Enchanted Realms ~ Eleni Konstantine

I'm so happy that today my dear friend Eleni Konstantine's debut hits the cyber shelves! Stormy Divide and Angel Eyes are two novellas in the one gorgeous package of Enchanted Realms, from Musa Publishing.

To celebrate, Eleni is giving away a copy over at her blog Eleni's Taverna - all you have to do is pop over and leave a comment and you're in the draw! And here to whet your appetite are the blurbs. Enjoy!


Stormy Divide


A beam of white light shot into the sky from the middle of the forest, an eerie yellow mist surrounding it. This brightness was a sharp contrast to the darkness of the cold, damp forest, which had never before felt otherworldly. Fierce in its onslaught, the storm raging overhead had given no warning. Was it a coincidence it had arrived at the same time the unusual shaft of light had, like a fitting backdrop?

Thom trekked towards the light’s eerie source when a muffled cry vibrated through the air. He stopped as the hairs on the back of his neck bristled. This was no ordinary sound. Like the storm and light, it did not seem natural.

With caution, Thom tracked the sound to a clearing where the peculiar white and gold light display headed toward the heavens, as if it were trying to find the stars even though it was day, like it needed to connect with the rest of the universe.

Signs of disturbance marred the ground nearest the vivid white beam, as though something had scraped along the dirt. He followed the trail with his eyes and came to a sprawled shape lying haphazardly on the ground. This was the source of the moaning. Gods help me! What in skala was it?


Angel Eyes


He was in my dreams again last night. As he is every night. As he has been since I was orphaned at eighteen. In my dream state, the feeling between us is electrifying. I know we have a history together. I know who we are and what we mean to each other, but upon waking all is lost. And I feel empty.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I try to recall the images. Once again, it is futile. All I can remember are those dark haunted eyes as they bore into me, their intensity delving into my soul.

Who is he?

Why does he plague my sleep night after night?

Why does he feel so real? More real than anything I have ever known in my entire life. And why do I feel with him a sense of belonging, a sense of...rightness.

Dread and despair fill me. I do not need to be reminded of the lack of this type of connection in my waking life. Especially not today. The day I am to marry a man who is not the one in my dreams.

Angel & Demon - Giveaway!

Today Archangel of Mercy is being showcased over at Riverina Romantics as part of their Angel and Demon week. Much as I'd love to giveaway a copy of Archangel, the book isn't released until December soooo.... I'm giving away an e-copy of my novella Touch of the Demon instead!

 And while you're over there, have a quick look through the previous posts! now I'm not saying a word, but  OMG there is much naughty hotness on offer!!!

Hot Vampire, Regency London

This week I'm polishing the second book in my Archangel series, published under my Christina Ashcroft name, but I thought I'd share the blurb to my Vampire Regency novella that recently sold to Ellora's Cave.

It's a dark romance that sweeps Alexius and Morana from the sordid back alleys of London, to an elegant Regency ballroom and finally to a magnificent sixteenth century country estate. I had a lot of fun writing this one!

Bloodlust Denied

Lured by blood, driven by lust, Alexius is fascinated by the dark haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his every command. Entranced by such novelty he denied his rabid bloodlust. Instead he’ll keep her to warm his bed until he tires of her ready tongue and tempting body.

Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before. But the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms, until reality intrudes and she flees his addictive embrace.

When Alexius unexpectedly find her again he’s determined to exact retribution for the way she vanished three years ago. Abductions, bondage and decadent seduction feature in his plans, but before the sun rises dynamics have shifted and he’s the one fighting the silken bonds of captivity.

But as they fall under each other’s erotic spell the past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

SOLD! To Ellora's Cave!

I'm beyond delighted to share that books 3 and 4 in my Forbidden Roman/Druid series have been contracted to Ellora's Cave! I have my fingers crossed that book 3 will be out later this year or early next year. I'll keep you posted!

Here are the (unedited) blurbs to give you a taster:

Betrayed

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion, she's determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king.

But the tough Roman warrior who saved her life is far from the brutal barbarian she fears. His touch inflames and passion burns and against everything she believes in her heart surrenders to her enemy.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. He's determined to make her his, whatever it takes.But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he's ever believed in.

Tainted

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Druid warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. But despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt who ignites a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. She knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. But when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she's grown to love.

I've also sold a Regency Vampire novella and an exciting Highland Warrior series to Ellora's Cave. More details on those books coming soon. Looks like a busy year ahead!

A Forbidden Review!

I found another wonderful review for Forbidden the other day over at Strange Candy Reviews. Here's a snippet!

“If you’re looking for a red-hot, blistering read with magic, clashing civilisations and romance then grab a copy of Forbidden. You will not be able to put it down! Now I want a Roman centurion of my own!” 

Pop back on Friday for some exciting news!

The Winner...

Of a copy of Tamara Gill's A Marriage Made in Mayfair is

Nurma

Congratulations!

Don't forget the blog hop is happening all month and you can still be in with the chance of winning the grand prize. 

Find out where Tamara will be all month over on her blog!

A Marriage Made in Mayfair ~ Tamara Gill with Giveaway

 Today I'm delighted to welcome fellow Aussie historical author Tamara Gill, who is celebrating the release of her Regency novella, A Marriage Made in Mayfair. The cover is absolutely sumptuous! 

 Here's a little about Tamara, pinched directly from her website!

 Tamara's love of history started from an early age, but her reading of historical romances only began when home on maternity leave with her second son. Her writing career started as a hobby but soon turned into an obsession—just ask the members of her family, who have suffered many a whipped up, burnt meal.

Member of Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, South Australian Romance Authors and The Beau Monde keep her occupied and focused on her craft and the changing trends of readers. Tamara lives in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia and enjoys hearing from readers and writers alike.

(No wonder we're friends. My poor family have suffered countless burned offerings over the years!!!)

 

Thank you for taking the time to drop by my blog, Tamara. It's great to have you here! Could you please tell  us a little about yourself

Thank you Christina for having me as a guest today and letting me talk about my latest release, A Marriage Made in Mayfair. I’m a South Aussie who writes Regency and time travel romance. I started to write about 4 years ago as a hobby while on maternity leave. About a year after I started to write I found Romance Writers of Australia and I’ve never looked back.

Regency and time travel. Two of my favourite things! Can you tell us a little about your book, A Marriage Made in Mayfair

I had this fantastic idea about a lord who falls on hard times and an heiress he’d previously been dismissive of finding love together. It’s a sweet story between two people from different society spheres who are made for one another. You’ll have to read it to find out any more. :-)

Blurb:

Miss Suzanna March wished for one thing, the elusive, rakish charmer, Lord Danning. But after a frightful first season sees her flee to Paris, such dreams seem impossible. That is until she returns to London, a new woman, and one who will not let the ton's dislike of her stand in her way of gaining what she wants. Revenge on the Lord who gave her the cut direct and perhaps a little flirtation to show the mighty Viscount what he'll never have.

Lord Danning unbeknown to his peers is in financial strife and desperate to marry an heiress. Such luck would have it Miss Suzanna March fits all his credentials and seduction is his plan of action. Yes, the woman who returned from Paris is stronger, defiant, and a little argumentative, but it does not stop Lord Danning finding himself in awe and protective of her.

But will Suzanna fall for such pretty words from a charmer only after one thing. Or will Lord Danning prove to Suzanna and himself that she is more than his ticket out of debtor's prison...

Being incurably nosy, I love finding out what inspires other writers. Can you let us know who or what inspires you and why?

I’m a HUGE Karen Marie Moning fan. I know she doesn’t write Regency, but she’s just fantastic! I love every single one of her books and can’t wait to see what she’ll give her fans to read next. With the simplest words she can evoke emotion, tension everything a reader wants. She’s amazing.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of my CPs :-) Do you have CPs? If so can you tell us how you met up and your process? (see above for my impossible nosiness!!!)

I have one cp, Joanna Lloyd and I love her to bits. She’s fantastic at grammar and punctuation which I am not. LOL We met through the Romance Writers of Australia cp program and just clicked. We’ve been working together now for the past two years.

What's the best and worst things about writing for you?

Now that I have a couple of stories published the best part for me would be reader feedback. I love hearing that someone loved my story and characters and that they didn’t want the story to end. I love reading those kinds of comments. The worst for me is time. I never seem to have enough of it and struggle some days to even get in front of the computer. And if I don’t write I tend to get snappy. ;p

Tamara's debut, a Naughty Nibble, To Sin with Scandal

And finally, do you have any advice or light bulb moment you'd like to share about getting/being published?

Keep writing every day. Don’t worry if you never final in a competition or someone says you should write in a different genre because you suck. I’ve had all these things happen and said to me. Learn to shrug your shoulders and move on. You’ll never please everyone at that’s just life. Enjoy what you write and write from the heart. In time everything else will click into place.

A Captain's Order, A Duke's Command - this gorgeous cover won the Romance Writers of Australia's Best 20 Years of Romance Covers Contest in the Historical Section in 2011 (along with Captive!)  

Tamara has also sold two time travel romances to Crimson Romance. The first, A Stolen Season (I've been lucky enough to read this and it's fab!) will be out this August. Defiant Surrender, a medieval romance is coming soon.

Leave a comment for Tamara to go into the draw, at the end of her month long blog hop, to be in with a chance of winning the following fabulous prize:

Postcard Sets

Romance Trading Cards

$30.00 Amazon Gift Card

Copy of A Marriage Made in Mayfair

And a copy of my two previous works

gifted through Amazon.com

(or preferred e-reader store)

Links:

http://www.tamaragillromanceauthor.com

http://tamaragill.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/tamara_gill

http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gill.754

http://historicalhearts.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/

Quick Heads Up!

Just popping in to give a quick heads up on a fabulous interview coming up on Monday with historical author Tamara Gill who's celebrating her latest Regency novella release, A Marriage Made in Mayfair.

Tamara is having a month long blog hop and is not only giving away a copy of her novella at every blog stop but everyone who comments will be put in the hat to win the major prize! And wow, what a fantastic prize!

Postcard Sets

Romance Trading Cards

$30.00 Amazon Gift Card

Copy of A Marriage Made in Mayfair

And a copy of my two previous works

gifted through Amazon.com

 

(or preferred e-reader store)

 

 

Don't forget to pop by on Monday and join in the fun!

Congratulations to Sara Hantz!

I've been battling the head cold from hell here over the last few days, as well as grappling with several stubborn synopses, but I'm delighted to emerge from the cave to share some more very exciting news! My fabulous CP, Sara Hantz, has recently sold to Entangled Teen!

Congratulations, Sara! You know how much I've always loved this book!

Will the Real Abi Saunders Stand Up will be published in 2014.

Here's the blurb!

Seventeen year old Abi Saunders might be a kick boxing champion, but when it comes to meeting new people she’s not so brave. Which is why when her trainer suggests she audition to become stunt double for hot teen movie star, Tilly Watson, she refuses. No way. Absolutely not.  However, it seems her trainer isn’t the only one who thinks she needs to come out of her shell. So does everyone else at the gym – even her training partner Matt and best friend Jody. So she reluctantly goes for the job and, to her surprise, wins it.   At first Abi is terrified but once the wig and make-up are on, she starts to feel like a different person. Tilly Watson to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi becomes besotted with him. In fact Abi becomes so besotted with her new life it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old friends or her old life. But when the cameras are turned off Abi painfully discovers her new life is a sham and she realises she hasn’t just had stars in her eyes, but in her head too. What a fool she’s been. But it’s not too late, because Abi manages to take back control of her life and right her wrongs.

Sophie's Mixed Up Magic!

So much good news bubbling at the moment! I'm very excited that my good friend Amanda Ashby's first two books in her new MG series hit the shelf today!

Sophie's Mixed Up Magic

Wishful Thinking
 
Be careful what you wish for…

After Sophie accidentally gets herself turned into a djinn, she starts to think that it might not be so bad after all. (Of course, that’s after she gets the whole orange skin problem sorted out.) Who wouldn’t enjoy having the power to grant wishes! But when Sophie develops RWD (Random Wish Disorder) and can’t STOP granting wishes, things get more than a little mixed-up!

Under a Spell

And that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E…

As Sophie gets used to her magic, her relationship with the adorable Jonathan Tait is blossoming. There’s only one problem: Jonathan’s twin sister, Melissa. She’s a total mean girl who seems intent on making Sophie’s life miserable. On top of that, Melissa somehow seems to sense that Sophie has powers–and manages to bind Sophie to her in a totally self-serving way. Can Sophie figure out a way out of this–without ruining her chances with Jonathan?

To kick off the celebrations, Amanda is holding a contest over at her blog with signed copies and a cute djinn ring up for grabs. Pop on over and help spread the fun!

Freebie Friday Fun

As promised, I have a fun Friday freebie :-)

 But first!

If you'd like a sneak peek of some books I have in the pipeline, I've posted short extracts over at

Coffee Time Romance

There's a sexy snippet from the third book in my Forbidden series - the heroine is Nimue, who appeared at the end of Captive, and her gorgeous Roman Tribune hero, Tacitus.

There's also an excerpt from the first book in my new Highland Warrior series - Her Savage Scot.

And finally I posted the never-before-seen sexy meeting between Aurora and her Archangel, Gabriel, from my Berkley Heat December release Archangel of Mercy (written under my pen name of Christina Ashcroft)


And now for the fun giveaway! Just pop over to my Christina Phillips forum at CTR and follow the simple instructions!

Fabulous Freebie ~ Stone Cold Lover

I'm very happy to share that my good writing buddy, Mel Teshco's first published book, Stone Cold Lover  is up as a freebie for a couple of weeks over at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, B&N,etc. I read this sizzling book soon after it came out and I love Mel's sexy gargoyles!

I have sexy snippets of Archangel of Mercy and the third book in my Forbidden series up on Coffee Time Romance. Love to know what you think of them!!

Don't forget to pop back on Friday for a special treat!!!

A Week of Sexy Snippets

Happy Mother's Day!!

All week I'm over at Coffee Time Romance, where there is a mega celebration going on with heaps of fabulous giveaways, including major prizes for the Scavenger Hunt ~ a Sony Wi-Fi eReader and a Nook Simple Touch for two lucky winners.

Over the next few days I'll be in my Coffee Time Forum where I'll be posting some never-before-seen sexy snippets of my upcoming books. Later today I'll post the first meet between my gorgeous Archangel, Gabe, and his destined heroine, Aurora, from Archangel of Mercy. Should be fun! Look forward to seeing you over there.

Oh and I nearly forgot!! As this is a party I'll be having Fabulous Friday Freebies at the end of the week!!

Archangel of Mercy is still on pre-order special offer over at

The Book Depository

with 25% off the cover price plus an extra 10% off everything

But hurry! The extra 10% discount ends on Monday!

Archangel of Mercy ~ Pre-Order at Discounted Price

A quick heads up - Archangel of Mercy, the first book in my new Fallen Archangel series, is up for pre-order at Amazon at the discounted price of $10.20 for the trade paperback. Only seven months to go until release day! If you like the sound of the blurb, please "Like" the book on the Amazon page!

Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation-

and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn…

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she’s determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they’re together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.

Also available for Pre-Order from

The Book Depository

 With free shipping and an extra 10% off everything at the moment!

Birthday Extravaganza!

Throughout the month of May Coffee Time Romance and The Romance Studio are having a birthday Anniversary Extravaganza! There are some awesome prizes on offer, with major prizes for the Scavenger Hunt being a Sony Wi-Fi eReader and a Nook Simple Touch for two lucky winners. There's also a blog event, anniversary party and CTR Forum event - and that's where I come in!!

During the second week of May, 12th to 19th, authors are having a celebratory bash, holding contests and questions and answer sessions and giving away all sorts of wonderful prizes. The fabulous Keri Arthur, fellow Dark Sider, will also be there on the 19th chatting about her books and giving away a signed ARC of Darkness Devours, among lots of other goodies!

To find out what I'll be up to pop on over to the Coffee Time Forums any time between May 12th to 19th!

Heart of the Valley ~ Cathryn Hein

Huge congratulations to my good writing buddy Cathryn Hein who is celebrating the release of her second rural romance from Penguin Australia, Heart of the Valley. I really enjoyed her first book Promises - and although I'm not a country or horsey girl, I ended up completely falling in love with the beautiful horses in the book. I also love the names Cathryn gives her wonderful equines - have a read of the blurb below to see what I mean!

Brooke Kingston is smart, capable and strongwilled ­ some might even say stubborn ­ and lives in the beautiful Hunter Valley on her family property. More at home on horseback than in heels, her life revolves around her beloved ‘boys’ ­ showjumpers Poddy, Oddy and Sod.
 
Then a tragic accident leaves Brooke a mess. Newcomer Lachie Cambridge is hired to manage the farm, and Brooke finds herself out of a job and out of luck. But she won¹t go without a fight.

What she doesn’t expect is Lachie himself ­ a handsome, gentle giant with a will to match her own. But with every day that Lachie stays, Brooke’s future on the farm is more uncertain. Will she be forced to 
 choose between her home and the man she’s falling for?

A vivid, moving and passionate story of love and redemption from the author of Promises.

UNBOUND with April Vine

When my first novella was published a few years ago, I met up with a wonderful group of authors who all debuted round about the same time as I did. I'm absolutely delighted to showcase one of those lovely ladies on my blog today, as she celebrates the release of her debut novella from Ellora's Cave.

And what's more, today is also her birthday! Happy Birthday, April!!! And congratulations on the release of UNBOUND!! I've just read this book and it's a real scorcher :-)

Here is April's bio in her own words...

 April Vine writes erotic romance by night and is a professional dreamer by day. She has two precious sons who keep her sharp and one very tolerant husband who chivalrously and bravely defends her honour daily.

UNBOUND BY APRIL VINE

BLURB:

Staid and straitlaced Michelle Stein has two thoughts fueling her mind…

1. Floor the first man to walk into her antique shop.

2. Throttle her three witch-practicing aunts.

They promised her a tiny spell to fix her ridiculous inhibitions, but instead mischievously delivered a full-blown, sanity-squashing lust spell. The temporary curse apparently has no boundaries either…since the first man who walks through her door is the same man who broke her heart ten years ago. Despite Michelle’s vociferous resistance, Sebastian becomes the only man who can appease her unending physical hunger.

Thirty, heirless and restless, Sebastian Gray is drawn back home to Cape Town to claim the only girl he ever loved. What he finds in her place is a hotly bewitched erotic seductress. Now with the reparation spell her aunts cast gone awry, Sebastian might be on the losing end of a futile battle against a strength-ascending hex, no matter how hard he tries to keep Michelle satiated, alive…or even just human.

Excerpt 

Chapter One

Michelle leaped from the floral-embossed Victorian chair, gripped the edge of the walnut desk and dropped her chin to her chest. Labored breaths somersaulted from her mouth. Her heart beat with swift speed. Her skin screamed under a raging fire.

She was having an attack.

Not a panic attack.

A sex attack.

Oh how she vowed to strangle her aunts, wring their collective witches’ necks and put them on a diet of cabbage for as long as they lived. She thought they’d agreed with her terms and stipulations.

Obviously not, since they’d turned her into a raging sex fiend who without any hesitation would attack the first man who walked through the door of her antiquities shop. Not by her own doing, because how could she, twenty-six-year-old, staid, even-headed and collected Michelle Stein, sign up for such reckless sexual abandonment? Not ever.

She resisted the urge to squeeze her scorching nipples and the temptation to bunch up her cotton panties and pull them taut against her clit. She couldn’t give in. Not while her door remained opened for business.

She wobbled out of her office to the entrance of the store. Pressing her legs together, she chewed her lip in agony as the slightest movement ricocheted spasms of pleasure through her body. Her eyes fixed on the gold-plated sign hanging on the inside of the glass door meters away from her. Her mission to flip it around and keep out any possible victims until the crazy her aunts bestowed upon her evaporated.

Too late.

The door swung open. Eighteenth-century chimes hanging from the paneled ceiling danced in the afternoon breeze. Their former melodious jingle a sex-alert siren in her ear now.

She zeroed in on a musky scent mingled with the clean, self-assured aroma of pure red-blooded male. Her senses hummed. She licked her lips then swerved to a dead halt.

Bedeviled with the worst kind of heat known to any man, woman or animal for that matter, and who chose to walk into her ordinarily sedate but presently doggoned world?

Sebastian Gray.

He who broke her heart in two.

“Glitterbug.” His gravel-and-silk voice spiked and inebriated her nerves. She tore her gaze away from his killer smile and stared into his wicked green-tinged blue eyes, which teased her the same way they did ten years ago.

Only one thought shot through her mind.

Oh dear, I’m going to molest Sebastian Gray.

WEB DETAILS:

Website: 

Facebook: 

Twitter: 

Available from Ellora’s Cave:

Available from Amazon:

Proud Grandma Alert!

I've been a bit distracted lately and for a very good reason - I'm thrilled to show off my darling little grandson, Vincent Alexander, who was born on 14th April! He is completely adorable and I could cuddle him all day!

Vincent enjoying his first bath at home with my daughter and her partner- six month old Theo found the proceedings fascinating!!

So it's now official - I am an erotic writing Grandma!!

New Christina Ashcroft Website is now Live

I've been building a new website for Christina Ashcroft over the last month or so, and having great fun with it (fun being relative, if you call pulling out your hair and screaming at the computer fun!!!) My clever (and very patient) husband sorted out the last few hiccups this afternoon and I'm very happy to unveil the new Christina Ashcroft website!

I'd love to know what you think of it!

And yes, since I obviously delight in torturing myself the next project on my To-Do list is rebuilding my Christina Phillips website! Watch this space...

Friday 13th - Download some Dark Demon Lovin'!

It's Friday 13th! What better day to have a little promo for my Touch of the Demon novella? The hero is a bad ass dark angel, the heroine a reluctant assassin and when their paths cross the lust that sizzles between them quickly escalates into a full blown firestorm of passion!

Review:

"Rafe is hot,passionate and deadly. He's on a mission to destroy a woman of mixed celestial parentage because her descendants will create havoc. What he doesn't expect is to fall in love with Celeste. Phillips writes the most erotic love scenes I have read. What I especially love is her dialogue. The feistiness of the heroine matches her hero, leaving the reader really wanting them to get together, but how they will do that is elusive right until the end."  5 Stars.  Cathleen Ross, award winning author

Touch of the Demon is available from Smashwords and Amazon for only $0.99. A perfect coffee break read!

Sophie's Mixed-Up Magic Goodreads Giveaway

My good friend and CP, Penguin author Amanda Ashby, is holding a Goodreads giveaway this month for the first book in her new MG series, Sophie's Mixed-Up Magic: Wishful Thinking out next month! Lucky me as I've read the three books and they are all sorts of awesome and the covers are so true to the books it's uncanny!

So here's the skinny culled direct from Amanda's blog - just hop on over and enter to be in with a chance to win!

My very last arc of Sophie’s Mixed-Up Magic: Wishful Thinking is up for grabs over on Goodreads. Well, go on, off you go and enter!!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wishful Thinking

by Amanda Ashby

Giveaway ends April 30, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Cover Stories with Forbidden

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes between the author, agent, editor and marketing when it comes to creating that perfect cover, then pop on over to the Barnes & Noble Community where the lovely Melissa Walker has featured the Cover Story of my debut novel, Forbidden.

Reading through the post again it's brought back all the excitement of that amazing week, and the absolute thrill I experienced when I finally saw the finished cover for the very first time. Even two years later I haven't got tired of looking at Maximus in his Roman regalia and Carys in her gorgeous gown!

He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...

"Set in the time of the Roman Empire, Phillips' wonderful story of the romance between a Roman soldier and a Celt is more than entertaining"

 

Romantic Times BOOK Reviews, 4 Stars

"I dare you to put down Forbidden until you reach the last page. Compelling, passionate and fascinating."

 

Anna Campbell, Award Winning Author

An Author's Life... Double Trouble

Today I'm over at fellow Berkley author Kylie Griffin's blog where she grills me on An Author's Life. Actually both Christina Phillips and Christina Ashcroft were invited which was pretty cool! If you want to find out the down and dirty on my double life then pop on over and say hi!

A Year of Firsts

Today I'm over at Tote Bags 'n' Blogs chatting about my exciting rollercoaster Year of Firsts. Pop over and join me and share your memorable "first" - or a fave story about a kitty or canine! Yes I couldn't resist, there's an adorable photo of kitty Theo up there, when he was just a couple of days old!

Touch of the Demon - Rises from the Ashes!

I've dipped my toe in the self-publishing pool, and have released my dark erotic futuristic/fantasy Touch of the Demon through Smashwords (I'll also be uploading to Amazon Kindle very soon). It's been an eye-opening experience reformatting the book for e-publication and I'm sure I would never have made it without the help of the amazing, award winning author Cathleen Ross who cyber held my hand throughout the whole Smashwords Meatgrinder process!

Touch of the Demon is the first in my upcoming Sensual Seduction Series of erotic shorts that I intend to self-publish and is just $0.99. Check out the new trailer below!

This 10k word short story was first published in 2009 with The Wild Rose Press.

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry, but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had  imagined.

Party Time!

Join me today over at The Romance Reviews where there's a chance to win a copy of Captive - and  heaps of other mega cool prizes are also up for grabs! Before you play the game you need to be registered and logged into TRR - it's free and easy so hope to see you there!

March Madness

It's been a crazy month so far. I finished my second Archangel book and sent the proposal to my agent (who loved it - yay!) So now we wait and see what the verdict is from my editor on that one. Since then I've been madly polishing and editing my Highland Warrior. I have no idea why but this book came in at 105k so I've been slashing and burning to bring it down to a more manageable word count. Am slowly getting there!

On Wednesday I'm over at The Romance Reviews to help celebrate their first birthday anniversary. And there's a giveaway of Captive up for grabs! Just answer a simple question (the answer is found on my Christina Phillips website) and you're in with a chance. I'll put more details up tomorrow as the link for my Q&A doesn't go live until Wednesday.

And on Saturday 17th March I'm over at Totebags chatting about all sorts of new beginnings - will post more details later in the week!

ARCHANGEL OF MERCY - Cover Love!

I'm thrilled to show off the cover of my next release with Berkley Heat - Archangel of Mercy. The more I look at this cover, the more in awe I am of the art department. They took into account just about every request I suggested - including having both Gabriel and Aurora on the front in a romantic-but-with-a-touch-of-possessiveness pose, the blond hero and the forest background. Even the wings are perfect and in the larger version the individual feathers are awesome. My editor and I discussed whether or not wings should be on the cover, because in the book Gabriel's were destroyed millennia ago. However, we both decided a mystical hint of what he'd once possessed would be good. I'm also in love with the gorgeous little wings in the title! And OMG. His face!!! If you can enlarge the cover and zoom into his face let me know what you think, because I reckon he is to die for!!!

Friday Feast - Bottoms Up!

Today I'm a guest over at my good friend Cathryn Hein's blog where I'm talking about one of my favourite things - wine!!! Well actually I'm chatting more about the beautiful Margaret River wine region and cheeky kookaburras and there's a chance to win a special goodie just for leaving a comment on my post. I also share some shocking tidbits I picked up while researching for my Roman/Druid romances!!

Cathryn writes the most gorgeous Aussie rural romances for Penguin Australia, and I was captivated by her debut, Promises. I'm so looking forward to reading her upcoming release, Heart of the Valley!

Hope to see you over at Cathryn's so we can party. It's Friday, after all!!!

One of our stops on our wine tour of the beautiful Margaret River region in Western Australia

Sunday Swag

The lovely ladies over at Riverina Romantics are having a Sunday Swag giveaway today. Just hop over and leave a comment for the chance to win a gorgeous Forbidden/Captive bookmark! How easy is that!

Cover Art & Goals Update

I had a wonderful surprise in my inbox yesterday - a sneak preview of the cover for Archangel of Mercy! Berkley Art have excelled themselves once again. The cover is romantic, sexy and mystical - absolutely gorgeous and incorporates all the elements I suggested to my editor last year. I can't wait until I can show it off!

As it's now February I thought I'd better give an update on how my goals are coming along. I'm very happy that I managed to finish and send off the revisions the day before deadline and polished and edited my Highland Warrior book. I'm now back writing book two of my Archangels but my hero and heroine aren't cooperating. Obviously they're not impressed that I left them dangling for two months!

A Naughty Little Bite of Forbidden

Today I'm over at the Dark Side DownUnder blog giving a naughty little bite of Forbidden for your reading pleasure!! I love this snippet as it shows how both Maximus and Carys are used to being in control of a situation, and how, despite this tough Roman's belief, it is actually Carys who's keeping them safe during their illicit encounter.

He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...

Congratulations Kylie Griffin!

A big congratulations to my good friend, Kylie Griffin, on the release of her debut novel from Berkley Sensation today! Kylie is having a party over at her blog if you want to pop on over and join in the fun!

VENGEANCE BORN: A Novel of the Light Blade
There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born…

Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father’s people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she’s gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy.

With the Na’Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na’Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons—and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.

When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father’s dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council—and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war…

Lightning Strikes

In case you thought I'd fallen off the edge of the planet... it certainly felt like it to me! Two weeks ago in the early hours of the morning we were hit by the worst storm I can ever remember. At one point the thunder was so terrific it sounded as if our roof had exploded. The back garden flooded and we later discovered our laptops and air con were fried. This during the hottest heat wave for something like 40 years!!! I'm talking temps hitting the high 90s (that's about 40 degrees I think!) And that lasted for a good 10 days without respite.

We're still without internet access, so thank goodness for whoever invented the dongle! (although who makes up these names?!)

The only good news was just the previous weekend I'd done a massive back up of all my photos and docs (actually that's a bit of a lie, my husband very cleverly managed to save the lot to a stick. I seriously believe he has the gift!) Unfortunately it did wipe off my website program and I'm still struggling to get that back online. So please accept my apologies for the outdated info on the home page of Christina Phillips (I haven't attempted the Christina Ashcroft one yet!). For some reason, although I've managed to reinstall everything on my new laptop, my updates aren't uploading to the server. If any wonderfully techie minded person has an idea why that might be please let me know!!!

Welcome to Christina Ashcroft!

I'm very excited to share some news on the writing front. As well as my historical romances published as Christina Phillips, I'm also now writing hot paranormal romance for Berkley Heat under the pen name Christina Ashcroft. The first of my Fallen Archangel books, Archangel of Mercy, is scheduled for release in December 2012. This is the sizzling story of Gabriel and I'm in the middle of revisions for this book at the moment.

My new website is here.

I've added the blurb below - I hope you enjoy!

Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation-
and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn...

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she's determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they're together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.

Cover Art Magic

I always love reading about what goes on behind the scenes at publishing, and one of my favourite things is learning about the cover art process. The fantastic ladies over at Riverina Romantics have just interviewed the awesome Tony Mauro, the cover artist for Captive (which won the Romance Writers of Australia's 20 Years of Romance Covers for best Historical last year). Tony has done everything from posters for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean to Stephen King's novel Under the Dome and also has a stunning calendar out!

DarkSiders Reading Challenge 2012

Hope everyone had a very merry New Year and didn't feel too dreadful the morning after the night before!!!

Eleni Konstantine, the star behind the Dark Side DownUnder blog, has come up with a brilliant reading challenge for 2012. If you enjoy reading paranormal, fantasy, UF and/or steampunk romances then you might find some fantastic new books to add to your wish lists from the Dark Side DownUnder authors.

There are three levels to the challenge:

Light Side Challenge - 6 books

DarkSider Challenge - 12 books

Down Under Challenge - 24 books

I'm putting my name down for the 12 book challenge - any more takers? You can find a list of the DSDU authors here!

Happy New Year!

It hardly seems possible but yet another year has flown by! I'm looking forward to 2012 and although I don't make resolutions I do like to reassess where I am and what I hope to achieve in the coming twelve months. So, urged on by fabulous Carina Press author Rachael Johns, I'm making a list of my goals. The reasoning behind this is if they're out there, then I'm accountable!

So here we go:

Finish the revisions on the first book in my new Berkley series (I have an end of January deadline for this one)

Edit and polish my Highland Warrior book

Finish writing book 2 in my new series (I have about 25k left to go on this one)

Finish writing book 3 in the Forbidden series (I've only written 30k on this one, so have a long way to go!!)

Either - start the second book in my Highland Warrior series ~or~ start book 3 in my new series. 

Keep the mess on my desk under control. Not at ALL sure about this goal, sounds like an impossible ask! Because once I start on my desk it shows up how untidy my bookshelves are, which in turn makes me realise how cluttered the entire floor is as well!!!

Now for the dreams, because we all need to have our dreams!

Would love to make the Gold Coast conference in 2012 *keeping every available digit crossed* I couldn't make the conference this year, although it was huge fun texting with the gorgeous Alli Sinclair from Novel Adventurers on Awards Night!

Attend a weekend writers retreat with my awesome CPs, Amanda Ashby and Sara Hantz.. I'm not convinced we'd get a great deal of writing done but we'd certainly knock back a lot of bubbly and... brainstorm! (because that sounds more writerly than gossiping, heh heh)

What are your goals/resolutions and/or dreams for 2012?