Thursday, April 26, 2012

Friday Fun With Megan - When You Say Short, You Mean How Short?

I've been thinkng a lot about reviews. And the lengths of stories. I'm noticing a lot of short stories on Amazon, AllRomance ebooks, and publisher sites. I write mostly short stories. So short stories fascinate me. I've also got a short attention span. Like the attention span of a gnat. Why? I have children and well, you get distracted.

But my thoughts about short stories are heading in the direction of reviews. I love to write quick reviews of books. Why? Because I liked the book. I want to tell everyone about it. There are some books that just don't shake me. Shrug. It happens. Do I review them? Sometimes and sometimes not. I'll review it and post the review if the book was interesting, but not really my cuppa. I probably won't post the review or take the time to write one if I just plain wanted to toss it against the wall.

Why? I've got a mentality of "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Momma taught me to keep it quiet if I didn't like something I can't change. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

What I'm seeing as a trend with short story reviews... I've wanted to talk about this for a while. I'm seeing a lot of, this book was too short and I didn't like it short, type of comments. Now I don't mind if the reader wants a longer book. It's like Almond Joy and Mounds. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. Fine.

But why mark it down because you wanted to spend more time with the characters? I call that the mark of a good book. It must've drawn me in and made me think about the characters after I closed the book. If I dream about the characters, then yes, it's a book worthy of review. I'd mention that I was totally engaged with the characters and wanted to know what happened afterwards, before, whatever and hint, hint to the author, I'd like another book with them in it.

Then there's the complaint that there's not enough story to it and it's too expensive. Um. Most sites place the length, file size, page length and word count on the buying page. Most authors don't set the price of the books, especially when with a publisher. It doesn't seem right to knock down a rating because the book was too expensive.

Does the length of the book turn you off before you get a chance to read it? Does the length affect your rating? And are you willing to overlook the length if the characters draw you in? I'd love to know.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sunday Book Video ~ Fire Woman ~ Megan Slayer


She's everything he needs... if he can withstand the burn.
Atria Moline isn't your average photographer. She controls fire. Sounds fun, being able to scorch whenever you like? Think again. She's lonely and desperate for the touch of the man who can dance in her flame -- if she doesn't immolate him first.
Zac "Iceman" Frost controls the stage with his band Glow. He's not about to back down from Atria's challenge. He's got secrets of his own and his sights set on her.


Available here


Megan’s site: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Megan’s blog: http://theauthormeganslayer.blogspot.com
Megan on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5330530.Megan_Slayer
Megan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theauthormeganslayer
Megan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MeganSlayer

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

To Prologue... or Not To Prologue...

That is the question...

What does this stem from you ask? Don't worry, I'll tell ya... I've been working on a story... for a looooooong time. I love the characters, and they won't let go. I wrote out the story, and had Mysti read the first rough, unedited draft. We both agreed it was too short and needed a lot more detail.

Then, as happens a lot, the story changed a bit. A character I thought was a secondary character took exception to that and pushed to the forefront and what started as a rather sweet, if hot M/F morphed into a much hotter M/F/M - M/M/F story. As I rethought and rewrote and reworked I realized that I needed to tell a bit more backstory. I wanted everyone to know HOW these two amazing guys who may have never looked at another man that way were drawn to each other along the way. But to do that, I figured ... I'll do a Prologue!

Then, recently, while in the midst of refining what I started with I read a blog post by a rather well-known editor. She said that she doesn't even read the prologues of submissions, or if she does, she doesn't really count it toward her opinion of the book as they're not usually something she finds relevant... or something to that effect. Basically, she questioned the need for a Prologue at all. And suddenly I was stopped cold in my writing as I angsted... ask Megan, I'm seriously good at the angsting! (No, I don't care if it's a word, angsting is part of my vocabulary, deal with it!)

As a reader, I actually enjoy the Prologues. I like knowing a bit of the "before all this" story. I love knowing that there are characters in this story that have a decided back history and I feel like the voyeur who knows something the characters to come don't. Now, I'm wondering... if it's such a bad thing that an editor doesn't even really read them... why do I like them so much? And will it hinder this story's possible appeal?

All that aside, I like where my Prologue goes, I like how it gives a hint of what's to come, and doesn't give it all away... so I know it's staying. And as Megan would tell me, "Just finish the damned thing so I can read it before you worry so much!" But, I wonder... and that's my question... As a reader or even a writer... what are your feelings on the usefulness of a Prologue?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Author Interview ~ Lila Munro



It’s been a long weekend. Friday the 13th and all...I’m worn out. Javier? A drink please? Thank you. Kealie should be here in just a few. Ah, there she is. I’ve set up the play pen. Want a drink?

Yup, yup, I’m here… is the playpen for the baby or for me? Howdy howdy howdy… doody… WOW, way too much caffeine this morning! So sorry! I think maybe I should pass on a drink… wait… I can have water! I know… I know… lots of exclamation points right now, but you’ll have to deal until the caffeine wears off! :-D Super glad I made it in today to hang out with y’all!

I’d like to welcome our author today, Lila Munro. Thanks for being here. We’re glad you could stop by. Javier will get you a drink and a snack, if you’d like. Grin. He’s feeling very helpful. And while he does that, I’ll get this party started. Where are you from?

Where am I not from is a better question. :) I was born and raised a hearty corn-fed Missouri gal, then I grew up and married a Marine. Now I’m from where ever Uncle Sam deems me to be from that day. Currently, that place would be North Carolina, but it’s also been Delaware, Virginia, and Okinawa Japan. Now, I must be honest, I’ve held a driving license in three different counties in North Carolina, so I’ve been known as an inlander as well as a down-easter—believe me in the Carolinas there is a difference.

*snort* Boy can I relate to being from everywhere and nowhere. I come from a pretty big Irish/German Military family… my first word was a cuss word… go figure. And isn’t it funny what causes one to be from somewhere or not from somewhere no matter how long they’ve been in that somewhere? Okay, sorry… still the caffeine!

Goodness. You’ve really been everywhere. Tell us your latest news?

My latest news…Three for Keeps is out there in the world. It’s my latest work to be published by Rebel Ink Press. It’s a m/m/m/f about a woman named Zoey Matthews and the three men she’s known since childhood, Dane, Jack and Ryan.

Oooooohhhhhh sounds… yummy! But I always wonder… with that many men… is it a sandwich or a wrap? Just wondering…

Ooh! Sounds hot. When and why did you begin writing?


I’ve always known that I wanted to write on some level from the time I could say the ABC’s and I memorized The Little Red Hen. At that point I couldn’t write down stories, but I was really good at making them up. I had a very vivid imagination. When I was in sixth grade we traded teachers once a day in our teeny country school (I graduated in a class of fifty-two) and I was introduced to the world of creative writing by Mr. Trokey. I was very much taken in when he told me I had a knack for carrying a story line and that someday he knew he’d get the first signed copy of a book I’d written. I really doubt he thought that book would come in the form of an erotic romance. From there I tinkered with writing off and on until my muses went dormant when the children arrived. Apparently crying, screaming babies tend to terrify muses and they flee for the hills at the sound. Then one day I looked up and figured out I had turned forty and my dream was yet to be realized. It was at that point I dusted off the old notebook, found an idea or two and turned them into The Executive Officer’s Wife.

We know quite well how children can make the muse cringe.

Funny how things work… I can honestly say my muse isn’t terrified of my small children… more… obnoxious that I don’t sit down and do what she wants right when she wants… kind of like having another child that only I can hear. Glad yours just went into hiding… mine demands duct tape.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?


Oh golly, sometimes depending on the way the day is going I still question that title. However, for the sake of a real answer, I’d say that when I knew I had readers, that’s when it hit me.

We can relate to that, too.

Those readers/fans can change your whole outlook on what you do and why you do it. Gotta love em. Do you have a specific writing style?

I coined my own writing style actually. I call it realmantica—that’s erotic romance with a realistic twist. I’m a stickler for facts and realism. Yeah, it’s supposed to be all about the fantasy, but it has to stay grounded on some levels.

There is something special about a story that’s grounded in reality. Fantasy is good, but I like my contemporary romances with realism.

That makes sense… nothing worse than reading a story and thinking, “Yeah, that would never happen in real life!” And I think we should all start using that term… “realmantica”… it covers so much ground! You’ll so fit in here if you continue designing your own words! How did you come up with the title?

Aside from the fact that it seems a necessary evil in today’s world to make it clear that there is ménage going on between the pages of your story, all four characters in Three for Keeps are playing for keeps. I always try to pin down a key phrase or theme in my work and morph that into a title.

Well, that makes sense. I always have a hard time coming up with titles… I seriously want someone else to say “You should call it this!” But alas, I’d probably be difficult about that as well…

Great idea, Lila. Kealie… hon… not gonna happen, lol. What is the hardest scene you have had to write (published or not)? Why?

In Bound by Trust, my heroine, Madi Melbourne, learns that her deceased Ranger husband was having multiple affairs. She’d always suspected this, but the day that his personal affects arrive via the UPS man, her worst nightmare comes true as the trunk is filled with photos and letters of and from other women. Madi has a complete and total meltdown at that point. Feeling everything she was feeling was intense and I spent a great deal of time being angry and hurt with her and crying. Hell, I was tempted to throw things with her.


Wow, yeah… I’ll throw things with y’all if you’d like! That would make me snap my bolt too!

I can see where that might be painful and hard to deal with. I’ve had those times and characters, too. I understand. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Many writers will deny any part of themselves or people they know somehow being woven into their work. Not me. If I know you watch out. Something about you--a quirk, a funny saying you always spill, a mannerism—will come out in a character at some time. As for me, yes, there’s a piece of me in all my characters or stories and as far as experiences, absolutely, although I keep which ones under my hat. ;)

I can honestly say that I have shamelessly used people I know… especially when they are just too fun for me to make up! They never know, but sometimes others recognize them, lol.

I don’t know that I have specific people I know in my books, but I can relate to the mannerisms part. I use actors, but same idea. What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m finishing the Loralei James series, Rough Riders. I love cowboys and this woman knows how to dish them up proper.

I’ve only read a few of her books and I’d have to say, she does do cowboys well… hmm… yes, I mean that in every way you could possibly take it!

Yes, yes she does. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

There are so many out there right now. And many of them are really good. I’d have to say a newer writer that I can’t live without some of her work being on my Kindle would be Cherise Sinclair. Her Masters of the Shadowlands are positively yummy!

Yup, she’s pretty awesome!

Absolutely. What are your current projects?

Oh Lordy. That list is long and longer. I’m currently working on book 3 of my Identity series, Assumed Identity, book 3 of the Force Recon series, Rogue Nation, book 3 of the Slower Lower series, A Slower Lower Leap, a new series due out later this year, The Sergeants of Echo Company, and wouldn’t you know it, with all that going on three new marines started talking my ear off recently and their series is tentatively called Marriages of Convenience. My easy bake book oven is always on and hot.

*snort* Someone once called it an “Idea Garden” and I liked that… but Easy Bake Oven is hilarious!

The easy bake oven. Nice. Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I do. I don’t have a traditional day job like most other writers do, although I do have a gig over at Rebel Ink Press as the VP of Business Affairs. However, my husband provides very well for me and our nest is now empty, so my purpose in life through his eyes is stay home and make my dream come true. He’s my very own hero, and I appreciate all he does to allow me to wordsmith all day long.

I’m sure he’s an amazing research assistant too!

Having those men to back us up is fantastic. I agree. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Absolutely…

Zoey Matthews is in love. She’s been in love since the day she was dropped off by a social worker at yet another foster home on a back country road miles from nowhere, Missouri. At age ten, she met the men of her dreams. Over the course of sixteen years, Dane Cardwell, Jack Devereux and Ryan Wilkins fell in love with her, too. They’ve each told her they love her, they’ve shown her and each man has gone so far as to ask her to marry him. But what they don’t know is Zoey loves them all.
Her game of kiss and not tell all comes crashing down around her the night of her graduation from veterinary school and Zoey runs for the mountains. Of Colorado. Hoping to outrun her obsession with three men and forget them all together, she stays gone for ten years. But the wound has never healed. In fact, it's done nothing but fester. Needing to clear the air, Zoey agrees to spend a few days back home with the boys never imagining it would turn into a week filled with comparison sex as Dane, Jack and Ryan each try to get Zoey to choose between them and their varied tastes.
When she finally tells the truth, a truth only one of them has known all along, Zoey fears the foursome will never be able to make a sharing relationship work. After all, aren't there just too many personalities and desires to sort through? Add in the kink factor and things get really complicated. Zoey’s not convinced the truth has any merit, but there's one thing she knows for sure…this time she's playing for keeps.

Here’s a bit of an excerpt (unedited):

“I mean I have needs. Things I’ve discovered I like. Dark things, Dane. I think you have those needs as well. Tell me you wouldn’t like to lash me to this wrought iron bed spread eagled and make me come until I begged for mercy. Have you ever laid awake at night and thought about bending me over and spanking me until my ass was as pink as the flowers on that chair over there? I have.” Zoey watched as Dane’s breathing sped up and his nostrils flared. “Know what else? In my fantasies Ryan and Jack help. Sometimes they take turns watching while the other one fucks my mouth while you take me from behind. Now are you disappointed, Dane?”
“Hell no, Zoey. Get up,” he rasped out and stood.
“Why?”
“Because first we’re going downstairs to tell the others what you’ve decided. Then I’m bringing you back up here and fuck you seven ways to Sunday. In my room, not this frilly little princess room we thought you needed. Starting with that filthy little mouth of yours,” Dane explained as he walked to her side of the bed then grabbed her wrist and helped her stand. “You may have just told me what you want, but you also said you loved when I made the decisions. Consider your decision making power revoked, sweetheart, starting now. Oh, believe me, Zoey Christine Matthews, I’ll give you exactly what you want and more.”
I hope so.
Zoey followed Dane down the stairs naked as the day she was born with her head held high. Ryan was sprawled out across the couch with a Michelob in his hand and a scowl on his face. Jack was absent.
“Where the hell’s Jack?” Dane spat as Ryan bolted upright at the sight of Zoey in all her glory.
“The kitchen. What’d she do let you get to third base, too then bail?” Ryan snipped.
“No, she didn’t. Jack! Get your ass in here!” Dane yelled all the while still hanging on to Zoey’s wrist.

“Dane…”
“Did I give you permission to speak?” he growled and shot her a look unlike any she’d ever seen from the men she’d experimented with.
“No,” she squeaked.
“Then don’t.”
Zoey nodded and averted her eyes.
“What?” Jack asked strolling into the room with a sandwich in hand and a huge bite in his mouth. When he saw Zoey he choked and wheezed then coughed twice. “What the hell?” he managed before coughing again.
“Zoey is under the impression we’ve invited her here to make her choose between us,” Dane bellowed. “Her conditions to this are apparently that we fuck her senseless until she makes her decision. Am I getting this right, sweetheart?”
Zoey nodded and never looked up.
“So, in light of this recent development, I’m first. Although she told me she’ll take us all on and in fact has had fantasies about it. Am I still on track here, Zoey?” Dane demanded.
Again she nodded.
“Zoey, sugar, are you sure about this?” Jack wheezed.
“Answer him,” Dane said.
“Yes. Perfectly sure. I know what I’m doing, Jack, just as long as you all can live with my decision once it’s made.”
“Well, can we live with it?” Dane asked.
The room was so quiet for a few seconds Zoey swore she actually heard the men’s pulses pounding.
“I can,” Ryan finally said with a quiet resolve. “Jack?”
“Yeah, I can live with whatever she decides.”
“Good, we’re all in agreement then. Now, does anyone have an issue with any of this before I take her upstairs and take her sweet ass to task?” Dane asked.
“Not as long as it’s what she really wants,” Jack said flatly.
“Zoey?” Dane said
“It’s what I really want.”
“Ryan, any objections?”
“Nope.”
With them all in agreement, Dane almost flew back up the stairs with Zoey in tow.

Whew. I don’t know about you, Kealie, but I need a cold drink after that excerpt. Fanning self. I’ll let you do the next question.

I’m sorry, what? I was a bit distracted… OH… ummm… kay… Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

That’s one of the beautiful things about being a military life. We’ve travelled plenty. Although at the time we were traversing America’s highways and bi-ways, I had no idea seeing so much and experiencing so much would someday come in handy where my writing is concerned. Most of the places I write about I’ve seen or experienced in some way. Another beautiful thing is that what I’ve not seen or experienced I have a friend or neighbor that has and I can usually wheedle a few facts out of them.

Hee hee. We know that, too.

LOL, helps to have… resources. Who designed the covers?

Rebel Ink Press has a wonderful graphic artist in house. Carl J Franklin. He does beautiful work, no?

I’d have to agree.

Absolutely. Do you have any advice for other writers?

One of the best pieces of advice I got when I started this journey to publication was write what you know. I’ve been a military wife for fifteen years, and have seen and done it all, been through all it has to offer good and bad. I believe my readers get a realistic taste of romance, a solid love story with a banging HEA, through my stories. So, I pass on the advice. Write what you know.

I’ve heard that advice a lot, and it never fails to make it that much easier. I’m not saying you shouldn’t expand your horizons and push the envelope of your comfort zone a bit… but writing what you know at least makes it so it’s not forced… or farced either, lol.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you. Without your support and continued readership there wouldn’t be a Lila Munro.

Yup, always a good thing to remember!

I agree. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Bubble baths. I love bubble baths and it’s my quirk to take to the think tank any time a scene isn’t coming together quite like I want it to. I spend a lot of time there and time of day has no bearing on when I climb in—of course time of day does dictate my beverage of choice as I soak. 


Now I think that’s something I should try.

No kidding… but usually I’d have chubby fingers poking under the door demanding I tell them what I’m doing… :-D How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

To date I have twelve releases. As far as a favorite, I consider each one to be as unique as one of my children. I didn’t play favorites with my children, I loved them each uniquely and I love each of my books with the same resolve.

Good answer. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Let’s see, the better question is what didn’t I want to be…and just so we’re clear, I’m not entirely certain I’m grown up yet. A nurse, a journalist, a wife and mother, psychologist, teacher, dental assistant, pharmacy technician…see a pattern here? However, I can tell you this much, I’ve achieved all those to some degree through the art of military wifing and what I don’t hit there, my characters get to experience. 

Do we seem to be grown ups? I think Peter Pan is my idol! And now we’re gonna move on to the “seriously? There is no way these are about writing” questions! YAY!

Grin. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

Wow. Some of my horrible experiences rate pretty high on the horrible meter, all joking aside. Very few people in the world are privy to my horrible and I’ll keep it that way here, but I will say this—my horrible was certainly nothing as simple as a botched prom date, spilling spaghetti on me in my sweet sixteen outfit or getting caught making out on a dirt road by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Nope those are simple compared to some of the horrible things I’ve endured. And to be honest, as much as the horrible has made me tear my hair out at times, sent me to tears, forced me to scream and rip things off the walls then hide so no one would know, I’m not sure I’d erase them. Each experience is a chance to grow. As horrible as the experience was, as negative as it was—somewhere along the way I learned something. I wouldn’t have been the straight A student had the horrible not happened. I wouldn’t have been such a protective Mom had the horrible not happened. I wouldn’t have been compassionate and tolerant had the horrible not happened. In short, I wouldn’t be me.

Oh, darlin’ I can completely relate! I can say with complete confidence that I’m stronger for all the crap! Good for you. When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

It’s Monday—Yick! But you’re beautiful…yep, we can do this, Lila.

Yep, you can do this. Grin.

Kind of like my “I got this!” LOL Have you ever eaten a crayon?

No but I think I’d be more inclined if they had flavors that matched the colors…

AMEN! Don’t tell me that crayon is strawberry and then not make it at least smell like it!

Now that’s an idea I want to see. There were those smelly markers. I’m strange. We knew that. What do you want to know about the future?

Nothing. I like surprises and what’s the point in living if you know the outcome?
I’d have to agree.

True enough. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

Oh absolutely. Several, but the one that still makes me cry no matter how many times I watch it, Steel Magnolias. My goodness, who wouldn’t cry?

OMG, that is my all time favorite movie! I swear, Megan and I are totally Weeza and Clairee… sometimes. But I cry every single time when M’lynn loses it at the funeral… every time and I know the danged thing by heart.

Yes! I cry during that movie every time. But I’m also a sap. What is your favorite pizza?

I have sampled some doozies…remember the question about strangest thing consumed? Try tuna and corn…was pretty good actually. So, a fav? Don’t really have one as far as toppings, although I veer toward fresh and healthy, ie veggies, lean meats, you know waist friendly, but, to be honest, my favorite is a place rather than a topping—nothing better than Grotto’s on the eastern shore of Delaware. They have the best boardwalk fries—malt vinegar is the appropriate condiment, ketchup? Ha!—the best gelato, and by far the best pizza ever. In fact, we’ve had family pick up a few pies on their way here, Grotto’s will cook them half-way for us, the fam travels six hours with them, we pop them in the oven and voila! We have dinner together. Too bad the fries don’t travel as well. 

Yum. Fries. What is one thing scientists should invent?

One more day of the week…still thinking of a name for it, but that day should not involve anything but sleeping. I think that was the original purpose of the weekend, but it seems we’ve forgotten…

It could be Remday… for REM sleep?... okay, they can’t all be gems.

People are trying to pack too much into the weekend. Yeah, we forgot it. Can you tie a cherry stem in a knot?

Yes I can. ;) Nuff said…

Yup… absolutely… nothing else must be said… except you know I want to…

How many fingers am I holding up?

Fourteen.

Shoot…

Awww she guessed it. And now for the readers, do you want to know just a little bit more about Lila Munro? Here you go!
Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina. She’s a military wife and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, A Slower Lower Love, A Slower Lower Life, Salvation, Force Recon: Beacon Bayou, Force Recon: Somalia, True Identity and Identity Crisis. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2011-12. Ms. Munro also works as the VP of Business Affairs for Rebel Ink Press. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://lilamunro.weebly.com or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com For more information about Rebel Ink Press please visit their website at www.rebelinkpress.com

Purchase Link for Three for Keeps:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=publisher&qString=rebel+ink+press&searchBy=publisher&qString=rebel+ink+press

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Sunday Book Video ~ The Tenth Legion ~ Mike Arsuaga




New Year’s Day is not going well for Lorna Winters, the only werewolf on the OPD—Orlando Police Department. She’s kicked her friend with benefits out of bed, had to subdue a berserk junkie in the middle of the squad room, and given all the guys a free peep show when she changed back to her human shape from her wolf form. And when she gets a great new lead on a big cold case, she discovers that in order to pursue it, she has to gain the cooperation of the vampire CEO of Subspecies, Inc., one of the two largest corporations in the world.

And the twenty-second century is only one day old.

When Lorna’s police work accidentally uncovers lost documents precious to the Whites, the First Family of the Subspecies, she finds herself in close contact with their handsome CEO, Ed White, as he expresses his gratitude to her. Brought face to face, the sparks fly between them, as they discover they have more in common than either ever imagined. Can they build a meaningful relationship when faced with traitorous relatives, organ thieves, plague, prophecies of Earth’s destruction, and a sinister organization known as the Tenth Legion?

The saga of the Subspecies continues…

Available here!

Check out the full synopsis and excerpts of all stories at http://mikearsuaga.weebly.com or http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Our hottie for today is none other than Parks and Recreations...
Adam Scott
.
courtesy of: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004395/bio
He is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Is good friends with actor Paul Rudd.
(2010 quote on his career) I'm still in the guest-star mentality, where I'm just grateful. Like, on the Parks And Rec set, I still feel like I'm a guest star. Being a fan of the show, it's really surreal to be on the set and see that it's not real, and getting to know the actors and they're not their characters. I'm still kind of in that mindset, most of the time.
(2008 quote on his career approach) I really just take it role by role, and I don't really have a specific idea of what I want to play. I just read stuff and figure out what I might enjoy doing. If they're interested in me and things line up...you just hope it all lines up.


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Release Day!! Always!!!

Nope can't tell I'm excited. :-)
I am. Grin. I have always loved Peter Pan and when I got the chance to write him grown up, yes, I know he's not supposed to grow up, I jumped at it. Changeling Press created a line of books called Forever Wicked. I'm glad to be part of the series. Always is my contribution. Read on and click the cover or the title for purchasing information!

Forever Wicked: Always - Megan Slayer
BIN: 05660-01813
Word Count: 18K
Page Count: 55
Genres: Erotic Romance, Novella, Paranormal, BDSM, spanking, biting, fetish, anal sex
Themes: Magic

Peter Pan grew up, all right.

Peter Pan was supposed to be the boy who never grew up. Then Neverland blew sky high. Now he's very much an adult and playing adult games. There's one woman he wants for his bed, his cuffs, his toys... yeah, he's ready to do all sorts of naughty things to Wendy. If he can find her.

Wendy Darling never expected Peter to come back. She'd grown up and moved on -- to write white-hot BDSM tales. Can her perfect Dom be the one man she never thought she'd see all grown up?

Here's a tasty little excerpt that's not safe for work, but so much fun to read.

"Wanna ride me?"
"Is that a trick question?" Her resistance blew all to hell. She'd keep her heart behind a wall, but she'd let him have his way with her body.
"I've got a better idea." He pulled her into his lap, having her straddle his thighs. "I've been away for too many nights. I owe you so much more than just a tour of a sex club for the Fae to fuck humans. I want you to see I'm all grown up. I want more than a business partner or a lover. I want you."
Wendy trailed her fingertips down his chest. The heat in his groin matched the need settling between her legs. She had to say something to test him one more time. "Don't say what you don't mean. You're not dressed to stick around."
Peter tugged the elastic from her hair and combed his fingers the tangled strands. "That's better. I land on my feet, remember? I'll manage." He sniffed the air. "Do you realize you smell like lemon?"
"Toilet cleaner. Sexy, I know." She rolled her eyes. "If you'd showed up half an hour later, I'd probably smell like the peony shower gel I use."
"I don't know. Lemon can be very sexy on the right woman." He brushed a lock of her hair from her eyes. "You wear it well."
"I do?"
"You wear it very well." He threaded his fingers in the hair at the base of her neck. "Very, very well."
His breath warmed her skin, and she fisted his shirt in her hand. Peter captured her mouth in a kiss. The tingles shot from her lips to her heart, to her toes, and back. His tongue speared between her lips. Wendy sucked on him, simulating sex with his tongue.
Peter broke the kiss first, but didn't relent from her. "You taste like sin," he puffed.
"Sin has a taste?"
"Considering you write about sex, I'd think you'd know." Peter swatted her ass with the flat of his hand. "Take off your shirt. I want to see you."
The tingle on her ass combined with the grit in his voice and resonated to her core. She yanked the shirt up over her head and tossed the discarded garment across the room.
Peter buried his face in her chest and groaned. His day-old whiskers scraped against her lace-covered breasts. Cream slickened her panties. He reached behind her and flicked the clasp on her bra. "I want this gone." He heaved the bra in the same direction as her shirt. "That's better. If I had my way, you'd never wear one again."
The chill of the night caressed her bare breasts. She shivered. Peter rubbed his cheek on her chest again and bit down on her nipple. Streaks of pleasure-pain ripped through her body. She tensed and smoothed her palms along his arms. Absorbed in the moment, she rocked on his lap and whimpered.
"Stop."
Wendy froze. Anticipation ricocheted through her veins. This was the part she loved -- her lover exerting control and her not knowing what he'd do next.
"No coming 'til I say so."

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sunday Book Video ~ Children of Subspecies ~ Mike Arsuaga




With the corporation rapidly ascending to world prominence under Samantha’s leadership, life looks good for her and the family. The majority of the Subspecies live in peace with humans, helping to rehabilitate the few remaining Ferals. The family boasts five healthy intelligent children, but from under the surface of this bright picture emerges the chilling reality they are developing like humans and will not emerge to be lycans or vampires. Most disturbing of all they’ll have normal human life spans, a third of their parents’. Growing to adulthood, each child faces the issue in his or her own way. Sam’s protégé Cynthia, world famous as a fashion model actress and philanthropist, appears on any list of the most beautiful women who ever lived. She would trade it all to have children. Her wish is granted in a sadly left-handed way while humanity experiences the greatest crisis in its history. Will the Whites, the corporation, and the Subspecies prevail over economic collapse and worldwide plague? Will the Subspecies die out as their hybrid children show none of their parents’ traits? Sam’s previously unshakable faith in the destiny of subspecies meets its greatest test.

Available here!

Author of "Subspecies, Inc." Best Erotic Book for 2011 on the Preditors & Editors Reader's Poll. The sequel, "Children of Subspecies" won Best Cover. Both are continuations of award winning "Subspecies" about the deep love between two special beings as they shepherd lycans and vampires (The Subspecies) to their destiny within Creation. Coming soon, episodes four and five, "The Tenth Legion" in February and "Lagrange Point" in May.

Check out the full synopsis and excerpts of all stories at http://mikearsuaga.weebly.com or http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com


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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Kealie and I are busy telling the CBs what to do and since we're all hiding eggs, here are the late hotties for your visual enjoyment!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Some Days I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything....

...like today.

Why? I've got a pretty good reason. Or three.

I'm taking the book Believe on a review tour this week and next. That's a lot of work. What doesn't help matters much is, well, actually a couple things. Reviews are a crap shoot. I know that. Not everyone will like the book. So each day is like waking up with the fear the review won't be good. That's life, though.

Also, my laptop battery has given up it's life. The laptop still works if I've got it on a cord, but come on. That's why I got a laptop--to take it with me. The rotten battery replacement is going to be anywhere from $30 to $180. Yeah, you read those last three numbers right. That's like 1/3 of a computer if I replaced it. And yeah, I looked at amazon, but sheesh, have you read those reviews? Either they've had the battery for a day and love it, or the thing doesn't work. HELP!?!

And for the icing on the cake...my allergies are acting up. YAY. Okay, not yay. It stinks. I've gone through at least one box of tissues. Benedryl is about the only thing that works to make life breathable. Problem? It knocks me out. Yeah. Thrilling.

I've got a story to finish and at least one percolating. Oh and next week, on Friday the 13th... Always releases! For that, I am excited. Peter Pan a grown up and a Dom to boot!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sunday Book Video ~ Subspecies, Inc. ~ Mike Arsuaga



Samantha ‘Sam’ Johnson, a Lycan, and Jim White, a Vampire, are members of a Fortune 500 company named Subspecies, Inc., formed to promote the interests of Lycans and Vampires and integrate them into humanity. Life seems blissful, a wedding, and three children. After events force The Subspecies to reveal themselves to the world, the love of Sam and Jim is tested. While on a rescue mission in the Spanish Pyrenees to save a family friend, Jim is lost for 15 months with amnesia. As memory returns he uncovers a rogue operation working to create an army of super soldiers, and putting Subspecies, Inc. at risk.

Now reunited, can Sam and Jim continue meeting the challenges of persecution and resume the effort to deepen and perfect their love? Themes of salvation and redemption blend to evolve The Subspecies, once the most reviled and feared, toward becoming the finest expression of Creation.

Available here!

WEBSITE: http://mikearsuaga.weebly.com
http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!