Alex's Angel by Natasha Blackthorne

Book three in the Carte Blanche Series

He needs her to believe in him a lot more than she needs his protection...

In the wake of a devastating epidemic, sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble.

Enter one gorgeous, golden haired gentleman bent on protecting her.

Alexander Dalton came to the Blue Duck Tavern seeking to lose himself in sexual pleasure. But when he saw the delicate and vulnerable young woman, he couldn’t turn away.

Emily is alarmed by her own intense responses as this charismatic and carnal man introduces her to erotic pleasure. Having lived as a virtual prisoner of her grandmother’s suffocating manipulation, Emily bridles under Alex’s possessive, protectiveness. And Alex’s charming smile hides a dark secret that could destroy their chance at happiness.

Will their passion burn them up or bring them together?

I’ve said this before about certain authors and I mean it just as sincerely this time—some people are just born to write and Ms Blackthorne is one of them. Her style and voice are exquisite—some may think that a rather lofty word, but you’ll know exactly what I mean when you pick up this book. I haven’t read any of her other works but plan to now. I’m so incredibly lucky in now having 3 favourite historical authors on my list, and all of them have hit the top spot here with The Golden Nib Award.

Ms Blackthorne’s attention to detail, right down to how she uses certain words and phrases, pleased me. To know she has so obviously researched and studied made me feel that she values giving her readers a close-to-exact representation of the era as she can. Superb images, wonderful emotions stirred, and a wish that I’d read this book in one sitting instead of sleep so rudely demanding I visit the Land of Nod. I didn’t want to go there, damn it, and each night this week I’ve fallen asleep with my ereader in hand because I didn’t want to give in and actually put it down and admit I couldn’t stay awake to read more. But I would have done if I could. I wish I’d managed an all-nighter.

The characters are well-rounded, very well explored, and their emotions were displayed so that I never had to wonder how they were feeling. Ms Blackthorne covered all her bases, and again I was grateful. This is a very emotion-laden tale—perfectly so—where I was drawn in, sucked under, and wandered through that time and their lives as though I belonged there and was one of them. The characters became important to me, were my friends, and that, I feel, is down to the mark of a truly exceptionally talented writer.

Emily has suffered with and survived the fever. It’s made her thinner than usual but no less feisty. She knows what she wants after being made to live how her grandmother thought she should—sheltered, away from society for the most part—away from people in general. She’s been schooled so isn’t your average historical heroine, and she’s ready to break free and try her real self on for size and see if she likes how it fits. Forced into making her own money, she goes to the Blue Duck and offers herself as an employee—and it wouldn’t be just waiting tables. She’s prepared to give herself in the most private way if it means keeping a roof over her head and getting her precious book that she’s been working so hard on, published.

There, she comes face to face with a nasty piece of work in the form of a ghastly male who accuses her of stealing his money. She hadn’t, but our gorgeous hero, Alexander, steps up to fight for her. Their paths are set, destiny taking things out of their hands, and they embark on an affair. This is as far as I will go in revealing plot—it’s too good a book for me to spoil it. Read it for yourself.

I would, however, like to talk about Alex. He’s got skeletons in his closet preventing him from fully letting go and loving Emily in the way he wants to—and God, he wants to. Those skeletons, though, they dance, jangling their bones every time he gets too close to her, and he pulls back, reminding himself of why he can’t be with her. I hoped there wouldn’t be some big hoohar about those skeletons only to find they weren’t anything much at all, and I wasn’t disappointed. I understood his reasoning of why he couldn’t open his heart and felt very sorry for him over it. He is adorable, and watching his internal struggle was both heart wrenching and pleasurable in a perverse kind of way. I wanted him to get over things, to give Emily a proper chance, and even though I knew they would get together in the end, there was a part of me that stood on the will-they-won’t-they tightrope and feared I’d fall off, devastated that they didn’t get their happy-ever-after. But all good things come to those who wait, and I was prepared to wait as long as it took to get my HEA fix.

Best Bits: The whole damn book. Every single lush word, scene, character and emotion they inspired.

Verdict: This has honestly been one of the best historical books I’ve read. It’s no secret that I love reading this genre and when I discover a true talent in this area I love to shout about it, so get your ear plugs in if you have sensitive eardrums because I’m about to roar.

NATASHA BLACKTHORNE ROCKS! BUY HER BOOKS NOW, YOU HEAR ME?

Buy Now!

Grey's Lady by Natasha Blackthorne

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.

But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.

But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.

For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

This was the Zampster’s first plunge back into the world of het erotic romance. And, boy, did I pick a doozie for my first read.

This book was also my first American Regency era novel, set in Philadelphia in 1812.

Immediately, just the period of the short story transported me back to my high school days, those wonderful days when I always found myself immersed in Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland. Only Ms. Blackthorne’s offering was much more titillating and sexy than any of the prim and proper novels by her predecessors.

Grey Sexton, the hero—or would you dare call this sexy aristocrat a hero?—was the most controlling, out-of-control, gorgeously outrageous package of masculine arrogance I ever wanted to bed.

Pair him with beautiful Beth McConnell—a lady who is very much not a lady—and you have the most delicious, hot, hot, hot chemistry between hero and heroine I’ve read in quite some time.

No plot telling, remember? But I will tell you the contrast between them is sumptuous dynamite. Dark, light; virile, feminine; rich, not-so-rich; big, small. Smoldering.

The sex scenes are indescribably arousing. Particularly a scene with a costly pearl necklace. I’ll say no more about that, only to promise this little feast of amor is steamy, steamy, steamy.

Without revealing plot, I have to at least gush about the humor in Grey Sexton’s struggle to corral and master this little feisty tease of a girl into being his well-paid—very well compensated—mistress is adorable and my heart hurt for his frustration.

You’ll have to read it for yourself to see if our handsome, sexy man will succeed in his conquest to dominate beautiful Beth. Or will the tables turn on his good-looking ass?

Trust me. This short story is a must-read. Cute, hot-as-hell sexy and lovely, eloquent prose to boot. 

Buy Now!

Jude Outlaw by Jan Springer

A fast-acting virus has been unleashed, killing a vast majority of the world's female population and forcing the creation of a new law…The Claiming Law. With the stroke of a pen, males now have all the rights and females are property…sexual property that can only be claimed by groups of men.

When Cate Callahan learns Jude Outlaw is coming home from the Terrorist Wars and is ready to claim her under the new law—with the help of his four remaining brothers—she steals their boat and escapes to the high seas. Unfortunately, her runaway bid for freedom doesn't last for long.

Quickly capturing his lover, Jude rekindles the flames between them preparing her body and seducing her mind into the prospect of experiencing the ultimate in a woman's pleasure…the Outlaw brothers.

This is the beginning of the Outlaw Series and I have to say this may be a quickie read but it certainly gives you a taste that leaves you wanting more. This is a futuristic-style book. A virus has killed the majority of the female population and a new law has been forced upon the people known as the Claiming Law. Women have become property.

Cate Callahan is refusing to be a victim of the Claiming Law and intends to go into hiding. She doesn’t want to be claimed by Jude Outlaw and his brothers but to be his that’s the only way she could be with him.

This is packed full with information and instead of slowing the story down it speeded the storyline along. The sex and heat are very much part of the story and set the scene for the rest of the Outlaw brothers books.

A quickie but so worth the time. 

Verdict: Fantastic start to what I think is going to be a great series. 

Buy Now!

Go Deep by Juniper Bell

Beth is the shy, dreamy type. No one guesses at the wild sexual thoughts she hides behind that quiet façade. She doesn’t even share her secret longings with her husband.

Gavin loves his wife, but he’s tired of living in a marriage in which neither he nor Beth reveal their true desires. When Gavin sees Beth’s response to an erotic bondage photo in her framing shop, he jumps at the opportunity to break through her barriers.

He accepts an invitation to a showcase match for the amateur hockey team he coaches during Wild Nights, an infamous winter festival during which “anything goes, nothing counts”. But he’s opened a sensual Pandora’s box—Beth has some surprises of her own. When she meets Eagle, a free-spirited Wild resident, she knows he’s the perfect man to help enact her erotic fantasies. And once they go deep, there’s no going back.

Go Deep is a steaming hot novel. In fact, something this hot could only come from somewhere so cold! I’m talking about the location, Alaska. Or to be more precise, Wild, a place where ‘anything goes, nothing counts’. In other words, you can set your fantasies, your desires, your darkest dreams free and no one will judge you or breathe a word of it to anyone, ever.

Where do I get my ticket??

Beth is a shy, insular character, mousey and day-dreamy, and she is married to a big, ex-hockey-playing hunk of gorgeousness called Gavin. (Yes, I’m swooning as I think of him). But Beth spends a lot of time in her head, torn between the strict upbringing her mother subjected her to and deliciously dark thoughts of submission and allowing her sexual side to be set free.

So it is no wonder Gavin is at the end of his tether. He loves his wife with all of his heart, and it was her demure character that attracted him to her in the first place. But enough is enough, he can’t go on not feeling like he really possesses her and trying to hold back the carnal cravings he keeps locked inside. He needs to see into her soul, really connect with her on every level. Be together in every sense of the word.

It is a combination of things that spurs both characters into action and I adored the way Ms Bell used the erotic photograph as a catalyst to spark the story. It stayed a central part of the plot and I have to say I can visualise it in my head very clearly.

The way in which Beth and Gavin reached out to one another tugged my heart strings. At times they were tentative and shy, even though married, at other times, daring, and laying their hearts on the line for one another. I liked that they did that, because as a reader I got to see them stepping out of their comfort zones and the effect it had on them. Sometimes it surpassed their expectations, other times there had to be a ‘hang on a minute’ moment. It was all so real, so erotic and ultimately so wonderfully entertaining.

The secondary characters were just delicious. Shall I say that again? Delicious with a capital D. I am talking about more hockey hunks, naked, aroused, salivating. And of course, then there is Eagle, a mysterious skater who, by the way, I would happily be his ‘cabin slave girl’ for a long weekend – oh yummy times would be had!

Best Bits:

With her, he was always meticulously restrained, although sometimes she caught a flash in his dark eyes or a ruthless curve of his mouth that reminded her what a physical creature lurked inside. Not like her. She was locked away in her own head. At some point she’d thrown away the key.

“I’m a man. I’m always in the mood for meat.”

“So are you going to play the Nasties?”

A wild urge to do something—submit, surrender, splay herself open, turn herself inside out.

“Don’t know why, but everyone always wants to be on top.”

Everyone looked up and froze. One of the Renegades players dropped his hand of cards. The piano went silent. The room went electrically still.

She couldn’t be scared of pink fur, could she?

Every player in the locker room gaped at her. He was surprised drool wasn’t puddling on the floor.

His eyes met Gavin’s. He’s a wild thing, thought Gavin. Free. A creature of the wilderness.

Verdict:

I love this author’s voice and I can’t think of a better setting for steaming up the windows and stripping naked in front of a roaring log fire. If strong central characters, a unique plot and burn-your-fingertips-on-your-E-reader sex scenes are your thing then Go Grab a copy of Go Deep today and enjoy!!

Orchid Pink by Toni Sands

An historical erotic novel set in Victorian London by Toni Sands.

Demure Adelaide hides a passionate nature beneath her elegant gowns. After hiring new maid Daisy, she’s eager to introduce her to the delights of the orchid house. Enjoying Sapphic romps and determined to resist paternal pressure to marry businessman Thomas, Adelaide is surprised to find excitement in his touch and his whispered promises. Yet, when he reveals his sinister side, she seeks familiar solace.

Christmas brings snowflakes, also a vivid reminder of a heart-wrenching past. Intrigue and obsession rock this Victorian household as Adelaide’s poignant search for love leads her into storms. Will she ever bask in the sunshine?

Orchid Pink was a long and character-rich read. I enjoyed it, invested in Adelaide and felt transported back in time.

Ms. Sands has a sumptuous, mature voice, which I found elegant and sophisticated. There were many lines and phrases I re-read, simply to enjoy them again.

The plot was erotic, with Adelaide partaking in both lesbian and heterosexual encounters. She was a lovely warm protagonist, sensual and with just the right amount of confidence and vulnerability. Her desires were shown on different levels and she grew with her experiences as the tale unfolded. At times I guessed where the author was heading with the story at others it took me by surprise. But it always flowed along at an easy pace with the secondary characters adding depth to the story and I certainly had a soft spot for her father.

Best Bits: “When Daisy first walked into the drawing room, her loveliness made our ornate furniture seem lackluster.” From the very first line I knew I would enjoy Orchid Pink

“My upbringing was a tight corset and though Ruth Carroll had loosened the stays, I still felt I was beguiled by the devil’s violin.” An example of the delicious description of Adelaide’s emotions.

“My bad girls were always a joy to me.” Adelaide referring to her orchids.

“According to Ruth, gentlemen often visited prostitutes if they required such a treat. Did that mean, as a wife, I wouldn’t be required to take Thomas’ knob between my lips? Perhaps it was considered such a sin that only street walkers were considered fit to perform it.”

The way Thomas spoke of Adelaide’s sexuality as a third person. It said a lot about his view of her.

Verdict: Orchid Pink is a high quality historical erotic romance that I’m sure will appeal to many readers. The standard of writing was top notch, the use of the English language a delight. If F/F is your thing with a bit of M/F thrown in, and you enjoy a trip back in time this should definitely be on your TBR list.

Buy Now!

His Purrfect Mate by Laurann Dohner

Shannon is a quarter puma but can’t shift. She’s just a human with a few extra genes. But she knows how dangerous shifters are and now she’s their prey, captured by a group of werewolves for a deadly hunt. Then she’s rescued by the biggest werewolf of them all. He’s the sexiest male she’s ever seen—jet-black hair, muscular body, piercing dark eyes and a growl that heats her blood.

Anton’s body responds fervently to Shannon and he vows to protect her with his life—only to discover she’s the enemy. As the future alpha of his pack, Anton knows a cat will never be accepted. There’ll be hell to pay. But it’s mating heat, and he’s about to lose all control to that driving sexual need. His wolf wants her, can smell her desire. There’s no way to stop it now—his animal won’t be denied.

His Purrfect Mate is the second book in the Mating Heat series and I have to say this book does not disappoint. From the beginning chapter the action begins. Shannon is being chased by a pack of wolves. She’s a puma and so considered the enemy to the wolves. When Anton enters the scene the heat starts building. Anton is aroused by Shannon and she fights him to begin with until she realises her attraction for him.

Laurann Dohner, combines heat with an amazing plot and characters you will fall in love with. I adored Anton and his instant reaction to Shannon. I loved this story so much I didn’t want it to end. In fact, as I saw I was getting to the end I tried to slow my reading down. Didn’t work. I was so enthralled by the story as it gripped me from the very beginning.

I found myself chuckling as Shannon tries to climb everything when she’s scared and the way Anton has to talk to convince her to come down. Superb writing, wonderful book and one that will not disappoint.

Can’t wait for the next installment.

Best Bits: All of the book.

Verdict: Highly recommend. This is a brilliant book that will make you want the next one straight after.

Buy Now!

Interview & Competition - Brita Addams

What do you like best about writing?

The creativity. I've channeled creativity into crafted projects and flower arranging, and now I write lives for other people.

There are stories aplenty to be told, different settings, characters with strengths and desires. I can't imagine not writing and letting all those stories go by the wayside.

When did you start writing?

I have written since I was in grade school. I was always creating stories, but most for assignments and my own amusement. I wrote weekly articles for my hometown newspaper, reporting on events at my school, plays, awards, etc. I even wrote articles for a bowling league for which I served as secretary during my high school years.

I've kept a journal for many, many years and have chronicled the life of our youngest child from before conception to today and she's 27.

On the creative side, I've always written fanciful stories, created characters that were not only outrageous but every day people. However, I had never decided to write for publication because I didn't know what I would write that anyone would care to read.

When I discovered romance novels a few years ago, I knew that was what I wanted to write and that's what I'll continue to write. My love of history only sweetens the pot.

Are you a plotter, or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

A bit of both.

Do you like edits?

Edits are a necessary part of writing and I've had good ones and horrible ones. I've gotten less thin skinned about them, but it's never easy to have a dispassionate person tell you what's wrong with your story or why it doesn't work for them.

The best editor is one that truly wants to teach you something and does it in a way that is palatable. I've had editors who've called my characters not so nice names and said things like, "WTF were you thinking when you wrote that?" That isn't something that I can live with, sorry about that.

An editor I greatly respect told me that "The natures of editing is mostly negative." I understand that, but it doesn't have to be done in a negative way. Respect on both sides makes it a much easier process and keeps feelings from being hurt on both sides.

The edits I get the most out of are the ones where I learn something along the way—something I can apply to future stories. I maintain that authors wouldn't get so bent out of shape if editors were less like the Gestapo and more people who want to help and not ride rough-shod over the author and the story.

Fateful words for me are "This didn't work for me," and "The beginning just didn't grab me by the throat." Not all stories work for everyone or grab you by the throat, but to have an editor look at the story like that somehow strikes me wrong.

Have you ever co-authored? If not, would you ever consider it?

I don't think I'm ready to co-author anything, to be honest. That entails a tremendous amount of trust on both parts, as well as a certain degree of loss of control.

Characters would necessarily be subject to both author's use of them and each author feels very territorial about their creations. Egos are fragile. Too many times co-authoring has destroyed friendships.

I admire anyone who can partner with another author, but it isn't something I think I'm cut out for.

That said, I can think of a few people I wouldn't mind collaborating with, if all the above arguments can be overcome. J

What's your fave genre?

I love historical romance, either het or m/m, writing and reading. I love the Regency era, but I've found I enjoy reading just about every historical period out there, from the American West to Medieval.

Are there any genres you'd love to try but haven't had a chance to tackle?

I've written contemporary, m/m and m/f historical and ménage. I can't think of anything else I'd rather write. Somehow, I don't see myself writing about fairies or droids, so I guess the simple answer is, I think I've found my niche. J

What's your fave writing accompaniment? Tea? Coffee? Large slab of chocolate cake with pretty sprinkles?

Actually, my puppy, Fiona, is my favorite accompaniment. She lays next to me and cuddles close. She makes me smile and makes the tea, coffee and cake taste so much better. J

If you could go anywhere in the world, money no object, where would you go, who with, and why?

Hands down, it would be England. (Emmy says: Come and visit me when you're here!) Most of my stories are set in England and I'd love to visit the places I write about.

Years ago, I visited Scotland, but time was limited and England was out of the question.

I would only travel such a distance with my husband and if we went without our youngest daughter, she'd skin us alive. It would be a wonderful trip, as we have friends to visit and so many places to see.

My new book, Demands of the Heart, takes place in 1807-1814 London. Here's the blurb.

In 1807, idealistic Richard Fanshaw and Victoria Bramhill are consumed with each other, their young love blooming amidst a series of carefree soirees and stolen moments.

But jealousy and greed turn what they have into something ugly and twisted. They're wrenched apart amid vile lies and deceit when Victoria's freedom is bought to pay her father's debts.

Six years later, Victoria is widowed and a cynical Richard has just returned to England after years in India.  Having been given the impression that Victoria's marriage was a happy one, a chance meeting renews Richard's anger over Victoria's betrayal and sets in motion a plan for revenge.

One must answer the demands of the heart.

To read an excerpt and purchase, click here: Demands of the Heart

I'd love to hear from you. You can find me at any of these places:

Email address: britaaddams@gmail.com

Website

Blog

Twitter: @britaaddams

Facebook

Goodreads Page

 20% off To celebrate the release of Demand's of the Heart, Noble Romance Publishing is offering my entire backlist at 20% off. This is for sales on the Noble Romance Publishing site only and only my titles.

There's no limit. Buy one book, or all seven, you'll get 20% off your purchase. The eligible titles are: Serenity's Dream; Lord Decadent's Obsession; Chocolate, Tea, and the Duchess; The Rogue's Salvation; A Minute After Midnight; An Evening at the Starlight, and the book I wrote under the name Tina Ordone, Her Timeless Obsession.

The price you'll see is the reduced price.

The sale will run from midnight, Pacific time, February 20 to 11:59 pm Pacific time, March 2.

This is a backlist sale, so it doesn't include Demands of the Heart.

I have several contests running during the book tour, ending at midnight, March 2.

Contest #1:

I'll choose a daily winner from the commenters. I'll will be giving away an ebook from my backlist at each stop. The only exclusion is Demands of the Heart. One book per commenter, please.

Contest #2:

Demands of the Heart T-Shirt Contest:

If you answer the three questions correctly, you could be one of four winners. The prize will be a T-Shirt with the cover of the book on it. The shirt also says that the cover is model, Jimmy Thomas's 1500^th cover. There will be four winners, each winning a T-Shirt and other swag.

All answers are found on Brita's website.

Please do NOT put the answers in the comments section of this blog or on Brita's site. Email them to Brita, with T-Shirt Answers in the subject line.

1. What book did I write under another name?
2. Who is the character, Lucien Damrill, patterned after?
3. Describe the signature brandy snifter at the Sapphire Club.

Contest #3: GRAND PRIZE

This contest is about Demands of the Heart. Of course, you're under no obligation to buy or read the book, but if you choose to, this contest is for you.

I've put three questions up on my website, all relating to my book, Demands of the Heart. Answer the questions and EMAIL me, with the answers, at britaaddams@gmail.com  Be sure to put GRAND PRIZE in the subject line.

You must have all three questions answered correctly to be entered into the drawing.

The Grand Prize is the entire Sapphire Club series in print, signed by the author. I'll also include some other signed swag.

Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you, Emmy, for having me. You're a peach!

Article & Competition - Storm Grant

Thanks so much for having me here today.

Thanks, again, for posting my interview back in November. At that time, I had only one book out from Riptide Publishing, the funny vampire/dentist story, SUCKS & BLOWS. Today I’m delighted to announce FEW ARE CHOSEN is now available.

Although it’s my second book with Riptide, it’s very much a first for me: my first YA and my first interracial romance. Here’s the one-sentence blurb: Sparks fly between virgin teenage demon hunters when the Chosen One turns out to be...  the Chosen Two?

Check out the awesome cover:

Usually, I like to talk about my favourite subject—writing—but today I thought I’d talk about what not to write. It’s targeted more toward traditional romances, but I’m pretty sure all your readers can appreciate the sentiment.

The Ten Commandments of Mediocre Writing

By Gina “Storm” Grant

And the Disciple of the Mightiest of the Muses did descend from the heavens—or possibly Mount Olympus, Asgard, New York, or the Scottish Highlands, depending upon thy novel's pantheon or setting—and did present two tablets (an Apple iPad and a Blackberry Playbook), saying unto those who toil at keyboards, with pencils, or upon smartphones, that from this day forward thou shalt treat the following commandments as divine inspiration and follow these precepts to the letter.

One Thou shalt begin all novels with thy heroine awakening and dwelling upon her life and her lack of future prospects. Thou shalt create great reader empathy if she be aware of her loneliness.

Two Thy heroine shall, at the earliest opportunity, reflect at length upon her own countenance in any available reflective surface. Her mouth shall be too generous, her nose too cute and upturned, her long hair too wavy, her eyes too cat-like, her cheekbones too defined, her breasts too large and her waist too small, her hips too curvy and her legs too long. She shall remark despairingly upon these shortcomings in soft, breathy tones, or a low, husky voice.

Three Thy heroine needeth only one brief first glance at thy hero, and no matter how uncouth or cruel he may seem, she shall see past his flaws and knoweth that he can be saved by the love of a good woman and also get for her a really big diamond engagement ring.

Four Thy heroine shall have a quirky best friend, either gay (if he be male) or overweight (if she be female), but never both.

Five Should thy heroine awaken to discover a strange man in her dimly lit bedroom, she shall not be so frightened that she does not admire his manly form which shall cause a stirring of lust in her loins.

Six Should thy heroine arrive at her home to find the door ajar, she shall not use her cell phone to summon the police and await their arrival. Nay, she shall enter the premises unarmed save for the words, "Hello? Is anybody there?" because all malefactors are compelled by those magic words to announce, "Run! ’Tis I, thy evil stalker ex, come to kill thee.”

Seven Should thy heroine be fleeing for her life and such flight taketh her into a room she hath not seen before, even the most fleeting glance shall allow her to describe the room's decor in detail, especially the richness of the drapes.

Eight Thou shalt not suffer any noun to go unmodified, nor shall any verb want for an adverb. Wherever possible, thou shalt modify adjectives with the adverbs “very” or “extremely”.

Nine Thou shalt describe persons, places, and other items in great detail though they have no true bearing upon thy story as they shall be deemed to addeth colour. Also, thou shalt insert large portions of backstory into thy opening chapter and include ALL research within thy novel.

Ten Thou shalt consider every word, even unto the smallest, to be sacred and steel thyself against the temptation to edit that may be held out to thee by false prophets of grammar, character motivation, and story structure.

And one final bonus commandment:  Immediately upon completion of thy first draft, thou shalt prepare an email addressed “Dear Agent,” and send it far and wide throughout the land with thy wondrous novel attached.

BLURB:

FEW ARE CHOSEN by Storm Grant

Sparks fly between virgin teenage demon hunters when the Chosen One turns out to be… the Chosen Two?

Apprentice warrior Blake St. Blake is the Chosen One, raised by an ancient order to defend the world against evil. Well, maybe not the whole world, but at least his neighborhood in downtown Detroit.

When a dreaded reflux demon is sighted in a local cemetery, Blake is sent off to his very first battle, armed with his sword, his super-senses, his black leather duster, and a few well-rehearsed one-liners.

But another Chosen One gets in Blake’s way—an apprentice wizard named Shadow. While the boys argue about who’s the more chosen of the two, the demon escapes.

Blake wants to be angry, but it turns out he and Shadow have a lot in common. Besides, Shadow’s pretty cute, and Blake can’t help but think that the wizard’s skills (and hands and lips and other bits) might make the perfect complement to his. Blake and Shadow are brave enough to challenge the reflux demon in a second battle, but will they have the courage to tell each other how they feel?

Title Details

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-937551-22-3

eBook release: Feb 20 2012

eBook formats: pdf, mobi, html, epub

Word count: ~12,000

Page count: ~40

Heat Wave: On-screen, mildly explicit love scenes

Type: Standalone

eBook $2.99  

Contest:

Play The Name Game for FEW IS CHOSEN and win a copy of ALL THREE of these entertaining books from Storm Grant’s backlist: Gym Dandy, Shift Happens, and Tart and Soul. (Two full-length novels and a novella!)

1. What is Shadow’s real first name? ___  ___  ___  ___

2. What is Shadow’s mentor’s first name? ___  ___  ___  ___  ___

3. What is the name of the Order that raised and trained Blake? The Order of the ___  ___  ___  ___

How to enter:

DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS! Instead, to qualify:

1. Email your answers to the three questions, above, to storm.grant@gmail.com.

2.  Then post a comment to this blog stating that you’ve emailed your entry.

You may enter once for each stop on the blog tour, thereby increasing your chances of being the grand prize winner!

One grand prize winner will be selected March 5^th.

Blog tour, details here.

Storm Grant Bio: Storm Grant is a writer of short and long tales, her work spanning both genres and genders. Storm's stories offer titillation and merriment, and in a few cases, horror. In the last few years, she’s published with MLR, Torquere, Phaze, Blood Bound Books, eXessica, Amber Quill, and Riptide Publishing.

Storm Grant (also writing as Gina X. Grant)

Email / Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads