erotic romance – Page 3 – Behind Closed Doors

#SaturdaySpotlight is On @HouseofTaboo And Her New Release #erotic #paranormal #LGBT #shortstory

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors! This week has been a flurry of activity in my household. Between edits on The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3) and publishing my alter ego’s very first short story I don’t think I got very much sleep. Trying a new genre frightened the daylights out of me, but these characters just wouldn’t keep quiet. I had to tell their story. Well, I should say LIA had to tell their story.

For those of you stopping in for the first time, I should explain a bit who Lia is. You see, she’s me and I’m her. Lia writes the M/M and menage erotica and erotic romances while I (Tammy Dennings Maggy) handle the poetry, M/F and F/F erotica and erotic romance. There is one more alter ego, Stephanie Ryan. She’s in charge of the “good girl” genres including YA, NA, mainstream romance and mainstream fiction. She’ll get her moment in the spotlight in a few months, but for now it’s Lia’s turn. Let’s take a look at the video Sassy Vixen Publishing made up to introduce her and her blog The House of Taboo.

As Lia, I get to have all sorts of naughty fun and explore the more taboo characters and tales. Through her I’m able to go a bit deeper into the minds of “our” characters. With Forbidden Destiny and the full novel Call of the Thunderbird, I found within the Native American culture, LGBT individuals were historically honored, revered and respected by all members of the tribe. Called “Two Spirits” these beautiful people were not male, nor female but contained the spirits of both. As such, they could connect with others and the Great Spirit and a different level. Because of their spirituality, many were looked to as healers and shaman within their communities. Unfortunately, when the New World was conquered…errrr..colonized, Two Spirits were attacked. The Europeans imposed their morals and beliefs onto the Native Americans. Some tribes ended up shunning the very people they once held in high regard. Sound familiar?

In Forbidden Destiny, we meet Abraham and Ethan. Both are Two Spirit but live completely different lives. Where Ethan grew up accepted and encouraged to be whoever he wished to be, Abraham did not. He had to keep his true self hidden from his family and the local tribe members. Even though Abraham’s tribal Elders embraced the old traditions, his parents didn’t. Because he didn’t want to bring shame to his family, or make trouble for them with the Elders, Abraham did as his parents asked and tried to fit in with the non-Native community.

BLURB

Ethan Quaderer is the Great Thunderbird, the creature of Native American legend. From childhood, Ethan soared high across the land, as one with the majestic bald eagles—only larger and more powerful. Great Thunderbird has one mission, to save the Native American people. But first, he must find his Chosen, his soul mate.

Abraham Tuttle grew up in a household where being different was unacceptable. Forbidden. He hid his true nature, a Two Spirit—not male or female, but both. For many Native American tribes, being Two Spirit is a blessing, one to be honored and revered. Not so for Abraham.

Through the Thunderbird dreams each finds the happiness they long for. One dreams of the Great Warrior who’d someday rescue him. The other dreams of the one he’s searched for through many lifetimes.

Dreams turn into reality when both men come face to face in the real world. Can Abraham find it within himself to let go of his past and embrace his future with Ethan, or will his doubts and fears of who and what he really is cause him to lose the only one who could ever complete him heart and soul?

Want to find out more? Get your own copy of Forbidden Destiny for only 99 cents from All Romance ebooks, Smashwords, and Amazon.

About the Author

Lia Michaels is the alter ego of bestselling poet and erotic romance author Tammy Dennings Maggy. With so many characters clamoring for their stories to be told, the job became a bit overwhelming for one sassy vixen to handle. Lia “volunteered” to explore the world of M/M erotic romance as well as menage. Tammy will still tell the M/F and F/F stories but don’t be surprised if the two of them collaborate from time to time. With Lia, very few topics will be taboo so look for more fantasy and paranormal tales from her. She’ll leave the more contemporary stuff to Tammy but still encourage her to push the limits!

Where to find Lia

The House of Taboo (Website/blog)

Sassy Vixen Publishing LLC

Amazon Author Page

Smashwords Author Page

Facebook Fan Page (House of Taboo)

Facebook Author Fan Page

Facebook Personal Page

I Did It! @dochappycamper Is Now a Best Selling Author! #vampires #poetry

Hello my friends! Welcome back to Behind Closed Doors. I come to you today waist deep in the edits for The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3) in order to share some fabulous news. Today, while I was at work at the veterinary hospital one of my poetry books climbed the charts at All Romance ebooks affiliate Omnilit. The Courtship of the Vampyre is now a BEST SELLER!!! It’s ranked number four of thirty-seven and it’s earned the coveted silver star. I had to stop myself from putting more exclamation points after the last few sentences. I’m just absolutely beside myself happy with this news.

It’s been one hell of a busy day seeing my patients and mulling over the first editor’s suggestions and corrections to Julia’s story. I have to tell you, I”m not very fond of edits and when I got them last night I was a bit upset with some of the criticism. Then I took a deep breath and read through the comments and suggestions again. Many made sense and I plan to work with those. Some suggestions just aren’t going to make it in the final draft. The reason is quite simple. They’re not the way I write. They’re not MY voice so to speak. Sure, I can take a few of them and make them into something I’d put to paper, but the others…nuh uh. NO WAY.

Does that make the critique wrong? Nope. It just means I choose not to take all the advice given. That’s what edits are all about. Your editors are not there to rewrite your work. They’re the grammar police and content patrol. They help you see the holes in the manuscript where the story isn’t flowing well, or where sections can be rearranged to create a better experience for the readers. You don’t have to take their advice, but if all of the editors on your project make the same suggestions or similar ones, it’s probably best to go with the consensus.

Having published my first two books with Siren, I had the benefit of working with some fabulous editors. They took the time to read through my work and recognize my vision. They helped me bring out the best in my writing and my characters. Was I forced to accept their changes? Nope. When it came to the Siren house rules on punctuation and grammar, the editors ruled the roost. When it came to my characters and cutting scenes because they were “too chatty,” I fought a bit. Most of the time I won out, but there were a few times, I had to concede they were right. The story did run smoother.

With Julia’s story…hmmmm

I’m waiting on my second editor to finish his run through. I’ll compare the two edits, make any changes and then the whole thing goes to a third editor. Is that too much? Not for me. I don’t think one set of eyes is enough. I want bad girl Julia Santos to get her story told. This is the way to do it properly. She’s not a saint and many readers will be a bit pissed off she’s so selfish. Some may even feel she doesn’t deserve her happily ever after because she doesn’t redeem herself soon enough in the story. Redemption can always come at the final hour. When the Gods believe one of their creations is worthy enough to get their happily ever after, who the hell are we to judge?

This brings me back to The Courtship of the Vampyre. In that collection of poems, the reader follows Cain from the moment he becomes the first Guardian of the Night. He wasn’t punished by the Gods for the death of his brother, but instead given the honor of guarding the legacy of man—The Tree of Life. His brother Malachi on the other hand is cursed with the same immortality, but at a cost. He’s cursed with having to walk the night forever because he dared to question the Gods called The Three. Go ahead and watch this video trailer featuring one of the poems in the book.

Thank you everyone for helping make my dreams come true. Now I can officially call myself a Best Selling Author. 🙂

Until next time

~Tammy

#CoverReveal For the Next Book in the Now and Forever Series by @dochappycamper #eroticromance #LGBT

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors and a very special announcement. As you all know, I’ve been working on self publishing The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3). It’s in edits now but should be back in my hands soon. Until then, I thought I’d share the blurb and the AMAZING cover designed and created by LMK Graphics. Not only did they listen to me when I talked about the characters, they included me in every step of the process. Now my characters have come ALIVE on this cover and I couldn’t be happier. This is the first cover of the very first novel published with Sassy Vixen Publishing LLC. Since all of you have been there with me from the beginning, it seems only fitting to share another milestone with you.

I don’t have a release date just yet, but let’s just say soon. VERY soon!

BLURB

L.A. artist phenom Julia Santos appeared to have it all. After a nearly two year long dry spell, her creativity was at its peak and she had her muse and model Jacob Hartley to thank for it. He brought the fire and raw sexuality back to her sculptures and into her bedroom, and a sense of security that only one other person in her life had ever given her. At last she had found the perfect balance between her professional and private lives, until the day a single call from someone in her past threatened to tear her world apart.

Fearful of losing all she’d worked so hard to accomplish, Julia delved deeper into the hedonistic lifestyle she’d come to rely on to give her an escape from the horrors of her past. Instead of bringing her comfort, her sexual urges lead her down the path of destruction; not only for herself, but those around her. With Jacob fighting for his life after a near fatal motorcycle accident and Julia on the brink of death herself, Fate and her Guardian Angel Daniel intervene and transport her to a safe haven called the Island.

There she’s given a choice: stay on the Island and wait for her next rebirth, or go back and fight to be with the one who has been there for her through every lifetime. Will she take the easy way out and leave all the pain behind, or will she choose the long and hard road reliving the horrors of her childhood in order to have her happily ever after with the Mistress of her dreams?

Coming soon from Sassy Vixen Publishing

#TheVixen Gets Wild and Wicked with Author Tyler Robbins (@Robin_Badillo) #LGBT #eroticromance #military

It’s Wild and Wicked Hump Day and what better way to celebrate than to have the fabulous Tyler Robbins here today. She’s sharing an excerpt from her new release Aftermath: Guts and Glory. This is yet another fabulous M/M erotic romance from this author who just happens to be the alter ego of my friend Robin Badillo. The two of us can have a hell of a party with all our alter egos in one room. Oh the stories we could tell! Enough about our wild parties over at the House of Taboo. Let’s get on to the business at hand.

Blurb

When the brother he idolized is killed in action in Afghanistan, Kyle Barrett is rocked to his core. With his only confidant gone, Kyle struggles to deal with the loss, while fighting to keep his hidden sexuality a secret from his parents.

If only he didn’t have to face them alone.

Army veteran, Ryder Bishop has returned from his final tour in Iraq, when severe PTSD forces him to seek help through a new counseling program back home in Texas.

Just when Ryder thinks he’s reached the end of his rope, he meets Kyle, and their lives take a remarkable turn.

Can the grieving brother and damaged soldier find the peace they so desperately need? Or will they become another statistic when the aftermath of war hits too close to home?

They might have shipped the soldier home, but his demons have come with him.

Alternative PG Excerpt

“Some of these guys come from Liberty County, others from Houston. This is the only center implementing this program, but if it turns out to be successful, they might start popping up everywhere.”

Kyle half-assed listened to Reesa, while trying to come up with an excuse to cut out early, and find somewhere to be alone. He nodded, for no other reason than to appease her.

“If that happens, I plan to be a part of it. That’s why I changed my major to behavioral science.”

Kyle paused. Now she had his attention. “Wait? You’re not going to be a nurse?”

Reesa took a deep breath. “I want to make a difference for Wade.” She looked around the room. “And these people need someone willing to make a difference for them, too.”

“What about what you need?”

She squeezed his hand. “This is what I need, Kyle.”

Kyle searched her green eyes. Her sincerity warmed him somehow, but he still didn’t get how she’d be able to handle all the emotional crap that had to go along with getting too involved. It was hard enough living with Wade’s death. How could she deal with the same kind of emotions coming from so many other people? Complete strangers?

He nodded, not to agree, but to eliminate the concern that now filled her eyes. “I guess if anyone could do something like that, it would be you.”

“Good. I’m glad you think that. It means a lot to me.” Reesa’s attention quickly turned to someone across the room, and her face instantly brightened. “Hey, stranger.” She let go of Kyle’s hand and darted away.

Kyle’s gaze followed her, and he froze the second he saw who she had spoken to. The guy from the basketball court. Ryder.

Kyle’s insides fluttered as Ryder glanced over at him.

Reesa dragged Ryder by the arm. His initial resistance was clearly futile, and the bashful grin did little to hide the pink tinge on Ryder’s cheeks.

“Kyle, this is my new friend, Ryder.”

Kyle’s palms moistened. “Yeah. We’ve already met.”

Ryder gave Kyle a quick nod. “Are you hoping for a rematch?”

“Rematch?” The inflexion of Reesa’s inquisitive tone rivaled the look of intrigue highlighting her green eyes.

“Yeah, we played a game of one on one at the courts by my apartment the other night.” Ryder’s nostrils flared, and he appeared a bit smug. “I believe I won. Right?”

Kyle’s mouth watered at the memory of Ryder’s glistening abs when he’d lifted his shirt to wipe the perspiration from his brow. “He barely won. And that was only because it was right after—” The words caught in the back of Kyle’s throat, and a sudden feeling of nausea swept over him. He fidgeted and glanced down at Reesa, his mood darkening right on the spot. “Um, it was Tuesday evening.” He swallowed hard, doing his best not to throw up as an acidic burn now scorched the back of his throat.

Reesa’s auburn brow arched, and her lips turned up into shaky smile. “Oh. Okay.” The thought of that day had understandably struck a nerve for her, too.

“Yeah, well maybe we can have that rematch after you’ve rested up or something. Maybe a nap would help.”

Was that a jab at Kyle’s baby-faced looks?

Ryder’s boyish smirk remained plastered across his face, easing Kyle’s angst immediately.

“Whatever, man.” Kyle managed a chuckle. “You just got lucky, that’s all.”

“Oh, is that your story?” Ryder seemed to physically gravitate toward Kyle, or was it Kyle’s imagination—or wishful thinking?

Ryder’s cologne wafted toward him, a scent Kyle could spot anywhere. “I guess we’ll just have to see.”

“Okay, boys.” Reesa took them both by the arm, and walked between them. “I say we go to lunch and discuss this little rematch further.”

Kyle glanced at Ryder over the top of Reesa’s head. The instant he found Ryder already looking in his direction, Kyle’s face warmed, and he quickly looked away.

There was something about the other man’s gaze, something sincere and exciting, and the more Kyle thought about it, the more he liked it.

Where to Find Tyler and Her Work

Evernight Author Page

Amazon Author Page

Facebook Author Page

About the Author

Tyler Robbins is the pen name of author Robin Badillo, who lives in a small Texas town and is the mother of four nearly grown kids, two boys and two girls.

Tyler enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and pushes the envelope on the stories she writes every chance she gets. She hopes her readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she’s taking.
Always the optimist, Tyler is a firm believer that gray hair is merely God’s graffiti!!

As One Door Closes…

Today I received the email that many authors dread, the publisher decided to pass on The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3). They didn’t feel that it had an audience. You see, since the heroine is bisexual, she has relationships with both men and women. So with both M/F and F/F pairings there was no “specific” market for it. They also felt that the readers of the first two books wouldn’t follow this one since generally readers of M/F romance don’t like F/F and vise versa.

Yeah you read that right.

If that’s the case, then why is it there are readers of F/F romances searching high and low for the books they want to read? There is a demand for them and yet it’s being ignored. Some publishing houses actually won’t even consider manuscripts with F/F pairings unless it’s minor. The main pair has to be either M/F or M/M. The prejudice towards the all girl action is really annoying to put it mildly. There is no reason to cut out this group of readers other than someone’s misguided notion that women don’t wish to read about other women having sex and getting their happily ever after.

How do I know the sex of the readers of romance? Well, I don’t know that every single last one of them is a female, but the vast majority of them are— even for the books classified as “manlove.” It’s women who write and read the most M/M romantic fiction so why is it so hard to see that there are women who write and read about two heroines getting it on? Times have changed. The rules of romance have and continue to change. Gone are the days where the hero has to be a rich, ruggedly handsome alpha male who chases after the sweet little virgin in her early twenties. Now we have heroes and heroines of all shapes, sizes, colors and species. There are pairings of the usual two and all the way up to five or more. How one keeps track of all the action in the extreme menage pairings is beyond me, but boy is it fascinating to read!

I’ve written many posts concerning the prejudice erotic romance authors get from the romance community in general, but the biggest problem we have is within our own ranks. The large and small publishing houses who carry erotic romances still resist publishing lesbian fiction. If you embrace the LGBT tag for your house’s books, you should embrace all that it stands for: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation deserve to have romance in their lives. Mainstream and erotic romance novels give all of us that escape.

So stay tuned for the news of when The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3) will be released within the next few months from…Sassy Vixen Publishing. Julia’s story will be SVP’s very first novel published with them. So far I’ve only published my poetry listing Sassy Vixen as the publisher. I can’t tell you how excited and just over the moon I am about this whole new venture for me and my writing. Now I can move forward with this series as I see it in my head and not have to follow “the house” rules any longer.

I’ll always be grateful to Siren Bookstrand for helping me to realize my dream. They took a chance on a complete unknown with a HUGE story to tell. The editors and support staff taught me more about the publishing world than I could ever or will ever read in a book. The most important and valuable perk of all? I got to meet and work with some of the most fascinating authors who’ve mentored me, reassured me when I had my doubts, and picked me up when I just wanted to quit. Without them, I would not be starting this new phase of my publishing career and I wouldn’t have some of the best friends any woman could ever have.

~Tammy

Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind’s July Scavenger Hunt #eroticromance #excerpts

Welcome back to Behind Closed Doors! For today’s Friday Fantasy Free For All I’m participating in the month long scavenger hunt hosted by Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind. Each day this month, one of the Wicked Women have put up a post with an excerpt from one of their books and a question you need to answer in order to get entries in the Rafflecopter for the HUGE Grand Prize. If you’re just starting out with the hunt today, don’t you worry one bit. You still can go back to the previous posts done this month and get your answers. Before I go through with the rules. Here’s the list of the items up for grabs.

One autographed print copy of The Sunset Warrior by Leanore Elliot
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy book by Nikki Prince
An E-copy of The Remedy Maker by Sheri Fredricks
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy of Rosanna Leo
Choice of 2 backlist e-copies from Seraphina Donavan
A Bound gift pack which includes: Autographed Print copy of Bound, Necklace, and Book marks by Bonnie Bliss
A pdf copy of Touch of the Gods: The Wager by D.X. Luc
A copy of Dangerously Mine by AM Griffin
Autographed print copy of Immortal Love and an E-copy of PRimal Song by Danica Avet
An Autographed paperback from Cristal Ryder
E-copy of The Witching Pen Omnibus from Dianna Hardy
Swag Pack from A R Von
A T-shirt from Michel Prince
An Autographed copy of the promotional paperback Dreams of Ink by Kallysten
$5 Amazon card from Samantha Pleasent
$5 Amazon card from Ashlynne Laynne
Autographed copy of The Hunter Diaries in paperback by Serena Zane
Tammy Dennings Maggy: Swag: coffee mug, tote bag, pen, mouse pad, key chain
The Autographed Print Copy of the Satin Rose Experience by Sandra Bunino
E-book Copy of Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset
E-book Choice of Blood’s Voice or Blood Bound by Aine Massie
Autographed Print Copy of Only Scandal Will Do by Jenna Jaxon
Autographed Print Copy of Dark Passion Rising by Shannon Albright
E-copy of The Heart of a Wolf Series by MaryLynn Bast
Autographed Print copy of For His Eyes Only by T.C. Archer
E-copy choice of backlist book from Katie Salidas
Autographed Print copy of My Highland Love
E-copy of Arresting Behavior by Morticia Knight and sexy swag pack!!
Winner’s choice of Backlist book by Naomi Bellina plus Swag pack!
Choice of 2 e-books: Croc and the Fox by Eve Langlais, Doms of Dark Haven anthology, The Vampire’s Boy by Theda Black, or Dex in Blue by Amy Lane, winner’s choice from: Sharing Links and Wisdom
Choice of e-book from Lea Barrymire
$5 dollar Amazon Card From Natasha Blackthorne

Now that list above is just for the GRAND prize. Each participant has to offer an individual prize as well. I’ve decided to give away to one lucky winner signed copies of The Courtship of the Vampyre, Follow Me: Poetry from the Heart and Soul, and The Island (Now and Forever 2). In addition to those, I will frame the poem “Encounters in the Dark” using the color scheme of the winners choice.

So what do you have to do to get the prizes? Follow the instructions carefully. For the Grand Prize you cannot put your answers in the comments section on the blogs. You must put them in the Rafflecopter in the spots for each individual blog. If you don’t follow this instruction, your comments will be deleted from each blog and you will lose that entry. This is the only way to keep the playing field completely fair for all. Each post will have a banner box with their individual question. Here’s mine

Excerpt from The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3)

Thirteen Years Ago, the Island

Julia awakened to the sound of waves crashing on a beach. She opened her eyes to find she wasn’t on her couch but in a king sized four poster bed, covered in pale pink material that gently tossed in the breeze coming through the screen door in front of her. “Where the hell am I?” She sat up in the bed and continued to take in her surroundings. At the end of the bed Julia noted a white silk robe and matching slippers on the floor. The closet doors were open revealing several colorful dresses and matching sandals.

She tossed the covers aside to find she was completely naked. That in itself wasn’t unusual for her, but she distinctly remembered falling asleep on the couch in her condo, wrapped up in an afghan. She frantically searched through the comforter and sheets, terrified to be without the one thing that offered her comfort and security when she was alone. Julia breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed the blanket folded neatly on the dressing table next to the bed. “Hello? Is anyone here?”

She slipped into the robe and explored a bit further into what she assumed was a bungalow of some sort. Julia found a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, a living room with an entertainment center, and a huge bathroom with a glass enclosed two person shower and sunken spa tub. The one thing she didn’t find was a telephone. She smiled. If she couldn’t call out, then no one could call in.

Julia ran back to the bedroom, dropping the robe on the floor as she flipped through the sun dresses hanging in the closet. She picked out a red halter dress and decided to pass on the sandals. She wanted to walk barefoot on the beach, something she hadn’t done for far too long. If this all was just a dream, she wanted to enjoy every single minute of it before she had to wake up in the city again.

The only way to the beach was through the sliding doors on the other side of the bedroom. The sound of sea gulls reached her ears as she stepped out onto the deck. A bubbling hot tub was too her left and to her right was an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill pit and cushioned deck chairs. Directly in front of her stretched the pale sandy beach. The waves called to her and she practically ran through the sand to get to the point where the water gently lapped against her calves. Julia wiggled her toes into the sand, loving the feel of it slipping and sliding between them. “This is sheer Heaven.”

Then it hit her. The whole confrontation with Jacob and Mario in the condo replayed on fast forward in her mind. She remembered drinking way too much whiskey and then swallowing some pain killers. “Oh my God! I just wanted to sleep. I didn’t want to die. This is why I’m here. I’m dead.” She sank to her knees in the surf and sobbed.

“Julia, you’re not dead.” A tall blond man stood before her on the beach. He was in his late twenties, covered in tattoos and had multiple piercings. His eyes were what drew her right in. They were the blue green color of the ocean she was kneeling in. It was his eyes that made her feel immediately at ease. He held out his hand to her. “Come on. We’ve a lot to talk about and I’m sure you’re full of questions for me too.”

“Where did you come from? I thought I was the only one here.” Julia took his hand and allowed him to help her get to her feet and out of the water. Goosebumps covered her body, but she wasn’t cold. “If I’m not dead, then how did I get here?”

The young man laughed. “I’ll answer all your questions but first you have to give me a chance to do it before you fire off more.” He wrapped a large beach towel around her shoulders as they made their way back up toward her bungalow. “I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. I’m the Guardian assigned to watch over you and help you find your way back to the destiny chosen for you by The Three.”

She sat down on one of the deck chairs and beckoned to him to sit next to her. “Guardian? As in guardian angel?”

He nodded. “My name’s Daniel. The Goddess Fate chose me to watch over you and several other people. One of them you know already, Jake Hartley.”

Julia’s eyes filled with tears. “I hurt him so badly. Is he okay? I mean he stormed out of our condo last night. I don’t know where he went.”

Daniel shook his head. “He was in a horrific accident on his bike. He slammed into the back of a semi—”

“No! He’s not dead. He can’t be.” Julia bolted out of her chair and barely reached the end of the deck before she threw up.

Daniel was immediately at her side, holding her hair out of the way until she stopped retching. “I’m not going to sugar coat it for you, Julia. Jake’s fighting for his life right now. But you need to believe me when I tell you he’s in good hands. His father’s my partner and right there with him and the rest of the family.”

“He wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for me. I did this to him.” The sobs tore through her body. She’d never cried over anyone or anything before. This was more than she could take. “Please. Leave me here to die. Take care of him.”

The Guardian wrapped his well-muscled arms around her and held her tightly against his chest. “That’s not why you’re here. In fact, you’ve been allowed to come here in order for your heart and soul to mend. Then, you have to make a choice.”

Julia wiped the tears from her face and looked into Daniel’s eyes. “I don’t understand. What is this place?”

“We call it The Island. Basically it’s what humans would call limbo. It’s the realm between life and death. The ability to come here is a gift given to you by The Three. You have to choose to either stay here and wait until your next life cycle, or go back to face your demons and fight for your chance to be with your soul mate and your chosen destiny.”

“The only person that’s ever loved me like that, the only one who told me he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, is fighting for his life in a hospital bed.” Julia managed to get back into the deck chair without having another wave of nausea hit. She curled up in the towel again and wondered if it was just best to stay there and not go back to all the pain she’d caused.

Daniel smiled. “The only one? Think hard. Who has been by your side through everything? Who has let you pursue all your desires and still loves you unconditionally?”

She smiled through her tears. “But Carmen can’t be my soul mate. It’s one thing to have an affair, but the love we have for each other will never be accepted, especially not in her world as a doctor and hospital administrator. The religious groups in L.A. would crucify her if our relationship was made public. The hospital Board wouldn’t want to have that kind of publicity. Carmen’s worked too hard to get where she’s at in her career. I won’t be responsible for ruining another person’s life.”

“I understand your fears about that, but you and all those groups have it completely wrong. The Three didn’t create us as just male or female. We are both. Soul mates are just that, mates of the soul. Being a male or female isn’t part of it. Souls have no gender. They are just pure life force.”

Julia shook her head. “That may very well be true, but after all I’ve done in my life I don’t deserve to have that kind of happiness. Jacob does. Carmen does. But not me.”

Daniel took her hands into his calloused ones. “Why not? If The Three feel you’re worthy, who are you or anyone to judge differently?”

“I’m scared, Daniel. What if I’ve gone too far in my life to turn things around? I don’t think I can face the ugliness in my past let alone ask Carmen to stand by my side when I do it. It’s not fair to her. It’s best I just stay away. I’ve made a mess out of enough lives.”

“I can’t force you to go back, but you have to understand this. If you choose to stay here, you will in fact die in the Earth Realm. Everything in that life will be gone and all you’ll know is right here on this island until you next life cycle begins. You won’t remember anything from the life you’ve lead up until now. Within hours of your choice to not go back, those memories will be locked away. All the happy times will be gone. Carmen’s life will never be the same after losing you. You can’t change what’s already happened, but you can choose to accept this second chance you’ve been given.”

“Can I take a day or two to think it over?” Julia’s mind raced. She needed some time to sort through everything before she made her decision. For once in her life she needed to not act on impulse.

The Guardian nodded. “The Goddess and I will come for your answer in a couple days. Until then, make yourself at home here in your bungalow. There are others on this island paradise, but you won’t be able to see them unless you decide to stay here.”

“Jacob’s here, isn’t he?”

Daniel nodded. He’s been given the same opportunity, but his choice is much harder to make.”

“Why? I would think he’d jump at the chance to find his soul mate.”

“He does find her here on the Island. They must choose to go back and find each other later in their lives, or stay here and wait for their next rebirth.”

“Hell, if he can be here with his heart and soul, why would he ever want to go back?” Julia thought that choice would be the easiest one to make. She could live here forever with Carmen. With no outside influences to come between them, their life together would actually be paradise.

“Too many other lives hang in the balance with those two, including yours. Their lives intersect with so many. If they stay here, the futures of the others would be forever altered in this lifetime. People have to continue to be reborn and live their lives over and over again until they learn all the lessons needed to achieve their chosen destinies.”

“So if I give up on this one, I’ll have to continue on to another life cycle again and again until I get it right? The painful parts could happen all over again?”

Daniel stared at her a moment before answering. “Yes. You may be born into a family that doesn’t abuse you, but a family friend or stranger may be the one. You may never have to go through that pain again, but I can’t guarantee that any more than I can tell you you’ll find Carmen right away in the next life. You’re given the chance for your happily ever after now as long as you’re willing to fight for it.”

Julia closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. “Okay. I’ll think it all over and have an answer for you when you return. If I have any other questions about anything, how do I contact you?”

He smiled as he stood in front of her. “All you have to do is call. I’ll be right here when you need me. I promise.” Daniel waved as he faded right in front of her eyes. “Listen to your heart, Julia. It will never steer you wrong.”

Did you find the answer? Go ahead and click on the link below to take you to the Rafflecopter for the Grand Prize, and then come right back here for your chance to win my prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for my prize package you have to click on the following link a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now here’s the linky list for the rest of the participants. You’ll need this to help you complete all the steps to win the Grand Prize.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!

#BreakingtheRules: In Real Life and My Writing

Hello my peeps! Today I’d like to talk a bit about breaking the rules. This topic was inspired by another author and friend Melinda Dozier. She wrote a book called…you guessed it…Breaking the Rules. She’s now into the second week of a blog tour talking about the book, and getting her fellow author friends to dish on how they’ve broken the rules as a writer and how their characters have broken the rules in their story lines. I found this sort of thing fascinating. You see, as a romance writer, there are a TON of rules that we are all supposed to follow. For example, there always has to be a happily ever after or at least a happy for now ending to your novel, even if it’s a part of a series. There at least has to be a point where the heroine is at least content at the moment. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t give them a better happy ending later. There rules for specific publishing houses, specific genres and subgenres, and the rules that govern how and where you’re allowed to promote in social media groups. At times there is just way to much to deal with and you end up with more than a few rebels…like me.

Sure I prefer to have guidelines to follow, but I don’t want to be one of those writer’s who crank out the books that are all the same except for switching out the names of the hero, heroine and villain if there is one. If your back list is made up of all of these, then eventually your fan base will dwindle. Why should they keep reading the same story over and over again when there’s an over abundance of books and authors out there to choose from nowadays? I’m not talking about series books where you have to share a world and characters. I’m talking about the ones who have the exact same love scenes, conversations and inner dialogue from book to book. You all know what I’m talking about and could probably make a list of these type of books right off the top of your head.

I’m not the traditional kind of author many think of when they hear I write romance. The image of the good old bodice rippers from the 80’s always pops into their heads, along with the sweet, flowery prose used to describe the love scenes. That is so not me, chicas. For my contemporary erotic romances, I write REAL characters with all their faults and yes, potty mouths. I don’t sugar coat it because my characters don’t. They fight with their friends and lovers, they make stupid life choices and have to work hard to get what they want out of life. They’re flawed, not perfect and readers can relate to them. Hell, they may even see bits and pieces of themselves in my characters. Some romances, even those labeled as erotic, aren’t like that. They have alpha males who prefer those twenty-something females who give them just enough resistance to their charms before succumbing to them completely. Many times these heroines are virgins. Not in my books.

My heroines are well over thirty, most in their early forties, have body image issues at times, are self sufficient professionals who kick ass and take names. They usually are unlucky in the love department for one reason or another, but keep trying. They are passionate and willing to try new things, even thought to be taboo. They’re not wall flowers and don’t need a man to complete them, but they do yearn for a partner who can complete them and make both of their lives even better. My women may have to marry a few Mr. Wrongs before they finally end up with Mr. Always and Forever, but for them the heartache is worth it.

My heroes aren’t perfect either. They have pasts that have scarred them, made them shy of diving right into monogamous relationships, but not enough to keep them away forever. They search for the one who can match them in and out of the bedroom and love a challenge. They don’t want someone who walks all over them, but sometimes love is blind and they miss the red flags. But watch out when they do see the light! My guys will also go to hell and back to give the one they love their happily ever after even if it means it’s with another. All they want is for them to be happy. This can be a problem with some publishers and readers who want a hero who fights for the one he loves and never gives up. Well, real life doesn’t work out that way and you can’t force someone to fall in love with you. I won’t do it with my characters either.

In my real life, I wasn’t much of a rule breaker growing up, but I sure did fantasize about it. I turned those fantasies into my poems and my novels. I’ve had my heart broken so many times because I love with my whole heart and trust they feel the same. I left a career and my family to come across country for the love of a man who promised me the moon and stars and took away my self esteem instead. I clawed my way back from that to mistake a deep caring friendship for love and married so I didn’t have to be alone 2500 miles away from my friends and family, once again changing jobs to make him happy. I lived in misery for years thinking I wasn’t good enough for anything or anyone else and settled for merely existing. I finally woke up and said enough is enough and once again gave up everything, losing our condo to short sale, taking on a huge debt from the marriage because I knew my ex wouldn’t take responsibility, and living pay check to pay check.

I didn’t give up on me or finding my Knight in Shining Armor. He was just waiting in the wings until I cleared out the clutter and could finally see him. He helped mend my broken heart and soul so I could love again. He let me find myself and my path, there to catch me if I needed it. I’m retiring from a career as a veterinarian after 20 years because I don’t want to follow the rule that says I have to keep at it until the day I die. I’m living the dream of a published author and soon will enter another phase as CEO of my own publishing house.

How’s that for someone who used to follow all the rules? LOL

~Tammy

Come Join The Fun with Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind’s Scavenger Hunt

Hello my friends, and welcome back to Behind Closed Doors. Today I’d like to talk to you a bit about a fun blog hop that’s taking place every single day for the month of July. It’s called The Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind’s Scavenger Hunt. Each day of the month a new post goes up on one of the participants blogs. There you will find the day’s question and the answer to it within that particular blog stop. Answering this question will help get you in the running for the Grand Prize. Here’s what’s on the list:

One autographed print copy of The Sunset Warrior by Leanore Elliot
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy book by Nikki Prince
An E-copy of The Remedy Maker by Sheri Fredricks
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy of Rosanna Leo
Choice of 2 backlist e-copies from Seraphina Donavan
A Bound gift pack which includes: Autographed Print copy of Bound, Necklace, and Book marks by Bonnie Bliss
A pdf copy of Touch of the Gods: The Wager by D.X. Luc
A copy of Dangerously Mine by AM Griffin
Autographed print copy of Immortal Love and an E-copy of PRimal Song by Danica Avet
An Autographed paperback from Cristal Ryder
E-copy of The Witching Pen Omnibus from Dianna Hardy
Swag Pack from A R Von
A T-shirt from Michel Prince
An Autographed copy of the promotional paperback Dreams of Ink by Kallysten
$5 Amazon card from Samantha Pleasent
$5 Amazon card from Ashlynne Laynne
Autographed copy of The Hunter Diaries in paperback by Serena Zane
Tammy Dennings Maggy: Swag: coffee mug, tote bag, pen, mouse pad, key chain
The Autographed Print Copy of the Satin Rose Experience by Sandra Bunino
E-book Copy of Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset
E-book Choice of Blood’s Voice or Blood Bound by Aine Massie
Autographed Print Copy of Only Scandal Will Do by Jenna Jaxon
Autographed Print Copy of Dark Passion Rising by Shannon Albright
E-copy of The Heart of a Wolf Series by MaryLynn Bast
Autographed Print copy of For His Eyes Only by T.C. Archer
E-copy choice of backlist book from Katie Salidas
Autographed Print copy of My Highland Love
E-copy of Arresting Behavior by Morticia Knight and sexy swag pack!!
Winner’s choice of Backlist book by Naomi Bellina plus Swag pack!
Choice of 2 e-books: Croc and the Fox by Eve Langlais, Doms of Dark Haven anthology, The Vampire’s Boy by Theda Black, or Dex in Blue by Amy Lane, winner’s choice from: Sharing Links and Wisdom
Choice of e-book from Lea Barrymire
$5 dollar Amazon Card From Natasha Blackthorne

Now whatever you do, don’t put the answer to the grand prize questions in the comments section of each blog. You must put your answers in the Rafflecopter provided for them. In it you will see one section for each participating blog. Click on the one that corresponds to the blog question you are answering and enter your guess. That’s all you have to do for each day in order to find all the answers to be able to win the Grand Prize. Don’t worry! If you start in the middle of the month, you still can go back to the days you missed and play catch up.

Each blog will also be offering an individual prize as well. Besides the Tammy Dennings Maggy swag that will be in the Grand Prize, I’m giving away a framed copy of “Encounters in the Dark.” It’s one of the poems featured in my second book of poetry The Courtship of the Vampyre. I’ll also be giving away a signed copy of that book, a signed copy of Follow Me: Poetry From the Heart and Soul, and a signed copy of The Island (Now and Forever 2). My date is July 19th so make sure you stop back in here to get the answer to my question for the Grand Prize from the information and excerpt I provide for you from my nearly finished The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3). I’ll have a link to a second Rafflecopter for you to get entries for my prizes.

To get you started, here’s the link to Leanore Elliott’s post that was up on July 4th. From there you can see how it all works. Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter! If you put your answer to the questions in the wrong area, you will render it null and void. So be careful and take your time. You have until August 1st to complete all of the hops and get all your entries. I’ll announce my winner on Friday August 2nd. Below is the entire linky list of all the participating blogs. Just click on it and it will take you to a separate page. You won’t be able to get a jump on posts before they’re sceduled to go live, but you can get started on the ones that are already up so you can be ready for the next one tomorrow.

Go on. Click on some links and get to hopping! Happy Hunting! ~Tammy

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Author @TashaBlackstone And Her New #Eroticromance #fantasy #paranormal #vampires

Hello my friends! Welcome to another Saturday Spotlight here at Behind Closed Doors. I’m Tammy Dennings Maggy and your host. Our guest today is fellow Siren author Tasha Blackstone. She’s here to tell us a bit about herself and to give us a little taste of her new fantasy/paranormal erotic romance Echo in the Night. Today’s visit is only the first half of her interview. To get the next part, you’ll have to follow us over to Sassy Vixen Publishing day after tomorrow for Oh My! Monday. So enough teasing. Let’s get on with the first part of our interview.

What inspires you to write?

I’m an only child and because my mom worked numerous jobs when I was a kid to support us, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents. I loved my grandparents but they were definitely aged and loved to watch the nightly news, 60 minutes and episodes of Hee Haw. I found it extremely boring and living in a world that was at the early, early stages of technology, my entertainment had to be created. It was during this time that I found my love of writing. I made up countless stories and over the years have found that my peace of mind can only be fully achieved when I am writing.

Are you a plotter or panster or a little of both?
A little bit of both, but I have to be careful. If I over plot, I lose the creativity and if I under plot, my scatter brain ADD causes me to forget important details.

Do you listen to music while writing?
I have to. Lol I don’t have my dream writer’s cave yet and my house tends to be hectic with kids and husband and dogs running around 24/7. If I don’t plug in, I get nothing done.

What kinds of music work best for you? Do different types of music help you for different types of scenes?
I am fortunate enough to have a music hoarder for a husband so I have an endless library of music that I can transfer over to my laptop at any given time, so I can honestly say that I listen to just about everything. I have found that different types of music helps move a scene forward. (I listened to Enigma on repeat during the club scene and absolutely loved how it helped set the tone).

Tell us about the different types of characters you like to write about? Why are these types so appealing to you?
I really like to write about the broken heroine and the morally conflicted hero. The heroine needs to be strong enough to survive on her own, but I’m drawn to the shattered aspect because a perfectly normal character is a little boring to me. I also love the conflicted hero. A man with a dark past, or questionable character, who can find redemption in choosing good or sacrificing himself for love. I find these types of characters to be more enjoyable to write because in reality, most of us are a little broken and little bit dark.

In what ways are your characters like you? In what ways are your characters not like you?
I pass of my insecurities to my characters and have given them some of my own inner battles to struggle with because I know how to feel them, but as for differences, I can admit that I’m not nearly as independent as my characters are. I don’t like to be alone and I’m fairly non-confrontational. I definitely enjoy being able to channel that inner part of me though through my character’s voice.

What are your favorite fiction genres to read from?
It’s basically a tie between Fantasy/Paranormal and Mystery/Crime drama. I love Faeries and Witches, supernatural creatures, and mermaids, and of course Vampires of all makes and models, however, I am also a murder mystery, suspense thriller junky!

Who are some of your favorite authors and why do you think they appeal so much to you?
I have been a dedicated Stephen King fan since my early teen years. My grandma turned me on to his books and Carrie was the first book to give me nightmares and when she passed, she left her Stephen King library to me. I’m also a huge fan of Terry Goodkind and have read every one of the Sword of Truth books numerous times. I love both of these authors, and those like them, because they ignore boundaries. King is so open and honest and willing to write about subjects that most would shy away from and Goodkind created such a fantastical world and also pushed the boundaries to the point of being controversial.

What kinds of stories are your comfort reads when you are sick or feeling low?
In complete opposition to books like King or Goodkind write, when I’m sick or blue and just want ot o curl up with a good book, I turn to YA novels. Yes, I’ve read the Twilight saga. Three times. I was also introduced to PC Cast’s House of Night series and went on strike for a week to read my way through the series.

Want to know more about Tasha? You’ll have to join us on Monday for the rest of the interview and a smokin’ hot adult excerpt. Don’t worry. I do have the blurb and a story excerpt to share with you. Tasha and I don’t want to leave you hanging! 😉

Blurb

Can a Witch who was born to be a Vampire Hunter find true love with her mortal enemy?

It’s easy to live life on auto pilot and that’s just what Echo Abbott is doing. That is until everything shifts. As her house of cards begins to crumble, she meets Henry Knight. Obnoxious and gorgeous she can’t stop thinking about him and against her better judgment she wonders if he is the key to healing her broken heart.

In this dark, seductive tale set in the heart of Oregon, Echo is a Witch with remarkable powers whose gift is sought after by a power hungry Vampire, Corrine. Corrine’s brother, Henry, is a willing pawn in her fight for the ultimate power and has been tracking Echo for years. Seeking out Echo’s weakness he soon finds his desire for her is more than he can control. He wants Echo all to himself, but can he convince her that he isn’t the enemy before it’s too late or will her stubborn nature be her downfall?

Story Excerpt:

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” A large man with muscled arms and strong hands lifted her effortlessly from the glass battlefield. “I didn’t mean to scare you! Are you okay?”

Suddenly more pissed than scared, Echo wriggled and screamed in his embrace, trying with all of her might to break free from his hold. “Put me down!”

Gingerly and on command, he did, but as her foot found the deck, she pushed a shard of glass deeper into her heel and cried out again, “Pick me up! Pick me up! Take me inside!”

The stranger quickly swooped her up back into his arms and with rapid procession, carried her into the house and set her down onto the kitchen counter. Without a word he grabbed a towel from the oven bar, soaked it in warm water and tended to her foot, pulling out the largest shard of glass that had impaled her. She screamed and kicked at him as the pain pulsed through her and as he dropped the sharp triangle on the counter beside her, Echo could feel the familiar sensation of warm blood dripping down her foot. With an eerie swiftness, the man backed as far away from Echo as he could without stepping back outside.

“That’s–that’s a lot of blood.”

His face was ashen and there was a quiver to his voice that oddly enough set Echo at ease. He was tall and muscular with broad shoulders and a chiseled chest, easily defined even through the fabric of his gray button-up shirt. His hair was raven black and clean cut and he had the hint of a five o’clock shadow on his face. His thick eyebrows were arched in alert and his crystal-blue eyes had locked onto the droplets of blood that fell to the tiled floor. He was a beautiful mess.

“Who are you and what the fuck are you doing here?”

He did not pull his eyes from the blood when he answered. “I’m Henry. I’m here to buy your house.”

“You have got to be kidding me! Henry?” Rage pulsed through her. “As in Henry Knight the douche bag stalker who refuses to take no for answer and just leave me alone? That Henry Knight?”

He finally looked up into her eyes, a hint of a smile etched along his full lips.

“Well”—he laughed—“Most women don’t refer to me as a douche bag, but yes, I suppose I am that Henry.”

About the Author

New to publishing, but not new to writing, Tasha Blackstone has been spinning tales ever since she was a little girl with an overwhelming imagination. She has spent her life weaving stories, but found a love of romance back in high school when she filled her time writing fantasy love stories for friends and classmates. Though she only writes part time for now, she hopes to someday be able to write full time. When she isn’t pounding away at the keyboard, Tasha spends her time with her best friend/husband, her three teenaged kids, and her two drama queen dogs. Life is busy, overwhelming, and hectic at times, but it’s all worth it. During the late night hours, when all is quiet, you can find her working on her next work-in-progress or curled up with a good book and bottle of tequila. Yes tequila, she hates wine!

Where to Find Tasha

Amazon Author Page

Siren Author Page

Sassy Vixen Publishing Oh My! Monday (July 1st)

@AlexAnthony80 Turns the Spotlight On Her Characters From #Ascend #eroticromance #vampires

Behind Closed Doors is being taken over by vampires once again. Josie and Stefan from Alexandra Anthony’s Vampire Destiny series have agreed to be interviewed by the author for today’s Saturday Spotlight. Sit back and relax and let Alexandra pull a few secrets out of the two love birds. They won’t give away anything too juicy, but what they do share will curl your toes! ~Tammy

It’s an honor to be back at Behind Closed Doors once again. During my visit during the Saturday Spotlight, I’ll be introducing my fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.

It’s been some time since I sat down with Stefan and Josephine to see how they’re adjusting to life and all of the changes that have happened since the first book, Fated. In preparing for our spot here today, I opened up the floor to my readers and I’ll throw in a few of their questions today as well.

AA: Stefan and Josie, thanks for taking time to sit down and talk to me.

Stefan: *arches eyebrow* It is always a pleasure, Alexandra. It is the least I can do. I am your muse after all.

Josephine: Anytime. Even though I find it unfair that the story is told from my point of view and he’s your muse.

AA: I can see why that might be a little odd. So, tell me what’s happened since we last sat down and chatted. I think the last time was shortly after Illusion was released.

Stefan: Much has happened since Illusion. Josephine was almost murdered by

another vampire and I gained a new child. She also had moved to New York and agreed to live with me.

Josephine: There really was no choice since someone decided to permanently bond us. *fixes a pointed stare in Stefan’s direction*

AA: There was that issue. You seemed to handle it better than expected, Josie.

Josephine: I suppose finding the love of your life and learning that you’re a half vampire helps you put things in perspective.

Stefan: I think it my influence. I do like to keep her occupied.

AA: True. And Stefan, what is it like for you? Being single for almost 1,000 years must make settling down a bit…odd.

Stefan: *smiles crookedly and leans forward slightly* It would only be odd if it was not the ultimate goal. Josephine was much more…agreeable than I had anticipated.

Josephine: Agreeable?! *slaps Stefan lightly on the arm and snorts* I think Stefan had plenty of time to live as a bachelor. But we’ve agreed not to dwell on each other’s past.

AA: That’s right, Josie. We met one of your exes in Awakening. That didn’t go so well. How do you think you’d feel if you had to meet one of Stefan’s ex lovers?

Josephine: It didn’t go so well…at least for Aidan. And I can’t say I’d handle meeting one of Stefan’s exes well either. It’s bad enough knowing you’re with one of the most gorgeous men that every woman wants.

Stefan: Ah, but I only have eyes for you, vackra.

AA: Good save, Romeo. This is a question for both of you from one of my readers…do you ever wish you’d be able to have a child together?

Stefan: *glances at Josephine deviously* It is not wise to wish for something that can never be. And a child under foot would not give us the…freedom we have now.

Josephine: I never thought I’d be in the position to have a child, so it’s no loss. I’m not going to lie and say now that I’ve met my soul mate I wish there wasn’t a way to have a child that was as beautiful and strong as Stefan…and as stubborn as me. But as Stefan said, there is no reason to wish for something that can never be.

AA: In Awakening, a line in the sand was drawn with your father, Josie and Stefan nearly died in Book 3. Any idea how you’ll resolve the situation with Kian?

Josephine: This may sound trite, but I think we’re at the point where we’re both waiting for the other to make the first (or wrong) move. We’re sort of in standby mode. Regardless, no one will win in the end.

AA: Another reader question. Stefan, Josie is becoming much more powerful. Does it bother you that she might possibly be the stronger one at some point?

Stefan: Josephine is growing stronger with immortality…her mental powers will grow as well. It is logical and expected for her to be stronger as far as her abilities go. With my experience and physical strength and her mental abilities, we will be a force to be reckoned with. But to answer the question, it does not bother me. It is fitting that I have a mate that is powerful in her own right.

Josephine: So one of these days I’ll get to save the day?

Stefan: *shakes head and grins* As long as I am around to protect you, it is highly unlikely.

AA: And I have another reader question for each of you. Josie, what was it like to adjust to having a brother? And Stefan, can you put into words how it feels after such a long journey to have at last bonded with you soul mate?

Josie: I’ll go first. It’s been a big adjustment. I’m used to being a bit of a loner…and I meet Stefan and suddenly I’m surrounded by vampires. Meeting Nikolaus was wonderful. Even though we missed out on growing up together, we’re linked together and we have a great bond.

Stefan: Meeting Josephine after so many years was simply a relief. I suddenly felt complete, as if the missing part of myself was back in its rightful place.

AA: One final question since I know you won’t give any spoilers away for Ascend. Can you at least share a little about the book and what happens?

Josephine: We’re off to look for Garrett’s journal in my childhood home in this book. We’re also a little on edge after the explosion in Book 3. Ascend is all about self-discovery and reliving the past. And the journey has just begun for us…there are many surprises around the corner for us in the next few books.

Stefan: And our story has just begun. We have much to discover about our past…and our future.

Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)

His lips tickled my ear. “It will work itself out, Josephine. I will not let you fail. You are stronger than you think.”

He always knew what to say. Twisting in his arms, my fingers caressed the planes of his face. I was still amazed as I took him in, so much more beautiful than my human eyes had ever been able to perceive. His deep-set sea blue eyes twinkled brightly, his prominently arched cheekbones standing out sharply only to taper to his strong, chiseled jawline. Light sandy blond stubble darkened his face, tickling my fingertips.

He captured my hand in his and brought them to his lips. His warm breath was ragged against my skin as he kissed each finger softly.

I closed my eyes as his mouth ghosted over my skin. “Your strength is the only thing holding me together right now. I feel so much more than before. It’s…”

“Overwhelming? Frustrating? I have been there before. It will get easier. You are hours old.” Stefan finished reassuringly. “Come.”

He tugged at my hand and led me into the kitchen. As soon as I stepped away from the window, my throat was on fire. The most alluring smell filled my nose, my mouth almost watering as I inhaled the intoxicating elixir. My mind began to shut down, instinct threatening to take over.

Blood. It was all my mind could think about. I wanted it…I needed it. I began to pull at Stefan’s hand, struggling weakly against the much stronger vampire.

The one time I thought I might be able to match him in physical strength and I still came up short. Figures.

“Enough. Focus.” His mental voice was sharp and was like a much-needed slap across the face. I stood with my mouth gaping, wide-eyed and cautious. He pulled me to a sudden stop and his hands rested heavily on my shoulders. My eyes skittered to his face. His expression was soft, a contradiction to his harsh mental command.

“I know it is difficult, Josephine. Your mind is fragmented and it is difficult to concentrate on the smallest of things. You must focus. Learn how to control your urges. Direct it as you do your shield.”

Nodding quickly, I remembered my old trick of pretending to bring a curtain down over my mind, instead directing it to my sense of smell. Once shielded from the temptation, my mind cleared and my mood settled. I licked my dry lips anxiously. “It’s much better. I’m ready.”

His lips curled into a proud smile as we resumed our trip to the kitchen, his hand firmly holding mine. I swallowed roughly as I noticed the large glass sitting on the counter, my fingers tightening around his. My sense of smell was closed, but my mouth still watered as I imagined the soothing liquid rushing over my parched throat. When our eyes met, his eyes were pitch black and I’m sure mine was as dark as his.

“Fuck,” he suddenly hissed, his eyes squeezing shut as he rocked back on his heels. His golden hair fell forward as his lips brushed across my cheek. “I vowed to be strong for you and keep my desire in check until you were ready. But I find watching you like this makes me want you, Josephine…in ways I can’t even articulate. You must feed first.”

The carnal cadence to his voice made me want to fall to my knees. I knew that tone, and despite the fact that we were literally unbreakable as immortals, I had a feeling that walking the next day was going to be difficult.

“A goal I would love to achieve,” he teased, shifting me until I was between him and the counter. “Drink,” he purred against my shoulder as his nose traced along my skin and up to my ear at the same time, his hands guided me closer to the cup filled with warm blood.

Ascend is available on
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