If Wishes Were Kisses is a "Book of the Week"...

You can read all about it (including an excerpt and author interview) HERE. And while you're there, please check out the great books by my fellow authors. This is a wonderful new site and well worth a look. Thanks! :)

Sylver demanded a new cover for this story, and here's the result! I hope he's happy now.

Just released! - ROMANCE Fantasy, Food, and Fortune Telling

Three different works in one quirky collection--three different roads, but they all lead to romance! Start off with a fantasy love story, then move on to romantic recipes, and finish with a divination “dating game” that beats the heck out of playing doctor.

Within this collection, you’ll find: If Wishes Were Kisses (the merry tale of Maid Tansy and Rowan the Rake), plus Spice Up Your Love Life (Aphrodisiacs from the Kitchen), and The Naughty Girl’s Guide to Divining by the Dots (Fortune telling for fun and romance).

All three titles are also available separately, but by buying them together in one volume, you get 33% OFF the regular price. A great package at a great savings, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you need some love and laughter in your life.

Price: $1.99
Available NOW at KINDLE and Smashwords

Coming soon to B&N, Apple, Sony, Kobo, and Diesel...
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CHECK IT OUT...

I discovered a great new site today HERE. It's for readers and authors, and it looks really good, so I'm passing the word. You might want to sign up for their newsletter. I did! :-)

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January Contest -- Happy New Year!

The prize is a beautiful bracelet handcrafted from genuine cultured pearls and Czech crystal. To enter, just send an email to: mimiriser[at]gmail[dot]com telling me what Sylver believes in that Hunter does not. You'll find the answer in the excerpt for White Wolf Christmas HERE on this blog. I'll announce the winner the first week of February. :-)

Celebrate the New Year with a party at TRS

Lots of authors, excerpts, and prizes - and the grand prize is a NOOK. Join the fun at The Romance Studio party site this week, January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th! :-)

A brand NEW Sylver & Steele story - White Wolf Christmas - M/M romance

Just released! Holiday magic and mayhem from the Sylver & Steele series...

White Wolf Christmas
Only 99 cents at:
KINDLE, B&N, Smashwords, Apple, Sony, Kobo, and Diesel

A simple rescue mission turns deadly when cross-dressing werewolf Sylver Starr and his cat-shifter mate Hunter Steele teleport to Alaska on Christmas Eve to save a polar bear family from poachers, and get stranded on the ice, with an arctic storm blowing in. No way out, no shelter... no hope. This looks like the end of the line for our heroes. Shapeshifters are tough but not impervious to freezing. Unless a miracle happens, they'll be popsicles soon. Then again, aren't miracles what Christmas is all about?

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EXCERPT:

’Tis the night before Christmas,
And all through the house,
Strains of magical music
Clash with laughter from my spouse.

That would be Hunter Steele, multibillionaire, corporate king, and general pain in the ass. The love of my life and bane of my existence, bless his heart.

He’s also the founder and chief of a covert organization called Earth Guardians, Inc., and I’m one of his secret agents. But we won’t discuss that, because it’s the holidays, damn it, and we’re supposed to be on vacation. I’ve declared a moratorium on all business talk until after New Year’s. So there.

Most of all, Hunter is a cat-shifter.

And I’m a werewolf.

So we’re often at odds, being opposite breeds. Still, I can’t imagine what he finds so amusing right now. Certainly not my Sugar Plum Fairy costume. What else should I be wearing while listening to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet? I mean, you have to expect this sort of thing when you marry a drag queen. Which I am.

In any case, Hunter has seen me in this glitter-frosted tutu before. I wear it every December 24th. It’s one of my Yuletide rituals. Just like hanging our stockings by the chimney with care, and setting out a snack for Santa Claus. When I was little, growing up poor in rural West Texas, sometimes all I could leave him was a graham cracker, but I’ve made up for that scanty fare since then. This year I’ve set out a big plate of lasagna with a nice Chianti on the side.

I hope Santa likes Italian.

“I hope you won’t be too disappointed when it’s still there in the morning...” Hunter almost chokes on his guffaws.

Unfortunately, he recovers.

“...because I don’t intend to eat all that,” he finishes.

Notice, if you will, how he just shamelessly read my mind (yet rarely allows me access to his, I might add). All shapeshifters are natural telepaths, but Hunter abuses the talent, if you ask me--not that he ever does.

I roll my eyes at him. “You’re not supposed to eat it. It’s for Santa Claus.”

Now I need a treat for the reindeer. Mustn’t forget them!

Wafted along by The Nutcracker’s “Waltz of the Flowers,” on the points of my toe shoes, I dance toward the door to the kitchen to see what I can find. Carrots, perhaps? Shredded wheat? Apple strudel?

A hand on my shoulder halts me in mid pirouette. Hunter’s amber eyes gleam into mine. His lips twitch. He’s trying to suppress his laughter. But not very hard.

“Sylver, I hate to be the one to tell you this,” he says, “but you’re a big boy now, and it’s time you faced the truth. There is no Santa Claus.”

“What?”

Such sacrilege! And on Christmas Eve, too. I gasp in horror.

“He’s a myth,” Hunter persists.

“You better not let Santa hear you say that,” I warn. “Do you want coal in your stocking?”

We go through this every year, actually. Hunter thinks it’s way silly of me to believe in Santa Claus, and I think it’s even sillier of him not to. After all, werewolves have been called a myth, too, but I’m pretty sure I exist. So do vampires, fairies, cat-shifters (hint, hint)... Hell, there’s a whole intricate subculture of magical creatures living hidden among humanity.

“But no fat old men who deliver gifts down chimneys. I’m the one who fills our Christmas stockings, you idiot!”

Really? Damn. I guess that explains what I found in my stocking last year. A red and white striped dildo that plays “Jingle Bells.” I had wondered about that one. We all know, of course, that Santa Claus makes toys--but probably not that kind.

Whatever. I still believe in him. Just because Hunter fills our stockings is no proof that Santa doesn’t fill others, right?

“Wrong,” Hunter answers the thought.

I did mention he’s a pain in the ass, didn’t I?

“I thought you liked me in your ass,” he purrs, leaning in close, suddenly going sexy on me. Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Tantalizing, with a face to die for, and a body to match.

“What do you mean ‘suddenly’?” His eyes narrow to smoky slits. A wicked grin curls his lips. “I’m always sexy.”

Um... He has a point, you know. Hunter, even at his worst, can melt your underwear with a single glance. Nearly naked, he’s a heart attack waiting to happen.

I didn’t mention that part, did I, that he’s wearing nothing but red silk boxer shorts?

Very festive.

He also knows we’ve reached a stalemate in the Santa debate, so he’s trying to change the subject to hot holiday humping...

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Recommended Read! 365 Ways To Raise Your Frequency by Melissa Alvarez

From time to time, I like to recommend books I've read and found especially inspiring. This is one of them. A wonderful, insightful work by a very talented author!

365 Ways To Raise Your Frequency
by Melissa Alvarez
Published by Llewellyn Worldwide

NOW SHIPPING AT AMAZON.COM

About the book:
Are You Ready to Raise Your Frequency?

Now, more than ever before, as the world becomes more Spiritually Enlightened, it is time to connect with your True Soul Essence, become Spiritually Self-Empowered, and Raise your Frequency.

Use The Simple Tools in 365 Ways to Raise Your Frequency to Increase Your Spiritual Energy for Balance, Purpose, and Joy! Filled with practical advice and easy to use methods!

The soul’s vibrational rate, our spiritual frequency, has a huge impact on our lives. As it increases, so does our capacity to calm the mind, connect with angels and spirit guides, find joy and enlightenment, and achieve what we want in life.

This simple and inspiring guide makes it easy to elevate your spiritual frequency every day. Choose from a variety of ordinary activities, such as singing and cooking. Practice visualization exercises and techniques for reducing negativity, manifesting abundance, tapping into Universal Energy, and connecting with your higher self. Discover how generous actions and a positive attitude can make a difference. You’ll also find long-term projects and guidance for boosting your spiritual energy to new heights over a lifetime.

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R-excerpt from "Can't Fight the Feeling"...

From crazy conflicts in outer space to the dangers of a dark fantasy fortress and the splendor of medieval Byzantium, hot-blooded heroes and heroines fight aliens, demons, and each other... but discover no one can fight falling in love.

Can't Fight the Feeling
Published by Amber Quill Press
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-854-7
Cover by Trace Edward Zaber
URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/CantFightFeeling.html

Previously available only in electronic format, these stories of erotic romance have now been combined for a paperback edition. Included are the tales:

Samantha White and the Seven Dwarves
Winner in the Amber Heat Wave Contest

Abducted by aliens and facing sex-training from the deadly delicious Deuce, a lonely woman battles to hang on to her wits and her heart. Little does she realize she and Deuce will soon join forces in the wildest escape plan two naked people tied into one weird chair have ever risked. If they succeed, an even bigger plan awaits them. If not... well, at least they’ll die smiling.

Dungeons & Dirty Dreams
Welcome to the dungeons of Fortress Forlorne, where the action is down and dirty. And so are the desires. Let the games begin...

Jeff Connors is such a dreamer. On the outside, he looks like Khondor the Barbarian. Inside, he wishes he really were the warrior-wizard character he created for the fantasy game he plays with his old friend Lacey. Too old of a friend, Lacey thinks. All she wishes is that Jeff wasn’t nine years her junior. If it weren’t for the age factor, she’d jump his luscious bod and live out a few fantasies of her own. Impossible, of course. Or is it? When a wacky fairy godmother slam-dunks Lacey and Jeff into the dark and dangerous game world they invented, they might get their wishes. Unless, the monsters and demons get them first...

Cymric’s Rose
From Constantinople to Sherwood...sparks fly and passions rage when a Saxon earl tries to tame a strong-willed Byzantine beauty...

Cymric of Hunterdon is no saint, yet he does believe in discretion and discipline--two qualities the wayward “Black Rose” seems not to understand. What noblewoman in her right mind would dare play the harlot at a scandalous orgy, then attack the brave lord who wishes to save her honor? Truly this rose is most fair, but she has wickedly sharp thorns. The lady needs a good pruning. And Cymric is just the man to give it to her...

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All three stories are also available singly as ebooks at the below URLs:
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/SamanthaWhite.html

http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/DungeonsDirtyDreams.html

http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/CymricsRose.html

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EXCERPT (from Samantha White & the Seven Dwarves):

...The console hissed and crackled, shooting sparks everywhere.

"Ouch!" Sam leapt back as the glittering spray stung bare flesh. Too much bare flesh. Breasts, stomach, thighs... Gulp. She looked down at herself and blanched. It seemed that when the aliens had beamed her up, they'd neglected to beam her clothes along, too.

"I'm naked!" she screeched.

"Mmm, yes, I noticed."

The murmur came from behind her. A deep husky purr of a voice that stroked over her like crushed velvet, making her skin flush. Choking on her own breath, she spun about to confront it--

And nearly swallowed her tongue.

What the... That couldn't possibly be who it looked like.

The voice came out of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Well, someone dressed like Hamlet, in an all-black medieval-style doublet, shirt and hose, and with sleek black hair capping his head. But he was built like a Greek god, tall, tan and muscular, handsome as the devil and looking infinitely more sinful. A man rippling with power, radiating raw sex.

Sam's mouth went dry. Switch the doublet to a dinner jacket and this guy might have stepped straight out of her wildest fantasies--or her video collection, which amounted to the same thing. She adored old movies and the actors who'd starred in them, and here stood her all-time favorite. All he needed was a martini, a gun, and a mission to save the world.

"Now I know I'm nuts," she rasped out.

The man grinned, sending a hot shiver down her spine.

"Oh, no, not nuts," he corrected, and his gaze lowered to her nipples. "More like fruit, I'd say. Strawberries, in particular."

"Blimey, it's a good thing Notto didn't hear that," one of the aliens muttered.

Why? Who the hell knew?

The man ignored the interruption, all his attention on Sam's chest. "They're such a deep, dusky pink when ripe--one of your planet's great delicacies, I think. So firm yet juicy, strawberries. So tender and sweet." He licked his lips. "One wants to savor them slowly, to roll them around on the tongue and suck and suck and--"

"I get the message!" So did her strawberries, which were now tingling and puckered into hard peaks.

"I doubt it. But you will." He punctuated the promise with another grin, and Sam went damp between the legs.

She knocked her knees together and clutched her arms over her breasts as his gaze raked down her body, then up to her face.

"You've turned out quite nicely," he told her, something in his tone making her back hairs prickle. "A near perfect duplicate. Isn't that right, lads?" He glanced around at the dwarves.

The blue one yawned. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, guv'na."

"Ain't my type, but what the crap do I know? You're the prince's man. I'm just contract labor," Xotto the green grumbled.

Red Totto and turquoise Vrotto grunted noncommittally. The purple one scratched under his arm and the orange one let out a loud belch. The yellow one seemed to have fallen asleep. He was slouched over his console, snoring.

The hunk in black shook his head and sighed. "Pay them no heed, love. Absolutely clueless, the lot of them--wouldn't know a quality clone if it bit them in the ass."

Sam's stomach knotted. Clone? She didn't like the sound of that.

"Trust me, with the proper schooling, you'll do splendidly," the man added.

Schooling? She liked the sound of that even less. The knot in her stomach tightened and she hugged herself harder.

"What are you talking about? What's going on here?" The demand came out in a dry croak, pathetic. She swallowed and tried again. "Who the hell are you?" That sounded like a mouse with a sore throat. Not much of an improvement, but the best she could manage.

Dreamboy looked nothing but amused. "Ah, yes, how rude of me. My apologies. Allow me to introduce us..." With a fluid flourish, he swept out his arm, indicating the crew one by one. "These are the Harvesters: Jotto, Xotto, Vrotto, Totto, Flotto, Notto, and Bleggh."

"Bleggh?" Sam blinked at the orange haired dwarf. He gave her a big, toothy smile and rumbled out another resonant belch.

"Sorry," the man said. "He does that a lot, I'm afraid."

"It's all them Betelgeuse beans he eats," green Xotto explained (as though anyone cared).

"At least his burps is better'n his farts," Flotto of the pulsating purple hair groused.

"Phewy." Jotto of the blinding blue held his nose. "You can say that again."

"At least his burps is--"

Jotto slapped Flotto in the head. "I didn't mean literally, you bleedin' idiot."

Mystery man heaved a long-suffering sigh. "You see what I have to put up with?" he said to Sam. "But to finish the introductions..." He dipped a short bow from the waist. "I, my lovely one, am Deuce, your trainer."

"T-trainer?" She liked the sound of that the least of all. Panic prickled over her, icy chills mixed with escalating heat. Her thighs quivered with the effort to keep her legs under her. Her voice quivered more. "Trainer for wh-what?"

"Sex," he said. A sudden fire in his eyes almost melted her where she stood.

Oh, God... She did have to ask, didn't she? Her breath whooshed out in a ragged gasp and her knees buckled.

"Careful." Strong hands gripped her waist to hold her upright--hot hands, scorching her skin, while the gleam in his dark eyes sizzled straight into her core. "You're not going to faint, are you?"

Um...she was seriously considering it. "Would it help me any if I did?"

"Probably not." Deuce chuckled. "But I could have all kinds of fun reviving you."

Yeah, that's what she'd figured. Help...

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Another new release: The Kitchen Witch Yuletide Book

A holiday "fruitcake" of facts, fun, and food. Recipes and tales for the Yuletide season. Includes sweet treats and saucy trivia, heartwarming memories and magical lore. Delightful reading and delicious eating for the merriest time of the year.

Available at:
Smashwords - http://smashwords.com/b/105901
and KINDLE - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006963NW6

And only $0.99

Happy Holidays :)

New release (M/M): My Big Fat SX-File Wedding (PG-excerpt)...

A brand new Sylver & Steele story...
Published by Amber Quill Press
URL: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/MyBigFatWedding.html

BLURB:
A cross-dressing werewolf and a billionaire cat-shifter. How the heck did such a mismatched pair ever get together in the first place? If you’ve been pondering that question, here’s the answer at last, in naughty and naked detail--the complete, behind-the-scenes story of how werewolf Sylver Starr met and married cat-shifter Hunter Steele! Before the wedding, however, they’ll have to save the world from impending doom. As usual.

If you haven’t yet read a Sylver & Steele story, this is a great one to start with. And if you have been following our heroes’ adventures, you definitely don’t want to miss MY BIG FAT SX-FILE WEDDING!

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EXCERPT:

Ever been abducted by aliens?

Me neither--despite what a certain secret agency’s secret files say on the matter. The report in those files was written by one who had reason to fudge the facts. Hunter Steele.

The Hunter Steele.

You’ve heard of him, I’m sure, but I hadn’t until that night. Hunter fudged a lot back then. Celebrities leading a double life often do. And Hunter was more celebrated than most. He also had more to hide--and I don’t mean just the afore mentioned secret agency, Earth Guardians, Inc., which he runs on the sly.

Publicly, Hunter plays the sexy, savvy corporate king ruling a business empire that spans the globe. His conquests have been many, in and out of the boardroom. He radiates power and sensual charm. Super Stud on a gold platter.

Some years ago, as a billionaire bachelor with lethal good looks, he could’ve had any woman he wanted. And did. The problem was he didn’t really want them. So I honestly can’t say I was sorry I ruined his “wolf” image for him. Neither was he. Eventually. In any case, I’m the wolf.

All of which brings me back to my original point.

Hunter was the one who got abducted. I just tagged along for the flying saucer ride, a passenger, not a prisoner. Though in the end, I suppose, I was as trapped as he. Hunter and I were both caught fast by forces beyond our control. But those forces weren’t alien.

The aliens, for the most part, turned out to be okay guys--as opposed to King Hunter who was a royal pain in the ass. He always is, but I wasn’t as used to it then as I am now.

It was our first adventure together, and neither of us guessed where it would lead. All things considered, how could anyone have guessed? Oh yeah, Hunter shocked the world when he burst out of the closet to marry Sylver Starr. A drag queen.

Me.

And here now is the real story of how it happened. File it under SX, for Super and eXtraordinary. Or maybe we should add an “e” between the letters... That would work, too.

Think about it...

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Thought for the day...

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.
By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world."

~Robert Louis Stevenson~

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