Books by Gracie C. McKeever

© 2006 Gracie C. McKeever

In This Issue:
Acceptances/Coming Soon!!
PNR Reviews
Siren Serials – Love Interludes
What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads
This Issue's Article
Completed/Making The Rounds!
Poetry Corner
This Issue's E-Publisher Spotlight
This Issue's Author Spotlight
This Issue's Novella Excerpt
This Issue's Newsletter Contest
Giveaways/Good Deals/Shameless Promotions
Odds and Ends

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Hope you guys are all enjoying a happy, healthy and prosperous new year so far, and that Valentine's Day was everything you wanted it to be and more.
As I write this, we here in New York have enjoyed one of the warmest (I think the weathermen say 4th warmest) in history. January 30th, the temperatures hit 64 degrees! Who knows, by press time of this newsletter, I'll probably be trudging through 24 inches of snow…I'm hoping not.
Me, I capped off 2005 on a bit of a low note…I'm sure some of you might have heard about the Transit Strike in New York. Lasted three days…I walked three miles each way to catch a bus to an alternate work location (my usual work place is in lower Manhattan near the WTC site, and with me living in the Bronx, that wasn't happening). Obviously, I survived…The union members, however, have not ratified the agreement that stopped the strike, so it's anyone's guess whether we'll be hit by another one…I'm crossing my fingers (though I guess I could use the extra exercise…But if we get that 24 inches I think the bosses can forget about seeing me…)
On a high note, I started OFF 2006 in productive fashion and am looking forward to a good year with my writing and several new releases throughout the year.
Coming out first is BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, which will be featured in Love Interludes, Siren Serials with three other full-length novels being serialized beginning March 1, 2006. For more details, see Siren Serials, Love Interludes below.
Finished another erotica romance (paranormal/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) in late January, this one a novella with a succubus heroine that I'm targeting for a Dark Heroines anthology. Cross your fingers for me, and while you're at it, cross them and your toes for short erotica I sent for Caramel Flava anthology (some of you might be familiar with NYT Bestselling, African American author Zane's erotica books. Well, she's the editor and a contributor for this anthology, and it would be a big coup to get in, so I'm really, really hoping to get accepted for this one.)

Now, on the entertainment/movie front…Of course what self-respecting vampire/shapeshifter fan wouldn't have gone out to catch "Underworld: Revolution" the first weekend it was out? You know, fanatic that I am, I was in there, popcorn in hand, and the homeboys behind me (loudly raving at all the violence and gore and deeming this one a "classic".) I don't know if I'd go that far, but the movie satisfied this Matrix-starved, vampire lover's taste-buds. The storyline wasn't bad, and I enjoyed the way the writers tied it in with the first "Underworld"; good continuity, great stunts, great action scenes, HOT love scene (I can see why Speedman was nervous, seeing as how the director is Beckinsale's husband.).

Caught "Something New", the interracial romantic comedy with Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Hadn't seen a nice sweet enjoyable romance since…hmm, I think it was "Hitch" last year. As I write this and contemplate the previews I've been seeing, there is simply nothing coming out that's ringing my bell in a must-go-as-soon-as-it's-released, Harrison-Ford-leaping-off-the-top-of-a-waterfall-in-The-Fugitive, Bruce-Willis-crashing-through-a-skyscraper-window-in-Die-Hard, Keanu-Reeves-dodging-bullets-in-slow-motion-in-The-Matrix kind of way. I'm so desperate for a Keanu fix I've been od'ing on Point Break, The Devil's Advocate and Constantine on the cable. Ultraviolet looks like a Resident Evil, Resident Evil II: the Apocalypse retread. Where's the originality!?! Where is the next LOTR epic?

Of course, I can't go on without mentioning the Oprah/Frey scandal…okay, I mentioned it…So, what do you guys all think about it? Anyone read the book? Anyone run out to get the book after the scandal broke? Me, I'm not much of a memoir fan/reader, and after this, I'm going to be looking at them with even more of a jaundiced eye. Not that it's going to hurt the business. This outrage will die down, we'll forget all about it and move on to the next bestseller, or what the publishers, and Oprah et. al., TELL us is a bestseller.

*Note: I'm thinking of making my newsletter contest a monthly contest (even on months when I don't send out a "full" regular newsletter) starting with the DH giveaways and then moving onto my Bad Boys' collection. Keep your eyes peeled to your e-mailboxes for more details….
As predicted, before press-time we did get that blizzard…a little more than two feet (26.9 inches), February 11-12 in New York – Biggest snowstorm in the city's history.

As I finalize this issue, the two-three days of 50+ temps has already melted most of the snow away. Talk about creepy wheather…
Well, enough of that. Let's get to this issue of the newsletter…Hope you all enjoy!
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ACCEPTED/COMING SOON! "A man who wants to save the world one child at a time…a young teen looking for acceptance and a savior wherever he can find them…and a woman who wants only to save them both. Somewhere between darkness and daylight they will all find and save each other." BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, erotic romance – paranormal/psychic/interracial, and a NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2003 Novel/Novella Finalist, by Gracie C. McKeever . This novel is being serialized beginning March 1, 2006 as part of Love Interludes, Siren Serials (see more details below under Siren Serials.) To find out more about BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, and see the great cover for this book, go here: http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/bdad.asp
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DESERT DREAMS by Gracie C. McKeever – Best-selling Paranormal Djinni Romance available as a download from Fictionwise.com http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook30601.htm Regular $7.99/Club $6.79
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PNR REVIEWS – As you can see, I had a busy quarter of reading/reviewing. Hope you enjoy the reviews:

MIDNIGHT, Book 1, Dark Promises, by Elisa Adams, Ellora's Cave: "a recommended read for fans of vampire erotica romance": http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32421

DEMONIC OBSESSION, Book 2, Dark Promises, by Elisa Adams: "A fast-paced story with explosive chemistry": http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review33225

SHIFT OF FATE, Book 3, Dark Promises, by Elisa Adams: "hottest yet in this vampire series!": http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review33218

FLESH AND BLOOD, Book 4, Dark Promises, by Elisa Adams: "another fast-paced, scorching and suspenseful tale": http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review33217

TARNISHED, Book 5, Dark Promises, by Elisa Adams, Ellora's Cave: "Highly recommended vampire romance!" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32500

TRANSFORMATIONS, Anthology, by Margaret Carter, Liddy Midnight, Tielle St. Clare, Ellora's Cave: "an excellent anthology for lovers or erotica shapeshifter romance" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32511

TAMING HIM, by Michelle Pillow, Ellora's Cave: "alien abduction has never been more fun and sexy" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32501

MISLED, by Sylvia Day, Ellora's Cave: "A highly recommended vampire romance!" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32426
OUT OF THE DARKNESS, by Jaci Burton and CJ Burton, Ellora's Cave: "an imaginative and tightly woven tale" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/reviews32510

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS, Anthology, by Astrid Cooper, Extasy E-Books: "Well-crafted collection of short stories" http://pnr.thebestreviewscom/reviews32443
THE FOREVER KISS, by Angela Knight: "exciting and sizzling vampire erotic romance" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review33216

WISH LIST, by Sylvia Day: "a highly recommended "gift": http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review33095

SIREN SERIALS:

The 1st E-serial Quartet!

Love Interludes is a collection of four full-length Siren novels released in serial installments. Each installment is lovingly crafted by our contributing authors to provide our readers scorching, romantic stories that are erotic, exciting and character-driven, with a cliff-hanger at the end of each installment.

Sign up to receive FREE DOWNLOAD of Love Interludes, Part 1-Must be 18 to join
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenSerials/join

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Visit EPIC's Bookstore-http://store.fictionwise.com/epic/

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FLAMES PAST by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-58749-121-4 (p) 1-58749-257-7 — Contemporary Paranormal Romance available and can be purchased from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS20/flames.html in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers…Now Available in Trade Paperback! Visit Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com Awe-Struck's print subsidiary for titles in PRINT. Also available at Booksurge.com, B&N, Powells, eBookad.com, Fictionwise.com… Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H), $13.95 (trade paperback) – RT 2002 Award Nominee – Best Small Press Paranormal and an Awe-Struck Spice Is Nice title.
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MIND LIKE WATER E-Book Directory: eBooks:">eBooks: free ebook directory and marketing ">http://www.mindlikewater.com">eBooks: free ebook directory and marketing

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ACCEPTED/COMING SOON! Two women who shouldn't have died, but did. Both women now on the trail of two men – one an abusive, cheating husband-turned-killer, the other a rival bounty hunter whom will not be bested by any woman. Each will have their revenge, but at what expense? IN PLAIN SIGHT, paranormal reincarnation/ghost romance by Gracie C. McKeever-More information to come regarding publisher and release date…
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ACCEPTED/COMING SOON! "Death is only the beginning when a psychotherapist is reincarnated as a client's estranged and murdered husband...ETERNAL DESIGNS is the result", erotic romance – paranormal/reincarnation/interracial, and a NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2002 Novel/Novella Finalist, by Gracie C. McKeever – More information to come regarding publisher and release date…
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DANCING IN THE DARK by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN –1-928670-76-8 — Contemporary Romance available from Awe-Struck's Ennoble Line and can be purchased from http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS6/ditd.html in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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WHAT I'M READING/RECOMMENDED READS: As you can probably see from my PNR reviews, I've been on an Ellora's Cave/vampire-shapeshifter binge and loving it.

Also have purchased and read some of Black Lace's Wicked Words Anthologies (most notably SEX…AT THE SPORTS CLUB and SEX…AT THE OFFICE. Hot, hot, hot! A couple of EC authors are in two of the anthologies (Michelle Pillow has a piece in SEX…AT THE OFFICE and Sylvia Day has a piece in SEX…ON HOLIDAY. Actually, it was an excerpt for Sylvia Day's piece that made me go online to check out the series, and I wound up purchasing the three anthologies.)

UNLEASH THE NIGHT: The latest Sherilynn Kenyon Dark Hunter Romance. For fans of the series who've already read this, you already know there's no Ash (the head DH) and no The Simi in this book, which could have been a major drag, but SK makes up for it with lively, engaging characters (Wren is an absolute doll), a tightly woven plot and sizzling sensual love scenes. SK has not let her DH fans down with this one, and of course, I'm anxiously awaiting the next one in the series. (Along those lines, make sure to remember and check out this month's contest where I will be giving away another DH book…).

THE FOREVER KISS, by Angela Knight: You guessed it, another vampire romance, this one from Red Sage Publishing, Inc., Ms. Knight's first book. Features cowboy vampire Cade McKinnon on a mission to protect and save Valerie Chase from his mortal enemy, the cruel ancient, and Cade's former Master, Sir Edward Ridgemont, responsible for the murder of Valerie's parents when she was a child. Cade and Val have been linked through their dreams ever since the murders, and the results are some hot and explosive love scenes between the pair. But they of course have nothing on the scenes that take place once the pair actually get together. (See complete review above).

C.H.A.S.E 1: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, by Shelby Morgen: I know, we just celebrated Valentine's Day, and I'm still talking Christmas. Best thing about this erotica romance, is that it can be read and enjoyed any time of year. The story and characters are that universal and engaging, and despite the story taking place during Christmas week, I don't really consider it a true Christmas story (you'll see more details in my PNR review soon). Excellent story about redemption and healing as a sharp but naïve lawyer rescues a hunky man from debt bondage and slavery in Asia. This one's from Changeling Press http://www.changelingpress.com Made me want to go back and re-read the sequel (which I, of course, read first a few years ago, and the Ellora's Cave issue at that): PLAIN BROWN WRAPPER, one of first fem/Dom BDSM books that turned me onto the genre in a BIG way. They just don't have enough of these books around with this theme for my taste. Maybe I need to write a letter to the editor(s) requesting MORE FEM/DOM! If there are anymore fans of the genre out there besides me, send in your thoughts; I'd be interested to hear what you think (maybe we could start a campaign).

(Author's Note: Funny bit of hypocrisy here…my own just completed BDSM book (see TERMS OF SURRENDER below) is a…you guessed it, Male/Dom. Hey, I'm not saying I don't like the genre at all, just that most of them don't appeal to me. Of course, I'm going to make my own Male/Dom appeal to my sensibilities.)

Well, that's all for now.

More interesting titles for you next issue!

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ACCEPTED/COMING SOON! Two competitive and at-odds advertising executives are thrown together when a job assignment and a matchmaking New Age sister of one – who knows each better than they know themselves – decides they are soul mates and perfect for each other. While Dominant Nick Vega and submissive Slany Breeze come to the conclusion that Nick's sister is absolutely right, a serial killer is on the loose and has set his sights on Slany. TERMS OF SURRENDER, Book II, The Matchmaker Series, erotic romance, contemporary BDSM/Interracial/Suspense (spin-off from erotic romance, contemporary paranormal/psychic/interracial, BENEATH THE SURFACE, Book I) – More information to come regarding publisher and release date…
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ACCEPTED/COMING SOON! After causing the death of a fellow Sapphiran and finally cast out for repeated transgressions against the ways of his clan, an arrogant and brash young centaur turns what started as a punishment into a chance for redemption when he meets and falls for a resourceful and clairvoyant woman who has foreseen his arrival in her dreams. But will a certain Black Elf let nature take its course to allow the lovers to be together? SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS, erotic romance-paranormal/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy, by Gracie C. McKeever – Coming Soon from Siren Publishing, Inc. http://www.sirenpublising.com To find out more about SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS and see the great cover, go here: http://www.sirenpub.com/authors-img/gcm-scis.jpg (my luck with covers that match the hero/heroines and tone of my books has been phenomenal so far. I'm crossing my fingers that it continues).
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THIS ISSUE'S ARTICLE:
The Reviewer’s Responsibility
By Jenna Glatzer
An Absolute Write reader took me to task a few weeks ago about our book reviews. She told me that she was going to tell her writers’ group to send us their published books to review, but now she wouldn’t... because we ran “negative” reviews.

My first thought was, “Good! I have such a backlog of books that I don’t need any more.” But my second thought was more contemplative... who did she think we were reviewing for?

A reviewer’s responsibility is to the publication’s readers. Period.

Sometimes this responsibility gets confused. New book reviewers think that, because the author or publisher sent them free books, they’re somehow indebted. They have to write positive reviews to “pay back” the author. Or maybe it’s out of a sense of loyalty: “You’re a writer like me, and you respect my opinion, so I should praise you.”

How sad... and how unfair to the readers. A reviewer is not a publicist—at least, he or she shouldn’t be. A publicist’s job is to present the book in the best light and praise it unconditionally. A reviewer’s job is to help readers figure out what’s worth buying or picking up at the library. Or, in the case of trade magazines, to help book sellers and librarians figure out what’s worth ordering.

I had to quit a reviewing job once, early on in my career, when an editor at Video Librarian changed my review of a video. It was an educational video that was informative, but boring—and my review stated as such. I generously gave it 3 out of 4 stars because of its solid content, but added the caveat that students probably wouldn’t be excited by it because of the narrator’s monotone drone. The editor removed any hint of negativity from my review and changed the rating to 4 stars. I was baffled... and upset.
My name was on that review, and that carried a certain responsibility. Now, if a librarian ordered it because of my “glowing” endorsement, she would have been misled. If she went on to recommend it to a teacher, and the teacher’s students all fell asleep during the video, it was “my” fault for giving it such high praise and neglecting to mention how boring the video was.

I still don’t know why the editor changed the review. I’m not cynical enough to think he was bribed, but I am realistic enough to know that he was probably friendly with the company that produced the video. Maybe they send him lots of videos and he was afraid they wouldn’t send him more if he ran a lukewarm review. I don’t know, but that’s on his conscience. My conscience tells me that false praise hurts readers and undermines the purpose of reviews in general.
That’s how I look at every review I do; if I can’t find anything positive to say about a book or product, I’d prefer not to review it at all. But if my feelings are mixed, I feel a responsibility to the reader, just as I’d feel a responsibility to a friend. If my friend asked me, “Hey, how do you like your new vacuum? I’m thinking of buying that model,” it would be terrible of me to tell her only about the vacuum’s great suction power and omit the detail that the darn thing is impossible to clean, gets clogged every 20 minutes, and is no good on bare wood floors.
Of course we tell our friends the truth. We want them to make good buying decisions, and we are happy to share our experiences to help them figure out what’s worth the money and what fails to deliver.
When you write a review, you have to think of the readers as your friends. They deserve the whole truth, too.

One of the most important treasures a writer can accrue is readers’ trust. Falsely praise a sub-par book and you’ll blow that trust.

Of course, some reviewers have opposite agendas: Because of a personal bias, a past snub, a desire for revenge, or outright jealousy, they get a thrill from the power they have to pan a book—even if the book is excellent. That’s equally unfair to readers. Again, remember that your review is not meant for the author: It’s meant to help readers make decisions.
If you can’t read the book with an open mind and an unbiased standpoint, you have no business reviewing it.

My point is not that reviewers should seek out the negatives or nit-pick every fine detail, but simply give an accurate impression of their overall feelings about the book. Was it an engaging read from beginning to end? Which readers would benefit the most from a book like this? Were there major holes in the plot? Were there many pieces of advice you found fishy? How was it different from other books on the topic? Was it worth the money readers would pay for it?

If you are not in the book’s target market, your job is to think as if you are. Maybe you’re reviewing a book about parenting and you’re not a parent. You must do your best to put yourself in the shoes of the book’s target audience and review it with them in mind; if you were a parent, what would you think of this book?

There are certainly ways of conveying the book’s negative points without personally bashing the author. This may be an acquired skill; reviewers should keep in mind that honesty doesn’t have to mean cruelty. Writing “The book tended to be repetitious” conveys the same idea as “What, does the author think we’re idiots? We got the point the first 20 times he mentioned it!” without the venom.
Save the unconditional love for your family and the unconditional hate for journal fodder. As a reviewer, your opinion can wield great influence. The best reviewers cherish the readers’ trust, and they understand their responsibility to earn it.

Jenna Glatzer is teaching a writers' workshop at the Omega Institute in October, 2004. Learn all about it at http://www.jennaglatzer.com/omega_writing_workshop.htm.
She's also the author of Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer, which comes with a free editors' e-mail "cheat sheet" directory! Check it out at http://www.jennaglatzer.com.
This article may be freely reprinted as long as the bio remains in tact.

(Newsletter Author's Commentary: I find myself guilty of the giving-glowing-review part, but not because I feel indebted to a writer or publisher, or that I received a free book. Almost all of the books I review, I purchase myself. Hence, they're books I inevitably love because I chose them in the first place. Rarely have I purchased a book I didn't like, and if I hate a book that much, I won't finish it. If I couldn't muster the desire to finish a book, why waste time writing up a review for it? (I know, to warn other readers, comes to mind). There have been a few books that I did review upon request (from the author or the publisher), books that I haven't been that crazy about, or that I've enjoyed but found flaws in and mentioned them (i.e., Country Priestess, last issue of newsletter). I've just been lucky so far that even the books I've read upon request are books I've inevitably liked. Obviously, all reviewers can't be this lucky, especially if they do this for a living, or on a regular basis. --GCM)
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COMPLETED/MAKING THE ROUNDS: Genesis has been on the run from her people for twenty-eight years, guarding the cambion Alex Ryan, who doesn't know she exists. But that's about to change when an attempt is made on Alex Ryan's life that leaves his father dead instead and Alex alone in the world….or so he thinks. GUARDIAN SEDUCTRESS, erotic romance – interracial/paranormal/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy, by Gracie C. McKeever
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POETRY CORNER:
November 12, 2005
Face of the Dead
by Harley L. Sachs
http://www.hu.mtu.edu/~hlsachs
He is not my son,
brother, nephew, son-in-law or relative.
His fresh, young face
Is brave, resigned, serious,
girded to hide homesickness and fear,
as if he knew he was lied to,
betrayed by his recruiters.
If you must, shrug him off because he volunteered.
Now he is dead.

One can serve in the Army and never be a soldier.
When my turn came, I did not volunteer, but I came back.
He returns in a coffin, a flag folded at graveside.
We say, "Whoever saves a life saves a world."
Whoever takes a life, takes a world:
a world of career, wife, children, grandchildren
abbreviated, terminated, stolen from our future.
Without guilt (for I did not send him to war),
but with helpless sorrow and grief,
I mourn for that face among the fallen.
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The author, Harley L. Sachs, is best known for his mystery novels and collected short stories. Visit his web site at http://www.hu.mtu.edu/~hlsachs and ask your librarian to get his books for you to read (for free!).
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS: Angela-the-matchmaker strikes again when she gives Evelyn a two-week trip to the Freeborn Ranch in Colorado as a forty-third birthday present. Under sisterly duress, Evelyn reluctantly accepts the gift. Once she arrives at Freeborn, the dust and sparks soon fly, and classes collide as the stockbroker city slicker from New York meets up with younger, down-home cowboy from Colorado, Jason Makepeace in this May/December contemporary erotic romance, MANIFEST DESTINY, Book III, The Matchmaker Series – Also a spin-off of SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS, by Gracie C. McKeever-More information to come regarding publisher and release date…
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MILES TO GO by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN 1-58749-025-0 — a Byte^Me teen novel available from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS8/mtgo.html in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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THIS ISSUE'S E-PUBLISHER SPOTLIGHT:
What other site would I spotlight here other than my latest publisher, Siren Publishing, Inc. (http://www.sirenpub.com), I ask you? New sensual, spicy, erotic romance publisher released its first books earlier this year in January – Lara Santiago's THE MINER'S WIFE (Book I of The Wives Tales) Erotic Futuristic, and Kate September's PORTRAIT OF DESIRE, Erotic Historical/Capture. Meet this publisher and authors in Daytona at the 2006 Romantic Times Booklover Convention!

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COMING SOON: The fix is in when older sisters Angela – a New Age practitioner who shares her brother's telepathic abilities – and Evelyn decide to play Cupid and hook their brother EJ Vega up with Evelyn's personal shopper. From here, what starts as a professional relationship will gradually escalate into something much more when the free-spirited, "gifted" author preparing to go on his first national book tour, enlists the services of the uptight and skeptical Tabitha Lyons. BENEATH THE SURFACE, Book I, The Matchmaker Series, contemporary paranormal/psychic/interracial romance. Out April 2006 from Siren Publishing, Inc. Check out the beautiful cover and more details about story and release date here: http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/bts.asp
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THIS ISSUE'S AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Visit fantasy and paranormal romance author Astrid Cooper at Realms Beyond at http://www.astridcooper.com and learn about this author and her current and upcoming releases. She has an excellent anthology available now from eXtasy Books (see my PNR review) that any fan of shapeshifter fantasy/paranormal romance would do well to check out.

THIS ISSUE'S NOVELLA EXCERPT-Guardian Seductress, © 2006 by Gracie C. McKeever, Erotic Romance – Interracial/Paranormal/Psychic/Shapeshifter/Urban Fantasy:

PROLOGUE

Emsharra Settlement, Outskirts – Twenty-Eight Years Previous

"Arrrrrgh! He's ripping me…aparrrrt!"

"You are so certain it is a 'he'?"

"Of course…it is a…cambion…why else would he…torture me so?"

Genesis smiled at her friend, heard Kalika's teasing tone through her pants and agony.

She knew how much Kalika wanted this baby, knew how much it meant to her. Knew what Kalika thought his existence would mean to their people.

An end to the war between the Sebitu, no more indiscriminate or unnecessary killing of the humans, a start to the new ways. A new beginning.

This was why they were here, in an isolated cave, hundreds of miles away from Emsharra, their people, and delivering an outlawed child – an abomination – in secret.

Kalika released another shriek, and no longer did Genesis believe the remote grotto a safe haven. It would be a miracle if they managed this birth with no one finding out.

That is if no one had found out already.

Genesis had never gotten over the idea that Kalika's cousin Lamia suspected Kalika's condition, but only held her tongue because she wasn't sure and wouldn't have been able to get anyone in the conclave to believe her story. Kalika was a favored daughter of Inanna, a respected member of the assembly, her credentials and lineage unimpeachable. It would take much to sully her name or prove wrongdoing, much more than the words of an envious Sister, even if that Sister were Lamia Enlil, granddaughter of the Highest, Quna Nahemah.

"Do not fret so, Gen. All will be well." Kalika pat her hand, and Genesis grinned at the
sudden reversal of their roles as she turned her hand over to grip her friend's moist fingers.

"It is I who is supposed to be comforting you, Kalika."

"And you will…have more than your…opportunity…arrrrgh!" Kalika panted rapidly, blowing air through her pursed lips, face and entire body drenched in perspiration.

Genesis stroked a cool wet cloth across Kalika's face, then pat dry her throat and arms, trying her best to keep her friend comfortable.

She had already endured this labor for the last six hours with no sign of the babe, and Genesis couldn't help wondering why Kalika insisted on having this cambion, this half-human baby when bearing an Inanna or Sebitu child would have been so much easier; would have been sanctioned and more appropriate.

"Please do not frown like that, Gen." Kalika squeezed her hand. "I know exactly what you are thinking, so do not. You know why I do this. Why I must."

"Falling in love with a human was bad enough, Kalika. But having this child…this—"

"Don't say it. He is not abomination. He is…will be a miracle."

Only because he would be the only one of his kind known anywhere.

Far and wide throughout the outposts of Emsharra and Gaiam there were no known births of cambion or alu-demon. The last known Inanna to become pregnant by a human and carry the child to term had been executed, the babe murdered directly after. That had been more than a century ago. And no one had dared so blatantly break the covenant of the Inanna or Sebitu since.

Until now.

"You paid your penance to him, Kalika. It was not your fault he died."

"But do you not see? It was. I had control. I just did not exert it. I could have, but I did not. That is abomination."

"The ways of our people—"

"Must change. That it has always been 'the way' is no excuse to let the killing continue. Was no excuse for this babe's father's death."

Genesis sighed, knew she would get nowhere with logic. Kalika's mind and heart were set, and when Kalika put her mind to something, woe the dissidents in her midst.

She was adamant that the old ways needed to change, believed the existence of their people, and current supply and demand necessitated it.

Genesis sympathized with and respected Kalika too much to dissent.

Rogue, and not-so rogue Inanna and Sebitu were slowly but surely working their way through their kind's food source, and as limitless as the supply once seemed, such was no longer the case. With the many natural calamities that had beset the human world, and the way humans were gradually but systematically destroying their own kind, killing humans after and during the process of siphoning life-force, kundalini, rather than practicing preservation and repeat contact, was no longer a viable option. Restraint had to be exercised now before it was too late.

Kalika was not the only proponent of the change. Many of their kin, including Kalika's grandmother, Nahemah, respected Kalika as did Genesis and believed in the conservation theory, endorsed the treaty with the Sebitu in hopes of combining each race's governing body and coming to an agreement on how to solve the dilemma of dwindling supply.

But change took time, more time than Kalika was willing to wait. With this child she thought to force the assembly's hand, hurry along the accords between Inanna and Sebitu.

A risky move, Genesis thought, one more likely not to pay off than to pay off even if
Kalika was the Highest's granddaughter.

Another scream rent the air and Genesis positioned herself between Kalika's legs to see if
there was any progress. Sure enough, the head of the baby peeked through Kalika's opening, a
cap of silky black waves visible.

"Push, Kalika, push! He is coming!" Genesis placed her hands beneath the child's head, prayed she would do this right. It was not as if an Inanna had much experience delivering a human child into the world. So much could go wrong.

"But so much could go…right," Kalika whispered before releasing another gut-wrenching screech and bearing down.

The baby emerged from his dwelling with ease once the shoulders passed Kalika's orifice, sliding out with a robust wail and into Genesis' hands almost devoid of placental fluid and trailing the umbilical cord.

Genesis used her athame to cut the cord, the baby's vigorous cries echoing off the walls as she quickly and efficiently wiped him clean before wrapping him in swaddling clothes and handing him to his mother.

"Oh…he is as beautiful as I knew he would be." Kalika pushed the clothes back to get a good look at her son, caressing his wavy black hair as she cooed to him.

Genesis came to stand at Kalika's head, bending close to see the baby too now that he was comfortably bonding with his mother. "He is beautiful."

"For a cambion?"

"No. Just beautiful." Genesis smiled. "There was no way he could be anything but with you as his mother, Kalika."

"You are kind, but now…" Kalika lifted the baby for Genesis to take. "You must do your duty as promised."

"I do not know if I ca—"

"You can and you will. You promised."

Genesis nodded as sounds of approaching forces sounded from the mouth of the cavern.

She had been so busy with the delivery and birth, she had forgotten her sentry duty.

"Go, Gen. You must go now!"

"But what about you?"

"I will be fine. Just…make sure that he is taken care of."

Genesis reluctantly stood to go, had a second thought and leaned in to hug Kalika and kiss her brow.

"Make sure that he knows I loved him."

Did Kalika realize she spoke in the past tense? As if she knew she would not be around to relay the information herself.

Her friend was prepared for the worst, prepared to pay for her crime.

"Give him this for me." Kalika slipped the pendant she wore over her head, and placed it and its chain in Genesis' hand. Inanna's knot, the sacred symbol. "Now go, Gen. Go and do not look back."

The tears were right there, ready to choke her and she watched Kalika turn away her face, heart full to bursting as the footsteps grew closer.

"Go, before it is too late."

"Be well, Kalika."

"Good-bye, Gen."

Genesis turned and ran towards the back of the cave, towards escape and freedom, Kalika's baby boy sucking his thumb and cradled close to her breasts.

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NEW LIFE INCOGNITA: A young black man is shot down in the streets in a drive-by. But a mistake has been made. Kelly shouldn't have died. So he's returned to Earth…in the body of a young comatose white woman married to a hot looking Latino narc cop. Can Kelly resolve the questions surrounding his death? What will happen to Amire, the woman he loved in his previous life? And, most important, can he resolve his marriage – now that he's a woman named Dagny – to another man? New Age Paranormal Urban Romance by Gracie C. McKeever
Available from Fictionwise http://www.fictionwise.com
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THIS ISSUE'S NEWSLETTER CONTEST: For the next several newsletters I will be running Dark-Hunter contests, meaning each book offered will be one from the DH series (a chance to hook someone else on the series besides myself ). For February/March 2006 I'm offering NIGHT EMBRACE (Good Condition) and, as an additional bonus (in the spirit of Valentine's Day just past), I'm throwing in THE FOREVER KISS (Fair/Good Condition; see PNR review above). To enter for your chance to win, just send an e-mail with your name, address and e-mail address to gwiz10@optonline.net with EMBRACE/KISS in the subject line. Contest runs until March 20, 2006. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Refer a friend, however (who e-mails me with his/her request to subscribe and naming you as their referral), to the newsletter before the deadline, and you get an additional entry. The more friends you refer, the more times you're entered. (Referred friend will automatically be entered in the current newsletter contest once). Winner will be notified by e-mail, and mailing address will be confirmed. In the event chosen contestant does not respond within seven (7) days, another name will be drawn. AUTHOR SHALL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT PREVENT TIMELY RECEIPT OF AN ENTRY AND/OR CONFIRMATION/RESPONSE. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION/RESPONSE, THEN THAT MEANS I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR ENTRY. Author reserves the right to publish winner's name on webpage(s) and in the newsletter. November/December's winner: Debra Guyette of CT. Congrats Debra!

GIVEAWAYS/GOOD DEALS/SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS:
The Road to Romance http://www.roadtoromance.dhs.org/index.htm -- For Readers and Writers of romance fiction. Reviews, interviews, contests links, and much more! Also -- FREE BOOK offers from http://roadtoromance.dhs.org/freestories.htm The Free Stories Feature has been updated and given it's own page. It used to be on the contest page. These are author stories and are linked to their sites, where you can either download them or read them online. Lot's of free reading here! Follow the links offered with each.

"SHADOW OF LOVE" Paranormal Romance – FREE Novel Download from Awe-Struck E-Books
http://awe-struck.net/FREENVLTTE/freeshoflve.html

Do you like to read a chapter of a book before you buy it? Stop by Readers Read™ http://www.readersread.com/excerpts/ to read excerpts and first chapters from the newest books. Check back frequently.

If you haven't checked it out yet, zip on over to Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com, your source of fine books in print. EP is an imprint of Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. and brings to you the same great stories—and great giveaways and sales—from your favorite Awe-Struck Awe-thors…only in print! "Earthling Press—books from your home planet."

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Want to find out: What Science Fiction Romance is, anyway, and why does Science Fiction Romance deserve its own newsletter and website? Wellllll…you guessed it, another newsletter. But, if you're really into the genre and want to keep abreast of what's coming out and going on with your favorite sfr authors, then this newsletter IS a must (I know, that's what they all say).

The newsletter, which hosts the yearly SAPPHIRE AWARDS for the best works in the genre, has been in publication since 1993/1994 and has had an active website since 1996. Visit Speculative Romance Online http://www.specromonline.com/ Click "Join SPECROM", then "Become a Member" to subscribe/gain access to the newsletter.

And along the same lines, try THE DREAM WEAVER – "For those who believe in the magic of dreams". It's easier than ever to read the Dream Weaver online! www.earthlycharms.com/dreamweaver.htm Or send a blank email: DreamWeaverNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings.

New and Used Books http://www.newandusedbooks.com – Features new releases, reviews, interviews, contests.

ODDS AND ENDS:
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Thanks for subscribing and see you next issue!

GCM—
http://www.graciecmckeever.com
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." –Steve Prefontaine