Bloodlust and power. Werewolf Alexa O’Brien is a slave to them both. Due to her bond with her vampire lover, Arys Knight, she struggles to keep the growing bloodlust from consuming her. As she falls deeper into the seductive embrace of blood and death, the deadly desire is encouraged by the forbidden attraction between her and close friend, Kale Sinclair.
An unusual “job” fills Alexa with suspicions and questions. The discovery of who, and what, she really works for leaves her reeling. An opportunity to take on a new role presents itself but it isn’t for the faint of heart.
While trying to run the problematic local vampire hotspot, The Wicked Kiss, Alexa learns that someone is seeking the killers of a major blood ring player. And that means Alexa and her wolf mate, Shaz. For Arys, it gets personal and it soon becomes clear there’s something he’s not sharing. But he’s not the only one with a secret. Despite everything, Shaz insists on a celebration for Alexa’s approaching birthday. If only she lives to see it.

You’ll want to start with book one though, so below are the first three in the series. if you’d like more information just click one for its blurb and excerpt.

If you’re not a fan of sparkly vampires, then you’ll LOVE these books. This is a real Urban Fantasy series, for adults only. I’ve read them all, and I’m pretty vocal about my favorite character Kale, who really needs a big ol scrunch. I’m here for you, Kale!

So, who’s your favorite Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series character?

If you’ve not had the pleasure of sampling Gem’s work, I suggest you drop whatever you’re doing and head over to her website to read some excerpts. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Gem Sivad’s Website

See? I wasn’t kidding. Gem’s voice is so completely perfect, I don’t think I’ve ever read an author who sounds like she just stepped out of the nineteenth century the way she does. 

Here’s the blurb for Five Card Stud:

When bounty hunter Sam McCallister sees Eden Pace playing poker for the first time, he loses all interest in the cards; instead, the thought of playing stud with the lady gambler stirs his cock to life. Eden’s the prettiest woman and the best card sharp Sam’s ever met. Good thing he has a few cards up his sleeve. 

Eden’s doing her own outlaw hunting. She’s on the trail of her husband’s killer and Sam’s in her way. To get free of this hardheaded, softhearted, gorgeous man, Eden tries strip poker and naked truth-or-dare, but when Sam ups the stakes, carnal submission and desire are unleashed.

When Sam discovers Eden’s wanted for murder, he figures his bed is the safest place for her. But taking Eden prisoner isn’t as easy as Sam expects. He’s in a high-stakes poker game with lust on the table and his heart on the line, because one taste of Eden just isn’t enough.

See how Eden looks so proper on that cover? Look closely at her eyes. There’s a passionate woman behind that fan, and she sure doesn’t hide behind any sense of Victorian propriety.  Check out the trailer, made by yours truly:

Click here to view the embedded video.

You might also want to check out the first Bounty Hunter book Wolf’s Tender, starring Sam’s cousin Charlie Wolf McCallister. Click the cover above to go right to Five Card Stud’s buy page at Ellora’s Cave. After you read it, come back and let me know how much you love it!

Bastina’s Necklace is a sci-fi erotic romance with a pirate, a princess, an interracial love affair, action, adventure, and… geez, what more could you ask for? Here’s a little synopsis (Don’t worry, no spoilers)

The Galactic League of Planets created a terraformed world for the Bastinans. They also provided the biggest and fastest space vessel ever built to transport them to their new home. Princess Anleen decided that the space-ark could be put to better use. She defies the law and even her own father the King when she quietly steers the ark toward her home planet. She is determined to prove once and for all that the legend known as planet Bastina isn’t just a fairytale.

When Captain Dirk Roberts seeks safe haven at the doomed planet Aznate, he’s only looking for a hot shower, a drink or three at the last spacer bar on the edge of known civilization, and repairs for his ship. What he finds instead is Anleen, the golden-haired princess with a plan. She’s dead set on finding her lost people, and he can’t seem to keep away from her long enough to deny her anything, including his assistance. Now…if only he believed that her fairytale could come true, perhaps he could help her rewrite the ending.

Intriguing? Yeah it is. Would you like to read my unofficial review?

Roscoe James is a world builder. After the third page, I was there on that planet, and I felt Anleen’s pain. Space travel isn’t glamorized, in fact spending six months in a lonely space freighter is something that would take some getting used to. On this world, an Earthling and a Bastinan are thrown together thanks to a good luck charm won in a poker game and a ten-thousand-year old-fairy tale. From the first time Anleen meets Dirk, you’ll be able to feel the chemistry. Check out this little excerpt:

My Haark! Definitely male! Then she realized—he’s an earthling.

Anleen leaned dangerously around the edge of the doorway and was dumbstruck by the sight. Rippling muscles on his back, shoulders broader than any she’d ever seen. Thighs as thick as tunnel supports, more ropes of muscle pulling and bulging on each. She felt flushed.
Not black, she thought, a dark brown color. Yes, she’d seen it once, even tasted it.
Chocolate. Does he taste like chocolate?

It gets better from there. I mean, just look at the cover. I’d fall for Dirk too! Bastina’s Necklace is a beautiful love story set in the midst of an exciting science fiction story. Anleen isn’t a weak little pampered princess. She’s the kind of girl who can see what she wants…and goes for it. Dirk is a tough guy on the outside, but oh boy does he have a tender side. Check out this little snippet in Dirk’s point of view:

When Lee finally quieted and her shoulders stopped quaking, Dirk raised her chin and kissed her softly. Then he said the words he should have said weeks ago. Light years ago. Words that required much more courage than the coming battle. Words that brought more strength than food and quenched a thirst that would not stop. “I love you, Lee.”

Yeah.

One word of warning, Roscoe James doesn’t pull any punches. The sex is sexy, and the violence is violent. Not that either is gratuitous; everything was where it needs to be, and fits the story well. Just put on your grown-up pants when you read it. I admit that I don’t pick sci-fi romance as a rule, but after reading Bastina’s Necklace, I might have myself a new genre. Bastina’s Necklace is part of a series, The Galactic League of Planets, which includes Forever’s Not Enough. That’s next on my TBR pile.

Good thing you stopped by. This is Doll by Juniper Bell. You’ll be able to pick this up from Samhain Publishing on Tuesday 12/15/09.

What is Doll all about? Glad you asked…

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…

Warning: This title contains politicians doing all sorts of nasty things and flashbacks of male domination. It also features hot sex on a boat, hot sex in an attic, hot sex on a work bench…you get the idea. Want to read a very sexy excerpt?

“Have you been on your boat?” Chloe asked dreamily, as Dustin ran his hands over her back.

“Had to fix a bearing. That engine’s always making some noise or other. Sometimes I think it just wants my attention.”

“I don’t blame it.” He found the lower edge of her sweater and snaked his hand under it. At the feel of his work-roughened palm on her skin, a shudder went through her. Immediately he stopped.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes! You’re not following the rules. If I want you to stop, I’ll tell you. I don’t want you to stop. As a matter of fact—” She drew away from him. “Let’s take off our clothes. Together. At the same time.”

He looked amused. “On the count of three?”

“One…” Chloe stepped out of her skirt. Underneath, she wore woolly leggings for warmth. “Two…” She started to pull off the leggings.

“Hang on! You’re getting ahead of me.” He unbuttoned his jeans, revealing boxers and a huge erection. She felt the breath leave her body.

It was a good feeling.

She put her hands to the hem of her sweater and slid it over her head. It was quickly followed by her turtleneck. She stood in front of him, wearing only her pink lace underwear, while he unbuttoned his flannel shirt. Under it, he wore a “Save the Whales” T-shirt, which she found so endearing, she laughed.

“Am I that funny-looking?” he asked with a wounded look.

“I didn’t know you were a tree-hugger.”

“Some of my best friends are trees.” There was a twinkle in his deep blue eyes that put her completely at ease. “The rest are whales.”

“I think that might be a whale in your pants.”

He waggled his eyebrows lasciviously, then laughed, an infectious chuckle that made her answer with one of her own. Never before had she laughed during sex, or the buildup to sex. Never before had she even smiled. Or joked. Or teased. If they stopped right now, this would still be a groundbreaking experience for her. But she had no intention of stopping. “You’re still wearing boxers and a T-shirt.”

“And you’ve got the bra and panties. Not that I mind the view.”

For a moment, she stiffened. Fearfully, she raised her eyes to his. Would she see that same calculating hunger she was used to? That greedy look that reduced her to a thing, a possession, a trinket? But no. His expression was the opposite of that. Happy appreciation shone from his eyes. His smile had a touch of the devil in it, and a promise of delicious fun.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. A ghost. We haven’t said three yet.”

“If we don’t do it soon, I’m going to forget how to count.”

Giggling, she put her hands behind her back, on the fastening of her bra. He grabbed the bottom of his T-shirt, poised for take-off.

“Three!”

Clothes flew into the air, a flurry of underwear. Surrounded by discarded clothing, they stared at each other. Chloe felt her rib cage rise and fall with quick breaths. Without looking down, she knew her nipples were already at attention. As was his erection. It rose from a thick nest of black curls and pointed straight toward her, as if it had eyes only for her.

Suddenly, desperately, she wanted to know what he saw when he looked at her. “Do you think…do I seem like…a…” she whispered, “doll?”

“Oh, no. You’re no doll.”

What did he mean? Did he think she was ugly? Maybe he was used to a different type. She crossed her hands over her breasts.

“No! Don’t hide.” With one quick stride, he was in front of her, holding her face in his hands. “You’re beautiful. Wonderful. But you’re no doll. You’re too alive. Too sensitive. Look, I can feel the pulse beating in your throat. I can feel your skin warming under my hands. You’re a living, passionate being. How could anyone think you were a doll?” He ran his thumbs over her cheeks with a touch that seemed to treasure the very shape of her face. When he bent his mouth to hers, the depth of his kiss brought tears to her eyes. His tongue searched her mouth, as if he wanted to track down whatever sadness remained in her and soothe it away.

She let herself sink into the comfort of that kiss for a long moment. But then she moved restlessly against him. Enough gentleness. She needed heat. Fire. Stepping back, she put her hands on his and drew them to her chest. As those warm palms encircled her breasts, she let out a long moan. Already stiff, her nipples hardened even more as he filled his hands with her flesh. “That feels nice,” she heard herself say. In the past, she’d never said anything during sex. She’d become that mute doll Andrew had demanded. Never once had she asked for anything. “Can you lick my nipples, please?”

“No need to be polite, sweetie. I’ll do anything you ask.”

The Wicked Kiss is not your daughter’s vampire story. These guys don’t live on V-8 and iron supplements. They are monsters. Hence the word “Vampire”.  Alexa can hold her own though. See the two men behind Alexa? Shaz is a sweet but alpha werewolf, and Arys is a (not so sweet and) powerful vampire, but he does have a soft spot for Alexa. Even from the cover you can sense the tension between the trio, and with three powerful protagonists, you’ll be wondering, who’s protecting who?  Following is a blurb and excerpt straight from the author. The buy link will be active Monday evening. Keep yourselves busy until then by reading Once Bitten. Also, on Monday at 6:30pm EST, I’ll be joining the author in a release day chat. Please stop by and visit!

When two men share the heart of the same woman, it doesn’t take long for the drama to escalate. Alexa O’Brien’s two lovers have been at each other’s throats. The fact that one is her wolf mate and the other a vampire bonded to her by power, only increases the tension. She fears being forced to choose between them, knowing it’s something she cannot do.

Due to the bond she shares with her vampire lover, Arys Knight, Alexa has more power than she knows how to handle. It isn’t long before power hungry creatures are drawn to her, including Arys’ sire, Harley Kayson. Believing he is entitled to her, Harley makes it his personal mission to get a taste of Alexa for himself, whether she likes it or not. If he doesn’t kill her, she just might wish that he had.

But that’s just the beginning… Alexa’s wolf mate, Shaz, feels the need to prove his dominance after a nasty dispute with a fellow werewolf. The battle for Alpha Male ensues, a position left unclaimed since the death of the former pack leader. Despite fearing for him, Alexa has no choice but to support the man that has loved her unconditionally, even when at her worst.

Alexa feels as if nothing remains within her control, least of all the precarious co-existence between her two men. It’s when she learns that there is one potential way to protect herself from Harley that she is faced with the biggest decision yet. But can her lovers put aside their differences when it matters most? Because this is one sacrifice that will forever alter her very mortality.

When my conscious mind became aware that somebody was in the house, I was wide-awake, on full alert.

My instinct had me swinging before I’d identified the intruder. All at once, I realized it was Arys, but he had already deflected each of my blows, catching my wrists tightly in his grasp.

“Alexa,” he whispered loudly. “It’s me. But, a word of warning. Don’t fall asleep with the front door unlocked.”

I stopped struggling against him and sat up on the futon. Arys leaned down over me; his face, more battered and bruised than it had been previously. He released my arms and stepped back as I pushed my disheveled hair from my face.

“What happened to you? That’s not from Shaz.” I reached out to brush a finger across his bruised eyelid but he caught my hand in his, kissing it softly.

“No. I saw Harley tonight. At The Wicked Kiss.” He stared at me with an intensity I felt in my toes.

Arys looked worried, almost afraid. He wasn’t the fearful type in any way. He pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my hair and inhaling my scent. I tried to pull away, pushing on his chest so he had to look at me.

“Tell me what happened.”

He studied me, his jaw clenching hard. “We had a little confrontation. It didn’t go so well.”

“You don’t say.” I cocked my head to the side, taking in his battered appearance. “Start talking, vampire.”

He reached out for my hand, and I surrendered it but didn’t abandon my stiff position. That had never deterred this vampire though, and it certainly didn’t now. Arys advanced on me, tipping my head up with a hand under my chin, kissing me with a fervor that I felt in my loins.

“That’s not going to get you out of trouble, mister. Start talking. I want to know about Harley.” I managed to pull away though I would have loved to let him continue as if nothing else mattered.

He tensed noticeably, looking away from me to stare at the gruesome horror flick that played quietly. His averted gaze told me plenty. I had to bite my tongue so that I didn’t ramble on in an attempt to pry the information out of him.

When his piercing, blue gaze swung back to me, there was an angry fire burning in their depths. He ran his hand through his always bedroom-messy hair, a sign that he didn’t want to tell me. I chewed my bottom lip nervously. If he didn’t start talking, I was going to burst.

“He’s bad news, Alexa. He wants to see what could possibly be so tasty that even I can’t get my fill.” Arys eyed me closely as he spoke. I felt his gaze like a weight. “He wants to sample you for himself. His exact words were a little more crude, which resulted in the punch in his face that started our little brawl.”

I swallowed hard around the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat. Ok, now I was a little nervous.

“You’ve got to be joking.” My hand went to my mouth, and for a moment, I thought I might throw up. “What is it with people from your past wanting a piece of me? Why? What did I ever do to them?” My voice took on a frantic, high-pitched lilt.

“Oh, Catherine was nothing worse than the jealous-high-school-girl type. Harley is like the evil cartoon villain that never dies. But worse, because he’s real.” Arys lightly touched a finger to one of the bruises lining his strong cheekbone, a thoughtful expression on his eternally beautiful face. “He seems to think you’d make a great toy. And, I know he’s egotistical enough to think he can have whatever he wants. But, he can’t have you. I’ll kill him first.”

I drew him to me, a hand tracing the line of his jaw. “We have nothing to worry about. The very thing that he wants from us is what will give us the upper hand. I’ll be ready for him.” I pressed my lips to his in a kiss that had him wanting more, if his reaction was any indication.

Arys crawled up on the futon so that he hovered over me on his hands and knees. Each of his legs was on either side of mine, and his hands came to rest on my pillow with my head caught between. The position forced me back so that I had to tip my head back to meet his eyes.

“You can’t underestimate him, Alexa.” He nipped lightly at my bottom lip. It sent a hot tingle through me, from head to toe. He had a way of always rousing the most savage energy within me. “He’s powerful and so fucking sadistic, it turns my guts to think of him touching you.”

There was a sharp pain as he bit my lower lip; the blood welled instantly. Before it could spill down my chin, he caught it against his tongue. The warm, moist touch against my wounded lip was heavenly.

“I know that, Arys. But, don’t underestimate me. I take out vamps like him all the time.” It irritated me that he spoke to me like I was defenseless.

“I’m sorry, Alexa, but you have never dealt with a vampire like him. I guarantee it.” He pressed a kiss to my bleeding lip. “And, don’t you dare make this into a damsel in distress scenario. You know it’s not like that.”

The power rose around us in response to the blood and sexual energy. It danced along my body like a strange second skin. His tongue slipped inside my mouth, and I tasted my own coppery blood. It made my heart race, and I sought to pull him closer, needing to feel him pressed against me.

“Don’t start with me,” I said, even as I gasped breathlessly. “It’s always like that with you. I’m not a breakable item that will crumble into dust at the wrong touch.”

“Yes,” he growled down at me. “You are. I’m not arguing about your safety. Nobody is safe when Harley sets his sights on them.”

Just when I loved where we were headed, he pulled back, a serious expression on his face. “I need you to promise me that you’ll stay away from The Wicked Kiss. And, watch for Harley. Seriously. Just until I know how far he’s willing to take this.”

“Arys…” I wanted him to stop talking about danger and getting killed. It was really cramping the mood we’d started.

“I mean it. Don’t make me beg.” He gave me an imploring look, and it was enough to unsettle me.

“This isn’t like you,” I commented, trying for casual. “What’s with the extreme worry? He’s not going to kill me.”

His wane smile grew sad and accepting all at once. “That’s what scares me most. Harley has a penchant for collecting things, most of them being people. Like me. If he gets his hands on you, that’s what you’ll be. Another toy. But, what’s fun for Harley is never fun for his toys.”

The creepiest chill crept over me as he uttered the words. Harley loved torture, and if he got his hands on me, I’d be praying for death instead.

“Stop,” I whispered, suddenly afraid to speak any louder. “I don’t want to go there right now. You have to leave before sunrise. Let’s not spend our time talking like this.”

A small bead of blood overflowed from my lip, down my chin. Arys’ eyes followed it, and his little finger was quick to catch it.

“Alright.” He brought the little crimson splash to his lips; his eyes glazed with the rush of energy, which he openly embraced. “For now, it’s all about us.”

BUY THE WICKED KISS 11/23/09

Now, I’m not telling you this just so you’ll be jealous, but I’ve read this book, and you should be.

Wolf’s Tender releases Monday 11/16/09. I’ve got the buy link hooked to that book cover there which will be active Monday evening.

This one of those books that sticks with you even after you finish. Charlie Wolf  McCallister *swoon* has just the right amount of cocky stoicism and loving tenderness, you’ll fall for him, maybe even before Naomi Parker does.

Those of you who’ve read Intimate Strangers already know what a master Gem Sivad is at historical western romances. One of the best things about Wolf’s Tender…it’s book one of a series. Thank you Gem!

Rough and tough Charlie Wolf McCallister knows he needs to get laid, when even a spinster school teacher with a sharp tongue, starts looking good to him. But, cad that he is, he operates on the philosophy that a bird in hand is better than no bird at all. And so he offers to trade service for—servicing.

When Naomi Parker’s students are snatched from their school by marauding Comancheros, she can’t believe that she hid like a coward and let it happen. The only way to ease her conscience, and get the girls home safely, is to hire half-Kiowa bounty hunter, Charlie Wolf McCallister. His price seems a bit steep, to prim and proper Naomi who must choose between her virtue and her students’ lives.

When one straight-laced spinster, tenders her body, to one cynical sometimes savage, the unexpected bounty, is love. Click HERE for a spicy excerpt (o-18)

Visit Gem’s website to see what else she’s got up her sleeve. Congrats Gem on the release! I’ve got my brandy ready for the celebration!