The Case For E Books by Patricia Snodgrass

Good Morning everyone! Thanks and big hugs to Sheila for granting me the honor to guest blog today. She has a great blog spot here and I look forward to reading it often.

After hearing complaints about the electronic novel industry, I decided to take this moment to make my case for our beloved e-novels.

Way back in the mid 1930’ the paperback novel was introduced. This caused immediate revolution in the publishing industry. New publishing houses blossomed, new writers and genres found their way to readers eager to escape from the bleak reality that was the Great Depression.

There were detractors, of course, who found the ‘dime novel’ and ‘penny dreadfuls’ (which btw, were around as early as the 19th century) to be considered a vulgar and profound waste of one’s time. Paperbacks were considered by some to be cheap and tawdry, not elegant and useful like hardbound books. Fortunately, the critics were few and far between, usually spoken by teachers who took them up during class time or parents who wanted their children to do chores instead of goofing off with a good book.

So you may be asking yourself now, why are we having this little history lesson?

Because history as we all know tends to run in cycles and the publishing industry has entered again into this by the introduction of the e-novel.

My friends scoff at me because I have written three e novels. Their chief complaints are that they don’t like reading novels off the computer that the e readers are too expensive, and they aren’t really books. After all, you can’t pick one up, thumb through it or cuddle with it before going to bed at night. And teachers tend to take up their student’s e-readers in class when they should be studying and kids (and grown ups) would prefer to read than do chores.

And of course, the one arguement that sets my teeth on edge is the idea that an e-novelist isn't a real writer.

I assume these are similar arguments that those elitists for the early 20th Century gave when the mass market paperback made its debut. And I am willing to wager than once people get used to the idea of books on computer their doubts about whether this is a viable industry will subside and I dare say that the e novel may someday surpass, if not replace mass market paperbacks altogether. But not today. Fifty to a hundred years from now, perhaps, but not today. Today, we still need to make the case for the e-publishing industry, to prove that it is not only healthy and flourishing, but a viable alternative to paperback novels.

Why do I say this? Because of the advantages e-novels have over the standard paperback. Here’s a short list:

• Expense: Paperbacks are no longer inexpensive. You can pay as much as 20.00 for a good paperback now. My e-novel, Marilyn is available at a humble 3.95 per download copy, a far cry better than 20.00.
• Convenience: With the advent of Kindle and other e-readers makes it much easier to download an ebook and take it with you. Soon, I’m sure this industry as well will make it even easier to read and store e-books. Perhaps someday soon, you can store an entire library on your reader.
• Space: yes, space. E-novels only take up space on your computer or reader. They don’t take up shelf space. You don’t have to dust them or make sure the puppy doesn’t chew on them. You don’t have to worry about decay that plagues older books.
• Environment: All an e-novel does is displace a few electrons whereas paper and hard back publishing decimates forests. And what happens to paperback novels after they're no longer wanted? They eventually find their way into the landfill. With an e-novel, all you have to do is hit the delete key, and voila! All done.

Again, I don’t think that e-publishing will completely replace paper publishing anytime in the near future, but I do see it as a growing industry that will, like its predecessor, become a highly used market very soon. Some of the things I see happening with this industry are:

• College textbooks on kindle. Imagine the inexpense and ease of toting all your college text books on your e reader. Imagine going online and simply downloading your textbook for a fraction of the cost of a hardbound book.
• Imagine going into the library and downloading your favorite reads the same way you used to check out a book?
The possibilities are endless. I am happy and proud to be one an e-book author, working on the cutting edge of this new and wonderful technology.
So, all in all, happiness really is a warm Kindle
END OF LINE.

Guest blogger Ann Lory

I welcome today, Ann Lory to my blog sharing her latest release, Bait and Switch as well as a little insight into the book and why her husband isn't bothered by her many posters of hunky men, inlcuding Orlando Bloom. Yummy. :)

Ann Lory: http://www.annlory.com/

Bait and Switch

So, when did the idea of Bait & Switch hit me? Well, to start with the original title was A Platinum Purchase, but when this evolved into a five book series, I needed to change the name so that they all were all connected.
I was surfing the web and saw a picture of a breathtaking man online. I get a lot of inspiration from pictures, or from driving and listening to music. I remember seeing this picture and thinking, “This guy has a story.” But what was his story?
He was tall with long, dark hair, a sculpted face that said, “Hi, I’m sensuality incarnate”, and these pale blue eyes that jumped off the paper at me. So, I got to thinking…in real life this guy’s in Vegas on occasion then I thought about what this man actually did for a living and the plot just kind of fell into my lap. The personality of Devon McGuire does not match the personality of the man in the photo, but I’ll use his body. *sigh*
At that time I was working at Ameritrade. My cubical was graced with pictures of men all over the back wall. I even went so far as to have a huge poster of Legolas (Orlando Bloom) on the side wall. A bit juvenile to be sure, but I was constantly seeking inspiration for that next story. They were all my inspiration. Each one had a story to tell. A dripping wet dream for every woman to delve into.
I had a lady from Dividends ask me if my husband got upset knowing I had all these men pinned up. I told her, “Of course not, he knows I don’t have a chance in hell with any one of them.” I don’t think she got my joke. She just shook her head and walked off. Oh well, to each their own and I would like to thank Ameritrade for allowing me to hang up my sexy men, and furthermore, that no sexual harassment charges were issued during the inspiration and/or making of not just this book, but several others.

Blurb:

One workaholic. One gigolo. One week in Sin City. You do the math…

Anna Jackson’s ex-boyfriend may have stolen her promotion, but she’s not mad. Not anymore. She’s getting even—by beating him at his own game. So what if she has to give up all her free time and any semblance of a personal life? With a partnership in a law firm as prestigious as Beckam, Beckam and Leland on the line, she’s willing to pay the price.

Las Vegas escort Devon McGuire is charming, sexy, and damn good at pleasing women. He’d better be, it’s what he gets paid for. Always up for a challenge, he’s looking forward to his newest job. Who wouldn’t enjoy a week as the companion of a smart, sultry, high-powered attorney—no strings attached?

Devon’s used to pushing boundaries, but there’s something about Anna that makes him want to turn up the steam. And when she learns to let go and unexpectedly opens to him, he finds himself falling right in.

Whoa, hold it. Love was never part of the plan…

Warning: This book contains a sizzling, drop-dead gorgeous, sex-on-a-stick gigolo who wants to make women’s fantasies come true, and a woman who won’t cooperate and let him do his job.

Excerpt:

Anna didn’t know what to do. Was she supposed to pay? Was he supposed to pay? She grabbed the bill, but his hand came down over hers. “I have this, Anna.”
She lowered her voice. “I don’t know the-” she was struggled to find the word, “etiquette in situations like this.” Good God, there had to be a better word, but that was all she could think of.
He grinned and winked at her. “Don’t worry, all of this is covered.”
The reality of this meal came crashing in on her. Not that she’d forgotten what he was exactly, but it just seemed so unreal. Her friends had apparently taken care of all the details and that included meals and any extracurricular activities.
Groaning, she grabbed her purse, jumping when he took her hand in his and placed it on his arm. She frowned at him. She didn’t want him to act like a gentleman. She didn’t want to like him. She wanted to be disgusted with him, but for some reason, she found that she really wasn’t.
Something about him was extremely appealing to her. Not to mention the fact that he was drop-dead gorgeous. But there was also a kindness about him, a patience that most men didn’t have. She wondered if he’d been in the business so long that he’d perfected how to portray exactly what a woman wanted.
They took the elevator up to her floor and he walked her to her room. She knew he was chuckling at her as she hurriedly dove into her purse for the room key. With the card clutched in her hand, she cleared her throat nervously, and looked at him.
“Well, thank you for an…interesting evening, Devon. I’ll be busy all day tomorrow, but maybe we can get together the next day.”
He laughed and leaned in close, his hands coming up on either side of her head, trapping her against the wall.
She swallowed with great difficulty as his face came closer to hers, his breath fanning her cheek. Her mouth went dry, and she had to fight not to lick her lips.
“No, Anna. Janie supplied me with, as she put it, your…” his lips brushed her jaw, “…outlined,” her earlobe, “detailed,” his tongue swirled and he sucked the lobe between his lips. She felt herself quiver, her eyes closing briefly before he pulled away, gazing down at her, “Five times thought-out and approved schedule for this whole week.” His body moved in closer, brushing against hers. “I know that you have a meeting in the morning, one after lunch, and that you’ll be free for the rest of the day.”
His lips were so close. She stared wide-eyed at him, hoping he would kiss her, yet at the same time knowing that she shouldn’t want him to.
She licked her lips. Damn.
Finally he touched his mouth to hers. She had to fight not to moan as he deepened the kiss, his tongue probing for entrance. She obliged.
His delicious caress scorched her mouth, and she returned every sweep of his tongue with her own. His hands came down to grasp her arms, his body pushing into hers.
Nothing about him was soft. Every inch, every angle was hard, wreaking havoc on her senses. His hands still gripped her arms, running up and down their bare lengths until she finally caved in and wound them around his neck. Her hands went into his hair.
His knee moved between her legs, pressing into her, and she felt instant heat pool in her belly to settle in slick need at her juncture. He felt so delicious, all man, all male strength as he held her against the wall. She pushed her body against his and moaned.
He released her, slowly pulling away, but not before he placed another lingering kiss to her lips. She stared up at him through a haze, seeing his grin of smug male satisfaction, realizing he’d gotten what he wanted.
Her surrender to his kiss. Damn.
He tugged her close again, hugging her tightly around the waist, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Sweet dreams, Anna. I’ll see you tomorrow, here in your room, at five.”
He left her then and she watched, leaning against the wall, her legs still wobbly, as he walked back up the hall and disappeared around the corner. With trembling hands she unlocked her door, made her way shakily across the room and fell on the bed. Grabbing one of the pillows, she buried her face in it and groaned.

Best Book Cover award

Come on over to my blog, Book Cover Lovers, and check out the book chosen by voters as The Best Book for January and February. Kiki Howell’s Mystic Stones was voted as Best Book.

It was a close race and I would like to thank everyone for popping in to Book Cover Lovers and voting for your best book cover. And be sure to check back on April 1st to see who is in the running for March’s Best Book Cover.

http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-book-award-for-jan-feb-2009.html

Guest blogger Samantha Sommersby

Today I bring you the wonderfully talented, Samantha Sommersby. Her Forbidden series hooked me from day one and I have been impatiently waiting for this latest release, The Temptation for farrrr too long. Sam can tell you just how impatient I was...always nagging her to get it finished. LOL
Of course, now that it's been released I dashed right out and bought it. I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet (other than the tempting excerpts she's teasingly provided) but i am definitely going to get started on it soon.

Once upon a time I had a HUGE crush on Byron from The Awakening and The Claim but alas, he has been pushed aside by this latest hunk, Jake. I love a hairy man and Jake certainly fills that desire. :) Not sure what I'm talking about...then read what Sam has for us all today.

Samantha Sommersby
Forbidden: The Temptation

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Terry Kate, the creative genius behind Romance in the Back Seat. Terry combined her love of Romance novels and film to create this really wild project called Romance in the Back Seat! The Black Cab Sessions, in part, inspired the idea. Terry is currently living and working in Los Angeles. She drove down to San Diego last weekend to do the shoot – the results of which should be up in a couple weeks (http://romanceinthebackseat.com).

Boy, was I nervous. I’m a writer and the idea of being on camera was very intimidating. I was able to read a short excerpt from my new release, Forbidden: The Temptation, which I practiced ahead of time (over and over and over). One thing that Terry explored during the interview was my choice to write the Forbidden series in the first person point of view from the perspective of the hero.

When Shiela asked me to guest blog this week, I thought maybe I’d share the reason behind that choice with you AND a little snippet from the book. I hope you like it!

Most urban fantasy seems to be written from the POV of the female protagonist. There are so many wonderful series out there that use vampire mythology. I wanted the Forbidden series to be different enough that it would somehow be set apart in the reader’s mind. Although I use traditional lore, I also created some rules, etc., that are unique to the Forbidden universe. Traditionally vampires are portrayed as strong, powerful, creatures of seduction. I wanted my vampire hero to be a little more relatable, more accessible to the reader. There’s no better way to do that than to let the reader inside the hero’s head and heart. The first person POV allows for a very immediate, intimate, and intense experience. Now I’m hooked on writing that way. So the voice that you hear when you read Forbidden: The Temptation belongs to the books hero, Jake Madison. (And what a hunky hero he is – see evidence below)



Summary:

There’s a fine line between man and beast…one only the heart can cross.

A year ago, Jacob Madison got more than he bargained for during a rock-climbing trip to Yosemite. A freak accident left him badly injured, at the mercy of the elements—and the wolves who rescued him. If it hadn’t been for them, he’d be dead. He’d also still be human. Now he’s back, hoping to find out who he is and what he’s become. Instead, he finds smart, sexy Allison Connelly.

A forensic psychologist, Allison is newly divorced and proudly standing on her own two feet…until an unexpected storm shears off the snow bank she’s standing on. She plunges down an icy ravine, thinking she’s heading for oblivion. Then she lands in the arms of a tall, dark Texan. Jake.

Brought together by circumstance and bound by passion, secrets from their past threaten their future before it can begin. And somewhere in the mountains lurks a rogue Were turned serial killer. Whatever the danger Jake’s inner beast poses to Allison, there’s only one way to protect her—unleash it. Even if it costs him her love.

Warning: This book contains raging winter storms, truly inspiring sex, a kick-butt heroine, and one very hot, dirty-talking cowboy…who’s sometimes furry.

Excerpt from Forbidden: The Temptation
Copyright © 2009 Samantha Sommersby

All rights reserved — a Linden Bay Romance publication

I was running through the forest. The snow was so cold and coming down so heavy it felt as if I was being rained on by glass, thin shards pelting against my naked skin. But I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t slow down. If I did, it would find me. I lengthened my stride, pushing myself like never before. I could outrun this, whatever it was, if only I could push through the pain.
I could see the clearing up ahead, covered in a blanket of white. Unspoiled. Pristine. My lungs burned, the cold air scalding them, scorching them. Then I felt it, the brush of fur rolling, unfurling. Faster. Faster, I pushed myself. Jumping over fallen trees. Ducking under branches. Trying to avoid the rocks that were buried beneath the snow. My feet were cut and bleeding.
As I reached the edge of the clearing I saw them. Wolves. They weren’t chasing me. They were waiting for me, baying, calling.
“God, no!” I shouted out, raising my arms up towards the sky. Begging. Pleading. I searched the heavens, realizing too late, and only then, as I stared into the light of the full moon, that the beast I’d been running from was me.
“It’s easier if you don’t fight it,” one said.
“Just let go,” another said. “Let it happen.”
“Accept what you are.”
But I couldn’t. I didn’t. I fought. I fought to hold on as my bones broke and knitted back together, muscle and sinew torn apart, reshaped, then reformed. My screams shattered the darkness, merging with the sounds of the wolves until they were indistinguishable. Claws formed, teeth elongated and then finally, when I was no longer able to stand on my own two feet, my flesh shredded in an explosion and a thick coat of fur burst forth, allowing me to blend into the shadows.
My eyes flew open.
Night had fallen and my breaths were coming quick and heavy. I was drenched in sweat despite the fact that the fire was almost out and the temperature inside the cabin had dropped.
I climbed out of bed and moved quietly over towards the window. The snow continued to fall outside. The moon had risen and I with it. I always felt more alive, more aware when the moon was up, as if its light was a source of energy. Its power radiated through me, making each and every nerve hum in an inexplicable way.
“Are you okay?”
I closed my eyes and nodded. “Bad dream.”

Available now in eBook at:
Linden Bay Romance: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/product-forbiddenthetemptation-7253-140.html
All Romance eBooks:"http://allromanceebooks.com/index.html
My Bookstore and More:"http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/forbidden-the-temptation"

Coming Soon in Print!

To find out more about Samantha Sommersby and the world of the Forbidden, visit the author’s website http://www.samamthasommersby.com/"
or
MySpace Page http://www.myspace.com/samanthasommersby

Guest blogger, Michelle M. Pillow

Today I bring you a wonderful author whose books are sure to please and keep you wanting more. Michelle M. Pillow has a vast amount of books in a wide range of genre's including Paranormal Romance and Horror. And check out her book covers. Definitely yummy.

I bring you three of Michelle's books today so sit back and enjoy!

KING OF THE UNBLESSED
Book one in the Realm Immortal series
Michelle's website: http://www.michellepillow.com/navigation.htm



BLURB:

Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good—happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick’s and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the Blessed, coveted by the Damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father’s, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the Unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her…or die.


Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, trickster goblins, overly helpful sprights, a king of necessary evil who lives to get his way and a woman who would dare to deny him.

Excerpt

Place of Purchase:
Ebook: http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow


FAERY QUEEN
Book 2


Blurb:

Queen Tania of the Faeries is tired of waiting for Hugh, the Earl of Bellemare, to come back to her. A year has passed since his commitments pulled him from her side and she’s begun to suspect he never intended to return. Disheartened, the queen’s mood darkens until she finds she has no choice but to teach the earl a lesson he will never forget—that no human should dare lie to a faery queen.

Hugh’s hatred of the magical world is well known and he wishes to live out the rest of his life in the mortal realm, doing his noble duty. Too bad his heart hasn’t caught up to his head. Thoughts of a tenaciously seductive queen haunt him, even as he knows the woman only wanted him as a plaything for her bed. But it would seem he can’t run far enough, for the teasing nymph won’t back down and Hugh finds himself at the mercy of a vengeful faery.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, a castle full of amorous faeries, a vengeful queen succumbing to her darker thoughts and the human she would make her plaything.

EXCERPT:


Place of Purchase:
Ebook:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow


STONE QUEEN
Book 3


Blurb

Juliana, newly appointed Queen of the Unblessed, has realized there is a bit more to her position than she first thought. Sure, it has its perks: a sinfully sexy husband who is also a king, growing powers and a magical life that’s never boring, but the drawbacks are considerable. To save her kingdom from war, Juliana accepts assistance from a witch. But when her reality turns upside down, she realizes she’s been betrayed.

For a brief time, Merrick knew happiness, as much happiness as the king of necessary evil could ever feel. Juliana has become the light in his darkness. Though he can never tell his wife he loves her—or risk upsetting the balance of both the mortal and immortal realms—the words are understood between them. Or so he thought. When she falls prey to a wayward spell, becoming encased in stone, he knows he’ll have to risk everything to gain the only thing he truly wants.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, an evil witch, a blundering wizard, meddling sprights, a new queen and the lustful king who plans on showing her just how fun it is to be in charge.

EXCERPT:

Place of Purchase:
Ebook:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow

Tempting the Darkness out today

The fifth book in my darkness series is out today in ebook. This was a very difficult book for me to write being so closely related to the death of my father. I'm a guest on several blogs over the next few weeks where I explain more about writing Tempting the Darkness. I'll keep you all posted as to when and where.

But for now, here is a look at Tempting the Darkness.

If you’re afraid of the dark…you’re screwed.

The Darkness, Book 5

For twenty long years, Cooper Hawthorne has kept the brightest light in his bleak existence a deeply hidden secret. All this time, his beloved Gabriella has slept safely in cryogenic stasis, awaiting the day he finds a cure for her terminal cancer.

As love blooms amidst the Darkness, and still no cure in sight, loneliness drives Cooper to drastic measures. He awakens Gabriella and breaks his last promise to her—by turning her into a vampire.

Gabriella’s sense of betrayal weighs heavily on her attempts to deal with what Cooper has done to her. Pushing him away, she turns to his friends for support—and finds she isn’t the only one hurt by his actions.

Cooper fights the temptation to use his powers to wipe her mind of the damning memories. But, when he comes face to face with the monster that created him, he knows what he must do.

Will Gabriella be able to save him before it’s too late? Or will the Darkness swallow him whole?

Warning: This book could induce intensely heated flesh, rapid pulse, and panting. Should be read in the company of a man who can turn your temptations to delights.

Excerpt:
Cooper stood outside the bedroom door and felt the love pouring out from the room. It warmed his heart to know the two people he thought of as his family were finally getting back to where they were meant to be.

It made him long for what he had lost so long ago.

Making sure no one was around to see him, he sent himself away, setting down just outside the secured door to his wife’s room. “You may take a break,” he instructed the guard. Keying in the code, he entered the room. When the door closed, he walked to the glass case that held his love.

She looked as pure and beautiful as she had the day he had sent her to sleep. The day he promised her he would not wake her until a cure was found. Twenty years had passed and he was no closer to a cure today than he had been on that fateful day he said goodbye to his one true love.

Yet he longed for her as much now as he did then.

“I’ve lived without you for so long. I cannot bear another moment. I miss your gentle touch. I miss your sweet voice. I miss the conversations we would have. I miss you, my love. I need you. I cannot live without you any longer.”

His eyes flicked to the control panel that kept her in her stasis. All it would take would be to key in the code—which he alone had—and press one button to wake his sleeping beauty. He paused, his mind working feverishly.

Should he wake her?

What then? Spend a few months with her, at best. Watch her wither away as the cancer robbed her body of life? He couldn’t do that to her, to himself. But he needed her so desperately. He was tired of being alone.

The love between Basil and Trinity reminded him of his own desires and love. Once, he’d had what they have now. Like Basil, his love was human. Though Basil made Trinity his by siring her, Cooper had promised Gabriella he never would.

Yet…

What kind of life was this? She was frozen, asleep, and wasn’t truly living anyway. Sure, he could see her any time he liked, but it wasn’t the same as having her. He missed having her.

And what if something was to happen to him? There had been some close calls over the past twenty years, especially these last few months Jacob’s Cove had been engulfed in darkness. What would happen to Gabriella then? Who would take care of her? How would she feel if she woke up to find that he was no longer with this world? He didn’t want her to have to feel the pain he had felt for the past twenty years.

There was one way he could cure her. One way he could have her for his from now on. Though he promised her he would never turn her, he saw no other way to curing her.

Without wasting any time, he hurried to enter the code. He took a deep breath, then pressed the red button that would shut off the liquid nitrogen that had cooled her body to preserve her DNA. He watched as her life support continued to breath for her, continued to cause her heart to beat, knowing that the instant he shut them off, he would have to revive her himself. It would take several minutes for the cryogenic freezing to shut down. While he waited, Cooper prepared the medications and tools he would need to bring her back to life. Setting the syringe filled with adrenaline to start her heart on the table beside her, Cooper watched the seconds tick away, waiting for the green light to indicate it was time to shut off the life support. When it beeped and turned green, he flicked the switch to stop the machines. Pressing the button to open the chamber, he anxiously waited for it to open. The instant it did, he was there with the syringe.

Pressing the needle over her heart, he injected the adrenaline, then set it back on the tray and prepared for other methods of CPR.

When her body jolted, so did his. When she gasped for the air that hadn’t been natural to her for over twenty years, he was right there, prepared to give her his.

Her eyes flew open and she gasped several times before finally relaxing.

“That’s it, my sweet, come back to me now.” He stroked her face, watching the machines emitting her pulse and heart rate. They were erratic, but that was to be expected.

She coughed, she gagged, then drew in one long breath before settling.

“There you go, that’s my girl.”

Her eyes drooped and she blinked them several times. Her mouth worked as she tried to swallow and attempted to speak.

“Just relax, my sweet. Take your time. I’m here. I’m here for you.”

She turned her head to him and her eyes lit up. Then she smiled and said, “Cooper.”