Covers to Covet

This is a sign that I have to catch up on this series! WOW! Look at the final cover for Meljean Brook's The Guardian series. Definitely the best cover! 

Guardian Demon

by Meljean Brook

(The Guardians # 8)

In this thrilling conclusion to the Guardian series, New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers another stunning page-turner, in which the fate of humanity depends upon a tortured warrior winning the trust—and heart—of the woman he wounded…

After a terrifying encounter in Hell destroys her trust in Michael, the Guardian’s powerful leader, former detective Andromeda Taylor is ready to call it quits as one of the angelic warriors and resume her human life again. But when demonic forces threaten her closest friends and she uncovers a terrifying plot devised by Lucifer, Taylor is thrown straight into Michael’s path again…

To defeat Lucifer, Michael needs every Guardian by his side—and he needs Taylor more than any other. The detective is the key to keeping his own demonic side at bay, and Michael will do anything to protect her and keep her close. And when Taylor manifests a deadly power, her Gift might tip the scales in the endless war between Heaven and Hell…or it might destroy them both with a single touch.

Available May 7, 2013

DYING FOR THIS BOOK!

 Ours to Love

by Shayla Black

(Wicked Lovers # 7)

Between two brothers...

Xander Santiago spent years living it up as a billionaire playboy. Never given a chance to lead his family business in the boardroom, he became a Master in the bedroom instead. His older brother inherited the company and worked tirelessly to make it an empire. But while the cutthroat corporate espionage took its toll on Javier, nothing was as devastating as the seemingly senseless murder of his wife. It propelled him into a year of punishing rage and guilt…until Xander came to his rescue.

Comes an irresistible woman ...

Eager to rejuvenate Javier’s life, Xander shanghais him to Louisiana where they meet the beautiful London McLane. After surviving a decade of tragedy and struggle, London is determined to make a fresh start—and these sexy billionaire brothers are more than willing to help. In every way. And London is stunned to find herself open to every heated suggestion...and desperately hoping that her love will heal them.

And inescapable danger ...

But a killer with a hidden motive is watching, on a single-minded mission to destroy everything the Santiago brothers hold dear, especially London. And as fear and desire collide, every passionate beat of her heart could be her last.

Available May 2013

DOMS DUNGEON: Logan Edgington

They are almost all in the Dungeon!  It is now Logan's turn.

LOGAN EDGINGTON

Erotica on the edge-from the national bestselling author of Surrender to Me.

When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs's fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a BDSM club. But no man can top a woman like Tara-until a dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and sets her heart racing. Too bad he's also the man who stole her innocence years ago-and one to whom she'll never submit. But Navy SEAL Logan Edgington knows he alone can protect her-and this time he'll never let her go...

READ OUR REVIEW

Logan: Getting a call from Shayla, he's both pleased and surprised. Agreeing to meet her at the Blue Moon Cafe, he tries to find out why she wants to meet up. Chuckling about clever, closed-mouth women, he arrives at the cafe and orders a large pot of coffee. Watching the door, he sees her walk in and stands to give her a giant bear hug.

Shayla Black: Walking in with her laptop, she peers around, looking for Logan. No doubt, he was surprised to hear from her. Laughing to herself, she finds him across the room. After a friendly hug, she practically tackles a passing waitress to beg for a Diet Coke. Logan chuckles as she sets up shop with her laptop and looks across the table at him. Damn, he's hot. Those piercing blue eyes watching her intently, along with the sharp, military cut of his dark hair—hell, his whole demeanor—shouts his aura of controlled power. She'd forgotten how hot... Yeah, moving on from that thought. There's business to discuss. “Bet you're wondering why I called and wanted to meet. Now, listen with an open mind. There's this great website called Under The Covers….” She crosses her arms over her chest. “No snickering at the name. If these ladies didn’t like sexy, you wouldn’t be here. I'd tell you to get your mind out of the gutter, but I think it's impossible. Anyway, their readers have nominated you as one of this year's ultimate Doms. A winner will be chosen soon, and they wanted a few words from you. How about helping a girl out?”

Logan: After hearing the name of the website, he bites the inside of his cheek to hold back the smartass comeback on the tip of his tongue. When Shayla tells him he's been nominated for Ultimate Dom, he's sits back, both surprised and flattered. “You sure they mean me?” When she nods, he grins and takes a drink of coffee. “Well, sure, Shayla, I'd love to help you out. This is one hell of an honor. So…” He crosses his arms and looks over at her. “What do you need?”

Shayla Black: Watching his muscles ripple and bulge, she swallows tightly and tries to focus. His question... Oh yeah, that’s right. “I'm not altogether sure. If I were a reader and I was going to vote for an ultimate Dom, I'd want to know what qualities would even put a guy in the running for that title. I know that you're firm when you need to be, but you listen. And you care. I know you'll do anything for the people you love.” The waitress comes by with her drink, and Shayla quickly drinks half of it down. Caffeine is her friend. As soon as they order breakfast, the waitress departs, and Shayla continues. “But are those the qualities of a good Dom or just a good person? In my head, you're both. When you're resolved about something, you go full throttle, but I suspect that's the SEAL in you. Give up, whether it's on a mission or a sub, just isn't in your vocabulary.” She peers at him, pondering. God, he really is insanely gorgeous, and she tries not to squirm in her seat. “Um, last year's ultimate Dom was your friend Jack Cole, if that helps. Maybe you should just tell me in your words what you think makes a great Dom.”

Logan: Listening to her comments, he takes them all in and gives the question some serious thought. “You're right, Shayla. Failure is never an option to me in anything, not as a SEAL, a friend, or a Dom. I think it’s about control and communicating to your sub and partner enough to instill trust. She should be assured that, whether I give her pleasure or pain, I’ll take her where she needs to go without breaking her. As for Jack, he and I are different kinds of Doms. I have a sense of humor.” He chuckles, and Shayla rolls her eyes. “Seriously, he's a true friend and a great Dom. Personally, I think the qualities of an ultimate Dom are simple. Straight up? I demand obedience. Period. My sub knows when I say something, I mean it. And there are reasons. I will follow through and keep my word, no matter what. Because I know what she needs, even if it's not always what she wants. I know her body better than she does, and I know what will send her flying free. I give her everything I am, and in return I expect—no, I demand—the same from her.”

Shayla Black: She swallows nervously. When he shifts into Dom mode, it's intense. She fidgets in her chair. “Yeah, that all makes sense. It's good. Really good. I think maybe readers need to get sense of how you operate. You know, how you'd meet a sub and determine what she needs so that you can give it to her. Can you give me an example?”

Logan: Spearing her with his blue eyes, he looks Shayla up and down slowly. Seeing a sweet, rosy blush creep into her cheeks, he lowers his voice. “It starts with a look. Then communication. When choosing a sub before settling down with Tara, there were rules. If the sub couldn't or wouldn't abide them, then the scene was over and we’d discuss her barriers and fears. It’s more than getting in a woman’s body; it’s about getting in her head. Her soul. Asking questions is vital. For instance, do you like the bite of a whip or the whisper of a soft flogger? Are you afraid to be completely bound and at my mercy, knowing that I might give you more than you can take? How much do you want to let go and trust me?” Softly, he strokes Shayla's hand and continues. “Are you shy? Would you strip naked and walk behind me through the dungeon? If I told you to, you would. Does the idea of having your hands and feet cuffed, unable to move, then being blindfolded so you can’t see, excite you?” Sitting back, he takes another swig of his coffee. “That’s all part of what a good Dom is, Shayla. Knowing what my sub needs and wants even before she does, and making sure she gets it...eventually. Some have to learn patience first. I think you’d fall into that category.” He winks.

Shayla Black: That look he sends her, like she’s the only woman in the world... Oh, it sucks to have such fair skin. She knows she's blushing. She can feel the heat on her face. No doubt, he can see it. His deep voice—and those commanding words—suck her down into his world, and she can picture it all clearly. Vividly. Everything he says sounds absolutely sublime, and her mind starts to drift. She yanks it back and swallows the lump in her throat. This is an interview, dang it! “Yeah. Got it. So...some of the things you're describing, they help subs remove the mental barriers between the two of you? And build trust, correct?” He nods slowly, deliberately staring into her soul with that sexy, intent gaze. “I get that people are sometimes closed off or have trouble letting go. It holds them back in many areas of their life, not just sexually, right? But what happens if a sub doesn't know what she needs or is too shy to admit what she wants?”

Logan: “That’s where communication is critical. No good Dom walks into a scene with any sub until they’ve discussed everything beforehand. And you're correct that some subs are closed off and need a firm hand to guide them and to help them overcome those mental blocks or fears that stop them from truly being free. And it’s all about trust. The sub has to have confidence that I won’t breach her hard limits, but I will push her soft limits—as far as I can. She has to know that by surrendering her will and her control to me that I won’t break her trust or her spirit.”

Shayla Black: “And with all that, she'll find a new freedom and sense of self she never found before. I know.” She nods as the waitress sets down their plates of hot food. They dig in. She can feel Logan watching her, gauging her reaction. He's more than a little relentless, and she hides behind her laptop screen, making notes. She picks at her eggs, her mind whirling, then turns back to him. “I know what Jack's answer to this next question would be. We've discussed it. But what's in this for you? I mean, a lot of people would say all this is a lot of effort for you to go through. Why not just have sex or be friends or whatever the non-kink equivalent would be? Why does all this stuff float your boat?”

Logan: “You’re kidding, right?” He grins as he puts his fork down. “All right. Fair enough. I’m not built that way, I suppose. It’s more than the sex, although that's a part of it. It's about control. Who has it, who gives it up, and what happens when they do. I crave the control. I like knowing that my sub longs to please me and will submit to anything, from standing still so I can inspect her, or allowing me to give—or deny—her orgasms. When she is bratty, there's punishment, and she knows that, even in that, I’m in total control. She is always safe and cared for. In return, she’s going to learn about herself, all the way to her soul. She’ll tear down whatever’s holding her back and find a peace she’s never known. I think it’s a great exchange.”

Shayla Black: Yeah, he's definitely about control, but she knew that about him from the start. He is always in control of himself, his environment, his emotions, his sub... She makes a few more notes as he finishes off breakfast. She observes the way he's sitting, facing the door, eyes scanning the room, watching everyone come and go. Yep, always in control. She smiles. “Unless you have anything to add, I think that's all I need for this interview. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to meet with me this morning!” She saves her file, shuts down, and stows her laptop in her purse, standing nervously. Logan rises to his feet, hovering way above her, and throws an arm around her shoulder. He sends her his most dazzling smile. Drawn to him, she leans into his hug. Damn, he smells good, too. He's got the most massive shoulders, and those eyes... She clears her throat and pulls away. “Give everyone in your extended Wicked Lovers family my love and thanks again!” 

~ Shayla Black

www.shaylablack.com

Isn't Logan just dreamy? *sigh* Logan is just the Dom that every time I think about him I get a tingling, shivering, melting sensation through my whole body.  From the first time he shows up in the Wicked Lovers series we can tell that he is INTENSE, and that's saying something when his brother Hunter had already made an impact as a pretty delicious Dom.

He has a certain brooding quality to him in Hunters' book that just attracted me like a bee to honey.  Of course then the backstory for his own novel is that he's been in love with the girl next door basically and he had to let her go.  He's spent the past 12 years without having sex with another woman.  His love for Tara was so strong that after all that time she was still the one for him even though he could never have her or be near her again.

During that time he learned and perfected his skills as a Dom.  Trained by one of the best Doms and with a natural ability for reading what a sub needs and giving it to her.  Not stopping at limits, pushing them.

But not only is he so very deliciously intense but he can turn into the most caring and soft lover after unleashing his inner animal on you.  What more can you really ask for?  And on top of that he can just look at you with those beautiful blue eyes, tats gleaming with sweat after he's worked you over pretty good and ... yeah, the man definitely pushes all my buttons.

Why should you vote for him?

Because Logan is SEXY . INTENSE . CARING . ROUGH . PASSIONATE . TENDER . ALPHA . PROTECTIVE . ATTENTIVE . NAVY SEAL . PERFECT.

He is The Perfect Dom

~ Francesca

Under the Covers

What Readers Had to Say:

Too many great comments but here are some...

He knows exactly what he wants and he gets it! 

He's persuasive, strong and dominant. But also wants to take care of his sub. He's smitten with the love he has for Tara, but is also quite dominate and demanding of her. Very attentive.  


Logan is so very Dominant and he is not afraid to fight dirty to get the woman he wants. I don't know about anyone else, but I love the idea of a guy willing to take on ANYTHING and ANYONE to win me over. He knows his way around a dungeon too. Oh yeah- he's a professional Dom. But saves himself for his one true love. *sigh*

Logan serves his subs the way he serves his country...wholeheartedly. He gives them what they need not just what they desire reading them perfectly.  


Loved the book and loved Logan more and more with each line I read.

He wields a whip like no one else. He knows what the sub needs before she does!  


He's more than a Dom. Hes The Dom. 

Any woman would feel safe in his care.


A good Dom knows his sub, what she can and cant do, what shes comfortable with. A good Dom pushes his sub, makes her see she can accept more than she thinks. Logan does that in spades. He knows her better than she knows herself, yet he never ever exploits or uses her to further his own means. He wants needs and loves her and it shows in everything he does. Shayla has not only made the Ultimate dom, shes made the perfect man.

A hero as well as the Dom to end all Dom's, the man is it.

Note: Voting will start tomorrow so be sure to come back and cast your votes!

ARC Review: Mine to Hold by Shayla Black + Giveaway

Mine to Hold

by Shayla Black

(Wicked Lovers # 6)

Five things to do when a new Wicked Lovers book comes in the mail:
*Squeeeeeee in excitement
*Do a happy dance clutching the package
*Jump up and down not caring if I fall on my face
*Open it berry berry carefully
*Say bye bye night night to the world to settle in with my precious

I will confess I've had a crush on Tyler for years.  From the moment he showed his face as the sexy and carefree bouncer at Alyssa's strip club he had my full attention.  Even though he was not lucky to get the girl he "apparently" wanted.  See I thought all along that was me.

"Welcome to the real me. When you were married to Eric, you saw the pal, the prankster. You saw the guy who didn't take much seriously because I didn't have anything to be serious about. I still want to have fun, but when it comes to you, I'm serious as a fucking heart attack."

*THUD* Ms. Black gave Tyler a perfect story!  MINE TO HOLD was everything I expected for him and then some.  The story was romantic, suspenseful, action-packed...climaxed-packed....Is that even a word?  It should be and if it isn't then Tyler invented it.  I might've renamed him Tyler "Mr. 5+ Orgasm" Murphy.

Tyler wasn't about to slow down. Her orgasm didn't pacify him at all. If anything, it revved him up more... "Again," he demanded.

In his life back in LA, Tyler had a best friend and partner, Eric.  Things happened and Eric one drunk night asked Tyler to have sex with his wife while he watched.  And see, Tyler had been sort of falling in love with Delaney for a while now.  He latched on that one opportunity he would have to have her.  And he gave it his all.  He wanted to crawl inside of her.  And somehow all that emotion showed and his buddy threw him out.  Now almost two years later, Delaney shows up in Lafayette, on his doorstep, needing his help and oh.. by the way, they have a baby together!

As a journalist who is trying to get that big story to start her career she stumbled across some corrupt politician who now wants to silence her.  The only way she can save herself and her baby is by getting the proof she needs to expose him.  And Tyler won't let her go back to LA alone.

Tyler is as take charge as I expected him to be, very alpha.  But he also shows that he trusts Del and gives her the space she needs to feel independent and get her job done.  But never without help and protection.  Thank God a heroine with common sense!  I really liked Delaney! 

I was expecting a little something extra with these two which never came.  After Tyler has been around all his BDSM, menagerie and kinky fuckery I was a surprised when he was pretty much vanilla...very, very good vanilla though.  Maybe with some chocolate swirls.  I guess I shouldn't complain about Mr. 5+ Orgasm Murphy.  And the other thing I was a bit upset at him for was how easy he disappeared from Delaney's life.  Yeah, I know she was married to his best friend, but he should've at least stuck around for a bit if he had those feelings for her instead of running.

Onto the rest of the crew.  There was a good amount of all our favorite characters from the series, past and future.  Jack and Deke and Luc and their wives.  Seems like everyone has babies running around, that just makes me so happy!

But I was especially happy to see a lot of Xander. Ah yes, I can't wait for his book.  He's a playboy, he thinks he's all tough and I can't wait to see the woman that will bring him to his knees.  Or the other way around.  I don't mind volunteering.  Don't worry Logan, you are still number one in my heart.

"It's always you for me. From the first minute I touched you, it was always you. Every other day and every other minute, I was marking time. No one else ever meant a damn thing. But you haunted me. The moment you knocked on my door in Lafayette, you sealed your fate. There's no way I'm letting you get away from me."

MINE TO HOLD was romantic and sweet, while having a great plot and steaming up the pages.  Shayla does it again!

Five things to do when you finish a Wicked Lovers book:
*Cry and scream inconsolably because this story is over.
*Cry and scream inconsolably because you have to wait another year for the next book.
*Start writing a hate email about having to wait a year for the next book
*Delete said email and write a really fangirlish letter to the author telling her how much you love her
*Try to convince her that I would make the perfect heroine for Xander's book.

*ARC provided by author


Purchase Links: Amazon 

Shayla Black is our Author of the Month, and because she is one of the most awesome authors around she will be giving away one book per week to one lucky maiden!You get to choose from a book from her backlist.

To enter:

1. Be a follower

2. Fill out the form below.

Review: Wicked To Love by Shayla Black

Wicked To Love

by Shayla Black

(Wicked Lovers # 5.5)

Shayla is at it again! As part of the Wicked Reads series, which features the Wicked Writers in all sorts of short novellas, Ms. Black is treating us with a novella from her Wicked Lovers series.

Remember Brandon from book 1? He is Morgan's brother. Also, better known as Jack Cole's good friend who basically thought he was in love with Jack's wife until, after betraying his best friend for a woman, she left him too. He's been heartbroken for years, thinking he wants her back in his life, and not seeing what he's had right under his nose.

Kayla has been Brandon's secretary for three years. Three years that she has fantasized, loved, and hoped that Brandon would notice her. But that was not to be the case. She's known Brandon was in love with someone and when she strolls in his office and they go out for lunch one afternoon she decides it's time to move on with her life. She can't keep doing this to herself.

So she quits! And that was just the shock Brandon needed to finally notice Kayla. Proper, buttoned up Kayla.

After she quit, he followed her home. Thinking of only talking some sense into her. He was not expecting to have her shoved up against the wall and not able to hold off one second before he was inside her.

This story is short, it's hot, well, panty melting hot, but what didn't work well enough for me to give it five stars was the fact that in about 5 minutes Brandon went from 3 years of not thinking of Kayla as a love interest to not being able to live without her and considering marriage.


Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Override: Shayla Black

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.

Hello maidens!  Francesca here today with something extra special for you!  If you follow this blog, then you *might* be aware that one of the best books of the year (at least for me) was Belong To Me by Shayla Black.  First of all I was so excited that Ms. Black sent me a signed ARC I could cuddle up with, and reading my review (here) you can see why I love Logan so much.  I even got a mention on Ms. Black's site (click here to read it).  So imagine my excitement when I got the opportunity to sit down with Logan (the hero of Belong To Me) and have a little chat?  No, I wasn't drooling all over myself, I was actually able to put words into sentences!  Yes, I'm very proud of myself for that!  If you don't know who Logan is, then you seriously need to pick up his book, because the man is HOT!!!  So without any more delays, lets welcome Logan Edgington to UTC today!!

Logan, thank you so much for stopping by here today.  We are thrilled to have you! *SWOON*  So let's start with an easy question.  Describe your book in a few sentences.

Long overdue. *snort* I waited twelve years for that woman… Oh, you want to know about the story. Well, I’m killing time in one of my usual hangouts, Club Dominion, while I’m on leave. The club owner says the FBI needs help training a new agent to go undercover as a submissive to attract the notice of a sex ring and rescue another missing agent. I volunteer because I like a challenge and want to help. Even when I couldn’t see this woman’s face, I’m really, really—Did I mention totally—attracted to her. When she turns around, lo and behold, it’s my high school flame, Tara, all grown up and filled out in all the right places. I’ve been given a week to make her ready for this assignment. To do that, I have to earn her trust. Um, our breakup in high school was brutal, it was epic. So I’ve got my work cut out for me. And now Tara is engaged to a total asswipe. But as a SEAL, I’m used to working under pressure and not giving up. I will use every minute I have and every means at my disposal to prepare Tara for this mission and prove that she belongs to me.

In Belong To Me we meet a few very interesting characters, and I'm especially interested in your best friend Xander. What do you think we can expect from him?

The unexpected, always. Xander…he always wants to get in the middle of whatever is hitting the fan, even if it’s trouble. Despite being a billionaire playboy and a damn good Dom, he tries hard to be a good guy. He might drive you up a wall sometimes…but he’s a good guy to have at your back.

Who would you say is the best Dom in the whole Club Dominion crew and why? Of course, this is not including you because you ARE the best ;) Are they taking on any new trainees? *waggles eyebrows*

Yeah, um…thanks. Granted, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about other guys, but Xander, for all his teasing nature, can provide a really firm hand when necessary. But I’d have to give the edge to club owner Mitchell Thorpe. He trained me. He’s tough, fair, and smart. *shrug* And the ladies seem to like him.

Excellent choices!  As I mentioned to a friend, you are giving Jack Cole a run for his money as the best Dom ever in my opinion. How do you feel about that?

I don’t like to think about whatever it is Jack does in the bedroom. And if you know, I don’t want details. But of course I’m better. Was there any question? *wink*

Of course not!  *THUD* In your opinion, what makes the perfect Dom and the perfect submissive?

That’s really individual, and depends on the people in involved. But basically, a good Dom needs to be insightful, consistent, and firm. He has to have the ability to give his submissive what she needs, even when she doesn’t realize what that is, and he has to be able to make her accept it and him. The perfect submissive has to have the ability to put herself in her Dom’s hands and have faith. She has to have an urge to please but still a strong sense of self. And both parties need to have trust, as well as enter into the relationship with good intentions. A power exchange absolutely requires two people who are on the same page.

Time to spill, got any dirty details on Shayla Black, the wonderful woman who writes your books?

Crazy woman! She’s always doing something. I’ve been trying to tell her my story for years, and she kept telling me that it wasn’t my turn, and she’d get to it. Whoa! Then one day, she’s in my head, wanting every last detail about my high school breakup with Tara, how I feel, my sex life… She digs into a guy’s psyche and pulls out everything. Tara said that she had a similar experience with Shayla. Then suddenly, there’s this story popping out on the page. As I read over her shoulder, I liked it. And I’d get excited that I was getting closer to my happily-ever-after with my Cherry—only to have Shayla stop writing, sometimes for days. Family and travels, appointments and emails. And sometimes, that woman just stares at a wall. Um, hello? It’s a wall. No help there… She finally came back and would type more, and Tara and I got our happy ending. But yeah, that woman is kinda nuts.

What comes to mind when I say the word, "Love"? What comes to mind when I say the word, "Sex"?

Love? My gorgeous little Cherry. Tara is it for me.
Sex? Now. Tara, get your cute ass over here. I’ve got an idea…

And you know I have to ask... Will you take me to your "dungeon"?

I don’t mind giving tours next time I’m in Dallas. Dominion is a cool place. But when it’s time to play, I’ll be shutting Tara and myself in and locking the door. For a long while. *grin*

I'll definitely stop by Club Dominion on my next trip to Dallas!  Thank you so much for stopping by today, Logan.  I had so much fun talking to you.  And now, maidens, here's the blurb to Logan's book (and just take a look at that cover!)

Belong To Me

(Wicked Lovers # 5)

Erotica on the edge-from the national bestselling author of Surrender to Me.

When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs's fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a BDSM club. But no man can top a woman like Tara-until a dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and sets her heart racing. Too bad he's also the man who stole her innocence years ago-and one to whom she'll never submit. But Navy SEAL Logan Edgington knows he alone can protect her-and this time he'll never let her go...

Read our review 

Purchase from Amazon

 

Ms. Black is giving away a copy of an autographed book, winners choice from her backlist to a lucky follower!  How cool is that?  You know you want it!  Open to US only.  To enter, all you have to do is:
1. Be a follower of this blog
2. Fill out the form below

Covers to Covet

In honor of Shayla Black's recent release, Belong to Me we are celebrating further with more Wicked Lovers books!

Wicked to Love is book 5.5 (technically speaking) in Black's erotica romance series with Berkley Heat. This is Brandon's story whom we meet in Wicked Ties, the first book in the series. Check out the blurb:

Just when Brandon Ross gave up on the woman he'd always wanted, he found the one he needed—right under his nose

A politician's son, Brandon reined in his desire to serve his community for years after a former friend blackmailed him for desiring the man’s wife. Years later, he's still haunted by Kayla, holding every woman to her standard. And Brandon's secretary, Amberlin Evans, knows she can’t measure up.

Amberlin would do anything to make her boss notice her. But when one phone call from Kayla sends Brandon running after her, she knows it's time to stop waiting for him to see her and move on. Funny how her resignation gets Brandon's attention in a way short skirts didn't.

When Brandon confronts Amberlin, he realizes that he's been blind to his feelings for her—and that the way she always calls him Sir and says "please" has his thoughts turning wicked…

I cannot wait for this novella to come out! And luckily, we don't have to wait too long since the release date is November 1, 2011.

Next up is Shayla's sixth book in the series with Mine to Hold. This is Tyler's book, whom I adore!!!! Check out the blurb:

A friend’s duty.

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to cry on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

A lover’s desire.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney — body and soul — Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…

 Mine to Hold releases in March 2012.

ARC Review: Belong To Me by Shayla Black

Belong To Me

by Shayla Black

(Wicked Lovers # 5)

Erotica Romance

Sensual. Erotic. Sinful. Wicked. This book is all that and then some. Ms. Black met and exceeded all my expectations of Logan Edgington (a.k.a. MY future husband)! And let me tell you, they were pretty high.

From the first page this book grabbed my attention and didn't lose it. Well, with the occasional required break for food or sleep that is. But of course, even then, all I could think about was Logan; all I would dream about was Logan. And how could I not? The man is perfect. He is seriously everything I want! The beautiful blue eyes, the Dom voice, the lickable tats, the maddening skills this man has to twist a woman around his finger. I would be at his feet!

Watch out Jack Cole, there's a new Dom in town and I think I can safely say that if I had my choice, I'd want Logan! *gasp* Yes! Ladies and ... well... ladies, Jack Cole has been dethroned! Logan will make your toe curls, your body tingle, and your eyes roll back. And leave you begging for more.

And don't let his intense Dom persona fool you, there's a big softie in there as well. I love that! He is a man in love who will do anything, give up everything and even risk his life for the ONE woman he's always loved. And he shows it, he's not afraid to say how he feels and to make his woman know that she is cherished.

And speaking of that one woman, Tara, or as he calls her Cherry, is a great heroine. She got dumped by the love of her teenage life after she gave him her virginity and yet here she is facing him, and letting him train her for her first field assignment as an FBI agent.

And yes, I said train her. Tara ends up at Club Dominion with her partner to receive training so they can infiltrate an event where girls are being abducted from to be sold as sex slaves. This hits home for Tara when the last agent that had gone in (her best friend) gets abducted. And she is assigned to the toughest Dom in the club. The one that can train the wild ones.

Tara is a submissive by nature and even though she fights Logan at times, their chemistry is undeniable, and she can't fight it for long.

I have to admit I knew who the bad guy was as soon as that person first shows up in the book, but the storyline was still pretty suspenseful, I did not see the extent of the bad guys' involvement in the plot, and especially towards the end, it was action packed, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.

Belong To Me also opens up a world of new characters and possibilities for the series. We're introduced to Club Dominion, where Logan comes to play. All the testosterone flying around that place! I am especially intrigued to see what's Xander's story.

This book has truly brought back the series for me. This is truly Shayla Black at her best! If there's someone out there that can write a truly erotic book, that someone is Ms. Black. Nobody does it better!

And now, how long do I have to wait for Tyler's book? We have been waiting a long time, I've loved him since he first showed up in this series, and after Surrender To Me I've had an even softer spot for him. After reading the excerpt, I cannot wait! I can tell it'll be action packed from the beginning and will throw his world upside down. I am ready for the ride!

Purchase From Amazon

Interview and Giveaway with Shayla Black!

July is almost over and that means our Burning Up July event is coming to an end too. But before we cap things off, we have an erotica author here with us today who will no doubt heat things up one last time! Shayla is one of my favourite authors! She writes both erotica romance as well as paranormal romance. Her Wicked Lovers series is one of my favourite series, period. So if you haven't read them yet, I highly suggest you to check them out! For more information on Shayla Black, please visit her website here.

UTC: Hi Shayla! Thanks for much for taking part in our Burning Up July event! We're such big fans of yours and have lots of questions to ask, so let's get started! Do you start your series knowing where the stories will lead and what characters will be getting books?

With my Wicked Lovers, no. When Deke appeared in Wicked Ties, he was supposed to be nothing more than a walk-on character. But he ended up serving more story purpose by helping to investigate Morgan’s stalker. As he reported in to update her and Jack, I got interested in him, and he started talking in my head, telling me his story. In Decadent, I suspected Luc would need a book of his own about halfway through. I also began to suspect that the Edgington brothers would need their stories told. All these high-testosterone, demanding men chatting in my head, refusing to leave me alone… These days, I’m more mindful about where the series is going, and in the upcoming Belong To Me, you’ll see several hero candidates emerge, most notably Xander.

With the Doomsday Brethren series, yes. I had every book roughly plotted and I knew which characters would be getting a book and in which order I would write them. It took me a few years to work it all out in my head. Because the stories in this series are so interconnected and one book is a continuation of the next when it comes to the Mathias/magical war plot, it took time to really consider how I wanted to write them.

UTC: The Wicked Lovers series has an amazing suspense subplot. How do you balance the hot romance and suspense aspects of the book?

For me, the trick is finding a subplot that actually enhances the romance. I’m always looking for story elements that will push the hero and heroine together while dialing up their tension. I enjoy the challenge of seeing if I can put in a twist at the end that readers won’t see coming. Then the suspense can both support the main couple and add an edge of danger, which I love.

UTC: One thing I love about these books is the suspense subplot. I think it adds to the overall storyline, making it hard to put the books down! Okay, so...I've got a secret....I am in love with Jack Cole! He is my favorite Dom. Who is your favorite hero from the Wicked Lovers series? Who is your favorite heroine?

I have a serious soft spot in my heart for Jack, too. But I admired everything about each of the heroes. Deke for facing the tragedy in his past, Luc for questioning the values he was raised with and shoving aside preconceived notions to embrace the woman who didn’t look perfect on paper, Hunter for having the courage and gumption to go after the woman he knew was his the instant he laid eyes on her—despite knowing that he was in for one hell of a fight. But I have to say that my favorite Wicked Lovers hero is now Logan. He’s not afraid of his feelings, and his emotional fidelity to the heroine during their years apart touched me. At the same time he actively tries to win her back, he’s mastering her with a seductive but firm hand. And he loves her fiercely. Sometimes, he’s ruthless about it…yet he’ll back down when his heroine, Tara, needs it.

I think my favorite heroine of this series is Alyssa from Delicious. I respect the fact that she made something of herself, despite the terrible tragedy of her teenage years. She ultimately overcame all to become a well educated business owner, as well as a wife and mother. I also admire the heroine from Belong To Me, Tara. She volunteers for a undercover assignment, despite significant danger, all to save her best friend and fellow FBI agent. She’s unwavering in her devotion to catching the scum responsible.

UTC: I absolutely love Alyssa too! She is such a great character! You also write a wonderful paranormal romance series called the Doomsday Brethren. How did you come up with the idea behind this series?

I had the idea for books 1 and 2 independent of each other, a few years apart, but hadn’t been able to finish either one. I put them aside for a few years, then tried to work on the first one again, but still didn’t have it right, I put it away once more. Finally, in 2005, I took it back out. I suddenly had other related voice in my head talking, Bram chief among them. Once I realized that I needed to be stringing the two ideas together as part of a continuing series, then more voices started coming out of the woodwork. Shock and Ice were both incredibly vocal. After lots of brainstorming with a close friend, I finally had a whole series in my head.

UTC: I loved Bram's character! Who did you have the most fun writing about?

Bram is great fun to write, but as he goes through the series and endures the horrors of war, he becomes more somber, contemplative. The weight of the magical world rests on his shoulders to a great extent. But the character I most enjoy writing is Shock. He’s the most “gray” character I’ve ever written. You never really know whether he’s good or bad and his actions themselves are ambivalent. He most often answers a question with another question, and he’s perfectly comfortable operating just outside the lines of what’s right. Someone’s got to do it. He owes no one his loyalty and he definitely has a hidden agenda—and a huge secret. But all of that will be revealed in future installments.

UTC: When you are in your writing dungeon, what items are "must-haves"?

I MUST have music. I really can’t write happily without having the right mood music. In a perfect writing world, I’d also have sunlight or candles and no interruptions. And no TV in the background!

UTC: Belong to Me is Logan's book! What can we expect from your upcoming release?

At lot of sexual tension, tenderness, danger, a few poignant moments—and very hot sex. I enjoyed every moment of writing this book.

UTC: What are you listening to on your IPod? Does music influence your work as a writer?

Music is a HUGE part of my writing. Really don’t like to work without it. Somehow the music helps balance my mood and channel my energy to the page. Some songs on the heavy rotation when I write:

Rolling in the Deep – Adele
When You’re Gone – Averil Lavigne
I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
Grenade – Bruno Mars
There and Back Again, What I Want – Daughtry
Don’t Say A Word, Permanent – David Cook
Enjoy The Silence – Depeche Mode
Tonight (I’m Loving You) – Enrique Iglacias
Bring Me To Live – Evanescence
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
Never Say Never, Look After You – The Fray
Love Remains the Same – Gavin Rossdale
Acoustic #3, Stay With You – Goo Goo Dolls
Better Than Me, Lips of an Angel, Use Me – Hinder
Nights in White Satin – Moody Blues
Separate Ways – Journey
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Tonight I Wanna Cry – Keith Urban
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Together – The Kin
Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
All In, From Where You Are, Broken, Storm – Lifehouse
Shadow of the Day, What I’ve Done, Leave Out All the Rest – Linkin Park
Won’t Go Home Without You, She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
Heart on My Sleeve – Michael Johns
See You Again – Miley Cyrus
Livewire – Motley Crue
Supermassive Black Hole, Uprising – Muse
Far Away, If Everyone Cared, Never Gonna Be Alone, Figured You Out – Nickelback
Come As You Are – Nirvana
Wonderwall – Oasis
Stop and Stare – One Republic
Who Knew? – Pink
Breathe Into Me – Red
Your Guardian Angel – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You – Restless Heart
Gravity – Sara Bareilles
Possession – Sarah McLachlan
Addicted – Saving Abel
All Over You – The Spill Canvas
Drowning, Maybe Tomorrow – Stereophonics
Your Love is a Song, Dare You to Move, Learning to Breathe – Switchfoot
If You Could Only See – Tonic

Sorry you asked? I know that’s a lot of songs, but just a fraction of my music library.

UTC: Wow, that's some playlist. Great collection of songs! If you could collaborate with another author, who would you choose and why?

I actually have something in the works right now. I can’t say more at the moment, but you should be seeing some collaborations by the end of the year from me and a talented new author.

UTC: Ack! Tease! I guess we'll find out soon! Embrace Me At Dawn is set to release next year. We first met Lucan in book 1 and I'm happy he's finally getting his HEA. What can you tell us about it?

Lucan has been through hell, and it’s not over yet. He’s going to have to endure more before he’ll get his HEA, but it’ll be everything he ever wanted and more. He’ll have a greater understanding of both himself and his heroine than he ever did in the past. They’ll both be purged of their secrets and their pain. I’m anticipating that it will be a very emotional book. I can’t wait to get started.

UTC: Thank you so much, Shayla for taking part in our Burning Up July event! For Wicked Lovers fans, Jack Cole from Wicked Ties is up for the Ultimate Dom award at Under the Covers. If you're a fan, please cast your votes here.

Shayla is giving away a SIGNED book of the winner's choice. The winner will be able to choose a book from the WICKED LOVERS backlist.
Book 1: Wicked Ties
Book 2: Decadent
Book 3: Delicious
Book 4: Surrender to Me

To enter, you must:
1. Be a follower
2. Fill out form below

Review: Surrender to Me by Shayla Black

 

 

Surrender to Me (Wicked Lovers # 4)

by Shayla Black

Erotica Romance

Surrender to Me is the fourth book in the Wicked Lovers series and while I liked Hunter from the previous books, there were times where he just scared me. I knew there would be BDSM so it wasn’t that. I just felt that Kata and Hunter stood on opposite sides of the spectrum. Hunter is an all-or-nothing kind of guy, so he expected a full surrender from Kata. But Kata just kept resisting and resisting until it just got annoying. I understand her conflicts with her stepfather and her independent nature, but all her crying and whining started to get to me.

She didn’t want to submit, so Hunter folds and agrees to sign the divorce papers and give her a romantic night without any BDSM kink. But then she realizes that she doesn’t want that and insist on doing things Hunter’s way. And let me tell you, when she surrenders completely, it’s worth it all for Hunter.

The last 100 pages or so changed the book for me. The sex scenes were somehow hotter, the pace picks up and I just thought it made up for Hunter’s sometimes scary dominance and Kata’s whining.

Also, there are appearances by Jack, Deke, Luc and Tyler! Logan, Hunter’s brother is there too and I am both scared and intrigued about him since I know for a fact that he likes administering pain for pleasure. His sex dungeon...*ahem* I mean, living room was just a tease for his upcoming book Belong To Me.

And lastly, I need to gush about Black’s writing style. I LOVE IT! Despite the hot-as-hell sex scenes and likeable characters, she writes with such ease that I always fly through her books and then kick myself for devouring them so quickly. I love love LOVE Black!

Favourite Quote:
“It’s just...” She scrubbed a hand across her face. “I keep looking for someone to share life with, someone patient. Not afraid of a mop or the stove. Even-tempered, understanding, not allergic to emotion.” She closed her eyes momentarily. “Someone sweet.”
Hunter stifled a grimace. She was describing a female with a penis.

 

Purchase links: Amazon