Book Review: Vicious Circle By: Linda Robertson

'>Book Review: Vicious Circle
By: Linda Robertson
Juno - Pocket Books
3 Heart Review

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...

Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcamedi gets by between reading Tarot Cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full – even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Steph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Steph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Steph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help form her friends – werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for a techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Steph has always been on edge around this 6'2 leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them.

I slipped very easily into reading Vicious Circle. The heroine Persephone is an intriguing character and I wanted to find out more about her even after the first few pages.

This book seemed very familiar to me and this was good and bad. On the bad side, I felt that many parts of Linda’s world mirrored Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series and Persephone reminded me of Rachel very much. Likewise, Master Vamp Menessos made me think of Laurel K. Hamilton’s Jean-Claude as there was sexual tension mixed with the dangerous control Menessos can have over Persephone.

It’s only because I have read these other series that I was so easily reminded of them, but I think it speaks well that I would compare the writing to these two talented authors.

On the good side, Robertson’s world and writing are indeed very good. Even though parts of the book were familiar, this also added to my being able to fully engross myself in the story. Johnny is a great love interest and the foreshadowing of him being more than just any shape shifter added to my enjoyment of the story and makes me look forward to more in this series.

Vicious Circle feed my craving for an urban fantasy with a heroine I genuinely liked, and a hero who didn’t immediately have the heroine in the palm of his hand. I loved that Steph wasn't immediately attracted to Johnny and that he isn’t your typical looking hero. The interesting twist that in this world werewolves and witches aren't exactly friendly does make this world stand apart from many of the other Urban Fantasies I've read. I expect these things to add layers to the series as it moves forward.

A good read with an interesting world and cast of characters, I'll be looking for the next in this series.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Cheeky Reads Goals For The Future

As Book Blogger Appreciation Week draws to a close, today's blog topic is to discuss what we like most about our blogs currently and the goals we want to set for the future.

Cheeky Reads is only about half a year old, and I'm been so happy to see how its evolving. Although I know I'm still finding my voice, I'm proud that the reviews I post are getting stronger and I'm sticking to my idea of writing them like a conversation with friends.

I'm happy to be the book blogger who doesn't give away plot points and spoilers. I don't want to be the serious critical reviewer - I think there are so many high profile bloggers out there who already do this exceptionally well. What I wanted was a place to discuss the books I read and to give others the chance to join in. So far, I think Cheeky Reads is living up to my hopes.

For the future, I would really like to see the blog move forward technically. I'm basically teaching myself html as I go, but I would LOVE to see real sections and pages to Cheeky Reads. I'd love to spiff up the entire blog with sharper graphics.

I think I'm doing a much better job of posting regularly, but my goal is to post at least one review a day because at the end of day after all the fun freebies and downloads, this is a romance book review blog. That's not to say I don't love the giveaways! They are the best part!

Beyond more book reviews, better navigation and graphics and finding my voice, my goal is to grow my followers and traffic to the site. Because it's much more fun to write a blog if you have people that will comment! I don't write Cheeky Reads just to review what I thought, I write to create a discussion with my fellow Cheeky Readers!

Help me out - let me know what you like about Cheeky Reads, and what you think about my goals for the blog in the future! Feel free to let me know if you don't like something too. Thanks for reading!

In Honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week: A GIVEAWAY!

This has been my first Book Blogger Appreciation Week and I've had a fantastic time! So, what better way to celebrate than to do a giveaway!

What can you win? How about at least 4 books from my prize shelf based on the genres you prefer! Leave me a comment letting me know what romance genres and authors you like best, and you're entered to win!

Sorry, this contest is open to the U.S. only but check back soon because I hope to open all of my contests to worldwide shipping soon.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

BBAW Reading Meme

For our third day celebrating Book Blogger Appreciation Week, we are supposed to participate in a Reading Meme. I'm supposed to answer the following questions as succinctly as possible. So here goes!

Do you snack while you read? Nope.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? Skin crawls thinking about it!

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?Laying the book flat open? Past = Dog-ears. Present = Bookmark. Future = flat (eReader)

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Both.

Hard copy or audiobooks? Both - Love Audiobooks.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? Any Point.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Nope.

What are you currently reading? Sweet Seduction by Maya Banks

What is the last book you bought? Can't Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time? One at a time please.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? No preference - just good writing!

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? Victoria Dahl = pitch perfect for me.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?) Review books by month reviews to post. Keeper books by author.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: 10 Questions with Blogger Swapna from S. Krishna's Books

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is in full swing and one of the wonderful events this year is a book blogger interview swap. Today, I'm hosting an interview with Swapna from S. Krishna's Books and she is featuring an interview with yours truly.

Swapna was up for two BBAW awards - Best Cultural Review Blog and Best Reviews! Welcome Swapna!

1) If you had to pick just one favorite book, what would it be and why?

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I got out of the habit of reading while I was in college, but my last year I happened to pick up The Shadow of the Wind and went ahead and read it. It's the book that got me back into reading, and I still think it's an amazing read.

2) What character do you most identify with?

Emily in The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum. I understood her fears and absolutely loved the novel as a whole.

3) If someone wrote a biography of you, what would the title be?

A Life Lived in Books

4) Book covers: illustrated or photo?

Photo, definitely. While I don't mind illustrated covers, I find that the ones that attract me most are photo covers.

5) If you were a book, what genre would you be?

Gothic mystery, with a dash of romance thrown in! I'd love to think that I'd be like a book from Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey series - mysterious and fun!

6) Hardcover, trade paperback or mass market paperback?

Trade paperback.

7) A book you recommend to anyone and everyone, and they always love it?

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. That's one that I literally force on people. Not every single person has liked it, but the vast majority that I recommend it to do!

8) If you could have dinner with one living author, which author would it be? Why?

Neil deGrasse Tyson - I have a bit of a nerd crush on him.

9) Why did you decide to start your blog?

I read so much that I found I was forgetting what I had read previously. I'd pick up a book at the bookstore or the library, get it home and start reading it and discover that it was very familiar - because I had read it before! I was already reading and loving book blogs at that point, so I decided I'd start my own in order to keep track of the books I read.

10) What book did you read as a kid that stayed with you or made you really love reading?

The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper. I absolutely love these books, I still re-read them now. Even as an adult, every time I read them, I discover something new. Though they are a bit dated, they really are timeless - I can't recommend these highly enough. The mix of fantasy and King Arthur mythology is excellent.

Be sure to visit Swapna's blog!

Winner Chosen: 1st Two Books of Darcy Saga

Using Random.org, The winner of the first two books in The Darcy Saga - Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Loving Mr. Darcy is commenter #1:

Booklover1335

Congrats! Please send me your snail mail information to cheekyreads @ gmail.com (no spaces).

Happy Reading and thanks to all who entered!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Blogs That Inspire Me

I'm so excited to participate in Book Blogger Appreciation Week this year because there are some truly fabulous bloggers out there sharing their experiences with reading books so I don't have to go out and spend money on a stinker of a read! What's more, many of these bloggers give freely of their time and do this service just for the fun and community of it. That's why I decided to start Cheeky Reads, to have a place to talk to other book lovers about the books that I read.

Today I wanted to mention a few of the book blogs that I love to visit and hope that you'll take the time to check them out!

My two biggies are the heavy hitters of the book blogging world. If you aren't reading Smart Bitches Trashy Books or Dear Author then you are seriously missing out! Each with a distinctive voice and a knowledge of the industry unmatched by other bloggers, they set the standard for book bloggers.

I'm a huge fan of author Heather Long's Book Blog about Fantasy & Romance called The Daily Dose. Every post is intriguing and easily pulls you in for discussion. If you're a Fantasy & Romance fan you should check it out.

Book Junkie is also a great book review site. I like that she tends to focus on small press books and her reviews are heartfelt and read like a friend talking to a friend - exactly what I try to do with my reviews.

I adore Royal Reviews! The ladies there know how to do great spotlight weeks and giveaways. Plus, their reviews are detailed and spot on.

There are so many other book blogs I want to rave about, but I could go on forever so I'll just say make sure you also check out Heather's Reading Romance and Leontine's Book Realm.

Romance Book Review: Broken Wing By Judith James

Romance Book Review:Broken Wing
By: Judith James

Medallion Press
4 Heart Review

Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has never known tenderness, friendship, or affection. Although fluent in sex, he knows nothing of love. Lost and alone inside a nightmare world, all he's ever wanted is companionship and a place to belong. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy facade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own.

Becoming a mercenary pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his heart.

This is an EPIC story! Not for the faint of heart, don't read this book if you are looking for a lighthearted romance. This story is gritty, dark and in your face and perfect for you if you want a romance full of emotion, angst and forgiveness.

Gabriel is most definitely a broken man coming from dire circumstances and readers will need to be open minded to warm up to this dark hero. It would have been very easy for Mrs. James to make Gabriel's path to love and redemption all roses and wine, but instead she made his romance with Sarah an epic journey on the path of his self-forgiveness.

Sarah could easily have expected Gabriel to forget his past and move forward with her, but again Mrs. James demonstrates excellent story-telling ability in showing Sarah's awareness, disgust, understanding and acceptance. It's through Sarah's reactions to Gabriel and his past, that Gabriel is able to understand what love really means.

A beautiful, but heavy, love story this book was completely unlike any other book I've read in years. If you want something bold and different this is for you. Just know that the subject matter might not be for everyone but it is handled perfectly and is essential to understanding Gabriel and celebrating his happy ending.

Broken Wing is Mrs. James' first novel and I'm excited to say her second book, Highland Rebel, is now available from Sourcebooks. Happy Reading!

Romance Book Review: TORTURED By Amanda McIntyre

Romance Book Review: TORTURED
By Amanda McIntyre
Harlequin Spice
4 Heart Review

In a time of chaos, darkness, and violence it is better to live only in the moment, lest your memories eat you alive.

A young woman blessed with “sight seeks vengeance against a tyrannical lord responsible for her mother's murder. Forced to become an executioner's apprentice, she encounters a Roman prisoner who offers her a away to escape her prison and find a future. Torn between desire, duty, and the chance for revenge, her choice to live or die leaves her TORTURED.

First of all, check out that cover! If anyone has ever wondered if covers can sell a book, the answer can be found just looking at Amanda McIntyre's books. As soon as I saw the Diary of Cozette cover, I had to buy it. Had no idea what the book was about, but my mind was made up and to this day I still think that is my favorite cover of all time.

That doesn't make the cover of TORTURED any slouch, it's another winner and perfectly captures the time period and the passion of this book. The Harlequin Spice cover gods are definitely smiling on Amanda since I've seen the sneak peak at her next book, and wowsa! Click here to take a gander at the next cover.

One thing I love about Amanda's historicals, are that they always feature a time period not normally given much notice. TORTURED takes place in the Dark Ages of Briton around 500 A.D.

Another thing I love? Amanda's unconventional heroines. The heroine of Tortured is Sierra, a young girl who will eventually become the Saxon King's Head Executioner. Didn't know women served as executioners? Well they did, and Amanda loves turning this kind of unknown information into a story of passion and love.

Dryston and Sierra's story is both unconventional in its beginnings and lovely in its growth. Inside Dryston beats the heart of a warrior and that of a man who can love deeply. I enjoyed the interchanges between the two as Dryston strove to change Sierra's view of sex as a act of manipulation. A guide to help her rediscover how to live and love, Dryston was a hero through and through.

This is a very passionate and intense book that I easily became engrossed in. If you like your historicals with some real meat to the story and some intense heat, then you'll really enjoy this book.

As many of you know from reading this blog, I do my best to give my honest opinion of books while leaving as much of the story for you to discover as possible. Not only am I seriously against spoilers, but I don't like giving away plot points either. But, I have to say this – the ending to TORTURED was one I found very satisfying. The climax surprises in that it's not typical of romances and for that I literally cheered out loud. I've been waiting to find a book that would go there, and leave it to Amanda to write it!

Visit Amanda's website for information on TORTURED and her other Harlequin Spice releases. Also check out her blog called McIntyre's House of Muse.

Winners of The Harlequin Presents Giveaway

Our giveaway winners for a copy of Lynee Graham's The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress are:

Throughthehaze
Mari
Brenda
Etirv

Email your snail mail address to cheekyreads @ gmail.com (no spaces) and I'll get your book in the mail to you! Congrats and happy reading!

A Vocabulary Lesson with Guest Author Sharon Lathan

Today I'm pleased to introduce our guest blogger Sharon Lathan, author of Loving Mr. Darcy. Recently released, Loving Mr. Darcy is the second in her trilogy of Pride and Prejudice sequels called The Darcy Saga.

I love Sharon's topic today - a vocabulary lesson that will help you get even more out of the historicals you read, like Loving Mr. Darcy. Welcome Sharon!

A Vocabulary Lesson

Writing in an era some 200 years ago is a daunting task. Add to that the chore of tackling Jane Austen and it teeters on the brink of insanity! I haven’t decided yet whether I am crazy or brazen, but whatever the opinion, it is a very good thing that I am a lover of history and vocabulary. The research necessary to plausibly present a past world is tremendous. Writing in a style that is one’s own voice while also paying tribute to the original author is precarious. Using vocabulary that conveys a forgotten way of speaking while utilizing the language a modern reader will understand is rough.

Yet, as I said, I love history and I love vocabulary. I told a friend recently that I was a thesaurus addict! I absolutely love searching for new words to use and actually start to shake when I stumble across a new one. I have formed whole paragraphs around some really cool word, just because I have to use it! I try not to be overly obscure as I want my readers to enjoy the story and not falter when encountering a bizarre word. On the other hand, broadening ones vocabulary is a worthy endeavor and pausing to flip through the dusty dictionary is time well spent. Yes?

From time to time on my website I post an entry called “Vocabulary Rocks!” I share the origins and definitions of some of the cool words I unearth. I am going to share a few of my favs.

Décolletage – Often this word is used in such a way that one thinks it means the actual cleavage visible. In reality, décolletage is referring to the fabric neckline of the gown itself, but is only applied to a gown that is very low cut so that the shoulders and upper breasts are exposed.

Chatelaine -A set of useful items hung at the waist with a decorative chain. Commonly associated with the housekeeper who kept the keys to the Manor on her person at all times. A chatelaine was also worn by fashionable ladies and would secure a watch, sewing or writing implements, small coin purses, keys, scissors, etc.

Harridan - A bad-tempered, disreputable old woman. Probably from the French word haridelle meaning a worn-out horse. I used this word to describe Lady Catherine de Bourgh! Fits, don’t you think?

Inexpressibles – This one cracks me up! We would say ‘pants’ but that term was considered vulgar! So instead, this was the general, polite word for all the various types of male garments worn over the lower half of their bodies.

Accoutrements - The additional accessories, paraphernalia, and trimmings that are not a main part of the garment. For the Regency man and woman the accoutrements were as important as the suit or gown. Hats, gloves, walking sticks, pocket watches, jewelry, scarves, and so on.

Halcyon – It means calm, tranquil, happy, carefree, and prosperous. What is interesting is the origin: The fourteen days of calm weather at the winter solstice when a mythical bird, identified with the kingfisher, was said to breed in a nest floating on calm seas. Identified in mythology with Halcyone, daughter of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds, who when widowed upon her husband, Ceyx the king of Thessaly, drowning at sea, threw herself into the sea and became a kingfisher, flying to be with her husband. OK, you have to admit that is cool!

Braggadocio –Vain, swaggering, pretentious bragging attitude or person. After Braggadocchio, the boastful character in Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene (1590)

Insipid and Vapid – I love both of these words! They sound exactly like they mean, that is to be without any distinctive or interesting qualities, dull and bland, no liveliness of spirit or zest for life.

Urbane – I love this word because it perfectly describes Mr. Darcy to me. Having the polish, elegance, sophistication, and suave refinement that comes from wide social experience. Oh yeah, that’s my hero!

Well, I could go on indefinitely, but I shan’t! I hope you have enjoyed my mini-English lesson. I have an extensive glossary of Regency places and terms on my website if this essay piqued your interest for more. And I hope you will dash over to my website to read about my sequel to Pride & Prejudice: The Darcy Saga by Sharon Lathan at http://www.darcysaga.net/ The first two novels are already available to purchase! And I promise you will learn some new words to dazzle your friends. Share with us some of your favorite words, especially if they are unusual.

About the Author

Sharon Lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny city of Hanford. She divides her time as homemaker nurturing a husband and two children, plus the cat, dog, and fish; while also working as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. Somewhere in there she finds time to write! Sharon Lathan can be found on her website/blog at: http://www.darcysaga.net/, on Facebook as “Sharon Lathan, “ on Twitter as “@SharonLathan,” and on the Casablanca Authors’ blog at: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/

We have a fantastic prize to giveaway to celebrate Sharon's latest release. One lucky reader will win one copy of the first two books in The Darcy Saga - Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Loving Mr. Darcy! Just comment and tell us some of your favorite words of past or present and you're entered to win!

Sorry, this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Happy Reading!

Tease Me Tuesday: Author Sharon Lathan Guest Blogging Tomorrow!

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend! I traveled to Rhode Island with my hubby to celebrate his grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. There was a slide show that was amazing to see all the things they had shared in their lives together. So fabulous!

Now, for our first tease of the day I'm reminding you that tomorrow author Sharon Lathan will be guest blogging here at Cheeky Reads and celebrating the release of her new book Loving Mr. Darcy.

To make it a real celebration, we'll be giving away of the first two books in her series Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Loving Mr. Darcy. Be sure to stop by and enter to win!

Harlequin Happenings: A Smart Bitch Review and Presents Giveaway!

As one of the Test Drivers of a Sony Reader for Smart Bitches Trashy Books, I also received a gift certificate from Harlequin for eBooks with the agreement that I would review one for SBTB. Of course this was no problem...you say free Harlequins and I say where do you want the review sent!

Yesterday, Smart Bitches featured my review of Make Me Yours by Betina Krahn. If you didn't already, head over and check it out and let me know what you think. Here's the link.

In other Harlequin news, I received 4 copies of Lynne Graham's The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress, a Harlequin Presents title, to give away to some lucky readers!

How to win? Just leave me a comment telling me if you have a favorite Harlequin line, author or book on this post (we love recommendations!), or comment on any post from this week. Every comment enters to win, but please only one comment per post. I'll randomly select comments to win on Tuesday Sept. 8th. Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Stolen Moments & Short Affairs: Welcome Guest Author Heather Long

Cheeky Reads welcomes Author Heather Long to the blog today! I met Heather on Twitter and then had the pleasure of reading her novella Remembering Ashby. I'll be reviewing it here soon, but the gist is that it's a beautifully told story and I highly recommend it!

Heather has a new book releasing soon titled Prime Evil, but in the meantime she is offering a FREE download of a short story titled It Happens that's a great introduction to her heroine Chance Monroe. I had fun with this introduction to Chance and now I can't wait to read Prime Evil! If you love earth witch stories you will really want to check these out!

In addition to writing wonderful novellas and short stories, Heather has a fantastic blog called The Daily Dose, which talks daily about Fantasy and Romance. Heather's blog posts are always interesting and entertaining so you should be sure to stop by!

Without further ado, welcome Heather!

Stolen Moments and Short Affairs

I have a confession to make; I love to indulge in short affairs rather frequently. That doesn’t mean I am opposed to longer term relationships, but those short affairs, one night stands, afternoon quickies, those short, brief passionate moments stolen away from everyone and everything else. Yes, I have a problem and that problem is the short story.

Passion for Short Stories

My passion for short stories began as a child. My grandmother used to read to me from her Harlequin romance novels because she didn’t like to read children’s books. I loved the stories, particularly when they were funny or adventurous. When I was five, she gave me a book of Aesop’s Fables. I devoured it. You know Aesop’s Fables right? The Boy Who Cried Wolf? The Dog in the Manger? The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs? The Tortoise and the Hare?

Of course those classics captured my imagination. Short, pithy stories filled with entertainment and a moral. Those were soon followed by books on Greek mythology and collections of tales from mythology with everything from Zeus becoming a Bull to the tales of Hercules. It wasn’t long before I was seeing Encyclopedia Brown and the Two Minute Mysteries.

Is it any wonder that I reached for Cats Fantastic? Horse Fantastic? Villains Victorious? And so many more that drew me in and I couldn’t help but read? I used to think the attraction was the swift read of short story books. I could satisfy my fiction needs in fast, furious bursts of goodness, but not get so sucked into a novel.

The Star

The best short story I ever read was called The Star by Arthur C. Clarke. In the story, deep space explorers are on their way home from a far away star system. During their journey, they found the archaeological remains of an advanced civilization that was ended when their star went super nova. The mission’s lead astrophysicist is deeply troubled by something from their journey. Throughout the story, we learn different things about the destroyed culture.

The planet and its people seemed very Earth-like in nature. The people knew well in advance that their star would explode. They didn’t have the interstellar capabilities to save themselves so they built a large time capsule on a planet with a distant orbit, where it would be safe from the supernova. They stored complete records of their culture, their society, achievements and everything they could to keep the memory of their exceptionally peaceful and advanced civilization alive in memory.

All of the explorers were deeply moved by the vault, especially the Jesuit priest. At the very end of the story, the Jesuit reveals what he has figured out. The exact Earth year that light from the supernova would have reached Earth equates with the year that Christ was born. That civilization was destroyed so that the wise men would know to journey to the Christ child. To this day, that story gives me total chills.

Writing, Reading, Loving Short Fiction

This love affair with short fiction continued into adulthood. While I was not necessarily a fan of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer book series, I adored the Tales of the Slayers, the short fiction collection books. I love short fiction because you get to meet lots of different writers. More recently, I’ve read short story collections like Mean Streets, Suite 606, Strange Brew and so many more than I can name.

As a writer myself, I appreciate the opportunities that short fiction provides to readers. Remembering Ashby is a novella, a short novel just under 30,000 words. I wrote two short stories, one that follows up RA called Forget to Remember and another called It Happens. The first is a follow-up to RA while the second introduces a new series that will be coming out this fall from Sapphire Blue Publishing.

Short stories can give you a window of opportunity into the body of an author’s work. I discovered Jim Butcher in a short story, I discovered Tom Sniegoski in a short story. I discovered Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, J.D. Robb, Simon R, Green, Rachel Caine, Patricia Briggs, Christopher Golden and so many more.

The list of authors could go on and on and on. I’ve gotten letters recently from a handful of people who found my short story on All Romance eBooks and others who found the short story on my website. They wrote to let me know they enjoyed the short stories so much; they wanted to see what else I wrote.

So the circle is complete. I read short stories because I love those moments, the swift introductions and thoroughly passionate affairs that can leave you breathless and longing for more. I love those short stories the best, I can’t wait for the next.

What is your favorite short story?

Tease Me Tuesday: Louisa Edwards Free Read

If Can't Stand The Heat is on your list of books to buy (it's at the top of mine!) then you'll enjoy this FREE READ from Louisa that includes a character from Can't Stand the Heat! Check it out here.

Want to know something even cooler? Louisa is going to give us more free installments of this story, so be sure to keep checking her site for updates!

Oh, and for even more awesome goodness - here's an excerpt of Can't Stand The Heat and a deleted scene for your reading enjoyment courtesy of Louisa's website!

Tease Me Tuesday:

Believe it or not, it's already September. Since Fall is my favorite time of year, I'm excited for the cooler months to finally blow through! Bring on the cute fall colors and snugly sweaters.

Coming up on Sept. 9th Cheeky Reads welcomes Sharon Lathan, author of Loving Mr. Darcy. Be sure to stop by for her special guest blog and the chance to win a copy for yourself!

Some exciting new releases in September that I'm looking forward to...

Debbie Macomber's 92 Pacific Boulevard (Cedar Cove) and Cedar Cove Cookbook

Christina Dodd's Storm of Shadows (Chosen Ones, Book 2)

Louisa Edwards'Can't Stand The Heat (A Recipe for Love)

Jana DeLeon's Mischief in Mudbug

A Lady of Persuasion by Tessa Dare

Barely Bewitched by Kimberly Frost

Make Her Pay (The Bullet Catchers) by Roxanne St. Claire

...more to come soon, including ebooks that are calling my name!

Be sure to visit on Thursday when we'll be giving away copies of The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress, a Harlequin Presents book by Lynne Graham.

Making It Through Monday

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Something about the Lolcat photo above hit me as hilariously similar to how I've been feeling about some of the projects I've tackled lately. Love the look on his face!

Here area some great links to help make it though Monday a little easier!

Books on Board is now offering 20% off the monthly romance recommendations from Dear Author. Check out this month's top picks!

If you haven't heard, Borders launched a fantastic new romance blog called True Romance, that features great videos and blogs by your fav authors and bloggers.

Author Loucinda McGary is launching her Treasure of Venice blog tour and will be giving away a copy of her new release at most of her blog stops. Check out her tour schedule here.

On Sept. 9th, Cheeky Reads will be hosting author Sharon Lathan to celebrate the release of her latest book in The Darcy Saga, Loving Mr. Darcy. Be sure to join us and enter to win a copy!

Book Review: The Grand Sophy By Georgette Heyer

Book Review: The Grand Sophy
By Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks Casablanca
5 Heart Review

The Grand Sophy has arrived...

And when Sir Horace Stanton-Lacy is ordered to South America on Diplomatic Business he parks his only daughter, Sophy, with his sister in Berkeley Square. Sophy can immediately see that her cousins are in a sad tangle: Charles is engaged to a bluestocking, and Cecelia's in love with a poet of all things. It seems Sophy has gotten there just in time...

And the Hon. Charles Rivernhall's life will never be the same...

While Sophy is going to outrageous lengths to solve everyone else's problems, she finds that she herself might have some big surprises in store.

I was extremely excited for the chance to review Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy. Having heard so much about Mrs. Heyer and her books, I was sad to say I'd never read one before now. From the research I did, The Grand Sophy is beloved by readers. In fact, many deem it to be their favorite Heyer book. So, it was the perfect introduction into the world of Mrs. Heyer!

I was not disappointed! When an author and book are hyped so often, I sometimes worry that my expectations could never be met. This time though, they were exceeded and I had a very grand time reading this book.

Sophy was uterly charming character and managed to steal my heart as she does the family in the book. She was smart, sassy and meddlesome to perfection and unlike any other character I've read from writers of Mrs. Heyer's time period. It was a blast reading Sophy's exploits!

Heyer perfectly twisted a tale that includes a cast of characters you'll root for and some you'll root against, which makes it all the more fun. Through it all, you just know that Sophy will figure out how to set it all right and find her own happily ever after.

I can only wonder how I made it through advanced high school English classes and an English Major in college and not have been introduced to Mrs. Heyer. Mrs. Heyer should be required reading right alongside the likes of Austen and the Bronte sisters. Likewise, where are all the BBC adaptations of her books!

I'm very against spoilers, so I won't go into too much detail here except to say that if you haven't read The Grand Sophy you should do so immediately!Buy The Grand Sophy Here

Look for The Grand Sophy and other Heyer Classics to be reissued from Soucebooks Casablanca with gorgeous new covers! Speaking of those cover, Smart Bitches Trashy Books did a fantastic interview with the designer of the new covers and its definitely worth the read. Smart Bitches Interview Here.

Have you read Heyer before? If so, tell us about the book and what you thought!

Happy Reading!

What's Your Inspiration? Guest Blogger Debbie Mumford

Today Cheeky Reads welcomes author Debbie Mumford as our guest blogger! I met Debbie on the Romance Divas Forum and was delighted that she agreed to guest for us. Welcome Debbie and take it away...

Inspiration
by Debbie Mumford

As a published novelist, a question that pops up frequently in conversations is, "Where do you get your ideas?"


The world around me is a constant source of inspiration, though I rarely stay in the here-and-now for more than a few pages of a story. I’ve published a few short contemporary romance pieces, but they were flash fiction (1,000 words or less). If they’d been any longer, I’m positive something "unusual" would’ve crept in. So far, my longer fiction has always been fantasy or paranormal in nature.

I have a duet of short stories titled Glass Magic available through Freya’s Bower. Those two stories began on a cold winter day when the glass in the front door at my office fogged up. You could actually read a sign that had been removed as much as a decade earlier. The phrase “ghost in the glass” popped into my mind and simmered until I was asked to write those stories for Freya’s Bower.

Another question I've been asked regards whether my stories begin as a vague idea or arrive fully formed, needing only to be transcribed and polished. In all honesty, my fiction usually starts from a seed—a phrase or a picture that intrigues me. The seed germinates in my subconscious until it’s ready to work its way out through my fingers and onto the screen. I rarely know what I’m going to write until I’m actually in the process of typing. That’s part of the fascination for me—discovering what happens next!

Several of my published short stories began as writing exercises: Take three unrelated words and write for fifteen minutes with the goal of using all three words. Opening Her Eyes began as dragon-rickshaw-bifocals, though you’d never know it to read the final version!


One of my current works-in-process was born during a drive with my husband to admire the fall foliage. A tree sprite popped into my head and asked what would happen if she married a human and they had a daughter? Because of that question I imagined Nimue—a feisty teenage girl who is stuck between worlds. She's definitely not human, but she's not quite Fae either. As if those teenage years aren't hard enough…

Finally, there’s my newest release, The Silver Casket, a story inspired by my own Scots heritage. What would happen if a lonely, contemporary American woman were transported back in time to 15th century Scotland? I’ll never tell—you’ll have to read the novella to find out, but it was a blast to write!

So...Where do you find your inspiration? If you're not a writer, what inspires you about life? As a reader, what kind of storylines call out to you?

More Tease Me Tuesday: Chat with Jennifer St. Giles

Cheeky Reads just found out that The Knight Agency will be hosting a chat with Author Jennifer St. Giles!

Here are the details and the chat link directly from the Knight Agency Blog:

WHAT: Chat with Jennifer St. Giles
WHEN: Thursday, August 27th @ 9pm ET
WHERE: TKA Chat room
HOW TO CHAT: Visit TKA's chat room here: http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.php?id=115545
Enter a username and password (any combination). Login

Here's an extra treat - Head over to the Knight Agency Blog today and enter to win 2 of Jennifer's books today!

Tease Me Tuesday: What's on Tap at Cheeky Reads

Wednesday we'll welcome guest blogger Debbie Mumford, author of The Silver Casket. She'll be blogging about what inspires her writing.

Samhain is featuring a FREE book download of Yorkshire by Lynne Connolly, get the Kindle version here, and other formats are available here at Books on Board.

Look for upcoming reviews on Loving Mr. Darcy, Dreamfever, Start Me Up, Mischief in Mudbug, The Grand Sophy and lots of ebook reviews.

I'll also be posting the first of my reviews of a Sony Reader as part of the Smart Bitches Trashy Books test drive program. Check out some of the hilarious reviews of other test drivers here. My personal favorite so far, has to be Randi's Comic Strip review. It's here.

Cheeky Reads Awarded The Kreativ Blogger Award!

Cheeky Reads was honored to receive the Kreativ Blogger from the lovely Mrs. Emily Bryan and fantastic blogger Heather! Thank you so much Emily and Heather. Check out Emily's favorite things here, and Heather's Here.

To accept the award, I must post about my seven favorite things and pass the award along to seven other deserving blogs...so here goes.

My seven favorite things (as of this moment):

1.) I'm going to be a copycat and say my DH has to top the list. He puts up with all my craziness and loves me anyway!

2.) Puppies - All dogs are puppies to me and I love them all! I especially love my two fluff-monsters at home.

3.) The Library - Since I was a child I've always thought of the library as an amazing adventure and refuge. I wish our society would love them as much as I do! Anytime I have an afternoon to spare, I inevitably end up perusing the stacks at my local branch. I mean, they have everything - books, magazines, movies, books on CD, etc. The list is endless. And the best part? I'm happy to let my tax dollars pay for something that I can use and that contributes to making society better instead of the millions of other things our taxes get wasted on!

4.) Discovering a "new to me" author - There is nothing like reading a book you really enjoyed, only to find out that the author has a hefty backlist! Love that!

5.) Talking about romance books - If this wasn't one of my favorite things, then Cheeky Reads wouldn't be around. I look at this blog and others as my place to connect with fellow romance readers.

6.) Traveling - Adore it! The DH and I have a map where we mark all the places we've been. It really is our top priority in life - to experience life across the world. I can't wait till our next trip.

7.) Coffee & Wine - Come on...I had to include those! Coffee is my morning drug of choice and Wine is...ummm yeah, Wine! I have fun trying to find the best of both while keeping it relatively cheap.

There are tons of great blogs out there, but here are seven that I love to visit and want to bestow the Kreativ Blogger award to:

Killer Fiction - a fantastic group of authors who crack me up on their blog all the time. You should check out their books too - great reads!

Leontine's Book Realm & Marissa's Book Lair & Pearl's World of Books - three great book reviewers and they give great tweet!

Romance Writer's Revenge - If you are a writer, or just starting out, I highly recommend this fantastic blog. Don't be scared of the pirates, they are usually drunk on rum and have a jolly good time talking about all things writing!

The Daily Dose - a great blog about fantasy and romance by an author I really enjoy.

In My Humble Opinion - author TJ Bennet's blog where she has amazing guest bloggers and some very interesting topics!

Thanks again Emily and Heather for the award!

Guest Review: Plight of the Darcy Brothers by Marsha Altman

The Plight of the Darcy Brothers: A Tale of the Darcys & the Bingleys
By Marsha Altman

Sourcebooks
2 Heart Review

Cheeky Reads is happy to welcome its very first Guest Reviewer Cheeky Girl Lisa! Lisa is a well known lover of the fabulous Jane Austen and so I thought who better to review The Plight of the Darcy Brothers? Please welcome Lisa to Cheeky Reads!

In this lively second installment, the Darcys and Bingleys are plunged into married life and its many accompanying challenges presented by family and friends.

With Jane and Elizabeth away, Darcy and Bingley take on the daunting task of managing their two-year- old children. Mary Bennet returns from the Continent pregnant by an Italian student promised to the church; Darcy and Elizabeth travel to find the father, and discover previously unknown—and shocking—Darcy relations. By the time Darcy discovers that there's more than one sibling of questionable birth in the family, the ever-dastardly Wickham arrives on the scene to try to seize the Darcy fortune once and for all.

I should start out by saying that although I am a serious fan of Jane Austen’s novels, I’m not exactly a Jane Austen purist. If anyone who has a talent for entertaining and compelling writing wants to continue Ms. Austen’s stories about love and life, then that’s fine with me. In the case of The Plight of the Darcy Brothers, however, I have to contend that the story isn’t compelling and is light on entertainment.

Marsha Altman’s talent lies in understanding Jane Austen’s characters well enough to keep their personalities intact – even affording Mr. Bennett and Mr. Darcy a few great lines. Seeing the young family life of the Darcys and the Bingleys provides a few funny moments but from then on its one clumsy reveal after another of predictable scandals and family secrets. Too much time is spent on a sub-plot featuring Caroline Bingley and her doctor husband, while not enough time is given to the ongoing Darcy-Wickham rivalry in spite of a “game-changing” revelation.

By the end of the novel, I felt like I’d just sat through a long episode of one of those campy British sitcoms – complete with a Monk, a Madame, a Prince and a long-running joke about ink-stained children. Not to mention an overly-violent duel that isn’t in keeping with the rest of the novel’s tone.

The Plight of the Darcy Brothers is certainly a light and easy read, but I wouldn’t recommend putting it on your “must-read” list.

(It should be noted that this is the second sequel that Marsha Altman has written. I haven’t read the first, but the second is not written in such away that you’d be lost if you don’t read them in order.)

Thanks Lisa!

So, leave a comment telling us if you've read any Jane Austin sequels or are you a purist who likes to stick to the original- and all it's many movie adaptations? What's your favorite Jane Austin movie and do you like the new modern contemporaries like the Jane Austin Book Club?

Welcome Rita Herron on her Dark Hunger Blog Tour & Enter To Win A Copy!

UPDATE: Winners Announced!

The following Cheeky Readers have won a copy of Dark Hunger. Email me at cheekyreads(@)gmail.com with your mailing address so I can send your prize.

Brenda
Dottie
Catslady
2nd Chance
Hellion

Congrats to the winners and look for more giveaways soon!

Today Cheeky Reads is honored to welcome Rita Herron, author of the DEMONBORN Series! Dark Hunger is Rita's latest book in the series and it just released. Rita was kind enough to answer some questions for us and we are giving away 5 copies of Dark Hunger!

Welcome Rita!

Many readers know you from your Harlequin Intrigue titles. For those not familiar with your new DEMONBORN series, what can they expect?

Readers can expect the same type of romantic suspense, emotion and overall theme of love, but the Demonborn series is much darker, more erotic, has grittier language, and deals with deeper issues. It's like taking an Intrigue and raising it several degrees.The spooky paranormal and sinister demon creatures add another level of danger and mystery, and the series is chalked full of myths and folk legends, both fictional and based on actual folklore.

Dark Hunger is Book Two in the series. Would you recommend readers check out Insatiable Desire first, or is each book able to stand alone?

Hmm, I always think it's more fun to start a series with the first book as it sets up the series and the heroes in the demonborn. That said, readers can pick up Dark Hunger and read it and not feel lost. I weave in the backstory and set up, and Vincent makes a return visit!

If you were to describe Quinton Valtrez, the hero of Dark Hunger, in three words what would they be?

Mysterious, wicked, sexy...

What excited you about Quinton and Annabelle and their story?

I loved that he had a wicked sense of humor and that she was spunky, had her own goals and didn't back down from him. I also liked the fact that they had to work together in a race against time to stop the Death Angel from murdering. Annabelle brought out the good in Quinton, but she also played to his erotic nature, and even liked it, so I found that sexy and hope readers do, too!

You include lots of mythology and legends in your DEMONBORN series and I love it! What was the research process like for setting up a paranormal world that plays on some of the established myths?

Having been born in the South, I've always been fascinated with local folklore, myths and legends. It was really fun to build my world around these elements, although I did throw in a few of my own fictional myths (even more so in Insatiable Desire.) I think using the myths and legends adds another mysterious level, brings the setting to life and makes it unique. Building the folklore about All Hallow's Eve also added authenticity. And using my three favorite Southern cities actually made the storytelling easier because I've been to these cities and love the flavor and culture of each one. Having visited them and having done research on the areas and legends also sparked my creativity and ideas for parts of the series.

The DEMONBORN Series is set to be a trilogy with Forbidden Passion releasing in April 2010. Now that Book Two has been released, do you find yourself wishing that the series could go on, or do you feel three books were perfect for telling this story?

Hmm, yes I'd love to see it continue and spin off into an extended series, but I do think these three books told the Valtrez brothers' stories. If I did continue, I'd spin if off with other characters or in a different directions, but the cruz of the brothers' conflict, their relationships with one another and their father is tied up here. However, I did like writing men/heroes who were both good & evil.

I know you're super busy and don't always get time to read for pleasure, but authors always have great recommendations! So, what book would get your latest recommendation to our readers?

Any book my Karen Rose! She's my favorite. And I like Larissa Ione's paranormal series!

What other exciting things do you have in store for readers in the future?

I have some things in the works, but nothing definite to share yet. I'm working on ideas for another romantic suspense trilogy (set around a mental hospital), and may include paranormal elements. I also have a paranormal series in mind, am working on a YA paranormal series, a paranormal romantic suspense screenplay, and of course, I'll be writing more Intrigues.

Read an excerpt.

Check out the Fun Facts.

Watch the video.

Go to DemonBorn.com to learn more about the characters, the legend, symbols, and the series.

Visit Rita Herron’s website.

Now for the Dark Hunger giveaway! Leave a comment below to be entered to win one of five copies of Dark Hunger. For an extra entry be a follower of this blog. Just mention that in your comment and you'll be +1! Contest is open until Wed. August 19th!

Some fine print: This giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada and cannot ship to P.O. Boxes. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you if you win!

Buy Dark Hunger Today!


Follow Rita's Blog Tour as she stops at:
Books and Needlepoint - Aug. 19
All About {n} - Aug. 20
This Book For Free - Aug. 20
Park Avenue Princess - Aug. 21
Morbid Romantic - Aug. 21
Falling off the Shelf - Aug. 22
My Book Views - Aug. 22
Found not Lost - Aug. 22

Tuesday Tease - Trailer for Dark Hunter by Rita Herron

Tomorrow - Tuesday - Cheeky Reads will be featuring author Rita Herron as part of her Dark Hunger tour. Make sure you stop by for the chance to win a copy!

To tempt you to remember, here's the book trailer for Dark Hunter. Yeah, I'm a bit of a tease, but if you come back tomorrow I might fulfill your wish to get your very own copy!

Haven't Read Sookie Stackhouse? Here's Your Chance!

Book Junkie is offering one lucky reader the chance to take home a box set of books 1-7 in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlene Harris!

Who's Sookie Stackhouse? Have you heard of a little TV show called True Blood on HBO? It's based on the Sookie series and features telepathy, vamps and fairies set in a small southern town!

To enter to win the 7 book set, head over to Book Junkie and leave a comment!

Good Luck!

Crazy with Waiting: Dreamfever will be here August 18th!

I'm an addict. Seriously addicted and having withdrawals. To what you ask? To Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series!

It all started with a trip to the library where I picked up an unknown (to me) author's book because I was in the mood for a historical that involved kilts - if you get my drift! That's when I first got hooked on Moning's Highlander series.

I read them all and then found out she had a brand new book out called Darkfever that was different from the Highlander Series, but that some of the myth and world building would be similar. I was all about that so I checked out the LARGE PRINT version - the only version of Darkfever my library had - and boy was I instantly addicted! It gave me FEVER! Ok, that was corny. Sorry!

BTW - If you haven't read any of the Fever Series yet I have great news...the first book in the series is available for FREE as an ebook! So, you can check it out for free to see if you get addicted too! Click here to go get that FREE book!

So, skip ahead to Bloodfever and Faefever, books 2 and 3 in the series, and I'm in a full blown, fever and sweats addiction that kills me in the time between books!

Faefever was the last book, and the very first book I literally threw across the room after reading. I had gotten on my treadmill thinking I would walk and read and seriously stayed on over 2 hours because I got lost in the story! Karen does a cliffhanger like no other, and Faefever has one hell of a crazy one! After reading the last page I look up and promptly threw my book across the room - leaving a small dent in my wall!

It's been about a year and I'm on the countdown to August 18th - when Dreamfever releases and I can get my Mac on! (Mac being the title character who was left in a precarious situation at the end of book 3!)

This is a five book series so I know there will be another humdinger awaiting me at the end of Dreamfever and still I can't wait to get my hands on it! Even with knowing I'm cruising for a bruising with withdrawals again, I can't help it...I'M ADDICTED!

What book series are you addicted to? What series makes you preorder or rush to the bookstore on release day? Tell me your addictions!

What's New Wednesday

So we have some very cool things coming up here at Cheeky Reads and I thought I would give you a heads up!

First, I'm working on some changes and updates to the site that I think you'll enjoy and I'll be giving the site more structure so that you'll see more frequent posts. Look for themed days, more reviews, more guest authors and more giveaways! Basically more of everything!

I'll be posting details about some of these new changes soon.

I'm excited to announce Cheeky Reads will be hosting author Rita Herron on August 18th as part of her Dark Hunger Tour! It's the second in her DEMONBORN Series and the cover is quite striking (check it out above)! Make sure to stop by as we'll be giving away copies of Dark Hunger!

Lastly, if you haven't tried Twitter give it a go! I was very hesitant and well thought it sounded stupid, but I've been able to talk with some of my favorite authors and other book bloggers. And, not to blow my own horn too much, I try to tweet lots of deals on books sales, industry news and info on authors. If you don't do Twitter, you can check out my latest tweets in the left hand sidebar. Maybe it will entice you to follow me! LOL!

More news and changes coming soon!

Book Drive To Benefit Louisville Library

On August 4, heavy rains caused flooding in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas. The Louisville Free Public Library’s main branch was hit hard and the damages are estimated at $5 million. Three book-mobiles, electronics equipment and 50,000 books were destroyed.

I’m putting together a book drive in an effort to help.

How you can help:

Everybody:
Donations of new books, all genres.
Information about monetary donations can be found at WFPL.

Authors & Publishers:
Donations of both signed and unsigned books. All genres, from children’s books to romance to non-fiction, etc, etc.
Signed books can be used in fundraiser purposes. Unsigned books can be used to help replenish the books that were lost due to the flood.

I have spoken with somebody with the library and at this time, they have no place to store books. However, I’m close and I will keep the books at my house until they are able to take them.

For those wishing to donate books, there are two ways you can send them. I can either receive them my post box address or a friend will receive them at her home.

If you wish to mail them via the USPS, send to:
Shiloh Walker
PO Box 976
Jeffersonville, IN47131

**Please note, I did speak with library personnel before I started this bookdrive. I realize they had no storage/no way to process books, which is why I’m holding them for the time being, and I did discuss that with library personnel as well. Several members of the library do have my contact info, should they have concerns, and none have contacted me.

Feel free to repost this information in its entirety.

Shiloh Walker
http://shilohwalker.com/
http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com

This post was submitted by Shiloh Walker.

Get TORTURED with Amanda McIntyre! Join Day Three of the TORTURED Tour and Win a Signed Copy!

"25 Blogs in 25 days...the TORTURED tour!"

August 6th - Day Three of The Tour

Leaving Chicago, we had an interesting trek through Gary, Indiana (where I paid silent homage to the late Michael Jackson) and Ohio –which I discovered is much like driving through Nebraska (only those in the Midwest will understand) we arrived in the state of New York. Who knew that New York State was such a lush green, forested place? The short jaunt from Fredonia to Niagara Falls was a pleasant one and our weather at around seventy with low humidity and brilliant sunshine could not have been more perfect. After a quick lunch at my fav spot, Hard Rock Café, we ventured to the “falls” where I stood in amazement and memory of the last time I’d seen that area almost …dare I say it, forty years before. Eeek! It was well worth every mile to see my kids snapping away, their eyes wide with respect and wonder of such a magnificent sight. Yes, we’d seen the IMAX movie on Niagara, but seeing something of such magnitude in real life is far more incredible!

Then came the challenge, trekking down to the base of the falls to the “Cave of the Winds.” I could remember my trip on the “Maid of the Mist”—the boating excursion that takes soaked passengers on the river beneath the falls—but for the life of me I couldn’t recall this “Cave of the Winds” being there. Still, you live only once and I am a secret adventuresome pirate at heart, so I donned the required foam-soled sandals and rain poncho and stood before the simulated falls mural with my three of my children to snap our picture for posterity. (Oh yes, dad opted to hold bags, wait on the surface and test out the homemade ice cream)

I later wondered as we stood in a “cattle line” waiting our turn, if the picture was taken in case of an unexpected accident. What can I say? I’m a writer. Finally, we made it to the front of the line, where a man stood repeating the litany I’m sure several times over during the course of his shift, “this elevator will take you 175 feet below the surface and then you walk through a tunnel…” at which point I began to wonder how he could look so casual when sending people into this watery abyss.

I cinched my glad bag style poncho tight and got on my game face as I prepared to squeeze into the cubicle that would plummet me to the base of the falls. I tried not to think of thousands of tons of water rushing over the rocks, centuries old, one of the true wonders of the world—and I was going to get to stand in its grandeur and get soaked. I started thinking then about my latest work, my deadline and it suddenly seemed less stressful.

We emerged from the tunnel into the sunshine and stood a moment overlooking the churning waterway below. I chided myself for being overly concerned, and yet I had a feeling this wasn’t all there was. People with various odd looking expressions, soaked to the skin were coming from around a bend. THAT “feeling” came to fruition a few moments later when I stood at the base of a set of wooden stairs that angled every which way—looking like something out of the movie ”Labyrinth”—to a platform high above, settled right into the midst of the falls.

So I began the maze of steps, taking note of the haphazard and yet I was certain carefully placed wood planks jabbed here and there, bracing the structure against the rock. I tired not to think of the constant roar in my ear, the hundreds of thousands of pounds of pressing pushing against the narrow wood steps and single person walkways that crisscrossed the falls ahead. I tried not to think of having to stop part way when I small child decided firmly they didn’t want to go any further. Later, my husband tried to reason that hundreds of people go on this daily and each year they tear it down and rebuild it. Which I suppose was meant to appease my concern, but I’m not sure that it did. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat ;)

In my erotic Medieval historical, TORTURED (Harlequin Spice-Books, Aug. ’09) Sierra must face her fears and the unknown in order to survive. What fear have you had to face that made you realize the strength you have inside you? Read a full excerpt from TORTURED on my website! http://www.amandamcintyre.net/

One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of TORTURED! Having read this book, I can personally tell you that you really want to win this one. I actually cheered out loud at the ending!

Next stop Novel Thoughts at RRH http://www.novethoughts.wordpress.com/ -- August 7

See you on the road!
Amanda McIntyre
DIARY OF COZETTE Harlequin Spice Oct. '08
TORTURED Harlequin Spice Aug. '09
"Winter Awakening" in WINTER'S DESIRE Nov.'09

Doing The Naughty: Welcome Guest Author Dee Tenorio

A huge welcome to today's guest blogger Dee Tenorio!

Dee is the author of numerous books from Samhain Publishing and her newest novella, Love Me Knots, releases today. Big congratulations to Dee and I'm so pleased to have her here at Cheeky Reads!

Check out Dee's guest blog below and enter for a chance to win a ecopy of Love Me Knots!

Dee's Website
Dee's Blog
Check out Love Me Knots at Samhain

Doing The Naughty

When I first started writing, I thought I was being oh so titillating by having my characters make out.

I was like, seven.

By the time I was ten and had discovered romance---particularly historicals! WOWSA!---I quickly learned the error of my thinking. Still, it was a long time before I got comfy enough to actually write a frisky love scene. I remember when I started writing "Test Me" as an erotic romance. I was sitting on my bed, my husband innocently working on his computer across the room and my face was absolutely on fire while I typed like mad. (Incidentally, I was in this same condition while doing research on Vetta's waterproof sex toy in that same book, for much the same reason. Believe me, gang, you do not want to get researching sex toys by hubby who is pretty sure he's taking care of business. Well...not without taking your vitamins first.)

Where was I?

Oh yeah, doing the naughty. So, anyway, at first, it was really difficult to allow myself to write erotic. I was so sure my mother was going to find out and I'd wake up in the night with her standing over my bed with that look on her face she'd get when I forgot to do the dishes. The "Girl, I'm gonna beat you so hard, you're going back in time and you done better do the dishes when you get there" Look. (Note: Mom never actually beat me, but she sure looked like she would.)

But after that first scene got written of Travis getting a hell of an eyeful of his nekkid heroine, Mom didn't show up. Mom didn't have a clue. So I kept going, and "Test Me!" got naughtier and naughtier. And you know what? It was fun! No holds barred, as descriptive as I wanted to be. I totally relaxed about the content I was writing. And with that freedom, I was able to write several more books with characters that had complete sexuality, which I think was part of making them more realistic. I didn't flinch when things got hot. I didn't blush and worry about Mom acting like the end of the movie "Carrie". And when a story idea came along about a couple that has great sex but bad communication... Well, who was I to say no? And there you have it, "Love Me Knots" was born.

I look at writing more explicitly as a different kind of honesty. I'm not going to get all preachy about how it's empowering to write the naughty. But the way a couple expresses themselves physically is as much a language as what they say. And if it means taking a few more vitamins, why not? :)

Of course, there are certain caveats are required for doing the naughty regularly on paper, particularly if you've never done it before.

1) After describing a man's appreciation for the feminine privates, keep in mind that your CPs just might wonder if YOU have an appreciation for feminine privates...

2) Mom's DO smack you in the back of the head when they find out you've been writing.

3) You really need to stock up on vitamins and Wheaties.

So, how about you? Have you ever worried about doing something, only to find out that it's the right thing for you? Share a comment and win a free ecopy of my new erotic novella, "Love Me Knots"!

Upcoming Guest Bloggers - Dee Tenorio & Amanda MacIntyre

I'm excited to announce that on August 4th, we'll be featuring as a guest blogger, author Dee Tenorio!

Dee has a brand new Samhain Novella coming out that day, and she's launching her book tour right here at Cheeky Reads!

Come back on August 4th to congratulate Dee on her release. One lucky reader will win an e-copy of her new release Love Me Knots! Here's a sneak peek at an excerpt.

On August 6th, the fantastic Amanda MacIntyre will be here to talk about her new release Tortured!