Guest Blogger, Author Em Petrova

It’s my pleasure to welcome author, Em Petrova, to my blog today!

Racy Men's Underthings

By Em Petrova

When writing erotic romance, I never tire of thinking up the special underwear beneath that zipper. I mean, it's the treat for the heroine to unwrap, right, ladies? I thought it might be fun to uncover some really racy undies—and maybe I'll add them to my next story!

First, let's take a look at some good old styles.

 

Then we've got something a little more out of the ordinary…

 

And lastly, we have the stuff men would flaunt on stage!

 

What do you like to see on your guy? Or do you prefer none at all? Let me hear your thoughts for a chance to win a deck of Romance Trading Cards from Ellora's Cave!

Thank you so much for allowing me to share on your blog today! I'm excited to hear from all of you! Also, I'll leave you with a blurb about my latest release WILD WILD HEARTS, where my Old West cowboys wore nothing under their pants!

Blurb: Lady Sofia is one of the most sought-after women on the frontier. But her “boss” calls the shots from what she may eat to who she spends the night with. Recently he’s asked too much when he demands she and her long-time lover Isaac use their charms to seduce a man she wants to tangle limbs with all too much.

With Sofia, Isaac Strong is part of a two-for-one deal known as the “Jade Pair” for the color of their eyes. When the rugged Nolan Hollis walks into their lives, Isaac’s yearnings kick like a wild stallion. But will the honorable man want anything to do with them, especially once he discovers the Jade Pair’s mission is to steal a prized object from the Hollis family?

 

Nolan must have the stunning saloon girl, even if it means she comes packaged with Isaac. Soon Nolan is equally as drawn to the quiet and handsome man. While he struggles not to lose his heart to his lovers from the wrong side of humanity, he works to hide his rendezvous from his family. But soon Nolan realizes his lovers intend to do more than get him into bed and steal his love.

Buy WILD WILD HEARTS— http://loose-id.com

 

Em Petrova

 

~where words mean so much more~

 

www.empetrova.com

From My Journal: A Lion Called Christian

Inspired by my many book journals, this feature spotlights books I've read and loved in the past that I wish to bring to your attention.

When I first saw the classic Christian the Lion Reunion video in 2008, I had the reaction I always have to animal videos/movies/books...it made me cry. And cry. It still makes me cry to watch it. (I've embedded the video below so you all can join in my cry fest.) Make sure you have a box of kleenex nearby.

The story of George and Joy Adamson, and the entire Born Free saga, has always fascinated me. Just last night I rewatched the Nature documentary Elsa's Legacy, which brought Christian's story back to the forefront of my mind. I bought and read this book as soon as it hit the shelves, and it is one of my favorite books in animal literature ever. In my opinion animals feel love just as greatly as humans do, and this is the proof of that. Christian was taken in by the Adamsons after two young men decided their "pet" deserved to live free in the wild. He settled into his new life, but didn't forget the men who had loved and cared for him as a cub.

Watch the video, read the book, immerse yourself in this unforgettable story. You will never look at the human-animal bond the same again.



Book Description:

In 2008 an extraordinary two-minute film clip appeared on YouTube and immediately became an international phenomenon. It captures the moving reunion of two young men and their pet lion Christian, after they had left him in Africa with Born Free’s George Adamson to introduce him into his rightful home in the wild.

A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony “Ace” Bourke and John Rendall, visitors to London from Australia in 1969, bought the boisterous lion cub in the pet department of Harrods. For several months, the three of them shared a flat above a furniture shop on London’s King’s Road, where the charismatic and intelligent Christian quickly became a local celebrity, cruising the streets in the back of a Bentley, popping in for lunch at a local restaurant, even posing for a fashion advertisement. But the lion cub was growing up—fast—and soon even the walled church garden where he went for exercise wasn’t large enough for him. How could Ace and John avoid having to send Christian to a zoo for the rest of his life? A coincidental meeting with English actors Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, stars of the hit film Born Free, led to Christian being flown to Kenya and placed under the expert care of “the father of lions” George Adamson. Incredibly, when Ace and John returned to Kenya to see Christian a year later, they received a loving welcome from their lion, who was by then fully integrated into Africa and a life with other lions.

Originally published in 1971, and now fully revised and updated with more than 50 photographs of Christian from cuddly cub in London to magnificent lion in Africa, A Lion Called Christian is a touching and uplifting true story of an indelible human-animal bond. It is is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.

Lady Gone Bad by Sabine Starr

Blurb: The saloon singer known as "Lady Gone Bad" is the most drop-dead gorgeous outlaw the West has ever seen. Lady has never met a cowboy she couldn't entice, or a lawman she couldn't outrun. But when Lady tangles with a sexy U.S. Marshall, she's tempted to stick around long enough to watch him lay down the law - in her bed. U. S. Marshall Rafe Morgan wants to lock up Lady Gone Bad for good - and he won't let his attraction to her slow him down. But when his attempt to bring Lady to justice goes awry, Rafe is nearly hanged - and by dawn, his face is plastered next to hers on every "Wanted" poster in Texas. Now on the run together, Rafe and Lady find themselves in very close quarters - and even more compromising positions. As Lady surrenders to Rafe's touch, she slowly begins to reveal all her secrets - including her real name. Maybe "Lady Gone Bad" isn't beyond redemption after all. Either way, Rafe is in for one wild ride...

My Review: Sparks fly as soon as sassy saloon singer Lady Gone Bad and US Marshal Rafe Morgan meet, even though she's at the top of the deputy's "Wanted" list and knows a lawman when she sees one. Soon everything goes terribly wrong: Lady must save Rafe from getting his neck stretched and they end up on the run together. They each have a goal: Lady, out to avenge her parents' murder, is desperately seeking her beloved horse Copper, and Rafe is trying to find his sister Crystabelle who was kidnapped by outlaws. As they make their way to a notorious outlaw hideout they learn more and more about each other, grow closer by the day, and completely lose their hearts to each other. With a classic western shoot out at the end, this fantastic debut completely transported me to the Wild West.

The end of the book contains a teaser for the next book in the series, Angel Gone Bad, where we find Crystabelle writing dime novels about her experiences in Indian Territory. What fun!!!

Guest Blog: Stacy Henrie

No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.

Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.

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I am so excited to be welcoming author Stacy Henrie to my blog today. Her brand new book Lady Outlaw is out this month from Love Inspired Historical. And what a fun post she has for us, as the heroine in the book interviews the author!

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Lady Outlaw heroine, Jennie Jones, interviews author Stacy Henrie.

I sit on the second porch step of the two-story, frame house. The sky overhead is a cloudless blue and the mountains on both sides of the valley are green. The day is warm but not unpleasant. A horse and rider grind to a halt in front of me, and I cough at the dust. Jennie Jones slips off her horse Dandy. She removes her cowboy hat, revealing red hair, and wipes the sleeve of her blouse across her forehead.

Me: We said after lunch, right?

Jennie: I’m sorry I’m late. I was tied up.

Me: (Raising my eyebrows) Nothing to do with breaking the law?

Jennie: (Brown eyes sparkling with mischief) Not this time, Stacy. I was checking on my cows. We’ve had problems with cattle rustlers in the past. You should ride back out there with me and see our range for yourself.

Me: (Studying my hands) No, that’s okay. I’ve never had a real positive horse-back riding experience. In all honesty, and I mean no offense, I’m not a big animal-lover. Except for maybe cats and bunnies.

Jennie: Thank goodness, you didn’t give me just a pet cat or bunny. (Rubbing Dandy’s nose affectionately) You can’t really get along out here in the West without a good horse. And Dandy’s the best.

Me: (Smiling) Can’t perform your outlawing ways without a horse either.

Jennie: About that … (sitting beside me on the porch steps) where did you come up with the idea of me robbing stage bandits?

Me: I knew I wanted a female outlaw as a heroine, but originally, I was going to have you rob trains or stagecoaches yourself to save your ranch.

Jennie: I’m relieved you changed it. After hearing Caleb’s story of saving a stagecoach, I think dealing with stage bandits sounds less dangerous.

Me: Minus, the uh … wound on your arm.

Jennie: (Fingering her left sleeve) Yes, that was one robbery I didn’t escape from unscathed.

Me: My dad actually suggested you take already stolen money from stage bandits. I liked the idea. It fit with the female Robin Hood image I wanted to create and it helped garner more sympathy for you, since you were raised in a religious home.

Jennie: I don’t know how many other outlaws deal with the prickings of conscious I’ve had.

Me: Probably more than we know—at least in the beginning. There are other Old West outlaws who were raised in God-fearing homes, but most of them never stopped their lives of crime. Unlike you. That’s something I admire about you, Jennie. You have a lot of courage, more than I do.

Jennie: We could put that to the test and get you up on Dandy right now.

Me: Except look at the time. I really ought to be going. My kids will be needing me, which means writing time is over. Thanks for the interview.

Jennie: (Giving me a hug) I appreciate you telling my story and bringing Caleb into my life.

Me: Thank you for giving me such a fun story to tell!

Murder of the Cat's Meow

When ex–Vegas showgirl and local business owner Bunny Reid starts an online dating service called Cupid’s Cat’s Meow, out-of-town visitors flock to her bowling alley for the speed dating and cat show events that she hosts to bring in extra cash. Bunny’s scheme sounds harmless enough, but school psychologist Skye Denison knows all too well that an influx of strangers in Scumble River always spells trouble….

Meanwhile, Skye is convinced that her house is haunted and is afraid her fiancé, police chief Wally Boyd, won’t move in until the ghost moves out. But ghost-hunting takes a back seat when Skye is called to the bowling alley, where a riled up contestant is choking a cat show judge for insulting his feline. Skye breaks up the scuffle, but the next morning the judge’s dead body is found, strangled with a cat toy. Now Skye must solve this purrplexing mystery—and show a devious killer that her sleuthing skills are the cat’s meow.

My Review: I have to confess that Denise Swanson's long-running Scumble River Mystery series is a series that I have failed to keep up to date with. I have read several, but not every one. When the call came out for cat/book bloggers to review the 15th book in the series, Murder of the Cat's Meow, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. How could I resist that cover??? And death by cat toy...bring it on!!! This book has it all...mystery, romance, ghosts, fun and quirky characters and beautiful cats. I really need to make the time to visit Scumble River more often.

Tara's Thoughts: When I was first adopted Mommy used to say that I was so beautiful she should enter me into the housepet division of the cat show that comes to Burlington every January. Seriously??? Have you seen how those judges handle the cats??? They put their hands everywhere. It's bad enough I have vets putting their hands all over me! I'm sure I would get disqualified as soon as one of the judges had to go to the emergency room for stitches. Just sayin'.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author with the request for a review.

The Sunday Post #6

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. This meme was inspired in part by In My Mailbox. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Bought:
 
Red Hot Deadly Peppers by Paige Shelton
Treacherous Toys by Jim and Joyce Lavene
Powdered Peril by Jessica Beck
Died with a Bow by Grace Carroll
Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
The Opium Equation (A Cat Enright Equestrian Mystery) by Lisa Wysocky (free)
From Mangia to Murder by Caroline Mickelson (free)
Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin

Won/Gifted:
 

Q&A with Sabine Starr

I am so happy to have the chance to interview author Sabine Starr today. Her brand new western historical from Kensington's Brava line, Lady Gone Bad, is in stores now. I have one trade paperback copy to give to a lucky commenter; simply leave an email address so I can contact the winner. (Open to US residents only until 9/15).

SABINE STARR TALKS ABOUT HER GONE BAD SERIES

OF WESTERN HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVELS

 

1) Tell us a little about your Gone Bad series...what made you decide to write western historicals?

 

Texas and Oklahoma (former Indian Territory) are in my blood, along with the people, land, and legends. I’ve lived in other wonderful areas of the country, but I’ve always come home. I’m descended from Republic of Texas pioneers and Native Americans. Their stories are my stories. I’ve always wanted to share this slice of Americana with the wider world. I decided to do it through a series of historical novels set in North/East Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. I also wanted to fill pages with tall-tales and larger-than-life heroes and heroines based on the independent people who left us their enduring legacy.

 

Back in the day, “G.T.T.” meant “Gone to Texas” and the letters were frequently found scrawled on doors in the South, Midwest, and East. The inscription was common enough that most folks knew when they saw “G.T.T.” that their friend, enemy, or loved one had disappeared into the wilds of Texas. G.T.T. people sometimes got out one step ahead of the law or creditors. Some simply couldn’t stand the confines of civilization any longer. In any case, these folks were simply gone. And many of them, gone bad. That interesting concept led to the title for my Gone Bad series.

 

When my editor, Alicia Condon, Editorial Director Kensington Books, read ANGEL GONE BAD, she had this to say. “Wow, I feel almost breathless after reading this story. What a wonderful mix of fast-paced action, suspense, hot romance, humor and Old West lore! I just love this series. The chemistry between Angel and Rune was combustible from the first chapter, and their journey to trust really made me root for them to finally get together.”

 

I couldn’t have said it better. This is exactly what my Gone Bad series is all about. I hope everyone enjoys it.

 

2) What kind of research goes into writing your westerns?

 

First, I have a library filled with wonderful research books that I rely on for accuracy. Second, I use the resources of the Internet, especially for photographs of locales, maps, clothes, horses, etc. Third, I interview people, asking advice, recording history and legends, and doing my best to get the facts straight. Fourth, I use the stories and legends handed down in my family.

 

After extensive research for every book, only a small part actually ends up on the pages. I use my research as the bones of the story and characters to give solidity but not weight. I like to put just the right detail here and there to bring the people and time alive. In LADY GONE BAD, and again in ANGEL GONE BAD, I enjoyed putting colorful slang language into the mouths of characters. As an example, “savagerous” is such a great, expressive word.

 

3) Do you read a lot of western romance? Who are your favorite authors?

 

I love western romance, both historical and contemporary. I like to read classics by authors such as Rosemary Rogers, Jane Archer, Linda Lael Miller, and newer ones such as Lorelai James and Sarah McCarty for a wide range of tastes and adventures. 

 

Bobbi Smith is also a favorite. She was kind enough to give me a wonderful quote that was used on LADY GONE BAD’s book cover and on the book trailer. “A promising debut novel – an exciting read!”

 

4) EBook or paperback?

 

LADY GONE BAD is an EBook and trade paperback release from Kensington Publishing. Doubleday Book Club and Rhapsody Book Club offer LADY GONE BAD in hardcover.

 

Personally, I’ll read in any format. All have their benefits. Life is perfect when I have a stack of books and/or several EBooks just waiting to be read.

 

5) Would you like to time travel back to the Old West? Would you prefer living in a "simpler" time or would you miss too many modern conveniences?

 

I’m fortunate in that I divide my time between the Kiamichi Mountains of Southeast Oklahoma where I step back in time and tempo and North Texas where I enjoy all the amenities of the city.

 

I’d love to time travel back to the Old West, but only if I could return to my modern conveniences. If I could go back and forth, just think of all the great stories I would bring readers!

 

6) What are you working on now?

 

With LADY GONE BAD just out and ANGEL GONE BAD scheduled to be released next March (2013), I’m writing the next novel in the Gone Bad series. My editor and I are batting back and forth title ideas, but are waiting for the perfect one to strike us. All I can say is that when you meet Lucky in ANGEL GONE BAD, you’ll know what my editor meant when she wrote, “Please tell me that Lucky will be your next hero. On behalf of your readers, I must insist on it!”

 

And so I’m creating the mysterious and handsome Lucky’s story right now.

 

For more of my Gone Bad series, please like me on Facebook at Sabine Starr Books, follow me on Twitter, or visit me at www.sabinestarr.com. Also LADY GONE BAD’s fabulous book trailer is at http://www.youtube.com/embed/gUog7e8jlus.

 

To celebrate Melissa’s birthday today, we’re giving away a copy of LADY GONE BAD. Enjoy!

 

A WOMAN'S SECRETS
The saloon singer known as Lady Gone Bad is the most drop dead gorgeous outlaw the West has ever seen. Lady has never met a cowboy she couldn't entice, or a lawman she couldn't outrun. But when Lady tangles with a sexy U.S. Marshal, she's tempted to stick around long enough to watch him lay down the law--in her bed.

A MAN'S DESIRES
U.S. Marshal Rafe Morgan wants to lock up Lady Gone Bad for good--and he won't let his attraction to her slow him down. But when his attempt to bring Lady to justice goes awry, Rafe is nearly hanged--and soon, his face is plastered next to hers on every "Wanted" poster in Texas.

A PASSION UNLEASHED
Now on the run together, Rafe and Lady find themselvers in very close quarters--and even more compromising positions. As Lady surrenders to Rafe's touch, she slowly begins to reveal all her secrets--including her real name. Maybe Lady Gone Bad isn't beyond redemption after all. Either way, Rafe is in for one wild ride.

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And how much fun is this book trailer???