And the winner of the Caged Swag is …

Congratulations to:

Rachel

All this:

will be making its way to you very soon.

And the two runner-s up, who will each receive a Caged bookmark are:

Pragya from The Reviewing Shelf and Danielle from Known to Read

Big thanks to everyone else who entered.

Don’t forget to check back for more giveaways in the future.

Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop!

Hey, all, and welcome to my stop on the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop. As always I would first like to thank I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Uniquely Moi Books for hosting this hop. When you’re done here, please take a moment to click on the hop image and head over to the linky-list of participants, on whose blogs you will (guarenteed) find some awesome prizes up for grabs.

And onwards with the show.

Up for grabs today, I have ONE E-Copy of each of the Holloway Pack Prequels. 

Which means ONE lucky winner will win:

Werewolf Sean Holloway treats the village marketplace like a sexual buffet, though his charm does little to win over his latest entr e of choice. Whether because of Jem Stonehouse’s unique scent, her headstrong nonchalance, or the fact he is forbidden to see her by his pack’s rules, Sean wants her.

When Jem is nothing but flippant toward his advances, he pursues her with vigour, stealing moments alone with her without a libido-driven agenda.

The new and heady experience for him drives their relationship beyond romantic interest, and straight toward love.

That is, until Jem learns the truth about Sean’s heritage. Knowledge of the existence of werewolves leads to only one outcome: death.

In this prequel to Darkness & Light, we are taken back in time, to the very beginning of Jem and Sean’s love-across-the-centuries relationship.Did it end there? Or did Sean defy his own pack to save the woman he loves?

AS WELL AS:

An unmarried woman living in a house of men breeds hearsay and lore. If only the villagers knew the truth.

It’s not Jem Stonehouse’s marital status that brings unwanted strangers to town. Rather, it’s that she is the only female werewolf in existence — a prize to any pack.

Sean Holloway, the love of Jem’s life, has gone to great lengths to protect her. As a new attack becomes imminent, Sean realizes he must take greater measures with Jem’s safety or risk losing her forever.

His first task must be to marry her, but a force greater than the largest werewolf stands in his way.

Her mother.

Please note: You do not need to have read the other Holloway Pack stories to read, enjoy, or understand the prequels. Depending on how long the winner takes to respond, there is a chance they will receive Eternal PRE-RELEASE as it doesn’t actually launch until July 2nd–so this is your chance to be one of the first to read it!

Thank you so much for stopping by. You can find out how to enter by hopping on over to the RAFFLECOPTER FORM on the Giveaways Page of my website (sorry, but my WP blog and RC don’t get along).

Good luck!

Darkness & Light Promotion!

Hey guys!

Just a quick reminder in celebration of its upcoming 1 year anniversary and to help promote its brand spanking new cover, Darkness & Light will be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other outlets through the ENTIRE MONTH of JUNE at the bargain price of only 99c (or around 77p to us Brits)

Go grab yourself a copy whilst the offer’s on.

Jem Stonehouse, a housewife with a neurotic husband bent on keeping her in line, dreams about werewolves in, what she believes, is a bid to escape boredom.
Sean Holloway is a werewolf, living a charade within the human race, whose mind drifts to a bond he shares with a woman he hasn’t met — at least, not in this lifetime.
Apart, the two are safe but live unfulfilled lives.
Together, they’ll become prey to rival packs just as they have been for hundreds of years.
When their worlds collide, and not for the first time, instinct takes over. Dreams become reality. Futures are uncertain. To keep history from repeating itself, Sean must teach Jem about his heritage, convince her of her role, and win her love.
Can Jem accept her destiny before it’s too late, or is her inner wolf buried too deep to save her future with Sean?

Here are the links to help you along:

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

BARNES & NOBLE

MONDAY MUSINGS: Research! Just how far DO readers think we go?

Obviously, authors research. Even if it’s only to double check if a certain style of shoe was worn during the 1800’s (for example). It’s the research and accuracy of details that add credence to an otherwise fabricated tale.

But what happens when aspects of a book an author is asking the reader to accept are something that can’t be researched?

Or would be nobody’s business if they had been researched?

I bring this up only because of certain comments I’ve seen dotted about the ‘Net.

For the first kind, I’ll refer to a Tweet and blog post I spotted by a well known author, who felt the need to state for the record that just because she writes urban fantasy with characters who can do stuff beyond what is considered ‘normal’ for our population (NB: this is not an exact quote), that does not mean she believes herself to be superhuman.

I concur. My books are all about werewolves. Trust me: I don’t actually turn into one myself. Not on week days, anyway. ;o)

Now … how about for the second kind? It’s a constant dispute I see from those who write what I like to call romp-romance: That just because they write erotica with X-rated scenes, does not mean they lead that kind of wanton life themselves.

This second one is even harder to judge. Right? I mean, just because a writer has written this awesome scene of sexual fantasy doesn’t necessarily mean they have actually BTDT. Right? Not convinced? Okay, what about all those female erotica authors who write M/M? No way on earth could they have made that kind of research on a personal level. You following me?

So how much does the fact that these elements have to be fabricated and not be based on fact compromise the story?

Yes, yes, I know werewolves can be researched. But not on your nelly can one research the process of a werewolf Change. OR the sensations one must endure to alter their physical structure by that amount. So we have no choice but to make it up. See?

Just as the (to keep my reasoning solid) latter mentioned for the romp-rom writers. No woman can ever fully understand how it feels to a man during intercourse, just as a man could never grasp the experience through a woman’s eyes. They would have only verbal or visual research for guidance.

But should, really, these writers actually be concerned by such comments that have incited these responses?

Or should they be flattered?

Surely, for the reader to believe the author had to have experienced these acts themselves should mean the author has done a bang up job in their portrayal of them.

Right?

What are your thoughts on author research? How far do YOU think they should go? Or is majority-fabrication acceptable so long as it’s done well?

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR A WEREWOLF—THE DO’S AND DON’T’S!

You might recall I recently wrote a post on how to recognise if you’re dating a werewolf.

Well, if by chance you worked out you are, you now need to consider that Christmas shopping for them might not be the same as shopping for your brother.

So … once again, I am here with my pearls—of wisdom, that is—to help you guys out.

 

First up … What NOT to buy:

-          A ‘Sounds of the Forest’ nature CD. Without the other sensory stimulations to accompany the noises and birdly chirps, this will most likely send your wolfie pal on a one way trip to a padded cell.

-          A pet cat. Seriously. The feline will leave the poor guy looking like an extra in a badly produced slasher movie.

-          Paw print boxers. I mean, come on! You can be more original than that, right? He already has 30 pairs, for goodness sake!

-          Any plants that even mildly resemble Wolfsbane (check out the image if you’re unsure). Chances are, just the sight of it will bring him out in a cold sweat.

-          Twilight: the movie. Trust me. It’ll just make him mad.

-          A dog collar. He won’t appreciate the sentiment. Not unless Dominatrix is the name of his private fetish.

-          A kennel to stick in your back garden—for those all important nights he sleeps over. This will majorly offend the poor guy.

-          A dog whistle. He’ll think you’re taking the p***.

-          A kingsize bottle of Kouros. Or any scent for that matter. Not unless you want to spend the day sprayed by his sneezes. And that could get pretty ugly.

-          A year’s supply of Frontline. This would be guaranteed to get you instantly dumped. And, really, who wants to deal with that on Christmas day?

 

Secondly … What’s on the ACCEPTABLE list:

-          One of those massage mittens from Petsmart. I’m guessing your guy just luuurves to be stroked.

-          A teddy bear. Seriously. But only gift-wrap it after it’s spent a few nights in your bed—with you.

-          Blankets. Lots of them. But only of the fleecy variety. The furry dudes just love those fleecy throws.

-          A nice juicy steak. Preferable raw. Don’t ask.

-          A first aid kit. He will always find mischief that results in scrapes and bruises. And if you haven’t noticed as such, then the two of you ain’t doing the horizontal tango anywhere near as much as you should be. The below gift will most likely help remedy that ….

-          Edible underwear. For you to wear. For him to eat. For you to reap the benefits of when it can only go toward fuelling his energy prior to you ending up naked. Trust me: win-win situation.

-          A Frisbee. What? I’m not kidding. He’ll love it. Maybe.

-          A doughnut maker. ‘Cept you don’t describe it as that. You tell him it makes edible Frisbees. Got it? Then watch the guy pee his pants in excitement … and if he cocks his leg to do so, you know you’ve scored a win for definite.

I think that about covers it. You should be good to go. Unless, of course, anyone else can think of any to add …. Anyone?

How about you? Do you have an unusual kin/partner to buy for this Christmas? How’s that going for you?

DATING 101: HOW TO RECOGNISE IF YOU’RE DATING A WEREWOLF!

Dating.

It’s a funny old game.

I guess some people would argue as I haven’t been on TONNES of dates myself I’m in no position to give advice. However, as I am notorious for bagging only males who stick around for a very long time, I’d beg to differ. I have obviously done something right.

Right?

And, with the global dating situation in its current turmoil, I figured the best gift I could give to the world is my learned advice.

The first lesson I’m willing to give is: how do you know when the man you’re dating isn’t human … but a werewolf?

1) The biggest tells always fall around the full moon:

       - does he always avoid dates when the lunar lantern is full?

       - does his usually deep laughter heighten in pitch at the end and linger?

       - does he have a tendency to scratch his ear with his big toe?

       - does your pet rabbit quiver in fear and c*** itself when your boyfriend smiles at it?

2) Check for unusual strength:

       - can he lift you with one hand?

       - in fact, can he lift most things with one hand?

3) Physical attributes:

       - does he have big feet?

       - do you end up in A&E (E.R.) from merely patting him on the shoulder?

       - does he eclipse you whenever he’s at your side?

       - can you play Kumbayah on his ribcage with a glockenspiel baton?

       - does he have hairs on the palms of his hands? Nah, I’m just kidding—that one’s a myth!

       - dude, how well can he growl?

       - does his skin look … um … tight when he gets mad?

4) Dodgy habits:

       - does he prefer to sleep at the foot of the bed?

       - and if you answer yes to that one, how many times does he turn on the spot before he settles?

       - when he hugs you, is it mostly from behind? *stare*

       - does he have a favourite toy that he won’t let you play with?

       - is his favourite song, Born to be Wild?

 

       - does he get excited when the postman arrives?

       - does he always eat his steak rare?

Okay, so those’re the most common signs.

If you answered yes to at least two from each category then, girlfriend, the chances are you’re dating a werewolf.

My advice?

Hold onto him (like you have a choice). He’s a keeper. And by that, I mean, no way in hell will he let you go.

Though … I guess the biggest question on the lips of females across the globe is: Um … does he have a brother?

How about anyone else? You got any tips for recognising when your date ain’t quite right?

THE ‘WHAT IF’ GAME! #whatifgame

This is the 2^nd post of the monthly ‘what if’ game.

Rules are simple: All you have to do is read the below scenario, then imagine it is YOURSELF in there and leave a comment detailing what YOU would do. Not written as a character. But written as yourself.

Okay? Ready?

Here’s your scenario:

Seven pm has arrived. Time for your jog. Seven pm jogging is a ritual of yours (if you’re like me and only jog when desperate for the loo, then just pretend you like to jog). You have your MP3 in your sweatpants pocket, your earbuds tucked into your lugholes, and your hair swept back into a tight ponytail (unless you’re bald). Door’s locked on your way out the house, a couple stretches on the front path that you know the old dude living across the way gets a kick out of spying on, and you’re off.

Less than 100 yards brings you to the park perimeter and you duck through a break in the hedgerow. The burn has already laid claim to your thighs. Your breaths have surpassed the pants of initial exertion and moved into the realm of shallow and regulated. And ACDC is blasting a tune into your ears.

After the soft padding of grass, the path sends jolts through your calves as you pummel the asphalt. One step … breathe … two step … breathe … three step … breathe … four—those tiny hairs smothering the nape of your neck snap upright like an army of downy soldiers.

Your pace falters. You spin around, jog backward, scanning the shadows of the trees to the left of the walkway. Though your vision conjures no images, you just know someone is there.

You whirl back onto your path—but not before knocking the volume right down on Fall Out Boy, now playing—and the rest of the straight stretch is covered with a tilt of your head.

The moment the footsteps fall into pattern to your rear, you capture them. Without intention, your speed picks up.

Boom-boom, boom-boom, the beat of your feet rapidly chased by the pursuing ones gives the impression of a heartbeat not quite sure of its rhythm, the duet growing closer together, the merging leaving you questioning if you’d even heard a second set at all … until the line of lamplight casts the shadow alongside your own.

Without a doubt: you are not alone.

Moronically, you weave a left through the bushes—despite knowing only a far stretch of trees lie that way (because the heroine NEVER acts rationally or responsibly in the movies, right?), and before you know it, twigs are scratching your cheeks as well as threatening to twist your damn ankles as they hang low from above and create a knobbly route beneath your soles.

Your breaths pant from you, their passage burning your chest. Sweat provides a chill across your brow as it connects with the night air to contrast against the heat of panic soaring through your body.

You erupt into a clearing.

Ahead is a man.

You skid to a halt, your squeaked cry penetrating the whump of your coursing blood. As you pivot to kick dust, the the first guy who shepherded you to the clearing stomps to a standstill on your other side.

His face twists in what appears to be temper … but not at you—his blackening eyes are directed only at the new arrival as fangs as long and sharp as leather-work needles shoot down from his gums.

At a deep rumbling to your rear, you whip round again—only to discover the thunderous racket is rolling from the throat of the other dude as he leans forward and bares his shiny straight gnashers.

“Come with me if you want to live,” says Mr pointy-tooth, as Mr Growler snarls out, “Get behind me now!”

So … what do you do? Who are you gonna trust?

Feel free to join in and create your own ‘what-if’s. Simply use the hashtag for posting to Twitter.

Available at the following outlets:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

WHSmith & Waterstones