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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Name that Succubus Winner!!

At noon CST the Name that Succubus Contest ended!  After another stiff competition, and only one vote separating the names, a winner has been named.  That new succubus breed will hold the name LYNX, as was suggested by MINDY JANICKE.  She will be given credit in the dedication portion of Book 2 in the Road to Hell series, tentatively named, Hell's Phoenix.

Congrats to Mindy and thanks for suggesting such an awesome name and a HUGE thanks to all of YOU for suggesting some wonderful names and for voting on those names!

Huggles,
Gracen

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday

Six Sentence Sunday comes from my paranormal/horror romance, Pandora's Box, coming soon from Decadent Publishing. I invite you to read the prequel to Pandora's Box by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of the page. Now for your Six Sentences...

Madison expelled a long, shaky breath. "I think we made a mistake tonight."

Concern tensed his voice, "What'd you do?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just released a genie from its crystal prison." And used Pandora's Box to bust him out.


Pandora's Box Blurb:


Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battlefor mankind's liberty has begun...

Friday, July 22, 2011

Succubus Demon Name Contest!!!

You all suggested the names for the upcoming class of succubus demon that'll be introduced in my second book of the Road to Hell series (Hell's Phoenix).  I had seven names I loved. I threw those seven names into a hat and drew out five. Those five names are:  

Lynx
Haakai
Shaytaan
Levia
Veddia


Congrats to whoever entered these names because I have no idea without looking back at the comments.  Good luck!! 

You may cast your vote in the poll on the right-hand side of the blog.  One vote per person, please!  I'll accept votes through July 27th at noon CST, at which time, the winning name will be announced.

Any questions, just ask me! =D

Huggles,
Gracen



Thursday, July 21, 2011

LIFE LESSON EIGHTEEN...

Warning:  This scene contains violence and/or graphic language that some may find offensive. Please read with caution.

From the conference room window Micah watched Celeste enter his office and sashay down the hall toward him. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a fashionable style and hair-sprayed into submission. Her skintight red designer dress showcased her sultry curves while remaining on the side of classy and upstanding. But just barely. Micah wasn’t fooled. He knew her level of depravity better than most.

He opened the door when she neared and motioned for her to enter. As he shut the door, her snooty preacher’s wife voice grated along his nerves. “Summoning me to a meeting is brazen, even for you, Micah.”

His hand remained on the doorknob, as he turned to face her. Holding her stare, he locked the door. The grate of metal against metal was loud in the near silence. Her gaze fell to his hand and her fair complexion paled even more.

She notched her chin proudly and mutiny blazed from her blue eyes as she lifted her gaze to meet his. “I’m guessing this isn’t a social call.”

Micah kept his voice neutral and took a step toward her.  “No.”

He slapped her. Hard enough that she cried out as she slammed into the conference room table and chairs. She palmed her face with one hand and moaned. As she pushed up with her other hand, Micah tangled his fingers in her hair and braced a hand beside her head on the table.

“Micah—”

“Silence!” He bellowed against her ear. “Before I’m tempted to commit further violence against you.”

Using his weight to trap her body beneath his, he twisted his wrist and wrenched her head at a rough angle so she could see him over her shoulder. He knew she would feel the strain in her muscles tomorrow from the odd position.

“Madison told me she caught you with the deacons.” Celeste started to say something before she saw the temper he knew shone in his eyes. Her teeth snapped together and she squelched any words she might’ve uttered. She further satisfied him by lowering her gaze. As a submissive should in the presence of any dominant. “She also confessed the verbal abuse suffered by Bruce. You’re whoring about and she’s being blamed for the unwanted attention men show her? Really, Celeste, that double standard pisses me off.”

“She is to blame, Micah. They sense her—”

Celeste cried out as he rotated his hand in her hair, more than was necessary. As a sign of surrender she flattened her palms against the table, but he didn’t relax his cruel hold. He relished her pain as his other hand curled around her throat. She deserved worse for what she’d done to Madison. As a silent threat, he added pressure in minute increments, so she could appreciate the full extent of being strangled.

Not until she gasped for air did he speak. “Unless you desire the bald fashion statement—or worse—I’d recommend you keep your trap shut.” One more word out of her mouth and he might skin her.

Celeste executed an infinitesimal nod. It was all she could manage with the way he held her. He released her and she remained bent over the table, gasping in gulps of fresh air.

After several minutes of loud wheezing, she pushed off the table with her palm curled around her throat. Bruises dotted her flesh, and the clear outline of a handprint stained her cheek.

Micah swiped the hair off his forehead and placed some distance between them before he seriously harmed her. He hadn’t wanted to injure anyone this bad in a long time.

“Please, sit.” He motioned to a chair. For a moment he thought she’d object, but she chose wisely and surrendered. Her fingers were trembling when she pulled out a chair and sat, her gaze remained focused on the hand in her lap. Her subservience pleased him, somewhat appeasing his anger. Enough that he wasn’t itching to break any bones. Yet.

He strode to her and with a finger under her chin, tilted her head back to peer at the handprint on her cheek. Flame red against her ivory complexion. She was lucky he struck her only once.

“The next time you feel inclined to seek pleasures outside of the marital bed; you’ll do it where Madison won’t discover you. Do I make myself clear?”

Celeste nodded.

He dropped his hand from her chin. “Fabulous.”

“May I speak?”

The question sounded much too impudent for his liking. Eyeing her closely, he agreed. “So long as you don’t anger me. I’d caution against that.”

“I’m assuming Madison was upset?” In silence Micah glared at her for the ignorant question. Celeste went on, “Isn’t it a good thing she came to you in a crisis? That’s what you wanted, right?”

Before today’s events, his progress with Madison wasn’t moving as quickly as he’d hoped or planned. It irritated him that Celeste may have helped him along. “Yes. But I won’t tolerate her being upset like that. Not ever. And not again.” He hoped she understood what he didn’t say. There would be hell to pay if a next time transpired. He tucked his right hand in his pocket. “I’ll punish Bruce for his abuse and you’ll support him through the shame like the good, biddable wife you are.”

Her eyes narrowed. She’d never been a good wife or a biddable one and they both knew it.

“What do you plan, Micah?” Her wary voice trembled.

Micah grinned, stepped to the door and opened it. “You’re excused, Celeste.”



© Gracen Miller 2011 ~ No part of this site (written or artwork) may be reproduced in anyway whatsoever without express written consent by Gracen Miller.

Monday, July 18, 2011

NAME THAT SUCCUBUS DEMON!!!


I promised to give away 3 items in honor of reaching 300 likes on my Road to Hell series Facebook fan page. And now we’ve reached 350 likes! I’ve already given away the T-Shirt and poster, now it’s time to give away the final item, Pandora’s Box coffee mug. This is truly one of my favorite items and I hope whoever wins it loves it as much as I do!

This contest is very similar to the last contest where I needed a Hellhound name.  I’m adding a demon to my storyline in Hell’s Phoenix (Road to Hell series book 2). The demon is female (a main character) and she’s a high-level succubus, but a new succubus breed. She’s one of a kind in the demon world. She can feed through sex, can enthrall men by sampling their blood and she can ingest magical powers.  If she consumes too much of another creature’s magical powers, it will kill that creature and make her stronger.  I need a name for her demon breed and succubus isn’t enough to alienate her from the other succubi in the book. Demon hierarchies already in the books and not viable names are Skeletal, Neko, Plague, Citadel, Pyxis, Cardinal, and King and Queen of Hell.

I need something that sounds unique, otherworldly, dangerous, feminine, but also kick-ass sounding. Something that when other demons hear it, will make them either flee or bow at her feet, because not only is she royalty, you wouldn’t want to tick her off. What a challenge, huh? lol That’s where YOU come in. I need name suggestions for my succubus demon. Be creative! I will be picky on this name, much picker than I was with the Hellhounds. With her being a main character, it’s gotta be just right or I won’t even consider it as a possibility. 

Just as when we named the Hellhound, only ONE entry per person. That means ONE name only! So, make sure you suggest your favorite name, and not 40 possible names. Any additional names will be tossed out immediately and not counted.

I will collect names through noon AM CST, July 22nd. At that time, I will choose my 5 favorite names and those names will be plugged into a poll and YOU will vote for the final name. The winner of the contest will receive the mug and I will mention them on the dedication page of Hell’s Phoenix, just like I did with those who suggested the Hellhound’s name. You'll also have the privilege of bragging to all your friends that YOU came up with the name. =D

RULES:
1. ONE entry per person.

2. Name suggestions will ONLY be taken here. If they’re posted to either of my facebook pages, or by email, they will not count, unless I’ve agreed to accept them in that form. You must contact me first to request sending it to me in that fashion.

3.  Leave your email address or, once again, I will not consider the name. Nothing is more fun than trying to hunt someone down when there isn't an email associated with their blogger I.D. So, please leave an email address where you can be contacted.

4. I have a demon language I’ve created, called Xapil. If you have a name you love, but want to hear what it would sound like in Xapil, then contact me by email and I’ll give it to you. However, it’ll be up to you which name you choose to suggest as the final entry. I reserve the right to alter the name suggested to Xapil in the book, but you will still be given the dedication and bragging rights if I do so.

5. Give me a reason behind the name you pick (if you want). It might make a difference if I pick it as one of the five finalists. A lot of times the meaning of something is why I use it. The human name of the demon King in the book was chosen for its meaning, so I am a “meaning” type of gal.
6. Please ask any questions in the comment section below because chances are if you have questions, someone else has the same question.

7. Most of all BE CREATIVE and have fun!

I can't wait to read your name suggestions!

Huggles,
Gracen

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday ~ Fairy Casanova


Six Sentence Sunday comes from my short paranormal erotic romance, Fairy Casanova, out now from Decadent Publishing and part of the 1NightStand series. I invite you to read the prequel to Pandora's Box (book one in the Road to Hell series, coming soon from Decadent Publishing) by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of the page. Now for Fairy Casanova and Six Sentences...


“I’m going to peel your garment from your body, slowly”—she groaned again at the vivid imagery— “and taste every inch of your human flesh.”

Human flesh?

She froze against his body. What a strange thing to say.

Sadie leaned back to stare at him. “You don’t think you’re…human?”
BLURB:

Las Vegas lawyer, Sadie Sinclair, has hit rock bottom. Bankrupt, with her reputation ruined, and her fiancé is yachting Aruba with a hot babe. Desperate for a break from reality, she contacts 1NightStand and is shocked to discover she's been paired with a sexy fairy.

Jace is about to become King of the fairies. One minor glitch, he's obsessed with humans. Before becoming King, he wants one night with a human before he's forever forbidden from crossing into the human realm. After a stellar night of sex, Jace is surprised to discover Sadie isn't just a human, but his mate. Complicating everything with the revelation, he's willing to forfeit his kingdom for her, but Sadie must decide if he's worth the biggest gamble yet.

EXCERPT:

"May I make love to you now?" Jace wasn't sure he could wait much longer to claim the sensuous woman in his arms. The way she fondled his wings turned him the fuck on, and he struggled not to take her to the floor and thrust deep inside her.

Sadie stared at his mouth as if she would consume him. Her lips were slightly parted and dewy from his kisses. The warmth of her body fused with his, creating a unique sensation of oneness.

"No, but you can fuck me now." Her voice emerged raspy, dark with excitement, and he was pleased by her bold request. A woman who knew what she wanted—so thrilling to his libido.

Jace kissed her. He caressed her thigh, worshipping the smooth texture of her skin. Her soft moans filled his sensitive ears as he moved his fingers lower, tickled the back of her knee, and dipped his hand beneath the hemline of her dress. Gliding his palm upward, the material pleated into wrinkles over his wrist.

BUY LINK: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=262&osCsid=0cda4c235d32dbbfbaca73bd9fe0aa1f


Where you can stalk me on the net—LOL—not seriously!
Website
Facebook (I spend too much time there)
Twitter (I’m there occasionally)
Goodreads (friend or fan me)

Goodreads Group—Gracen Miller’sHellhounds

Saturday, July 16, 2011

LIFE LESSON SEVENTEEN

Micah drove an antsy Madison to her home. The sun blazed long tendrils of orange and red along the skyline with the oncoming sunset. The red Mazda she said had been parked in the driveway was gone. It was rather brazen of Celeste to have her lovers park their car so noticeably anyway.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Micah said as he parked his black Porsche curbside in front of her house.

“I’m good.”

He wrapped his fingers around her arm, and waited for her to look at him before he spoke. “I’m walking you to the door. No arguments.” It was the gentleman thing to do. He would think she’d appreciate the gesture.

She nodded in agreement and squeezed his hand. “What will I say to Momma?”

“Nothing. Go straight to your bedroom and start on homework.”

“I don’t have any homework.” Madison tapped her temple. “Photographic memory. No joke.”

Beautiful and intelligent, his wet dream.

“Pretend, kitten.” A half grin hit his lips before he could stop it and he winked. “It’s a little different than lying, so you should be able to manage it.”

Madison offered up a small smile and nodded.

Micah opened his car door, got out and strode around to open hers. Madison stared at the house as she stood, biting on her bottom lip. He wished he could help her nibble on it. When she peeked at him, anxiety stark in her over-bright eyes, he realized she had no idea how she affected him. Watching her discover her sexuality would be a strain on his restraint, but he anticipated the adventure.

He reached in and plucked her backpack and purse off the passenger floor. She took them and inhaled deeply. “Let’s do this.”

“You’re not meeting the executioner, Madison,” he said as they approached the front door.

“I’m afraid of what she’ll say if she corners me.”

Too bad he couldn’t alleviate her worry and tell her he’d have the situation in hand shortly. He said nothing instead.

Before she opened the door, he stopped her. “Promise to call me if you need me?”

Madison nodded. “Okay.”

“This call didn’t count as the one you promised earlier.” He chucked her beneath the chin. “I’m still planning on having our captivating conversation.”

A hesitant smile touched her lips. “I’m still looking forward to telling you I told you so when you’re bored to tears.”

“Sorry to disappoint, kitten, but that isn’t going to happen especially now that I know along with that sassy mouth you’ve got brains too. A photographic memory—Mmmm—that’ll make for riveting conversation.”

“You don’t think it’s intimidating?”

If he were less of a man with a self-ego problem, he might. “No.”

“You’re weird, you know that?”

Micah ran his hand across his jaw. “I’ve been called many things, but weird isn’t one of them. It’s definitely the nicest though.” 

She shook her head and opened the door. He watched as she disappeared inside. The door closed and he stepped down the stairs. Over his shoulder he glimpsed the house, an older home, maybe twenty years, but very well-kept, and in an older section of town. The lawn was well tended and the bushes sheared evenly. He bet inside the home was overly tidy too.

As he walked toward his vehicle, he pulled out his cell phone. He tapped out a text message and hit send. Rounding the backside of the car, he tucked the phone in his breast pocket and glanced at the house. A single light came on upstairs. Madison’s bedroom. He’d bet his station in life on it.

He slid into the leather seat, cranked the car and shifted into gear. Time to take care of personal business.

***

Madison scrambled up the stairs to her bedroom, thankful she didn’t cross Momma’s path along the way. Locking her door behind her, she tossed her book bag and purse on the floor near her desk and collapsed on the bed with a loud sigh. She stared at the ceiling. Micah Dominus. Every nerve ending in her body screeched he was trouble, but…I kind of don’t care.

That was bad news for her because Micah Dominus enjoyed getting his way too much. No man should be so spoiled. He wanted only friendship. She wasn’t sure she could remain emotionally uninvolved. Especially not after today. No one else had ever been there for her the way he had, not Momma and definitely not Daddy. Time would be the judge, because after today, there was no way she wouldn’t make that phone call he wanted. And if he wanted to see her again, she held no doubt she would agree.

© Gracen Miller 2011 ~ No part of this site (written or artwork) may be reproduced in anyway whatsoever without express written consent by Gracen Miller.
 
 
 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Name that Hellhound Winner!!

At noon CST the Name that Hellhound Contest ended!  Several votes came in after the noon cutoff and they have been thrown out of the competition.  The voters have clearly spoken, both FiFi and Devlin were overwhelmingly preferred over the other names.  At noon both names had 37 votes each, ending in a tie.  So, as much as the winners may hate having a tie and sharing the spotlight with one another, a second Hellhound will be added to the storyline and BOTH winners will be given credit in the dedication portion of Book 2 in the Road to Hell series, tentatively named, Hell's Phoenix.

The gals that suggested the names are ELENA GRAY and KELLY MACPHERSON HENSLEY.  I'll contact you both through facebook and we'll get the specifics squared away.

Please welcome Hellhounds Devlin and FiFi to my storyline!  They are bound to bring lots of antics and hellish good times!

And congrats to Elena and Kelly on suggesting such awesome names and to all of YOU for voting on the names!

Huggles,
Gracen

Sunday, July 10, 2011

LIFE LESSON SIXTEEN

WARNING: Content may offend some, so proceed with caution.

Madison is mine!

That fact was painted as clearly in her eyes as if a billboard were plastered over her head. He could’ve claimed her without one objection uttered from her gorgeous mouth. She allowed liberties she wouldn’t have granted an hour before. His hand on her shoulder, his fingers kneading her nape and in her hair, and his caress against her wrist…small privileges, but he relished each one more than he would priceless commodities.

An honorable man wouldn’t take advantage of her weakness. Micah didn’t pretend to be an honorable man. He certainly held no desire to be one. Fools and losers could savor their reputation, while he raced to the finish line victorious.

Honestly, kitten, I want to kiss you. If he said that aloud, she’d bolt. Her breathing grew choppy from his touch, but he ventured further, slipping his thumb from her bottom lip, and followed the slow drag of his hand downward to curl around her throat. After kissing you slowly, I would nibble right here—his pad swished over the pulse in her neck—and savor you as long as I could get away with it. All fucking night if he had his way.

“Madison,” he said her name again because she’d ceased paying attention and had most likely forgotten he’d said her name a few minutes ago. “You’re a trifle naïve if you truly believe what you just said. Honesty is always best? Are you positive?”

“I—Yes.” Madison licked her lips and he kicked the temptation to kiss—Fuck no!—ravish her aside. She would make the first move in their relationship. “I do believe in always being honest.”

She looked so sincere saying that garbage, Micah chuckled. “I’ll tell my clients your sentiments and see how they respond.” Her pulse licked against his thumb in an irregular cadence. “They all proclaim innocence, but none of them are.”

Creases plowed across her forehead in an adorable frown. “That doesn’t bother you?”

“Even the guilty need a defender, kitten.” Micah shifted his hand off her throat to the base of her neck. His fingers slithered through the fine strands of her hair, down to the ends, as he fantasized about taking her while he held her down with his hand wrapped in the silky mass.

“You must think me terribly inexperienced?” The vulnerability in her eyes compelled him to draw her closer, and shield her from the brutal world. He withstood the compulsion by flattening his palm against her nape. 

Inexperienced? Yes, but charmingly so. It made him want to rumple her decorum more than a little. See how low he could bring her, how she would pant when he brought her to climax. Years awaited their marriage bed and he was already anxious to experience intimacies with her.

“Would you prefer to be experienced like your mother?” He’d have a small chat with Celeste promptly. Before the day ended, things would be resolved.

“God, no, but something about you makes me want to be more than I am. And it’s embarrassing exposing my greenness to you.” Even in the face of her mortification, she held his gaze. He liked that. It indicated backbone and fire. She’d need stamina to endure his livelihood.

Her words, however, bothered him. “I demand that you be you. I want nothing else but to experience the real you.”

“I hate to break it to you, but your legal arm doesn’t extend outside the courtroom.” She grinned. “You cannot exactly demand anything of me, especially that.”

“You’ll do as you’re told or I will stuff you in my trunk until you comply.”

“Good luck with that, Mr. Dominus,” she said with a cheeky grin. “I’ve got a healthy set of lungs.”

Damned if he didn’t love the way she teased. “In case you haven’t noticed, I out bulk you, kitten.”

She rolled her eyes and he bit his tongue to keep from laughing. “You’re so arrogant thinking brute strength would subdue me.”

“My arrogance is charming.”

“No,” she said with a firm shake of her head, but a saucy glitter resonated in her eyes.

He clucked his tongue. “Already breaking your own honesty rules. I’m disappointed in you, Madison.”

“Liar.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “You find my attempt at prevarication adorable.”

Damn right! Everything about her was adorable.

“Thank you.” Her demeanor turned serious in a blink.

He massaged the back of her neck. “For what?”

“Cheering me up and—” she looked away fast and withdrew her wrist off his thigh “—coming to my rescue.”

Micah pinched her chin gently and turned her head so he could peer into her eyes. “I am always here for you no matter what. Always.

He would give her everything within his control, including the world worshipping her if possible. She was that important to him.

© Gracen Miller 2011 ~ No part of this site (written or artwork) may be reproduced in anyway whatsoever without express written consent by Gracen Miller.

Six Sentence Sunday ~ Madison's Life Lessons (Pandora's Box)

Six Sentence Sunday comes from Madison’s Life Lessons on the Road to Hell, which is the “prequel” to my paranormal romance book, Pandora’s Box, coming soon from Decadent Publishing.  I invite you to read all of the Life Lessons, which can be read in numerical order here on my blog by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of this page. Now for the Six Sentences...
“Don’t make me wait long, kitten.”

She turned and walked backward. A grin curved her lips and he gave a miniature cheer inside. “Or what, Mr. Dominus? You’ll shove me in your trunk?”

Enjoying her humor, he smiled back and teased, “Don’t tempt me.”
Pandora’s Box Blurb:

Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battlefor mankind's liberty has begun...

Pandora’s Box Excerpt:

She nodded and watched as he doused gauze with antiseptic. "Dr. Nix at your service," he said with a grin, two adorable dimples charming her where words failed.

Madison rolled her eyes, and tipped her head to the side to give him better access. He brushed her hair off her neck, back behind her shoulder. Such a simple gesture, yet it felt terribly personal. The air grew thick and sticky with her awareness of him, which made her uncomfortable enough to shift in her seat and cross her legs.

Madison stared into his eyes. Green, she thought, his eyes were green, gorgeous and intense, with ridiculously long eyelashes women would fantasize about. If they didn't, they should. A flicker of compassion, concern, and something else she couldn't identify flashed in his eyes.

"Ready?" he asked.

The husky tenor of his voice forced her gaze to shift to his mouth. Nice, sexy lips, designed for kissing. She gave a mental shake, but couldn't resist wondering how his mouth would feel on hers.

"Madison?" Humor deepened his voice, a touch of a smile tilted the edges of the lips she'd been fantasizing about, and she realized she still stared at them. "You ready?" he asked again, and her eyes widened in embarrassment over her foolish stupor.

She swallowed hard. "Yeah," she whispered past the lump in her throat and forced her vision to lock on the wall over his shoulder. Good God, what was wrong with her? Her pulse throbbed like crazy, and she felt woozy.

Loss of blood! Must be why she reacted that way. No other explanation made sense.

Even though the antiseptic stung like hell, the gentle touch coming from such a gruff man surprised her.

"It's not bad," he said, dabbing the blood away. "Just a nick."

Well, she could nix the blood loss theory. Exhaustion and stress were the only other excuses she could come up with.

Friday, July 8, 2011

NAME THAT HELLHOUND!!

You all suggested the names for the upcoming Hellhound that'll be introduced in my second book of the Road to Hell series (Hell's Phoenix).  As I mentioned last night, I allowed my boys (2 sons and husband) to pick 3 of the names, but then my 2 sons wanted their opionions to matter on MY 2! You just can't make boys happy, you know! ;-) And they call us girls complicated. Ha! I think boys are worse!

After a heated argument with them on MY 2 votes (in which my husband told us 3 to lower our voices or the folks in the condo 10 stories up would call the police...hehe), we've agreed on 6 names instead of 5. LOL

It was tough picking these names and I still wish I could've picked others, but I ultimately had to determine if I thought it was a name my characters would've picked, or if I just liked the name. Not an easy task, I tell you!
Here are the final 6 names for you to vote on (in no particular order of favoritism):

Carina
Nina
Chava
FiFi
Mulisha
Devlin


Congrats to whoever entered these names because I have no idea without looking back at the comments.  Good luck!! 

You may cast your vote in the poll on the right-hand side of the blog.  One vote per person, please!  I'll accept votes through July 15th at noon CST, at which time, the winning name will be announced.

Any questions, just ask me! =D

Huggles,
Gracen

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday ~ Elfin Blood

Six Sentence Sunday comes from my erotic fantasy/paranormal romance, Elfin Blood, out from Noble Romance Publishing. I invite you to read the prequel to Pandora's Box (book one in the Road to Hell series, coming soon from Decadent Publishing) by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of this page. Now for Elfin Blood’s Six Sentences...


“Hello, darling,” he drawled, drawing Julija’s gaze.

His little stalker merely glared at him. Landau leaned an elbow on the table, blocking her view of her male friend. Her gaze grew frostier.

“Careful, careful.” He waved a finger at her and dropped his voice to his most charming tone, “You don’t want to give me frostbite.”
Goodreads reviews and ratings for Elfin Blood can be seen on the right-hand side of this page, near the bottom.


BLURB:
Scorned by her own kind for her half-breed elf status, Julija lives a lonely existence among her Ivory Elf kin. She is the only one the elves can trust when a magical book in elf lore is stolen. Relegated to steal the Book from the vampire thief, Landau Jamieson, she's surprised to discover he has the ability to walk in daylight. Refusing to be deterred by developing setbacks, she’s committed to executing the heist for an Ivory King who grows more desperate to possess the Book. Nothing about the vampire is as it appears and Julija begins to doubt her mission. Worse, she begins to worry she won't have the strength to guard her heart from her sworn enemy.

Landau is fascinated by the elf stalking him and baffled by the potent hunger she elicits after ten thousand years of celibacy. Soon he discovers the lovely sprite is a pawn in a dangerous game--orchestrated by none other than a reviled enemy from his past. While blind-sided by her beauty and her magical powers, the least of which is the spell she casts on his heart, the sinister plot unfolds. What started out as folly to catch a thief, blossoms into a love that casts aside bloodlines and forges all boundaries.

EXCERPT:
Their eyes held as he tossed her denims over his shoulders. He buried his hand in her hair, kneading her scalp with his fingers.

“This.” His palm flattened over her bare pussy and she flinched at the jolt of heat shooting through her. “Is beautiful.”

He tugged against her hair, holding her steady as he leaned over her and put his mouth to her breasts through the thin fabric. The scrape of his teeth against the cloth caused her to whimper and arch beneath him.

“Can you tone it down a bit,” he asked, grazing his fangs along the underside of her breast.

“Tone what down?”

“The music.” He rose to his knees, his features pinched.

“I’m not making that music.” Julija was too busy trying to catch her breath to worry about the melody. The pads of his fingers rolled her nipples through the fabric while the palm of his other hand rubbed the outer folds of her sex. She squirmed, itching to press her thighs together to alleviate her escalating arousal.

“Of course you are. You’re a Jewel Master. They’re singing your lust.”

Julija touched him for the first time, tracing his wide, sexy lips with her finger—lips she’d fantasized about.

“I’m not a Jewel Master,” she said, baffled by his statement. She traced the point of a protruding fang. “Ow!” she cried, jerking her finger back to peer at the blood beading the pad of her index finger.

Quick as a snake striking, he reached out and placed her finger against the center of his lips. Mired between fascination and horror, she watched as he used her blood to paint his mouth red. Landau licked his lips. The pleasure flaring across his face nearly brought her to orgasm. Again, he painted his lips with her blood, his eyes rolling with delight when he swiped the moisture away.

Landau dragged his tongue over her finger, cleansing the blood from her flesh. He squeezed and blood beaded to the surface. Again, he licked the digit like it was his personal lollipop. She gyrated beneath him, undulated her hips into his thigh. Had she missed the anatomy lesson that said fingers were erogenous zones?

He sucked her finger into his mouth, his gaze holding hers steady as he sipped nourishment from the tiny wound. A moan tore from her. He suckled again, a hard drag that tweaked her clitoris.

“Mmm.” She moaned, arching her back, needing him inside her.

A grin skirted his lips as her vampire suckled. She cried out as an orgasm jerked through her, surprising and embarrassing her.

Landau chuckled. “You’re easy, Jewel Master.”

Easy, yes. Sex-starved too.

“I don’t know what that is.” Her ragged breath hitched as she tried to orient herself and follow the conversation.

“How can you not?” His brows met his hairline, showing his surprise. “Jewel Masters are rare, but still . . . .” He eyed her speculatively. “You’re joking, right?”

Julija didn’t think she could muster a verbal response so she shook her head.

“I’ll show you,” he said, his gaze determined. He looked at the jewels surrounding them on the bed, his fingers skimming through them until he located a diamond at least ten carats in size. He pressed the flat side against a nipple. “Can you feel it vibrating?”

“Yes.” She strangled on the word. The vibration against her nipple was connected to her vagina.

“Only a Jewel Master can make it do that.” Landau trailed the diamond to the other breast and smiled at her moan of pleasure. “I’m not a Jewel Master,” he said. “Wood Elves create Jewel Masters.” He clarified the last sentence with, “I don’t have Wood Elf in me. You do.”

Mischief darkened his gaze as he dragged the vibrating diamond down her belly, circled her navel and then slid it downward to the flesh at the apex of her thighs.

As if entranced, Landau spread her vaginal lips and pressed the gem against her clitoris. The diamond acted like a tiny, wicked vibrator.

Five seconds. She panted. Ten seconds. She panted faster. Fifteen sec— She climaxed a second time. The diamond launched into hyper-vibration drive, the harmony wobbled her eardrums, the melody so loud, Landau flinched.

He slid the rock lower, soaking the crystal with her wetness. He pressed the gemstone against her entrance; the humming diamond grew louder, vibrated rapidly against her swollen flesh.

Grimacing at the decibel level, Landau removed the stone from her body. “Proof,” Landau said, sounding strangled. When she focused on him, his eyes turned blood red and he looked turned-on, like her. “You’re a Jewel Master.”

Friday, July 1, 2011

LIFE LESSON FIFTEEN


Madison sighed and stared across the park. Kids squealed their delight, while parents—mostly mothers—watched on protectively, some engaging their offspring in active play. She envied those children, but didn’t begrudge them their good fortune.

When I have children, I’ll be a good mother. If I can’t figure it out, then I’ll read books, do anything to get it right, but most of all, they’ll know they’re loved.

“Madison?” The single word reminded her he’d asked a question.

Micah brushed hair behind her ear, a gentle gesture that left her shivering. She struggled not to turn into him and force an embrace. Just to be held by someone who acted like they cared would be awesome.

Foolish desires led to reckless outcomes, her daddy always said so. What had propelled her to call him? If she’d been thinking clearly, she wouldn’t have—

“If you don’t start talking, I’m going to start guessing,” he warned in a low voice, as his fingers shifted through her hair. It was a privilege he hadn’t earned and she should request he cease, but she didn’t because his touch comforted her. He went on. “I’m pretty sure I can come up with a lot worse than what likely occurred.”

“No, Daddy had nothing to do with today.” Madison swallowed back a gulp of fresh tears that threatened to emerge. She cleared her throat and watched a bird hop along the ground, bobbing into the earth randomly. “I’m ashamed to tell you what happened.”

Warm, powerful fingers closed around her nape and his thumb swished against her pulse. Nervous excitement danced through her body in a warm flush.

“Did you do something wrong?” he asked, his voice low and understanding.

Refusing to meet his gaze, she shook her head. But she felt like she’d done something naughty.

“Then you have nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not accountable for another person’s actions.”

“I know,” she whispered. Logically she did, but logic had nothing to do with the guilt of seeing her Momma and those men. She’d stood there too long, gotten too big of an eye-full. Those were visuals that would never go away.

A finger touched her chin and combined with the hand on the back of her neck, he turned her to face him. “I cannot be your defender if you refuse to tell me what occurred, kitten.”

“I…” She wet her lips. Telling him her mother’s heinous actions felt wrong, as if she betrayed a secret even though she hadn’t promised to keep one. “You can’t tell anyone.”

Her request seemed to amuse him if the slight tilt to the corners of his eyes was any indication. “I swear.”

She cleared her throat and said in a rush, “I found Momma in bed with someone. Two someone’s actually.”

Strong fingers tightened on her neck and a flash of something dark shifted in his eyes. She never wanted to be on the receiving end of that glare. “Yeah, I imagined much worse,” he said slowly. “I can understand your grief, however. Does she know you saw her?”

“Yeah, she smiled when she saw me and kept going at it with them.” Madison shuddered at the memory of Momma’s salacious grin. “They were Deacons from Daddy’s church.” Strange, but sharing the bad news with him made her feel a touch better. “I’d always thought sex would look pretty, but that…that was so not pretty.” She felt the blush spread from her neck up into her cheeks. “I’m sorry, that was too personal.”

Madison went back to staring at the children and chewing on her thumb. Micah’s hand shifted off her neck. He plucked her thumb from her mouth and ran his finger over the jagged nail. “Sex is beautiful when it’s two people who love each other.”

“And you’ve been in love to speak so wisely…Micah?” How she found the gall to look him in the eye and ask that bald question, she didn’t know. How she did it without blushing was a bigger mystery. The only thing she was certain of was the ease with which they connected.

Micah grinned. “Busted.” He winked, but his expression grew serious. “I imagine when I make love to…the woman I love—” why did his pause leave her feeling as if he already knew the name of his lady love, but he wanted to keep her a mystery? “—it will be beautiful. Just as it should be.”

Lucky girl. The thought flittered through her head before she could’ve guessed it was coming.

He laced their fingers together and she didn’t resist. “Did the Deacons see you?”

The contact of his skin pressed to hers, was too powerful for her to form coherent words, so she shook her head.

“Good,” he said, but the dark edge to his voice didn’t make her feel good. Instead, she feared for someone’s safety. She looked at him, certain his expression would absolve her worry. His features were devoid of emotions, but his eyes were intense enough to brand her soul. So caught up into staring into his eyes, his words startled her, “It is ideal that only you and your mother are aware of her treachery.”

Madison blinked. “Why?”

“The Deacons won’t fear you’ll inform your father. An awkward situation for all involved with their working relationship.” Micah shifted her hand to his thigh and she held her breath. Contact with his leg, even through his clothing, was so personal and she worried what others would think, but not enough to see who might be watching. He disentangled their fingers and positioned her hand palm-side up.

Her breathing resumed, stuttered and she managed to squeak out, “Shouldn’t Daddy know?” But she wouldn’t be the one to tell him. The bearer of bad news too often suffered the brunt of irrational anger.

“What purpose would it serve for him to know?” His fingertip swirled against her palm, creating sensations so powerful, it threatened to overwhelm her and she labored to craft a response to his question.

“Isn’t honesty always better?” Her voice sounded husky, as if just roused from sleep. She knew it was because of his touch. Fascinated by that fact, she stared at their hands. A modest caress, but it created havoc with her equilibrium. She swayed toward him, but caught her body’s slight movement and clutched her fingers around the edge of the concrete to stabilize herself.

Micah’s fingertip circled and circled until it was repositioned on her wrist and his thumb pressed firmly against her throbbing pulse.

“Gullible words uttered from chaste lips,” his words uttered low and throaty, but with a touch of amusement. Madison’s gaze flashed to his, while all of his attention was fastened on her mouth. “Do you really believe honesty is better in all situations, Madison?”

“It has to be.” She licked her lips, took a deep breath and finished with conviction. “Otherwise, everything is built upon lies and any relationship built upon that foundation will crack and crumble.”

He leaned forward and for half a dozen heartbeats she thought he would kiss her. She wouldn’t stop him. Lord no! She wanted to experience the press of his lips against hers, even though she knew it would lead to an outcome she hadn’t foreseen for herself. She suspected an embrace from him would lead to a future not of her making and she still didn’t pull away.

Heartbeat erratic, it pounded like a drumbeat in her ears, as his cinnamon scented breath puffed against her mouth. The pad of his thumb landed on her bottom lip and he brushed the digit back and forth, slow enough to torment.

“Madison?” Her name came out rough and ragged, a carnal kiss.

In a rush of awareness, she recognized she stared at his wide, kissable mouth. She tore her gaze uptward to meet his arctic colored eyes, but there was nothing wintry or cold about his stare. Instead, his look melted her resistance in a blast of sensual recklessness.

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