Kerri Nelson and Courting Demons...and a very cool prize!

Welcome, Kerri! We've been seeing your gorgeous cover around and it's great that you could stop by today. Can you tell us a bit about the story of Courting Demons?

Blurb:
Paisley Barton was already having a bad day before she turned her husband into a rat.
First, she was fired by her boss and then came home to find hubby in the shower with a naked blonde chick. They say that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned but this break-up may just unleash hell on Earth when Paisley casts a spell of vengeance against her philandering husband.
After her spell casting inadvertently opens a portal between dimensions, Paisley finds her family home transformed into a nightly courtroom for settling disputes between demons of the underworld and she’s the judge! If that’s not enough, she’s got to deal with a charming, ancient demon named Camden who wants to be her personal bodyguard while trying to explain her husband’s sudden, mysterious disappearance to sexy police Detective Dalton Briggs.
But Paisley will show them all that an everyday working mom is better equipped than most to deal with the mystical mayhem…and with a tempting demon hottie and a flirtatious young detective vying for her affection, she soon learns that being single again isn’t so bad after all.
“When a wronged wife turns her cheating husband into a rat, you know you have to keep reading! Kerri Nelson offers up a lot of fun and wild magic in Courting Demons!” --Bestselling author, Linda Wisdom, Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend

Author Bio:
Kerri Nelson discovered her love of writing at an early age and soon became a columnist for her local newspaper winning the Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year Award for her efforts.

After a fifteen year career in the legal field, Kerri fulfilled her lifelong dream of publication and is now an award winning multi-published author of nearly every genre under the sun (and moon) and also writes young adult fiction under the penname K.G. Summers.

A true southern belle, she comes complete with a dashing southern gentleman and three adorable children for whom she often bakes many homemade treats.

Kerri is an active member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America as well as numerous chapters including Futuristic Fantasy & Paranormal Writers and her Presidency of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.


Read more about Kerri’s books at her website: www.kerrinelson.com
Follow her on Twitter here.
Visit her industry blog, The Book Boost Blog here.

Buy Links (print and e-book versions available 9/15 wherever books are sold but here’s the publisher link—free gift available with purchase of print copy—while supplies last)

or
Amazon.com


Giveaway for the day:
Leave a question or comment to be entered to win today’s prize: A Mini Spa Kit!

Then, enter to win my book tour Grand Prize Kindle by following me on tour and e-mailing me the answers to each question of the day at the end of tour. The more questions you answer, the more entries you gain.
Question of the Day:
What was the name of the newspaper column I wrote in high school?

Details on how to enter to win the GRAND PRIZE Kindle at the end of my “Dark Days of Demons Tour” located here.



Excerpt link for Courting Demons.


Guest Blog:

Sexy + Mom = YOU!
Don’t you wish every day was Mother’s Day?

Unfortunately for most of us Moms—we don’t feel the love as much as we should. Particularly when we allow our kids to rule our lives (including our sex lives). Oh no! Feeling like a Mom and feeling like a sexy woman don’t always go hand in hand.

I recently found a great site which listed TEN ways to help us feel sexy again and courtesy of SmartMomma.com, I’m going to share those with you today along with my comments and suggestion on each (I have different takes on these ideas than they do).

Here we go…

1. Buy New Lingerie.
Kerri’s suggestion: Or…buy a book that has a sexy mom interacting with a sexy hero. There’s nothing like playing out a fantasy in your mind that will tempt you to play out one in real life.
2. Strip for him.
Kerri’s suggestion: Well, okay…not bad but I know a lot of men just want to get to the action. So, why not make him strip for you? That is sure to bring a smile to your face.
3. Exercise.
Kerri’s suggestion: We all need to do more of this. Moms always put themselves last. We take care of everyone else in our life BEFORE we do anything for ourselves. Take a walk today and enjoy the weather. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or just do those kegel excercises while you’re reading (both of these will spice up the sex life).
4. Get a new hairstyle.
Kerri’s suggestion: Now this one would cause a huge problem with my hubby. He adores my long hair. If I were to come home with a major do re-do, he’d have a fit. Last year, I tried to go blonde after having my last baby. It was a nightmare of epic proportions. So, if you don’t feel ready to take this major step—maybe try a sexy wig instead.
5. Flirt with your partner.
Kerri’s suggestion: This one I like. I’ll bet that most of us do too little flirting these days. I love a big flirt (wink, wink).
6. Have a spa day.
Kerri’s suggestion: I love this idea and hubby actually bought me a gift card for one of these for my birthday last month. Haven’t used it yet but will do so soon. But if you can’t afford to do the real thing, just try getting together with a gal pal and doing a home pedicure and chick movie night. Or win today’s Mini Spa Kit!
7. Go on a trip with your significant other, without the kids.
Kerri’s suggestion: I’d adore this idea if it was possible for me. The closest I got to this was last weekend when I attended a writer’s conference with hubby and only 1 of my youngins in tow. See my blog post from last Thursday if you want to see how that turned out. Not quite as romantic as a journey to a romance writer’s conference should be!
8. Get a new scent.
Kerri’s suggestion: Ohh…I’m all about smells. I don’t like the yukky ones or the super strong ones and I love a sexy man smell that is subtle. Men, pay attention, this doesn’t mean to slather on the cologne like it is going out of style. I got on the elevator last weekend after just such a man had vacated it and almost passed out from the cologne overkill. Myself? I’m more of a freshly clean, lightly fragrant soap user who wants to smell clean and sweet. What about you?
9. Get yourself some toys.
Kerri’s suggestion: Toys? Whatever could they mean? Sex toys? I vote for that. New toys like a new microwave? Hmmm…well not sexy but does come in useful. A new car? Sigh. I’m dreaming now.
10. Spend the night with him.
Kerri’s suggestion: I did get to do this recently—go on a real date for our anniversary. We got to go to dinner “kidless” dinner. It was shockingly strange. I didn’t have a diaper bag or any snacks in my purse. Oddness. But we should try to do this more often than once a year.
When’s the last time you went on a kidless date with your significant other?
Thanks for hosting today, Valerie. Let a Mom in your life know you love her today and remind her that she’s still a sexy creature as well.

© Kerri Nelson 2011

Orion's Way - DC Juris

Orion is a vampire with a tragic past. After running away from abusive parents at the tender age of sixteen, he was turned by a ruthless elder vampire and forced to torture and sexually abuse human feeders and submissive vampires. Though that's all behind him now, he still lives in the shadow of what he was, and it's cost him the loyalty of Xavier, the human feeder he loves. Malagan is Orion's closest friend--the vampire who saved him from brutality all those years ago. Malagan knows the dominant side of Orion--the side Xavier needs--is still there, lurking below the surface. But if Orion's going to find his way back to who he ought to be, he'll need help. And Malagan is just the man for the job.

JM Powers and Basket of Hope

Welcome to the two of you.
J.M.: Hi there, thanks for having us. Machias feels a bit out of place in this era, but I thinks he’s okay now.
Machias: Ah, nonsense—what is that outside yon window?
J.M. : It’s a car, Machias.* Shrugs* Told ya...okay, on with the interview. I’ll do edits on my next book while you two chat. If you need any translations, let me know.
Machias, we hear that you’ve been ordered to pick a bride, do you have anyone in mind?
Aye, the maiden I love is not privy to my feelings yet. Kara is fair of face, and she all but takes my senses when she waits on my family. Ye may believe a scullery maid is a poor choice, nevertheless, my heart always knew of my love for her. Soon, I intend to make my feelings known—to everyone.
That possible choice must be causing some stress in the family, will you get your father’s blessing?
My father is a cruel man, but I know in his own twisted way, he thinks he knows what is best for the kingdom. He keeps parading the maidens he deems pure witches. I simply must show him Kara is best for me. That shall prove difficult, but I shall not budge. Mayhap my mother shall sway him—or even help me plan something behind his back.
If Kara agrees, won’t it put you both in great danger?
Alas, I know not if Kara shall take my offer. She thinks herself unworthy. If I deem she is any danger, I shall use use all my powers to protect her. However, in my eyes, naught can be more dangerous than my father’s incessant interference with matters that involve my heart. I hope that he dares not stand in my way, or he shall end up on the wrong side of a spell.
I understand that your bride should be a witch, and Kara hasn’t shown any signs of being one has she?
Ah, but she has! From the time we were children, I showed her little spells, in the hope that perchance she would feel comfortable around magic. But alas, her fear kept her from believing in herself. Her mother is an evil witch, and I suppose Kara feared she is the same. (I cannot ascertain, for she refuses to even of it.) Through the years, Kara denied herself, until she actually believes she is naught more than a mortal.
It’s all so romantic, can you protect Kara from all the dangers that surround you both?
I shall always protect Kara. Though evil is gaining power with each sunset, combining pure magic and true love in a marriage shall overcome even the greatest danger.
Your author JM Powers seems very nice, to tell your story in Basket of Hope, how did you meet her?
Ah, J.M. and I have been friends for all time. Kara and I share a space in JM’s mind with other characters. Every once in awhile, she creates a world for us to live in.
Does she have other books that readers might enjoy as well?
She has another magical world in Stellar Surprise. Kara and Zoe (the fairy in Stellar Surprise) are great friends. (However, Zoe is a bit...ahem, more experienced, so I am a bit relieved she is in another book.) J.M. wrote Stellar Surprise back in 2009 under a different pen name: Summer Falls. (That was the naughty J.M.)
My author is also expecting a new release this year. It is a full-length novel: Jewel of Ramstone, a medieval romance.
She has book trailers of all books on her blog.
Where can we find Ms. Powers?
Hopefully, she can be found in the hearts of her readers! Ah! So I suppose you mean where can we find her on that modern thing called the internet? One moment...*pulls out parchment and breaks the seal* I shall read it to you...I suppose you modern mortals can make sense of this:
Blog: http://jmpowersromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002182850652
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMPowersAuthor
And where can we find her books?
With Breathless Press Publishing:
Basket of Hope link: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/348
Stellar Surprise link: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/138
Machias: My thanks for allowing me to visit and speak of my world, ‘twas a wonderful experience. I hope to meet you again in Basket of Hope.

Blurb
All Hallows Eve looms near, and encroaching evil shall have its way if a marriage filled with true love and pure magic does not take place. Machias must choose a witch, something Kara never hopes to be.

Machias' father will do anything to ensure his son choses wisely—Lies, beatings and even an attempt to soil Kara's innocence is not past the man.

Machias' marriage announcement promises to burn Kara's hope to cinders...unless something truly magical happens at the All Hallows Eve Ball.

Basket of Hope-JMPowers—long excerpt 963 words

The thump of Thaddeus’ sword faded as Kara's gaze traveled from him to Machias. Coveting his body, she perused it, until she reached his buttocks, resting her gaze upon the curve and firmness, and following down to where it met his legs. Leather hugging breeches accented his form, caressing his lean muscles like a lover, and pronouncing his sinewy limbs with each of his movements. The way the sun glistened against Machias made her wish she could conjure magic, if only to make his clothes fall away. Kara squinted, trying to imagine Machias naked while she slipped another berry in her mouth. Naught could possibly compare to his beauty … in her imagination anyway. Her heart ached with love, and her body seemed to vibrate with the want of him. Each morn, the memory of his stolen kiss so many years ago, still remained her first waking thought.
Kara dabbed her brow with Stella's apron, feeling her cheeks heat at the reminder of her solitary attentions while fantasizing about Machias. Though she prayed for forgiveness, Kara could not help but touch herself as soon as she woke from her wanton dreams, her body still trembling with need. Stella caught her once and told her she needed to offer a village boy a good rut to ease her tension. Kara found the suggestion disgusting.
"I shall die a virgin," she whispered. Ah, if he but knew how I love him.
The men seemed to be done with practice. Machias rested his arm on the top of the pell talking to his brother. Her heart skittered when Machias gaze met hers from over Thaddeus' shoulder, seeming to feel her scrutiny.
Hoping her expression belied her thoughts Kara quickly turned her back to him and resumed picking berries. She concentrated on each tiny orb within the fruit, forcing innocent thoughts in the stead of reckless ones.
She glanced at the checked pattern on the apron, spurring a childhood memory of a game called Queek. Though his father, Lord Tanner, discouraged their play, Machias would meet her in the meadow, hiding the checkered cloth underneath his tunic. Out of sight, they would spread it onto the ground, and collect small stones. After guessing whether the stone would land on dark or light, they would toss it upon the cloth. She suspected Machias peeked, especially if she began to call Queek too often, but he never admitted it. She did not care if she won or lost. She simply relished the time spent with him. Over the years, Kara began to love him more than the game.
When Machias reached ten and five, bordering on the verge of manhood, he departed for training. He kissed her, among the first rays of sunrise, whispering his fare thee well. Be it innocent, 'twas a true kiss, and though her heart was young, it knew of her love for him even then.
Adrift with loneliness, Kara awaited his return for six years. She would inconspicuously lean closer while serving the evening meal, hoping to hear snippets of Machias' life through his parents' conversation, but they did not say much in her presence.
She bordered on giddiness when Machias returned. Although she had grown into womanhood, Kara was ill prepared to see the difference in him. Ah, what a true shock when naught of the lad she knew entered the gates, but a man. Muscles, perfectly sculpted as the marble statues in the gardens, seemed to flex with the smallest of movement. His angular jaw, sporting a hint of a beard under his dark complexion, only accented his rugged looks. Moreover, his voice…his voice, deep and tender at the same time, defined a grown man. Had it not been for the single dimple on his left cheek when he smiled, Kara often wondered if she would have recognized him at all.
At first, Kara believed he had the same issue with her, for the most attention he paid was discrete thanks when she served his meals or a request for a refill of sweet mead for his female guests. However, one day, he whispered a childhood endearment as he passed her in the garden. G'day, Kay-Kay. Oh how those words made her swoon, though she did a fair job of hiding her joy at the discovery that Machias did recognize her. He just saw her differently—beneath him. As did she, but in a sinful way.
Kara crumpled the apron in her fist, no longer finding joy in the pattern.
Ah, Machias, social standing became everything ta ye, and I became naught.
Machias waved from across the meadow. Kara looked to see who approached but saw no one. Smiling so hard her cheeks hurt, Kara slowly raised her hand. Spotting her berry-stained fingers, she snatched them down.
His smile flashed, bright and inviting. Mayhap the inviting part was simply her imagination. Just the same, Kara decided to join him and started his way.
At a poke from his brother, Machias turned away and blocked the next jab.
Kara's grin faltered and she pretended her intention was to give her mare a few berries. She grabbed a handful from her basket and outstretched her hand to Dunny. She peered over at the sound of Machias' voice. His broad back was to her, muffling his words to his younger brother, but she simply listened to the euphoric melody of the deep yet soft tones. Dunny snorted, seeming to ask for more of the sweet treat, but she returned back to the bushes.
"Why do I torture myself so?" she whispered, ripping berries from their hold. She did not even care that the thorns bit her fingertips. In a way, she welcomed the pain for 'twas preferable to the ache in her heart.

A visit with Gabe and Lily from Nopeming Shores

Today we’d like to welcome Gabriel and his lovely wife, Lily from Margie's latest release, Nopeming Shores. They have something of a mixed marriage.

Gabriel, could you explain to our readers how you came to be...that is…your rather unique status?

I was serving in the military police in Afghanistan when I was blown up by an IED.

That’s horrible, what a shock to die so young. But usually, when a girl is widowed, she finds herself on her own. That certainly doesn’t seem to be the case here!

It's certainly not. Both of us were devastated by what happened to me and to our future together. So much so I couldn't leave the confines of earth. I got permission from God to help her through her grief and rebuild her life so I could move on, too.

Lily, doesn’t it make things difficult to have a ghost for a husband?

I can laugh about it now, but at first, I thought I'd lost my mind. I found these poems around the house and other places. They were in Gabe's handwriting, in his specific style of poetry, and it was impossible for them to suddenly appear since he'd been deployed and dead for months. Then, I thought I saw him in the living room. I slept with the lights on that night. When I started hearing his voice in my thoughts, I really freaked out. Even though Gabe was usually nearby, it wasn't like we were living together – he in his ghostly existence and me as a human. It was much different than that.

And remember, I'm trying to help Lily move on with her life. When Shane Keefe shows up, it complicates matters – a lot. It's pretty hard to explain jealousy from the grave.

Do your friends know about your situation, Lily?

Not really. I tried to tell my best friend, Jana, about what I suspected and saw. She thought I was whacko too. After that, I kept my mouth shut. Her reaction made me understand that seeing ghosts doesn't necessarily make people want to throw you a party….except the going away kind…in a white jacket.

Lily, is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers?

Our story is very powerful. It comes with a tissue alert. It's not just strong emotion on my part; Gabe also shares his anger, grief, and frustrations. There are some funny moments, and there are a couple of super-sexy scenes. Margie has been saying that if your heart doesn't race and you haven't cried a few times while reading this book, all your romantic bones are broken. She's right.

How can they read all about your fascinating story?

Noble Romance has exclusive rights on it for a couple of weeks, and then it'll be available at almost any eBook retailer. Here's the buy link. 

One more thing we like to ask, how did you decide to have the fabulous Margie Church tell your story?

Don't give her a big head! :-p Margie wanted a special story for her 10th romance and so we let her write Nopeming Shores. LOL She had some experiences with tragic deaths, and the poet who co-authored the book, J. Andrew Lockhart, did, too. Together, they really understood what we were going through and told our story in such a beautiful, romantic, riveting way.

Wow! And where can we find more about Ms. Church’s other stories? I hear she has a vamp or two up her sleeve…among others.

Margie is a multi-published author (that's author-talk for has more than one publisher), so the easiest way to get the rest of her books is at Amazon. She has nine other books, including a bestselling, erotic gay romance. Here's the link.

If you need a nursery rhyme, she has one! Here's the link Kate, thanks for hosting Lily and Gabe today. Before they leave, I'd like to share the blurb from Nopeming Shores and offer everyone a chance to win an eBook copy. Tell me this: If a ghost visited you, do you think you'd tell people? Why or why not?

Blurb: Nopeming Shores by Margie Church with J. Andrew Lockhart

An IED snuffed out Gabe Holliway's life, but couldn't destroy his love. Using his unique gift, Gabe struggles to help his young wife, Lily, rebuild her shattered future.

But when Gabe's ghost reaches out to her, Lily fears she's lost her last hold on sanity. Can she trust what she discovers and what her heart says? When she sees Gabe face-to-face, can she believe her eyes?

When love transcends death, the answers are found in Nopeming Shores.