Friday, November 29, 2013

Cover Reveal, Virtual Signing Starts Today, and NOOK Giveaway!

UPDATE FROM AMAZON (Dec. 1)! The new 99-cent Masters at Arms & Nobody's Angel combo (books 1 and 2) and Nobody's Perfect (book 4) are back up with scaled down description. (Apparently words like rape, incest, and whipping are no-no's now. Nobody's Perfect's cover is STILL a problem because I've been slapped with the adult label. I'm going to remove the whip and see if that gets me past the censors. If not, then I'll add the skimpiest bra onto her back (or maybe a halter so as not to hide that beautiful back). But if that doesn't work, then I'm not going to move his hand off her butt. Sorry. That alone will sell books for anyone whose search engine can find them. 

See below for the "safe for Amazon and Kobo" cover that will be on the Kindle edition. Just added it below the cover that will go up everywhere else.

Here's the link to the 99-cent book at Amazon. Readers still can find the 99-cent combo with the first two books (as well as my other books) in mobi (Kindle), epub, and PDF versions at Smashwords and All Romance eBooks. I also just uploaded the combo to Apple yesterday for those using the Kindle app on the Apple devices, but it might be a week or more before it's live. At this time, Kobo hasn't approved the book there (even though I uploaded it last week).

Back to Kally's Originally Planned Blog 
(with some adjustments)

I know we just celebrated Thanksgiving here in the States, but I think Christmas came early for some good boys and girls around the world. Okay, maybe the Big Guy figured you all had better get something nice now because you've all been too naughty this year to expect much later. (It's always more fun being naughty--how can we resist?) 

Keep reading because this blog has FOUR major announcements you won't want to miss.

1. Somebody's Angel 
Cover Reveal 
(Except for Amazon & Kobo*)

HERE IT IS! Don't you just love my latest cover? Linda Lynn, my cover artist (who doesn't do covers for anyone but Kally!) really went all out on this one. She even recreated Nonna's Italian iron bed! (You know, the one used in the honor bondage scene in Nobody's Angel where she has to hold onto the headboard--or suffer the consequences.) 

You may recognize this couple as the same one used on the new "combo" e-book (and updated paperback) of Masters at Arms & Nobody's Angel. (See my Nov. 26 blog if you did miss it--more about that in a minute! Of course, see the news flash below, because I now have to change ALL of my Kindle covers on sale at Amazon.) But I will keep them on the versions sold everywhere but Amazon, because I love the way this couple gives continuity in covers for Marc and Angelina as they continue their  journey toward happily ever after (HEA). 


I really wanted to go with a plus-sized model, but stock photo places have so few of them and when I saw this pose from Jimmy Thomas's Romance Novel Covers site, I knew it set the tone I wanted for the book. But I had this problem before when I did Nobody's Angel, so in both books I talk more about her large breasts and big hips, which are hidden on both by sheets. (And this scene is in Angelina's little bungalow in Aspen Corners, but the cover on Nobody's Angel is in the playroom at Marc's house. Linda even changed the colors of the sheets on this one from white to red--and the sheer curtains on the other to red drapes! But seeing that bed come to life is the best!)

* This is the version going up on the Amazon and Kobo sites (to hopefully avoid adult filtering and censorship). But if you prefer the above one, you'll need to purchase the book in mobi formatt at All Romance eBooks or Smashwords, OR at Apple (for the Kindle app).




2. Upload Date 
for Somebody's Angel

Can you feel the upload date getting closer and closer? I CAN--provably because I still have a lot of changes to make to the story before I will let you see it! But my team and I are going to make every effort to get this book uploaded to Amazon's Kindle store and Barnes & Noble NOOK between Dec. 17 and Dec. 22. It may take a little while for them to finish their review and make it available given the holidays, but it will then go to the UK, AU, CA, and other stores as soon as Amazon sends it to them.

As most of you should know by now, I'm an indie author, so not only have I no control over release dates (meaning when the booksellers release it to you), but I also choose NOT to hold books up while I do marketing campaigns or send out ARCs to bloggers for early reviews. I rely on YOU ALL to spread the word about my books for me (and you always do!) and to post those early reviews, especially at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads!  

Uploads to All Romance eBooks (ARe) and Smashwords are immediate and will be there by Christmas. I can't control how long it will take Apple and Kobo to approve them there, though. (Kobo still hasn't made live my new combo (uploaded a week ago). 

While Smashwords and All Romance eBooks will have the book available immediately and in all formats, most of you know it's my dream to make the New York Times list and under my own steam. Only sales at Amazon and B&N count toward that list so I'd like the books to be available there the first week. (After what happened at Amazon, though, I might change my mind.)   

Just don't expect any early surprises. This already is going to be a killer deadline to meet. But I still hold to the promise that Somebody's Angel will be available somewhere BY CHRISTMAS!

3. Virtual Signing of the 
My 3 Paperbacks Starts TODAY!

Because so many of you have asked for signed books for your own Christmas/holiday presents or to give to friends and family, I am doing a limited-time "virtual" signing. A virtual signing means you place your order for the book or books you want, tell us what name to sign each one to (and NAME ONLY, I will choose the inscriptions), and then I sign and Charlotte sends the book to you or to the place you want it to go. 

This one will be different than the one I did in February mainly because I'll have my personal assistant, Charlotte, handling all the orders and getting the books prepped (labeled with stickies as to whom to sign them to!) so that all I have to do is swoop in with my Ka-thunk pen in hand and SIGN. Leagh (who did a great job setting up the order form) was a huge help on handling orders last time, but the beauty of having Charlotte living nearby is that she'll also take care of mailing them! This means Kally won't lose writing time (because Cassie is already telling me I'd better be ready to write ASAP at least far enough into Nobody's Dream to get that man out of her cabin NOW).

I can't guarantee Christmas/holiday delivery (it ultimately will be up to the Post Office!), but those placing international and domestic orders by Dec. 1, I promise to do my best! If I have to order more books because demand was higher than anticipated, I will be signing in the order payment was received. (Please note that there are NO new paperback books with this signing since February--but they have new covers and will be in a matte finish from now on, which I think looks much more attractive. I do have some glossy first editions of Nobody's Perfect left, though, if you want one of those, just specify in the comments section of the order form. (While supplies last only!)

I'll accept orders through midnight (your time) Sunday, Dec. 15

And if you'd like any book or books to be gift wrapped in festive holiday paper with a simple to/from sticker label, please indicate so in the appropriate comment box on the form. (If you request gift wrapping, the To/From sticker will be "from" your first name and "to" the first name of the person the book was signed to, unless your comment box on the form indicates otherwise.)

Please use a separate order form/payment (all payments via PayPal) for EACH shipping destination. If you have questions, please contact Charlotte (charlotte@kallypsomasters.com). Thanks!

Each order shipped to a unique address will receive a FREE Kally Swag bag (two pens, a Masters Brat button/pin, bookmark, and trading cards).


4. NOOK Giveaway & 
Scavenger Hunt Questions

My thanks for Mayas Sanders for organizing an awesome 15-stop blog tour for me Tuesday and Wednesday of this week to announce the new 99-cent special combo e-book for Masters at Arms & Nobody's Angel (with an awesome new cover--although it seems to have gotten the book pulled at Amazon for being too hot).

The "How it Began" blog tour included excerpts with Marc and Angelina on their journey to Somebody's Angel (a refresher for those who don't have time to do a complete series re-read)!


As promised at each of those 15 stops, you'll find the answer to one question posed in the Rafflecopter below. ONE lucky winner (open to international entries--with the hope the NOOK translates to your country if it ships outside the US!) will be receiving the new NOOK GlowLight (the model just released a few weeks ago) as the grand prize. The grand prize winner, as well as EVERYONE who gets all 15 answers correct will be receiving a swag bag (pens, Masters Brat button, bookmarks, trading cards, and other goodies) and a hand fan. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, everyone, and thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt! Be sure to follow the blogs you visit and support them for helping me spread the word about my series and many other books! If any still have their contests open, sign up to win a free e-book in the Rescue Me series and some cool swag, including the above items at each stop!

Monday, November 25, 2013

How it Began Blog Tour Nov. 26-27 & Cover Reveal Nov. 29 (with NOOK giveaway)!


My thanks to Mayas at Reading by the Book for scheduling a 15 stop tour for me Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 26-27). In preparation for the December release of Somebody's Angel (sometime before Christmas is the best I can promise!), I thought I'd do a little refresher tour with this couple's journey to date. Stop back here Friday (after midnight Central time) for the list of trivia questions about the blog tour--and enter to win a brand new NOOK GlowLight! (Entries received thru end of day Nov. 30, and drawing on Dec. 1.) 

Here are the names of the blogs and links to follow:

November 26th


November 27th




Marc and Angelina didn't meet until Nobody's Angel (book 2), but I've just combined the first two books in the series and am offering it on sale for 99 cents (saving $3 off the single Nobody's Angel AND getting Masters at Arms in the same e-book!).

UPDATE 11/28/13: The book was pulled from Amazon shelves today. I'm hoping to have it available again soon, but you can still purchase it at:

Barnes & Noble (possibly not in the UK store, tho, which restricts content too)
Smashwords (mobi, epub, and PDF versions)
All Romance eBooks (mobi, epub, and PDF versions)

Coming soon to Apple and Kobo (still pending review).

There's a new cover (different from the original paperback combo cover)! I now can have the same couple on the bed in the background of this one as will be the center of attention on the cover of Somebody's Angel (only that one will have them in a different pose and setting). 


The cover reveal for Somebody's Angel for stores other than Amazon and Kobo will be here on Black Friday (Nov. 29), so be sure to check it out! 



Update on Salute to Veterans Donation

Thank you to everyone who visited here during my Salute to Veterans Nov. 11-15! There were SO many comments sharing stories about veterans that we made the goal of $1,500! I will be contacting three who posted stories about special veterans in their lives on the Veterans Day post and my assistant, Charlotte Oliver, will attempt to contact those to get names and more details in order that I may make three $500 donations in honor/memory of those special veterans. 



I do have a major change to report. I've heard from a number of people that the Wounded Warrior Project has just gotten too administratively out of control (marketing and staff costs) and I want the money that I donate to go directly to veterans. So, I have researched several recommendations and will make my three $500 donations to the following organizations:





As many of you know, I went to the Wounded Warrior Regiment-West location at Camp Pendleton in May to make a donation of $5200, including $3200 in donations and gift cards collected from my readers. One of the writers who visited here during the Salute to Veterans, Ann Mayburn, has a brother who is a Marine and is currently being treated at Wounded Warrior Regiment-East, so I will specify it go to the one at Parris Island. 


Here's the mission statement for this Marine Corps Command:


The United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment provides and enables assistance to wounded, ill and injured Marines, sailors attached to or in support of Marine units, and their family members in order to assist them as they return to duty or transition to civilian life. The Regimental headquarters element, located in Quantico, Va., commands the operations of two Wounded Warrior Battalions located at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., and multiple detachments in locations around the globe.
For more information about the Wounded Warrior Regiment contact the Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center 24/7 at 1-877-487-6299. Click here for more information about Wounded Warrior Battalion East orWounded Warrior Battalion West.





This is another veterans charity that the Marines at Parris Island recommended Ann share with me. I plan to specify that the money go to their Above & Beyond program. Here's a heartbreaking Video about one family involved in this organization. 



From their Web site: 

THE MISSION OF HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat 



http://www.houseinthewoods.org/ (NOT .com) 


I've e-mailed the director of this one and he was very forthcoming about their financial information. Their Web site could use a really good volunteer to help get it going, but I'm okay if they're spending their money on more important things, like hunting and fishing trips for veterans and their families! 

Here's their Mission Statement:

House in the Woods’ mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families by using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine to create comfortable and relaxing milieu for veterans, active duty military, and their families to come together to share their common challenges which come from the service and sacrifice of protecting our nation’s freedom and cherished democratic ideals.

I was impressed that so many members of their Board of Directors were family members of those who served and, in some cases, military personnel themselves.

Of course, this time around, all of the donations were from me, so I didn't feel as worried about changing my mind about where the money went, as long as I fulfilled the intent of the Veterans Day post and gave up to $1500, split between three donations in honor/memory of American veterans. 


Sadly, after supporting the WWP with thousands of dollars in donations since April 2012, I will probably not be giving monthly as an Advanced Guard in the WWP any longer. I know they started with the best of intentions, but sometimes organizations just outgrow their mission and lose focus on their primary objective. I know on the local level they will continue to do great things, but as far as giving to the national organization, I just don't see that as the best way to honor and support veterans. 

And I know there are many, many organizations doing great things for our veterans. These are just three. I'll post an update here with the comments chosen as random to have the donations made in the name/memory of their veteran heroes. So, check back in a week or so!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Be sure you thank our nation's military and the military of those serving alongside them from other nations as you enjoy your time with family, friends, and good food this week!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Salute to Veterans with Jayne Rylon

Welcome to Jayne Rylon! She tells us why she writes Military Romance.

Who can resist a military hero?  Strong, brave and self-sacrificing, they're made of yumminess.  Several of my favorite authors focus on military heroes.  Suzanne Brockmann is my all time fav and she does it so well I've always wanted to give it a try.  Though I've come close with my Men in Blue series, which does feature some ex-military guys, Burke Levine is my first veteran hero.  He won't be the last!  Plus, a little known fact about me... I used to work for the Department of Defense.  Okay, so I worked in their finance agency but still, I was constantly surrounded by veterans who had plenty of stories to tell.  I've always respected them and the sacrifices they made.  This was made even clearer to me when I traveled to France a few years ago.  Specifically, I went to Caen and Normandy to the D-day beaches.  I will never forget standing in the Amercian Cemetery there and turning around in a full circle.  There were white crosses as far as I could see in every direction.  More than anything I'd read in text books or seen in movies, that really hit home on the magnitude of that day and World War II in general.  I stood on the beaches and imagined what it was like that day, saw the "rolling hills" of the area which are really bomb craters covered in grass, and it became real to me in a way it never had before.  It definitely sparked my imagination and a desire to capture those qualities in my heroes.






Blurb:  

Part of the Midnight Ink Anthology.  One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 brand new stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!  Report for Booty by Jayne Rylon - When Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?

Buy links:



Jayne Rylon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the 2011 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. Her stories used to begin as daydreams in seemingly endless business meetings, but now she is a full time author, who employs the skills she learned in her straight-laced corporate existence in the business of writing. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband, who both inspires her fantasies and supports her career. When she can escape her purple office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky, and, of course, read.

Contact Links

Twitter: JayneRylon  
Newsletter Sign-Up:  http://bit.ly/Y523Db  
website: www.jaynerylon.com  


 Giveaway Information:

Jayne is giving away ARC of Report for Booty. Just fill out the rafflecopter and comment to enter.


Friday, November 15, 2013

Salute to Veterans with Ann Mayburn

Welcome Ann Mayburn. Ann's story is a bit different, she chose to talk about why she focused on PTSD in her book STILL. 

Here is her story...

The seeds for Michelle and Wyatt’s story were sown during a conversation I had with some fellow military wives about PTSD. They were dealing with everything from their husband being unable to ride in the passenger seat of the car because he thought everyone pulling up next to them might be a bomber, to another woman who had to learn how to sleep with every light in the house on the moment it got dark outside. And if a light burned out and they didn’t have a spare bulb, a major panic attack would ensue.
These were all things that we’d never even imagined we’d have to deal with in our role as a military spouse and it wasn’t just my group of friends. All over the US our men and women in uniform are coming home with an army of psychological demons in tow.
So, we got to talking about what we could possibly do to help them and one woman quipped that she’d just have to become a Dominatrix and whip his ass into shape because he only seemed to respond when she yelled at him. We all laughed, but later I kept thinking about what she said and the first chapter of Michelle and Wyatt’s story came to me that night.
While this story does have threads taken from real life events running through it, it is still a romance and in romance land a happily ever after is guaranteed. In the real world you have to make your own happily ever after, and it is fucking hard work. 
Kisses,

Ann- Sailor wife, Army daughter, Airforce granddaughter, and proud United States Marine Corp sister



Blurb 

Dr. Michelle Sapphire and Gunnery Sergeant Wyatt Callahan formed an unbreakable bond and an unacknowledged, forbidden attraction to each other while serving together in Afghanistan. Their lives are forever changed when a mortar attack grievously wounds Wyatt and Michelle brings him back from the brink of death. But when they both return to the civilian world, Michelle discovers that her rock-solid Marine is suffering from severe PTSD and may even be suicidal.

    Wyatt Callahan fell hard for the aristocratic blonde doctor the moment he laid eyes on her. After reentering civilian life in his hometown near Austin, Texas, Wyatt is plagued by nightmares of the death and suffering he witnessed during the war. He’d love to reach out to Michelle, but — Michelle is a Dominatrix, and she has made it very clear to Wyatt she isn’t interested in a relationship with anyone who doesn’t accept her lifestyle. An Alpha male to the core, he can't imagine the appeal of being submissive. At the same time, the idea of serving Michelle, of being everything she wants and needs, rings true in his wounded soul.

   Michelle has dark secrets of her own, and together with Wyatt she will have to battle her personal demons during their emotional journey of healing, redemption, and love.
Buy links
Amazon: 

B&N: 

All Romance: 

Smashwords: 

Kobo: 

Ebooks Eros: 



Bio

With over thirty published books, Ann is Queen of the Castle to her wonderful husband and three sons in the mountains of West Virginia. In her past lives she's been an Import Broker, a Communications Specialist, a US Navy Civilian Contractor, a Bartender/Waitress, and an actor at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. She also spent a summer touring with the Grateful Dead-though she will deny to her children that it ever happened.

From a young age she's been fascinated by myths and fairytales, and the romance that   often  was the center of the story. As Ann grew older and her hormones kicked in, she discovered trashy romance novels. Great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.

Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has accepted that her Muse has a severe case of ADD.


Giveaway Information:

Ann is giving away a 10$ Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter. Please fill out the rafflecopter below and comment telling me if you have any military family. Good Luck! 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Salute to Veterans with Desiree Holt

Next up! Desiree Holt. Thank you Desiree for visiting today.

Here is Desiree's answer to why she writes military romance.

I have always been fascinated with the military, with both its glamour and its discipline, with the dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform. I grew up in a small town in Maine that housed a strategic Air Command base on the outskirts, so it was part of my life for many years. My husband was a Marine, then joined the naval reserve, ended up serving two years in the Navy during the Korean War. I have two firearms instructors. One is former Delta Force, the other former Force Recon Marine. So there is almost no part of my life that hasn’t been touched by the military.

But even more than that, there is a thread of patriotism that runs really deep in my heart and I have the utmost admiration for the men and women who risk their lives to keep us free. Who protect us on a daily basis and who represent this country with dignity and grace. Sometimes under the most atrocious conditions you can imagine.

I have read Lone Survivor by SEAL Marcus Luttrell and American Sniper, the celebration of the life of fallen hero Chris Kyle. I cannot tell you how impressed I am by the bravery of the men in these books and their dedication to duty.

So when I think of heroes, of alpha males who also have respect for others, of romantic icons, I often look to the military. I want to share my feelings with others and bring them stories that will help them embrace the lives of these great men and women




Blurb:

For Faith and Mark, the telepathic connection they’d shared for years was nothing compared to the scorching physical connection they realized as adults. From the first moment they came together, erotic was too pale a word to describe their relationship. Together they explored each other’s deepest, darkest desires.

But now Mark, survivor of an ambush to his Delta Force team, is a prisoner of a terrorist group in the Peruvian jungle, and his telepathic communication with Faith is his only contact with the world. While she searches for help to save him, they survive on dreams that took them beyond all sexual boundaries.

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title ALWAYS ON MY MIND and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.


Excerpt:

The sun was a globe of fire creeping up in the sky, turning everything below it into an oven. It was barely nine o’clock in the morning yet Mark Halloran was sure the temperature was already close to triple digits. The humidity was as thick as a rainfall. The roar and grunt of the howler monkeys was already splitting the air as they leaped from tree to tree feasting on the canopy leaves.
               How the hell did people live in places like this?
              Or work in them.
             And this appeared to be a permanent camp, with tents, lean-tos and crude buildings. It also boasted a campfire pit and other amenities they wouldn’t have taken the time for in a transitory situation, unlike the temporary setup where the meeting had taken place. Where they’d been told the Wolf was going to meet with Escobedo’s group. A friend of a former Special Ops soldier Rick Latrobe’s, deep undercover with Escobedo’s group, had risked his life to get the message out that the Wolf was going to make a personal appearance. Unusual for him but this shipment was so large and involved so much money, Escobedo insisted.
               Not at his camp, however. Not even the Wolf would be privy to its location. A meeting place not far away was set up. For the Wolf it would be in and out. Just like that. He would arrive with the shipment, Escobedo would bring the money. As soon as both parties were satisfied with the goods, the transaction would take place and that would be that.
Mark had gone to his commanding office, Major John Gregorio, with the information. The major had passed it up the chain and the word had come down to act. The United States government had waited a very long time for a chance at the Wolf. To make it a two-fer upped the ante.
                A simple mission. Get in. Take out the bad guys. Get out. One less group of Al Qaeda plotters to worry about. And the arms dealer meeting with them. That was the key. That’s what he and his men had been told. It was a chance to clean out a viper’s nest and take out a key arms player at the same time.
               With the weakening of the Tupac Amaru terrorist group and the decline of Shining Path, Al Qaeda had been recruiting heavily and spending big money to rebuild Peru’s terrorist structure. Another foothold in South America for the promised Islamic world.
But someone had leaked the mission, Escobedo’s group was waiting for them and now most of his men were dead. After burning the bodies of Mark’s men they’d cleaned up every trace of what had taken place and moved, all of them including the Wolf, what Mark reckoned was about ten miles away.
                He grunted, trying to shift to a more comfortable position. The tent gave him little protection him from the ruthless sun and having his ankle chained to a stake barely two feet away severely restricted his movements. For maybe the thousandth time he wondered what had gone wrong and landed him in this abominable mess.
God, what a mess it had been. One minute they were finding their positions to take their shots, carefully hidden, the target painted. The next they were the targets instead. The noise of the AK47s still echoed in his ears, along with the stench of the blood of his dying men. They’d even gotten the comm guy they’d left at the insertion and extraction point with their gear.
                 He’d forced himself to look when they dragged the bodies into the center of the camp, piled them together and set them on fire. They stood watching with arrogant, evil grins on their faces, then opened bottles of whiskey to celebrate. Mark was sure it was a sight he’d never forget.
               He knew what they wanted—the name of the man who had betrayed them. They could kill him and very well might but the source had to be protected at all costs.
Yet as much as they tortured him, for sport and pleasure as well as information, there were things he hung onto that kept his sanity intact. For one thing, despite his wounds he kept himself alert and counted the bodies. One was missing, Joey Latrobe. The kid. The sniper. Rick’s brother, who’d brought them the information. Mark was convinced he wasn’t dead or they’d have found him. No, badly wounded or not, he’d found a way to hide from them. Now if Mark could only be sure he got away.
            Of course he had no idea what shape Joey was in, or even if he could give his rescuers, if there were any, information about the camp.
            But what gave him real strength was his connection to Faith. God. Beautiful Faith. The woman of his dreams. How stupid was he to walk away from what they could have to play soldier? No, not that. To defend his country. His sense of honor and patriotism was stronger than almost anything. But now, if he died here in this godforsaken hellhole, the only memory he’d have would be that long weekend they’d shared before he was deployed the first time.
             And the erotic dreams that came to wipe away the pain.
When he closed his eyes she was in his arms again, her lush body naked against his, her breasts pressing against his chest. His hands coasted over her satiny skin, fingertips exploring every dip and hollow.
          “It’s a good thing you aren’t around when I’m planning a mission,” he murmured, his lips against her throat. “I just look at you and my cock gets so big I’m afraid my pants won’t contain it.”
        Her laugh was throaty and musical, and her fingers drifted down to close around his thick erection. “Good. That’s the way I like it.”
        She moved her hand in a slow pumping motion and he groaned at the heat that rushed through him. Lowering his head he closed his lips over one taut nipple, pulling it into his mouth. It hardened even more at his touch and when he dragged his teeth over it lightly her grip on his cock tightened.
        “Easy.” He released the nipple and lapped around the edge of it. “We don’t want the dance to end when the music has just begun.”
        “Ah, but we can always dance again,” she reminded him.
        He tasted the skin in the valley between her breasts, doing his best to take control of the situation even as her fingers continued to stroke the hard, thick length of his cock. Light movements that teased him and heated his blood.

But then just being near her did that.

Buy Links:

Nook 



Known the world over as The Oldest Living Erotica Author, Desiree Holt proves every day that she is more than the sum of her years and more than the grandmother who plays with Barbie and Ken dolls: She is The Hardest Working Erotica Author, producing one novel or more each month—and sending her readers and reviewers into rhapsodies about her five star storytelling.

How did she become so prolific? She counts innumerable rich experiences in her long life, including years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client who interested her. Many did. Many became genuine characters whom she refashioned as heroes and heroines to live within the pages of her novels.

Her imagination does her proud. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award for best BDSM book of the year, winner of the Holt Medallion, multiple winner of the Whipped Cream Book of the Week Award and is published by five different houses. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today and numerous other national publications.

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

Learn more about her and read her novels here:
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
Twitter @desireeholt
Pinterest: desiree02holt
Also on LinkedIn and Google+

Giveaway Information:

Desiree is giving away a beautiful charm bracelet to one lucky commenter. Just fill out the rafflecopter and comment below and tell me...What is your favorite thing about military romance? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Salute to Veterans with Kennedy Layne

Now I want to welcome Author Kennedy Layne to the blog. Thank you Kennedy for joining the Salute to Veterans Event. Can you tell us why you write military romance? 


The story of how I started to write military romance is one that is dear to my heart.  You see, I met Kally at a convention and by happenstance; she had an extra slot on one of her special tours.  We started talking and a friendship formed.  She knew that I was a widow and a single mother.  Kally then told me of a special Marine that I just had to get to know (one that reminded her of ‘Master Adam’).  I wasn’t ready to meet someone and although he had said the same, Kally must have sprinkled her fairy godmother of love dust.  Within six months, we were engaged.  A year after that and we are happily married.  With him by my side, my life is complete, and it is only natural that I am drawn to write military romance. 

Thanks Kennedy! See, there are real life happily ever afters :) 


Blurb:

When former Marine, Connor Ortega, was ordered into the offices of Crest Security Agency on a Saturday morning, he didn’t expect the latest case to hit so close to home.  A submissive has been murdered in a particularly vicious manner and to bring her killer to justice, he must go undercover.  Not hard to do considering he’s already part of the BDSM lifestyle. 

Lauren Bailey, a local vendor of bejeweled erotic implements, lives vicariously through her clients due to her fear of bondage.  When Connor’s dominant side can’t resist trying to ease her anxieties, she accepts his proposal and agrees to his one stipulation…keep things casual.

When the killer sets his sights on Lauren, Connor is forced rethink their relationship.  He has the training it takes to catch a murderer, but does he have the courage to escape his inner demons and capture Lauren’s heart?

Buy link:  


First and foremost, I love life. I love that I'm a wife, mother, daughter, sister...and a writer. I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies. Thank you for having joined me on their journeys...

Contact links:  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kennedy.layne.94




Prize Info

An autographed copy of Captured Innocence [CSA Case Files 1], a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and Connor Ortega's dog tags that were used on the cover.

Fill out the rafflecopter and leave a comment telling me...Who was your first military romance author? If you can't remember, lol, then just tell me what military romance novels are your favorite. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Salute to Veterans Day with Cat Johnson, Delilah Devlin, JM Madden, & Sharon Hamilton

With me today for the Salute to Veterans event are 4 of the talented authors who are included in the box set 
UNIFORM DESIRES
Cat Johnson, Delilah Devlin, JM Madden, and Sharon Hamilton. 

They were each asked the question....

Why do you write Military Romance? 

Cat Johnson 

I initially began writing military romance because I enjoyed reading it. My motivation changed once I began to correspond regularly with active duty military. Now I write military romance because these heroes inspire me. I want to tell the stories of the boots on the ground--the tankers and infantrymen and wingers, even if it is a fictionalized spin on reality.

Delilah Devlin

First, I’d like to thank Kallypso for hosting this event! It means a lot to me, personally, that people take the time to salute our veterans. After all, I am one.

I won’t say when I served—a girl likes to maintain certain secrets (her age, the number of lovers she’s had, her jeans size...)—but I did serve fourteen years in the Regular Army and another seven in the National Guard. Which, I suppose, makes it strange that I have written so few military-related stories. I was a communications officer and was assigned to posts in Germany and the Middle East. I’m a veteran based on the months I spent in the Middle East during the Gulf War. If ever you want to hear some very funny tales, buy me a drink or a cup of coffee and I’ll tell you all about them, but I prefer not to write about them. Strange, I know.

The story I wrote for the boxed set of military-themed stories, Uniform Desires, has an ex-marine hero who’s still serving his country, but from inside the DEA. And he’s still very much a hero while he does his best to keep the heroine and himself alive while they run from some very pissed-off and well-armed criminals.

While I don’t write many military-themed stories, I do draw on my memories of the men I served with to make my heroes as real as I can. They aren’t perfect men and don’t always make the right moves or decisions, but they will lay everything on the line for what they believe and for the people they love.

JM Madden

Well, I had the idea of writing vets for a long time, and a lot of it was sparked by newspaper articles and blog posts about soldiers being left behind by their significant others. That truly broke my heart. These men (and women) were going out and waging war, then coming home to empty houses. Some of those soldiers had been ‘combat modified’, and their families just couldn’t cope with the way of life they were suddenly thrust into. So, many of them walked out, leaving their injured spouses behind. It just seemed so wrong.

Several years before that, a relative cheated on her husband while he was on a year-long deployment to Iraq, and my sense of outrage just boiled over.

It took me years to start the series, though, because I didn’t feel like I would do the men justice, and I needed to. I couldn’t go out with a half-assed story, so I dug my heels in and made it the very best series it could be.

So far, I think I’ve accomplished that. I get so many letters and emails from people who have been touched by my Marines, and that is truly the greatest pay-off an author can receive; recognition from the readers that they’ve been affected by our words. It’s what I strive for in every book I put out.

My men are not ‘fixed’ by the end of the book. They will still be in a wheelchair and they’ll still walk with limps, talk with stutters, struggle with day-to-day tasks, but they will have found a partner in the struggle.

Every life challenge is better faced with a significant other, right? And love? Always love…

Sharon Hamilton 

I started writing Navy SEAL Romances when I first sat down with a bunch of young recruits who had just made it through Hell Week. They were hunched over, walking like crab-like creatures, arms and legs spread out due to the chafing from wearing clothes, including boots and socks without changing for 6 days straight. And, although they hadn't had more than 45 minutes of rest during those 6 days, they were hungry as Hell.


I looked at those boys, some of whom actually had broken limbs and bloody wounds, a couple of black eyes and bald spots on the tops of their heads from carrying those rubber boats, and what I saw there was courage and determination unlike I had ever seen before. You don't get to be a SEAL by being a sissy or doing it the easy way. And that's why their motto is "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday."


Six New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors combine their love of hot military romance, weaving tales of super alpha heroes and the women who love them. They love hard. They love intensely, like everything else in life they do. This is intended as a toe-curling, knee-wobbling read not for the faint of heart as we learn about heroes who put their lives on the line every day.Infatuation by USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder
To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty

SEAL's Honor by award-winning author Elle James
Two Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot

SEAL the Deal by national bestselling author Sharon Hamilton
A SEAL's nightmare of a promise given at his sister's deathbed gives him the woman of his dreams

Dangerous Liaison by national bestselling author Delilah Devlin
A pampered travel agent escapes through the jungle with an undercover DEA agent when a drug lord mistakes her for a rival's daughter

Her Forever Hero by bestselling author JM Madden
When the boss's pregnant, unwed daughter needs rescuing, disabled Marine Grafton Parks proves he's still a hero

Cinderella Liberty by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson
A weekend liberty leads to unexpected passion between a Marine and his best friend's sister, but he must survive seven months in Afghanistan to get back to her


Cat Johnson

Cat Johnson is a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author writing contemporary romance in genres including military and cowboy.  A self-proclaimed promo 'ho, she is known for her creative marketing and research practices. Consequently, Cat has sponsored bull riding rodeo cowboys, owns an entire collection of cowboy boots and camouflage shoes for book signings and a fair number of her consultants wear combat or cowboy boots for a living. She writes both full length and shorter works and is currently contracted with Kensington and Samhain.




Contact Links:

Delilah Devlin
Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred twenty stories with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Montlake Romance, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. Read more about Delilah at www.delilahdevlin.com.


JM Madden
Terminally addicted to romances, thanks to finding her aunt's stash of 'Harlequin Presents' years ago during a sleepover, J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories. Most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, trying to perfect her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde, and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time now. She always has several projects in the works and loves to hear from readers.

Contact JM-
Twitter- @authorjmmadden

Sharon Hamilton
Sharon’s award-winning almost-erotic Navy SEAL stories of the SEAL Brotherhood, have consistently made best sellers lists and review sites. Her characters follow a spicy road to redemption through passion and true love.

Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you’ve read before, since they don’t have to go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun.
Her Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won’t find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.

She lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband, and two Dobermans. A lifelong organic gardener, when she’s not writing, she’s getting vera vera dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers..

Contact Links:


Contest Information:

For this giveaway we have 4 separate winners. Just fill out the rafflecopter AND comment below and tell us if you know of someone who is or has been in the military and what branch of the military there served in. First names only please for confidentiality reasons.