Yes, today I finally get to rejoice. SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW has released!!

In case you haven’t been here before or can’t hear me shouting from the rooftops, here’s a bit of info about the book, including some new reviews:

When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black’s seductive new paranormal series.

Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book’s existence, she will jeopardize magickind’s most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard’s number one target. Caden has never trusted magic’s cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic—even if it means risking his heart.

Read the first chapter!

Reviews
Rated HOT “Dramatic… A page turner!” ~ RT Bookclub

Recommended Read! “Emotionally charged conflict and sizzling sexual tension add to the page-turning quality of this paranormal suspense. Once again, Black delivers!” ~ Fallen Angel Reviews

5 out of 5! “SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW is highly addicting and emotionally gripping. The plot sizzles with twists and turns that kept me engrossed long after I finished reading. Highly recommend…” ~ Romance Junkies

“…full of the same excitement, sensuality, and suspense as its predecessor…Seduce Me in Shadow is engrossing. The Doomsday Brethren is an intriguing series and I look forward to the next installment.” ~ Joyfully Reviewed

“Ms. Black blends magic, mystery and romance into a suspenseful tale. Her masterful storytelling comes through on every page.” ~ Paranormal Romance Writers

“I really enjoyed this book. Seduce Me in Shadow hints at the next book, teasing the reader into wanting more. I cannot wait!” ~ ParaNormal Romance Reviews

“This book is chock full of action…and twists and turns that leave you craving more. How many days do I have to wait until “Posses Me At Midnight” comes out?” ~ Naughty Editions Books

“Captivating… SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW should not be missed.” ~ Romance Reviews Today

“I’m completely in love with Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren. If you like dark paranormals with a lot of action then you have to pick up Shayla Black’s Doomsday books. Trust me, these are books you don’t want to miss.” ~ Heather Marie, Bookseller

“Innovative storylines and a marvelous cast of characters make paranormal romances by Shayla Black exceptionally noteworthy. With fascinating circumstances, appealing characters and a delightful brand of humor, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW is a rewarding paranormal romantic adventure.” ~ SingleTitles.com

Appearances
Come visit me on the Web in the next few days…

There’s an interview with Caden and Sydney (that I totally had a blast with) on Seductive Musings. I did an interview with Love Romances and More. And Beth Kery has featured me on her blog with a prize. Please stop by and see me!

Excerpt

NOW, are you ready for a slow tease??? Over the next few days, I’m going to feature some new excerpts, talk about some of the scenes and dish on the big controversy… Oh, and there will be a contest to win an advance copy of POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT. I’m going to comments from blog posts all this week, and lots of people will win something – but one will win the grand prize: an ARC of PMAM and a Shayla Black/SJ Day tote.

Up until now, you’ve been able to read chapter 1 of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW. How about some of chapter two…?

Caden rang off with Bram just before Sydney’s door burst open. In walked the source of his frustrations and fantasies, carrying the little red book.

A fresh wave of lust blazed across his senses. An electric pulse revved down his spine, shuddered across his skin. He burned with need. What the devil was wrong with him? Lately, he’d felt…off. Tired one minute, wired the next. His senses quickened, his fingertips tingled. The odd sweating out of nowhere…bloody awful, but it fit with his libido being ever ready.

What ailed him? A frustrating mission? The redheaded dynamo who drove him beyond sanity? Yes to both. The stress wasn’t helping. And he missed his job and his adopted home in Dallas, away from all this hocus-pocus. But he feared the problem’s true cause was magic. The urge to flee before it ripped away another loved one loomed large.

“What is it, MacTavish?” She thrust one hand on her hip. The other held the Doomsday Diary casually. God, if she had any idea what that book could do… he had to wrest it from her as quickly as possible.

Surreptitiously, he withdrew his mobile phone from his belt, pretending to sort through the menus. Quickly, he snapped a picture.

“Hey!” she protested.

“Sorry. New phone. Was trying to silence it. Still learning.”

She paused. “What do you want? If you’ve no need to talk, I have a pub stool and a pint waiting for me.”

She was in a snit. Caden hoped she wasn’t angry that he’d dismissed Jamie. The thought that she might have any interest in that knuckle-dragger made him grind his teeth.

“Right, then. I have some questions.”

“Shocking.” She crossed the room, slim hips swaying.

A caustic Sydney was a dazzling sight. He shouldn’t stare, but she’d snared him from the first, dug under his skin. Pink tinged her fair face, and her auburn hair tumbled across her shoulders. Those flashing brown eyes were a sucker punch to his gut.

Don’t think about her. Think smart. Think mission.

He’d rather think about having her naked underneath him.

“I’ll get to the point.”

“Lovely.”

Sydney stood her ground and stared back with admirable moxie for someone who didn’t reach his chin. She defended her stories with considerable passion and wit, fighting back when things got rough. The fact she was also smart and sexy made her damn near impossible to resist.

“But let me first say,” she went on. “If you’re going to warn me about the evils of Jamie, I’m a big girl.”

He hadn’t planned on it, but since she’d brought it up… “Are you actually interested in him?”

She shrugged defensively. “Why do you care?” 

The possibility drove him mad. He’d never been jealous of such a wanker. He’d never been jealous, period. Splendid, a new low for him. And if the truth slipped out, she would know he wanted her in his bed, her nails in his back, screaming his name. She’d given off clues that she felt similarly, so revealing his desire would be a match on kindling. Still, he must have latent masochistic tendencies because the urge to tell Sydney in excruciating detail exactly how he wanted her bombarded him. But if he let himself be distracted, he might never find Anka. And his brother could pass to his nextlife.

“It’s none of my business, I grant you. We’ve been working together just a few days, and I don’t know you well. But I think you can do better.”

Sydney cocked her head. “Are you offering?”

Caden’s heart skipped a beat before blasting into a furious rhythm. Though every muscle in his body tensed at her suggestion, he doubted Sydney knew how close she was to feeling her desk against her back.

“I’m merely saying that you’re a beautiful, talented woman. You deserve more.”

Sydney looked at him from beneath the veil of her ginger-shaded lashes. Cunning shone in those brown eyes. And desire. The seductive sight was a blow to his gut. Bloody hell, that was the kind of look that made him ache to give her everything she desired.

“Why do you care?”

The truth would land them both in trouble. “If Jamie turns out to be an ax murderer, I’m out of a job.”

Sydney rolled her eyes. “Prat. I’m leaving. On Monday, we’ll continue with the magical battle story. I might have the needed facts by then.”

He tensed, but did his best to act casually. “You’ll be talking to your source over the weekend?”

“Perhaps. It depends on how willing she is to talk.”

Not only did Caden need to find out if Anka was her source, he feared that Syndey’s  stories made her a target for Mathias. Now that she had the Doomsday Diary, he worried even more.

“I have a great deal of experience at extracting information from interview subjects. If you brought me along—”

“Nice try, but no. Besides, I’m not certain she’ll emerge from hiding.”

“I’ll protect her, if that’s her concern.” And you.

She waved his suggestion away. “You can’t, not against magic. But this conversation leads me to wonder…if you have so much experience back in the States working for a ‘reputable’ paper, why have you chosen to work for Out Of This Realm?”

Clever. Caden wasn’t surprised she was questioning his cover. Maddened …but not surprised.

“As I mentioned when I started Monday, my brother is ill and requires my care. I don’t know how long he’ll need me, and a man has to make a living.”

“Indeed. What ails him again?”

Explaining mate mourning to a human? A definite no-no. “His physicians aren’t certain, so I may be here for some time. While here, I could be very beneficial to you.”

Comment away… Someone will win a copy of Possess Me At Midnight. I have other goodies up my sleeve too! Stay tuned…

When writing SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, one of the most fun things in the process centered on Sydney’s job. As you may or may not know, she’s a tabloid journalist. But not just for any old tabloid, nope. Instead, she writes for one that focuses on the paranormal. When Caden takes a job there as a staff photographer, he does so primarily to ascertain how Sydney has come to learn – and print – so much about magickind. But of course, the magical war story isn’t the only one she’s juggling.

I amused myself dreaming up some other stories for Sydney to be working on. Since it’s a tabloid, not all of her other stories can be too serious, or everyone in the UK would be reading this rag.

So one day, I sat with my beloved Diet Coke and a pad of paper, clutching my pencil, and pondered stories for Sydney. Some that made it into the book were “Cheeseburger-addicted alien attacks London McDonald’s!” “Stonehenge vandalized by ghosts!” “A vicar’s conversation with Kurt Cobain!” There were others that didn’t make the cut about things like Jack the Ripper’s wandering spirit, crop circles in Scotland, and Atlantis found off the Welsh coast.

If you’d been coming up with stories for Sydney, what fun things would you have dreamed up for her? I have no doubt that y’all can be quite creative…

I’m often asked when I’m interviewed or talk to readers how I come up with my characters. It’s a question I love because it seems that people are connecting with my characters, who mean so, so much to me. So many books I write, I do it because I LOVE the characters in it. They are sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging, sometimes heartbreaking. But something about each of them pulls me in and makes me write the book.

The short answer about characters are that they simply appear to me, with names and all. So often they just walk in  my head and start talking. And they don’t shut up until they get their way. The loudest? Deke and Ice. OMG, they both had so much to say that I could hardly keep up with them. I sometimes get the heroes or heroines who keep more to themselves, so figuring them out is a bit of a longer – and more frustrating – process. The worst offenders? Hunter Edgington, that cunning man (in the upcoming SURRENDER TO ME), and the heroine I’m working on now for Doomsday Brethren 4. What they have in common is a tendency to be introverted, which means they often work their problems out inside their own heads. I have to convince them at length that the only way to happiness is to confide in me.

Now I know this all sounds strange…but then I’ve long said that being an author is one of the few occupations you can have and admit to the voices in your head without the nice men in white coats carrying you away.

So what do I do when I can’t figure a character out? Besides think really hard? I see if I can find a piece of music that embodies the character or their issue. That’s worked more than once. I will also rely on Meyers-Briggs typing to help me understand the character at a deeper level and see if changing my internal conversation with them helps. Often, I have to bounce things off my plotting partner, Kris Cook, and talk to him about who the character is, what they want, what their problems are. I’m listening to my gut at that point, trying to pinpoint what’s bugging me. Thankfully, one of these methods have worked so far.

With Caden and Sydney in SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, Sydney was all too eager to tell me everything she was going through, everything she knew about magickind that she shouldn’t. Caden was a bit more reluctant. Definitely the strong, silent type. He regarded our “chats” as therapy he didn’t need and wouldn’t participate in, thank you very much. As with all characters, he had his quirks, and I had to find my way around him. Thankfully, he ended up telling all and I ended up loving everything I wrote about him.

I’m often asked when interviewed or meeting readers what inspires me to write. Y’all have to understand that, to start with, my mind is a pretty scary place. Ask my husband! I’m always mentally, if not physically, writing. Always spinning stories in my head. But with these next two Doomsday Brethren books in particular, yes, I had some nifty inspirations. Today, I’ll tease you about just one:

SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW

This is a lot how I pictured Caden, wavy hair, strong, square jaw, and the kind of body that induces tongue-swallowing.

But I’m not a terribly visual girl; so much of my inspiration is auditory. I always write to music, and some of the songs I played over and over (and over) while writing this book were:

“Drowning” by The Stereophonics
“Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence
“Calling You” by Blue October
“Dare You To Move” by Switchfoot
“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven
“All Over You” by The Spill Canvas
“Let It Go” by Fauxliage
“Addicted” by Saving Abel
“Broken” by Lifehouse
“Whatever It Takes” by Lifehouse
“Don’t Say A Word” by David Cook
“I’m With You” Avril Lavigne
“The Kill” 30 Seconds to Mars
“Stay With You” by Goo Goo Dolls
“You Found Me” by The Fray

Must give special thanks here to Denise McClain for helping to feed my song addiction during this time.

I hope that if you know/like these songs that, collectively, they tell you something about the tone and texture of the book. If you don’t…iTunes is a click away and you can hear what inspired me.

More tomorrow!

Betwween now and September 29, the release of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, I’m going to be blogging about the book and related topics about the series in an attempt to tease you mercilessly. You can tell me later if it’s working. *wink* Everyday, I’m going to be sharing something new that you may not have known, may never hear anywhere else, and/or may make you wonder about the way my mind works. Along the way, there will be prizes and fun. Participation rewarded! Hearing from you all is a huge motivator and idea generator for me.

Today, I’m going to tell you something very few people know. When Pocket originally bought a second and third book from me, they were contracted as contemporary erotic romances. I’d always hoped to sell more Doomsday Brethren books, but since I hadn’t yet turned in the first, I didn’t really anticipate selling more at that moment. I wanted to make sure the series was viable in my head and that I could start all the storylines necessary and mentally develop them before I pitched more. I was pretty sure I could…but I’d never written paranormal or a series with continuous plot. Continuing characters, sure. I love doing that. But a series where parts of the plot of one book are continued into the next book? And the next? Nope, that was new to me.

But through a series of discussions, all parties agreed that we wanted to continue the series, so the contract for the contemporary erotics became the contract for SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW and POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT. At the time, I knew what I wanted to put into SMIS, Caden’s story. That had actually been in my head for years. I had only the vaguest idea what to put in PMAM, Ice’s story. But I had a very strong sense of who both men were, what they needed…and what they looked like.

So, we’d already switched the contracts from erotics to Doomsday Brethren. I should have read the writing on the wall that there’d be more switching in my future. Never imagined the switch I made, however. Originally, Pocket’s art department sent me the covers for SMIS and PMAM at the same time. And asked me to comment. Here were the originals:

Notice anything different? They’re the same covers I have today…but on the opposite books. I took one look at these and nearly fell into tears. The man on the SMIS cover wasn’t Caden. And the man on the PMAM cover was NOT Ice–not even close. What the devil was I going to do??? I was talking to my buddy Sylvia Day about the problem, and she said, “From what you’ve described, the guy on the SMIS cover looks more like Ice and the guy on the PMAM cover looks more like Caden.” It was a huge D’oh! moment. Of course, she was right. I asked if they could switch the guys and put them in the different backgrounds, but the that went against their agreements with the artists, it seems. So we switched the covers altogether. I’m MUCH happier with the end result.

I have 3-chapter sneak peeks (in PDF) of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW for a few random folks who comment TODAY. I love to talk covers. Can’t wait to hear your take on this…

I’m alive! Sort of. I returned home from Seattle with a nasty case of bronchitis. I finally saw the doctor yesterday and got some nice antibiotics. Feeling marginally better today. I will have more to say tomorrow…and for the next few weeks. Tuesday will start the countdown to the release of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, and I have lots of nifty little ideas up my sleeve – excerpts, prizes and fun stuff. And YOU can contribute. If you had any questions for Marrok, Bram, Ice, Caden, Duke, Shock, Lucan (or any of the ladies, for that matter), send them my way. I’m planning a little interview of sorts I hope will be fun.

Thanks, everyone, for your patience while I’m recovering. I’ll be holed up with my laptop, doing a little work on Doomsday Brethren 4 (yes, still untitled, though I have something in mind…) Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Good Morning, Folks! Sorry it took so long. I got on last night to pick the winner but in this hotel room with the family, the ADD shifted into overdrive and I didn’t get back to picking the winner.
First, I must thank Shelley/Shayla for letting me blog here while she was gone Secondly, look at all of you with your challenges. I am also slowly getting back to working out, kids start Tuesday and so does the walking, and for the writers who commented, keep it up. I truly believe that if you work at improving your writing, accepting HELPFUL criticism, and just don’t give up, you will get there. It is a matter of getting your butt in the chair every day and NOT GIVING UP. And Deidre, do it. I waited until I was in college and forced myself to take a creative writing class to write. I had to, it was for a grade. Oh, I sucked, because the first one I took was poetry, but I knew then that I definitely wanted to be a writer. You can’t fix what hasn’t been written.
Okay, off the soap box, lol.
The winner of the book of choice is:Mandy! Go to Melissaschroeder.net, look over the books, and then email me at: melissa@melissaschroeder.net with your book of choice
Thanks again, everyone!!!

Hey everyone! So, Shelley ran away to have fun and decided to allow me to blog in her place. Bwhahahahaha, I am now in control of EVERYTHING!

I will apologize because I was supposed to be here on Wed, which I spent in bed with Strep-not fun. I could have blogged then, but I am pretty sure it would not have made any sense. Okay, most my blogs make little sense, but this would have been worse.

I wanted to chat a little bit about trying new genres to write and offer up a contest. Yep, you read that right, a contest. Now, don’t you feel better about reading all my whining above?? You know, there are other people who just left when they realized it was just me rambling. HA!

Back to the subject at hand. I’ve written in a bunch of different genres over my writing career. Hell, even before I was published, I did. I owe it up to my ADD. It took me years to realize that romance was my genre and what a wonderful genre. There are so many subgenres my inner ADD doesn’t mess with me as much. My first year of publication I had 14 releases, and within that four subgenres. Since then, I have added another, historical. But, this is the year I went back to one of the first genres I loved within romance and I am in the midst of trying something even more different right now.

Her Mother’s Killer was a book Iwrote years ago, and was thankfully rejected. WCP wanted me to write some more for them and I mentioned it to my editor. When I sat back down with it, I realized just how much I really, really, really wanted Althea, the heroine, to DIE. God, she was stupid in the first version. So, I fixed up the plot, gave her a backbone and a brain and I am pretty happy with the final product. And from reviewers’ and readers’ reactions, taking a chance on refining my romantic suspense voice was a good one to take. It was hard and while I did have my doubts, I really loved getting in there and killing people. I have a plan for a single title romantic suspense after I finish some current projects and thanks to rewriting Her Mother’s Killer, A Little Harmless Obsession is going to have more suspense in it than originally planned

Now, I am on a path writing a vampire book, with a ton of world building. I have had paranormals, but all of them have been light, with little to no world building. This one has so many rules, so many different things in it,I am impressed with myself. It hasn’t been bought yet, so I can’t say much, but I hope I will be able to soon

Both of them tested my boundaries, just as Clan did the year before. It has been very painful and I have had to do lots of rewrites, lots of thinking, and a lot of facing my writing demons. As a writer, I knew that I needed help in certain areas to make my work stronger, and that is not easy to do. But I believe I have done it, and will continue to grow by challenging myself.

Here’s a taste of Her Mother’s Killer from WCP Torrid& look for the contest after it:

PUBLISHER: WCP TORRID
DIGITAL ISBN: 978-1-60313-188-9
PRINT ISBN: 978-1-60313-187-2
BUY DIGITAL AT FICTIONWISE
BUY DIGITAL AT KINDLE

BUY DIGITAL AT MOBIPOCKET

Althea Johnson would like to leave the past behind. The memories of her mother’s murder lurk in her dreams. She was happy to try to ignore it until someone drives her off the road and then begins sending her sick letters. Deciding to return to the small Texas town where it took place, Althea plans on using the skills she developed at Atlanta PD to solve the case. Her main problem is avoiding the sheriff, her old crush, Duncan Perry.

Duncan can’t believe his best friend’s little sister has grown into such a wonderful bundle of curves. He is at first stunned by his reaction to her, but never one to be slow, he starts putting the moves on her. It isn’t until he is completely seduced by her that he realizes that she is putting herself in danger to solve the old crime.

As both of them fall in love with each other, the stalking and danger escalates. Women close to Althea’s description are being found raped and murdered. The new lovers work overtime to figure out just what went wrong 20 years earlier, not realizing the mysteries they will reveal could jeopardize everything they are fighting for.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

While Ms. Schroeder thankfully adds more than enough love scenes to satisfy even the most ardent erotica fan, her touch is delicate and her characters have enough depth to make the book about more than just bodies coming together on paper. It is a joy reading a book by an author who can actually write, and write well. This is book that any fan of romantic suspense needs to read very soon, you will not regret it. 
 
MICKEY, You Gotta Read Reviews

With a smorgasbord of juicy intricate details, the plot is a feast for the reader’s soul and a marvel the storyline could come together so seamlessly with no loose ends, no stones left unturned, no slow spots and no insulting solutions. The fearful tension begins with the first sentence and only steps aside for the intensity of the sexual tension…an absolute must read.

Karen Haas, Just Erotic Romance Reviews, Five Stars, O Rating

Night Owl Romance Reviewer Top Pick!
Melissa created so many twists and turns in the killer’s identity that by the end I was like no way. Her Mother’s Killer is definitely a recommended read and praise for Melissa in keeping the action and suspense throughout the book.

Melinda-Night Owl Romance 5/5

… an interesting plot, full of twists and turns and suspense.
Melissa C., Fallen Angel Reviews

I loved this book! It was incredibly suspenseful – my heart was still pounding after I finished reading it…It all fit together really well and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. This book was my idea of a perfect romantic suspense.
Bonnie Jean- Five Hearts, The Romance Studio

Whenever I find a title by Melissa Schroeder, I just can’t pass it up. She writes characters I come to care for and about. Their lives become real to me and I NEED to find out exactly how they will get their ‘happily ever after’…HER MOTHER’S KILLER is a riveting, stand-alone story from the talented Melissa Schroeder.

JJ, Enchanting Reviews

EXCERPT

He decided he’d waited long enough for Thea and started up to the house. He ignored the interested stares and his brother’s laughter. Within moments, he stepped into the house. A few more people were gathered around the TV waiting for the next football game to start. Duncan paid them no attention and kept walking, determined to get to his destination. He turned the corner and started down the hall as Thea stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes widened when she saw him.

“Duncan—”

He ignored her, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her around another corner for privacy. She practically sputtered and tried to dig in her heels, but he didn’t slow down.

“Duncan Michael Perry!”

He stopped once he knew they were far enough away from the other guests. “What?”

She settled her hands on her hips. “What? Just what?”

He crossed his hands over his chest to keep from touching her. But it was hard to resist her. Her face was still flushed from the cool air outside and her irritation. He wondered what she would look like when she came.

“Duncan.”

She never lost her Texas twang, and it deepened when she was mad. He could just imagine her moaning his name, the way her flesh would feel against his.

“Duncan!”

He shook his head trying to get rid of the image, but it just wouldn’t budge. All he could think about was having her under him.

“Stop.”

He focused on her mouth, the lush ripeness of her lips as her tongue darted out over the plump bottom.

“Stop what?” he asked.

He leaned closer, drew in the sweet essence of her.

“We agreed this wasn’t a good idea.”

He shook his head. “You said, not me.”

She placed her hand on his chest and he looked down at it, then back up at her. He saw it there, the passion he felt burning in his veins, speeding through his blood like fire. He knew she felt it. Her eyes darkened, her breathing increased. The noise of the TV and the guests faded in the background.

He leaned forward. She offered him no other resistance as he rubbed his mouth over hers, the barest of touch.

“We shouldn’t.”

Her voice barely registered it was so low, the denial so weak. Her breath heated his lips, her tongue dipping into his mouth.

“But we will.”

Without waiting for her response, he dipped his head and took possession of her mouth.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want a chance at a free book?! Let me know if you have challenged yourself lately, or if there is something you would like to challenge yourself to(can be anything from writing, to reading 100 books a month to walking every day) and your name goes in the hat for your choice of my backlist(I have only certain books in print format if that is your choice.)

You have until tomorrow noon to answer, so just under 24 hours!

Oh, and if you want to bug me at my own website: Melissaschroeder.net or on twitter: twitter.com/melschroeder

And the winner is….

BONNIE (I’ll send your copy of Perfection in 10 minutes)

All – I hope you’ll try Perfection out and if you like it, I’d love to hear from you. Any help spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone for participating in my very first contest. -Kris-

Hi – I’m Kris Cook, a friend of Shayla.

She asked me to guest blog today since she’s in the beautiful state of Washington near Mt. Rainier at a writers’ retreat. I’m honored to do it.

I met Shayla in 1999 between releases of her historical romances One Wicked Night and His Lady Bride. At the time, we both worked for the same Fortune 500 Company, but had other dreams and aspirations—and hers were starting to take off. In those days I wrote screenplays and stage plays, but the connection of storytelling bonded us.

Almost immediately, we started having lunch weekly to talk about characters, plot ideas, twists, and more. The bond grew and grew. We continue our weekly lunches to this day. In fact, I’m lucky that I get to be part of her process for each of her new books, from concept to promotion. Yes, that means I get to read the chapters as she writes them. You’re gonna love chapter 8 of her new novella that is part of an anthology with Maya Banks due for release sometime next year. Enough said. I will not be a spoiler.

Anyway, as I began working with her on her books, I fell in love with romance fiction. Great characters overcoming all odds to find a better life, together. What’s not to love? So, with a little nudge from Shayla, I tried my hand at my first romance novel. Her nudges got stronger and stronger, and she mentored me along the way (still mentoring me). Now, my debut book is coming out at Siren Publishing on Monday the 7^th of September – Labor Day here in US. Very appropriate, because I really labored over this book. I wish I knew how many revisions I did, but I have no idea.

I just want you to know what a wonderful friend and mentor she’s been to me. I’ll never be able to repay her, but I will do my best to try.

- Kris Cook -

www.KrisCook.net

Below are a couple of excerpts from my book, Perfection. It’s a paranormal erotic menage romance (MFM). I’m currently working on the second in the series, title Captivation. I hope to get that to the publisher by end of October. The first excerpt is warm to hot, but the second is an Adult Excerpt. Be forewarned. I hope you enjoy!

Siren Order Page

WIN an eARC of Perfection. Comment on this post by midnight (would be appreciated if you mention it online, tweet – blog – loops – groups) and I’ll enter all commenters in a drawing. And the winner will be announced in the Morning.

Releases Sept 7th - Monday

Excerpts from Perfection

© Kris Cook – 2009

STORY EXCERPT

She needed perspective and fast.

Difficult when Jared continued his arousing caresses. Her legs felt weak. She wasn’t sure she could stand on her own after his expert handling. Her natural cautions gave way to deeper passions, burning as Jared hypnotized her with his fingers, moving up her thighs—closer, closer, closer…

Pounding with excitement, Micki turned back to the blue-eyed soldier. Utter Adonis—able to charm or kill as need be. Even at their current distance, his stare revealed unabashed desire. And a mouth-watering body.

Focus! “Jared, do you know anyone who might help me find Eric or David?”

He pointed at the soldier. Fire erupted deep inside her when she saw the man march toward them.

Micki turned back to Jared, whose palm caressed her legs—and very nearly between them. “You know him?”

He nodded.

The music changed tempo, speeding to overdrive, just like her heartbeat. Two more steps and the blond god would be next to them. Things sped faster and faster.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

“I really need to find David now!” she said nearly shouting. “I can’t wait for him to return.”

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Jared slipped a finger between her thighs, almost touching her there. Micki held her breath and tensed, waiting for what she shouldn’t want.

“He’s gone for the night,” the sexy blond stud stated as he stepped right beside her where he could see clearly each and every one of Jared’s touches. “He’ll be back tomorrow,”

His eyes blazed and his face filled with lust. Excitement wrapped itself around her, squeezing more liquid from her channel.

“Oh.” She stared up at the new arrival “Do you know the number to his cell? Or his address?”

“I don’t think David owns a cell, and he stays lots of places. I’m Bradley,” the soldier added, watching Jared’s every move with hot eyes.

She should be shocked at Bradley’s rapt attention to her and Jared. Instead, heat spread through her body like warm chocolate.

If Jared had a Harley waiting for him, Bradley had a Hummer or a tank, and a bed with silk sheets. Alluring in a different way than Jared, Bradley seemed deliberate, rather than moody. Battle ready, rather than road-hardened.

She spotted the tattoo on Bradley’s upper arm. Three interlocked triangles⎯an exact twin of Jared’s. She reached out to touch the tat on the soldier’s upper arm, but then pulled back. Heat burned up and down her spine.

“Don’t stop, sweetheart. Feel free to touch me any way you want.”

She didn’t. The thought of touching him scared and intrigued her.

Maybe these two worked together⎯like a seduction tag team—persuading women, night after night, to share their bed.

Bradley glared at Jared. From the contentious look between them, Micki realized they weren’t a seduction duo. Not even friends. Enemies? She couldn’t tell, but the vibe between them ran hostile. Did they pursue her separately or together?

Either way, Jared’s palm inched up her thigh again, sending shivers of delight through her body. She loved his touch. Bradley still watched with a rapt gaze. Would they fight? They looked capable of anything.

Her gut broiled like an oven on high. Her recent dreams of them aroused her, but as thrilling as exploring fantasies would be, that wasn’t why she’d come.

“How do you two know each other?” she asked.

Neither answered.

Standing beside her, Bradley’s body heat loomed on her shoulder. Jared’s hot eyes sent her silent commands that incited cravings. Her body began to demand satisfaction. Heat rose from her skin, centered between her legs, melting her.

Then Bradley cupped her cheek, fingertips caressing her neck, while Jared nearly touched her intimately. Tingles erupted. Warm wetness soaked her panties.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Bradley asked.

“Micki.”

Jared’s free hand slipped under her shirt and brushed across her bare back. Sensations ripped through her entire body. Combustion.  She shivered.

Bradley looked at her, his stare burning with suggestion. She wanted him to drink all of her up with his hot mouth, but she needed to focus.

“Do you know Eric Langley?” Micki asked Bradley.

He cut a quick glance to Jared before looking her way again. “Yes. But I’m not sure if he’s here, either.”

Bradley knew Eric! “Thank God! Where is he? Is he safe?”

Another pause. “I don’t know.”

Jared and Bradley’s hesitation troubled her. She suspected they knew more than they’d told her. Plus, strange as it was, as her worry for Eric grew, so did her desire for these two men. Did the nice folks in white coats need to whisk her away?

Unease skittered through her. “If you don’t know, I can’t just sit here. I need to be looking for him.”

She should get up, resume her search, but Bradley’s piercing blue eyes zeroing in on her mouth paralyzed her.

She swallowed hard. Bring on the straight jacket.

“You look like you need to be kissed,” he murmured.

Heat flared inside her, but she tensed. When she glanced back at her biker, he showed no sign of rage—not even slight annoyance. Instead, he seemed revved up by Bradley’s suggestion.

Micki sucked in a shocked breath.

She could name a thousand reasons not to take Bradley’s dangled bait, but the moment crashed over her reserve. She could exit the ride later, before the big drop. Now, she burned to taste Bradley’s lips, revel in Jared’s touch. Feel their need and let them feel hers.

It’s only a kiss, right?

If Eric watched from the shadows, though she doubted he did, kissing Bradley might bring him out of hiding, either in full big-brother mode or thrilled that his prank had worked. If not, her best hope would be to soften against Bradley and Jared a little to learn what they really knew about her brother.

Slowly, she leaned forward, offering Bradley her mouth.

ADULT EXCERPT

“Micki, do you like me touching you?” Jared murmured.

“Yes.”

His mind swirled with desire and his cock hardened again, making him grit his teeth. Could he really keep the dark lust that beat inside him at bay?

Bradley moved down from her mouth to her shoulders, licking the entire way.

Jared felt Micki’s pulse quicken.

Don’t stop, she thought.

“We won’t stop.” Bradley’s blue power swirled around Micki’s red.

“Not until you’re dripping with desire.” Jared sent his green energy to join with the blue and red surging around her. “Not until you’re begging us to take and fill every part of you.”

Ease off, Bradley warned.

Fuck you.

Micki turned to him. “I—I’ve never begged.”

“By the time we’re done, I promise you’ll be very comfortable with it.” Jared vowed, watching her shiver as the angel sucked on her lobe.

Her breasts demanded Jared’s attention. He gladly complied, cupping them through her blouse. Taking both delectable taut nipples between his thumbs and forefingers he pressed. She gave a long moan and titled her head back, delighting him to his core. He pinched harder. She grabbed his forearms and gasped, blasting his centuries of self-denial to bits.

He released her nipples and caressed her gorgeous mounds. His reason scattered, overtaken by need. In the back of his head, he knew he must stay focused, but something about her made that impossible.

Bradley sent, Slow down!

Don’t tell me how to triple, infant!

The angel reached around Micki’s back and grabbed his shoulder and squeezed hard enough to break a human bone. But Jared wasn’t human.

She wiggled between them, distracting them, flushed and unaware. Energy gathered and swirled at levels unlike anything Jared had ever seen or experienced. Her skin burned hot under his touch.

Mentally, he probed the power Micki radiated. An enormous jolt shot through him, stronger than anything he’d ever felt. They didn’t have time to slow down. They must triple now.

“I’m nervous,” Micki fidgeted.

“That’s okay, sweetheart.” The angel shot him a glare when Micki closed her eyes. “I understand, but you’re safe.”

Though Micki’s red energy didn’t shrink back, that would take a tripling, her worries faded from her expression.

The angel promised her, “This will be incredible for you.”

And for us, Jared thought.

Micki opened her eyes. “I’m not sure how far I can go tonight. I didn’t come here for…you know.”

Her gaze burned him up to the core, and his insides threatened to explode. The need to move his mouth over hers, dip inside for another delectable taste, scorched him, leaving him weak-headed as all remaining blood rushed to his cock.

“We’ll go only as far as you want,” Bradley lied.

Jared looked up at Micki. “Believe me, you’ll want everything we can give you.”

He touched her soft lips with his forefinger before he replaced his finger with his mouth. She tasted wonderfully warm and sweet. He pressed harder into the kiss. Urgent need engulfed him.

Desire filled him for their coming orgasms and energy exchange. He puzzled over this new ache she’d brought forth, more compelling than any before. Her energy continued to grow, spanning the entire room. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to consume it all. He must try for Micki, but unease gripped him. What if the tripling didn’t work? What if he couldn’t hold the seeds of darkness inside him from taking her last breath?

Still fully clothed, Bradley gently rolled Micki to her left side,  then pulled her back toward his front. Was the angel testing him?

Her thoughts skated into his mind. I can’t believe my fantasy is really coming true. I’ve never been so turned on.

Her silent confession summoned his need to dominate her. He unbuttoned her white silk shirt and found the mounds that had been tempting him all night long. Her firm, reddish nipples jutted out to him, begging to be touched, tasted. He took one at a time between his thumb and forefinger and pinched.

“Yes, yes, yes.” she repeated and then screamed silently, Please, take me!

Jared hesitated. Could he control his hunger enough?

When Bradley rolled her nipples between his fingers, and Micki moaned his question dissipated. Jared leaned in, nipped the hard tips back and forth until he took in one quivering berry in his mouth and sucked hard. Micki’s swirl of energy inundated him.

Jared sat Micki up and dropped to his knees in front of her. As he stared in hunger, Bradley sent a warning glare. He wondered if the angel had his sword ready to conjure.

Jared turned Micki’s hips toward him and removed her skirt, leaving her soaked pink panties clinging to her swollen folds. Micki leaned back into Bradley.

As the angel tossed her shirt to the floor, Jared dipped down and licked Micki’s inner thighs. She moaned. Jared delighted in the sounds roused by his and Bradley’s fondling.

Micki’s trembling revealed her passion and Jared couldn’t wait another second to turn up the heat in her. He kissed her swollen mound under the fabric.

Rivers of light raced around them, a deluge of power. Desire. Passion. Ecstasy. All of it overwhelmed his better senses, trapping him in a vortex of Micki’s sensual energy.

Jared struggled to remind himself to stay in control, to not loose all of his hunger, but when Micki’s red color exploded inside his head, it obliterated all rationale.

He ripped Micki’s panties from her body. His primal need twisted for release. He lapped her clit with his tongue.

Micki’s moans brought a flood to his balls. He needed release, especially when Micki fisted her hands in his hair and pulled him in closer between her legs.

He tensed as the power coursed through him, totally explosive.

“Do you want more?” he said, spreading her legs wider apart.