HOT SUMMER HEROES Blog Hop

First we want to thank H.D. Thomson, Bella Media Management and Caris Roane for hosting this hop!  Under the Covers is happy to participate!

What makes a hot hero?

Pretty much one word can get us to melt...ALPHA.  Sometimes they are brooding alphas, tortured alphas, or any variation of that.  But they are possessive and passionate and there's nothing better than seeing them fall hard for their heroines and turn into loving partners.

Who did we pick?

Larissa Ione can write some of the hottest heroes, so when this giveaway came around there was no better choice than to introduce you to her heroes.  In Eternal Rider, the first book in the Lords of Deliverance series, you will get to meet not only Ares (the main hero of the book and first horseman of the Apocalypse) but also the heroes from her Demonica series make some appearance. 

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

READ OUR REVIEW

Ohhh and did we mention that this is a SIGNED copy that's up for grabs?  Along with some cool swag!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Override: Larissa Ione

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Riding Redemption

First of all, I want to thank Francesca for having me! I had the pleasure of meeting her this year, and she's as lovely in person as she is online. Okay, sure, she tried to get me drunk, but hey, that's part of her charm! *g*

Okay, so...I just had a book release! Lethal Rider, the third book in the Four Horsemen/Lords of Deliverance series came out on May 22nd, and I couldn't be more excited.

And nervous.

Oh, sure, every release is nervewracking for an author, but I have to say that this one has made me an especially crazy basketcase. Why? Well, if you read Immortal Rider and know what happened between Lethal Rider's hero, Thanatos, and the heroine, Regan, you can probably figure out why I'm stressed.

See, out of all of my books, Immortal Rider is the one that brought me the most hate mail. I had a feeling it might happen, but I underestimated the ferocity of some of it.

So why did I write a scene I knew was going to be extremely sensitive and controversial, and that would possibly make readers hate Regan?

It's because I love the challenge of redeeming characters. Well, that's not exactly true. I guess it's more that I like writing characters who aren't what they seem, and I always hope that readers will trust me to reveal the truth behind all the frayed layers. Because the thing is, what readers saw during that particular scene isn't what it appeared to be on the surface. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

There are some characters in the series who are more than the sum of their evil acts. And there are characters who aren't as good as they seem to be. Still other characters will find out that who they are isn't who they thought they were.

So yes, I love writing characters who either aren't what they seem to be, or who need desperately to be redeemed. And Regan was a tough one, because she truly believed that she needed to seduce Thanatos in order to save the world. There's often a fine line between good guy and bad guy...I mean, there are those who would call Navy SEALs bad guys because they sometimes have to make hard decisions that risk innocent lives for the ultimate greater good. We don't want to know about it, and we're glad THEY are doing it instead of us.

That's what Regan did. She set about to do something reprehensible in order to save billions of lives. As a warrior conditioned from birth, she didn't think she'd have a problem doing it, but as she got to know Thanatos, her guard started to come down. But before she could back out of the plan, things went very, very wrong. Now, in Lethal Rider, she has to come to grips with the reality of what happened and somehow make things right.

Did she do that? Can she achieve redemption? And then there's Reseph, whose Seal broke, turning him into an evil bastard known as Pestilence. His vile deeds have rocked the world on a scale never before seen. And what about Harvester, the Horsemen's evil Watcher? That fallen angel isn't exactly a puppies and rainbows kind of girl, and who can forget that she cut off Reaver's wings? (Hint: there's a little insight into her character in the short story included in the Lords of Deliverance Compendium...available in ebook format from most e-tailers.)

Redemption. It's one of my favorite romance themes, and I can't think of anything more satisfying than when an author takes a character I didn't think I'd like and turns him into a hero I'd like to bring home and chain to my...er, we'll not go there. But you can!

They're here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday...or let it ride...

LETHAL RIDER

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

READ OUR REVIEW

Who is your favorite romance character -- male or female -- who went through a massive redemption? Answer in the comments for a chance to win a copy of Lethal Rider + a Demonica/LOD tote bag and swag! Be sure to leave your email address in the comment so we can contact you if you win.

ARC Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

4.5 Feathers

Lethal Rider

by Larissa Ione

(Lords of Deliverance # 3)

This has been a highly anticipated book for me. We are getting close to the Apocalypse, will they be able to prevent it or will all hell literally break loose?
At the end of Immortal Rider Regan, a member of the Aegi, had volunteered to have sex with Thanatos and get pregnant. The whole thing went down with all kinds of betrayal and I couldn't help but feel like beating Regan to a pulp by the end of that book.

Lethal Rider starts eight and a half months later. Regan is very much pregnant and in the custody of the Aegis and Thanatos has been in a hellhound saliva induced frozen state for that whole time, not knowing Regan was pregnant. When the hellhound saliva wears off before it should and he's able to escape and goes straight for that pull he has towards Regan, he finds it's not just her, she's carrying his child, so he kidnaps her to bring her to his home and keep her safe until she gives birth to his agimortus, or baby.

I know some people are thinking "How could I be ok with her after what she did?" and I admit I felt a little bit like that but I understood her reasons why in this book perfectly. It's her past, the way she views herself and her relations with others and her loyalty to maybe the wrong people. I thought it was great that Thanatos took his time getting past that and it wasn't a magical "everything is ok now" moment. And of course, this is Thanatos we are talking about. Sexy bad boy, I just can't get enough of him!

What a rollercoaster of destruction and mayhem everywhere! The land down under has been taken over by hell, Pestilence is causing so much chaos everywhere, getting allies in all the wrong places, and destroying everything in his path.

What can you expect? Some things are not what they seem, angels, Aegi and vampires will throw you for a loop. Seems like you can't trust anyone! I loved seeing some of the past of Reseph's life, it wasn't much but it showed a caring side to him, and I admit I had to laugh at his music preferences! I feel this started setting him up as a character that we should like.

There are also some minor and major clues about the origin of the horsemen so watch out for the clues in this book, as well as more information about the daywalker vampires and Thanatos role in their existence.

There's just enough of the secondary characters that I love. Kynan, Wraith, Shade, Eidolon, Conan, Limos, and even a bit of Arik. I can't help but love that Ms. Ione keeps her old characters present and involved in her series.

So am I ready for Reseph now? Since I won't tell you what happens in this book, then I can only say after this one, you'll only want to get Rogue Rider that much faster!!!
 

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium by Larissa Ione

Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium

by Larissa Ione

If you are a Larissa Ione fan and you've been reading her Lords of Deliverance series, do yourself a favor and get this little book! Even though so short, every single word was so enjoyable and it gave me a little glimpse into the everyday life and workings of this complex world created by Ms Ione.

We get to hear it from her as if we were just sitting down talking about how the series came about, who the characters are, and even a list of demons, which will proove helpful because I can't keep them straight.  And we learn a bit more about Larissa.

And then there's the short story included in this book, Eternal Damnation.  WOW!  This story goes back to the origins of the Four Horsemen and how they were conceived.  You can read that before or after Lethal Rider, but having read Lethal Rider I had so many "aha!" moments.  All the pieces are falling together.  And can I just say that, yes the short story was great, but OMG I can't wait to read "blank.blank.blank"'s book!  It's going to be off the charts amazing, especially after this setup and the ending of this short story.  Now if only we can get Ms Ione to write faster?!?!?!

UTC Reports from the Liberty States Fiction Writers - Create Something Special Conference

Hello Maidens!!! Francesca here.  I am very excited to share with you my experiences this past weekend at the Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Special Conference.  This event was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Iselin, NJ on March 17, 2012!  Being the first year that it was open to readers, I think we had a nice little group and great interactions with the authors in attendance!

That's me in the middle (yes, with heels) along with

the members of the Book Obsessed Chicks Book Club

Kicking it off: Luncheon with Larissa Ione (Keynote Speaker)
Even though Larissa was a bit nervous (or a lot!) she gave a wonderful speech!  As advised by her good friend, author Stephanie Tyler, she had to have a theme for a speech, and she chose to talk about fear.  I was very impressed with what she had to say.  She shared lot of things about her life that I wasn't aware of, maybe some of you are.  She was actually in the military, in the Air Force, mainly due to her fear of flying.  She became an EMT because of her fear of blood and those sort of things.  She has always faced her fears head on.  This is a quality that I can't help but admire profoundly as I generally tend to take the easy way out of things.
Then came Hurricane Katrina, and took everything from her.  She was one of the unlucky people that lost everything during that storm.  I cannot imagine the toll that would take on someone to experience, and at that time she also still had to face rejection with her work.  At that point she almost gave up on her dreams of writing.

We have Stephanie Tyler to thank for pulling her back in.  She wrote a short scene and sent it to Larissa, told her to write the next scene.  It was up to Larissa to figure out who was the naked chick in this guys' shower during a storm.  And so the back and forth of scenes started happening and Riding the Storm was born.  Now Stephanie and Larissa have finished the ACRO series, which they write together as Sydney Croft, and this was what gave Larissa the extra push she needed to write her own work, which is now the very popular Demonica world.

Murder, Monsters and Mayhem:
Melinda Leigh, Jonathan Maberry, Chris Redding and Lois Winston

The first panel I attended I was most impressed with an author that I've never heard of, and he writes zombies of all things.  Not usually my cup of tea.  Jonathan Maberry was definitely my favorite of this bunch, with his knowledge and personality, the way he talked about all the research that goes into his books.  Just amazing.  And if humor is your thing, and you've enjoyed, like me, the Stephanie Plum series, you might also be interested in Lois Winston.  This group talked weapons, from your regular type weapons to converting any household item into a weapon.

Chat with Larissa Ione

Ahhhh yes!  We had her all to ourselves and I was sitting on first row!  We got to ask her all kinds of general questions and here are the key points:

• She just sold the next two Demonica books.  After she finishes the Lords of Deliverance series with Reseph's book she will go back to the Demonica series.
• The first book in the "going back to Demonica" will be Reaver! *squeeeeeee*  And on a side note, BIG REAVER SURPRISES AHEAD!!!
• Of all her demons she would like to date Eidolon
• Her favorite sex scenes (and she has quite a bit to choose from) was the losing of virginity scene in Passion Unleashed
• Passion Unleashed was the easiest book to write
• She gets quite a bit of hate mail! =(
• Her husband has read all her books, and he actually makes the guys on his ship (Coast Guard) read them as well!  He gets asked a lot "Sooooooo, you and your wife practice these sex scenes???"
• He also seems to think he writes her books when an idea he had is in them.
• He designed the Lords of Deliverance symbol.  Go figure, now he writes and designs her books ;)
• They did not rehearse the upside down tree scene.
• Sin and Limos are her favorite heroines
• She can't have any music when she's writing or she can't concentrate

Beyond Werewolves and Vampires:
Caridad Pineiro, Larissa Ione, Virginia Kantra, Judi Fennell, Jenna Kernan

This panel was a lot of fun all the authors were very open about their writing process, some are planners some are pansters.  Some start out with an end in mind while others just start writing and see what happens.  The timelines for writing a book where all between 3-6 months for some to 6-9 months for others.  I think we also got a great feel for their personalities and what they write about.  Virgina Kantra and Judi Fennell who both write about seapeople but in very different ways, Caridad Pineiro who writes about vampires and more (while still working full time!), Jenna Kernan who mixes historical and paranormal, and of course Larissa who writes about demons and angels.
Book Fair
I got to meet a lot of nice authors and get lots of signed books, here are some pics I was able to take with some of the authors in attendance.

Caridad Pineiro

Larissa Ione

Sarah MacLean

Virginia Kantra

Maria V. Snyder

Jenna Kernan

Stephanie Julian

The After-Party

Yes!!!  This party was awesome!  We managed to kidnap Larissa Ione and Caridad Pineiro for a PJ party and although I can't really tell you all that went down or was talked about, I'll leave you with just some pics.

I want to thank all the wonderful authors that participated in the event for making it so much fun, to Caridad Pineiro and Larissa Ione for being so wonderful and such good sports, to all the Book Obsessed Chicks from Long Island, you girls rock and I had an amazing time, and last but certainly nost least, to the wonderful Kimberly Rocha, who I have to give a big thank you for letting me tag along as well as taking all these wonderful pictures I'm sharing with you today!

Mind Spill: Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

How's it going up there at the North Pole? So far, it's one of the few places I haven't destroyed in my new series. It hasn't been easy, because Pestilence (the evil Horseman,) would love to send his demonic minions your way (demons love reindeer jerky!)

So anyway, if it's not too much to ask, I'd really love some snow for Christmas. It's December in Wisconsin, and NO SNOW! What's up with that? I'd also like a lifetime supply of mulled wine to go with the snow. Mmm...mulled wine...

If I could get even just the snow, I'll really do my best to keep the apocalypse away from the North Pole. No matter what, you're safe from zombies. They have a tendency to turn into immobile zombiecicles in freezing temperatures. Yay, you!

Thanks for listening, Santa! Merry Christmas!

Love and nibbles,

Larissa Ione 

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Dear Santa,

It's been a great year for my fam bam, health, friends, work, etc.  It has also been a great book reading, friend gaining and author meeting year for me. I wish for all these things to continue for the next year, please.

Errrr, is that a lot of work? Ok. Ok. For Christmas, I would like a new LV bag or the new Nook Tab, Pretty please. #wishful thinking.

Angela (UTC)

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Dear Santa:

What do you get for the assassin who has everything? If we’re talking flashy throwing knives or daggers, she’s got plenty. Expensive leather holsters for said weaponry? She’s got those too. There’s no use in asking for a fancy new wardrobe, she doesn’t really wear anything that isn’t black, utilitarian, and stretchy (gotta be able to move comfortably in a combat situation). And as for sparkling jewels or precious metals…she doesn’t have any use for those sorts of baubles. In fact, the only jewelry she wears was a gift from me: an ancient ring. And just between you and me, Santa—that’s all she needs.

I don’t need anything for myself this year. I’m too impatient to wait for Christmas to get the things that I want, and I’m not used to asking anyone for anything. But since this letter isn’t for me, I’m going to make an exception. Before I get down to the asking, I better throw a few things out on the table: I doubt that Darian has been on your “Nice” list for a very long time. Now, I know that being an assassin might make you leery of giving her anything at all this year. But as Darian’s employer, let me tell you that she has high moral standards considering her profession. She only takes out the bad guy, and hey, that’s got to count for something, doesn’t it? Aside from her job, she might have earned a spot on your “Naughty” list since she’s pretty good at coming across as emotionless and hard, and she’s fooled the few people who know her into believing that she has the personality of a wet cat. But that’s just an act, Santa. A way to keep people from getting too close. She made herself believe that the only way to survive was to shut her emotions off completely. And it’s worked so far. The first time I laid eyes on her, though, I could see through that cool, detached façade.

She wants to belong. To be loved. To be accepted for who and what she is. She doesn’t want to live in fear of the unknown or to be a slave to her past. She wants to forgive and forget, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t free herself from the shackles of her past. She wants someone to protect her for a change, to swoop in, save the day, and not have ulterior motives for doing so. I’ve got the protection thing covered. In fact, I’d give my life for hers and whether she wants to admit it yet or not, she needs me. If you can mend a broken heart, Santa, if you can undo all of the wrongs done to her and erase the memories of betrayal that have hardened her heart, could you do me a solid and give that to her? I’m trying my best here, to do it on my own, but she’s a tough nut to crack. I can use all the help I can get.

Sincerely,
Tyler 
(Shaedes of Gray by Amanda Bonilla)

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Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good girl for (most of) the year. The small instances in where I have been less than nice is all because of these girls *jerks thumbs at Angela, Francesca and Suzanne*. In their presence, the Naughty Annie comes out!

Never once have I started collecting book boyfriends until I met them. I have never stored photos of half-naked men on my computer before taking up the hard and sometimes tedious work of posting Hottie of the Week. I also would have never started reading naughty books if it weren’t for these girls.
So, Santa if you could please ignore those times when I was a bad, bad girl, I’d really appreciate it if you sent me something cool for Christmas. It’s not much but.... I’d like a hunky Highlander. In a plaid kilt. With long hair and war braids. He must be at least 6 feet tall. Built like a mountain and hung like a ...*cough*

Thanks, Santa! You’re awesomesauce!

P.S. Don’t forget the Scottish brogue, that’s very important too.

Sincerely,
Annie (UTC)

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Dear Santa,

I've been extra nice this year, regardless of what my hockey record shows. For starters, I taught a lady friend how to fight vampires. It wasn't easy, well, especially for her. But I sure enjoyed showing her different moves. Secondly, I helped my werewolf friend, Ryan, with a serious problem. One nasty werewolf who raped and murdered women is no longer a threat to others. Surely those two deeds alone account for a little extra special gift this year. Don't you think?

For Christmas this year, I want Jessie Garrett, half-demon soul-catcher, dressed in a red see through lace dress. If you can tie her to my bed, that would be nice too, but if she's too much trouble for you to handle, I can manage that task for myself. Be careful of her boyfriend, Drake. The vampire is quick and can be a real pain. No need to worry about how she'll get back home. I will see to it she is returned safely. What I'm asking for might seem out of the norm, but I think you will agree I've earned this gift. Thank you, Santa.

P.S. Don't tell her you're taking her for me. She might resist. You should probably just use your magic to get her to me. If you do this, I'll make sure you and your elf friends continue to live peacefully at the North Pole.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Ward 
(Claiming the Evil Dead by Mary Abshire)

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Dear Santa,

I have been a really, really good girl this year and all I want for Christmas is to wake up and find this under my tree!

And of course I get to play with him for a while! ;)

PS: Make sure you get my girlies everything they asked for, I can vouch for their naughtiness angelic behavior.

xoxo
Francesca (UTC)

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Dear Santa,

This year has been difficult, yet one of the best in my entire existence. I met a wonderful woman, Jessie Garrett. She's half-demon, but she has a heart of gold. She has this unique ability to send evil souls to hell. It's amazing to watch her, and every minute I'm with her I'm in total heaven. Yes, I'm in love with her, Santa. Fortunately, she loves me too.

But there's one problem. His name is Jeremy Ward. He's a demon and likes to stir up trouble with Jessie. My request for Christmas is simple. I want you to sprinkle your magic on Jeremy to keep him away from Jessie. Or, find a female demon to keep him occupied so he doesn't bother my angel.

I know this request must seem…out of the ordinary, but I would greatly appreciate it if you can find it in your power to oblige me this one time. Jessie and I are quite happy together. In fact, we're planning to marry. We couldn't be happier. Well, take Jeremy out of the picture and everything will be perfect.

Thank you, Santa.
Warm Wishes,
Drake  
(Claiming the Evil Dead by Mary Abshire)

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Dear Santa

Although I have been led astray by Fran, Annie and Angela, before I met them I thought BDSM was a car insurance company, I have been a very good girl. So good, that I think that I deserve a couple of the men from my harem to come to life. I am thinking maybe Wrath and Curran, oh and maybe Lachlain MacRieve as well, I don't want to be too selfish. Speaking of my harem, I could also do with impenetrable  security system to stop certain ladies *glares at Fran, Annie and Angela* from stealing my men.

Seriously though, send hugs and kisses to the UTC girls and all my girlies on Goodreads, love them all!

Merry Christmas

Suz (UTC)

p.s. Maybe I can also have Simon Hunt too? I have serious needs Santa!

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Dear Santa,

This year has been very exciting. I sent more evil souls to hell than I ever have before. Sadly, I lost my dear friend and guardian, Sean. But I met a wonderful man, a vampire, and we're in love. Life couldn't be better.

I have one request for Christmas, and it's not for me. It's for my best friend, Dani. She's staying with me and she could really use a man in her life. I know of the perfect one, and his name is Alan Vandett. He's an Alpha werewolf, but I think she can handle him. If you could see it in your heart to bring these two together, I'd really appreciate it. Start them off with a date and a movie, or dancing. She's had a difficult year and could really use a boost. The two have met already and I've seen a curious spark in both of them. So I think they just need a little push to bring them closer together. Can you help them out, Santa? Please?

Thank you so much.

Jessie Garrett
Soul Catcher 

(Claiming the Evil Dead by Mary Abshire)

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Dear Santa,

I’ve been such a good girl this year! I have lied, stolen, maimed and murdered! I have caused misery and pain. I have torn lives apart. I have spent countless hours plotting to and torturing characters, twisting their little lives into unrecognizable uglies. Then, like the diligent romance author I am, I have treated the good guys to a spectacular HEA and incinerated the bad guys. It’s hard work, but someone’s got to do it, and I’m proud to say I’ve been unrelenting and successful. You should be so proud!

For Christmas I would like:
A new muse. Don’t tell her I said so, but mine is just not pulling her weight. I need a fast-thinker who can challenge me to shoot forward. The whole dragging the ass thing isn’t working for me. At all.
More hours in each day. Not a lot of hours, I don’t want to be greedy. Just a few would be great.
Need for less sleep. Let me clarify—this would be in addition to, not in lieu of, the item above.
Dream catcher. A real one that retains the ideas my subconscious delivers in my dreams instead of allows them to dissipate in the daylight.
A housekeeper. Please, please…pretty please?
An assistant. Please, please…pretty please with a sugar on top?
And last but not least…I’d be super, super happy if my new proposal with witches and demon spirits sold, cause I really, really want to write the dark, gritty, fun, sexy, sexy series.

You be careful tootling around those roofs this year. Don’t get stuck in any chimneys. And don’t you dare let me catch you peeping in any bedrooms again!

Merry Christmas!

Joan Swan
P.S. I left an ARC of FEVER for you by the chocolate milk and macadamia, chocolate chip cookies I made from scratch, but don’t read and fly. And I put a to-go bag together for you, too…brownies, truffles, candies…you’ve got a long flight. (You may infer a bribe if you like.)

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Dear Santa —

I'm not going to ask for anything for myself this year. There really isn't any thing I need.

But the people who live in my head have some things on their wishlists...

Kara wants a vacation alone with her hunky husband.

Reece wants a gift membership to the local gun range.

Tessa wants a spa day to use after her son is born.

Julian can't think of anything he wants if you put him on the spot, but deep down I know he wants season tickets to the Colorado Rockies.

Sophie would secretly love it if her brother surprised her by coming to Denver for Christmas.

Marc wants a Colt M1911 Rail Gun in .45 ACP with the extended beaver tail, rosewood grips and stainless steel finish.

Kat wants a double stroller.

Gabe wants a set of the new Armada JJ skis so he can rip the pow days.

Natalie wants a new computer, a big dry erase board for plotting novels (she's taken up writing), and a trip to an island with palm trees and umbrella drinks.

Zach just wants to be with Natalie, so maybe the vacation could be for both of them.

Back in 1760, Iain, Morgan and Connor need a new blade for their plough, lumber for a new house — it's getting a mite crowded with all of them in the cabin — as well as a second milk cow and a bull to breed both of the their cows.

Annie would like sturdy cotton cloth to make clothes for Iain Cameron and Mara and soft wool to knit a sweater for Iain. But those are for others, so please surprise her a silk shift and some new pots and pans.

Amalie would like cloth to make clothing for her growing twins, too, as well as cloth to sew Morgan some new shirts. Please bring her those things, but surprise her with parchment and ink so that she can write to her one-time ward, Bourlemaque.

Sarah needs everything a woman needs to start a household of her own — pots, pans, spoons, knives, dishes, cups, linens for the beds. Pack your sleigh full, Santa.

And little Iain Cameron, Mara, Lachlan and Connor Joseph — bring them toys and clothes their mothers don't have to stitch.

Thanks, Santa, you're the best.

P.S. If you want to bring something to this house, I would never say no to lots of fresh inspiration or a trip onto the New York Times bestseller list.

Pamela Clare

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MAKE SURE YOU TRACK SANTA! CLICK HERE

Authors for Harry: Author Moments II

Hello Maidens!!!  This is the second book that some of our favorite authors have participated in to support this cause.  This book has some of today's best authors and the proceeds are for a great cause.

Harry Moseley, the boy who raised over £500,000 for Cancer Research UK, is no longer with us - but his legacy lives on.  

"Britain's Kindest Kid", Harry was more than a nice kid with a big heart; he was a real life hero. A hero with an inoperable brain tumor who tragically lost his battle
with cancer at the much-too-young age of 11. 

Harry’s, “Help Harry Help Others" campaign continues his fundraising work in hopes that one day soon, there will be a cure for brain tumors. Joining Harry's quest for
research funds are an amazing group of romance writers, along with a wonderful cover artist, who have put together an inspiring anthology to raise money for Cancer
Research UK, in memory of Harry Moseley. 

"Author Moments II" is a collection of essays written by these talented writers. From the New York Times bestselling lists to the writer who is just beginning their quest,
you will find this anthology filled with generous writing advice and anecdotes. It won’t matter where you are on your road to publication or even in your life journey, 
Author Moments II will fill you with love, laughter and a renewed hope that all things are possible when you care enough to come together and make a difference. 
Like real life hero, Harry Moseley. 

The Authors Helping Harry invite you to pitch in with them to help find a cure simply by purchasing a copy of this wonderful anthology.

*As a bonus, each author has included an excerpt from one of their current, or upcoming, releases.

Smashwords - Buy Now

You can purchase this book for only $2.99 by clicking the above link to Smashwords, or you can choose to read more about how these amazing writers came together in this project, by clicking on their project site here.

Demon Fight Club: Lords of the Underworld vs Demonica

You have just entered the danger zone where sinners sing and demons reign. In tonight's showdown, we have two heavy-hitting paranormal romance authors Gena Showalter and Larissa Ione. This exclusive showdown is a one-time only event, between the most lethal and darkly sensual demons you will ever meet in paranormal romance.  Soon, we will find out who reigns supreme in Under the Covers' DEMON FIGHT CLUB.

Join us as Larissa's dermoire-clad demons and Gena's tortured Lords duke it out in the most unlikely battles you will ever see...

LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!

Most likely to bring you breakfast in bed
Lore vs Lucien

Lucien: Yeah, I’m romantic like that. Bonus: no poison!
Lore: I'll give this to Lucien. I don't do breakfast in bed. Bed is for...other things. Bonus: no crumbs!

Most likely to be on the cover of GQ

Eidolon vs Paris

Paris: Are we allowed to do full frontal?
Eidolon: Hi. I'm a surgeon. Do I really need to say more?

I would turn bi for...
Sin vs Anya

Anya: Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be the first!
Sin: I'm flattered, but don't think turning bi would mean a threesome with me and Con. He's mine. All mine.

Most likely to gut you where you stand
Shade vs Maddox

Maddox: Guts . . . mmm. . . .
Shade: I like the way Maddox thinks. But have some pride, man...stop drooling.

Most likely to give you the best one night stand of your life
Wraith vs William

William: And it won’t cost you a thing!
Wraith: Three words: Nonstop. Multiple. Orgasms.

Make sure you cast your votes for your favorites!

Special thank you goes out to Larissa Ione and Gena Showalter for these great answers.

Interview and Giveaway with Larissa Ione!

It's a new month so that means we have a new Author of the Month! And who else would we pick other than paranormal romance author, Larissa Ione! You may have heard of her delicious demons in her Demonica series, but Ione has a new spin-off series called the Lords of Deliverance. Her latest book, Immortal Rider features Limos and Arik, a character you may know from the Demonica series. UTC got the chance to chat with Larissa Ione on her newest release, so without further ado....

Hi Larissa! Thanks so much for stopping by! Paranormal romance is HAWT right now. What sets the Lord of Deliverance books apart from the others in the genre and what sets this new series apart from the Demonica series?

Well, I think what sets the Lords of Deliverance books apart from the rest of the genre is the fact that it's about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yes, there are vampires, werewolves, angels, and demons in the books, but the main characters are Biblical legends who haven't played major hero roles in romance novels (as far as I know, anyway.) As for what sets it apart from the Demonica series...that's a difficult question since the two series are so intertwined, and as the Horsemen books progress, the Demonica characters become even more involved in the apocalyptic arc. But I guess I'd say that the LOD books are a little darker, and they delve deeper into the supernatural world.

I'd say you've found your voice in paranormal romance, but you've also written a pretty good contemporary erotica. If time permits, would you like to continue to write in that genre, or what other sub-genre would you like to dabble in?

Thank you! Actually, I'd love to write science fiction -- a Star Trek novel, specifically.

Every reader is hoping for a Reaver book! What is about the angel that makes him so interesting and desirable?

Hmm...I think readers like Reaver because he's a powerful authority figure, but also because he's got a mysterious past that even he doesn't understand. More of this comes out in the Lords of Deliverance books, which will kick off his own book I'm hoping to see released in early 2013.

You write some of the most inventive sex scenes I've read in a long time. Where do these crazy acrobatic moves and ideas stem from?

My crazy imagination! :)

When we had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Tyler earlier this year she told us there's plans for a new Sydney Croft project for the summer of 2012. Can you give us any details?

Well, we're still working on that. We're planning some novellas, but we don't know if they'll be self-published or will be released through a publisher yet. We're very excited about them, though!

After reading Vampire Fight Club in the Supernatural anthology, I am very excited to find out more about the day-walking vampires. What can you tell us about them?

Unfortunately, not much. But you'll learn all about them in Lethal Rider, which is Thanatos's book, set to release next summer.

Some fun questions! Demons, wargs, angels and vampires. You have them all! But if given the choice, which one would you be?

Vampire! A vigilante vampire. I'd spend my nights hunting scumbags. Fun!

Death, Pestilence, War and Famine. Which would you rather catch?

Do you mean, which Horseman? I think Pestilence/Reseph. I'm currently working on his book right now, and he's a blast to write.

Which series do you prefer, Supernatural or True Blood? Eric or the Winchester?

Ooh, tough one. They both have their draws...and drawbacks. I'd say Supernatural edges out True Blood, but not by much. Definitely prefer Eric, though! Mmm....

Christmas is around the corner, and UGH is feeling festive. What would their company Christmas party be like? Who would be invited and what would happen?

Everyone at UG loves a good par-tay! There'd be champagne fountains, blood punch, plenty of, er, raw appetizers, and the invitations would be sent via a real life elf -- but probably not the kind Santa uses. Elves in the Demonica world are less happy. The Horsemen would definitely be invited, which, by default, would mean that a hellhound or two would show up. As for what would happen? Drinking, eating, dancing, and, of course, lots and lots of sex!

Thanks so much for having me, and happy holidays to everyone!!!!

For more information on Larissa Ione and her books, please visit her website here.

 

Do you want to get your hands on a copy of her latest release, Immortal Rider with a tote bag and some swag?

This giveaway is open to everyone.

Read our review of Immortal Rider

To enter all you have to do is:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Fill out the form below.

This giveaway will run from December 2, 2011 through December 15, 2011.