Apr 18, 2017 | April 2017, Blog, Coffee With, Xio Axelrod
Rae: Thank you Xio for hanging out with me today.
Xio: My pleasure! Thanks for having me.
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop, I’d be drinking a mocha latte with Coconut milk. What would you order?
Xio: I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I do drink a ton of tea. Probably a leftover from living in the UK. I’d probably order a Chai Latte or some other frothy, creamy drink.
Rae: I am thrilled you are here today. Congratulations on Hot on Ice being on the USA Today bestselling list!
Xio: Thank you! We’re all pretty stunned and, of course, thrilled. The support for this project has been tremendous.
Rae: The collection was fantastic. What was it like to work with 17 authors collaborating and writing about hockey?
Xio: Thanks! It was an amazing experience, and I have to give a shout out to Avery Flynn for inviting me to be a part of it. I learned so much from each one of those ladies.
Rae: Are you a hockey fan?
Xio: I am a HUGE hockey fan, actually. (Go Flyers!) Even if the anthology hadn’t been filled with some of my favorite authors, I still would have jumped at the chance. Sports romance isn’t my forte, but I loved combining two of my favorite things: hockey and romance.
Rae: Readers…check out my review of Hot On Ice for this fabulous story! You also write erotic romance, is it easy to switch genres?
Xio: Yes and no. Erotic romance is where I let my hair down, so to speak. I basically throw the rules out the window and weave rather lyrical stories when I’m playing in that particular sandbox. They tend to be a bit more abstract if that makes any sense. It’s something I’d like to do more often and hope to do again soon, time permitting.
Rae: I understand that you write music and perform, when do you have time to do everything?
Xio: That’s the million dollar question. I was a full-time singer and songwriter until 2013. There was a mini-recession in Europe, where I toured the most, and it decimated the Indie music venues that I frequented. Places either closed, changed hands, or stopped booking original music. I knew it would eventually recover, but it forced me to take a break. It was during that break that I learned about Romance Writers of America and started to pursue (what was supposed to be) a secondary career as an author. Of course, it’s all reversed now. I don’t tour much anymore, but I still record and perform. And I’ve found a way to incorporate music into my books, recording soundtracks/singles for some of them. Still, it’s a juggling act.
Rae: Do you have the same creative process for writing books and songs?
Xio: I suppose I do, yes. I’m fascinated by what-ifs. With a song, I might hear a guitar lick or a bit of harmonized vocals and wonder “what if I build a chorus around those few notes?” My books often start the same way. I’ll read an article or overhear a conversation and think “what if…?”
Rae: What can we expect to see in 2017?
Xio: The Warm Up, from Hot On Ice, comes back to me soon, so I will be releasing that with some bonus scenes. After that comes Camden, and I am crazy excited about that book. Later in the year, I’ll have the long awaited follow up to The Calum, a/k/a “the book that will be the death of me,” and also a story I co-wrote with Kim Golden called Crossing Paths. I have some other things on tap, including my first LGBTQ series, but I’m not sure what will come this year and what will get pushed to 2018.
Rae: If readers want to find you, where will you be in the upcoming months?
Xio: I’ll be at the RT Booklovers Convention in Atlanta in May, and then at RWA’s Literacy Signing in July. That’s in Orlando. I’ll also be at the Baltimore Book Festival in September, though I’m not sure if I’ll be on a panel or just hanging around. Either way, it’s a great event.
Rae: You have posted that you’ll be at RT in Atlanta next month with Stu Reardon attending as your guest. Please tell me how that evolved. 🙂
Xio: Six months ago, I was in Dublin, Ireland for an author event and ran into Stu. For those who don’t know, Stuart is an ex-rugby player-turned-fitness guru and cover model. (He’s a sweetheart, by the way.) Anyway, Stu asked me about my career as an author and joked that I 
should put him on the cover of one of my books. Well, I thought it was a joke, but Stuart wasn’t joking. So we exchanged info, chatted a bit, and viola – Camden was born. It’s very different from anything else I’ve released, and I’m anxious to see how Camden’s story will be received. After Stu had planted the idea of being on one of my covers (actually, he’ll be on two), he offered to come to RT with me to help promote it. Again, I thought he was kidding. One thing I’ve learned in my budding friendship with Stu is that he’s a very serious business man. He loves to have fun, but he’s all business when it matters. I’ve learned a lot from him and hope that some of his drive rubs off on me. He would be a great life coach.
Rae: I am thrilled you were able to join me today and look forward to your next release.
Xio: Thanks again for having me! I had a blast.
Rae: Thank you again
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must-read book and why?
Maybe Baby by Kim Golden is a book I return to again and again. I’ve known Kim for years, but we’d lost touch. When we re-connected, she’d just released Maybe Baby, and I bought it as a friend. I totally fell in love with Mads and Laney. Kim’s writing is so intimate and descriptive, and the story is so unique. I think I’ve read this book six or seven times.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
Philadelphia is America’s best-kept secret, lol. Everyone knows about the Liberty Bell and all the historical stuff, but when people come here, I take them to the Art Museum area. The scenery is gorgeous, with the Schuylkill River snaking its way through the heart of the city. You get a taste of what makes Philly so unique. It’s a naturally, almost sumptuously green city.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I read my first romance novel in 2013.
4. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
Hard rock though I love classical too, especially Bach and Debussy. I have way too many modern favorites to pick one, but I’ve recently discovered a Norwegian artist named Cezinando. He’s sort of a cross between Die Antwoord and Eminem. Such a clever lad.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Right now, Oslo, Norway. My current muse is a Norwegian actor named Henrik Holm. He inspired my new work-in-progress, so I’m obsessed with all things Norwegian at the moment. I’m even learning the language.
6. What is your guilty pleasure?
I’ve learned not to feel guilty about my pleasures. 😉
7. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
I have three, with two more planned. My first was the Cyrillic letter D (a nod to my husband).
8. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
My DVR is heavily used, and I tend to binge between manuscripts. Faves include The Walking Dead, Outlander, Colony, Game of Thrones, Preacher, and Sense8. But my absolute favorite show is SKAM. It’s Norwegian, lol. See a pattern there?
9. What play or musical do you want to see next?
Like everyone else on the planet, I’m dying to see Hamilton. I’m still kicking myself for not going it when it was in preview. The annual RWA conference was in New York that year, and the theater was right next door.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Xio
Xio: Thanks!
** To leave a comment for Xio be sure to click the Title of the post – Coffee With USA Today Best-selling author and then you will be able to comment. At the moment there are technical difficulties with the comment feature. We are working to correct this.**
Author Info:
Xio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of love stories, contemporary romance and (what she likes to call) strange, twisted tales. She also writes erotica as Xio Nin.
Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, not-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and one part-time cat.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.xioaxelrod.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Xio-Axelrod/e/B00JCFOOHY Email Signup: https://eepurl.com/SunFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XioAxelrod Twitter: https://twitter.com/xioaxelrod Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/xioaxelrod Google+: https://plus.google.com/+XioAxelrod Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/xioaxelrod/ Instagram: https:// https://instagram.com/xioaxelrod/
Book info:
Title: Camden
Blurb: Sometimes there’s a moment when you know you’ve screwed up. For Camden Skinner, it’s the night a dead pop star walks into his pub.
As one-half of Skin, an agency which specializes in cleaning up behind the ultra-rich and infamous, Cam has gotten used to getting his hands dirty. A little too used to it. After the young singer at the center of a client’s controversy is found dead, Cam decides he’s out. He walks away from Skin in search of a simpler life. Maybe even a shot at redemption.
Redemption arrives in the form of Yara Bujold.
The singer’s meteoric rise to the top surprised no one more than Yara herself. All she ever wanted was to make music. Caught up in the dark underbelly of the industry, Yara is forced to fake her own death. But she can’t hide forever.
Yara tracks down one of the principals at Skin, the very people that helped to tear her down. She’ll force Camden Skinner to make it right, whatever it takes. What she doesn’t expect is remorse from the man that helped to ruin her. And she certainly doesn’t expect to lose herself in him.
Cam finds himself sucked right back into a world he’d hoped never to step foot in again, but he can’t walk away. He has to fix this. Not only for himself, but for her. For Yara. Because she might just be everything he didn’t know he needed. She just might be everything.
**Blurb provided by Xio Axelrod
Get your copy of Hot on Ice before it disappears forever on April 21st….here:
Apr 6, 2017 | April 2017, Blog, Coffee With, Scott Nova
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee with coconut milk. What would you order?
Scott: I would order a large spice chai tea.
Rae: I am always fascinated with how a cover model got their start. How did you landed on your first book cover? Was it for a stock photo or did an author request you?
Scott: It was a request, by Cindy Holby, who had met me at RT-LA in 2011 after Cindy Walker recruited me into the ranks of the cover models.
Rae: Have you ever had a request that was out of your comfort zone during a photo shoot? If so, how did you navigate through that?
Scott: Yeah I was requested once to cup a woman’s bare breasts, and I was married and so that was off the table. It was easy to navigate around, as the photographers that I work with are top-notch and very professional, so it was an easy thing to work through. I like boob’s as much as any man (maybe more than usual) but I only enjoy Lesleys lol.
Rae: I recently read that you are available to model with your wife for cover photos, is that more or less stressful than with a model you don’t know?
Scott: You read correct, and it’s very fun and easy to do. Authors are always saying that couples on covers have to have chemistry, and even though it’s a still photo on a book, chemistry comes through, and we have so much chemistry that it’s easy to get as sexy, or contemporary as needed.
Rae: The RT Convention 2017 agenda lists you as appearing in Hotlanta and hosting the Cover Model Meet & Greet. For new attendees, can you explain what happens during those sessions?
Scott: I’m not exactly sure WHAT is gonna happen at the Hotlanta event, could get pretty nuts. The event organizors want me to bring my turn-out gear from my firehouse, but that stuff is very heavy and hard to travel with. So, not sure whatsup yet. As for the Cover Model Meet & Greet, it’s all about just coming to the event and meeting your favorite model. Period. Very simply put, we are eliminating the mess of festivities that sometimes accompanies the models at events, and making it about MEETING the models. You can chat, get photos and autographs and just have fun.
Rae: How often do you attend conferences during the year to connect with readers and fans?
Scott: I tend to go to, now-a-days, about 3-4 events. I just can’t afford to travel like some of these young kids can or folks with regular service jobs. I own my own IT consulting company, and it requires a lot of my time and expertise. I require my guys to be on point, so I have to be as well. So I don’t abuse the power of being the owner, not yet at least LOL /grin.
Rae: Any meet and greet fan moment stand out? Are the fans the same or is a new scene every time?
Scott: YES, the fan scene is different, but it’s also the same for me when I go to the large events like RT or Emerald City Writers Convention. A singular fan moment stand out…hmmm. I’d have to say, no not really. I enjoy all the folks ive gotten to meet through the years, and also who all I’ve gotten to work with. I’ve taken thousands and thousands of photos with fans, and each one I take time for. I also try desperately to remember everyone, but it’s very difficult sometimes. But we guys and gals try.
Rae: When you are not shooting covers, how do you spend you time?
Scott: Well, I truly enjoy my family time, more and more as Jacob gets older. Lesley and I just celebrated our 3yr wedding anniversary, but it seems like forever lol. I also own a IT consulting company, Linear IT Solutions, and with us growing like crazy, it keeps me hoping. I also like to compete as a powerlifter and I still take pride in my physique, so I bodybuild on a regular basis still. Heck, shooting is like middle of the list anymore.
Rae: What is your idea of escape for a bit of relaxation when you want to disappear with the family?
Scott: My wife’s family has a vacation home in North Carolina, and it’s in the mountains near Banner Elk, and so we go there 2-3x a year, and its great. I absolutely feel content there, and alive all at the same time. There’s plenty to still do, but you can immediately hide away in the mountains and be able to breath.
Rae: Time for a little fun. A few authors have sent me questions to ask you….in no particular order 😉
Rae: Robin Covington wants to know “What’s your favorite form of exercise?”
Scott: Favorite exercise….I do a hybrid form of powerlifting, and bodybuilding, it allows me to keep a pleasing physique that allows my narrow waist, and broad shoulders to still make ’em look twice, but also BE STRONG which is paramount to me. I know there are a LOT of guys that want to look strong and don’t care if they can move any weight functionally or not (some are other cover models) but that’s not my cup o tea. I like to “look” like I can move something heavy, and be able to actually do it.
Rae: MK Meredith wants to know “What do you think is the greatest challenge facing male cover models today and how do you think the best models overcome or deal with these challenges? What would be your dream photo shoot?”
Scott: Great question MK, lots of points on that one. This could get to be a long issue in discussion, but I’ll just touch the surface. Male cover models get a stigma of being meat heads. ‘laughing’ now some are, but most are very smart, hard working, and very successful in a lot of ventures. But the greatest challenge I think is that we are under the eye all the time. Now that social media is 100% over top of the book world, anything even possibly taken out of context can potentially ruin a career. Some guys and gals, have needed that. They turn on the gorgeous smile, and want to be all about the fans, but at the end of the day, they aren’t nice people. And eventually, that comes out. I try to keep this as business as possible. I don’t invite authors to my room at events, not only because I’m married to a completely gorgeous and wonderful woman, but out of respect for the author as well. Hate and jealous has many eyes, let me tell you. It’s also what has allowed me to NOT be a shooting star in this industry, but still be around 7yrs later. My dream photo shoot…man, it’d have to be on the rim of a volcano with a world class photographer. To have that immense power, and destruction, but also beauty, right behind me would be amazing to pose with/in.
Rae: Stefanie London wants to know “What’s their favourite type of ‘role’ to play for a cover shoot?’ I.e romantic or sexy or suspense etc.”
Scott: Of course sexy/erotic is fun because it’s easy, just look like your so damn horny you can damn near go nuts, and you nailed it. I like suspense/horror but mainly because I haven’t gotten to do a lot of it. So it’s interesting, and I also love that genre of movies and such, so I would say suspense.
Rae: Kimberly Kincaid wants to know “Do you read the books that you’re on the cover of and what doe thinks of being associated with that hero?
Scott: I haven’t read one book from front to back, not yet. I’ve always just been so busy that it’s difficult. However, Lesley has read a few that I’m on and it’s been funny to have her giggle and say “oh, yeah, you DO do that!” 0.o
Rae: Avery Flynn wants to know “You have a solid reputation as one of the nicest guys in the business. Why do you think it’s important to not just look amazing (speaking truth here) but act it as well?”
Scott: Awww again, thank you Avery (and Rae) for the compliments…it helps an old man to keep pushing in the gym 😉
I didn’t set out to specifically have a “nice” guy reputation, it’s just who I am. I wanted to change careers, become a full-time paid firefighter and EMT and help people the rest of my life. Use my God given athletic abilities and will to NEVER GIVE UP to help folks. Alas, that isn’t in the cards for me, I’m not going to be full-time, not now that I’ve decided to take on this IT business, and make THAT my end goal.
But it’s ok, I don’t have many regrets, and that certainly isn’t one now. I look at this way, instead of me giving up something to be a business owner, it’s what I was supposed to do and help make a fun, and intriguing workplace for my guys to be proud of and want to be apart of. We’re going to use Linear IT’s resources to volunteer at the local charities and non-profits to help them with their IT needs.
And it means so much to me, that I have that reputation. I DO wish it equated to more covers and promo work, but I guess you do have a limited shelf-life in this industry, maybe I’m just nearing the end of mine.
Rae: Speaking of photographs do you have a website of the photographs that you take? If you could have a photo session where or whom would it include?
Scott: My website is NOT a very good one, but again it’s time to get it redone. But, its https://www.scottnova.com and a photo session would also be amazing in someplace like Scotland, in front of the castles and landscapes would be amazing.
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
Scott: Thank you Rae, and the Coffee shop for such great spice chai tea.
***** 12 Tantalizing Tidbits ******
1. What is a must read book and why? I honestly don’t have an answer for this, I couldn’t tell you the last time I read something that wasn’t pertaining to my training, or with my business.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Well, if you come to Columbus, certainly must visit Old Man’s Cave, it’s a great little system of hiking, and waterfalls, and caves that are a real pleasure to have fun with for a while.
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? hm…kind of a mix…I like A LOT of different music and my two favorite bands are Def Leppard and CCR. Artist, Springsteen the boss.
4. What are you afraid of? Spiders
5. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? Tats for sure, I’d have WAY more but my wife my kill me. My first ever tattoo was a clown from the band, ICP (Insane Clown Posse) and even though I out grew their clowns on my body (its been covered up, btw) I still love their message.
6. Organized or Free Floating? Organized.
7. What’s on your playlist? I’m listening to Joe Cockers’ “You Can Leave Your Hat On”
8. What play or musical do you want to see next? Chicago
9. Best tip for relaxing? A snuggling wife that likes to hide her cold feet under your leg. It’s nice to be wanted LOL.
10. What’s your favorite TV show and why? NCIS – I want to be like Gibbs when I grow up.
11. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? WHOA….ROUGH question here.
12. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? I definitely prefer the theater, as it’s a much larger canvas and the spectacle type movies really belong there.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Iced-Coffee 🙂
Happy Reading Scott
Apr 4, 2017 | April 2017, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Ellen Dugan
The Whole Latte:
As soon as I heard the news that Barbara Devlin and Ellen Dugan were collaborating I eagerly waited to see how they would connect two genres, a pirate, and a witch. How would it link them together? Dear readers, the wait paid off In the most creative, romantic and fast paced way possible!
Bewitched and Beloved by Barbara Devlin and Ellen Dugan is a must read romance full of adventure and the perfect amount of magick. While each authors story can be read as a standalone, together they weave a tale that is one of the best collaborations I’ve ever read!
In the mood for a sexy pirate? Dive into the latest from Barbara, you are in for a treat! Cager Tyne’s story is full of secrets, sexy banter and of course sprinkled with a few of my favorite characters! Cager is ready to leave his pirating ways behind him, but can he move beyond his past?
Francie Osbourne has met her match in Cager and finally has found someone who challenges her. When Francie discovers his secret, will she run or help him navigate to move beyond the pain? They both may discover that love isn’t finished with either one of them quite so soon.
From the first page to the last Ellen’s story is full of rich, vivid scenes that draw you into the story and transport you into something exquisite. It’s like staring at the sidewalk scenes in Mary Poppins and before long, you find yourself in the painting! In Hannah Osbourne is a modern witch with a legacy to decipher amidst a sprinkling of clues. I adore Hannah, she’s bold, sassy and unafraid to say what’s on her mind. Especially when she meets our sexy hero, Detective Henry Walker, he’s mysterious, determined and absolutely yummy! There is something about him that begs for another story!
I give the collection a spicy 2 1/2 pepper read. It has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
While I received an advance copy from the author for a fair and honest review, I purchased this collection because it’s that good!
Check out an Except from THE BUCCANEER:
The love of a good woman could destroy a man’s peace of mind, because she often forced him to confront the less-than-noble aspects of his character, in order to win her heart, and he rarely recovered his sanity after the battle. It was for that reason Cager Tyne, former bosun of the pirate ship Black Morass turned captain of the renamed, respectable merchant vessel Lady Madalene, never sought more than free and easy access to a light skirt. Give him a three-penny upright or a disgruntled and dissatisfied wife, any day of the week, and he was happy.
Yet, as he admired the shapely arse of Francie Osborne, the young and pretty housekeeper and self-described Jane of all trades in the Cavalier home, as she bent to set a bucket on the floor and her cotton frock stretched taut across her hips, he was tempted to take up the fight, if only to savor a taste of her flesh.
“Will you fetch me another cup of coffee, pretty lady?” Sitting at the servant’s table in the kitchen, he held out his empty mug and smiled, which he knew from experience would ruffle her feathers, a pastime he rather enjoyed. “As I am quite thirsty this morning.”
“Get it yourself, Mr. Tyne.” Ah, there was the governessy tone that never failed to set his blood on fire. “I do not work for you.”
“Aw, now do not get your cute little nose in a snit.” As Cager imagined running his fingers through her thick blond hair, he licked his lips and relished the red flush of her cheeks. “I only want to be friends. Why do you always frown at me, Francie?”
“Because I know who you are, what you are, and what you want, and I am not interested. And it is Miss Osborne to you, sir.”
When he stood and blocked her path, Francie bared her teeth. Bloody hell, he could have proposed to her, then and there. “Now get out of my way, as there is work to be done, and I have no time for the likes of you.”
“But I have time for you.” In a flash, he snatched the bucket and mop from her grasp. “Now why do you flee, when I just want to become better acquainted, beautiful Francie? Would that not be nice?”
“Mr. Tyne—”
“Cager.”
In that instant, she gave vent to a snort of frustration, and he could have kissed her silly. All that spirit wrapped in a dainty package he could not wait to unwrap, if she would simply cooperate.
“Mr. Tyne, give me back my things, and let me pass.” With her foot, she tapped an impatient rhythm, and he could not stifle his amusement. “Fine. I will dust the back parlor, first, and you can stand here, all day, and hold my mop and bucket.”
“My, but you are a stubborn bit o’ fluff.” Given her uncompromising demeanor, he shrugged, as he followed in her wake. “We could have fun, you and I. Why will you not take a chance on me?”
“Because fun is all you want, I am a good girl, and my father raised no fool.” She smoothed her crisp white apron. “What is your excuse?”
“You are a saucy wench, but I like that in my women.” He wagged a finger. “Mark my words, I will have you.”
“Would you care to wager on that, Mr. Tyne?” At last, he snared her attention, as she turned, faced him, and squared her shoulders, and her ample bosom distracted him. “Tell me, what can you afford to lose?”
“Are you that sure of yourself?” Surprised by her new tack, he rocked on his heels, because he was not only a betting man but also a winner. “Or would you prefer I think that, when in truth you are curious about me?”
“You are too bold by half, sir.” She snickered, as she returned to the kitchen, marched into the pantry, collected a couple of rags, and stomped to the back parlor, with Cager in tow. “And you mistake annoyance for curiosity, because I know your type.”
“And what is that, if I dare inquire?” Of course, it did not matter what she thought of him, because he wanted her. It was that simple.
“Mrs. Cavalier confides in me, as my family has served hers since before she was born.” After clearing a side table, Francie wiped clean the wood surface. “You were a buccaneer, as was Mr. Cavalier.”
“And you do not approve.” It was a statement, not a question.
“It is not my place to approve or disapprove of the master’s former occupation, though I cannot fathom whatever possessed Mrs. Cavalier to take him as her husband, but I do not have to tolerate it in you, Mr. Tyne.” Riding a wave of high dudgeon, which he found adorable, she tidied a stack of newspapers, and he studied her lush red lips, which he could suckle for hours. “And I certainly would never associate with you beyond the confines of my position in this household.”
Locking his legs, he folded his arms. “But you will.”
“Will—what?” She blinked.
“Associate with me, in my bed.” To increase the stakes, and rile her even more, because he could not resist her, he winked. “And it will make your eventual surrender all the more sweet.”
“Indeed.” The fascinating housekeeper scoffed. Then she smiled the sort of smile that gave him collywobbles. “Will you do me one favor, Mr. Tyne?”
“Anything you ask shall be granted, dear Francie.” He braced for the blow that he knew was forthcoming.
As she leaned near, he noted a subtle lavender scent, and it drew him as a bee to honey. “Hold your breath until that comes to pass.”
Then she rushed to the door, flung open the oak panel, and stormed from the parlor.
“You are a witch, Francie Osborne.” Now Cager chuckled, as she hiked her skirts and broke into a sprint, and he admired her shapely calves. “You cast a spell, and I am your most devout servant.”
Here’s a sneak peek of The Hidden Legacy!
“The temper I’d tried to keep at bay began to boil as soon as I heard those boots hit the hardwood floor. I set my jaw and did my best to ignore him.
Henry moved in my line of sight. “Hannah, do I have any messages?”
“Yes, you do.” Without sparing him a glance, I snatched a stack of messages from the desk and snapped my hand up in the air. “If you’d be so kind as to return them.”
“I’ll get right on that, this morning,” he drawled, taking the notes.
“That,” I said acidly, “would be a refreshing change.”
“Something sure has you riled up.” Henry leaned a hip on my desk. I could see him out of my peripheral vision. My shoulders stiffened when he smiled down at me.
He was baiting me. I knew it, and still I couldn’t help but snarl at him. “Get your ass off my desk.”
He started to laugh. “I don’t think I’ve ever hear you cuss before.”
I kept working on the computer, and refused to spare him a glance. “Be assured Mr. Walker, the very last thing you want— is for me to curse you.”” © The Hidden Legacy, Bewitched & Beloved April 2017 by Ellen Dugan
Giveaway Closed
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Mar 30, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Ellen Dugan, March 2017
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Latte with Coconut milk. What would you order?
Ellen: English Breakfast Tea—I hate coffee!
Rae: Not only are you an author of paranormal romance, you have a backlist of sixteen books in non-fiction, and released a boxed set of Tarot cards. How did you make the leap from non-fiction to paranormal romance?
Ellen: Fiction was my first love. But I found success in New Age non-fiction, and I still am a part of the traditional publishing world.
Rae: What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Ellen: The biggest challenge I faced? Working in the novels around my last two non-fiction titles.
Rae: What inspired you to write The Legacy of Magick book and subsequent series.
Ellen: The Legacy Of Magick series was something I tinkered with for ten years. I always knew it would be a series, and once I let the characters “off the chain” so to speak, they sort of exploded on the page. And I’ve never had so much fun writing.
Rae: I am waiting patiently for your upcoming release with Barbara Devlin that will be released April 4, 2017. How are your stories connected?
Ellen: Sure, Bewitched & Beloved is a crossover book. That features stories from the Pirates of The Coast and Legacy Of Magick series. Barbara wrote the historical tale called The Buccaneer and I wrote the contemporary, which is entitled The Hidden Legacy.
Rae: Can you tell us without giving away too much? I love the cover and am excited to read this collaboration.
Ellen:
Teaser for The Hidden Legacy: A bewitched heirloom is handed down from Francie Osborne (Barbara’s heroine) to her modern day descendant (my heroine) Hannah Osborne Pogue. When Hannah inherits the heirloom she becomes the keeper of a magickal legacy that has been protected for generations.
A practical, modern Witch, Hannah is a single mother sworn to keep her Craft hidden from outsiders. Her well organized world is turned upside down when she meets Detective Henry Walker, a charming southern scoundrel.
Even as they clash their attraction grows. Leaving Hannah to struggle with the obligations of her family’s legacy, even while Henry is determined to discover whatever it is Hannah’s been hiding.
He’s feeling bewitched and she’s absolutely certain that he’d never be her beloved. Its going to take a special sort of magick to bring these two together.
Rae: What is on your upcoming release list for 2017? Are there any new series in the works that you can give us a tease?
Ellen: Spells Of The Heart: Legacy Of Magick book #7– June 2017
There is a very special holiday project, coming too…and readers should stay tuned because this is BIG. As in epic.
And I’m going to try like hell to get Gypsy Spirit: The Gypsy Chronicles Book 2 out by the end of the year .
Rae: When you are deep in writing, do you sit at your computer all day or put it on paper? Some writers work by daily word count or pages, do you have a daily goal?
Ellen: I work at my computer, and I write until I can’t focus on the screen anymore. I’d say on average 8 hours a day. Every day.
Rae: Not only are you an amazing storyteller but you are a talented artist. I adore your Etsy shop and LOVE my winter sign. I’ll be sad to put that one away soon. If readers have not visited your shop, they should check it out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/EllentheGardenWitch
Rae: I observed that you are very into decorating during the holidays, is there one you favor more? Do you decorate and go all out for all the holidays during the year?
Ellen: Halloween- hands down is my favorite holiday, with Yuletide a close second. Yes, I decorate my home and celebrate all of the seasons.
Rae: If readers want to find you, will you be on the road at any conferences or appearances in 2017?
Ellen: Not this year. I’m staying home keeping my butt in the chair and writing as fast as I can.
Rae: I am thrilled you were able to join me today and look forward to reading Bewitched & Beloved: A Pirates of the Coast/ The Legacy of Magick Crossover. It was so much fun having you here today!
Ellen: Thanks Rae!
****** 9 Tantalizing Tidbits ******
1. What is a must read book and why? The Natural Psychic by Ellen Dugan because it answers lots of questions for lots of folks.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The Winery!
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m a Master Gardener
4. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? I have VERY Eclectic musical tastes and make different play lists for different books.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Ireland
6. What is your guilty pleasure? Dark Chocolate
7. What are you afraid of? Typs I mean typos LOL
8. Organized or Free Floating? Hello I’m a VIRGO. I live for organization
9. What play or musical do you want to see next? You mean I could leave the house? I’ve never seen Wicked- always wanted to.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Ellen
Author Info:
Ellen Dugan is the award winning author of 17 non-fiction titles, and the Witches Tarot. Well known for her candor and humor, she is also a Master Gardener. Ellen successfully branched out into paranormal fiction with her first series Legacy Of Magick.
Mar 26, 2017 | Andie J. Christopher, Avery Flynn, Blog, Robin Covington, Xio Axelrod
In Hot on Ice: A Hockey Romance Anthology, USA Today Bestsellers Robin Covington, Desiree Holt, Kimberly Kincaid, Nana Malone and Virginia Nelson, Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Angi Morgan, along with Xio Axelrod, Christi Barth, Andie J. Christopher, Avery Flynn, Kim Golden, Lena Hart, Robin Kaye, Katie Kenyhercz, Heather Long, Kate Meader, Susan Scott Shelley, and Misty D. Waters bring you romances with smoking hot heroes—both on and off the ice—who are all a part of the fictional Cajun Rage hockey team. In addition to being a great read at a great price, 20% of the royalties from sales of Hot on Ice will be donated to the Homes for Troops charity, a nonprofit organization that builds mortgage-free, specially modified homes for severely injured veterans
I love that 20% of all royalties earned will go to Homes for Troops. Don’t miss this AMAZING price! On March 27th the price increases to $5.99 and then April 21st it’s gone forever.
What would you do if you had the Stanley Cup for one day? Time to check out these super sexy hockey players! The spicy factor ranges from two peppers to four in these must read stories!
In Skates Trouble by Kate Meader is a flirty and hot introduction into her new Chicago Rebels series. Discover Chicago, it sizzles!
Ford “Killer” Callaghan is not prepared for his reaction to Addy and the ice may melt in this steamy must read. Can Addy handle the heat? Two strangers, an intimate moment and a desire for change turn Chicago smokin’ hot.
What will Addy do when she discovers the identity of her midnight encounter? Can she move past her own insecurities to open up and finally find love?
I can’t wait to read how steamy it gets in Kate’s new hockey series! .
Blocked by Heather Long sizzles from the cover to the last page in this reality star meets hockey hero story.
Hoshi Sato is thrown into a family scandal, will her knight in shining armor save her or throw her to the paparazzi wolves? Protected for most of her life she will discover that Archer Durham is not the same man the media portrays.
Will they move past their family disapproval and find happiness? A day with the Stanley cup and a mountain resort is a bit spicy. I’m ready to book my vacation getaway now!
Blade by Avery Flynn thrusts us into the world of a thief with a chance for redemption and to save the one man who broke her heart. Can Gillie Pike leave her shady past?
Flynn Kazakov has just won the Stanley Cup and everyone want’s a piece of him. There’s just one problem, he needs to pay off a debt. When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes those debts are harder to repay.
Gillie and Flynn have unfinished business, will they be able to walk away unscathed this time?
The sexy hot tension off and on the ice is enough to put your senses into overdrive!
If you enjoyed The Thomas Crown Affair and love hockey…sit back and enjoy the fun!
Deep Check by Kimberly Kincaid delivers hot hockey players with a few surprises from her sexy firefighters in this must read novella.
Finn has just won the Stanley Cup and it’s time to return home. There’s just one problem, he must make amends with his past. Will it be too much? There is something he has wanted and even after winning the cup, it still might be out of reach.
January had it all until she lost the two people she cared for the most. When one returns, will she be able to finally find peace?
Finn and January still burn hot for each other despite the tragedy in their past. Can they find a way to open up and trust in each other? What will Finn do when he finds out he had it wrong all along, or was he too afraid?
Kimberly writes gritty, raw, hot stories with characters that you crave long after the last word on the page.
Full Contact by Andie J. Christopher is a story of one man’s quest to stay true to his beliefs and not give in. Among the team, the bounty on his virginity is the most coveted prize second to winning the cup.
When Anders Sorenson meets Dahlia he questions the bounty and wonders is she out for the money or his heart?
Dahlia has a past that won’t let her move on and when her family doesn’t take her seriously she wonders if she’ll ever have her dream job.
Can they both get what they want? This story sizzles and I look forward to reading more from Andie!
Free Agent by Robin Covington is a M/M romance that is full of steamy heat off the ice as the Stanley Cup travels to Washington, DC.
Jamie Watson has not forgotten his roots, and his trip home with the cup is proof that he’s ready to live his life out in the open. In order to be a positive role model, first he needs to be true to himself.
Etienne has not been shy about his feelings for Jamie, but they’ve never tested the waters. Will he finally succeed in his quest when an opportunity lands in his lap?
Both men will have to take a leap of faith or risk losing the one thing they both desire the most, each other.
Don’ miss another must read from Robin, her stories are not to be missed!
The Warm Up by Xio Axelrod is fresh and exciting in the city of love, Philadelphia.
When Suji decides to take control and start over, she has the support of her sister and friends.
I love it when the heroine is strong, determined and a force to be reckoned with. If only she could channel that into a relationship instead of her job.
A devastating loss has driven Constantine Zimin to do something no one would expect, least of all Suji. Just when you think love is not going to find you, it shows up in the most unusual way.
When Zim returns home with the Stanley Cup he will challenge Suji and force her to make a few decisions that could change her life forever. Trust is paramount, not all men are out to hurt her.
This spicy story is sexy, witty and hot. I look forward to reading more from this must read author. Everyone should have a sister like Suji and a man like Zim in their lives.
Check My Heart by Christi Barth has it all. A smoking cover and check out the hockey puck! I would love one of those!
Kurt has just won the Stanley Cup and is preparing to throw the most amazing party, if only he could have the one thing that he desires most.
Lisette has a job that gives of herself, taking care of those who can’t take care of themselves. That job forever changes her and is the reason she pushed Kurt away.
The hockey season is officially over, but Kurt might land in the penalty box and throw everything away. Will he fix it in time? It will take a leap of faith, trust and forgiveness to discover their hearts can be mended.
This was the first story I read from Christi Barth and I look forward to reading her backlist!
There are other fabulous stories in this collection and I look forward to posting my thoughts soon. For now…don’t miss out. Today is the last day to enjoy 18 stories in a collection that won’t be around much longer.
Mar 25, 2017 | Blog, March 2017
In Hot on Ice: A Hockey Romance Anthology, USA Today Bestsellers Robin Covington, Desiree Holt, Kimberly Kincaid, Nana Malone and Virginia Nelson, Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Angi Morgan, along with Xio Axelrod, Christi Barth, Andie J. Christopher, Avery Flynn, Kim Golden, Lena Hart, Robin Kaye, Katie Kenyhercz, Heather Long, Kate Meader, Susan Scott Shelley, and Misty D. Waters bring you romances with smoking hot heroes—both on and off the ice—who are all a part of the fictional Cajun Rage hockey team. In addition to being a great read at a great price, 20% of the royalties from sales of Hot on Ice will be donated to the Homes for Troops charity, a nonprofit organization that builds mortgage-free, specially modified homes for severely injured veterans
I love that 20% of all royalties earned will go to Homes for Troops. Don’t miss this AMAZING price! On March 29th the price increases to $5.99 and then April 21st it’s gone forever. One-click now!
Time to check out these super sexy hockey players!
Katie Kenyhercz is one of 18 Authors in the Hot on Ice: A Hockey Romance Anthology
I’ve been writing hockey romance for the last four years, and it’s the sub-genre of my heart! I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, but it wasn’t until I played a season of roller hockey when I was fifteen that I fell in love with the best sport around. When I ended up covered in donut-shaped bruises, I decided I enjoyed hockey more as a spectator. I started going to local games and watching the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV religiously. This was right around the time Sidney Crosby was transforming the game in a way no one had since Gretzky. I couldn’t get enough! Suddenly it became obvious to combine my new obsession with my old one.
My Las Vegas Sinners series has five full-length novels and two novellas to round it out. My heroines are strong, sassy, and a little smart-assy. My heroes are confident go-getters with surprising sweet sides. I’m currently working on a four-book, spinoff, Lady Sinners series, in which the dance team forms a hockey team of their own to play in the local intramural league and interact with fans. The first book, Vegas Baby, will release this spring!
In the Hot on Ice anthology, my standalone novella, Bear Naked, focuses on a First Nations Canadian hero, Bear Thompson as he brings the Cup back to his reserve. He hopes to win back his childhood sweetheart, Aria Paul, who happens to be the reserve’s current band chief. He needs her say-so to let the media in, something that’s never been done before. The last thing Aria wants is to spend the summer with the man who broke her heart, and she is not interested in second chances, but Bear is determined, and the more she’s with him, the more sparks are re-ignited. After three months, he’ll be back in Louisiana, and her place is on the reserve. He’ll need some magic to melt the ice around her heart.
BEAR NAKED
As the new band chief of her reserve, Aria Paul pours her soul into bettering the community and improving relations with all of Canada and other First Nations tribes. When her first and only love returns the conquering hero as a hockey champion with the Cup, it’s her job to put aside a broken heart and get all the good publicity for the tribe she can manage. Time has only increased his effect on her, but a second chance is off the table. That is, until the boy she fell in love with shows her the man he’s grown to be.
Bear Thompson’s goal was always to be an elite hockey player and bring home a Cup to his people. Leaving Aria was never part of the plan but an unfortunate part of the deal. She’d never leave the reserve, and he couldn’t stay. Long distance lasted all of a year. His fault, but he’d thought he was ready to move on. Wrong. Aria had never been far from his mind, and seeing her again is an assault to the senses in all the best ways. Winning her back will be harder than winning the prize he’d finally brought home, but one thing’s for sure: she’s worth it.
The Whole Latte:
Bear Naked by Katie Kenyhercz is set on an Indian Reservation. Can Bear Thompson return to his friends and family without ignoring the past, one so rich in tradition and culture?
When the only man Aria ever loved left the reservation it was almost impossible to move on. Nine years is a long time, will she push him away or find out if there is still a spark?
If you love hockey and great romances….don’t miss this collection
