I’ll be back later with the names of the winners of my Friday Fireworks contest! In the meantime…

It’s double the trouble when two ornery cowboys come courtin’, Texas-style…

Sam Logan’s hell-raising twin sons have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. All of it earned. When it becomes clear those two troublemakers won’t settle down without another nudge—make that a boot to their butts—Sam reissues his challenge. Find a wife.

There’s only one woman who’s ever held Mace and Jason Logan’s attention for more than one night. Molly Pritchet, their former teacher. She’s been too worried about a pesky morals clause to let them close, but they’re older now and ready to prove to her that some rules are meant to be broken.

Molly thought her path was clear: always a teacher, never a mother or a wife. Until she finds those two Logan “boys” in her backyard, all grown up and digging around in her business. More accurately, starting her koi pond for her without asking. Well, it’s about time someone taught the Logan twins some manners.

A little mud, a lot of yearnings she thought she’d suppressed, and Molly realizes she’s the one being schooled in the art of indulging in forbidden desires.

Warnings: Two hot-as-sin twins romance their former high school teacher. Things are bound to get down and dirty quick as two bad boys tag team to sweep one curvy, sexy woman off her feet.

I wrote a sexy, hawt joyride for you. If you read it, there are a couple of things y’all can do for me—if you have the time and inclination.

1) “Like” and “tag” the book.
2) Post a review. Let another reader know whether you consider the book to be worth their time and money. (Remember, it’s cheap! :mrgreen:).
3) Okay, one more than a couple! Tell someone about it.

I appreciate all your support. It’s what makes it possible for me to stay writing!

You can find Two Wild at these places:
Samhain Publishing
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
iTunes

Remember, this is the last day for you to enter the Friday Fireworks contest and to qualify to win one of three free downloads I’m offering! Details are in Friday’s post! ~DD

Two Wild for Teacher will be available for purchase tomorrow! But you can pre-order it now so that the moment it comes available, it will be yours! In the meantime, here’s a little snippet…

Mace’s hand shook just a little as it closed around her chilled fingers. He couldn’t believe he was here. That she’d touched him willingly. His body still burned everywhere she’d laid her hand. His cock felt ready to burst after the way she’d calmly, methodically, stroked away the dirt.

It had felt almost like a baptism. All sins washed away. He felt lighter of heart and intent. Happy in way that he hadn’t been in a long time.

Molly Pritchet had always been a goddess on a pedestal. A sweet-faced woman with sharp eyes and a sharp tongue. He’d felt the sting often enough, he’d known she didn’t think of him as more than an ornery boy, and yet moments ago, she’d handled him like she might a man she admired.

Something inside him melted. He wanted to be worthy. Standing naked as a jaybird beside her, he wanted her to never question her decision, to never regret she was about to lie down with him.

Unable to resist, he tugged her close and folded her against his chest. Their first intimate touch was a hug. Skin to skin. Heartbeats mating, matching rhythms, slowing to a steady, heavy thrum. “Ma’am, I’d really like to lay you down in that pretty bed of yours,” he said softly.

With droplets of water shining like diamonds on her skin, she leaned back her head to smile up at him. “I have no objections, sir.”

Her eyes blinked dreamily at him, and his chest expanded. He tugged her hand again and pulled her toward the glass doors. Once inside, with the AC prickling their damp skin, he headed straight for the staircase, halting at the bottom step because she’d lagged, her head turning to Jason.

“You’re going to watch my ass all the way up those steps, aren’t you?”

Jason grinned. “Sure am.”

Molly’s brows furrowed.

Mace grunted, bent quickly, and swept her into his arms. Problem solved.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders. “You aren’t going to carry me up. Your back!”

“Don’t you worry about either of our backs. We’re strong, Molly. We can handle you.”

Her eyes widened.

“I’m not sayin’ we have to be strong, just that you don’t have to worry. You feel just right,” he said, giving her a bounce to prove to her she was safe in his arms.

She relaxed, sighing. “I’ve never been carried by a man.”

“There’s gonna be lots of firsts, sugar. Just you wait.”

I didn’t come to GLBT erotica first, but I’ve embraced it! For those authors looking to give it a try, read on…

From Adrienne Benedicks of the Erotica Readers & Writers Association:

Erotica has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to carving out niches for the “sexual outlaws” which is what GLBT folk were thought of, and are still considered to be, by much of mainstream society. GLBT erotica is a genre to be reckoned with.

ERWA will help interested authors with two GLBT “Live Chats with the Pros.” Delilah Devlin and M Christian will be on hand to answer questions, offer advice, and exchange ideas with authors of GLBT erotica. Whether you’re penning your first gay fiction, or are a spicy-seasoned pro, don’t miss these opportunities.

1) Delilah Devlin will host a live chat Thursday, June 7th, at 8:00pm EST, (5:00pm PST; 1:00am GMT).
Delilah Devlin is a prolific and award-winning author of erotica with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing deliciously edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over 100 erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths. She is published by Avon, Black Lace, Kensington, Harlequin, Atria/Strebor, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Berkley. If you want to know how to do the deed, Delilah is the lady to talk to. This is your chance to chat live with her.

2) M. Christian will host a live chat Saturday, June16th, at 3:00pm EST (12 noon PST; 8:00pm GMT).
M. Christian, associate publisher for Renaissance E Books (which includes Sizzler Editions), is an acknowledged master of erotica with more than 400 stories in such anthologies as Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, and Best Bisexual Erotica, Best Fetish Erotica. If you want to know what GLBT editors want (and don’t want) and how to make your submissions stand out, M. Christian will be happy to answer your questions.
How to find the chat? ERWA chats are held on the ShadowWorld chat server, channel, #erachat. Follow the link. On screen you’ll see ‘Connect o ShadowWorld IRC’. In the Nickname box, key in your name. Leave the channels box at #ERAChat, and click ‘Connect’. A chat text box will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Mark your calendars! See you there…

Don’t forget about the Kindle Fire that’s up for grabs! See yesterday’s post!

* * * * *

Sometimes, a man needs a little nudge to get moving in the right direction. The Logan brothers are lucky that nudge came from their father, Sam Logan. In both A Four-Gone Conclusion and Two Wild for Teacher (coming May 29th!), he’s the instigator. See how it worked in the first book of the “duology”, then get ready for another dose of Sam’s wisdom next Tuesday!

“A FOUR-GONE CONCLUSION is a prime example on how a novella should be written; fast and fun, touching characters that pull you in and a story that is completely fulfilling.” 4.5 Cherries, Long and Short Reviews

One devilish night…or a chance at heaven?

Sam Logan’s foster sons have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. Most of it earned. When it becomes clear they don’t plan on giving up scootin’ after ever pretty pair of boots in town anytime soon, he issues the one thing he knows they can’t resist: a challenge. Find a wife.

The oldest, Johnny, is actually grateful. He’s had his eye on Mean Ellie Harker for a long time, and Sam’s challenge is the kick in the pants he needed to ask her out. Except before he can make his move, his brothers kidnap her right out from under his nose. Now, instead of being one question away from victory, he has to compete for the woman of his dreams.

Ellie thought she’d be a dried up old spinster before Johnny finally untangled his tongue long enough to ask for a date. But instead of teaching him better uses for that tongue, his brothers have whisked her away to the ranch. At first she’s furious…then intrigued when she starts to wonder what it might be like…

Warning: Four handsome cowboys. Four choices. Would it be a single sordid night or a chance at heaven as she savors every luscious inch of the Logan brothers?

(Don’t miss details of my Memorial Day Weekend give-away at the bottom of this post! ~DD)

My Question:

What is the name of Lissa’s free read? (Hint: Check out her ‘books’ at lissamatthews.com )

The Prize:

Kindle Fire

Contest Rules:

10 Authors. 10 Questions. 10 Easy Answers.

You will go from blog to blog gathering questions about each author. There will be a hint and a link that will lead you to the answer.

In order to be entered to win the big prize, a Kindle Fire, you will need to send your answers to Brandy at bray829@gmail.com SUBJECT: Friday Fireworks

You must include all 10 questions with answers.

Winner of the big prize will be drawn and announced on Heather Long’s blog. Any prizes offered individually on the author’s page will be taken care of by that author.

You have until Midnight on Memorial Day to send in your answers!

Participating Authors:

Heather Long
Virginia Nelson
Melissa Schroeder
Saranna DeWylde
Lissa Matthews
Jenn LeBlanc
Wendi Zwaduk
Kris Cook
Missy Jane

For this weekend only, I’ll choose three lucky winners who will recieve their choice of one currently available Lone Star Lovers book! So comment away, and be sure to enter the Friday Fireworks contest too!

Memorial day memories

I’ve always looked forward to Memorial Day. I was a Navy brat and we would have the best celebrations with my Dad, and his friends. I loved listening to their stories about the submarine they were assigned to, and all the exciting places they visited. I had strict Military values instilled on me at an early age. I was taught to respect, and give thanks to anyone who served our country.

Ever since 9/11 I have seen many changes in our military, but the one that is nearest to my heart is how we back our Military men and women more than ever. We  openly acknowledge what they do for us by stopping and thanking them for their service. Our country is a safer place because of the sacrifices they have made.

I understand what they have had to give up because It has always been a part of my life from a young Navy brat to a Navy wife, and now a military mom. I have three in the service, my two sons serve our Navy and my daughter is part of the Marines. As a Mother I have had many sleepless nights. My children have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and my oldest son was a Diplomat working with the North Koreans during their time of aggression. I am very proud of them and it warms my heart when I see a stranger salute them as they walk by.

I’m sure you can see why Romanatic Suspense is my favorite genre to read, and the one I write. The Seals, Special Ops men and our government agents have always fascinated me. I love the intrigue and mystery during a mission and how every move they make affects their family and team.

In my Guardians of Hope series you follow a group of men made up of FBI Agents, Navy Seals and Special Ops  working together to track down a ring of gun smugglers and drug manufacturers who threaten our freedom and the safety of our families here at home.

To be released late 2012, early 2013 through Black Opal Book, Rescued from the Dark:

What if you woke up from a nightmare, trapped in a world of darkness, with no memory of how you got there?  Rescued from the Dark is a passionate, gripping story about  FBI agent, Jason Michaels, confronting his duty to his country, and struggling with his feelings for a woman with no memory of  their love.

Undercover Agent, Jason Michaels, infiltrates the terrorist cell and risks everything, even his life, to save the FBI intern who stole his heart, then walked away. Once Mercy wakes from her coma Jason struggles with the fact that she does not remember what happened, but anguishes with the idea that she believes their unborn child belongs to her ex. Jason soon realizes the terrorists vow to get her back to claim their secrets locked in her memory, no matter what the cost. In a race against time, Jason and Mercy struggle to fight their attraction, and put their differences aside, as they launch a manhunt to save their country and each other.

For more information and sneak peaks into my books visit me at:

Website:    www.lyndakayefrazier.com
Blog:    https://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com
Twitter: Lynda_kaye
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-Kaye-Frazier/189048967838229

See posting just beneath this to learn who won the latest contest
and what’s up for grabs with the brand new contest! ~DD

Branding and Sub-genres in the Romance World

I’m fairly new to this writing business, and I’ve been treating the entire thing as a game. But it’s a game that I take seriously, and one that I’d like to win. My playfulness has made me eager to experiment with different genres and sub-genres, but my desire for victory has kept me conscious of the importance of developing an author ‘brand’. The two approaches initially seemed like they were in conflict with each other, but I’ve lately been thinking (and hoping) that maybe they aren’t.

In writing terms, ‘branding’ means that a reader should know what to expect from an author. We are taught to develop name recognition by giving the reader a recognizable product in each book. Superstars like Stephen King or JK Rowling may try branching out from their original genre, but for most authors, it’s expected that we will be more consistent.

For romance writers, it’s often not considered enough that we limit ourselves to romance; we’re frequently expected to stick to a specific sub-genre as well. When I feel like a good contemporary with interesting characters and a touch of humour, I look for Dani Alexander; if I want something a bit more dramatic, maybe I look for Sue Brown. Fantasy romance? Emily Veinglory. M/M Mystery? Rick Reed. Most of these authors write other sub-genres as well (except for Dani, who needs to stop making silly covers and WRITE FASTER), but they’re considered to have a specialty. And beginning authors are encouraged to develop their own specialties so readers can start to develop ‘brand loyalty.’

I started out strong on that front. Contemporary m/m, or m/m/m. Often with horses. Often set in Canada. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but if you’re looking for a contemporary m/m romance set on a Canadian horse farm – I’m your girl!

But then something happened. I wrote m/f. Shining Armor has my favorite strong, handsome, and vaguely confused male character, but this time, he’s falling in love with a woman! And there’s another anomaly coming out this fall when Carina publishes Shadow Valley. Joe Cody would have been HOT as a gay guy, but, no, he had to be straight. And he’s pretty hot that way, too.

And then I wrote science fiction! The Shift is “Gay Alternate Worlds” according to Samhain. I say, it’s SUPER HEROES! Yippeeeee! Fun! Don’t even get me started on the YA novel that’s coming out under a different pen name. Writing… once you start, it’s hard to stop!

So, I’m destroying my brand, and I don’t seem to care. I’m hoping readers won’t, either. So far, I’ve gotten an encouraging review for The Shift that acknowledged that it was a departure but said, “I think it is awesome when an author tries new plots and new characters instead of repeating the same thing in every book.” (Reviews by Jesse Wave) I’m hoping that most readers feel this way. I’m pretty sure that I do. If Emily Veinglory can make me believe in the romance of a fantasy setting and I see her name on a historical, I think I’m going to trust her to make me believe in the romance there, too.

Hopefully, people will take a chance on me, too. I like to think that I’m creating a brand, but it’s not tightly linked to sub-genre. Instead, I hope that my writing will appeal to people who want realistic characters – sometimes self-absorbed, self-pitying, or otherwise annoying, but realistic. I hope that my writing always has drama, and always has humour. And whether they’re part of the central romance or not, I absolutely insist that my stories always have strong female characters who would be absolutely capable of carrying their own stories, if they so chose!

How do you guys feel? Do your favorite authors mix it up, or stick to one sub-genre? Would you follow them if they branched out? What is it that makes you keep coming back for more?

Kate Sherwood
www.katesherwoodbooks.com
https://kate-sherwood.dreamwidth.org/