I have the wonderful Ciara Gold on my blog today with an excerpt of her latest release.

The Keeper of Moon Haven
Ciara Gold

On the southern fringes of the Mendip Hills sits the Castle Hamingjur, an abandoned structure most fear haunted. Yet, on the rare occasions when the Hunter’s Blue Moon occurs, the Keeper occupies this mysterious castle where he guards the bridge to Alfheim Haven.

Noreen Willshire discovers more than fairytales hidden between the pages of Beletania’s diary. She opens the ancient book and finds a pathway to a Faery Realm where all manner of mythical creatures reside. In her naïveté, she summons the Keeper before his scheduled time in the human realm. In that brief moment, the mysterious wizard touches her soul with more than magick. She promises to return the diary during Mefylleth, a time when the barriers between the two realms melt away, but danger stalks her path. Torn between her desire to make a new life for herself in America and her growing love for the Keeper, she must bridge the gap between magick and time to follow her heart.

Excerpt
“Oh. But why… ?”

“Why did she seek you out?” Vin let go of the reins, and the horse went down on all fours. She laid her head in Noreen’s lap. Noreen reared back, startled by the unicorn’s forward behavior. Vin stared down at them both. The stovepipe hat made him appear taller, larger than life.

“Unicorns are drawn to virgins.”

Warmth flooded her skin. He never ceased to surprise her with his blunt words. “A gentleman would never talk of such things to a lady whom he has just met.”

“And there you make your first mistake. I come from a different realm where etiquette and cultural differences abound. Sex is as natural as breathing. Love, however, is a rare and bonding element. Never confuse the two.”

She ignored the turn of the conversation and redirected it. “Will she let me stand? I feel at a disadvantage while I look up at you.”

He tugged on Kirin’s reins. The unicorn tore its gaze from hers. After some coaxing, Vin managed to pull her away from Noreen’s lap. Straw poked at her shins. Noreen braced her hands upon the wooden slats on either side of the stall and pulled herself up. Vin had his hands full trying to restrain the unicorn or else he probably would have lent her a hand. She felt grateful his mind was occupied elsewhere. With all the talk of virgins and sex, she didn’t feel up to having his hands upon her person.

Once she stood, he let go of the reins, and Kirin rested her muzzle upon Noreen’s shoulder. She smiled. The unicorn acted as stubborn as some humans she knew. She stroked Kirin’s nose, enjoying the velvety texture of her hide.

“You could command anything of her at this moment, and she would grant your wish if it were in her power to do so.”

Her gaze snapped to his. The soft glow of a lantern illuminated his harsh features. As tall and handsome as he was, he would turn many a head. She swallowed hard. He stood proud and confident; a master of illusion to make her think him so handsome. “Could I command her to reverse time?”

“You could, but it would gain you nothing.” He edged nearer. “It was your destiny to find the diary.”

She licked her lips and pressed her back against the railing. “She doesn’t look like the unicorns I’ve seen in books.”

“The golden horn that marks her as unicorn disappears while she serves me in the human realm. Unfortunately, she still maintains her cloven feet and a body style not quite that of a horse.” He took another step. “Kirin is most generous of heart.”

“Don’t come any closer, Vin.”

“You don’t appreciate being backed into a corner? Nor do I.”

“When have I backed you into a corner?”

“You don’t know, do you?” He took another step forward.

She shook her head. His gaze held her captive. Her heart accelerated, and her palms became moist.

He pulled a rose from his lapel and tucked it behind her ear. “You make me feel things I have no wish to feel.”

Her back pressed against the rough wood. She was truly trapped. Screaming would serve no purpose. Nor did she want to scream. Something hypnotic kept her pinned in place.

He removed his hat and bent his head. The scent of rose and hay hung heavy in the air. Warm breath teased her neck. Did he mean to kiss her?

He growled. “This is not what I want.”

“You want Beletania’s diary. I’ll—I’ll fetch it, if you but give me a moment.”

He braced his hands on either side of her head. “The book be damned. No—I think it’s too late for that. I want more than the book.”

“Please.” What did she beg for? Release or his firm lips upon her own?

He dropped his hat to the ground and moved with a quickness that startled her. Before she realized his intent, his hand cupped her cheek. His touch was enough to awaken all sorts of forbidden feelings. She leaned into his palm, hoping he would kiss her and hoping he would not.

Biography
Award winning, Ciara Gold writes sci-fi futuristic romance, time-travel romance, fantasy romance and historical western romance for Champagne Books. The Keeper of Moon Haven is her latest release. You can find all first chapters posted on her website, www.ciaragold.com along with buy links or you can go to www.champagnebooks.com to buy her books.

Today the always lovely Raine Delight has come back to tell us more about her Devon Falls Series and writing.

I got a question from a reader the other day asking why do I write series books. Well that question stopped me in my tracks a bit. I never thought I would write series books but somehow, someway, my muse decided to run with it and today, I have one series with another on the way.

What do I love about writing series books? The chance to revisit beloved characters, the chance to explore the world I created more and to see what else will come to the muse to write about. There is no one thing that draws me to series books but the chance to see what else I can explore is a certain draw in MHO. I love seeing where my imagination can take me-from shifters, dream walkers to demons and more. The sky is the limit in my eyes.

Devon Falls was my first series of novellas and one I am particularly proud of. Originally to be only two books, it morphed into more than ten books once I settled down and saw where the muse was going. I was flabbergasted-ten books! I almost fainted but with four founding families to cover, it added up. I currently have four of the books available at Aspen Mountain Press, with two more coming in 2010 (Moonlight & Magic and Yuletide Magic) then I am taking a break for the beginning of 2011 to concentrate on a new series I am creating then back to finish it off late 2011-early 2012. *wipes brow* that is a lot of books, if I say so myself.

Next up is a new series, one I am enjoying immensely. Club Fantasy is a paranormal BDSM club run by a half-demon of lust and his lover. I am aiming for this to be a trilogy at first but then we can see what happens after that. Who doesn’t love demons, romance, bdsm aspects? I know I do. *grins*

This isn’t to say I don’t enjoy writing non-series books. I currently have one out at Aspen Mountain Press called Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams-about a Fae Prince searching for his mate except when he finds her, she is human and that is not allowed. Another is an upcoming paranormal romantic comedy called Falling to Pieces coming to The Wild Horse Press. A heroine finds herself saving the hero and in the process falling in love. Loads of laughs, fun and non-erotic as well. Something that I kicked around with a friend and it morphed into this one wild, zany ride.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for me. I have other ideas for books (Space pirates anyone?) and who knows, maybe they will morph into a series as well. In the meantime, I read some wonderful series from talented authors (Yasmine Galenorn, Deborah Cooke, Jenna Black, JD Robb, etc) and settle in for my own personal reading pleasure while I recharge the muse.

My questions to you- What series to do you enjoy reading and why? Are there any out there you want to recommend?

Check out Raine’s website http://authorrainedelight.com and blog http://rainedelightbooknook.blogspot.com for more information her books, contests and other fun stuff.

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic
Book 1 in Devon Falls Series

Raine Delight
Paranormal/Holiday Short Story
Aspen Mountain Press
Available NOW

NOTE: This was first in the Babes in Toyland II anthology also available.

Blurb:
A chance meeting at a sweet shop…Can it be love?

When a stranger stops in at her shop, Jenna is surprised by the immediate attraction.  Apparently, Marc is too because he wants to get to know Jenna.  A whole lot better and won’t take no for an answer.

Excerpt:
Jenna wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans and cleared her throat. “Do you mind locking up tonight for a change? I think I may have a date.” Gulping, she waited to hear if Raven would do this one favor for her.

Grinning widely now, Raven replied, “Cheri, if the look on your face is anything, I will lock up for the next week if it gets you out of the house! Go, have fun and enjoy yourself! And remember; tell me all the details if you get some wild kinky monkey sex!”

She watched as her friend peered around Jenna and into the store. “Wow girlfriend, when you wish for something, you got good taste! He is like a double dipped cone that makes you want to savor every last lick!”

“Will you stop drooling in the fudge, Raven? It will be ruined and we’ll have to start from scratch. I am still awed at how he came into this candy shop for his present. Then again, I am not sure after today he won’t want to come back or go out.”

Dismal thoughts crowded Jenna’s brain as she thought of Marc’s invitation. She didn’t know what to make of it and hoped she didn’t make a mistake in accepting. Blowing out a puff of air, she ran a hand down her jeans and hoped she looked alright. “Okay Raven, I’m off for the night. Don’t stay late. I know you have that hot date with Mr. Exotic at the Dragon Inn for drinks. Though how you can go you with some one with that name is one question you have to answer for me one day.”

Sighing, Jenna turned and just before going through the door, she heard Raven call her. “Cheri, have fun. Forget your assumptions—he may be the one man you’re looking for.”

Waving goodbye, she was startled to see Marc looking at candy cane display, still in the shop. It was as if her imagination conjured him up all over again. Jenna watched in appreciation at the way his leg muscles flexed in the tightness of his pants and enhanced his drool worthy ass; all tight and firm. What it would be like to hang on to that as he slid his hard cock into her tight wet hole.

God, I am turning into a nymphomaniac just looking at him. Get a grip Jenna. He’s just a man, though what a fine figure of a man he is and you’re only going for coffee, not wild, kinky monkey sex like Raven suggested!

Available at the following places:
Aspen Mountain Press: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/paranormal/romance/sticky-magic/prod_297.html

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Devon-Falls-Sticky-Magic-ebook/dp/B0030FQOUC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1290029748&sr=1-4

FictionWise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b101508/Sticky-Magic-/Raine-Delight/?si=0