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Mandy M. Roth. Michelle M. Pillow. Amee. Nell. Sue Grimshaw. Sarah Wendell. Jaycee Clark. T.J. Michaels. Elloras Cave Publishing. Sean R.
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Mandy M. Roth Michelle M. Pillow Amee Nell Sue Grimshaw Sarah Wendell Jaycee Clark T.J. Michaels Elloras Cave Publishing

Sean R.

End of the World As we know it... by TJ Michaels I walked into the room at the local café and pulled on my Bitch Armor like a second skin. It used to fit like a cloak, but these days I have to pull it a bit tighter around myself given the vibe in the air. I can tell that the shit is getting ready to hit the fan. So I had a choice—try to get as many people ready as possible or grab my peeps and get the hell out of dodge and dip to the spot that we’d prepared for just such an emergency. Instead of disappearing with me and mine, I opted for door number one. Don’t get me wrong, my motivations are completely selfish. The more people that can handle themselves when the ZA kicks off, the better chances of my survival. So for the people sitting in the back of the room, in exchange for getting a little bit of their skin in this game, I give them access to our know-how and supplies. We’ve been prepping for years so trust me, we could totally hole up on our own, me and my family. But the more the merrier, right? Pfft. Right. The second I stepped through the door my son, who happens to run this joint, handed me the typical hot chocolate with a liberal dash of Cheyenne pepper in it. “Yeah, this’ll get me moving,” I thought while trying not to breathe fire. Besides, I was going to be hard enough to deal with without the added heat. Added heat. Get it? Heh. Yeah, I laugh at my own jokes, too. What a package, eh? Okay, let’s get this party started. I first I sip and observe. One of the couples in the corner is talking with their heads close together. The woman looks nervous but determined,

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tough. The man had that “what in the hell have you talked me into now, Gladys” look on his face. Skeptic. But I understand so I’m not offended. Several of the others look like a bunch of coffee shop revolutionaries. You know, talk a good game, appear to be interested in all the right causes, yet all they do is sit around and talk about what everyone else should be doing. Then there are some down-to-earth looking people who are doing exactly what I’m doing—watching everyone else to see what kind of people they’re going to be stuck with over the training period. Now those were the kind of folks I was looking for—people with some common-damn-sense. Done sizing up the room, I set down my almost-depleted dose of morning caffeinated goodness and stepped to the front of the room. “Good morning, boys and girls. Welcome to Kick-a-Zombie’s Ass 101. Today’s lesson is a simple fitness test. I like to call it ‘Fitness, Fight or Flight’. Now I’m sure you have questions but hold them for now. By the end of your training you’ll have a thorough grasp on the concepts we aim to teach you during your tenure at Zombie Boot Camp. But first, let’s clear up a common misconception. Zombie Boot Camp never ends. Period. You prepare for the eventuality of a Zombie Apocalypse, or ZA, and then you prepare some more. And after that, you prepare some more. Got me?” After a few nods that showed at least half of them were paying attention and the other half were wondering if they’d stepped into Nutjob Central, I continued on.

during the ZA. We’ll provide you with weapons and shelter. In exchange you give your word that you’ll serve as part of our clan, making all of us stronger. After all, it is true that there is truth in numbers. But even better, there’s strength in numbers when those numbers are skilled and can actually hit whatever they shoot at. And if you can’t fight, you can always make up for it if you can cook. I prefer brownies myself.” Laughter. That part always gets a bit of a chuckle. “Now, let’s welcome our assistants for today’s class. Oh, don’t be scared. They can’t get loose. And besides, if we’re going to teach you any kind of scenario that will be of use in a real zombiefied world, we need to be as close to real as possible, right?” And now they’re wondering whether what they see if real or if we did a hell of a makeup job. Well, I’m not telling. “Hey, you in the corner, stop flinching every time the thing growls at you. All you’re doing is getting his attention. Sit there, be still and shut up. Honestly, if you have no weapons and your only defense is that table between you and it, you’ve got to be focused to consider your options, so eyes on me. Now, think about this—if I open this cage, what will you do?”

How to survive the Zombie Apocalypse - The Rulz 1. Do not wear highheeled shoes because they can cause you to fall. Every who has ever seen a movie knows that it works this way because the person who trips and fall is always the first zombie buffet item! 2. Find and memorize a theme song. This is an absolute must because when you engage a zombie in a fight, you must always have some background music, even if it’s just in your head. No background music usually means one thing-the fight scene was over before it began...and you lost. 3. Stockpile your coffee

now. There really isn’t any advice on this one other than your zombie apocalypse leaders like coffee in the morning. If the leaders are grumpy in the a.m., who will they save with their awesome shooting skills? You, who brought the coffee, or your teammate who didn’t? 4. Make a scrapbook of your favorite romance cover models. After the zombie apocalypse, you’ll want something to fantasize to considering snarling, slobbering, gray and stinky zombies don’t really make good smexytime material. NOTE: This scrapbook should fit in your pocket ‘cause if you

have to run no one is going to carry that heavy bitch of a book for you. 5. Make realistic fitness goals. Even Kate Beckinsale from the Underworld movies is vulnerable. She may be all skinny and sexy looking but she may be slower than any of us in a foot race. And remember, you don’t have to run super-duper fast...you just have to outrun the person next to you. For example, Kate “One-Second-SlowerThan-You-And-Is-NowTuesday-Brunch” Beckinsale. TJ

I take two steps toward the thing snarling expertly at the wide-eyed newbies and I know right away who will make it and who won’t. So…which are you? Author TJ Michaels www.TjMichaels.com

“We, meaning my family and our clan, will teach you so that you gain and hone the skills that’ll save your ass

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Cover Reveal

Loveswept What is it?

By Sue Grimshaw

www.romanceatrandom.com

What is Loveswept? Well, I’m glad you asked . . . As Romancewiki tells us Loveswept published over 917 titles from 1983 – 1999 Many famous authors made their debut back then, including: Sandra Brown, Janet Evanovich, Tami Hoag, Kay Hooper, Iris Johansen and more. As of August 2011, Loveswept was reborn into the new digital format and today is available on all eRetailers. Many of the favorite Loveswepts of the 90’s are now republished with new, hot, covers and the same great stories, moderately priced from $2.99-$4.99. Of course we have our original Loveswept authors too --- you bet,

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we birthed a few new ones that are taking romancelandia by storm, priced to sell at $2.99: Jessica Scott – Military Romance at its best – BECAUSE OF YOU on sale now & recently released, UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Ruthie Knox – Fun, contemporary witty romance – RIDE WITH ME & ABOUT LAST NIGHT are available now. NAUGHTY & NICE is a soon to be released anthology (11/5); then launching in the New Year: HOW TO MISBEHAVE; ALONG CAME TROUBLE; FLIRTING WITH DISASTER. Move over SEP & Kristan Higgins, there’s a new LOL in town! Elisabeth Barrett offers her readers a little bit of that small town fun;

if you like Robyn Carr check out Elisabeth’s books now! DEEP AUTUMN HEAT & BLAZE OF WINTER are the first two releases in the four book series of STAR HARBOR. Samantha Kane is next on the list releasing her first Loveswept book, and our first original historical romance, THE DEVIL’S THIEF, followed quickly in 2013 with TEMPTING A DEVIL – all part of the SAINT’S DEVILS series. If you like Sabrina Jeffries and Julia Quinn, these books are for you! Juliet Rosetti is our December treat with THE ESCAPE DIARIES – OMG, LOL&FD (laugh out loud & fall down). Janet Evanovich meet Juliet, ladies you are two peas in a pod.

We begin the New Year with an author from down under – seriously, New Zealand don’t ‘cha know – Wendy Vella!! THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS rivals Eloisa James & Stefanie Sloane at their best. OMG – there is so much more!! Stop on by Romance At Random, that’s, www.romanceatrandom. com, for your very own shopping list of Loveswept releases - ht Romance At Random is a community blogsite for everyone – we host guest authors, bloggers, readers, yummy recipes, book trailers, FREE excerpts, giveaways and so much more – OH! & you can’t miss, Ruthie’s Reality – get to know Ruthie Knox . . . unfiltered –

Ok, time must be up - Mandy’s waving at me *virtual wave* Thanks for allowing me to brag about our amazing authors! *DARE* - I dare you to buy a Loveswept romance, then email me (romanceatrandom@ randomhouse.com) & let me know what you think! (BTW – they make GREAT *virtual* stocking stuffers too, $2.99!) Happy Romance, SueG All titles in this book are available at Random House (RandomHouse. com). For Romance Wiki visit www. romancewiki.com/Loveswept. For Romance at Random, visit www. romanceatrandom.com.

Sue Grimshaw is Category Specialist & Editor at Large for Ballantine Bantam Dell & Loveswept at Random House. Sue is an acquiring editor as well as host of the Romance At Random.com website which is a community site for readers, authors & publishers to congregate & talk about books. Prior to her job in publishing she had worked as the romance book buyer for Borders and Waldenbooks stores for over ten years. Well-known throughout the publishing industry for her unparalleled knowledge of the romance genre, she has been honored with several distinguished awards including the Vivian Stephens Industry Award from the Romance Writers of America.

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FREE READ: Rings of Gold by Michelle M. Pillow She’d sliced up his Christmas tree. Ryan Anderson had expected retaliation in some form. A guy just didn’t cross a woman with a sword, especially if that woman was Molly Shanahan, 2016 Olympic women’s fencing hopeful. She’d been born with the glint of a gold medal in her eye. Ryan blamed her father. Mr. Shanahan had hung the Olympic five-ring flag all over Molly’s room as a child. Even now he heard her five-year-old voice reciting the meanings of those rings to herself, “Passion, faith, victory, work ethic, sportsmanship.” Ryan had grown up on the edge of Molly’s world and knew the pressures she faced. As a child, his parents encouraged him to put his hyperactive energy into something constructive. His mother had a coupon for fencing lessons and the rest was his life’s history. With five sons cared for by a widowed mother, the Andersons didn’t have enough money to continue the lessons. But Ryan had shown an aptitude for the sport and Mr. Shanahan offered him a deal. If he came to the Shanahan mansion and practiced with little Molly every day, Mr. Shanahan would not only supply Ryan with all he needed but he’d pay Ryan’s mother a monthly stipend. That was how

he met Molly and that was why he too was an Olympic hopeful. Ryan walked carefully around the mound of evergreen branches filled with broken glass ball ornaments and sad bits of cut tinsel garland. All that was left standing was the trunk, shaven haphazardly by the edge of a sword blade, and the small tin star he’d put on top. A sick feeling washed over him. Molly wouldn’t have used one of her antique swords to do this and her foil, like all the competitive weapons, had a dulled blade and flexible maraging steel that would make cutting down branches hard. Ever since Vladimir Smirnov died during the 1982 World Championships in Rome when a broken sword went through the mesh of his mask, guidelines on weapons had become strict. “Damn it!” Ryan ran through his small apartment to his bedroom. His practice épée rested on the middle of his bed, right where he’d left it. Even in the dim light streaming in from the street outside, he saw the nicks and scratches along the threesided blade. Those had been there from years of use. His collection of swords was nowhere near as impressive as Molly’s, but he did own

one very expensive, very sharp broadsword modeled after those from the Viking era. It was the only piece in his collection heavy enough to do the job. “She didn’t.” In disbelief he went to the wall where the broadsword hung on display. A piece of evergreen clung to the hilt. How could she have done this? Was she really so mad at him for having a dream of his own? For wanting more than to be Molly’s practice dummy? Grabbing his coat, he marched out of the apartment building and into the snow-filled Wisconsin night. The full moon lit his way, reflecting off the gentle flurries. Up until very recently he had never needed a car. The Shanahan driver took him wherever he needed to go. His sturdy workboats were sufficient to keep out the snow as he made his way to the edge of town to the Old Bay Drive that would take him to the richest part of town. That was where he would find the Shanahan estate, his former residence. A few cars drove by. The sound of shouting teenagers filled the night for a briefly pronounced moment before the streets fell again to silence. He began to jog continued on P. 10

Michelle M. Pillow is a bestselling, award winning romance author of over 70 titles. She’s been with NY, Small Press and Indie publishers. She has a degree in History and one in Photography, and is the co-owner of The Raven Books. www.michellepillow.com Photo Credit: Beth Boldt

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Rings of Gold by Michelle M. Pillow Continued... as the paved road turned to cobblestone. The Shanahan estate sat close to the bay, overlooking the water, or more like domineering it by the sides of the sprawling manor house. Like everything Mr. Shanahan did, the house was overstated. Local workers kept the lawns manicured to perfection and a caretaker watched the place when the Shanahans were not in residence.

The King’s Choice Series

His heart beat hard, pumping his frustration through his veins. Molly was stubborn and beautiful and he wanted to run her through with a sword as much as he wanted to kiss her. She always put her sport first, always. He’d watched her date who her father wanted her to date, but she had never been happy with the men. They were more like assigned boyfriends than emotional connections and they never deserved Molly. No one deserved Molly. She was smart, driven, strong, beautiful, and a pain in the ass. Even now he wanted her. He’d always wanted her. He’d wanted her when he watched her leave for her first real date from the top of the stairs at the age of seventeen. She’d kissed the joker and he’d wanted to tear the boy’s face off. He’d wanted her as he convinced her to sneak out of her bedroom to camp in the trees at the age of ten. She’d gotten ticks and hadn’t talked to him for six months, even as they continued to train. It didn’t matter when, what, or why, he wanted her. He always wanted her. And it was about time he gave Molly Shanahan a piece of his mind.

***** Water beat against Molly’s skin. The large, walk-in shower didn’t have doors but the curved walls were angled in such a way as to afford privacy and keep the water inside. It was the latest design, newly renovated to match a European hotel she’d stayed at the year before. The multiple jets hit her body at all angles. However, when she closed her eyes, she kept seeing Ryan’s small shower stall in his new apartment. The man could be happy anywhere. She envied that about him. No wonder it was so easy for him to leave her. Here. Alone in the castle. The memory of his eight-year-old voice echoed through her mind. “Are you a princess because you live in a castle?” She smiled. It was the first thing he’d ever said to her. Even though he was a friend bought and paid for by her father, in that moment her world hadn’t seemed as structured and rigid. His expression had been so open, wide-eyed with just a touch of mischief. In those days he’d been a bundle of energy, drawing smiles from her when no one else could. He even lured her into trouble. Ryan had been her best friend her entire life. And he’d left her. The ache inside her chest grew. She felt so alone. She remembered what it was like to be that little girl forced to dedicate every moment to thoughts of the Olympics. These

same feeling had crashed down on her the moment her father had told her Ryan moved out of the estate and she’d reacted like a spoiled brat. He’d left her. Even as the pain hit her, she knew she had no right to complain. It was his life. The only promise he’d ever made her was to be there through the Olympics. Yet somehow, she’d always hoped that they…that he… A tremor worked over her and she was grateful that the water hid her tears. She didn’t want to face her feelings, not when her heart felt broken. Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the shower and found her robe. Before she learned that Ryan had moved out, she had expected this week to go much differently. Four days before, she had been so sure they’d be in bed by this time. She’d finally get to fulfill her endless fantasies of him. They’d been dancing around the obvious for years—or so she’d thought. First they were kids. Then they were stupid teenagers. Now should have been their time, when they were finally adults, done with college and well on track to athletic fame. Molly glared at her reflection in the gilded mirror. Her dark auburn hair was slicked back from her face and she tousled it with her fingers so it could curl as it dried. Even after a long jog though the snow and a hot shower, she still felt like screaming. If she didn’t scream, she’d cry. How could he do this to continued on P. 27 Raven 10

Matthew Sisters: A Contemporary Romances Series by Michelle M. Pillow Tell us about the Matthews Sisters and their books. The Matthews Sisters series is about the sisterly bond, which I think any woman with a sister can relate to. It’s the idea that no one can mess with my sisters, but me. It’s about being so close no words need to be said. It’s about being able to be so frustrated with and yet love someone at the same time--and occasionally seeing what the other person refuses to see. Family is a part of who these heroines are and though each sister is inherently different than the others, they are connected with a bond that can never be severed. Bit by the Bug Smart is sexy. Independent spirit is sexy. With this book I brought the very smart, yet incredibly distracted, Dr. Vincent Richmond together with very independent photographer Kat Matthews. In many ways I can relate to Kat and based her love of photography off my own. Her greatest desire is to one day create a photo so potent it will stand the test of time. Add to these two a very fun premise of Kat being hired by

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an eccentric couple to teach their nerdy adult son how to date and you have a very sexy, light-hearted contemporary romance.

research is one of the main reasons I love being a writer.

Along for the Ride

I originally wanted to call this book Undecided because that’s exactly what the heroine is. Her sisters know what they want and go after it. However, Sasha Matthews can’t make up her mind and has been floundering as a perpetual college student. The only thing she is certain of is her ‘perfect’ boyfriend, Trevor...until he’s caught cheating. After a drunken night of...we’ll call it wound-licking...she finds herself torn between the rich and charming Trevor, and the hard working impossibly frustrating Kevin.

The book features New York City police detective, Megan Matthews and the man who ruined her career. Crime-scene photographer, Ryan Lucas, snapped her picture while taking down serial killer, Jersey St. Claud. Detective Matthews is what I could never be. Though we share an inner strength, Megan’s thrill for police work and taking down criminals is something I’d rather see in a Hollywood movie. I envy her sense of purpose and the good she does for humanity through her job. Recipe for Disaster (Her New Boss, ebook title version) I loved researching the heroine, Zoe Matthews, and her career as a chef. She definitely has a talent in the kitchen I don’t possess, though I do know my way around a microwave. With each new character comes a new set of challenges and rewards. That vast and varied array of

Degrees of Passion

The Matthew Sisters series is in print (Random House/Virgin Books) and was just re-released in ebook (Ebury/ Rouge). Also from these publishers are the standalone titles: Fierce Competition and Opposites Attract. To read more about the stories, visit www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle M. Pillow www.MichellePillow.com

FREE READ: King, King, Goose by Mandy M. Roth Chapter One

had his skin.

King Najarni stood outside the thick wooden door, his palm pressed to it and his head bent. He pushed his shoulder-length dark hair back from his face. The stress of the day was getting to him but he couldn’t let the others know. It was his place to maintain a calm, even approach to all he did. As a dragon shifter and king of his people—the purple dragons of the east—he wasn’t permitted to have moments of weakness even though his wife seemed very capable of presenting him with said moments.

It had been told he would select a wife, one who rivaled him in power and leadership skills. All had assumed his wife would be a fellow dragon shifter. While the female shifters were lower in number than the males, they existed. None had caught his fancy. It wasn’t until he’d followed a lead about a possible attack that he found himself in the human realm once more. He tried his best to avoid it. While there he’d spotted a human woman. One he could not seem to pull his gaze from. He knew in that moment she would one day be his wife.

She was a master at getting him to bend to her every whim. She was perfect in every way. He inhaled, catching her sweet feminine scent wafting to him from under the door. His heightened senses allowed him to pick up on slight changes in her body chemistry. His eyes flashed to amber and his knew if he caught the reflection of his face, he’d see his skin had started to harden over, indicating a coming shift. He flexed his hands on the door, calming himself and his desire to bed the fiery female currently held up in his bedchamber. He blinked, sure his eyes had returned to their normal color as

She hadn’t realized it. In fact, at the time she’d screamed bloody murder and pounded at him before passing out when he sprouted wings. When she’d awoken in his kingdom, she’d gone straight for his eyes, nearly succeeding in removing them. She was feisty. Part of what he loved about her. “Tara, allow me to enter,” he pleaded to the closed door. “No,” she said, her temper still evident.

He sighed. When he’d taken a human as his mate—his wife—he knew the road of marriage would not always be a smooth one. Tara was so different from the females of his realm. They were mild, meek even, always ready and willing to serve their husbands. Tara was strong-willed, often setting him in his place, regardless of who was around. It was irony at its finest. She was fierce despite the fact she could not breathe fire or sprout talons. He would have her no other way. “I have already said I was sorry.” He pushed gently with his voice, hoping to lull her into a false sense of pity so she would open the door to him. The other option was him breaking it down and he truly hoped it wouldn’t come to that. She was his heart, his soul, angering her nearly broke the man in him. “I only wanted to give you what you speak of so often—a real Christmas.” The holiday was not one celebrated by his people so he knew little of it. He did know it held great importance to his wife. It was something she remarked on in the three years she’d been with him. She always seemed so somber this time of year. She had no family in the Earth realm but he knew she missed the idea

continued on P. 21 Mandy M. Roth is a bestselling author published by NY, Small Press and Indie. She has degrees in Business, Marketing and Commerial Art. She also writes under the names Kennedy Kovit & Rory Michaels, and does cover art under the brush name Natalie Winters. She co-owns The Raven Books Publishing. www.mandyroth.com

Photo Credit: Gloria Andres

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Sexy Special Ops What inspired you to write about Special Forces Shifter Males in the Immortal Ops Series? I’ve always had an interest in military and war memoirs, of researching battles and learning about historic weapons, current ones and even ones that may yet come to be. I’m also a big gamer girl. I love first person shooters. One of the games I used to play quiet often had groups of six broken into Alpha and Beta team. That got the wheels in my brain spinning and from there I combined my interest in the military, my love of paranormal and the Immortal Ops Series was born.

Did you ever expect the books would become so popular with readers?

and go back to the vampire books they’d come to know me for. LOL. Oh, how wrong I was.

You dedicate some of the books to the men and women who serve why is that? Because they risk their lives to protect our freedoms. The least I can do as an author writing about Special Forces and the military is make sure the real heroes are thanked.

Will there be more books in the series? Yes. Separation Zone is set to release in 2013 and readers will be happy to know there is more than one Immortal Ops team. Their books will release sometime after Separation Zone.

No. I honestly thought my fan base would raise a brow at them and then tell me to knock it off

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End of the World

Bucket List

Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice Michelle M. Pillow’s Bucket List

Mandy M Roth’s Bucket List

1. Eat pasta in Italy coupled with Cabernet Sauvignon.

1. Have pasta fed to me in Italy by the Italian male soccer team, sans uniforms.

2. Continue to avoid watching the movie Avatar while eating pasta.

2. see number 1

3. Stay vigilant against the awaiting spider army in my basement. I will not go out like that. 4. Eat pasta in Italy with a nice merlot and accept that carbs are my friends. I will so go out like that. 5. Tell my family and friends (again) that I love them... while eating pasta.

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3. see 2 4. see 3 5. see 4 (what, like that wouldn’t complete everyone’s wish list)

Historical Romance Publisher: The Raven Books Ebook ISBN: 978-1-62501-007-0 Print ISBN: 978-1-62501-008-7 Jan 2013

Spicy Sweet Potato Latkes

Makes about 24 latkes. Adapted from Taste of Home Magazine. 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or arrowroot flour) 2 tsp sugar (I have used Splenda when I’m out of sugar. Worked fine.) 2 heaping tsp curry powder (MORE SPICE BABY YEAH) 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp brown sugar 1 heaping tsp ground cumin 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (You like food hotter with slow burn as you take another bite? Add more.) 1/4 tsp pepper scant 1/4 tsp dry mustard 2 eggs beaten 1/2 cup milk (we used Lactaid; my husband’s family does not approve this lactose). 4 cups grated peeled sweet potatoes plus oil for frying Mix the dry ingredients (flour through mustard). Stir in eggs and milk until blended. Add sweet potatoes and fold with a spatula or your fingers to coat thoroughly. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. I used enough vegetable oil that it was probably between 1/4 and 1/2 inch deep. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls into oil. Let set for about 30 seconds, then press gently to flatten out. In my big honking skillet I could fry about 6 or 7 at a time.

avoid eating while they’re piping hot (ow. Good luck with that). NOTES: I tried making bigger than heaping-tbsp size, and they were soggy in the middle, so keep to the smaller size for browned, crispy latkes with chewy centers. The batter will get soggy at the bottom so stir every now and again to mix the potatoes with the wet stuff. We’re serving with honey mustard, chipotle mayo, drizzled honey and whatever else I think will taste good.

Happy Hanukkah! Sarah --Smart Bitch Sarah Wendell www. smartbitchestrashybooks.com Twitter: @smartbitches

Super Easy Dark Chocolate Coconut Cake 1 Box of Dark Chocolate/Dark Fudge/Devil’s Food Cake Mix Mix as directed and pour into 9x13 glass cake pan. Bake as directed. While baking mix together 1 large can Cream of Coconut 1 small can of sweetened condensed milk (We substitute a 1/2 can of coconut milk due to dairy allergies) Heat together in a microwave safe dish, stirring until well mixed. When cake is done, poke holes in it with a fork or knife and pour coconut mixture over it while it’s still warm. After cake cools top with whipped topping. Recipe calls for whipped cream or Cool Whip, we do each piece separate due to allergies. This cake is always a hit and luckily there is very little left. :) When there is, we refrigerate the leftovers as it’s a super moist cake. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas Jaycee --Jaycee Clark www.jayceeclark.com Twitter: @JayceeClark

Have a recipe you want to share with us? Email: [email protected]

Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Add more oil if you need it. Drain on rack covered with paper towels. Try to

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promise to abolish such acts and have kept that promise to you, my love.”

King, King, Goose? Continued... of the holiday and all it stood for. He’d sent two of his advisors along with six of his finest warriors to the human realm to gain knowledge of this Christmas holiday and to gather what would be needed. They’d returned with several wagons full of materials and other items. They’d also worked hard, learning and studying the customs surrounding the holiday. He was confident Tara would love all he’d done. If she ever opened the door to him and explained what it was that had angered her so. His servants had spent the greater part of two days preparing the great hall for the event and Najarni spent equally as long keeping his wife occupied in their bedchamber so as not to spoil the surprise. He smiled as he remembered all the pleasures he’d both given and taken during his secret mission of occupying her. His cock hardened just thinking of it all. She was also so responsive to his touch and he had gifted hands if he did say so himself. None had ever complained, least of all his wife. He’d not touched another woman since he’d laid eyes upon her. She caught his attention and his heart and no other would ever do. Now, if I can just get her to open the door.

When he’d led her to the great hall to see the surprise he had in store for her and the music began to play, he’d thought his wife would perhaps grant him a look at her beautiful smile. One he never tired of. She had done so right up to the point she spotted the strange creature his advisors had returned with. It was caged and spent most of its time hissing and flapping its large wings. When Najarni informed her it was to be part of the feast, the only reward he was given was a look of horror before she stomped on his foot, deemed him to be a giant, mean oaf and then ran to their chambers, where she still remained. “Tara,” he whispered, knowing she could hear him. “I’m not coming out.” She spoke with brutal deliberation. “You’re a tyrant.” “Because I wished to give you a feast to celebrate a time of the year you hold dear?” He saw not how he could be viewed in such a manner when he only wished to please her. In fact, he existed to make her happy, to please her, to give her everything her heart could desire. Opening the door, she made an odd noise before peeking out at him. Her green eyes danced with fury. “Because you ordered Roger’s

death.” Roger? His brows met. “I know no Roger and ordered no such death.” She had forbid him from issuing death orders shortly after he’d whisked her away—against her will at the time—from the human realm to his realm. It had been a rocky start. He’d lavished her in endless gifts and she spent equally as long tossing said gifts from the window, demanding to be returned home. It wasn’t until an intruder made his way past the guards and into the meeting room that things had changed between him and Tara. Najarni had glanced up in time to see one of the enemies there, a crossbow up and aimed at Tara. He’d thrown himself in the path, taking the bolt meant for her. She’d screamed, fallen to her knees next to him and then smacked him straight across the face, demanding he live before she bent her head and kissed him. It was a first kiss he would cherish forever. Not long after, she agreed to be his wife. He’d never been happier. “The goose,” she snapped, bringing him back to the present. “I know no goose and again, ordered no such death. I made you a

She pinched the bridge of her nose, obviously losing what little patience she had left with him. “The creature in the cage,” she spoke slowly as if he was of simple mind. While he often was lost to her human slang, he had been educated by the finest tutors in all the lands. He was quite wellversed in all areas of math, science and literature—of his people of course, not of her Earthly customs or authors. “The one you want to serve me for dinner.” Understanding came to him and he knew he was in trouble with his wife—again. An insipid grin slid over his face. “Ah,” he paused, “you wish no harm to come to The Roger?” She blinked and stared up at him through dark lashes. Her red hair framed her heart-shaped face, making the blue of her eyes stand out more. “You mean the goose?” “Yes, that is what I said. The Roger. Are they not the one in the same?” Tara’s lips trembled and he was unsure if she was on the verge of tears or on the verge of laughter. When customs from the human realm came up in discussion, she often found humor in his questions and responses. He wasn’t sure why. They were legitimate inquiries. Even the youngest of his kind knew the best way to

gain knowledge was by posing good, solid questions. Apparently on Earth their young learned by other means. “Promise me you won’t hurt Roger,” she said, tugging at her lower lip. He watched the action intensely, wanting to steal a kiss but knowing better than to try when she was in her current mood. “You have my word.” He put his arm out to her. “Come, we shall enjoy this Christmas gathering.” She slid her arm through his and put her head to his upper arm. They made their way through the castle to the great hall and, the moment they entered, all persons present stopped what they were doing and bent their heads, honoring the arrival of the king and queen. Najarni glanced over the crowd. “I hereby decree that no harm shall befall The Roger.” His guards shared confused looks. He pointed to the creature in the cage. It continued to stare out from its beady eyes, as if glaring at him, daring him to come closer. “That is a Roger. It is not to be harmed. You are to protect it with your lives.” Chapter Two Tara hid her laugh behind a cough and held tight to her husband’s arm. For such a fierce and powerful man, the smallest of things escaped him. There was no point in

explaining again that Roger was a goose. Not a Roger. Once Najarni made his mind up about something, it was incredibly difficult to change it. Like when he’d decided he wanted her to be his bride. Try as she might, she couldn’t get him to bend on the matter. She was happy he was headstrong. If he hadn’t been, she would have missed out on something wonderful—being married to him. His men nodded in understanding and he waved a hand dismissively in the air. Everyone obeyed him. They always did. When he’d first plucked her from the street— literally—she’d been stunned to learn the power he wielded over those who lived in his realm. Well, she’d been pretty stunned, period, that his realm and his people existed. After she got over the initial shock, she’d been surprised to see how loved and respected he was by his people. She understood why now. She knew the man behind the gruff exterior. The man who would do anything for those he loved, including trying to give her a Christmas when the holiday was totally unheard of by his people. When she’d first found herself in a realm that felt more like a dream than a reality, she’d been terrified of the men who could change forms at will. They possessed wings when they wished it to be so, though theirs were much more dragonlike than birdlike. They could change completely into dragons but did so rarely because once in full dragon form,

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RomantiCon® 2012

RomantiCon® 2012: Sex, Books, and Half-Naked Hunks Article and Photos Supplied by Ellora’s Cave Publishing “This year was my first at RomantiCon® and I wanna go back for more! The parties were fun, the people fantastic, and well…the men were nice eye candy and smelled yummy too,” raved author Karla Doyle. Doyle’s enthusiasm is typical for RomantiCon® attendees, and the convention is quickly becoming the event of the year for erotic romance authors, fans and industry insiders. More than 300 women gathered in Canton, OH, in mid-October, for four days of parties, games, workshops, food and fun, all centered around books published by Ellora’s Cave, a trailblazer in both the e-book and erotic romance industries. The highlight for most RomantiCon® participants was the Ellora’s Cavemen, a group Raven 23

of extremely charming and muscular cover models who performed, posed for photos, and mingled with guests throughout the weekend. “Not only are the Cavemen incredibly talented, they are genuinely nice!” said author Frances Stockton. “Some are quietspoken, and yet, their intensity and dedication to detail and their natural sense of charm makes any woman melt.” The Cavemen showed off sizzling dance moves at themed costume parties, and looked adorable in their jammies and fuzzy slippers while handing our prizes at the pajama, pizza and Bingo party. Caveman Nick, who was voted Alpha Caveman 2013, taught a very popular Zumba class, and guests lined up to participate in raucous public photo shoots, where each woman got to pose with the Cavemen of her choice in a clinch shot like those on real book covers.

Author Cait Miller says she normally sits on the sidelines, watching others have a good time and wishing she could join in. But at RomantiCon, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere encouraged her to shed her reserve. “I danced like no one was watching every night … with hot guys who … made me feel like I was Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing.” But RomantiCon is not just parties and sexy fun. It is also about the lucrative business of erotic romance publishing. For aspiring authors, the convention offered workshops, pitch sessions with editors and the chance to meet and learn from more experienced authors. Published authors loved the chance to bond with readers and sell their books at the Sunday SEXporium® and book fair where authors and their cover models signed their works.

The only complaint RomantiCon® participants had was how fast the funfilled conference flew by. The Ellora’s Cave blogosphere is already buzzing about the “Old Hollywood, New Bollywood” theme for next year’s convention, scheduled for Oct. 10 -13, once again at the McKinley Grand Hotel, in Canton. (For details, visit ecromanticon.com)

terrific weekend and I can’t think of a better time I’ve had at a conference,” she said. “I highly recommend the experience to all fans of erotic romance.”

“I knew RomantiCon® would be fun, but I didn’t expect to walk away with so many new friends,” said author Sidney Bristol. “I can’t imagine how I’ve lived without them.” Joysann from Publishers Weekly put it best: “It was a Raven 24

Research Tripping

Since the world is coming to

an end soon, we have a few people we’d like to say some things to. Mostly, thank you. $ we (Silly readers, you thought were going to tell people off, didn’t you?) Now, we don’t really think the world is going to end because the Mayans ran out of calendar space on their rock, but just in case: Thank you. Thank you readers, vlog viewers, social networkers, but also thank you to the hotel workers, transit peeps, tour guides, and the countless other who put up with our endless questions when we’re research tripping around the globe. If the Mayans turn out to be right, they will have our apologies for doubting them. Until then, they will simply have our awe. In 2011, as part of our book research, we sailed to Belize and then proceeded to drive two hours inland on a tour bus to the Xunantunich Mayan temples. It seemed a fitting time to see the Mayans before their calendar ran out, erm, we mean the world ended. If you’re not used to the tropical weather, summer in

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Belize resembles something like an outdoor sauna. Bring plenty of bottled water. There is a small uphill trek once you reach the site. The ancient site is less than a mile from the Guatemalan border. The drive itself was very enlightening. With the knowledge of our tour guides, we were able to get a snapshot glimpse into the life of Belizean people—from the children watching us on the side of the road, to the Amish population ignoring us drive past as they talked by their horse and buggies, to the artisans selling their wares outside of the temple grounds. Xunanatunich is a modern name given to the ruins. According to the tour guides the name means Stone Maiden, after the apparition of a woman appeared there in the late 1800s. Legend has it she disappeared into the stone of El Castillo. Though restored, the narrow, steep temples stairs are not protected with the normal safety features you would expect at an American historical site. Mandy stayed

Michelle and Mandy!

below as Michelle ventured up the largest temple, El Castillo— though we both debate as to who was in the most danger. Below, armed guards patrolled the dense forest along the Guatemalan border with machine guns. Above, you have a 130 feet drop with no safety net. Luckily, Michelle did not learn how to fly and the most dangerous thing stirring in the forest (besides Mandy, of course *wink*) was the leaf cutter ants marching along the paths. As writers, we both agree that research is vital to creating believable stories—even in fictional worlds. Research trips are the best way to learn about people and their way of life, including their history. This is why we take the trips we do. It’s a chance to experience the area for ourselves, and to interview the locals. So, thank you, to the people who made the trip the wonderful learning adventure it was, and to the readers who make our job possible. Stay safe this apocalyptic season!

To see more Belize photos from this trip, visit, www. MichellePillowPhotography. com. Be sure to watch www. MandyRoth.com and www. MichellePillow.com for upcoming books featuring our Belizean research.

Select photos from Belize and from the Xuananatunich Mayan site. Photo Credit: Michelle M Pillow

We can’t wait to bring you more pictures from our travels!

Mandy M. Roth & Michelle M. PIllow Photo Credit: S. Roth

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Raven 26

Rings of Gold by Michelle M. Pillow Continued... her? Okay, so she might have overacted a little, but Ryan had been so proud of his first tree in his first home and she wanted to hurt him like he hurt her. Besides, he knew she had a temper, especially in the month before a competition—even a small competition. In fact, he knew more about her than anyone else in the world. Growing up, she hadn’t been allowed many friends. Her father felt them to be a waste of time. She had acquaintances, associates, teammates and coaches. She had doctors, lawyers, managers and servants. And she used to have Ryan Anderson. As if summonsed by her anger, a loud bang sounded on the door to her room. She jumped up from her vanity and grabbed the front of her robe. Without waiting to be let in, Ryan threw open the door and marched inside. Cold flushed his cheeks to an angry red and he panted for breath as if he’d run the mile from town to her family’s estate. None of the servants would have thought to stop such a permanent fixture in the Shanahan home, even one who looked halfcrazed with his messy brown hair and piercing green eyes. “The broadsword, Molly?” he fumed, slamming the door shut behind him. “Really?” “I bought it,” she defended, holding the robe tighter. This wasn’t their first fight, in fact far from it. “For me. You gave it to me.” He tugged at his coat, throwing it on the ground. The broad set of his shoulders drew her attention. Ryan owned more t-shirts than anybody possibly needed. She often gave Raven 27

him a hard time about it, but in truth she thought him sexy in the “Will you hand me that one over tightly fitted material. “It was a gift.” there?” Molly gave him a small smile and batted her lashes, trying “It was a loan that you never paid to make him break his irate comback,” she countered. posure. Normally it worked, but not tonight. “I beat you at poker. The loan was paid.” He waved his hand at her dis- “If only to save a piece of history,” missively. “Regardless of the owner, he answered, backing away. Slipyou shouldn’t have broken into my ping two foils out of a wall display, apartment.” he tossed one in her direction and held the other at the ready. “You come into my home uninvited all the time.” Molly’s heart Molly caught the thin sword easfluttered in her chest. Didn’t he ily. She lunged forward and beat know the affect he had on her? her sword to the weak part of his, Why couldn’t he see it? Her desire knocking it aside in challenge. for him only made her temper “You should know that I didn’t ruin worse because he didn’t return the broadsword. I had gardening the favor. “You should learn to lock sheers. I only put that piece of evyour door.” ergreen on there to mess with you. Like I’d really hurt a sword.” Ryan strode across the large bedroom, passing her king-sized “But trees are no problem?” Ryan bed to block her escape from the recovered, returning to en garde room. “I could have you arrested. position. Everyone in town knows who you are and they saw you leaving my “You’re the one who taught me building.” about pranks. Remember the frog you put in the punch bowl during “Go ahead. I’ll be out before they my Sweet Sixteen? Or how about even process me.” She gave a nerv- when you shaved Snowball to look ous laugh. Molly didn’t like being like a tiny lion?” Molly lunged, forccornered, not because she was ing him to step back. Even though scared so much as she couldn’t the tips had been rounded, she seem to catch her breath when was careful not to strike him. “Bethey were alone and not focused fore you came along, I was a little on practice. Reaching to the shelf princess.” that lined her wall, she pulled the Spanish foil from its wooden dis“You were and still are a spoiled play and pointed it at him, keepbrat. Whatever you want, Daddy ing him back. “You should know. It will get for you. Well, not me. I’m wouldn’t be the first time the cops not for sale, not anymore.” Ryan were called on us.” countered with a series of moves, forcing her to jump up on the bed. “Now you’re going to ruin that The familiar clang and sweep of blade?” Ryan crossed his arms over metal rang over them as he purhis chest, completely unconcerned sued her. “Why the hell do you by the threat. “After all the hours think I left? I have my own dreams, we spent polishing?” Molly, and they don’t include be-

continued on P. 36

Where

to Find

US on

the Web Mandy M Roth Website: www.MandyRoth.com Blog: www.MandyRoth.com/blog Twitter: twitter.com/mandymroth Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AuthorMandyRoth Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/mandyroth Michelle M. Pillow Website: www.MichellePillow.com Blog: www.MichellePillow.com/blog Twitter: twitter.com/michellepillow Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AuthorMichellePillow Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ michellepillow [email protected] [email protected] Raven 28

The Beast Masters Series, Book 1 Garon and Lorne, shapeshifting males of the Ralenium race, are fierce guns for hire in the universe. When a cargo ship transporting women charged with crimes by the Galactic Star Union arrives on their planet, the men make the traders an offer they can’t refuse. Planet Ralen is sorely lacking in women, and the males have an inborn desire to dominate, to tame females and to reproduce. When their inner beasts’ clocks start ticking and the burning need to spread their seed consumes them, they go on the hunt for the perfect female. Too bad both men want the same woman. Teon, a lady with a place in high society, thought life as she knew it was over when she was wrongfully charged with a crime by her stepmother. A prisoner en route to a barren planet to serve her sentence, she’s presented with an opportunity to start over again on the planet Ralen. The catch is she has to be willing to be claimed by two males. Not just any males mind you, two burning hunks who are ready to fight to the death if need be to share her bed.

Paranormal/Shapeshifter/ BDSM/Menage MFM Publisher: The Raven Books ISBN: 9781625010063 Historical/Western, Interracial novella Publisher: Samhain Publishing ISBN: 978-1-61921-163-6

“This read is for those who like their love stories both explicit and explosive, with a mix of strong women and sexy men!” Library Journal “Readers who thrive on stories of empowered women and sexy, brooding men will savor this historical tale of interracial love.” Publishers Weekly Warning: This book contains a gorgeous hero and a spirited heroine, pistol slinging, knife wielding, bigotry, bad guys, bad language, and smokin’ hot love scenes.

King, King, Goose? Continued... their sense of reasoning often abandoned them. They were a fierce breed of powerful warriors who could put any human male to shame with just how amazing they looked. What they lacked in manners they made up for with loyalty and their ability to love. And there was no question in her mind that her husband loved her. He was one of the proudest and most headstrong males of his kind, yet she had but to bat her lashes and he’d fall over himself trying to make her happy. Getting used to life without her cellphone, mp3 player, the internet and Starbucks had required an adjusting period but after being married to Najarni for nearly three years, she knew he was worth living without the modern comforts of the human realm. It reminded her of reading tales of old, of kings, queens, knights and lords. A time long forgotten by her people still thrived and flourished here. She’d have it no other way. The festivities continued, though this time, a guard took a position near the goose’s cage, standing in a protective manner. He looked so serious, so set in his given duties, that he’d not be deterred. No matter what. She grinned and shook her head. If anyone from Earth ever witnessed these men putting a goose under heavy protection they’d die from a fit of laughter too. Moments like these she was saddened no other humans were around to share in the inside jokes. As it stood she was alone in finding humor in their ways and attempts at righting situations. Najarni nodded to one of his advisors and several of his trusted guards stepped forth, standing in front of one of the many Christ-

Raven 29

mas trees now adorning the vast hall. When she’d first seen the sight, she could scarcely believe her eyes. It had to have taken them countless trips between the realms to accomplish such a feat. It wasn’t as if pine trees were native to the Dragon Realm. She grew misty-eyed staring at the sight once more, thinking of all the hard work the men put into setting such a scene. Candles and flowers decorated each one and the sight reminded her a bit of illustrations from times long past in the human realm. The men cleared their throats as the advisor nodded. “We’re ready, my lord.” “They have worked on this for many moon cycles, my love,” Najarni said, caressing her inner arm. “They went in search of traditions from your world this time last year.” She waited with baited breath as the men she knew could kill in the blink of an eye began to sing a Christmas carol. She smiled, remembering home and the joy this time of the year always brought her, even growing up without a family of her own. The smile quickly faltered when the lyrics took a rather odd turn. The men blatantly grabbed themselves while singing about how jolly their balls were. They then jingled them. A lot. Tara gasped, her cheeks flaming red. She yelped when they came toward her—still singing and holding themselves, still jingling them. Each one seemed prouder than the next. “What are they doing?” she squeaked, touching her husband’s forearm.

Najarni beamed with pride. “They are caroling. They told me these carolers from Earth often follow people. I believe they are attempting to follow you, my love.” They continued to come and she stepped behind her husband. “Stop them!” “Why?” he asked, truly unaware of what was wrong. She shook her head. “They’re, umm, not doing it right.” “Cease!” he demanded, his voice booming throughout the great hall. The guards stopped so suddenly that one ran into another and a domino effect began. The end guard fell backward, bumping the tree nearest him. Candles tipped and the tree ignited within seconds. Tara didn’t need to be told they hadn’t watered the tree. She could tell by how quickly the flames engulfed it. The fire spread quickly and the guard nearest the goose released it quickly, seconds before the cage caught fire. Men hustled about, making a chain and passing buckets of water. They worked quickly and efficiently to douse the fire and keep it from spreading. The commotion in regard to the fire died down just in time for another to slowly rise. Najarni tapped his foot, giving them all a hard stare. “I do not recall reading of a fire in any of the materials you brought me regarding this Christmas celebration.” He opened his mouth to say more but was cut off when the goose hissed, charging right at them both. Najarni put himself in the path of the goose as if he were protecting her from a chargcontinued on P. 31 Raven 30

King, King, Goose? Continued... ing rhino. She could hold back no more. The laughter came and could not be stopped. She bent forward, clutching her stomach, bellowing to the point no further sound came from her. She hiccupped and cried tears of laughter at the sight of renowned guards trying and failing to catch a moving goose. The guard who had been near the cage, watching over Roger, was running as well. “My lord, you said no harm was to come to The Roger and with the flames, I worried it would… I released him.” The goose turned, put its wings out and went at the guards. This time, they appeared to be on the defensive. The entire scene was hysterically funny. She laughed so hard tears came to her eyes. The guards who had been charged with caroling began again, sounding more like drunken fraternity brothers, inventing new spins on old songs than they did anything else. All the while the ones with the goose seemed to trade off, one second on the hunt, the next, the goose’s prey. Considering they could each shift into a dragon, it was uncontrollably funny since none seemed to think to do so. Two actually ducked as the goose flapped it wings and flailed about within the confines of the great hall. The “carolers” continued. This time they sang about stuffing a stocking all the while thrusting their hips suggestively while one actually bent for the other to slap his ass. The alpha males were not known for behavior such as this and she knew then they’d gotten their Christmas information seriously confused. Raven 31

She wiped her cheeks and hiccupped more. “Najarni, where is it they learned to carol?” He thought upon it and nodded. “Ah, yes, one of them mentioned something about Saint Nick’s Naughty and Nice Roadside Bar.” She snorted and bent her head, still laughing. Her stomach hurt, her sides pulling, as laughter pains continued to seize her entire body. She’d never seen anything so amusing in her entire life. The saddest part was, the men all believed they were doing it right—that their Christmas knowledge was legitimate. They had no idea they’d gotten information from a strip joint. She could only imagine what else they’d learned while there.

“Truly?” he asked, shocked to his core. Nothing had gone as planned. How could she be pleased with it?

Najarni looked down at his beautiful wife and noticed tears upon her pale cheeks. He touched one and lifted her head to face him. “You are upset with this. I am sorry.” She smiled and held his hand tight to her face. “This is perfect. It’s the best Christmas ever.”

In a time when casual sex is no longer permitted and kink could get you thrown in jail, Lisa’s sex-starved body longs for release. Presented with a chance for to spend a night at Club Fetish—an underground sex club—she seizes the moment and orders up a night of pleasure that she’ll never forget.

She went to her tiptoes and he bent, his mouth capturing hers. The kiss was heated. He was about to lift her in his arms and carry her to their bedchamber when something pinched his backside—hard. Spinning quickly, he found The Roger there, its head moving at him again as it hissed. Najarni’s eyes widened. “Wife, The Roger bit me in the backside!”

Warning: This short story contains kink to the extreme, multiple partners, brief mmf and no romantic thread.

She howled with laughter. He made a move to snatch The Roger by its thin neck when the very guard he’d just reprimanded for drawing a dagger cleared his throat and shook his head. “No harm is to befall…”

The goose ran past them and more men joined in, attempting to catch it. None succeeded. No matter what direction she looked, something was going on and each event Najarni’s nostrils flared and his was funnier than the other. body coiled with pent-up rage. “I know what the decree is! I am the Her husband glared at a guard one who issued it!” who pulled a dagger from his waist. “The Roger is not to be “Husband,” Tara said, dragging his harmed!” attention from thoughts of pummeling the guard to kissing her. Slowly, the guard sheathed his dagger and slumped his shoulders “Yes, my love?” he asked, his temlike a scolded child. “Yes, my lord.” per quickly cooled. Chapter Three

Club Fetish: Where fantasies become reality.

She laced her fingers through his. “I love you.” “And I you,” he responded before bending and scooping his wife into his arms. The Roger came at him again and this time he hissed back. It stopped in its tracks and drew its wings in, appearing fearful.

Futuristic Kink Erotic Publisher: The Raven Books ISBN: 978-1-4524-9039-7

Paranormal Shifter Gay (MM) Romance Publisher: The Raven Books ISBN: 978-1-4524-7893-7

Leo Morgan is a werewolf on the prowl and there is only one man who can slake his burning desires. Jackson may be an unsuspecting human, but this wolf gets more than he bargained for when a night of seduction goes wrong… and oh-so-right. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

Tara laughed more. “Ohmygosh, you managed to scare a goose with that menacing glare of yours.”

continued on P. 33

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King, King, Goose? Continued... He smiled and nodded to his men. They quickly gained control of The Roger and saw it safely to another cage. Najarni carried his wife to their spot at the large table. “Merry Christmas, Tara.” She kissed him gently as he placed her gently in her seat. “You too.” The head of his guards approached and bent his head, holding out a package to Tara. Najarni held his breath, watching as she opened it slowly. When she pulled out the items, she turned several shades of red.

Tara tugged on his arm and smiled up at him. “You’ll sit down and enjoy Christmas, my love.”

Where Danger & Love Collide

He sat quickly and kissed her. Yes, he most certainly would enjoy Christmas with her and, next year, he would avoid having any The Rogers in attendance. THE END

“What is wrong?” he asked, taking a seat as well. Her blue gaze slid to him as she held up two objects and their red string of sorts. “Its lingerie.” He waited to hear the part about why the gift was wrong. “The men acquired these from the very place they learned the carols. I believe the owner of the establishment said all of his females had ones such as this.” She leaned over, whispering to him what the items were—in depth. He stared out at the men who had traveled to the human realm. From their expressions, they knew damn well what they were for.

Jaycee Clark

He stood and pointed at them. “I will see to it that you all…”

Mandy M. Roth www.mandyroth.com

Raven 33

www.jayceeclark.com

Rings of Gold by Michelle M. Pillow Continued... Even a wrong turn can be right. Lily arrives at Thioshpaye Bar and Cabins looking for room, board…and a man. The one standing behind the counter ought to be perfect—she’s not going to find anyone more gorgeous. But she’s only looking for a one-night stand, and the connection that sizzles between them tells her she could spend a lifetime in his arms. Brayen’s cougar-shifter eyes must be deceiving him. Humans aren’t supposed to be able to see the building, much less waltz right through the door. But he can tell that Lily is special—and sees through the bravery that masks her inner vulnerability. His pack won’t welcome a human, but when Lily is nearly attacked by wolf shifters, Brayen knows she’s his to protect—and love. At least for tonight. Before the night is over, Lily gets more than she bargained for—a taste of love she never knew could exist—and can never have. Faced with an empty bed in the morning, Brayen realizes he’s lost the one thing he never hoped to find. His true mate.

Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance Publisher: Samhain Publishing ISBN: 978-1-60928-105-2 Fantasy Romance Publisher: Samhain Publishing ISBN: 978-1-60504-508-5 It is ill-advised to incur the wrath of a faery, but it is most foolish to do so of a faery queen… Realm Immortal, Book Two Queen Tania of the Faeries is tired of waiting for Hugh, the Earl of Bellemare, to come back to her. A year has passed since his commitments pulled him from her side and she’s begun to suspect he never intended to return. Disheartened, the queen’s mood darkens until she finds she has no choice but to teach the earl a lesson he will never forget—that no human should dare lie to a faery queen. Hugh’s hatred of the magical world is well known and he wishes to live out the rest of his life in the mortal realm, doing his noble duty. Too bad his heart hasn’t caught up to his head. Thoughts of a tenaciously seductive queen haunt him, even as he knows the woman only wanted him as a plaything for her bed. But it would seem he can’t run far enough, for the teasing nymph won’t back down and Hugh finds himself at the mercy of a vengeful faery.

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ing your little servant boy anymore.” Molly hesitated as Ryan executed a simple move. She didn’t block it and the blunted tip of his blade bumped her unprotected arm. Yelping, she dropped her weapon and grabbed her arm. “Damn it, Mol.” Ryan instantly went to her, trying to look at what he’d done. “I never treated you like my servant boy.” She dropped her hand. At most, it would be a bruise. The robe wasn’t even cut. “How could you leave without telling me? You know I can’t survive here without you.” “I don’t want to be your crutch,” Ryan whispered, seemingly satisfied that she wasn’t too badly injured. He didn’t let go as he looked into her eyes. “Is that why you asked me out to dinner only to sneak out of the house while I waited like an idiot for you to show?” She bit back a tear. When Ryan had asked her out, she’d thought it was a date. Her heart had sung for joy that something more might happen between them, only to be run through with disappointment when he left her waiting, humiliated and alone in a special dress she’d bought just for him. “I didn’t want to go. Your father asked me to pack up and leave. He said he’d find you a new partner, one who assured you stayed focused on your dreams.” “He told me you quit.” Molly glanced at the hand on her arm, liking the contact. The warmth

of him radiated over her and she wanted to grab hold of him. “He said you wanted to focus on your own Olympic dream and thought I would only hold you back.” She met his gaze. “Why did he ask you to leave?” “I do want to focus on my Olympic career, of course I do. I’ve been working toward it almost as long as you have. He never liked that. But that’s not the whole reason. I told your father I wanted there to be more between us than those five rings.” Ryan glanced at the wall, to the Olympic flag. He backed away from her and grabbed his coat off the floor. “There is. You know there is. We’re friends. We’ve always been friends, despite the pranks and the jokes and the constant bickering.” She didn’t want him to leave. When he went this time, it wouldn’t be to a room down the hall where he’d lived since moving out of his mother’s house after high school. “I want there to be more than friendship. I can’t live down the hall from you anymore, Molly.” Instead of putting the coat on, he reached into the pocket. “After the World Championships and the Olympic gold medals are all over with, I want there to be a reason for us to be together. I want this, Molly.” Ryan held up a gold engagement ring, simple and perfect. “I want to know that I’ll always have you.”

forced me to pack up. But I don’t care what he wants. I want to know what you want because I love you. You are my dream, Mol, not some gold medal. You and only you.” Molly blinked, thankful for her throbbing arm. It proved she was awake and this was real. Hardly able to speak, she whispered, “Yes, I’ll marry you.” Ryan grinned as he slipped the ring onto her offered finger. Flinging her arms around him, she pressed her lips to his like she’d dreamed of doing for years but had been too afraid. She clung to him as he lifted her up and walked toward the bed. The weight of the ring on her finger meant more to her than any number of rings hanging on her wall. Loving Ryan didn’t mean she had to stop her other dreams, it only meant the dreams would be worth having because she’d have him to share them with. The End Michelle M. PIllow www.michellepillow.com

“Ryan?” She began to shake, tears coming to her eyes. “Your father asked me to leave because I, out of respect for all he’s done for my mother, asked him for your hand. I planned on meeting you right after. He said no and

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Interview Close your eyes… Slip into your fantasy

Zombies by Dr. Bob Curran, Interview First off, are you now or have you ever been a zombie? Dr. Curran: I don’t think that I’ve ever been a zombie, at least not that I can remember. In some instances I may have worked with zombies but that’s another story. Tell us a little bit about your book, Zombies: A Field Guide to the Walking Dead. Dr. Curran: One of the questions which I’m always asked is – do zombies/ werewolves/ vampires actually exist? That is really not the question that intrigues me – they may or they may not –it is why should people want to believe in them? I wanted to write a book which looked at zombies in some more depth and in some more detail than simply the slasher/zombie dawn type of way that is common in so many books. What cultures throughout history have zombie myths? Are they similar or vastly different?

T.J. Michaels www.TJMichaels.com

Dr. Curran: The fundamental questions about life and death are pretty universal ones so it is natural I suppose that they appear in all cultures – though maybe not in the form that we have become used to through the medium of books and films. In Ireland, for example, the marbh bheo

or nightwalking dead might be classed as zombies – they return from their graves to the places they knew in life. Some of these are the Blest Dead, who have led good lives and are permitted by God to do so, others are raised by the Devil who travel the roads in order to do harm. Similarly the “living mummies” of areas such as Mount Yodono in Japan are monks who have deliberately “mummified” themselves in order to display their holiness – this practice is now forbidden by the Japanese government. So whilst the fundamental questions remain the same, the way in which it is achieved can be different and not all zombies may take the form that we have been led to expect.

If given the chance, would you become a zombie? Dr. Curran: I doubt if I would want to become a zombie. I would guess that the lifestyle wouldn’t appeal. How would you react if you came face to face with a zombie? Dr. Curran: Probably run. Best form of avoidance. If you’re interested in checking out this, or other titles by Dr. Bob Curran, please visit the publisher website, www.newpagebooks. com.

How do you think zombie myths will change in the future? Dr. Curran: It depends on how you view zombie myths. Certainly if we look at how zombies are portrayed in literature and in the cinema, I think that will change as writers and directors search for new angles with which to shock, disgust and terrify us. I think zombie literature/cinema will possibly become more extreme and more shocking. But we must remember that this counts as entertainment and depends on our view of the walking dead – folkloric zombie stories will remain as they always have. And zombies will remain a fascinating subject.

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Shana of Themis is proud to be of the female dominated race of the Amazon. But, when the time comes for her to become a mother, she’s less than thrilled. Following tradition, she must take the males they have captured into her bed. Captain James Alexander was caught answering a distress call, when the Amazon’s overtook him and two of his men. Now, to escape, he plans on seducing his beautiful captor. Warning: This short story contains graphic language and sexual content.

Futuristic Romance Publisher: The Raven Books ISBN: 978-1-4524-5405-4 Medieval Historical Romance Publisher: The Raven Books ISBN: 9781452447834

Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The Kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to devious pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge. Lady Eden of Hawks’ Nest doesn’t know what to think of the man who saved her life, but she can’t wrench her thoughts away. His words are those of a tyrant, true to his vicious reputation, but his touch is that of a man, stirring passion and lust when there should only be fear. It would seem the infamous monster is not as monstrous as he appears.

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Saddle up with The Raven Books Western Erotic Romances Rory Michaels

Kennedy Kovit