The Adaptation of YA Books To Films Is On The Rise. Here Are Some Of Them That Are In The Works In Hollywood.

With the success of Twilight and The Hunger Games, Hollywood has gone mad for YA novels especially those with a built in fan base.  

So in the hopes of continuing to catch lightening in a barrel, which I'm all for, they once again look to YA authors to help them hit a home run at the box office.  

Here are just a few YA book adaptations in the Hollywood pipeline:

The Uglies

The popular 2005 science fiction series by Scott Westerfeld takes place in a dystopian society in which everyone is considered an “Ugly” until they reach the age of 16, when they get turned into a “Pretty.” The story focuses specifically on teenager Tally Youngblood as she approaches the time of the transition and questions whether she really wants to go through with it. Further, 20th Century Fox and producer John Davis (Eragon) bought the film rights to adapt the first novel of the four-book series into film. The movie was originally scheduled to be released in the 2011, but was then pushed back and eventually canceled. Now, the flick is reportedly once again in the works, but it’s unclear when production will start.

The Here and Now

Alcon Entertainment, Alloy Entertainment, and Kira Davis’s 8:38 Productions have teamed up to acquire film rights to Ann Brashares’s latest YA novel, The Here and Now, which was released in April of this year. The three companies adapted Brashares’s previous bestselling books, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, into a 2005 film and 2008 sequel. The novel follows a 17-year-old girl from the future who immigrated to New York when she was twelve to save the world from a mosquito-born illness headed their way. Alcon’s Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson will co-produce with Davis alongside Alloy president Les Morgenstein and VP of Alloy features Elysa Dutton.  

The Queen of Tearling

The fantasy epic trilogy, described as a “female-oriented Game of Thrones,” was purchased by publisher HarperCollins in February and the debut book was published in July. Warner Bros. has already acquired the rights to the book and Emma Watson, who has plenty of experience turning a much buzzed about series into film, has already signed on to star in and executive produce the film adaptation. Her participation in the film has already garnered fans’ interest, as the actress has previously declared she wouldn’t do another franchise. Former Harry Potter producer David Heyman has also reportedly already been hired.

Should be very interesting indeed!  Oh but wait there's more!  If you want more of a sneak peek--

Read more:  http://wallstcheatsheet.com/entertainment/14-ya-film-adaptations-sparked-by-hunger-games-success.html/?a=viewall#ixzz3JILNglRW

An Elf, A Pirate And His Ship. 'Steele Your Soul' by Decadent Kane.

Blurb

Stolen souls, an evil drow elf, a dark eyed beauty named Pepper, and a king who doesn't take kindly to the loss of his goods...Captain Joren Steele has his hands full.

When Pepper set out for the day, the last thing she expected was to come face to face with a pirate. But when she locks eyes with the Captain, she's ready to let him pillage or plunder whatever he wants. At least until his drow shipmate decided to steal her for himself. 

Captain Joren Steele has a love for his ship, money, and females, usually in that order. When Pepper steps into his life, he's certain his love 'em and leave 'em status will remain intact. But when he discovers she's a victim of the drow, he has to make a choice: his ship or the elfess.

Excerpt

Pepper slammed into something solid. "Oaf." She fell on her rear and looked up.

Joren stood in front of her, tall, dark, and so hot. 

"What are you doing, Tide?" His voice came out low. 

Pepper peeked behind her. The drow had stopped. 

"She's mine, pirate. Hand her over. You work for us. You have to do what I say." 

Joren grinned. "Ye poxy bilge-sucker. I don't listen to ye. I help your king. He pays me to carry the cargo, not to hand over ladies to ye." His chest puffed out, and he set his legs apart, ready for a fight. 

The drow didn't comment. Instead, he stepped over Pepper and slammed himself into Joren as he stomped off down the deck. Joren didn't budge or turn around to watch the elf go. His features softened, and he bent down on one knee in front of Pepper. Her heart skipped for an entirely new reason. 

"Three saves in one day, me beauty. Ya owe me." He smiled and held out his rough hand to her. 

She took it. "Three? I recall two. The crates and just now. Besides, I had the drow under control, so really, you saved me from the falling crates." She smoothed out her clothes and flipped her hair back. She should thank him, but he was so smug, looking over at her as if she was on the menu of his sexual dining experience. 

Joren chuckled. A low sound, which lifted his shoulders. "Three, elfess." He pulled her grandmother's bag of spice from his front pocket and dropped it into her hands. He winked at her. "Iffin' ye had that drow under control, then what ye be doin' at me feet no more than a moment ago?" 

Pepper raised an eyebrow. "You stepped in my way." She tucked the brown pouch into her pocket. She wanted off this wretched boat. She turned around and stormed away. The last thing she needed was to encourage a pirate. What did they do again? Oh, kill and loot, or pillage and plunder? 

A hand spun her around by the elbow, and she found herself face-to-face with Joren and those blue eyes. He grabbed hold of her chin with his fingertips. "Wait a minute. I don't even get a thank you?" He frowned. 

"Thanks." Pepper set her jaw. 

"I be needin' something a little better than that. Tide will be back, and I will pay the brunt of saving your sweet little ass." 

"What do you want?" She tried to break free, but he held fast. 

"This." He bent over and claimed her lips with his own. 

~~~~~~~

Buy Link:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=13&products_id=564

Happy Thanksgiving!

From All The Kindred To Yours-- Happy Thanksgiving!

May You Receive A Warm Embrace...

Two Men Want Her. One Wants Her Dead. Oh And Did I Mention Her Haunted House? Haunted by Aislinn Gilbert.

Blurb

Poppy Zafferano wants to buy out her boss’s flower shop but the bank won’t let her. Her only collateral is a supposedly haunted house. 

Young lawyer Daniel Lane has just moved back to his home town. On the same day he bumps into Poppy, his best mate’s gorgeous sister, his boss asks him to change her great-aunt’s will. 

When the old woman dies, the new will drops Poppy into a world of trouble. Poppy is horrified to learn that the Homestead really is haunted. 

What’s more, the ghost seems to know her. He speaks of a love they once shared. Her life is thrown into turmoil and those closest to her turn away. 

Could a ghost be the only person she can trust? Poppy must delve into the secrets of the past before she can find a future with Daniel. Or any future at all. 

~~~~~

Buy Link:  http://steamereads.com.au/product/haunted/

Sweet Treats that Werewolves Love And Read To Make Your Mouth Water; To Mate A Werewolf by Kryssie Fortune.

HI, Kryssie Fortune here. I’ve dropped in on Claire to tell you about my new book To Mate A Werewolf. 

Ellie, the heroine, has spent the last two years cooking for the Lykae army. She discovered werewolves love cake she started baking in earnest.  Here’s one she baked when the Lykae’s hereditary King dropped in to oversee the challenges Joel Blackheart needed to win to regain control the Tundra Tough pack. 


Excerpt

She put a tray of oven-fresh almond tarts on a side table outside the door. “Okay, guys, these are too hot to eat yet. Anyone who helps set up the tables for tonight gets one when all the work’s done.”

Her bribery paid dividends as the unmated wolves worked with cheerful good humor. Joel inhaled the smell of tarts and tried to steal one. Ellie rapped him on the knuckles with her wooden spoon.

He shook his hand and pouted like a small boy denied a treat. “That hurt.”

Ellie smile dripped saccharine. “It was meant to. You can’t pull rank on me now, Mr. Former Grand Marshal.”

The way she emphasized that former chilled him. He was the same man, whatever rank he held. The light in her eyes said she enjoyed his discomfort, so he gave up on the tart. “Ellie, is it too late to apologize?”

She froze, then looked him up and down. When he took a step toward her, she dodged back inside. 

“Much too late. Nothing you can say will make up for the way you used me.”

~~~~~

Vanilla party cake

Ingredients
225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
350g caster sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
5 large egg whites
325g plain flour
25g cornflour
1½ tbsp baking powder
250ml buttermilk

For the meringue buttercream

3 large egg whites
240g caster sugar
1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways and seeds scraped out
360g unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
multi-coloured edible polka dots, to decorate

Method

1 Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and grease 3 x 20cm sandwich tins, lining the bases with baking parchment and greasing the parchment too.

2 Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and the egg whites, a little at a time, beating until fully combined before adding more. Mix together the flour, cornflour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Divide the batter between the tins and level the tops.

3 Bake for 25-30 mins or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack, peeling off the parchment. Cool completely.

4 To make the buttercream, put the egg whites and sugar in a big bowl (the bowl of your tabletop mixer, if you have one) with the vanilla seeds and set over a pan of gently simmering water. Lightly whisk until the sugar has fully dissolved – you can test this by dipping two fingers into the bowl and rubbing them together; if you can’t feel any grains of sugar, the mixture is ready. 

Remove the bowl from the heat and keep whisking until a thick meringue has formed. Continue whisking until the meringue has cooled to room temperature, then slowly add in the butter, 1 tbsp at a time.

By the time all the butter has been incorporated, the mixture should have transformed into a silky-smooth buttercream. If it hasn’t, continue to whisk until it does. If it still refuses to thicken, it may be the mixture is still too warm, so chill for 10 mins, then continue whisking. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

To assemble the cake, 

Place a sponge on a cake board or serving plate and top with a thin layer of buttercream. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and finish by spreading the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake (see below). 

To get a smooth finish, use the edge of a palette knife, and drag carefully around the sides of the cake, smoothing out the buttercream. To decorate the cake, press the sides of it with the edible polka dot sprinkles creating a full border at the bottom with less and less the further up the cake you go. Best served within 2 days of baking, but the cake will keep for up to 4 days.

Happy Baking!

While you’re here, please take a look at my book. 

To Mate a Werewolf

Blurb

The scars on Ellie Padget’s cheek are a constant reminder of the times she tried to escape from sexual slavery. Two years ago, Joel—alpha in waiting of the Tundra-Tough pack—led the rescue party that freed her. She’s loved him ever since.

Their relationship finally explodes into steaming sex, but he offers to pay her off. She walks away with her head high and her heart shattered. When she learns of a plot to destroy Joel and his pack, her only option is return to his side and warn him.

Joel has to fight to retain the pack that should be his by right, and no one can leave until the pack has a new alpha. He’s horrified when Ellie turns up on the night he’s to meet the woman he’s agreed to marry but never met. She’s stuck there until he claims his birthright. Finally, he realizes Ellie’s his true mate. Now he has to choose between his arranged marriage, and the one woman he truly loves. 

Will he choose with his head or his heart?

To Mate a Werewolf is a stand alone story within the Scattered Siblings series.

~~~~~

Buy Link

http://www.loose-id.com/scattered-siblings-to-mate-a-werewolf.html 

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1Fee1h9

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1vzQVjs 

Amazon AU  - http://bit.ly/1uSadOf


Social Media

Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/kryssie.fortune

Twitter- https://twitter.com/KryssieFortune

Thanks to Facebook book group https://www.facebook.com/foodcakesblogger for letting me raid their site for recipes. 

#recipe  #cheesecake #Lykae  #am reading  #kindle

Government Intrique, A Vampire And A Demon Curse Surround Connie's Life in 'Naked Secrets' by Debbie Vaughn.

Blurb

Just when everything in Connie Bennett’s life seems to be coming together, hidden secrets threaten to tear her world asunder. 

After killer sex, a whirlwind courtship fueled in part by demon curses and friend Dee’s less than helpful magic, Connie and vampire entrepreneur, Tom Thornton are engaged and living the dream with best friend Raf and wonder wiener, Willy the dachshund. So, why the bodyguards? 

The government has taken a sudden interest in their well being. Has the trio really been placed under the protection of the FARM or next on its hit list? Were the plain-clothed shifters sent to watch to their backs or put a bullet in them? As Tom’s secrets are stripped bare, all are confronted with the consequences of past decisions. 

Can their love and friendship survive a clandestine government agency’s hidden agenda and a pact with the devil? 


Excerpt

Let it never be said I led a boring life. Sure, to see me now sitting in the sunroom of my Victorian farmhouse sipping coffee, I appeared to be just another rural house frau. Appearances can be deceiving. 

From my perch on the red and yellow plaid settee, I gazed out the picture window. The flowering redbud tree, new green grass and the tulips, snapdragons and daffodils blooming along the walk and down the winding drive weren’t having the calming affect I hoped for. 

She was still here. She was always here and she was driving me insane. Not that she was doing anything to cause it. That was the problem. SHE NEVER DID ANYTHING. At least it seemed that way to me. 

She–was my body guard Leeann Leslie, and she was doing what she always did, nothing. She stood behind me and stared, which drove me crazy. I tried to engage her in conversation but “yes” and “no” seemed the extent of her vocabulary. I realized she was supposed to be “watching my back”, but for what? There were no more demons out to get us. I was pretty sure. 

I had argued with Tom, my sweetie, until I turned blue in the face. He said she was the best; her kind was rare. Leeann was a polymorphic shape shifter, which means she could change into any animal that suited her fancy. (Hypothetically) While I had no reason to doubt him, I had seen no proof. I didn’t expect her to change form to entertain me…but I would have liked to see it. Could this skinny girl with bright red hair turn into an elephant? Inquiring minds want to know. 

I don’t understand many things about our little supernatural community and I know more than most of the humans in the Little Rock area. Polymorphism is a new concept for me. Apparently Leeann lost in personality what she gained in alter egos. I wasn’t trying to be cruel, but if she had to be with me 24/7 couldn’t she at least be friendly? 

I’m Connie by the way. Constance Francis Bennett is my full name. I’m hoping to change the last name to Thornton, if VMB 41, the Vampire Marriage Bill now in Congress, passes. I smiled at the sparkling rock on my left ring finger. Tom proposed the day we moved into our new home. The repairs had been finished right on time. When you’re a rich vampire you can get all manner of things accomplished quickly, and Thomas Thornton was the richest in Arkansas. 

Confused? 

Let me help… 

I met Tom last summer while searching for a job that would allow me to take my paraplegic dachshund Willy, to work with me. At least I thought that’s what I was doing; unbeknownst to me, my best friend Dee had cast a spell on me. Hell, I didn’t even know she was a witch. But it all worked out. Mostly. I had always been fascinated by vampires and this one was gorgeous. He’s six feet-four inches of perfection; broad shoulders, narrow waist, long, long legs (and other things), with dark brown hair and hazel green eyes. And he’s a cowboy – was a cowboy. Well, he’s from Texas originally–the territory–before it became a state. 

Both the salon and our relationship got off to a bumpy start. Midnight Sun was the first tanning salon to cater to vampires as well as humans. Spray tanning helped vampires blend in with the human population which was sometimes less than accepting. It’s difficult to overcome years of being told vampires were the boogiemen under our beds, waiting to get us in the dark, or at least in dark movie theaters… 

We had a couple of disturbing incidences: A dismembered vampire corpse in the dumpster and Skin-Heads bent on no good. 
The surviving Skin-Heads were incarcerated but the cops were never able to find any clues on our dismembered John Doe. 

The salon is where I met Raf. He’s the most adorable thing. Black, wavy hair, eyes the color of dark chocolate, he looks like Tony Curtis in his heyday. No, really. He looks like Tony Curtis—channeling Richard Simmons. He’s gay. 

Raf’s “Mother” Lilitu, (sometimes she’s known as Lilith) was the succubus who had tried to kill us. Was, being the operative word. We killed her, but not before she trashed the beautiful house Tom had built for me; hence the repairs, and–Leeann. Why did we need bodyguards now? The demoness was dead. Problem solved. 

Killing her took its toll. Without Raf we would have all died–permanently. His blood saved us, Tom, my dachshund, Willy, and me. The doctors were convinced if I woke, I would be a vampire. Doctors make mistakes. Leeann and George have been with us since our discharge. George is Tom’s bodyguard and a big burly bear of a man– perhaps literally. 

They just appeared, sent by someone very high up the food chain in federal government. Tom said someone hadn’t appreciated us almost being killed and intended to make sure the attempt wasn’t repeated. I seriously doubted their anxiety was over me. 

More likely Tom’s status as a wealthy, vampire businessman caused their concern. The powers that be didn’t seem worried about Raf’s well-being either. We were all puzzled about Raf–including Raf. We had all thought he was the first vampire. Lilitu drained him thousands of years ago. But, turns out Raf is something else. We’re still trying to figure out what. 

Right now he was in California with his sweetie, Terrell, and I missed him like crazy. When he’s around I can deal better. He’s the yin to my yang, the cream in my coffee. I was here alone, trapped with Leeann. 

“Leeann,” I asked again. “Are you sure you don’t want to sit and have a cup of coffee with me? You’ve got to get tired of standing all the time.” 

“No, ma’am.” 

“No coffee, or no you aren’t tired?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

I ground my teeth together. Tom wouldn’t wake for at least six more hours. By then I would have committed murder…or suicide. I took a deep breath and tried a different tact. “Leeann, am I your boss?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“As long as I don’t order you to leave, you must do what I say. Is that right?” 

She lowered her sunglasses a notch to peer over them. “Yes ma’am.” The sunglasses cut the glare from the windows—or so she said. I smiled maniacally. “Sit your skinny butt down; you’re given’ me the willies.” I raised my eyebrow and glared, daring her to argue. 

“Yes, ma’am.” She sat in the chair opposite me, where she could still keep an eye on the window as well as the door. “Can you say anything besides yes ma’am, no ma’am? Can’t you just talk?”

“I felt like someone was tap dancing on my grave. Maybe I should lay off the caffeine? Damn it Raf, I need you. How unfair of me. He, more than anyone, deserved some alone time with his man. “Sorry, I think the caffeine is making me jittery. I’m going to get a muffin and some milk. Would you like some?” 

She folded her glasses and placed them in her pocket, looked me in the eye and said, “Yes, ma’am…Please.” It was a beginning. 

~~~~~~

Buy Link--  http://steamereads.com.au/product/naked-secrets/

Sleepy Willow's Heartless Soul; An Erotic Paranormal Vampire Romance by Dicey Grenor.

Blurb

Willow’s existence is not easy. Having narcolepsy is bad enough without her bond to an arrogant maistre, vampire extermination agents eradicating her kind, and “friends” with ulterior motives. Being undead could seem more of a hassle than being alive.

But Willow has had enough.

After all the betrayals and abuse—even with her sleep disorder—she refuses to take things lying down. It’ll take more than performing for necrophiliacs at a fetish club to make Willow’s existence worthwhile. Now, she’s on a mission to get her heart back. A mission that may liberate or destroy her…and everyone around her. With the help of powerful supernatural colleagues and Remi, her lover with a personality disorder, she faces danger. And she's determined to win this time.

Warning: This book is not for the easily offended or squeamish. Bad language, explicit scenes, and gore abounds.


~~~~~~

Buy Link: 

Amazon--  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083VC3CG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0083VC3CG&linkCode=as2&tag=dicgreboo-20

Author News-- Open Submission Calls and Free Promo on Coffee Time Romance

Open Promo - Author Excerpt Day

Coffee Time Romance is dedicating the 20th of every month to author excerpts. Whether a new release, an upcoming release, or an oldie but goodie, this is an opportunity to excite your fans. 

The rules are easy. Excerpt Day is for published works only. 

This is not a day for contests. Each author is limited to one excerpt. You can include a blurb, bio, and cover, but the entire post can be no more than 750 words. 

If you're already registered with the CTR blog, you're good to go. If not, drop Bonnie a line bonnieblog@coffeetimeromance.com  and she'll get you going. Happy Excerpt Day!



Open Submission Calls


Totally Bound

MM BDSM Submission Call

Daring Doms and seductive subs are the order of the day. Totally Bound Publishing are currently acquiring MM stories of any length in the BDSM genre, so get those characters scening and those whips whipping, ready for all your readers to become voyeurs and experience the life-changing journeys of your most passionate characters. Series or serials are also welcomed. Send your submission, synopsis and series outline, if applicable, to submissions@totallybound.com.



Champagne Books 

We are actively acquiring romance in all its subgenres, as well as urban fantasy/paranormal suspense/police procedurals. If you've got something fresh and different that may not quite fit those categories, drop us a line at submissions@champagnebooks.com and we'll be happy to chat about it.



Amber Quill 

Amber Quill Press, Amber Heat and Amber Allure, regularly welcome new submissions from talented authors in our industry. Before submitting a manuscript, please click on the appropriate imprint link below, follow the formatting guidelines, and send your submission to:

Amber Allure | Amber Heat | Amber Quill Press 




Decadent Publishing 

A special call out for BDSM 1Night Stand Series stories.  Here's the scoop on it:  

1Night Stand dates have reached new levels of kink with the opening of a new BDSM underground resort club in Las Vegas. 

With every luxury and amenity, gorgeous pools, well-equipped dungeons, the finest in leather and steel, and devices to delight, the Carnivore Club is ready to serve some of Madame Eve's clients. Suites are available.

We are looking for stories in the BDSM genre that meet the requirements of the 1Night Stand series. While stories need not take place at the resort, consider the facilities available. We are sure your characters will have the time of their lives. 

Stories should be between 15-20k and are due Oct 1, 2014 for release early in 2015. However they accept submissions all year round.

1Night Stand series details are available on the 1NS blog, Decadent1Nightstand.blogspot.com. 

Contact Valerie Mann (submissions@decadentpublishing.com) or 

Kate Richards (kate@decadentpublishing.com) with any questions. 

For More Information, visit The 1Nightstand Blog-- Decadent1Nightstand.blogspot.com. 


BLACK HILLS WOLVES- Open Call

Decadent Publishing invites you to join the Black Hills Wolves pack. Dawn has come to Los Lobos and a nearly decimated wolf pack has found its feet again. Drew Tao has ousted his father, the Alpha, reclaimed his mate, and is determined to make things better than they ever were before.

Length—18,000-30,000 words
Heat Level—3-5


What we’re looking for:

I. These are multi-authored shared world stories. All authors are invited, even encouraged to use already created characters from other stories as long as the characters stay true to the world and the characterizations given to the character by the original author.

II. All authors are required to use, at some point, Gee the Were-Bear bartender in their story.

III. This is a shifter series, so at least one of the main characters should shift at least once in the story.

IV. All stories should have a HEA or HFN ending.

V. While the primary story focus is the wolf-shifter genre, a mixed genre story is welcome, including but not limited to: contemporary, suspense, paranormal, time travel, thriller, military, and new adult.

VI. Please email submissions@decadentpublishing.com to receive the official copy of the series bible. Since the bible is always changing, please check back more than once, especially if it takes you a long time to write your story.


VII. Questions? Email submissions@decadentpublishing.com

Blood Chained by Eden Ashley. A M/F Paranormal YA Shapeshifter Romance

Blurb

Sometimes great evil is necessary to keep what you love most.

After centuries on the run, Rhane can avoid justice no longer. Primes have called him home and now he must finally answer for the sins of his past. But the situation in Rhane’s homeland is far worse than anyone could have imagined, and the judgment Rhane faces is a brutal one. Even relying on the strength of the immortal Banewolf, the man he has become may not survive.

Kali and the other kin work tirelessly to secure Rhane’s freedom, but many obstacles stand in their way. Wesley offers a solution that hinges upon resuming a dangerous search for the Siren’s Heart. Trusting him, she and the kin set out once again to find the elusive artifact, believing Rhane and Warren’s freedom can be bartered in exchange for the statue. But other creatures are searching for the Heart. And with greater resources and a head start, their enemies may reach it first.

Excerpt

When another presence entered the locker room, Kali halted her pacing. “You’re late,” she said without turning around. He hadn’t made a sound, but somehow she felt him. That was happening a lot lately. 

“Sorry. But I seem to have my own classes to attend. And they’re across town, at the university.” Callan’s blue eyes seemed happy to see her. His voice was light and teasing, a stark contrast to the sharpness in hers. Scowling, he glanced around the small space that smelled of female hormones and sweat. “Tell me again why you insist on meeting here.”

She folded her arms. “You know I can’t sneak away from the boys. It wouldn’t be fair to them. And it could be dangerous.”

“Okay. I accept that.” He took a step closer. “But you can at least stop being so uptight.” He fingered a stray curl, only making her heart ache even more for Rhane. “Everyone is working together to keep you safe.”

She didn’t move away. “I know.” 

“It’s always good to see you.” He came even closer, invading her intimate space as if it were his to claim. She could tell he was hungry to touch her, to be touched. To be used. 

She hated it when he got like this. He was a tool, an object of convenience. Nothing more could ever evolve of their situation. But sometimes, it was like Cal had forgotten the terms of their arrangement.

Taking a seat on the bench put more distance between them. She hoped the move would help remove some of the heat from Cal’s eyes. Unfortunately, it also meant he now towered over her. The position of dominance only elevated the tension. 

She needed to change the subject. “Why are you attending classes? Surely, Gabriel the mastermind has better things to do than study English 101. Scheming for world conquest sounds more up his alley.” 

Cal smiled. “Oh he’s scheming alright.” He took a seat next to her, watching her face earnestly. “I still have a life of my own.”

“No.” She closed her eyes. “You forfeited your life to Gabriel.”

“I’m here now.”

“And so is he. His fate is your fate. You can never be without him.” She didn’t understand how Cal failed to understand that.

“We’ll have to agree to disagree, babe.” He reached for her, stopping when she pulled away. His brow wrinkled. “Are we doing this or not?”

“You know I have to.”

“Then stop being so cold.”

“I don’t enjoy this.”

“I think you do, sometimes.”

A knife of pain stabbed into Kali’s chest and twisted. Was it guilt? Did Cal’s words hold some truth? She bit her lip. The hurt it brought grounded her thoughts to the task at hand. “Let’s get it over with.”

Cal rolled his eyes. “That’s better.”

She frowned. “This is strictly business.”

“Right,” he agreed, but didn’t sound convinced. 

Kali didn’t care if he agreed. She only needed him for one thing. Still, his hands were eager as they beckoned her closer, held her so tenderly against him. His lips closed around her mouth, cool to the touch. He remembered well and sought to please her, stroking everywhere she liked. Her ears, the back of her neck, the swell of her breast—his gentle caresses found the most sensitive parts of her, coaxing Kali into heightened arousal. She had felt more with him than with any other before Rhane. But with Cal there was always darkness. Feeding from him left her with angry thoughts and violent urges almost too compelling to resist. Daily matches against the kin helped channel those powerful inclinations, giving her rage an outlet. 

But when Kali reached for his spark…this time things were different.

Threads of light had woven into the darker pitch of his aura. Intense purples and royal blues replaced black and gray emptiness. Something had tempered the savage coldness, cultured his humanity. 

Cal was different. 

Nearly losing the moment when his hands slipped beneath her blouse, Kali redirected her focus. She had to take the necessary energy hard and fast. The more he touched her, the deeper he fell. The more things got confusing. She needed to get this over quickly for both their sakes. 

Pressing her hands on either side of his face, Kali drank deeply, urgently. Cal’s lips grew colder. His fingers chilled against her skin. Still, she drank. His spark dimmed and darkened, almost recoiling from her touch. But she pulled it back, sating her thirst. His fingers tightened, dug painfully into her skin. A tremor rippled through his body. Cal shuddered, sagged against her. Then she released him. 

Cal sat dazed for several long moments. Then his eyes cleared and he jerked as if suddenly emerging from deep sleep. He was panting as he stood up, wobbling unsteadily on his feet. “Shit, Kal.” He moved away from her, to the corner of the room. “Did you have to take so much?”

“Sorry. The hunger is getting worse.”

“I can’t say I haven’t noticed. What are we up to, twice a week now?”

“Sometimes three.” Her reply was absent. She straightened her clothes, busy considering something weighing on her mind for a while now. “I need to figure out how to do this without making out with you. I’ve fed without intimacy once before. I know it’s possible.”

“You don’t have to.” Though he still sounded a tad breathless, Cal moved close to her again. “I prefer things this way.”

“And you know I don’t.” Hurt written plainly in his expression, she regretted her words. There was no sign of the arrogant and selfish boy she dated a year ago.

“He left you, Kali.”

“He’s coming back.” 

His fingers squeezed her wrist, and those piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. “But what if he doesn’t?”

“Callan, don’t.” Fearing what holding that gaze would to do him, she pulled away to gather her things. It was time to go. 

But Cal wasn’t ready to leave yet. “If things were different…we could have a chance.” His face was hopeful, imploring for something Kali couldn’t give. “I can make you happy this time. I know it.”

“I appreciate all you’ve done for me…everything you keep doing.” She averted her eyes, unable to look at him. It seemed that she was destined to hurt him. Her very design made it unavoidable. “But Rhane is my soul mate. I will find him. And I will bring him home.”

 

~~~~~~~

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23352899-blood-chained


Buy Link:    Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Chained-Dark-Siren-Book-ebook/dp/B00P872TGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415896328&sr=8-1&keywords=Blood+Chained+by+Eden+Ashley

AUTHOR BIO:

I'm Eden Ashley and I was born and raised in a small, sunny town in South Carolina. However, it's the thunderstorms that inspire my best ideas. There are few things I love more than curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee on a rainy day, (except maybe chocolate cake. I love cake.) often reading into the wee hours of morning when something really grabs me. I pretty much love anything with supernatural elements, so writing paranormal romance and fantasy romance seems to be a natural fit.

My first novel, Dark Siren, is best described as paranormal romance artfully wrapped within a plot chock-full of action, adventure, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, while the series has evolved to become a journey of redemption and second chances as two characters understand that sometimes committing evil is necessary to protect what is loved most.

I took the siren from Greek mythology (and borrowed a little from mermaid lore), creating an entirely different creature, with its own mythology, and one that Publisher's Weekly praised for its passion and complexity. This is not just another werewolf/shapeshifter romance or vampire romance. I think this is a story that both adults and teens can enjoy, full of characters to fall in love with!

I love getting feedback! For the latest news on upcoming sequels and other novels, find me on: 

My Website:  http://edenbynite.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EdenAshleyAuthor

Twitter: Eden_byNite, for writing tips, publishing help, and daily updates.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wild Darkness Calls in 'Holly Gets Darkly' by Kay Dee Royal.

“I can’t take you like this when you have no idea.” His breathless words made no sense. His body was trembling like mine. He wanted me as much as I wanted him.

Blurb

Holly Preston, freelance nature photographer, gets lost in the dark and stranded in the forest on a mission to locate the elusive cougar for the shot of a lifetime.

Keyt Darkly, Forest Ranger, tracks her with more in mind than rescue.
She discovers cougars are nothing compared to what awaits her in a cabin hidden deep in the darkness…

Warning: Sizzling Hot, M/F, F/F, M/M, M/F/M, multiple partners, anal play, and ultra-arousing sex

Excerpt 

A snarled warning from something ahead startled me. I stopped and raised the flashlight in the direction of the sound. My hand shook and the light jiggled. A large cat sprang at the wavering beam of light, like a domestic cat playing with a laser beam. Only this creature moved with the speed and stealth of a ninja, powerful muscles rippling along its haunches as it pounced only a few feet in front of me. I held my scream, but dropped the flashlight. It rolled down the hill, leaving me standing in darkness in front of…a cougar.

Holy cougar-bait, now what do I do? I couldn’t stop shaking while my knees turned to jelly and threatened to crumple under me. Crap. Okay, I had sticks…in my hand. I used one to balance and keep me from falling down.

Then the cat ripped past me, tearing in the direction of the flashlight.

It knocked me down, sticks and all. I lay there frozen, listening as the flashlight skidded here and there, until it finally went out.

The cat snarled, whether in anger or play, I really didn’t know and didn’t want to hang around to find out. I crawled, afraid to stand, feeling my way in the opposite direction of where the cat originated.
Attempting to be soundless in the dark over dead leaves was for the birds…they could fly, while I made lots of noise.

Another something snapped as my knee took the hit. Then I sensed the giant cat was near. Folding my knees under me and covering my head with my arms, I lay face down on the ground. It wasn’t for ferocious cats that a person was supposed to act dead around, but at this point I had no choice. I certainly wasn’t going to run. It would only toy with me until it killed me, like it killed my flashlight.

Its warm, moist breath moved the hair that had fallen over my arms as air puffed in and out of its mouth. I knew they smelled with their mouths open and thanked the universe it was too dark to see its sharp fangs. It pawed my arm, back, side, sole of my foot, and then my butt.

I wanted to shout, “Private place!” But as soon as the thought hit my brain, the beast’s claws shredded the back of my jeans. I jerked at the sound of tearing fabric, every part of me screaming to run, and yet the sharp nails never connected with my skin.

Excerpt-Rated R 

Keyt drew himself from me and lifted me from Dax, carrying me toward the dying fire. I couldn’t believe the emptiness was hurting more than their filling me. Every abused part of me wanted more, no needed more, like I was starving, too hungry to think.

“Our pheromones. You’ve got no defense for them, but you will have once the moon cycles, little kitten.” Keyt kissed my forehead. “Come, Dax. We need a bath.”

No defense of pheromones? I had no idea what he was talking about. The blood pumping through my veins, burning me from the inside, was getting so loud and distracting. “What have you done to me, Keyt?” Moisture blurred my vision, and a thick knot formed at the base of my throat.

“Hush, little one, you have no idea what you are, but you will soon, my love.” Keyt picked up a bar of soap off a shelf and dropped it on my belly as he carried me out the door.

~~~~

Buy Link:  https://museithotpublishing.com/index.php/themes/wild-darkness



About the Author: 

Kay Dee Royal writes paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary erotic romance—maybe because they’re also her favorite genres to read! She pens tales with wild, rugged heroes and strong, intelligent heroines. She'll give them both a few shadowy secrets, making her stories intriguing and fun.

She resides in Southern Michigan with her family (her dog, her cats, her caged husband... you get the idea).


Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kaydee.royal 


Twitter:  http://twitter.com/kaydeeroyal


GoodReads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5227617-kay-dee-royal   


Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Kay-Dee-Royal/e/B004T8WGEW 


Muse It HOT Publishing Author Page: 

https://museituppublishing.com/eroticab/index.php/our-authors/68-our-authors/authors-r/265-kay-dee-royal 


Blog:  http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com 

Tour giveaway 

1 $15 GC from Muse It HOT! Publishing Store

1 $5 GC from Muse It HOT! Publishing store 

2 PDF copies of  4-hot stories Bundle


The 4-in-1 Bundle Prize description:


Paranormal – 

Chance and Olivia’s story goes beyond age, beyond human, and definitely beyond sizzling hot ~ not for the faint of heart on some pages. A love story boundless and on the wild-side in Staring Into the Eyes of Chance.


Paranormal – 

Brea loses her twin sister years ago, but never loses hope that someday she’ll surface. Wolves are Brea’s passion in more than one way, and a couple of brothers visit, giving her a whole new view of the world in Big Girls Don’t Cry Wolf.


Fantasy – 

Netta struggles too long with an abusive relationship ~ all she wants is a perfect man, one who rocks her world, and Lacey changes everything in How to Net a Prince.


Contemporary – 

Lacinda wins a singles cruise ~ three weeks of total bliss, only she has no idea what that even means, until Blade steps up and takes her over in One Plus One.

a Rafflecopter giveaway