In her haste to escape, her foot caught on the edge of the Oriental rug, and she took a hard tumble.

Four boot-covered feet appeared before her. She felt strong hands on either side reaching down to help her up.

“Sorry,” she said, keeping her head down. It was foolish to think anyone in this small, middle-of-nowhere town would know who she was, but Rodney had taught her well in the art of making herself as invisible as possible. She fought to suppress her trembling hands. Her heart was racing a mile a minute. God, why did she have to be frightened of her own shadow? She hated living like this, feeling this way.

“You okay, miss?”

All of Rodney’s tutoring went out the window as her nipples pebbled and a slight shiver of arousal wove its way through her body. She lifted her face to see the owner of that deep, sexy-as-hell voice. Identical faces etched with concern greeted her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound emerged. Standing before her were twin Greek gods, kings of the western frontier, complete with rugged, dimpled cheeks, blue eyes that—honest to God—twinkled, and shaggy, made-for-running-her-fingers-through dark brown hair only partially concealed by cowboy hats.

If she’d lived a hundred years ago, she would have felt compelled to fucking swoon. Instead, her twenty-first-century sensibilities took over and she simply muttered, “Holy double wow.”

Both men grinned widely at her ridiculous comment. “I take it that means you’re not hurt, darlin’.”

Her pussy clenched at his term of endearment. Could there be anything hotter than a gorgeous cowboy calling her darlin’ with that slight country twang? Briefly she imagined him—hell, who was she fooling, them—whispering it to her while they lay together naked in bed.

She cleared her throat and forced herself to stop staring—and drooling—like a love-struck teenage girl. “I’m fine. Clumsy and embarrassed, but otherwise unscathed.”

The hot cowboy on her left chuckled. “Unscathed, huh? Pretty talk. Where are you from?”

“New York,” she confided before her brain engaged to scream a warning. Jesus. Rodney should have locked her in the room. She was going to blow their cover in under thirty seconds, and all because of a couple good-looking men. Stupidity due to horniness was not something her cop friend would forgive easily.

“City girl,” the other cowboy said, though his tone indicated interest more than disdain.

She nodded, determined to keep her mouth shut before any more little tidbits—like the fact she was hiding out from a corrupt judge—fell from her desperate-to-taste-the-cowboys lips.

“I take it you’re one of the guests staying here?” her hot cowboy number one asked.

She paused, decided the question was harmless and nodded once more.

“So what brings a city girl to our neck of the woods?” This question was posed by hot cowboy number two.

She and Rodney had sketched out a rough explanation for their visit with the intention of refining it this morning. Now, it appeared she would have to fly by the seat of her pants. “I’m here with my half-brother.” Shit, five words in and she was already straying from the script. She and Rodney had agreed to pose as a couple, but for some reason, she didn’t want these two men to think she was in a relationship.

That thought led to a major internal eye-roll.

Right, Bridget, like you have so much time to try to hook up with a cowboy—or two.

“Vacation or business?”

“Vacation,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to try my hand at being a cowgirl.” Where the fuck had that come from? She’d never considered such a thing in her life until laying eyes on these two Wonders of the Western World.

“Well, now. If you need some help with that, Matt and I are pretty good teachers.”

Matt. Cowboy number one had a name.

“You teach a lot of cowgirls the ropes, do you?” she asked with a lilt in her voice. Christ, could her flirting be any more obvious? Why not post a sign on her forehead that said, Hasn’t been laid in a year.

Matt’s smile grew, his dimples deepening. A girl could fall into those bottomless caverns on his chiseled face and never be found again. She could think of worse places to get lost. “My brothers and I own the ranch next door. We train horses, give riding lessons. Stuff like that. We’d be more than happy to help you give that cowgirl lifestyle a whirl if you’re interested. We’ll even supply the rope if that’s what you fancy.”

Because You Love Me is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Sony.

Fun questions!
Beer or girly drink with an umbrella? Beer all the way. See my excitement about the beer in a can historical fact above.
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate. No contest.
Boxers, briefs or commando? Commando. I haven’t worn underwear in a decade. Oh wait…you meant on men, right? Same answer.
Steak or sushi? Steak. I like my meat hot.
Elegant fop or rough-edged rogue? Um hello, rogue! Has anyone ever chosen the fop???
Vampire or werewolf? Vampire—Team Edward all the way!
Soft, sensual make out session or throw you up against the wall? Up. Against. The. Wall. Oh, and harder please.
Summer or winter? Summer—I’m a teacher. Oh wait, winter—snow days. I want both.
City girl or country girl? Country! Their music is a helluva lot easier to dance to! Cotton-eyed Joe anyone?
Dog person or cat person? Um…neither. Can I just be a people person?
Cinderella or Snow White? Mulan! That chick kicks ass. Saved Prince Charming AND China. Just sayin’.
Las Vegas luxury hotel or quaint Wine Country Inn vacation? Wine? Did you say wine? Yes, please. Don’t bother dirtying a glass. I’ll just have the bottle.

Now, how about a contest? It’s a simple one. Because You Love Me is part of a series. Check out Mari’s books on her website, then come back here and leave a comment on which series you’d most like to read. Two commenters will win book one in the series of their choice!

I meant to post this sooner – shame on me! We’ve drawn the winners for this weeks’ guests and here they are…

Winner of Melissa Schroeder’s contest (digital copy of her newest release Callum) is:

DEBRA G!!

Winner of the Crave the Heat blog tour (choice of book by either Stephanie Draven, Laura Kaye or Leia Rice) is:

SHARON BUCHBINDER!!

Ladies, please email me at karen.e.erickson @ gmail.com (minus spaces) and I’ll get you your prizes. Thanks so much for hanging out with us at the blog. Happy weekend everyone!

Give a big smutty welcome to our lovely guest authors Stephanie, Leia and Laura! Plus, they’re having an awesome contest here on the blog so make sure you check out the contest details at the end of the post! Take it away ladies!

Which Hero Is Most Likely To Seduce You?

While Harlequin is known primarily for romance, they also offer hotter fare. Today, authors Stephanie Draven, Laura Kaye and Leia Rice are here to share excerpts that show off their heroes. Which one is more likely to seduce you? You decide!

Stephanie Draven: The Fever and The Fury:

Her honesty hit him somewhere deep. It made him want to lay out his own desires like mission objectives. “I want to see you naked, Phaedra. I want to touch you everywhere. I want to nudge your knees apart and bury myself in you. I want to stroke deep, until you’re writhing and your sweat-soaked belly is sucked tight to mine. Until I’m ploughing you into the bed and you’re crying out my name in the dark.”

She responded beautifully to this kind of talk. A sigh escaped her lips and a flush crept up her neck. The tables had turned and he liked it.

“And then I want to come inside you, Phaedra. I want to come inside you, enjoying every wet pulse. I want to come inside you hot and hard, jerking with satisfaction…and you know what else? I think you want to let me.”

“It doesn’t matter what I want,” she whispered. “Athena wouldn’t condone it.”

“But you do want to go to bed with me, don’t you?”

“Yes.” It was just the one tremulous word, but it was all the permission he needed. He drew her palm to his mouth. Her hand was damp, her pulse leaping beneath his lips. She was so eager. So wanting. But still she resisted him. “Luke, I can’t give you pleasure.”

“Then stop me from taking it,” he said, dragging his teeth up the pale underside of her arm, kissing the soft spot inside her elbow. She seemed entirely undone by this tenderness: she succumbed to it with a helplessness he’d never seen in any woman. It was unfair, some part of him thought. He was taking advantage of her innocence and inexperience. Someone should stop him, because he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

“Luke,” she whispered in warning.

“Stop me,” he said, his lips working up her shoulder and fastening at the pulse just behind her ear, the silk of her dark hair tickling his nose.

When her mouth fell open to speak, his thumb traced her lips and he was rewarded with another moan. His muscles tightened, every part of him straining with the thrill of torturing her for a change and in such a delicious way. “Stop me from kissing you, Phaedra…if you can.”

Leia Rice: I’ll share my hero through another excerpt from The Revolutionary Mistress because I think it speaks volumes to how sexy he really is:

“Jean, you have to believe me.  He looked like an angel.”

“An angel?  In all of this shit?” Jean dragged a damp rag over the top of the bar, wiping away the rings of  water from glass mugs that once rested there.  “I find it hard to believe.”

Mariette laughed at Jean.  She tiptoed and pulled herself up to sit on the ledge, watching the door for patrons.  “Yes, Jean.  An angel.  His hair, his hands…”

“His hands?”

Before Mariette could talk any more about this man of her dreams, the chimes above the door sung as it opened.  Without paying much attention to who came in, she slid back down off of the bar, grabbing her tray.

“Like him?” Jean nodded his head towards the door.  Standing there, the very same man glanced about, and when his kind eyes found Mariette, he smiled charmingly

Mariette’s breath escaped her.  She imagined one of those new hot air balloons she heard about falling to the ground, deflated and limp — this is how she felt.  Or did she feel like a balloon rising and rising?

Laura Kaye: I love a hero whose strength is so implicit he can extend some of the power in their relationship to the heroine. Here’s Kael the Fair, Warrior King of the Vampires, from In the Service of the King:

“Shayla, look at me.”

            As much as she’d been waiting for his voice, it still startled her. His use of her name. His tender, regretful tone.

            She knew she must obey, but was afraid if she did, she’d lose control of her emotions—and she wasn’t sure whether hurt or anger would win out. Neither was appropriate to show, and both were likely to result in tears.

            The king stepped toward her until he was easily within arm’s reach. “Shayla,” he whispered, coaxing her. A long moment passed. And then he fell to his knees before her, his face tilted upward so their eyes could finally meet.

            She gasped and her mouth dropped open. He was more fascinating, more gorgeous, than she had even fully recalled. Fire danced behind his eyes, and flashes of gold shined out through the emerald. He was smiling, and it highlighted the strong masculine angles of his jaw and cheeks so vividly it stole her breath. A reaction amplified by the appearance of the sharp tips of his fangs. Shayla licked her lips.

            Despite being on his knees, he radiated such palpable power she could feel it jangling in the air between them.

            Oh, God. He’s on his knees. A throaty sigh escaped her as she dropped to her own. She was always to be below him.

            “Now I can’t see you again.” The warm, amused tone was back. “Please look at me.”

            Taking a deep breath, Shayla finally obeyed. Her gaze raked over his intricate tartan robes before finally settling on his handsome face. When their eyes met, the smile he let loose dazzled her, and she smiled back. His playfulness, the incredible sense of ease now possessing him, made it harder to hold on to her anger.

            “Thank you,” he said. She nodded. “I have some things I’d like to say to you. Are you willing to hear them?”

Soooo, which hero do you most want another taste of?

 Answer the above question in the comments — one lucky winner will be drawn and will receive their choice of one of the authors’ books featured! Good luck!

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About the Authors:

Stephanie Draven is a multi-published award-nominated author of myth-inspired paranormal romance. Writing for HQN Nocturne, Stephanie’s Mythica series asks the question: What if the monsters of ancient mythology still walked the earth…and what if you found out that you were one of them? Currently a denizen of Baltimore, that city of ravens and purple night skies, Stephanie lives there with her favorite nocturnal creatures–three scheming cats and a deliciously wicked husband. And when she is not busy with dark domestic rituals, she writes her books.

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Laura Kaye Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of a half-dozen books. Hearts in Darkness is a finalist for the EPIC eBook Award for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Leia Rice is an avid lover of everything Parisian, Ancient Grecian and Ancient Roman. She wishes that women would still wear the pretty dresses and petticoats that they did back in the 18th century, but she’s well aware how much of a pain they must have been. Leia writes historical fiction, romance and erotica in these  areas, because she cannot get enough of each respective time period.

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Another big, smutty welcome for Melissa Schroeder! We’re thrilled you’re joining us again.  And peeps, watch for contest details at the end of this post! Take it away, Mel!

Hi, all you smut lovers and smukedettes! I want to thank the Smutketeers for allowing me to be on their blog again! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Melissa Schroeder and I write in anything from historical to futuristic romance and from sensual to erotic. I also write under the name Kiera West exclusively for Siren Publishing.

My newest book coming out this month is The Cursed Clan: Callum. It is the first of a five book paranormal series. The first book is a bit of a discovery for the reader and the heroine, Dr. Phoebe Chilton, and with each book, the magic and mystery will grow. There are five cousins, Callum, Angus, Logan, Fletcher and Anice, who will each have their own book as they race to break the curse.

Meet me around the web:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

THE CURSED CLAN SITE

HARMLESS ADDICTS

Here is a little tidbit from the book.

Preorder from Are.

As Laird, Callum Lennon feels he has always failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused the death of his father and the experience has scarred not only his body, but his soul. From that point on, he made sure to always go with the more logical choice in every matter. When his younger cousin Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly hires Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into their family affairs. Their life would become fodder for the tabloids if anyone were to find out about the curse. It doesn’t help that the instant he meets Dr. Chilton he’s attracted. But, he doesn’t really have a choice because she might be their last hope.

An expert in archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. Their high standards had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her broken marriage have left her needing something more than just diplomas and degrees. She wants to prove that her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time rival breathing down her back, she jumps at the Lennons’ offer her, hoping it will ensure her the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.

Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they fail. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new love, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.

Excerpt:

“I protect what is mine. I’ll not allow you to use Angus.”

She moved away from the counter, her body tense with anger. “I have never used another person, especially in that way. You’ve convinced yourself that I decided to somehow use my considerable wiles on your cousin to somehow gain who knows what.”

When she said it like that, he felt juvenile and petty.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Lennon. I’ll avoid your cousins from now on.”

Which is what he wanted, but at the same time he felt like the lowest form of scum even if it was the best choice. The diary could hold their secrets, and the less she connected to them, the better. They just needed it translated, and for her to leave. As soon as that happened, he would be free of this affliction, he was sure.

“I’ll do my work and take my meals in my room.”
He heard the hurt in her voice. His need to banish Phoebe was as unexplainable as the need to ease her pain. She attempted to brush past him, but he stepped in front of her, blocking her one exit.

“I didn’t say you needed to avoid my cousins.” It was what he wanted, needed, but here he was contradicting his own thoughts, again.

When she looked at him, there was no humor in her gaze, no studied interest as he’d seen before. Now, all he saw was loneliness and he ached.

“No. I’ll finish my task and leave. I know you must have a very good reason, although I can’t understand what it could be. I will respect your wishes.”

Again, she tried to move past him, but he refused to budge. That same fresh scent of her reached his senses, seducing him.  Even as he was reaching for her, his mind was screaming stop. He ignored it, and every other protective instinct. The only thing roaring through his head was to take, to claim.

“It isna my family that has me worried, lass.” The moment he wrapped his hand around her upper arm, her head shot up, surprise lighting her eyes her mouth falling open in surprise. “It seems being around you is no’ good for my peace of mind.”

He jerked her against him. She gasped, the sound filled with both fear and excitement. Arousal spiked and his body craved—demanded—more intimate contact. Knowing it was wrong, even knowing it was dangerous, he bent his head and took possession of her luscious mouth.

CONTEST: Let Melissa know what you think. Doesn’t her new series sound amazing? Leave a comment and one lucky winner will be drawn – what’s the prize, you ask? A digital copy of Callum! Good luck!

I’m a day late announcing winners to my contest. So sorry! My excuse is I was having a lovely lunch with my friend Kate Pearce, and then I forgot.

So, to make up for it. I’m declaring two winners instead of just one.

Book Graphics

AND

StacieD

Congrats, and thanks to everyone who commented!

Today is the big day! Demon’s Caress is out! I’m kicking off a new series with demon threesomes. Oh, yeah, you heard that right. A whole series of threesomes (it’s how the world works, you must have a threeway bond. Bummer, right? Heh.). I’m currently planning for this to be a trilogy, but one never knows when I might get a random extra idea or fall in love with a secondary character and add one or two more onto the series. So…three minimum. Enjoy!

Usually, Maron is the hunter—a demon sent to earth to imprison evil souls and hurl them into the pit. It’s a dirty, thankless job, but someone has to take out the trash. By necessity, demons need a partner to tag ’em and bag ’em. Since her partner got roped into a Demon Triad, though, she’s stuck with just the tagging part until her boss sends reinforcements.

Her backup turns out to be the last two men she wants to see. Two bonded demons who’ve been trying to seduce her into a Triad for months. Sure, the Triad’s sexual bonds generate phenomenal soul-trapping power. Give up her independence? Never. Still, it’s quite a thrill to be the hunted, for a change.

Since a night of debauchery in which the three of them experienced a level of power that’s nothing short of explosive, Raum and Kobal have been maneuvering to complicate her eternity…and make her like it. She thinks she’s the most relentless demon hunter around? She ain’t seen nothin’ yet. They’re determined to claim her heart and body…if they can cage the evil soul they’ve been sent to capture.

Product Warnings
Three demons doing very wicked things to each other. Guy on guy, guy on girl, guy on guy on girl, and any other combination they can think of. Some anal, a little flameball throwing, a few evil souls sent down to hell. All in a day’s work. Hey, they’re born to be bad…and they’re so good at it.

CONTEST

So…tell me what your new year’s resolution was this year and you can win a copy of my last ebook, ALL REVVED UP (hey, I want you to buy the brand new one)!

Winners announced on Friday!

Thanks to everyone who wished RG a happy birthday yesterday, you’re all wonderful! So, let’s get on the with the part you’re most interested in…who won the dirty books?

Three for Me? by R.G. Alexander goes to… Sue Sattler

Scandalous by Karen Erickson goes to… Jeanette Juan

Eversong by Eden Bradley goes to… Debra G

Demon’s Caress by Crystal Jordan goes to… Erika W.

Congrats to the winners!

(Also, if you won a copy of an ebook you already own, just let us know when we contact you and you can choose a different ebook from our backlists. No worries!)

So, today is RG’s birthday. I won’t say how many years she has under her belt because girls tend to be sensitive about these kinds of things, but I’m here to put a stop to that. Sometimes more is better. Some of you out there already know what I’m talking about, but let me host a little contest in honor of RG that really illustrates my point.

You’re going to have a chance to win one of our threesome (or foursome!) books. That’s right. Two (and sometimes three) guys. One girl. Lots and lots of dirtiness going on.

Three for Me? by R.G. Alexander (aka the birthday girl!)

Three men, a tomboy…and one erotic game that could change everything.

Simon, Eric, Rafael, Lee…and Charli. It’s never mattered that Charli is the only girl in the crowd. She’s always been a tomboy, anyway. Just one of the guys.

Between work and Couch Potato Thursdays, life is pretty full. Sure, no man alive can get through the friend gauntlet, but thanks to her boys and her toys, she’s got plenty of fantasy material. It’s a win-win situation. Until Lee has a destination wedding in Cozumel—and Charli’s “best man” duties take a kinky turn.

Through what looks to be foul play by Lee’s new brides, Charli finds herself on a decidedly decadent shore excursion, playing “The Race Erotic”. With each sexy challenge, it becomes clearer that down deep, she desires not one, not two, but all three of her remaining single buddies.

They’re the only family she’s ever known. She can’t imagine living without them. Will she have to choose? Or will the final score be three to one?

Scandalous by Karen Erickson

She always got anything she wanted…

A teenage crush on her big brother’s boyfriend. It was one of the few times in her spoiled-little-sister life that Alexa had to swallow the word “no”. She got over it, or she thought she had—until her brother’s wedding brings Eric back into her life, as flirty and fun as ever. It never mattered to her that he’s gay. Attraction is attraction.

One illicit kiss, and their reconnection blows her mind and rekindles girlish hopes. Then he sets her away from him and runs like hell.

Eric can’t believe that a woman’s touch arouses him. Not just any woman, but sweet Alexa, and he can’t help but want more. Desperate to come clean, he confesses all to his steady boyfriend, Brandon, expecting anger. But Brandon’s intrigued. He wants to meet the woman who’s tied Eric up in knots. With luck, maybe she’ll relight the spark between them.

Alexa may have lost her chance with Eric, but the consolation prize—a fling with him and Brandon, is too tempting to resist. She never expected to love both men, or to secretly yearn to belong to the one who commands her body like no other…

Eversong by Eden Bradley

In a realm of dangerously delicious decadence, three lost souls dare to love…

Ever, owner of London’s infamous Midnight Playground, fears the pain of his past and the weight of centuries are pushing him to the edge of insanity. Not even his favorite indulgences—sex, blood, companionship—hold his interest. And he wonders, what’s the point of immortality when life is unbearably empty?

Into the void stumbles trouble.

Kidnapped, Turned against her will then abandoned by a rogue vampire, Mercy Turned the handsome Deo in a fit of loneliness and despair. Now they stand, frightened and confused, before the Vampire Council to be punished for their unintentional crimes. Their fresh innocence, the intensity of their illegal bond, rekindles Ever’s sexual and emotional fire.

The trio forges a connection that’s more than simply a cure for Ever’s lassitude. Its brilliance drives the shadows from his soul…until Mercy is threatened, and he must draw on his darkness to fight for her life. And risk losing his happily forever after to madness.

Demon’s Caress by Crystal Jordan

Feel the burn.

Usually, Maron is the hunter—a demon sent to earth to imprison evil souls and hurl them into the pit. It’s a dirty, thankless job, but someone has to take out the trash. By necessity, demons need a partner to tag ’em and bag ’em. Since her partner got roped into a Demon Triad, though, she’s stuck with just the tagging part until her boss sends reinforcements.

Her backup turns out to be the last two men she wants to see. Two bonded demons who’ve been trying to seduce her into a Triad for months. Sure, the Triad’s sexual bonds generate phenomenal soul-trapping power. Give up her independence? Never. Still, it’s quite a thrill to be the hunted, for a change.

Since a night of debauchery in which the three of them experienced a level of power that’s nothing short of explosive, Raum and Kobal have been maneuvering to complicate her eternity…and make her like it. She thinks she’s the most relentless demon hunter around? She ain’t seen nothin’ yet. They’re determined to claim her heart and body…if they can cage the evil soul they’ve been sent to capture.

See? More is just better. So wish RG a happy birthday…and many more to come!