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Some short stories and excerpts in the issues of this newsletter have erotic content. The newsletter is intended for those 18 years of age or older who are not offended by erotic content.
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2004 Newsletter Archives January - June
Kate Hill Newsletter #5
January 2004
CONTENTS:
GREETING
EXCERPT: IN BLACK
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART ONEHappy New Year, Everyone!
I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season.
Thank you very much for the wonderful emails I received about "Holiday in Hornview." I really appreciate them.
2004 is a full year for me when it comes to new releases. There will be books in the Ancient Blood, Horsemen, and Knights of the Ruby Order series.
Over at my website, there are two new sections, one for the Knights books and another for the Ancient Blood Series. Each section has a brief intro to the series, short excerpts, and character profiles. The Knights Misc. area has a trivia quiz and a poll. At Ancient Blood, vampire Vincent Dilorenzo welcomes you into his home in the Vinnie's Playground section.
Any feedback you might have is very much appreciated.
If you would like to take a look, the pages are at: http://www.kate-hill.com/ancienthome.html and http://www.kate-hill.com/knightshome.html
This month I have a feature and a contest at The Romance Studio Blue, if you'd like to stop by and take a look at http://www.theromancestudio.com/blue
Also this year, look for "In the Arms of a Man," a short futuristic story coming out in the April/May issue of Arabella, a new romance magazine. Their website is http://www.arabellamagazine.com
Right now an erotic flash fiction "Of the Sea," can be read at Sensual Venus, a website featuring erotic works by female authors. There are many poems and stories to read at the site. http://www.sensualvenus.com
Included in this month's newsletter is part one of a new vampire serial called "The Lighthouse." I hope you enjoy it.
Have a safe and wonderful month!
Kate
UNEDITED EXCERPT FROM "IN BLACK," A QUICKIE COMING SOON FROM ELLORA'S CAVE:
"So what's wrong with him? Why is he free for a blind date?" Better to hear the horror tales now so she could decide exactly what to do with him. No matter what might happen in the long run, she was going to fuck him silly at least once. The orgasm had built since he walked on the stage. Like breath or heartbeat, there would be no stopping the inevitable.
"Nothing's wrong with him. Jacob keeps to himself. He always says he's far more comfortable on stage than off."
"Oh, sure," Ivy muttered. No man who liked to "keep to himself" publicly spouted Shakespeare in a voice so. . .She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. His masculine, marvelous scent filled her nose.
"Hello," he said from behind her.
Her heart slamming against her ribs, she turned and looked up into blue eyes fringed with short, thick lashes. He looked paler than on stage, his jaw shadowed with a hint of dark stubble. Her gaze fixed on his lower lip. He smiled calmly, though his scent grew even stronger as his body heat rose. Ivy concentrated hard, wishing she possessed more psychic talent. Unlike many others of her kind, she found things like telepathy difficult to perfect. Giving up, she relied on her powers of observation, fueled by her superior senses. She heard his pulse race and noted the desire in his eyes. It didn't take a psychic to realize her attraction was returned.
"Ivy, Jacob," Rosa said. "Jacob, Ivy. Let's get a drink and something to eat. I'm starved."
She walked out of the theater, leaving them staring at one another. Jacob extended his gloved hand. Ivy slipped hers into it, wishing he hadn't put on the winter gloves so soon. Feeling his skin against hers would have been so pleasurable.
"Did you have a nice time?" he asked.
She willed her eyes not to close in ecstasy. His voice sounded just as rich when out of character.
"You're very good. I don't think I've ever felt so drawn into a play."
"I'm glad you felt that way."
She tried appearing discreet as her eyes swept his body. A gray sweater clung to his broad shoulders and chest and gripped his thick, curved biceps. A flat stomach flowed into strong hips. The muscles of his thighs and calves pressed against his jeans. His cock bulged beneath his denim crotch.
Gazing at her, he moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue. She shivered, imagining him licking her neck.
"Are you two coming?" Rosa called from the doorway.
Together, they followed her into the winter night.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KIM, WINNER OF LAST MONTH'S CONTEST. SHE HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY PRIVATE EMAIL AND I HOPE SHE ENJOYS THE GIRL'S ONLY GIFT PACKAGE!
POLLS:
The results of last month's poll question "Would you be
interested in having a serialized romance story included in the newsletter?" are
Yes 94.29%
No 2.86 %
No Preference: 2.86%
Thank you to all who voted!This month's poll question is Do you enjoy time travel romance? Stop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For Dream Stallion:
The love scenes are hot and heavy and all the characters are strong willed and realistic.
-Patricia McGrew from http://sr.thebestreviews.com/If you are looking for a different kind of romantic fantasy with an element of danger, steamy love scenes and everlasting love, then give DREAM STALLION a try. I did and wasn’t disappointed.
-Brenda Lee from http://www.romancejunkies.com/For Much More Than Blood from the Vampires at Heart anthology:
4 Roses
Much More Than Blood is a story for all vamp lovers and definitely a must read for fans of this series.
-Mireya from http://www.aromancereview.comSERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART ONE
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
Kate Hill Newsletter #6
February 2004CONTENTS:
GREETING
UPCOMING RELEASES
GUEST AUTHOR MARDI BALLOU
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART TWOHi, everyone!
I hope you're all doing well this month. January was exciting for me because our house finally sold and we'll be moving into the new one in March.
I hope you got the chance to read the latest issue of Romantic Times Magazine. There was a lovely cover story about Ellora's Cave that's not to be missed!
My stories Knights of the Ruby Order: Lock and In Black should be out soon. I don't have exact release dates, but it shouldn't be much longer.
I've included blurbs for both stories in the Upcoming Releases section of this newsletter.
If you have a chance to stop by the Ancient Blood page http://www.kate-hill.com/ancienthome.html and click on the little vampire top 100 button on the bottom of it, I would greatly appreciate it, as the site moves up in the listing according to how many clicks the button gets!
Later this week I will be announcing a new contest on my website. Details will be posted on the contest page at http://www.kate-hill.com.
In this issue there is a new "Guest Author" section. This time the spotlight is on Mardi Ballou and her book "Hook, Wine, and Tinker."
Now for some news about the Vampire Vixens. The Vampire Vixens is a group of vampire romance authors (Dominique Adair, Angelique Armae, Jennifer Dunne, Christine Feehan, Michele Hauf, Kate Hill, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Angela Knight, Rosemary Laurey, and Candace Sams) who have a website, chat group, and newsletter. If you would like to join the Vampire Vixens chat group, just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vampire_Vixens/ I'm the list mom for that group the week of February 8th to February 14th and will be doing a giveaway a day. The prize for each day is a mini Valentine's Day promo pack with a variety of promo items from the Vampire Vixens as well as a mini heart-shaped box of chocolates, a heart pencil, a red heart-shaped cookie cutter, and flower seeds. The Vixens' bimonthly newsletter includes information about new and upcoming books, recipes, research, vampire lore, and more. You can visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vixen-news/ to sign up for the newsletter. For those of you attending the Romantic Times convention this year in New York, you can enter to win breakfast with Vixens Angelique Armae, Jennifer Dunne, Rosemary Laurey and J.C. Wilder. More information about the contest and all the Vixens can be found at http://www.vampire-vixens.com
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Let me know what you like and what you don't about this newsletter and/or my books and websites. Feedback is always appreciated.
Have a safe and wonderful month.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Kate
UPCOMING RELEASES:
Knights of the Ruby Order: Lock Coming Soon From Ellora's Cave
Sparrow, a former princess, never liked palace life. She's much happier working her farm with her best friend and former nanny, Shea-Ann. Only when Sparrow's gentle heart forces her to buy the hated pirate Lock the White, who is suffering unspeakable torture at the slave auction, does the real trouble start. Rough, tough, and spiteful, Lock seems to despise Sparrow for saving his life. Only Lock knows the truth he doesn't want to admit. He's in love with the independent young farmer whose tender touches and mouth-watering curves are driving him toward the last thing he wants: redemption.
In Black (from the Ancient Blood Series) Coming Soon From Ellora's Cave
Tall, handsome Shakespearean actor Jacob is sexy enough to curl a woman's toes. Ivy wants him on sight, but wonders just how much of her unconventional lifestyle she should reveal. Little does she know Jacob also has a secret—one that means life or death for her kind. By the end of their first date, passion explodes and an ancient danger is revealed.
GUEST AUTHOR: MARDI BALLOU
Talking With Mardi:
How long have you been writing?
All my life (a long time!), in one form or another. My first poem was published when I was in the first grade -- and I was hooked. During arithmetic class in grammar school, my friend Rona and I used to write and illustrate our own magazines filled with fashion and movie stars. Lots of writing for school and work over the years. I've written articles and stories, including "confessions", many of which were published. And in '94, soon after I moved to California, I started writing my first book -- a young adult novel published in '03. And I began writing romance in 2000.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I'm a total compulsive reader, so I love reading -- and do lots of it, in many areas. Some research, lots just for fun and escape. So for here, do you mean I can only pick one genre as my absolute favorite? Too difficult. I'll just say I enjoy all ROMANCE -- ranging from the vampires and the shifters to knock down, drag out comedy.
Would you tell us a little about your new book Hook, Wine, and Tinker?
I started with the traditional Peter Pan story and looked at it from a different angle. Surely I'm not the only person ever who found Captain Hook hot? All that pirate energy... In Hook, Wine and Tinker, Dominic Laredo, the hero, is searching for his soulmate. He's dressed as Hook when Gwyn Verde arrives at his costume party dressed as Tinkerbell. The heat between them is instant and irresistible. However, Gwyn's boyfriend Pete, dressed as -- you guessed it -- Peter Pan, does not applaud the growing attraction between his boss and his girlfriend. So which two are going to come out of this triangle together?
To you, what makes a great romance hero?
Intelligence and a sense of humor are mandatory. As this is romance, he usually needs to be great looking. Enthusiastically sensuous, generous lover, able to grow, change, and listen. Did I say hot? Definitely hot.
Are you working on any upcoming projects?
Any day now, I'm going to be doing the final edits on For Pete's Sake, the sequel to Hook, Wine and Tinker, which is scheduled for mid-2004 release. I'm just finishing and am about to send to my editor my first vampire romance, which has been a ball to write. So much fun that I've already begun to plan the sequel. I also have a romantic comedy in the planning stages and another concept that I want to sit down and develop.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Don't let my DH know, but definitely Dominic Laredo, the hero of Hook, Wine and Tinker. He's charming, hot, has all the qualities that turn me on, is an A-list billionaire, and did I mention that he speaks with a British accent?
Do you have a website and/or email address where readers can contact you?
My website, http://MardiBallou.com, has excerpts of Hook, Wine and Tinker as well as of Photo Finish, an upcoming Quickie, and contests. Contact me via Mardi@MardiBallou.com
Thanks!
Excerpt from Hook, Wine and Tinker by Mardi Ballou. Available Now From Ellora’s Cave!
Intro to the excerpt: After starting the evening dressed as Captain Hook and Tinkerbell, Dominic and Gwyn try on several other roles and costumes.
As they danced, Dominic moved slightly, thrusting his amazing cock against Gwyn so that she could nearly open her legs and straddle it.
His lips brushed hers, starting a new fire. “This is just the beginning of what Al Capone wants to do with his beautiful doll in the flapper dress. Amelia, are you ready for what comes next?”
She shivered with desire and just a hint of apprehension. After all, Al Capone wasn’t known for his angelic qualities. But she wasn’t going to let some residual nervousness come between them.
“Yes,” she said. “I’m so ready.”
He danced her over to the bed, sat her down, and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “I’ve been waiting for you to say exactly that.”
His husky voice had her vibrating to the rhythm of his words. She ran her fingers over his full lips. He took her index finger in his mouth and sucked on it. Then he kissed her, his tongue exploring her mouth tentatively, as if he hadn’t been there before. She savored his exploration, especially that he was taking time now to relearn the territory of her tongue, her teeth. And with a sigh, she joined him in this other dance, amazed at how new it felt to be kissing him. Before she’d thought she could spend her life dancing with him. Now she knew she wanted to spend her life kissing him.
He gently took off her cloche and ran his fingers over her wig. It was fun being a redhead for this short time, playing with the whole new identity this simple change brought. When he touched her, no matter what color or style her hair was, she felt totally beautiful. She was totally beautiful.
“Let’s get out of these clothes,” he said softly.
Gwyn nearly laughed. Putting on the clothes had been quite a chore only to be undone in a short time. Still, she was delighted to be getting naked with him again because of what would happen between them next. But everything she was wearing was so lovely, she didn’t just want to throw it all off. She wanted to imbue each gesture with profound and special meaning for Dominic—and herself. And she wanted to feast her eyes on the way he took off his clothes.
“You first,” she said.
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is it your turn to give orders again?” She might have worried that his question revealed some anger if the playful tone of his voice and his amused smile hadn’t told her he was just having fun.
Playing along with the actual words he said, she hung her head and said, “I’m sorry, Al. I forgot my place. It’s just that I so want to run my eyes and hands over your magnificent form.”
“Tell you what,” he said. “I will undress first if you will permit me to watch you touch yourself under your dress while I remove my clothes.”
To find out what happens next, see http://www.MardiBallou.com
NEXT MONTH'S GUEST AUTHOR: DENISE AGNEW http://www.tlt.com/authors/deniseagnew.htm
POLLS:
Yes 65.96%
No 4.26% I'll read it, but it's not one of my favorites 29.79%Thank you to all who voted!
This month's poll question is Do you like stories featuring male virgins? Stop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For Dream Stallion:
If you like hot steamy sex then this book is for you.
-Sophie Murphy from The Best Reviews http://thebestreviews.com/SERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART TWO
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
Kate Hill Newsletter #7
March 2004CONTENTS:
GREETING
NEW RELEASES
UPCOMING RELEASES
GUEST AUTHOR DENISE AGNEW
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART THREEHi, everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines' Day and a great February in general. It was a busy month for me since I'm in the process of moving to a new house in a new state. From now until March 15th I'll have very little Internet access since I'm staying in a temporary home until I'm able to move into the new one, so that's why I'm sending this newsletter early and why I might be late answering my emails. :-) I'll still be choosing a winner for the newsletter contest on March 1st and will make sure he/she is contacted so I can mail the prize. Be sure to check below for this month's contest. On March 30th The Romance Studio is hosting my chat at 9 pm EST, so please join me if you can at http://www.theromancestudio.com I'd hate to be alone in the chatroom! I'm pleased to announce two new releases, In Black and Knights of the Ruby Order: Lock. Blurbs for both are included in this newsletter, and both stories are available from http://www.ellorascave.com Sneak previews of the covers for Darkness Therein and God of the Grim have been posted on this group's homepage in the Photo section under Book Covers. If you get a chance, check them out and let me know what you think.
I hope you all have a wonderful month! Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or suggestions (but I might be slow in replying until after March 15th!).
Thank you for being a subscriber to this newsletter.
Kate
NEW RELEASES
Ancient Blood: In Black
Tall, handsome Shakespearean actor Jacob is sexy enough to curl a woman’s toes. Ivy wants him on sight, but wonders just how much of her unconventional lifestyle she should reveal. Little does she know Jacob also has a secret-one that means life or death for her kind. By the end of their first date, passion explodes and an ancient danger is revealed.
Knights of the Ruby Order: Lock
Sparrow, a former princess, never liked palace life. She's much happier working her farm with her best friend and former nanny, Shea-Ann. Only when Sparrow's gentle heart forces her to buy the hated pirate Lock the White, who is suffering unspeakable torture at the slave auction, does the real trouble start. Rough, tough, and spiteful, Lock seems to despise Sparrow for saving his life. Only Lock knows the truth he doesn't want to admit. He's in love with the independent young farmer whose tender touches and mouth-watering curves are driving him toward the last thing he wants: redemption.
UPCOMING RELEASES:
Ancient Blood: The Darkness Therein Soon to be re-released From Ellora's Cave!
Tall, blond, and oozing power like no man Charlie has ever met before, Jocelyn Ayer seems bent on turning her life upside down. She has little choice in yielding to his commands, not when she is threatened by a fanged maniac and Jocelyn is the only one with the strength to stop him.
The last thing a vengeful six-hundred-year-old vampire wants is to fall in love with a young art major. Still, he cannot ignore the passion and love Charlie ignites inside him. She is the only one who can soothe the pain in his soul and resurrect the man hidden beneath the monster.
GUEST AUTHOR: DENISE AGNEW
What is your favorite genre to read?
Romance, of course. :)
You write in several genres. Do you have a favorite?
I'll admit that romantic suspense is my favorite to write, with paranormal romance a very close second. I often mix the two in one story.
Is there a genre in which you haven't yet written that you would like to?
Futuristic romance is something I haven't written but plan to do align="left" so within a year or so.
Would you tell us a little about your current and upcoming projects?
My latest title out is COMBUSTION (Treble Heart Books http://www.trebleheartbooks.com) which is a firefighter romantic suspense.The novel revolves around a Montana town that is dealing with an arsonist. Sometimes blurbs explain better, so I'm posting my blurb right here: Old secrets. Heinous crimes. A desire so hot it threatens to explode. Former smoke jumper Autumn MacAllister returns to Montana after tragedy almost takes her life. She doesn't expect the chubby, insecure boy she once knew to have turned into a virile man with a mind-blowing smile. Firefighter Jack Dillon never forgot his childhood crush on Autumn, or the devastating blaze that melded their lives together. Now she's back and creating havoc in his heart, and he can't ignore the banked tension between them that threatens to ignite. Now they must combine forces when an arsonist threatens to burn their city, and an old enemy threatens to create a flashover that may consume all they hold dear. My upcoming Ellora's Cave release will be out at the end of February and is the second in my vampire trilogy. It's called DEEP IS THE NIGHT: DARK FIRE. The Ancient One still prowls the earth, ready to finish what he started. Pine Forest hasn't seen anything yet.Micky Gunn arrives in Pine Forest hoping she's left behind the Shadow People who have haunted her all her life. Yet from the first day she arrives in town, it's clear they've followed her and that something sinister lurks deep within the tunnels under her uncle's old inn. Police detective Jared Thorne doesn't believe in the supernatural, but when he discovers gutsy Micky is in danger, he'll keep her close and fight the Ancient One determined to take Micky from him forever. As far as upcoming projects, I'll be working on finishing WICKED LESSONS which is the third in my Taggert Security Team series for Treble Heart Books. I'll also be doing a romantic suspense/paranormal/action/adventure for Ellora's Cave called PRIMORDIAL.There are a few other things in the works, too, so I'm one busy lady. :)
To you, what makes a great romance hero?
This is a tough one! I find myself particularly drawn to characters that are fully developed and have something about them that is unique from the usual. Men who are a mixture of beta and alpha and who would die for their woman are perfect heroes to me.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Probably Grace from LOVE FROM THE ASHES. She was caught up in the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906. Her character was a blend of the old and new, and I think she was probably a lot like many of the women living in that time and place.
Do you have a website and/or email address where readers can contact you?
My website is http://www.tlt.com/authors/deniseagnew.htm. My email is danovelist@earthlink.net
Excerpt from Deep is the Night: Night Watch by Denise Agnew:
No, she never would have imagined all this could happen in two days. "You must think I'm like one of those too-stupid-to-live heroines who will go into the basement when she knows there's a monster in there. But I know there isn't a monster, and this isn't a movie. I can't let my demons." She rubbed her forehead. "The basement is so strange. The darkness in there is like a siphon sucking the very life out of the earth."
"An interesting way to describe it."
"Didn't you feel it when you were down there?"
"Feel what?"
"The darkness. It was like a live thing."
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind."
"Tell me," he said. "Or I'll think of a way to get it out of you."
Micky shivered. Spoken in a deep, thrillingly heated rumble, his demand took on a double entendre. Heat shot into her belly.
Taking up the challenge, she smiled away her lack of confidence. She turned toward him, breaking his hold on her. "You mentioned handcuffs once. Is that what you plan to use?"
eat notched up in his gaze. "I'll use whatever weapons I have." His pupils dilated, his nostrils flared the tiniest increment.
A little nervous with the game, but wanting to play it out, she tried to appear nonchalant. "So you have an entire arsenal?"
"Oh, yeah," he said softly. "A very large one."
Warmth slipped through her body and replaced the cold terror she'd felt earlier. With Jared she felt safe, even though the expression in his eyes looked hungry and purposeful. A part of her felt totally out of control. She wanted him to leave but she craved this mad thrumming sexuality beating between them.
"Aren't you going to ask me where I keep my weapons?" he asked.
Oh, I know where you keep at least one weapon, Mr. Thornton.
"Turn around," he said.
She turned back around and his hands went to her waist.
Jared's touch brushed feather light, undemanding as he traced her waistline. Micky thought she could feel anything and everything in that second, a long sweep of tenderness and desire. When he'd kissed her in the hallway last night she hadn't imagined they'd be in her room now, edging toward intimacy. His body pressed against hers promised more than she could have dreamed. Every shift of his powerfully muscled frame against her held meaning, each touch profound.
Relaxing against him, she savored masculine hardness. His chest felt broad and supportive, hips nudging her ass so she could feel his growing erection. He tipped his hips more firmly into her, and his right hand splayed over her belly. Jared's palms seared the moment into her brain forever.
This was it. She could run now, or she could take him up on the offer implicit in the way he touched her.
As his breath tickled her ear, he placed an exquisite kiss to her lobe, then his tongue flicked and traced the shell with detailed attention.
"Tell me if you want me to leave. Tell me now," he whispered huskily.
"Otherwise, I can promise I won't be able to keep my hands off you."
NEXT MONTH'S GUEST AUTHOR: SAHARA KELLY
POLLS:
The results of last month's poll question "Do you like stories featuring male virgins?" are:
No 14.04%
Depends on the story 63.16%
Yes 22.81%Thank you to all who voted!
This month's poll question: What story length(s) do you like best?
Stop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For "In Black"
This book is a great blend of eroticism, romance, and secrets. The characters are sexy and passionate, for each other and for life.
-Enya Adrian from http://www.romrevtoday.comSERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART THREE
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
Kate Hill Newsletter #8
April 2004CONTENTS:
GREETING
NEW RELEASES
UPCOMING RELEASES
GUEST AUTHOR SAHARA KELLY
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART FOURHi, everyone!
I hope you're all doing great. I finally moved completely into my new home in New Hampshire and am getting settled, which feels terrific. A new cat, Patches, has also joined us. She's an adorable long haired white cat with gray and tan patches on her face and tail. I hope to have a picture of her soon to upload into the pet photos section. She's just starting to get along with Rinki Dink, but gets along so well with Otis that they sleep together.
On March 30th The Romance Studio hosted my chat and it was a lot of fun. Thanks to those who were there and I hope you enjoyed it, too!
I'm also thrilled that my short story "In the Arms of a Man" is in the April/May issue of Arabella magazine. http://www.arabellamagazine.com Check it out if you have the chance!
This month's guest author is Sahara Kelly, a terrific romance novelist who has written The Sun God's Woman, The Glass Stripper, and a series of Erotic Regency Quickies among many other books. There is an interview with Sahara below as well as an excerpt from her book "The Gypsy Lovers." Also, a new guest author section has been added under links on this group's homepage listing the author's name, website address, and the month he/she was guest author.
New book covers have been uploaded in this group's photo section. Covers for the upcoming Forever Midnight (anthology with shapeshifter stories from R Casteel and Elizabeth Jewell), Immaculate (Ancient Blood series), and Captive Stallion (Horsemen series) have been added.
Your feedback is very important to me, so if you have a moment, please answer the poll questions for my Ancient Blood series at http://www.kate-hill.com/ancientpolls.html Be sure to enter the drawing at the bottom of the page for a free download of one of my Ellora's Cave titles. The drawing will be on April 10th, when the poll closes.
If you don't know about the new ellora's cave chat group for authors and readers and would like to sign up, just visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat/
Thank you and have a fantastic month!
Kate
http://www.kate-hill.comNEW RELEASES
Ancient Blood: The Darkness Therein
Available From Ellora's Cave!Tall, blond, and oozing power like no man Charlie has ever met before, Jocelyn Ayer seems bent on turning her life upside down. She has little choice in yielding to his commands, not when she is threatened by a fanged maniac and Jocelyn is the only one with the strength to stop him.
The last thing a vengeful six-hundred-year-old vampire wants is to fall in love with a young art major. Still, he cannot ignore the passion and love Charlie ignites inside him. She is the only one who can soothe the pain in his soul and resurrect the man hidden beneath the monster.
UPCOMING RELEASES:
Captive Stallion
Coming Soon from Ellora's Cave!For years Susana and Moor have buried their attraction to one another. Susana, a human healer, is much younger than the shapeshifting Horseman who is also her best friend's foster father. To them, anything more than friendship is unacceptable, until they experience the legendary dream sharing that binds a Horseman to his destined mate. With Moor's help, Susana overcomes her fear of flying to ride her lover in the most famous endurance race in the world. Their happiness seems as fated as their love. Then Moor is enslaved in the Vertue Mountains, and Susana must risk everything to save him.
The winner of last month's contest for a free download and a sterling silver fangs charm is Bonnie from FL. She has been contacted by personal email so she can claim her prize. Congratulations, Bonnie from FL!
GUEST AUTHOR: SAHARA KELLY
Talking with Sahara:
Your books take place in several different time periods. Do you have a favorite time period to write about?
I suppose I should say the Regency, since my reading and writing background, not to mention my British upbringing, makes me very comfortable there, but to be honest, I love all of them. From Ancient Sumer to the future, there's always something fun to write about. I recently tried Medievals and loved them, but then I had to come back to contemporary times - I missed hairdryers and microwaves! LOL
Writers often have several characters running around their head at once. How do you decide which character you’re going to write about next?
It's more a decision they make, I think. Yes, I have a bunch of characters and story ideas buzzing at any given time...I just listen and figure out who is buzzing loudest, because that's the story that needs to be written next. And to think some people take medication for voices in their heads!
Would you tell us a little about your current and upcoming projects?
Well, my next Regency, "The Gypsy Lovers", is finished and ready for release - probably April or so. Currently I'm about to start edits on "Partners in Passion 2 - No Limits", which I've co-written with Scott Carpenter. We're both very thrilled and excited about this story - it was an absolute joy to write and Scott wore me out!
We're hoping it might be released in late Spring. Right now I'm working on a contemporary story revolving around an all-night video store (tentatively titled "All Night Videos") which is the first of two stories in a series, and then...well, time to sit back and listen to those voices again. Of course, "Partners in Passion 3" is already taking shape. I've discovered what fun it is to share a writing experience with a wild man. Can't imagine NOT having something brewing with him. To you, what makes a great romance hero?
Oh boy. Tough question. Sure, he has to be good in bed (duh), but I think his ability to lose himself in the heroine is of major importance. To have him focus completely on her, physically, sexually, emotionally - well, it's pretty darn romantic. Especially when it catches him by surprise. That's fun! LOL
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Oh my! Another tough question. Give me a night with Justin from "Partners in Passion 1", and I'll be a happy woman the next morning! Or Kyle Pendrake from "The Sun God's Woman". LOL...Um... The problem is, I like them all. I suppose if I had to pick just one, though, it would probably be the Guardian from "Alana's Magic Lamp". That character came to life in my mind in the oddest way. It was the first time it had ever happened during my writing career - I could SEE him, hear him...knew what he was thinking...(he looked a lot like Oded Fehr from The Mummy, by the way
) and he convinced me that I had found a writing home with Romanticas. He's special. Wh align="left"at do you like most about writing romances?
Uh....so many things. I think most of all, I love the characters. For me, they're the heart of the story. I love creating two different people and then watching them fall in love with each other, overcoming whatever life has put in their way and finding happiness together. It's fantasy - I can put them in whatever environment I like - but essentially, it's touching the fundamental need of people to find the right person to love. I have to admit to being a bit of a research junkie, too...I love the process of digging up facts about new times and places, and letting what I learn add to the story. I guess the whole process is special for me. And when I discovered the pleasure of writing with someone else who thinks like me (I know, scary thing...LOL) it just got even better. And the sex got hotter...and wilder...and...I think I sort of lost track of the question here....LOL
Do you have a website and/or email address where readers can contact you?
I do indeed. When I'm not writing I'm doing graphic art, another thing I love, and I am very happy playing with my assorted software and putting the pictures in my head onto my hard drive. I was fortunate enough to do many of my early covers for Ellora's Cave, and now I'm working for other epublishers as a freelance cover artist. My website features a lot of my graphics...I do all my own design and maintenance (with help from others on the tecchie stuff, of course), and I love it when people stop by - even if only to play Space Invaders or Tetris in my Games Room. LOL You can find me at www.saharakelly.com and my email is pretty much the same... sahara@saharakelly.com
Thanks so much for giving me this chance to chat, Kate...and good luck with your upcoming releases, too. (As a note to your readers.... they should make sure to read your Vampire series if they haven't already...starting with "The Darkness Therein" - best vampire s tories I've ever read. Period.)
Thank you very much, Sahara!
Excerpt from Sahara Kelly's THE GYPSY LOVERS
Madelyne Eventyde struggled to catch her breath. For the last few minutes, she'd been held captive by the sound of an incredible and heart-wrenching melody, drifting through the night to where she sat perched next to the waterfall.
The chattering waters had been a counterpoint to the soaring chords and almost painfully beautiful sounds, and had frozen her to the spot as she listened to the music.
And now he was here. Standing a few yards away from her, violin in one hand, bow in the other.
She knew who he was, of course. One of the Gypsies she'd been forbidden to meet. Along with everyone else her father invited to Eventyde Manor these days.
No one ever had the chance to greet the daughter of the house. The shamed daughter. The one who had brought such social scandal down upon the Eventyde name.. The one who had nearly dishonored them all, and sent five hundred years of proud heritage tumbling downstream along with the river that burbled at her feet.
Or so her father had told her, anyway.
The man was watching her, and she knew she had to move. To leave before he could speak to her and bring down even more of her father's wrath upon her head.
But as she stood, he neared her, his footsteps light and almost silent as he crossed the grass towards her.
"You are real," he breathed.
Madelyne couldn't help herself. She chuckled. "Indeed yes. But perhaps your music wasn't. Nothing that beautiful could be of earthly origin. I am thinking you must have an angel dancing on your bow."
He smiled, teeth flashing white against his dark complexion. "Perhaps it was you."
Madelyne drew back a little, unsure of herself now that he was so close to her. "I'm no angel, sir."
One dark eyebrow lifted a little. "Are you sure? You are here, in the moonlight, as silver as the rays that light our paths. Insubstantial as the mist, beautiful as the flowers I passed along the way...I think that qualifies for the title of 'angel'?"
Madelyne felt an unusual sensation flood through her as this tall man swept bold eyes up her body.
"Forgive me for disturbing your composition, sir. I will take my leave and let you return to the pursuit of your muse."
Her brain was telling her to get away from him now, before the damage was done. Her heart was telling her other things.
NEXT MONTH'S GUEST AUTHOR: ALICIA SPARKS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alicia_sparks_61/POLLS:
The results of last month's poll question "What story length (s) do you like best?" are:
Short fiction (Print Books) 8 7.69%
Novels (Print Books) 34 32.69%
Short Fiction (Ebooks) 5 4.81%
Novels (Ebooks) 19 18.27%
I don’t care about length as long as the story is good 38 36.54%Thank you to all who voted!
This month's poll question is: What features would you like to see in this newsletter? Stop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For IN BLACK
One of the things I like the most about Kate Hills vampires is that they are made to seem more human than monsters. Julia from The Romance Studio http://www.theromancestudio.com
IN BLACK is a wonderful short story from Ellora’s Cave, full of sensations and a dash of suspense. Robyn S. from Love Romances http://www.loveromances.com
Ms. Hill beautifully draws the lushly sensual worlds of the theater and vampires. Lady Luck from Fallen Angel Reviews http://www.fallenangelreviews.com
Jacob was very sexy, and it was easy to imagine him on stage. Dani Jacquel from Just Erotic Romance Reviews http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com
In Black is a great quick read when you want a good story, but have limited time. Angel BrewerJust Erotic Romance Reviews http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com
Passion singes the pages of IN BLACK as their relationship begins to unfold. Bea Sigman from Romance Junkies http://www.romancejunkies.com
Kate Hill has written a magnetic story of Fate playing games of love among enemies. Tina Burns from Road to Romance http://www.roadtoromance.ca
For KNIGHTS OF THE RUBY ORDER: LOCK
Knights of the Ruby Order: Lock is a story of hope as well as a romantic and highly erotic one. Mireya Orsini from Road to Romance http://www.roadtoromance.ca
This is a truly stellar novel, with well-motivated characters whose dynamic personalities drive the story every step of the way. Barb Chan Just Erotic Romance Reviews http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JustEroticRomanceReviews/join
It was an entertaining read on all bases. Dani Jacquel Just Erotic Romance Reviews http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JustEroticRomanceReviews/join
For DARKNESS THEREIN
Jocelyn is every woman’s dream with his sensual vampire nature and dominant attitude. He knows what has to be done and does it.
Angel Brewer from Just Erotic Romance Reviews
http://www.justeroticromancereviews.comThe sex is good; the flashbacks at the beginning are very hot.
Julie Bryan from Just Erotic Romance Reviews
http://www.justeroticromancereviews.comSERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART FOUR
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
Kate Hill Newsletter #9
May 2004CONTENTS:
GREETING
NEW RELEASES
UPCOMING RELEASES
GUEST AUTHOR ALICIA SPARKS
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART FIVEHi, everyone!
I hope you've had a terrific month. Those who celebrated Easter, I hope you had a great one!
This month, I'm pleased to announce that my short story "St. Augustine's Silhouettes" has been accepted by Echelon Press (http://www.echelonpress.com) as a dollar download. It is a story about a man with a connection to serial killers and loosely involves Jack the Ripper. More info about the story is forthcoming. If you would like to talk with Echelon authors and readers, please visit http://echelonpress.netfirms.com/EPReader/nfphpbb/
If you would like to read some free short fiction, I have a new science fiction romance called "Voice in the Storm" at the Sensual Venus website (http://www.sensualvenus.com).
This month's guest author is Alicia Sparks, author of the delicious erotic romance Better Than Ice Cream. Below is an interview with Alicia as well as an excerpt from her book.
The results of last month's poll have inspired some new features for this group. Sections have been added in the database for you to add recommendations for your favorite books and movies. Feel free to add as many as you like at any time. The last feature will be scheduled chats that will be coming soon. Thank you for taking the time to vote in the poll!
A group of Ellora's Cave authors have gotten together for a contest. There are lots of great prizes being offered. For details, please visit http://www.kate-hill.com/co.html
Last, on May 20, 2004, there is a chat at 9 pm EST at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks/ Please come if you can!
See you next month,
Kate
NEW RELEASES
Captive Stallion (Book 2 of the Horsemen Series)
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-84360-832-4For years Susana and Moor have buried their attraction to one another. Susana, a human healer, is much younger than the shapeshifting Horseman who is also her best friend's foster father. To them, anything more than friendship is unacceptable, until they experience the legendary dream sharing that binds a Horseman to his destined mate. With Moor's help, Susana overcomes her fear of flying to ride her lover in the most famous endurance race in the world. Their happiness seems as fated as their love. Then Moor is enslaved in the Vertue Mountains, and Susana must risk everything to save him.
UPCOMING RELEASES
Immaculate (Ancient Blood Series)
Coming Soon from Ellora's Cave!The victim of a brutal rape, Mara teeters on the brink of insanity. Flashbacks that hint of an evil beyond belief have driven her to study supernatural legends. Only when she meets Adam Lindsay, an incredibly attractive young man battling demons of his own, does she realize that her worst fears are real. The joining of mortal and vampire conjures sweet love and breathtaking pleasure—pleasure that may just prove deadly to one of them.
GUEST AUTHOR: ALICIA SPARKS
Talking with Alicia:
How long have you been writing?
Seriously, about three years, but I've always written.
What is your favorite romance sub-genre?
Right now, it's contemporary because my last two WIPs have been futuristic and I'm ready to get back to earth and some good ol' country boys!
Would you tell us about your new book "Dragon's Law?"
Dragon's Law is going to be a series of three books. (2 books, one novella) The first is Damon, a man who is still trying to come to terms with the dragon who lives inside him and the woman who thinks her destiny is to kill him. The second is Mace, a novella in the Tales from the Temple II for the summer. Mace is a badass who wants nothing to do with women outside the bedroom. According to dragon law, when a woman mates with a dragon during the dark moon period, she is bound to him for a month. So, when Mace wakes up with a human firmly planted on his, uh...lance, he is furious! What happens next is a wonderful story of giving in to fate when necessary. The last one in the series will hopefully be out in 2005. It deals with twins, Trader and Kore, who are ripped from their land and sent to earth. I can't spill much about this one now.
Would you give us a sneak peak of some of your upcoming projects?
I have so many! Other than the Dragon's Law series, I am also working on some fun contemporaries for next year as well as a couple of contemporary paranormals. I work for several publishers, so later on this year, I have a modern fairy tale coming from NCP (Into the Garden) and a contemporary shapeshifter for Triskelion (Bayou Gold). I also have a werewolf story for NCP if I ever get around to completing it!
To you, what makes a great romance hero?
I think the idea of redemption drives a lot of my heroes. I love the idea of the tragic male, which is why most of my villains end up with their own stories. But I also like fun characters like Ryan in Better Than Ice Cream. It’s fun to laugh when I’m fed up with Mr. Angst. But I think a great romance hero is the guy who doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve and whose love you have to earn but who, in the end, falls in love really hard and forever.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
I loved Ryan in Better Than Ice Cream, so he’s my favorite as far as things you guys will be seeing this year. However, overall, Grey from Rock Candy, a WIP about a tragically beautiful musician, is my all-time favorite. Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with a particular musician. Well, he inspired this story and I would LOVE to meet him!
Do you have a website and/or email address where readers can reach you?
www.aliciasparks.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alicia_sparks_61 alicia_sparks_61@yahoo.comThe reason for all the “61” is that’s my birthday, June 1.
Excerpt from Better Than Ice Cream by Alicia Sparks Available from http://www.ellorascave.com
“Don’t eat that!” Laura was clearly out of breath and standing on the bottom step.
“Eat what?” He took in the spoonful and smiled, thinking he’d rather take in a spoonful of her.
“Great, just great.” She climbed up the steps, obviously flustered by what she had witnessed.
“Damn good ice cream,” he licked his lips. “Want some?” he held the carton out to her and then snatched it away when she tried to take it. “Uh-uh. Gotta say please first,”he teased, liking the idea of having her beg.
“Give me that,” she reached for it again, only to have him hold it above his head.
She had two options, she could leave him alone and let him eat the stuff or she could climb up his chest and take it from him. Ryan welcomed the latter.
“Is it poison or something?”
“No.”
“Then it’s mine. You sent it over.”
“No, I didn’t. My sister did.”
“How is Amanda, anyway?”
“Fine. Look, give me the ice cream.”
“You don’t know…” she trailed off.
“I don’t know what? How to handle it? I’m a big boy, Laura. I think I can manage to eat your orgasm ice cream and contain myself,” he let his voice drop as he spoke,knowing his voice usually had a magical touch with the ladies. If her shiver was any indication, he still had it.
“You’ve been warned.”
“Come join me,” he headed for the porch swing. “Maybe we could share.” Visions from his shower flooded his brain. A cold ice cream flavored mouth on his dick. His hard-on was back with a vengeance and threatening to blow his cool cover.
She stared after him. It only took two strides for him to reach the swing and casually sit down. He took another big spoonful into his mouth and licked the remainder off the spoon, being sure to dart his tongue out as he did. He watched her green eyes darken. Oh, yeah. She wanted him. And he wanted nothing more than to lick ice cream from her spoon.
She shook her head. “I don’t want any.”
“Shame. It sure is good. In fact, I think I’m gonna come right now.” He threw his head back and let out a howl.
“You’re funny, LeJeune. Now give me the ice cream.”
He laughed, a full belly laugh. “You should see yourself. You don’t get out much, do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you’re all worked up over losing a carton of ice cream. I think,” he pointed the spoon at her, “that it’s been so long since you’ve had a real orgasm you don’t know what to do with yourself.”
“My sex life is none of your concern,” she folded her arms, tried to sound tough.
Ryan could see right through it. Her seduction act last night had been smoke and mirrors. The CEO of the orgasm ice cream company hadn’t gotten any lately. If her customers found out, it could ruin her business.
“You’ve been figured out, lady.” Placing the ice cream carton on the swing, he took two steps back to her and stood over her, arms folded, a challenge in waiting. To kiss her or not to kiss her? He’d only had a tiny taste last night. Now that he figured out her secret, he wanted a lot more. Inching toward her, he watched as she backed away a little with each step he took. “Two more steps and you’ll fall off the porch,” he warned.
She shot him a dirty look. “You’re awfully full of yourself.”
“Nope. Right now, I’m full of orgasm ice cream. Tell me, Laura, how does it make you feel? Is it a long orgasm? Multiple? Or just enough to take the edge off?” He watched her eyes flicker. “That’s it. It just takes the edge off. So, the question is, how long have you been replacing sex with ice cream? How long have you been walking around on the edge?”
She put her hands up against his chest, holding him back. He cornered her against the porch railing. When she looked up into his eyes, he saw the answer right there. Too damned long. She didn’t speak, didn’t protest as he lowered his head to her. Instead, she raised up to meet his kiss. And floored him with that tiny motion.
Ryan pulled her into him the way he wanted to since he first saw her last night. Laura Reynolds. She smelled like sugar, tasted like sugar. But she wasn’t a no-calorie, no-fat substitute. She was the real thing. And she was moaning into his mouth, writhing against him. And he was hard as a rock.
He lifted her against him, wanting her heat pressed up against his hardness. Her hands were in his hair now, which was damp from the heat rather than the cold shower. If he were lucky, he wouldn’t need a cold shower again. To hell with his talk of nobility. To hell with his declared celibacy. Bring on the whipped cream!
POLLS:
The results of last month's poll question "What features would you like to see in this newsletter?" are:A related group or message board where you can post messages 8 10.39%
Scheduled chats using this group's chatroom 16 20.78%
Leave the chatroom open to use at any time 3 3.90%
A recommended reading section in the database where you can add recommendations for books and authors you like 35 45.45%
A recommended movie section in the database where you can add recommendations for movies you like 13 16.88%
Don't add anything 2 2.60%
I chose the top three and added those features. Thank you to all who voted!
This month's poll question is: If you would like to join us for chats at this group, what time is best for you?
Stop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For IN BLACK
This one is highly recommended!
Sharon from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sizzlingromances/join
http://sizzlingromances.tripod.comFor KNIGHTS OF THE RUBY ORDER: LOCK
KNIGHTS OF THE RUBY ORDER: LOCK is a wonderfully erotic tale of true love and redemption.
Chere from www.romancejunkies.comA definite keeper!
Julia from http://www.theromancestudio.comPassion, adventure and a "bad boy" absolutely make this book worth reading!
JoAnn from Fallen Angel ReviewsFor DARKNESS THEREIN
DARKNESS THEREIN entwines seductive intrigue, red-hot sexuality, and heart pounding action.
Enya Adrian from http://www.romrevtoday.com5 Angels!
Darkness Therein is a page-turner, a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Jill from Fallen Angel ReviewsFor DREAM STALLION
Kate Hill's fanciful romance contains beguiling characters and descriptive sex Susan Mitchell from Romantic Times Magazine
SERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART FIVE
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
Kate Hill Newsletter #10
June 2004CONTENTS:
GREETING
CHAT
POLLS
REVIEWS
SERIAL "THE LIGHTHOUSE" PART SIXHi, Everyone!
First, I apologize for the lateness of this newsletter. Because of some family issues, I had to delay completing it.
I hope you all had a great month of May and are enjoying June so far.
It has been an exciting month for me. Vampire Master, the first book in my new vampire series (tentatively titled Blood and Soul) has been accepted by Changeling Press (http://www.changelingpress.com).
This month I don't have a guest author, but next month you can look forward to an interview with J. C. Wilder.
Just for fun, a web journal for vampire Vincent Dilorenzo has been added to the Ancient Blood site. You can view it at http://www.kate-hill.com/ancientvinjourn.html
Also check out the contest page of my site at http://www.kate-hill.com/co.html for details about the Captive Stallion Name the Baby contest.
A new cover has been designed for one of my older titles Deep Red. It is posted on this group's homepage this month.
Sections have been added to this group's database where you can recommend your favorite books and movies. If you have a chance, go ahead and add some. I've added a few of mine, but they're starting to feel lonely!
Happy reading, everybody, and I'll see you next month!
Kate
CHAT: PLEASE JOIN ME FOR A CHAT AT THIS GROUP'S HOMEPAGE ON WEDNESDAY JULY 28TH FROM 9 - 10 PM EST. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
UPCOMING RELEASES
NEXT MONTH'S GUEST AUTHOR: J. C. WILDER http://www.jcwilder.com
POLLS:
This month's poll question is: How do you feel about threesome stories in which the men have sex with each other as well as their female partner?
I enjoy reading them
I hate reading them
I would consider reading them if the stories interested me enoughStop by the polls section at the group's homepage and cast your vote!
REVIEWS:
For CAPTIVE STALLION
Captive Stallion is something fantasy romance fans should definitely add to their libraries. In fact, it's a book I'd recommend to anyone looking for an emotional erotic romance.
Dani Jacquel from Just Erotic Romance Reviews
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JustEroticRomanceReviewsKate Hill has written another excellent story about these sexy Horsemen. A must read.
Ruby from Fallen Angel Reviews
http://www.fallenangelreviews.comFor KNIGHTS OF THE RUBY ORDER: LOCK
Ladies, grab the ice water and prepare yourselves. Lock is HOT!
Edith Morrison from Romance Reviews TodayFor DARKNESS THEREIN
5 Hearts!
A superb book!!
Sara Sawyer from The Romance StudioFor IN BLACK
It did leave me wanting to read more by Kate Hill, especially about her vampires, so I can recommend it with confidence.
Gillian Fitzgerald from Sensual Romance ReviewsSERIAL: THE LIGHTHOUSE BY KATE HILL PART SIX
To read THE LIGHTHOUSE, click here.
To visit the webrings the Kate Hill site belongs to, go here!
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