Welcome! I’m one of the authors participating in the Something New, Something Naughty blog hop. Be sure to read all the way through to hear about the great prizes in this hop. My something new and something naughty revolves around books–surprise, surprise. I’m shopping around for new books to read, new authors to try. Sexy and memorable vampires, shapeshifters, gargoyles, and even humans–throw them my way!
In December, I sent off two books to my editor–sexy romances with shapeshifters, vampires, or bounty hunters. Much fun, but man was I beat after writing a novel in one month for Nanowrimo and revising it the next month. In the meantime, I’ve dusted off military romances I began several years ago and never finished. In 2013, I need to finish these stories and they may even become their own series. Woah, how’s that for a resolution! I didn’t even plan to do that until now. Thank you, blog hop, for making me commit!
I’m also pleased to announce that Ellora’s Cave just published my second novel with them on December 28th, called Fiery Nights! I LOVED writing this book–loved writing about the developing relationship between Tristan and Maya. I hope you check it out and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Fiery Nights
He may own a Goth nightclub, but Tristan Stone avoids people—the darkness that surrounds them drains him. When he sees Maya for the first time, alone on the dance floor, a light surrounds her. He must discover who she is and what gives her power. He wants her, must have her.
Maya sees a man with haunting eyes watching her from the back of the club. She feels their connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction. Their passion ignites, overpowering them, and they must work together to understand their connection. The heat of their passion could send their world up in flames.
Excerpt
Maya
I hadn’t been back since the fire.
Whoever had bought the club had kept the black brick exterior with the painted black windows, ensconcing the club in mystery. Passersby down this hidden alley might think it an abandoned warehouse, unless they got close enough to look up into the recessed doorway to see it flanked by two watchful gargoyle statues.
I felt a moment of hesitation before I walked down the alley. When I used to come with Nike, I never felt threatened. We’d come after long shifts at the firehouse to unwind and dance off some steam. I’d practically bounce down the alleyway so I could get inside sooner.
But now, on my own, the creepiness of the alleyway set in. I wrapped my long black leather trench coat tightly around my body to shield my fishnet-covered legs as if protecting myself. It could be dangerous walking alone through warehouse alleys near the waterfront.
No wonder Vamps was hidden back here. You wouldn’t want an underground club on the main drag, would you?
My Mary Jane heels clicked loudly on the cement. The further I walked, the closer the clicks were.
Easy, Maya, I chastised myself. You’re going to break into a trot in a second.
Finally I made it to the front entrance and pulled on the heavy wooden doors with steel bars intersecting in the middle and was rewarded by a familiar figure.
“Byron, you’re still here!” I said to the extra-large bouncer who had an extra-large heart.
“Maya, where have ya been?” He threw his enormous arms wide and I rushed in, aware that I was grabbing him tighter than warranted, probably due to relief after my misgivings walking here alone.
“Whoa, girl, you must have really missed me,” he said before he let me go.
“Of course I did. It’s been forever. How have you been?”
“Been survivin’. Taking odd jobs here and there while they rebuilt this place. You saw the damage from the explosion.”
“Yes, I remember.” It wasn’t something I could forget any time soon.
“Why you here alone tonight?” he asked. “Where’s your partner in crime?”
“Nike? I haven’t seen her since the fire.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s been what—a year?”After I nodded, he asked, “What happened with her then? One of the bartenders told me how she saw her go upstairs with the former owner that night. What do you think—they hooked up?”
I didn’t know how much to tell about Nike and Michel, even though I was still hurt that I hadn’t seen heard from her in months. Sure, she sent postcards from time to time, but it wasn’t the same. We were like this—if you could see me, you’d know I was wrapping my index and middle fingers together. I know Byron was concerned about her, but I also didn’t want to perpetuate any rumors.
“Word spreads quickly around here, doesn’t it?” I chose to avoid the juicy part of the question and answered, “Last I heard she was traveling around Europe.” I left out the part that she was with Michel.
We were interrupted by a couple who opened the door. He was wearing a red velvet smoking jacket a la Gomez Addams, but didn’t pull off the look completely with his dirty-blond hair. While they showed their IDs to Byron and paid the cover charge, I looked at her outfit to see if she was sporting a Morticia-like dress. To my surprise, she was wearing a cowgirl outfit—hat, tassels, boots and a very short khaki shirt. Not a usual costume for a goth club, but she pulled it off.
Note to self: see if you can pull off a sexy cowgirl outfit.
After they passed through the next set of doors, Byron asked, “So you’re solo tonight?”
“Hopefully not all night,” I lifted an eyebrow. “How’s the eye candy in there?”
“You know, the usual. Lots of weirdos.”
“Just my type.”
“Who you kiddin’? I’ve never seen you leave with anyone besides your girl Nike.”
“Byron. I haven’t been out in months. I went on some crappy dates this past year and realized I’m happier just being on my own. So all I’ve done lately is work. Which means the only males I’ve encountered are coworkers and they smell pretty rank after a twenty-four-hour shift. Since Halloween is on a Saturday this year, and Halloween was always the best night of the year here, I decided to climb out of my self-imposed isolation and make an appearance.”
“Well then, get in there and be a naughty girl.” Byron smacked me playfully on the ass to push me on. Then he said, “Wait.” He took my hands and extended them out to the side.
“Let me get a good look at you. See what outfit you’re sporting tonight. Are you wearing a costume under there?”
I cocked my head as I took my hands back to open my leather trench coat shawl, which could fit in just perfectly at a gothic club or a Renaissance fair, but not too many other places. Tonight I was wearing a sexy little pirate wench costume, with a laced-up corset top and short leather miniskirt. “Does this warrant your approval?”
He put his hand on his chin as he sized me up. “Not bad. I’ve seen you in worse. Still trying to forget the blue velvet gown, black combat boots debacle.”
“That was hot,” I protested.
He raised an eyebrow before his gaze moved up to my hair. “And you’ve gone back to black hair, I see?”
“Technically blue-black. There’s only so much color I can get away with at work, being a professional and all.” I winked. Lately, I’d been alternating between blue-black and a magenta tint, which was about as much as I could manage without the chief giving me the look. If I was feeling spunky and wanted to sport a hot pink or blue, I had to wear a wig. Could you imagine a firefighter with pink hair coming to your aid to deal with your distress call? I didn’t think so.
“All right, you get my seal of approval. And you know that’s not so easy, princess. Go on in.”
I kissed him on the cheek and walked down the dark tunnel lit by candelabras attached to the stone walls. A new sign adorned the door leading to the main club area. Dante’s quote was carved into the wood: Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here.
“But Maya,” he called after me. “Leave some of the pretty boys for me.”
“Obviously,” I said, rolling my eyes. “So not my style.”
* * * * *
Much of Vamps looked the same, yet much of it had changed. Gargoyles still guarded from their perches around the club. The three smaller dance platforms were replaced by one larger stage. They now had live bands perform up there as indicated by posters adorning the walls. Or when the stage was free as it was now, it was covered with uninhibited dancers who wanted to be watched.
I was worried that the vibe of the club wouldn’t survive the transition. Some clubs try too hard and end up seeming phony. Vamps always had its own style. Some called it goth for the prevalence of goth-inspired dress and music. But they played other music as well.
Others called it a fetish club for the freaky revealing outfits many chose to wear. Black duct tape pasted over nipples has been seen more than once. And the sexy futuristic outfits with hulking boots were a common choice. But to me a fetish club alluded to kinky sex out in the open, which wasn’t the case here. I’d never caught anyone doing it—but I have seen some couples get pretty close on the dance floor or in a corner.
I’d call it more of an underground club. One that was frequented by people who didn’t stick to conventional dress and music and followed their own path, rather than worrying what other people thought. Whatever the club was, it was where I fit in.
But I wouldn’t want my fellow firefighters to see me in my sexy pirate outfit tonight.
Continuing to look around and assess the club, I thought it still had an authentic feel. The red marble bar hadn’t survived the fire, I noted. But it was still manned—or womanned—by the hot bartender with pink hair and a nice rack. I looked over the drink menu posted above the draft beer.
“What’s in a Tempting Fate?” I asked her.
“Southern Comfort, Amaretto, vodka, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, grenadine,” she rolled out in a velvety voice that was as sexy as she was.
“Sold,” I said, banging an imaginary gavel.
“You won’t regret it,” she said.
After she gave me my drink, I toasted nobody in particular, well, I guess myself, thinking here’s to tempting fate. Then I watched the crowd as I tasted the drink. It was exquisite and I took another large sip. Maybe I’d pay for it tomorrow, but it was gooood.
When I heard a remix of Type O Negative’s Cinnamon Girl, I left my drink at the bar to slink my way amid the gyrating bodies. My favorite band, one of my favorite songs. Tragic that the super-hot singer died so young.
In a sea of black-clad bodies, I blended right in. It had been months since I danced, but I quickly found my rhythm and lost myself in the music, dancing with the crowd. I didn’t feel the least bit self-conscious that I was alone.
That is—until I felt his eyes on me.
You know the feeling when someone is watching you and you’re suddenly aware of it? I felt that and looked up. A tall guy dressed all in black—naturally—stood alone at the right side of the bar.
Something about that gaze arrested me and I stopped dancing. Dark eyes, almost black, on a face that looked as angelic as a young Jim Morrison. The black hair was a devil-may-care length, past his chin but not quite to his shoulders. Instead of the rock star’s signature black leather pants, this guy was wearing a cape over dark clothing.
His eyes defied the angelic appearance. Dark, penetrating eyes. The eyes of someone who was troubled—maybe haunted.
Why was he staring at me like that? Didn’t he know my weakness was a dark, brooding bad boy?
My lips parted as if they wanted to say something. But what did I want to say? And he couldn’t hear me anyway.
And then with a swoop of his cape, he was gone.
I stood there for a few more moments trying to process what just happened. Was some hot guy in the corner watching me? Who then took off with a flourish of his cape?
It seemed very Bela Lugosi-ish—another dark, brooding bad boy. I tried to shake off my confusion as Cinnamon Girl ended.
The DJ mixed in a version of David Bowie and Trent Reznor’s I’m Afraid of Americans. It took me another moment or two to brush off the effect that dark stranger had on me. I thought to hell with that guy and then got back into my groove.
—–
To learn more or buy now, visit Ellora’s Cave or Amazon.
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Be sure to comment below for your chance to win a digital copy of Smoldering Nights, the first book in my Underground Encounters series with Ellora’s Cave. All comments on the blog are entered to win the Grand Prize Giveaways:
One lucky winner will receive the grand prize of a $60 gift certificate to EdenFantasys.
Two other winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to their choice of the following book sites: Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes & Noble, or Total-E-Bound.
Love this series!
Thanks, Tina! I just ordered a poster for the series. Hope to write many more in it. 🙂
Oooh, that sounds really good!
mizbehavinDOToneATgmailDOTcom
Thanks, Thianna!
I LOVE your books. Thanks for particapating in the hop. Fiery Nights sound like a buy right now, so many books, so little time
vera28546 at yahoo (dot) com
Thank you, Vera! I agree. So many books I want to read, too.
Hope you enjoy Fiery Nights. I loved, loved, loved writing it!
I can’t wait to read all these new books and meet new authors!!!!!Thanks for the giveaway and can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!!!!!!
readingdiva@ymail.com
Hope you like my series. Good luck!
Lisa
How cool – thank you so much for sharing with us – and the “soundtrack” you mentioned – Trent Reznor and David Bowie – I am REALLY in love!
mrschopchop(at)verizon(dot)net
Cool, Felicia! You’re inspiring me to add the playlists for my third and fourth books in the series, which I’ve submitted to my editor.
Good luck!
Lisa
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
You’re welcome. Good luck!
These are so going on my wishlist! Thanks so much!!
-Amber
amberlynn1231@yahoo.com
Glad to hear it, Amber. Hope you like them!
I cant wait to read the rest of your books they sound great
Thanks, Amber! Two are published and the next two are in with my editor. Hope you enjoy them. 🙂
I’m hooked for sure. This series sounds AMAZING based on the excerpt. Thanks for the fun blog hop!
sbereza22 at gmail.com
Fantastic, Shannon. That’s great to hear!
Lisa
Oh my, I loved that tease from your book. Keep writing so I can keep reading. Thanks for being in the blog hop.
roya-clan@sbcglobal.net
Thank you, Mary. Hope you read more!
Lisa
Okay, I’m in love with Maya — what a fantastic character, I like her attitude (“Didn’t he know my weakness was a dark, brooding bad boy?: – brilliant!). Fiery Nights sounds awesome.
Thanks, Lena! I love Maya, too. (And dark brooding bad boys!) She’s a tough firefighter, but so quirky. I had so much fun writing this book about Maya and Tristan. Hope you read Fiery Nights and find out how their relationship develops.
Lisa
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.. I LOVE these blog hops.. I meet so many new to me authors such as yourself. This series sounds fantastic and the excerpt definitely leaves you wanting more!
Best wishes
Christine S
cms72023 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Christine! The first two books in my Underground Encounters series are out and the next two are in with my editor.
Good luck!
Lisa
That sounds interesting! I’m glad making more time to read was one of my resolutions this year.
dancingcelt at gmail dot com
Reading more is a great resolution!
Lisa
Great excerpt. I shared on FB and will tweet.
Thanks, Ella! I appreciate it. 🙂
Hot hot hot. Definitely adding this to my to-read list
xo_veronica16[at]hotmail[dot]com
Glad to hear it, Veronica! Hope you enjoy Fiery Nights.
Lisa
Thanks for the excerpt.
bituin76 at hotmail dot com
Thanks, Jan.
Lisa
The excerpt looks great. Your heroine is deliciously complicated.
I love that description of Maya. Thanks, Stormie!
I love reading book series. I cant wait to read this book and the new series.
lauratroxel@yahoo.com
Thanks, Laura. Hope you enjoy the series!
Lisa
I love the little pirate outfit.
seawitch reviews at yahoo dot com
Thanks! Me, too. 🙂
Lisa
sounds hot thanks for the excerpt
kaholgate at ymail dot com
Thanks, Kimberly!
Def got to add that one to my TBR list!! Loved the excerpt!!
Thanks for hopping!
grapeapril75(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thanks, April! Hope you enjoy Fiery Nights!
I look forward to learning more about Tristan and Maya. I enjoyed finding you over at The Romance Studio these past couple of days.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
I look forward to learning more about Tristan and Maya. Nice meeting you at The Romance Studio these past couple of days.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Catherine. Hope you enjoy Fiery Nights!
Lisa
Greetings, Lisa!
I want to thank you for participating in the Something New, Something Naughty hop. Great excerpt – a character I’d really like to get to know – and an amazing cover. Congratulations!
Thanks, Lisabet!
Lisa
putting this on my tbr list
meandi09@Yahoo.com
Fantastic, Jennifer. Hope you enjoy Fiery Nights!
Lisa
Sounds like you’ve got a pretty good goal for 2013. Good luck!
Thank you for joining our blog hop, Lisa! 🙂
~Jen
Thanks, Jennifer!
Great excerpt, Lisa.
Nice to be hopping with you!
donna_michaels@ msn. com
Thanks, Donna!
Cant wait to read this series.
lauratroxelatyahoodotcom
I hope you enjoy the series, Laura. 🙂
Wow! Sounds awesome! I cant wait to read more! Best wishes and many blessings! Thank you for the awesome giveaway and hop! 🙂
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway!
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂