What is a romance novel?

Ever since I first got published, I keep hitting this brick wall. What wall is that? The wall people throw up when they hear that I write romance. This coming Monday, August 11th, is my publishing anniversary. It has been 7 years since my first book came out. :) While that's awesome, I can't believe I'm still talking about the same misconceptions.

Here's the thing, "romance" does not mean fluff and sex. That is what almost everyone assumes when they hear the word. So, let me break it down for those who are confused about the subject. Romance, just like any other genre, can be nothing but crap. That isn't an isolated type of thing. There are bad books everywhere, regardless of the subject matter.

Romance is also not an all encompassing category like it used to be. It doesn't necessarily mean women with their bodices torn open, wearing ridiculous dresses while being man-handled by pirates. (Although, it could.)

Most romance novels are NOT all about the sex. Books that revolve around sex are called erotica NOT romance. And no, that is not the same thing as porn. If someone is going to judge a genre, they should at least get their categories and terminology straight. Oh, and while we're on the subject, I am very offended when my work is called smut. Smut is like a filthy magazine full of nothing but pornographic images with no story ... maybe not any words at all. I do NOT write smut.

There are many sub-genres within romance. Here are just a few that are on Amazon.

Paranormal
Vampires
Werewolves & Shifters
Demons & Devils
Witches & Wizards
Contemporary
Science Fiction

You get the point, the list goes on. What does this mean? It means that these are all stories that just happen to also contain a romance within the plot. If John Conner's father had lived, Terminator could have technically been sold as a Science Fiction Romance novel. See what I mean?

I don't think that people who turn up their noses at romance really understand what is out there. Don't judge the whole genre by one or two books that made headlines. That's as ignorant as judging an entire race of people by one stupid person. LOL

Most of what is out there is well-written, and researched material. We're talking good, solid writing, not just a bunch of fluff. Romance novels have something that other genres often lack, genuine emotion. I love horror, but I've read horror novels before and not given a damn when main characters died. Why? Because they were not portrayed with any emotion. I didn't know anything about him/her. All I had was a handful of facts. Facts are cold and hard. They do not "tell" you who the person is. Their actions and reactions paint that picture, and that is what most romance novels provide.

So, what is a romance novel? It is an adventure in any established genre where a romantic relationship between at least two of the characters is involved in the plot or subplot.

While I'm on my soapbox, one more thing: I write about vampires and werewolves because I LIKE IT. I have never written about the paranormal because it is popular. Anyone who actually knows me understands what I'm talking about. I've always been into anything macabre, mythology, horror movies, you name it. That's my thing, and that is why I write about it. I am sick of people insulting me because I write about vampires. I'm tired of comments like, "Oh, how original." Really? How was that called for?

It all comes down to this, I'm doing what I love, and making a living at it. If you don't like that, please feel free to keep your snark to yourself.

Character interview with Kate Hill

Please welcome today's guest, Kate Hill. 

Interview with Wyatt and Zoey from Combustion 1: In Heat by Kate Hill

Here on Pixie, marriage is unconventional even between members of our own species. To marry an alien from a planet that has no official relations with us is unheard of. Much debate surrounds the union of Wyatt, one of our own, and the human Zoey.

Today they have agreed to grant a brief interview with the hope of showing that an alliance between Earth and Pixie might one day be in the best interest of both worlds.

How did you meet exactly?

Wyatt: After my shuttle crashed on Earth, I was not only injured, but in the throes of my monthly sexual cycle. With my meds that control the cycle destroyed in the crash, I needed to mate or succumb to my inner heat. To me, forced mating is not an option. Luckily Zoey was willing to help.

Zoey: At the time I didn’t know I was saving his life. I simply wanted him.

When did you find out that Wyatt wasn’t human?

Zoey: He told me the truth later, but I didn’t believe him. I thought he was trying to break up with me and make a fool of me in the process, but gut instinct told me to look deeper into the situation, so I tested his DNA.

Wyatt, your confession could have resulted in potential danger for both Earth and Pixie, or should I say it might endanger any Pixiens visiting Earth. Do you feel that revealing yourself to Zoey was irresponsible and self-centered?

Wyatt: In some ways yes, but in others no. After what she did for me, she deserved to know the truth. Like Zoey, I depended on my instincts and they told me to trust her.

Zoey, did you have any fears about boarding a shuttle and flying to the home planet of an alien you’d known for only a few short months?

Zoey: Yes. I was afraid and it was definitely risky, but I trust Wyatt. So far the Pixiens I’ve met have been good people. You’re technologically far more advanced than we are on Earth, but in many ways you’re like us.

What about the possibility of a Pixien-Human hybrid? Do you believe you’ll be the first interspecies parents between our planets?

Wyatt: Possibly. We’re not sure if Pixiens and Humans can interbreed.

Zoey: Right now we’re still getting to know each other and it’s been a fantastic experience so far!

To find out more about Wyatt and Zoey, read Combustion 1: In Heat, coming soon from Changeling Press.

Combustion 1: In Heat

by Kate Hill

(M/F Erotic Science Fiction Romance)

It's Wyatt's time of the month and he's scorching hot!

When Zoey temporarily moves in with her friend Justin, the last thing she expects is to find a hunk across the hall. Wyatt is as hot as his red hair, but to a woman whose career has always come first, she isn't sure if she should hook up with him, no matter how badly she wants to. What Zoey doesn't know is Wyatt is a shipwrecked alien whose monthly sexual cycle will literally burn him alive if he doesn't mate.

Wyatt not only desires Zoey, he needs her to survive, but he fears that the scent induced by his cycle is luring her into his arms. Though desperate to survive, he wants a willing partner. When passion finally overtakes them, he knows he must tell her the truth, but will she accept an alien lover?

About Kate

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit Kate online at http://www.kate-hill.com.

Sounds like a "hot" read. ;) Thanks again, Kate, for being my guest today.

Interview with a sexy Domme

Interview with Koo from Keeper of My Pleasure 

Join Kayelle Allen as she interviews her character, Koo Ayakura, from the new book Keeper of My Pleasure. This BDSM romance from Ellora's Cave features a female Domme who is older than her hero.

Kayelle:          Koo, tell us about yourself. Start with your education, okay?

Koo:                All right. I recently graduated from Georgia Tech, which is a national research university. I'm back it though, working on my first masters degree.

Kayelle:          Your first? You plan on more than one?

Koo:                Rai thinks I should have at least two. The way she put it, a good mind is not something to waste. I've always been on the Dean's List, and was a top student as far back as grade school. She thinks I should learn as much as possible.

Kayelle:          What do you think of that? Are you eager to go back?

Koo:                Well, it's not the same grind when you're in a master's program. You work more at your own pace. Fortunately, I'm a self-starter. I don't need anyone looking over my shoulder. I meet with an advisor, and of course Rai.

Kayelle:          So she's helping you with school?

Koo:                In the sense that we go over things I've learned, and she challenges me to share two new things every week.

Kayelle:          What's a "for instance" you can share with us?

Koo:                I was studying marketing principles, so I read a book about Steve Jobs. He was known for being a non-conformist in some ways, but overall, he believed that people needed freedom to be able to work. What he practiced in his personal life didn't always jive with what he said and did at work. Maybe that's not what you were going for, though.

Kayelle:          No, that's good. So you talk about this kind of thing with Rai?

Koo:                Yes. She's an amazing advisor, really. And she's so open to learning. Sometimes she'll sit back and go, "Wow. I hadn't thought of that." I love it when I can share a new idea with her.

Kayelle:          What's she like when you're not studying? When it's just you and her, alone.

Koo:                There are times when we just sit on the couch and cuddle, watching a movie or listening to music. She likes to lean back against me, and I love having her close like that. There are times when we're just like any other couple. We go out to eat, or grocery shop, or take the cars in for service.

Kayelle:          And other times?

Koo:                *grins and leans back* Those are the times you wrote your book about.

Yes, I certainly did. Keeper of My Pleasure is about a recent college graduate, Koo Ayakura, who hires Rai Whethen as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it's hers, if only she'll let him give it. A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she'd always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she's a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn't stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Buy links:

Ellora’s Cave http://ellorascave.com/keeper-of-my-pleasure.html
Amazon http://amzn.com/B00E64KWL8
ARe http://is.gd/keeperofpleasure_are

Sony http://is.gd/keeperofpleasure_sony

Trailer for Keeper of My Pleasure

http://youtu.be/pXmsf8gb6DI

Giveaway

Inside Peek: Keeper of My Pleasure This free, illustrated eBook provides insight about the book, its characters, and its creation. When you click the link, it will either offer you a download, or open in a new window, depending on your settings. To read it, you need Adobe Reader, available free. http://is.gd/meet_Rai_and_Koo

About the Author

Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, EPIC Award winning author. She writes Contemporary Romance, Gay Romance, Erotic Science Fiction Romance, Mainstream Fantasy, BDSM, and non-fiction. She likes to attend Science Fiction conventions, and has been a speaker at DragonCon, Outlantacon, and Gaylaxicon. Kayelle is the founder of the author-mentoring group Marketing for Romance Writers, and manages the successful Romance Lives Forever blog. She is a US Navy Veteran, and founded the graphics and eBook conversion company The Author's Secret. Kayelle is married to her personal hero, and makes her home in the southeast.

Homeworld http://kayelleallen.com
Unstoppable Heroes Blog http://kayelleallen.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelle.allen
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Goodreads http://goodreads.com/KayelleAllen
Romance Lives Forever http://romancelivesforever.blogspot.com/
Marketing for Romance Writers http://marketingforromancewriters.org/
The Author's Secret http://theauthorssecret.com

Keeper of My Pleasure by Kayelle Allen

Rai trusts Koo to submit. To keep him, she must trust her heart.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora's Cave
This book is in the Taboo line -- one of the Ellora's Cave Quickies

Blurb

A recent college graduate, Koo hires Rai as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it's hers, if only she'll let him give it.

A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she'd always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she's a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn't stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Excerpt 

This scene takes place in Rai Whethen's estate home. She and Koo Ayakura have spent the evening enjoying dinner, flirting, anticipating their session, and now it's time for him to perform for his mistress.

In Rai's bedroom, Koo stood before her. She'd stretched out on the bed and was watching him, hands tucked behind her head, legs crossed at the ankles.

"I'm ready to see you strip, Koo. Do you need music?" She lifted one eyebrow.

"No, mistress, but if you want music, I'll use it."

"Hmm." She picked up a remote and pointed it. A dance tune started, and she skipped it, listened a moment, and skipped again. Two more songs and she turned it off. "No. I only want you. No distractions. Strip for me." She tucked her hands behind her head again. Quite unlike her, she added, "Please."

Koo began by unfastening his hair. Straight, healthy, it reached halfway to his waist, and shone like raven's wings. He'd inherited it from his Japanese father. His Irish mother had imparted the splash of freckles across his nose and shoulders, and grey eyes. Rai liked his hair down, and he ran his fingers through the long tresses, shook his head, and let it fall.

Rai's eyes gleamed, and she licked her lips.

He lifted one foot at a time to unfasten the plain black shoes, and slipped them off, pulling off each sock. He crossed his arms over his chest, slowly opened them, and pulled his tuxedo coat down his shoulders. It slipped down his arms, and he caught it, held it, and then slid it all the way off and tossed it over the hassock.

He reached up to the front of the vest, unfastened it one button at a time, doing it as slow as he could, taking care to keep her gaze on his hands. He pulled it open, let it slip down his arms, and then caught it at his elbows. He crossed his hands over his chest, hands spread.

Rai pushed herself up, hands braced on the bed.

Koo opened his arms, and let the vest fall. He caught it, tossed it after the jacket.

He opened each button on the shirt with the same slow care. Rai tugged up her skirt, and sat with legs folded, watching him like a cat in front of a mouse hole.

He opened the cufflinks, slid them into his pockets, and then shrugged out of his shirt. He held the collar between his teeth, folded the sleeves, and laid it aside.

Rai chewed on a knuckle, but didn't speak.

He reached over his back, pulled off the T-shirt in one move, and cast it onto the pile of clothes. Bare from the waist up, he tucked his hands behind his head, lifted his hair, and let it fall over his shoulders. He'd always worked out; he also ran, and swam. He knew his body pleased women. But the way Rai looked at him, as if he were a tasty treat she craved... that made this more than a strip show. He was preparing himself for his lover.

Koo unfastened the waistband of his trousers, lowered the zipper, and then eased them partway down.

Coming Attractions

I am officially caught up for a short while. To be more precise, I'm about 2 months ahead of schedule with releases and re-releases. My brand new book, is in the hands of my writing partner for edits. I've just finished re-editing Till the Break of Dawn and adding about 3,000 words of new content. Till the Break of Dawn is finished, formatted, and ready to go. Expect this one the first week in September, 2013.

Book details: Thanks to a bet with her best friend, Dawn is about to get involved with the undead love of her life for the second time. So what if he's immortal. It could work, right? 

Warning: This book contains graphic sex, graphic language, and one smoking hot vampire.

I'm about to start working on Three Days of Night. I'm hoping to add content to this one as well. But, that all depends on if the characters have anything new to say. LOL Expect this one in December, 2013, probably the week before Christmas.

Book details: Vivian didn’t have the power nor the desire to resist the sexy djinn when he said, “Let me give you clarity. For three days your life will be on pause. The sun will not rise and your ship will not make port. Everything will appear to continue, only it will not. Enjoy these moments … Get to know me if you like. These three days are my gift to you. Should you desire more, all you have to do is ask.” 

Warning: This book contains graphic sex (with multiple partners), and graphic language. Oh, and did I mention the wicked sexy djinn? Yeah, he needs a warning all his own.


I did the cover art on both of these myself. The more I do, the more I love making covers.

I will have more updates soon, and more blog posts. It's summer vacation here and we are enjoying it while we can.

Amazon, stress, and low sales

Many of you may have heard of Amazon blocking erotica (and erotic romance) from it's "All Category Search." After learning of this, I changed the categories on almost all of my books. The result? I've experienced an extreme drop in sales!

So, I went back today and changed them all to their original categories. If Amazon chooses to label these books as "adult" and exclude them from general searches, so be it. I was reaching more of my intended audience when the books were in the proper category. Even though my stories are "romance," putting them in that category (that is overcrowded already) made them disappear. 

Hopefully, sales will improve after these changes go into effect. 

I've also been stressing (and trying desperately not to) about the fact that I no longer have any sales to speak of on any other sites. Amazon has become the ONLY place that I make any money. Has anyone else experienced this? I make a little bit on Barnes & Noble, but my sales have never been high there. I make almost nothing on Smashwords; that hasn't changed. And most months I make nothing at all on All Romance Ebooks. I used to earn nearly as much there each month as I did on Amazon. That really bothers me, because I don't understand the change. I have no way of finding any data to know why this drastic change happened. Is no one shopping there? Are all authors noticing a decline in sales? Or do I just suck?

All I know to do is move forward. I've even considered pulling my books from other sites to enroll them in the Kindle Select Program once more. However, KDP had no real benefit that I found, other than being able to run specials on your books, like giving them away for free. I never noticed that this increased sales in the slightest. So, that idea may be worthless. Plus, I'd have to go to the trouble of pulling my books from other sites. Bleh. I don't know what to do.

I fully believe in the Law of Attraction. I believe that you get what you expect to get. I also believe that if you focus on negative things, you will attract more negative things into your life. Therefore, I'm going to post this blog and focus on something that makes me feel great, like my next book. 

I'm going to do something that makes me smile, focus on that, and try not to worry about how I'm going to pay my bills. 

Amazon may consider your books porn

It seems there is always something or someone trying to persecute those who write or enjoy reading (or both) erotic romance.

Lately, all the buzz is about Amazon and their new search "feature." Apparently, when you do an "All Department Search" erotica is being filtered out.

Right off the bat I can tell you that is a terrifying prospect to me. It's also offensive to be thrown into the category of porn. My books have sexual content. So do a lot of movies, games, and TV shows. They aren't considered porn, and my books shouldn't be either. I've read several horror writers who include sex in their books. They aren't being excluded from searches. Why? Maybe it has something to do with the category of erotica?

Now I mentioned this was terrifying to me. That's because I do this for a living. I have no other job. I write. I use my income from royalties to pay my bills. I also earn the majority of my income from Amazon sales. You see where I'm going with this? It's scary.

I wonder if this will blow over. Will writers like myself continue to be able to make a living? I sure as hell hope so. It's pretty well known that erotica was a driving force for Kindle sales. At long last, people could read romance novels without anyone seeing the cover and judging them for it. Surely, Amazon realizes this?

I know several people, men and women, who were thrilled to be able to read a BDSM novel without anyone knowing. One of my friends sat at the dentist office reading as he called it, "straight-up kink" and no one knew. THIS is what sold the kindle. Sexual content. Period.

And now, after all that, WE are getting filtered? My books are not porn! There are many novels in other genres who have just as much sex in them as my books do. Is it because my stories have a happy ending that I'm getting the shaft? (Yes, the pun is totally intended.)

Besides being scary, treating erotica writers this way is just plain bad business. We make Amazon a lot of money.

Back in the day, books used to only be filtered (or excluded from searches) if there was nudity on the cover. For that reason, none of my covers have naked people. I thought I had this Amazon thing figured out.

As I was composing this blog post, I read another post that answered a question I really wanted to know. You can no longer put your book in both "Erotica" and "Romance" categories. Additionally, the category "Erotic Romance" puts your book in erotica.

Seriously? I'm going to Amazon right now to change my categories. I don't think that's an option if your books are already considered "ADULT". Once a work is considered "erotic," it stays that way. Naturally, huge traditionally published books like 50 Shades get the option to change their category. But not the little guys.

I searched for my books on Amazon in the "All Department Search" and only one was excluded, Diary of an Incubus. Yes, it has been slapped with the ugly ADULT label.

While I figure out what to do about that, I'm going to pause blogging and go change the categories of my other books. Hey, Amazon didn't bother to tell us they were doing this filter crap. Why should I play nice? I need to make a living here.

*after changing categories*

Okay, now ALL my books are in different categories besides Erotica. Here's what I did with mine.

Necromancer - Horror, Romance Paranormal

Wicked City - Romance, Fantasy

Eden - Paranormal, Fantasy

Bitten - Romance paranormal, horror

The Eternal Kiss - Paranormal, short stories

The Dread Moon - Paranormal, Horror

Object of My Affection - Paranormal, Horror

Red - Paranormal, horror

Frank and The Werewolf Tamer - Fantasy, Romance paranormal

I hope this works. My fear is that changing the categories will actually make my books harder to find. But if the filer might have been preventing them being found ... hell, I don't know.

I changed the category of Diary of an Incubus to Romance, Paranormal. If it's being filtered for the cover, then screw Amazon. I've seen a lot worse.

I would like to say that this will blow over and everything will be okay. But the truth is I don't know what will happen. I'm trying to stay positive. Maybe changing these categories will help MORE readers find me.

Whatever happens, I will survive, and so will you.

THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

Welcome to the NEXT BIG THING Blog Hop.

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to other authors you can explore!
My gratitude to fellow author, Maya DeLeina, for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following links to learn more about Maya and her books.

Maya DeLeina's Next Big Thing: http://www.mayadeleina.net

In this blog hop, my fellow authors and I, in our respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our current book or work-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write--the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

Eden is my most recent release, so we’ll go with that. Ha. Ha. At the time I’m writing this blog, it has only been out for 24 hours.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

Where did the original idea come from? I suppose it’s because I couldn’t stop fantasizing about Viktor Van Helsing. The moment he appeared in my mind, I knew I had to think of his story. And when I started thinking about Viktor’s story, BOOM, Eden was born.

3: What genre does your book come under?

Erotic paranormal romance. There is a smoking hot vampire and a werewolf in this one.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I would just be so thrilled to see it go to film! Honestly, I’d like to see some new faces who aren't already famous. Having said that, I’d gladly have Hugh Jackman in any role he chooses. Ha. Ha.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Not all paradise is lost.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Eden is actually a re-release of an older title. The contract on this book expired in 2012 and I choose not to renew for many reasons. One of those reasons was I wanted to present Eden to my readers in the way I originally planned. I've added over 12,000 words of new content to Eden and am proud to say it is self-published.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

The first draft of Eden only took about a month. I was really into it.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’m at a loss here, as I don’t like to compare books in general. But, if you enjoy paranormal romance and/or a ménage romance, you should give Eden a try.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I desperately wanted to bring Viktor to life. No joke. I got his picture in my mind and it wouldn't let me sleep. I HAD to write his story. Viktor made me do it.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I've already mentioned the sexy werewolf, right? Well, besides that, we've got a strong leading lady, Catrina Ravensdale who is a monster hunter. Oh, and there’s Jacob Marion, a vampire hunting priest.

The story takes place in the fictitious city of Eden, which I hope readers will enjoy as much as I did. Here’s the official blurb.

Catrina’s world is turned upside down the moment she agrees to Viktor’s plan. Who even knew that Abraham Van Helsing had a younger brother? Not only that, but a brother who was turned by the King of Vampires and who held such obvious power. Now she must deal with the consequences of her actions and an attraction she can no longer deny.

Viktor wants her to spy on the alpha werewolf, Alexander. He suspects Alex is responsible for the murder of a fellow vampire. However, there is one major problem with this plan. The werewolf is just as hard to resist as Viktor and Catrina is caught right in the middle.

Warning: This book contains, graphic language, graphic sex, violence, and two smoking hot heroes.

This book was previously published elsewhere. It has been revised, re-edited, and expanded by more than 12,000 words.

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You can purchase a copy of Eden here.

Below you will find authors who will be joining me virtually, via blog, next Wednesday. Please be sure to bookmark their sites, and add them to your calendars for updates on their upcoming books! Happy Writing and Reading!

D.X. Luc

S.K. Yule

Can a vampire assassin find true love?

I've been so busy lately that I forgot to share the details of my newest release, Wicked City. This is another book whose contract I chose not to renew and instead publish the book on my own.

Since its previous publication, Wicked City has been expanded by more than 2,000 words. It has also been thoroughly re-edited. Plus, I'm very excited about the new cover art. I designed this one myself along with a few others. Readers and friends on my Facebook page voted for their favorite cover for Wicked City and here it is.

This story was inspired by so many things, I'm not sure how to sum it all up. If there is one character who has more of my "voice" than the others in this, it would have to be Synn. He has my sense of humor and definitely my fashion sense. LOL

Wicked City is a combination of gothic fantasy, horror, and romance.

Here is the blurb and purchase details.

Lavinia accepted what she is a long time ago. She isn't squeamish when it comes to blood or her sexuality. After all, both blood and sex are necessary to sustain a succubus. She is a well-trained assassin. Working for her fellow vampire and occasional lover comes naturally for her. When she is sent out to kill someone, they die. It’s that simple. But what if her target means more to her than he should?

Synn thought he knew what he was getting into when he encountered the succubus that first night, but he may still be in over his head. She was sent to kill him, and still he wants her. One man has never been enough for Lavinia, however, the wizard Synn thinks he’s man enough for the job.

Warning: This book contains graphic violence, graphic language, and graphic sex, including multiple partners.

This book was previously published elsewhere. It has since been revised and expanded. During its previous release, Wicked City was a best seller on Fictionwise.

To purchase a copy of Wicked City, click HERE.

Wicked City is also available at All Romance Ebooks. 

Here what a few reviewers have said. 

Regina, Coffee Time Romance

Whew! Wicked City is one very hot and sexy read! Ms. Kitts starts off with a bang and keeps going until you read the very last page. I loved it!

Reader Review from Barnes & Noble

I enjoyed everything about this story, from the relationships of the characters, to the awesome world of Wicked City. If you like Underworld, or erotic paranormal stories, or just a good romance, you will enjoy this. It's got so many elements in one. There is action, drama, a bit of horror, and a nice love story. 

Enjoy!

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How Do Vampires Stay Happy? A guest post by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Tracey (who has a very cool name, by the way) has posted a number of posts about positive thinking and happiness recently, which got me thinking about vampires and their mental well being.  

Vampires have a tough row to hoe, really.  I explained how difficult it can be for them when I stopped at Kathryn Wallis’ blog (http://bit.ly/ReWJu0) earlier in my blog tour, when I was also explaining how The Unspoken Ones in my vampire romance series, Blood Stone, found it easier to withdraw from society and the world at large after a millenia or two of passing through history, rather than trying to adapt and change any more.  Once they had withdrawn, they developed very strange behaviours and attitudes, off in their isolation.

One character in the second novel of the series, which is also called Blood Stone, that is to be released tomorrow (!) is Nial.  Nial is so old he also qualifies for the status of Unspoken One…but he isn’t one.  How did he managed to avoid that awful abyss?  How did he stay happy for over a millenia? 

There’s a clue in the first book, Blood Knot, when the woman that would become his wife quizzes him on truth telling.  Winter can adjust other people’s biologies by touching them, and she attempts to “read” Nial by touch:

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For the tiniest fraction of a second, Nathanial hesitated. Then he lifted his hand out to her. He had a big hand, to match his height and frame. But unlike Sebastian, he did not have the long, sensitive fingers. His were strong, the palm square. There were calluses below the fingers. Winter touched them.
“From my sword,” Nathanial said.

“But…that must have been years ago.”

“Centuries, actually. Our physiologies do not change, Winter.” His gaze was steady, defying her to be appalled or horrified.

She covered his hand with both of hers and edged her senses inside him. It was the same deadness she remembered from her incursion inside Sebastian. But it wasn’t all black and dead and darkness. There was life of a sort. Just not life as she understood it. The heart was there, capable of beating. Blood, and veins and arteries. All the organs were where they should be. They were all dormant, ready to function as needed.

“Do you like football, Nathanial?”

“NFL? Bores me silly,” he told her. His body remained still. Silent.

“What do you like?”

“Sports are vague posturing of people who have forgotten why they do what they are doing. Did you know that most team sports were originally conducted to prepare men for war?” He shook his head. “I find them vapid and shallow.”

She smiled. “Well, I guess I asked for your true opinion.”

Nathanial smiled. “You did.”

“Very well. What do you like that isn’t sports? What gets you excited? Apart from sex?” she added hastily.

The gleam in his eyes told her the final proviso had been just in time. He considered for a moment. “There is no one thing that I consistently turn to. But there are many things that move me. I find them every day. You just have to be open to seeing them and they come to you.”

“I don’t understand,” Winter confessed.

“The modern philosophers and cultural psychologists of this day and age advise everyone that they should have a hobby that they’re passionate about, to give them an interest in life. That’s what you’re trying to ask me about now. Truth is, Winter, I ran out of time and patience for maintaining interests decades ago. Now, I just follow life. There’s always something new to learn and life always gives me something beautiful to appreciate. Something to get excited about.” He nodded towards the window. “Like your hair outlined by the sunset a moment ago. They were the perfect compliment.”

And she felt his heart shift just a little.

“Have you ever stopped to truly smell the bergamot in a pot of fresh Earl Grey tea, Winter?” he asked. “I’ve forgotten what it tastes like now, but the smell is divine.”

Blood stirred and flowed, pushed by his heart.

“I like studying the stars, because they’re older than me, and they make me feel very small, humble and insignificant. They haven’t changed in all the years I’ve looked up at them, despite the massive changes I’ve seen on Earth. I find that astonishing and comforting at the same time.”

Again, the small flutter of his heart beating.

“Every day there are small things. A kitten asleep in a plant pot. The sun rising over the snow and turning it pink. Hoar frosts still take my breath away with their beauty despite the hundreds I have seen. The kindness of the stranger who pays for the next person’s drinks at the coffee shop. The rudeness of tourists in Jasper during the summer season. The unconscious beauty of young people who don’t realize they have everything ahead of them and are enjoying their every moment now, just as they should.

“And then sometimes I am rewarded by meeting someone like you, Winter, who stirs me so strongly I am forced to hide my reactions with professional techniques.”

And his heart squeezed. Hard. It began to beat with a normal systolic pulse.

[Extract from Blood Knot – copyright © Tracy Cooper-Posey 2010]

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When the Unspoken Ones become a more active force in Blood Stone, Nial has to explain himself and his great age and happy outlook yet again.  This time, his answer is a little less patient and a lot less complicated:

__

“I was born in the year five hundred and fifty-nine in what is now called northern Italy. I’ll save you some mental gymnastics. That was one thousand, four hundred and fifty-three years ago. But I think of myself as…” He shrugged. “In my thirties.”

Roman was scowling again and Garret recognized the expression as the one he used when he was thinking hard and disagreeing with the stated opinion.

“Euphrasia didn’t think of herself as thirty,” Garrett guessed.

Roman just scowled harder.

“The unspoken ones aren’t some sort of exclusive club to which you get invited by brown-nosing and paying membership dues,” Nial told them. “There isn’t an arbitrary age cut-off that says ‘at this point you become an unspoken one.’ Euphrasia simply didn’t want to be a part of modern life. She hated it. You spent a week on her island, Roman, so you tell me – what did it make you think of?”

Roman shrugged, still glowering. “Constantinople, like when I was a child. But simpler. Peaceful.”

“That was her version of ancient Athens,” Nial told him. “A far more comfortable and insulated one. She arranged it so she didn’t have to adapt anymore. She could just go on as she was, unchanging and uninterrupted.”

“But you didn’t choose that way,” Roman pointed out. “When every other vampire as old or older than you did choose it…or died. As far as I know you’re the oldest of the blood who still actively passes. Why didn’t you retire to coddle your worn psyche like the others?”

Nial shrugged. “I don’t know. Because I’m stubborn? Because something interesting came along just at the right time? Because I’ve been terribly lucky, all my long, long life. Who does know? I don’t look back, Roman. Well, not that often and I try not to linger on the unpleasantness, of which there’s been far too much. But I can tell you that I did think about chopping myself off from the world more than once. There is definite appeal to not having to go through the tiresome routine of change, over and over. But change is what makes life so damned interesting, too. And I can tell you when I stopped considering the idea altogether, when it became an absolute impossibility for me.”

“When you made Sebastian,” Garrett answered.

Nial glanced at him and smiled. “Of course, you would have that figured.”

Roman sat back in the sofa again. He almost threw himself back, as if he was frustrated, or made angry by the answer, but didn’t dare show it. “Is that why you defied the edicts and kept Sebastian with you all those years?”

Nial’s smile didn’t fade. “I didn’t keep Sebastian with me. He stayed because he wanted to. He still does. But in the way you mean, he kept me alive, yes.”

[Extract from Blood Stone– copyright © Tracy Cooper-Posey 2012]

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These are the moments I thought of when I was reading Tracey’s posts about happiness and positive thinking.  Nial has some pretty definite ideas about what keeps him centred and moving forward through his many days and nights:

1. Love
2. Focus on the positive stuff
3. Find pleasure each day, even in the smallest of things
4. Gratitude

It seems to me that’s a pretty good recipe for humans, too, wouldn’t you say?

____________

Blood Stone is my 44th title and my ninth indie book.

Nial orders Calum Garrett to get close to Hollywood producer Kate Lindenstream.  Garrett reluctantly complies for he has held himself apart from humans for centuries.  Kate doesn’t fall into Garrett’s arms, either.  She already has someone for that.  Roman Xerus -- whom Kate knows as Adrian -- and Garrett go way back to the sixteenth century Scottish highlands, but they parted bitterly two hundred years ago.

With Roman’s support, Kate battles Garrett in wills and business as he methodically forces himself into her life. However, on the closed-in movie set in the Californian desert, Garrett’s calm, orderly world crumbles for Garrett is drawn to Kate.  He has begins to experience real, human feelings.  

Kate doesn’t cooperate in the chess game Nial orchestrates, despite being unaware of the strategies swirling around her film set.  Demanding and expecting only the best for her movie, Kate’s agenda forces Roman and Garrett to work together to protect her and keep the humans around her ignorant of the Pro Libertatus, the anonymous and all-powerful vampire group who nearly killed Nial, Sebastian and Winter, and shield Kate from the excesses of the League for Humanity.  But could Roman really be with the Pro Libertatus?

There’s hidden intentions everywhere, and centuries of repressed feelings, along with at least two different groups that mean them harm.  Then there’s the rumours that Kate has found the mythical Blood Stone, the key to unlocking vampire history and lifting their curse.   Who is Kate, really?  Because once Garrett begins to notice, things about Kate don’t quite add up, either...

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An Excerpt From: BLOOD STONE
Copyright © TRACY COOPER-POSEY, 2012
All Rights Reserved.

Nial clapped his shoulder and stepped back to lean against the counter again. “Kate slapping you down is a good sign,” he said, smoothly changing the subject. “It confirms she has the backbone we’ll need. She really is perfect for this. I’m more curious about how Roman came into her life. It’s interesting timing.”

Garrett frowned. “The only people who knew in advance about the plans for Kate are us three...and I presume your—Winter.”

Sebastian grinned but didn’t comment about Garrett’s change of name for their wife.

Nial crossed his arms. “Then Roman has to be there for his own reasons—or for Pro Libertatis reasons.”

“What possible reasons would the Pro Libertatis have for seeking her out, before we give them one?” Sebastian said.

“None,” Garrett said flatly. “Kate Lindenstream is exactly what she seems to be. A Hollywood producer/director who makes successful big budget action adventure movies, and has a growing amount of political power in the industry because of it. She has a lot of friends in high places, and probably has a number of skeletons in her closet, just like all the power players do. She can do interesting things with money. If she wasn’t so wrapped up in La-la land, I would have coaxed her over to one of my Boston corporations a year ago and put her in charge of finance.”

Nial lifted a brow. “You did your homework.”

“I’m not stupid, Nathanial,” Garrett shot back. “This woman has a tested IQ of 160. She would have spotted holes in a cover story from ten miles away. The approach had to be flawless and long term.”

“And now that you’ve met her in person, what is your reading?” Nial asked.

“She has an entrepreneurial mind. She thinks like a man — probably a result of fighting it out in the industry she’s in, and surviving. She likes to have fun and explore with big toys. That’s why she does all those hands-on research trips to wild corners of the globe and lives rough and hard for six weeks in the Gobi Desert or the Atlas Mountains while she digs up some interesting trinket or another for her next movie.” Garrett grimaced. “She also doesn’t mind slapping down men every now and again to prove her point. She has mental balls.”

Sebastian laughed softly. “I like her already.”

Nial was frowning. “These research trips of hers. That’s one of the reasons we focused on her, Garrett. The last trip she did...”

Garrett shrugged. “She’s in pre-production for some biopic about a warrior emperor. Murad. She did all the research a year or so ago.”

Nial nodded. “Somewhere in southern Turkey.”

Garrett felt the jolt almost down to his toes. “Çayönü,” he breathed. “Near Diyarbakir.”

Sebastian moved around the counter and came up next to Garrett’s side. He was taller than Garrett remembered, and looked Garrett in the eye. “Murad was an Ottoman emperor, wasn’t he?”

Garrett nodded.

Nial straightened up from his slouch against the counter. “Southern Turkey was all part of the Byzantine empire...and the Ottoman, too. It can’t be a coincidence.”

“Roman was born an Ottoman. He’s probably heard about Kate’s research,” Garrett said.

Nial crossed his arms again. “You have to find out, Garrett. Roman is a wildcard we need to neutralize if this game is to play the way we want it to.”

Garrett grimaced. “In three hundred years, I never could tame Roman in the slightest. The best I managed was to walk away and not look back.”

Sebastian’s smile was grim. “You can’t walk away this time, my friend. Your stakes are not the only ones on the table anymore.”

Garrett nearly opened his mouth to ask who else had a stake in the game beside him. Then he clamped his jaw closed, his heart pounding, as he realized the answer for himself.

Everyone’s future rode on the outcome of this. Human and vampire. Merely the future of mankind.

BLOOD STONE is the second book in the Blood Stone series

BLOOD STONE is the sequel to BLOOD KNOT.

It is a Plus-sized Novel.

WARNING:  This book contains two hot, sexy alpha heroes, frequent, explicit and frank sex scenes and sexual language.
It includes heart-stopping sexual scenes between the aforementioned sexy heroes, menage scenes, anal sex and the use of sex toys.  Don't proceed beyond this point if hot love scenes offend you.
No vampires were harmed in the making of this novel.

___

Blood Stone is the second book in my best selling vampire romance series.  It will be on sale on September 14, if not a bit before then. 

The good news?  The first book in the series, Blood Knot, is my #1 best seller, was the Winner of the Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommended Award, was listed as one of Goodread’s “Most Drool-worthy Covers“, nominated for Erotic Vampire Book of the Year by The Romance Reviews, and received a CAPA Nomination for Best Paranormal Book of the Year by The Romance Studio, December, 2011, among many glowing and rave reviews.  If you’re curious about Blood Knot, you can read more here:  http://bit.ly/g9pSw5. 

The really good news?  On the 14^th, when Blood Stone is released, Blood Knot drops down to $0.00 for three days of free downloading at Amazon.

Bookmark Blood Knot on Amazon now:  http://amzn.to/hcrCCf

And bookmark Blood Stone on my website, so you can jump to the Amazon link the day it goes live:  http://bit.ly/TrCuWv

If you want a reminder on the 14^th to go get your free book, sign up to my blog’s RSS feed, or to the email feed, or to my newsletter.

Tracy Cooper-Posey writes romantic suspense, hot erotic paranormal and urban fantasy romances. She has published over 40 novels since 1999, been nominated for 5 CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award. 

She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated three times for Book Of The Year.   She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at Grant MacEwan University. 

She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together.  In her spare time she enjoys sewing, history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.  

You can find her site at http://www.TracyCooperPosey.com.

We should love what we do

Lately, I've been blessed with a wonderful opportunity. As the contracts for many of my books expire, I am re-releasing them on my own. Why is that a wonderful opportunity? Because through this, I am rediscovering why I love to write, and why I decided to pursue this as a career in the first place.

All of the titles in question are being extensively re-edited before I self-publish them. There are many things that after 5 years of experience, I would like to say differently. In many cases, the word count has been altered by as many as 8,000 new words.

In re-releasing and editing the first two books in the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series, I remembered that I based Lilith on myself. Yes, I readily admit that. Ha. Ha. Ha. I know that many writers do things like this, but would never own up to it. My reasoning was simple. If I want to write an ongoing series, I need to know the main character well. As I read over her adventures again, I realized not only how much we were alike, but how much I had changed since I first began her story. I've grown as a person and hopefully when I begin to continue the series, Lilith will grow as a character. She was a little harsh in the beginning, with very good reasons. She and I both have softened and hopefully matured over the past 5 years.

Now, I'm working on the re-release of Bitten. This is to date my very best seller, and in my opinion, one of the best books I've ever written. As I've begun to read the story again, there are so many details that I'd forgotten. So many things that make this story memorable to me had become more feelings than actual memories. After all, I wrote the story near the end of 2007. I believe I finished it January, 2008.

Anyway, I adore these characters. Reading their story again is like visiting old friends. Sure, I'm getting ready to self-publish these titles and I know that many still frown upon that. But you know what? I'm grateful to get to know them again. If I hadn't chosen to not renew my contracts, I probably never would have taken the time to read the complete books again. That would've been a mistake. I'm learning from myself as strange as that may seem. I'm learning what has worked in my writing and what needs to change. I'm developing my skills as a storyteller. And I'm getting to know people that I've missed.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to discover my writing all over again. I am reminded (the more I read and edit) why I love this so much. Writing is my passion and I am blessed to be able to do what I love.