Winter Blogfest: Megan Slayer

December 26, 2025 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a necklace made by the author. 

Holiday Music and Writing

I like to have noise when I write. I can’t be in a quiet room and make the characters talk. It just doesn’t happen. It doesn’t. So I need music. But this is the holiday season and of course there should be holiday music playing. Okay, maybe not everyone would have Christmas music playing, but I do.

The thing is, I’m particular about my tunes. I like to listen to my XM channels and prefer the instrumental ones, the oldies songs and of all things, the rocking Christmas channel. I wouldn’t have thought some bands could really do Christmas songs well, but I’ve been happily shocked.

For example, I think of Judas Priest, and I think rocking tunes and leather. But Rob Halford, the lead singer, has an album of Christmas music that has tinges of the band’s sound while staying fairly true to the hymns. I know! I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it.

I can’t listen to Santa Claus is Coming to Town without at least having the Bruce Springsteen version playing at least once. I love that version. It really puts me in the mood for the season. Plus, Springsteen isn’t too hard on the eyes, either.

I love the Gary Allan version of Please Come Home for Christmas. It’s, in my opinion, better than the Eagles version, and I like that one, too.

I have a soft spot for hymns played without the words. Orchestral stuff gets to me. I like Canon in D quite a lot. It’s pretty and haunting.

That’s just a sampling of my playlist. There’s a lot more. What about you? What do you like to listen to at this time of year? Are you pro-holiday music? Against it? Or are you the type who plays it all year long? I’d love to know.

 

Christmas is the time to come together. What if it’s also the time to come clean and find lasting love?

Perry Felder knows how to play music. He wows audiences with his renditions of standards and knows how to work a room. He’s not only the son of wealth, but he’s created his own way in the music business. He’s at the top of his game in his career, but there’s something wrong and this Christmas, he’s determined to make his life right. But that involves more than snowflakes, stockings and Santa.

He’ll have to come clean about his sexuality. He’ll also have to let his overbearing socialite of a mother know he’s breaking out on his own.

He’s kept his true self under wraps, except to his assistant and best friend, Michael Hartsgrove. Michael knows the truth and if it takes everything he’s got, he’ll make the holiday season one to remember. He’ll show Perry that being his own man in every way will set him free. It’ll make his Christmas the best.

Can these two men, who seem to have little in common, make love last beyond the holidays? Only time will tell.

 

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her partner and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Find out more about Megan on her website, and sign up for the newsletter here. You can also check out her Blog, Amazon Author Page, Bookbub and Instagram.

Website | Blog | Facebook | X 

Buy the book at Evernight Publishing.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Winter Blogfest: AK Nevermore

December 23, 2025 By 4 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of the prequel novella, Maw of Mayhem. 

Enjoy Those Perfect Imperfections

In my house, the holidays are synonymous with stress. The stress of always being “on.” Those final, end-of-year deadlines screaming to be submitted. Planning and prepping food, gifts, and trying to do it with a smile. Well, okay, more like without earning jail time.

You’d think that things would’ve gotten easier as the kids got older, but now it just feels like there’s more expectations. I’m constantly reminded of how things were when I was a kid, and I am absolutely baffled how my mom and grandmother pulled everything off. When I asked my mom what the secret was during a fit of absolute frustration, she laughed at me.

Apparently, the more things change, the more things stay the same. It wasn’t easier back then, though pharmaceuticals were more readily available. Her words of wisdom “Kids don’t remember your fails. The wrong cheese, the turkey not coming out at the same time as the potatoes, none of it matters. But what they do remember, is the vibe you put out, so suck it up, buttercup.”

It was at this point that I reminded her of the cranberry incident of ’86. She glowered at me for a good five seconds and then laughed again. The kitchen ceiling still has pink stains on it from the resulting explosion, and it got me thinking. Yes, that had been a fail of epic proportions, but she was right. It was the vibe I remembered most.

It definitely makes me feel better about singed cookies, not having perfectly wrapped gifts, or a tree topper that remains stay upright. And this holiday season, I’m determined to enjoy all of those perfect imperfections.

 

Out of options and on the run after her psychotic father’s released from prison, Kit Parson heads to the only place she might be safe from him, the Maw of Mayhem MC. The unexpected move buys her time, but also puts her at risk. Surrounded by shifters, her inner cat begs to be released, and after witnessing a brutal attack on her mother as a child, she refuses to let the monster out. Totally doable, provided no bodily fluids are ever exchanged.

That takes the MC’s hot-as-hell VP, Grimdarke James, officially off the table. Mourning the recent murder of the club’s alpha and struggling to control his inner cat, the tattooed Viking god is on thin ice. If he goes feral again, he’ll be put down. Which makes his cat’s insistence that Kit belongs to him problematic, upsetting the delicate balance of the MC’s internal politics, and the woman blackmailing Grim.

But when Kit’s father catches up with her, Grim has no choice but to trust his cat, and Kit can’t deny their chemistry. Can they hold on to each other when everything is trying to tear them apart? After a gruesome triple murder propels them deeper into the paranormal world, they find themselves with unlikely allies, even as their enemies threaten to destroy everything they hold dear.

 

AK Nevermore writes a lot. An award-winning, bestselling author of spicy dystopian, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, she’s been traditionally, digitally, and indie published. She enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year.

Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes full time around a nest full of ravens.

Her books explore dark worlds, perversely irreverent and profound, and always entertaining.

AK belongs to a bunch of industry associations, volunteers for far too many committees, teaches creative writing, has been featured in Blush Magazine, made the Bookbub blog roundup, has spoken on NPR, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | X | Instagram | Goodreads

Buy the book at Books 2 Read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Winter Blogfest: Wendi Zwaduk

December 23, 2025 By 4 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a necklace made by the author. 

My Christmas Playlist

I thought I’d pull together a list of my favorite Christmas songs. I’m kind of picky about what I like at Christmas. I’m not wild about much of the newest versions of the old songs. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order)

“Jingle Bell Rock” ~ Bobby Helms – It’s just classic.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – this one makes me sad and think about the people in my life that aren’t there any longer. But it also makes me glad I knew them.

“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” ~ Burl Ives – now that I know he was blacklisted, I love it even more.

“Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” ~ Gene Autry – we sang this song at school. It reminds me of being in the first grade.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” ~ Brenda Lee – doesn’t she have the best Christmas songs? Besides, how can you not love it and not think of Home Alone?

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” ~ Judy Garland – makes me sad, yet Christmassy, too.

“White Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – it’s just a classic

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” ~ Bruce Springsteen – okay, I love how he asks how many have behaved and when he gets a poor response, he says, ah…not many, not many. Cracks me up.

“Santa Baby” ~ Eartha Kitt – she makes Christmas sexy 😊

“The Chipmunk Song” ~ How can you not like the Chipmunks at Christmas?

“Little Saint Nick” ~ The Beach Boys – I learned the Muppets version of this song and love both versions.

“When the River Meets the Sea” ~ Paul Williams, but sung by Robin the Frog and Denver with the Muppets

And….

“The Peace Carol” ~ Traditional ~ John Denver and Scooter with the Muppets

I know I left off the Drifters, Otis Redding and Darlene Love among others. They’re on the longer list. What are your favorite Christmas songs? Do you lean classic or contemporary? I’d love to know.

 

Are second chances possible? They can be in North Bend.

Alex West left North Bend behind and became the famous author RR Taylor. He’s happy with his jet-setting lifestyle, until a book signing brings him to North Bend. Surrounded by the beauty of the small town and the closeness of the community, he starts to rethink his reasons for leaving. Seeing his high-school flame, Molly Adams, brings all the old feelings back into focus. He wants to make her Christmas bright and win her heart, too.

Can he convince her to believe in the magic of Christmas and their second chance, or is the blossoming romance destined to melt with the holiday snow?

 

Wendi Zwaduk is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to BDSM and LGBTQ themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com and the former AllRomance Ebooks. She also writes under the name of Megan Slayer.

When she’s not writing, she spends time with her partner and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. 

You can find out more about Wendi on her website or on her blog. You can also find her on Instagram, Bookbub and Amazon.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | X

Buy the book at First For Romance.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Splendificent by Dacy Alex – Q&A and Giveaway

July 8, 2025 By 6 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

Is a paranormal ability the same thing as a superpower? When I think paranormal I think ghostly ability. But if it’s the same thing as a superpower give me invulnerability all day. I’d be a champion in every single UFC division. Even the women’s ones! Ya’ll bitches don’t want this smoke.

When writing descriptions of your hero/ine, what feature do you start with?

For females I always seem to start with their hair. My second editor complained I had too many blondes. I likes what I likes, good people. For guys it varies, usually I pick their defining features, like facial structure, eye type, you get my point.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I had to look up what that meant because when you said pantser, I was gonna take this in a different direction! I’m a plotter. My first editor drilled into me the need to be on team plotter. Rather forcefully I might add!

Did you learn anything from writing this book? If so, what?

Well, when writing the Splendificent series, I learned a lot about mythology and occult practices. Actually, my own mother became convinced I was trying to become a vampire! Although, I like vamps, I think I’d make a better werewolf. Dogs love me!

Hell on Heels and Death by D Cup
This raw and naughty book brings together the first two Splendificent novels in one ENORMOUS package…

Not that type of enormous package!

I swear.

Splendificent 1:

California cutie Giselle Nyfall arrives at the Big Apple to attend liberal arts college, Hemera University. But, when a computer glitch lands her with four extraordinary young women as roommates Giselle’s sheltered world is blown away.

These Hotties are supernatural aristocracy, the magical one percent: an elf princess who decapitates as well as she pirouettes, the B.B. gun-toting daughter of the Tooth Fairy, a glamorous and gold-digging fox spirit with thickness in all the right places, and a vampire-succubus hybrid with a bad gambling problem and a blood-soaked family tree.

This Hot Squad uncovers a demonic curse threatening New York City’s human elite orchestrated by denizens of the Christian Hell. The only cure? The five stunners themselves!

Splendificent 2:

The Hot Squad members must battle supernatural mercenaries, contend with a portal to the underworld, avoid demonic death traps and thwart a nefarious prince hellbent on fulfilling an ancient prophecy and bringing on the death of one Squad member who happens to be his sister. All difficult assignments when they’re constantly losing their skimpy clothes and falling into the arms of hot studs and each other!

Will Giselle and her voluptuous companions come together to triumph over the forces of evil? Does the family that slays together stay together? Find out in the sexy, hilarious and politically incorrect Splendificent 2!

WARNING:

This book is absolutely not for anyone under the age of 18! You, Mister 17 years and 364 days old? Move along, son, move along.

Enjoy an excerpt:

This was going to be difficult.

This was going to be a violation of trust.

But it needed to be done.

Giselle stood in front of Stuart in his messy-even-though-he’s-only-been-there-a-couple-days-dorm, and she stood with pride.

Stuart was hammering away on Final Fantasy XIV on his gaming computer with his glowing green mouse and blue glowing keyboard.

“Stuart, I am special,” Giselle announced with a Princess Magalinda worthy dramatic voice.

“Big facts,” Stuart responded, “Look at those boobs on you! They’re mad huge! And you can make a lot of money off being special. Just don’t be like my cousin Joey Numbers. It starts with you stripping for old bitches. You get that easy side money, so you justify it. Then you start fucking those old bitches for extra cash. Cool? Then you’re the go-to guy in the old bitch pussy circle. The Steph Curry of fucking old bitches. Then their husbands offer more to watch. Then it turns into threesomes.”

“Eeep!” Giselle squealed.

Stuart continued, “Then they offer you a large sum to have gay sex, and you justify it again. Now you’re making big money. But at what cost, Giselle? At what cost?”

“At no cost because I’m not a guy, and I’m not a prostitute! Listen to me, Stu.”

She wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about this, but she was being swallowed by her secret. And if anyone could give her some outside the box thinking it was Stuart.

“I’m kinda wrapped up in something dangerous,” she said, clasping her hands.

 

About the author:

Dacy Alex is an author that has also taken home several screenwriting awards under a different name. Dacy loves the possibilities of the supernatural but also the inherent weirdness of the everyday world and likes to combine the two whenever possible. Dacy likes to focus his stories on new adults, which might explain why he can subsist on a steady diet of classic CW shows. The 100 and The Originals are the best ones don’t argue with me plz k thx bye. Dacy’s an avid video gamer; Dacy’s favorite games are Final Fantasy X-2 and Persona 4: Golden. I’ll be a contrarian and say I’ve never played a Dark Souls like game and I don’t wanna! Oops, I forgot I was doing this in third person

Website | Instagram
Buy the book at Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Amazon Japan, or Amazon CA.

Enter below to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , , ,

Theirs Until Always by Mae K. Knight- Spotlight and Giveaway

July 8, 2025 By 4 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Mae K. Knight will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Adam:

Men like me don’t get happy endings.
When my demons talk to me, I talk back.
I heeded their call when they demanded my parents’ death.
I even listened when they ordered my own.
And they nearly won.
Until her.
One night changed my life. Then I lost it all. I lost her.
Now, I’ll do anything to get my sunshine back.
But can a sinner like me be willing to share after learning I’m not the only one craving her light?

Jordyn:

When a man shows you his red flags, run.
But running from Adam is easier said than done.
When he re-enters my life, my world implodes with the secrets he’s keeping.
Can I forgive him and learn to live in his shadows? To be the light he thinks I am?
Or will his darkness consume me?

Abel:

Witnessing your twin nearly die, hardens something in you.
I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Adam breathing.
As kids, he’d protected me, even though that was my job as the older brother.
Now, it’s my turn to protect him.
You can run little sunshine, but you won’t get far.
If Jordyn’s what my brother needs to keep his demons at bay, then I’ll claim her for us.
She’ll be ours, always.

Read an Excerpt

Stars and moonlight shine down on me, competing with the lights escaping the inside of the club I’m approaching, heels clicking over concrete. I don’t linger outside or make eye contact with anyone, my skin tight with apprehension. A white gossamer dress shifts against my skin, tightening my nipples. The hem stops above my knees, the back remains open, and a deep vee allows the cool night air to kiss my chest.

In a word, I look hot.

Eat your heart out, Adam, I think as I smile graciously at the bouncer who allows me entry. Initially, I stand at the threshold, roaming my eyes over the press of bodies gyrating under moving lights before stepping forward. I know Adam wouldn’t be found among them, so I squeeze my way onward, offering apologies along the way, catching a hint of blond hair in the back of the club, in the VIP section.

Of course.

It begs the question once more of what exactly he does for a living.

When I stop before another bouncer, he turns his thick neck behind him, eyes landing on Adam, who gives him a nod, rising out of his seat. The rope lifts, and I’m waved through. Stepping forward, my heels sink into plush carpet as I meet Adam halfway down the row of tables, his arms banding around my waist to pull me into him.

About the Author Mae K. Knight is a self-published author based in Louisiana, who enjoys writing “trauma boys” as her readers coined them, BIPOC FMCs that look like her and fast, smutty stories that leave you craving for more. When not writing, she’s reading monster romances penned by her fellow indie authors, studying for her nursing degree, or lifting heavy weights in the gym to feel like a bad bitch on a competition platform.

Website | Signed Paperbacks | Facebook | Goodreads | Threads | TikTok

Go directly to her Amazon page for her KU titles.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , , ,

Discover What Lessons Author Dacy Alex Learned from His Main Character – Guest Blog and Giveaway

May 15, 2025 By 14 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What lessons can I learn from the main character of Splendificent, Giselle Nyfall? Well, rather than tell you what I learned from her. Let’s let her tell you HERSELF what you can learn from her? Take it away, Giselle!

Giselle sez:

Okay,Dacy-Kun! When it comes to sexual lessons, Giselle Nyfall is a veritable sensei! First and foremost, communication is key. Whether it’s discussing boundaries, preferences, or that new position you saw in a hentai manga, talking about it openly is essential. It’s like when you’re playing a multiplayer game, and you need to strategize with your teammates to take down the final boss. You gotta make sure everyone’s on the same page, right?

And don’t be afraid to mix things up and try new positions! It’s like when you’re playing a fighting game and you discover a new combo that absolutely wrecks your opponents. You gotta keep ’em guessing, right? So, whether it’s trying out a new angle or experimenting with different speeds, variety is the spice of life. Oh, and don’t be shy about using your surroundings to your advantage! Furniture, walls, countertops… the world is your oyster, and every surface is a potential new secret level to unlock!

Also, if there’s one thing Giselle Nyfall knows, it’s how to embrace her inner nerd and let her freak flag fly! Being a dorky bimbo isn’t just about the big boobs and cute outfits; it’s about owning your passions and unapologetically loving what you love. Whether it’s gaming, anime, or writing fan fiction, I say go for it with full throttle! Life’s too short to worry about what others think. So, embrace your inner weeb and let those nerd flags soar!

Another lesson I can impart is the importance of friendship and teamwork. Sure, I may be the protagonist of my own story, but that doesn’t mean I can’t share the spotlight with my supernatural squad! We’re like the ultimate JRPG party, each bringing our unique skills and personalities to the table. Together, we take on whatever challenges come our way, whether it’s saving the world or just having a girls’ night in. So, cherish your friends, support them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. After all, even the most powerful mage needs a tank and a healer by their side!

Hell on Heels and Death by D Cup
This raw and naughty book brings together the first two Splendificent novels in one ENORMOUS package…

Not that type of enormous package!

I swear.

Splendificent 1:

California cutie Giselle Nyfall arrives at the Big Apple to attend liberal arts college, Hemera University. But, when a computer glitch lands her with four extraordinary young women as roommates Giselle’s sheltered world is blown away.

These Hotties are supernatural aristocracy, the magical one percent: an elf princess who decapitates as well as she pirouettes, the B.B. gun-toting daughter of the Tooth Fairy, a glamorous and gold-digging fox spirit with thickness in all the right places, and a vampire-succubus hybrid with a bad gambling problem and a blood-soaked family tree.

This Hot Squad uncovers a demonic curse threatening New York City’s human elite orchestrated by denizens of the Christian Hell. The only cure? The five stunners themselves!

Splendificent 2:

The Hot Squad members must battle supernatural mercenaries, contend with a portal to the underworld, avoid demonic death traps and thwart a nefarious prince hellbent on fulfilling an ancient prophecy and bringing on the death of one Squad member who happens to be his sister. All difficult assignments when they’re constantly losing their skimpy clothes and falling into the arms of hot studs and each other!

Will Giselle and her voluptuous companions come together to triumph over the forces of evil? Does the family that slays together stay together? Find out in the sexy, hilarious and politically incorrect Splendificent 2!

WARNING:

This book is absolutely not for anyone under the age of 18! You, Mister 17 years and 364 days old? Move along, son, move along.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The girls took a seat at a newly vacated table with the stares and whispers following them, some appreciative, some jealous, and some downright hostile. Giselle fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, feeling her nerves get the better of her.

“Quit tugger’in on your skirt, Giselle,” Dusty snapped. “It ain’t gonna get any longer.”

Giselle’s cheeks flushed, and she laughed weakly, smoothing out her skirt self-consciously.

“I’m gonna go find us some answers,” Dusty declared, her doe eyes narrowed as she scanned the room. “You girls keep your pretty little eyes peeled for anyone actin’ sus.”

With that, Dusty strutted off, her blonde curls bouncing as she approached a group of burly men in the corner. Giselle watched, impressed by Dusty’s fearlessness, but also a little worried for her friend’s safety. Surely, someone so teeny posed only a microscopic threat to any opponents?

“This place is uncivilized,” Tristabelle remarked, her nose wrinkled in distaste. “I do not understand why anyone would frequent such an establishment…oooh look an automaton bull! How lovely!”

The girls were faced with trying to stop Tristabelle from charging ahead at the mechanical bull resting to the dance floor’s right. A chubby ginger in tank top and body glitter just tumbled off to the padding bellow, cursing her luck.

“Fairies were not meant to handle the mystical brilliance of living machines,” Princess Tristabelle noted to the sulking ginger.

“Excuse me? My mom and dad are on the council. Do you know that?” The woman hissed.

“Underestimate a princess of Golden Land all you wish, fool! Filthy Commoner, to me!” Princess Tristabelle pointed a long, seemingly magical finger at Giselle.

“Why do I have to be filthy?”

“When’s the last time you bathed?” Fleur quipped.

“I…I…I’m getting around to it! It’s been a busy day!”

About the Author: Dacy Alex is an author that has also taken home several screenwriting awards under a different name. Dacy loves the possibilities of the supernatural but also the inherent weirdness of the everyday world and likes to combine the two whenever possible. Dacy likes to focus his stories on new adults, which might explain why he can subsist on a steady diet of classic CW shows. The 100 and The Originals are the best ones don’t argue with me plz k thx bye. Dacy’s an avid video gamer; Dacy’s favorite games are Final Fantasy X-2 and Persona 4: Golden. I’ll be a contrarian and say I’ve never played a Dark Souls like game and I don’t wanna! Oops, I forgot I was doing this in third person

Website | Instagram

Buy the book at Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , , ,

Winter Blogfest: Kate Hill

December 27, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a download of a book in the Silver Hearts series (reader’s choice of title).

Holiday Horror Movies and Snacks

Two of my favorite things in December are holiday horror movies and snacks. Some of the movies are a tradition for me, but I also watch new ones every year. Usually I find at least one to add to my annual holiday horror lineup. In this post, I’d like to share some of my favorite holiday horror movies and holiday snacks that I think go well with movie night.

1. Christmas with Cookie: Locked Away – In this fun low-budget horror movie narrated by Cookie, an Elf who survived the apocalypse and is now living on the moon, a soldier returns home and finds himself in a battle against zombies.

A snack that goes well with this movie? Cookies, of course, especially frosted sugar cookies.

2. A Christmas Horror Story – A DJ is on the air at Christmas while various people in town endure frightening paranormal experiences and Santa battles zombies. This horror anthology has an overall story arc, but individual stories include kids trapped with a ghost, a family dealing with Krampus, and a family terrorized after chopping their own Christmas tree.

A snack that I love while watching this movie? Popcorn, with some caramel corn thrown in!

3. 13 Slays Till X-Mas – This horror anthology includes several creepy stories that have some dark themes, even by holiday horror standards. Stories include sisters who plan to decorate their deceased mother’s home one last time, a man visited by his “guardian” angel, and intruders who are “surprised” by a hermit’s unusual pets.

For this movie, I’ll sip some vegan eggnog. I make mine with coconut and almond milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon.

Whatever your choice in holiday movies or snacks, whether you like horror, comedy, or romance, or if you like your snacks salty or sweet, I hope you have a lovely holiday season!

Stalker – I’m a rogue wolf. No club. No gang. No pack. I’m free, and that’s how I like it. Roaming the streets in a Santa suit to antagonize demons into a fight, I meet her—the Wild witch who changes my life. I want Sam the moment I see her, but can a lone wolf fall in love at first sight?

Sam – I’m a Wild. That means I have warrior witch blood in my veins. I messed up, though, and someone I care about got hurt. To fix the situation, I’m in what’s left of Boston looking for demons so I can test a new spell. I’m not expecting a gorgeous silver wolf to protect me, and I’m not trying to fall in love, but one look at Stalker, and I know we were born for each other.

Note: Sam’s Silver Wolf is a very short age gap paranormal insta-love story with a little plot, a lot of heat, and a HEA.

Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who started writing many years ago for pleasure. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, watching horror and action movies, working out, and spending time with her family and pets. She also writes under the name Saloni Quinby.

Website | Blog | Instagram | Goodreads | X

Buy the book here.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: ,

Winter Blogfest: Thea Landen

December 27, 2024 By 1 Comment

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of The Hummingbird and the Hawk plus a 20% off coupon to my shop (signed paperbacks, merchandise, etc). 

 

Workplace Holiday Parties by Thea Landen

 

Let’s talk about workplace holiday parties! These can range from low-key potlucks in the break room to extravagant affairs on board a yacht. (Or, if your office is like mine, your boss just sends you your holiday bonus without any fanfare. Can’t complain!) They can offer an opportunity to celebrate the year’s accomplishments with your colleagues or even air your grievances. Whether you love or hate the office parties, there’s a good chance of something interesting happening. Especially if there’s an open bar.

Technically, my book The Hummingbird and the Hawk is a workplace romance, as main character Gavin first meets love interest Olivia when she interviews for a position at his law firm. I’ll be honest with you—the plot-smut ratio in this book skews heavily toward the spicy scenes, so there’s not a whole lot going on while they’re actually working at the office. However, I needed to have some plot in there to help move the story along, so about halfway through, the characters attend one of the aforementioned swanky holiday parties.

If I’m making confessions, here’s another one: Gavin is, well, kind of a dick. Up until this point, he’s sort of been envisioning himself in some kind of My Fair Lady scenario, believing he’s molding his younger protégé into the woman he wants her to be, both in the office and in his bedroom. Olivia’s not thrilled with this interpretation of their relationship, and they argue during the lead-up to the party.

It’s hard to stay mad at your partner in such a festive setting, though. Even when your coworkers know what’s going on, and some exercise more discretion than others. Things start heating up between our featured couple before they can even get back home (in the company-provided limo, of course). I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say Olivia starts hinting here that she’s no pushover and may have a few lessons of her own to teach Gavin.

It’s probably for the best when real-life holiday parties don’t involve any drama. (I won’t comment on real-life workplace romances. You do whatever makes you happy!) But when it comes to fiction like The Hummingbird and the Hawk, sometimes it’s fun to be on the naughty list for a change!

 

Gavin is known for two things: success as a criminal defense attorney and whirlwind romances. When former prosecutor Olivia enters his law firm to apply for a position, his attraction to her is instant. Despite their age difference, he has to have her.

Olivia may be the youngest employee at her new job, but she’s not going to let anyone push her around. Although Gavin is her much older superior at the office, she gives in to his advances and lets him believe he has control over her body as well as her career.

They embark on a tempestuous relationship, with Gavin testing her boundaries at every opportunity. When a stressful trial and a colleague’s criticisms rattle his confidence, however, Olivia jumps at the chance to change the dynamics between them. It’s her turn to dominate him, but will Gavin submit?

 

Thea Landen lives in New York with her husband and children. Though she’s dabbled in all romantic subgenres, she has a special love for sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure…anything that pushes the imagination beyond its usual limits. When she’s not writing, she’s either knitting or crocheting, playing video games, or pretending to enjoy cardio and squats.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Buy the book at Amazon.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Winter Blogfest: Hayden West

December 27, 2024 By 12 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. 

 

Holidays by Hayden West

I have to say, I love the holidays. The foods, the festive lights, the family. Laughter and good times. I grew up in Wisconsin and our winters were definitely white. We were out in the country and getting our tree was one of my favorite traditions.

There were years where my dad would drive the tractor and pull a wagon so we could also pick up more wood for the fireplace. I loved sitting up with him as I watched the tractor power through the high snow.

Mom would have made hot cocoa and put it in a thermos for us to drink when we (well me…) got cold.

After using the chainsaw to cut then we’d loaded up the wagon with more wood for splitting we would set off deeper into the forest, on foot now. Dad would bring the chainsaw and mom would have the warm drink. My older brother would bring a shovel and I usually dragged the tub.

Our family never knew if we would simply cut one down or, if we were going to be digging it up so we would be able to replant it come spring.

Have to admit, I wasn’t much in the way of helping from now on because…well, physical labor wasn’t fun for me at that age. So if it was cut, I would drag back the empty container. Of course, if there was a hill, I would sit in the tub and have my brother push me so I could slid down then hill and we’d do that for a while.

Eventually, we would get back to the house with either the cut tree or the dug up one. Dad would set it up inside and then we would unload the wood to be cut and stacked later.

Christmas tree decorating would come later that night after dinner. We’d have a large fire, popcorn (both for stringing and for eating), hot cocoa or cider and depending on how the weather outside was, mom may have made donuts.

Memories I hold dear and while I’m not in that state anymore, nor do I get live trees or even cut ones from a forest, the scents, smells and unforgettable family time isn’t something I will ever forget.

Happy holidays!

Hayden West

 

Secrets refuse to stay buried.

Pulled in for an op he never wanted, Michael Little knows it won’t be a hardship to pretend interest in his target. What does prove difficult is knowing that when it’s over, he’ll have to walk away.

Radek Dionne has busted his ass to keep his name away from the shady dealings his family is involved in. Used to people wanting him either for those connections or due to him being a player in the NHL, he keeps to himself. Until one night when he meets someone who gets to him on a level he’s never expected.

But family has a way of showing up when you least want them to and his is no exception. Secrets are exposed and loyalties tested. Will they be together by Christmas, or has this last secret ruined any chance of a happy ever after?

 

Hayden West lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoys being outdoors to hike and explore the beauty, and hanging out with friends when not working on the next novella to be released.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Buy the book at Pride Publishing.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Winter Blogfest: Morgan Malone

December 26, 2024 By 1 Comment

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment to win Lights of Love, the first book in my Dickens Hanukkah Romance trilogy, and Hanukkah swag, including chocolate gelt, dreidel, and stickers. And a surprise. US only, please. 

A Pirate Menorah! by Morgan Malone

I love Pirates. I have ever since I watched Captain Bloodstarring Errol Flynn decades ago with my mom. Even more after reading The Golden Hawk, one of her romance novels, by Frank Yerby, when I was barely out of Middle School. And then the irrepressible Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, stole my heart!

Once I began writing my own romance novels fifteen years ago, I dreamed about and talked about writing my own pirate romance. I researched for years and the idea grew from one novel to a trilogy. I dragged friends and readers along the way with me, discussing ideas, telling them snippets of what I had written, and even dragging them to interesting (to me) pirate sites along the East Coast.

It was no surprise, then, when gifts for birthdays and Hanukkah took on the pirate theme. Pictured here is perhaps my favorite Hanukkah gift so far, from a dear friend and avid reader: a Pirate Menorah!

It has become a family favorite, especially with my grandsons who are vastly amused by Bubbe’s fascination with pirates. When they, or my daughter, join me on one of the eight nights of Hanukkah, it is the Pirate Menorah that must be adorned with pink candles and lighted to celebrate our holiday.

And because I am a writer, certain things from my life find their way into my books, though none of the characters in my Pirates of the Eastern Shore series have yet celebrated Hanukkah.

But, Saul, the hero of my first Dickens Hanukkah Romance, Lights of Love, is a retired Naval officer. His lady love, Judy, while shopping for Hanukkah gifts, comes across a pirate menorah, which she buys as a gift for him. It becomes a turning point in the story.

Now, two years later, as I wrote my third book in the series, Latkes of Love, it was no surprise to me that the pirate menorah makes another, brief appearance at Saul and Judy’s Hanukkah celebration attended by the hero of the book, Morty, also a retired Naval officer. I imagine that the now famous pirate menorah will become part of another book in my future.

Best wishes to all for a happy and peaceful Holiday Season.

Morgan Malone

This will never work. He is a long-time widower, immersed in the family business, devoted to his son, daughter-in-law and grandsons. A long-time pillar of the community. And he thinks she is a busybody, a yenta, always with an opinion, always a little brash, a little too bold.

There is no way this could work. She is a divorcee, the survivor of betrayal at the deepest level by a controlling husband. But she prevailed in the messy divorce and now lives comfortably in a rambling Victorian, shared with her widowed best friend. She keeps busy, at the synagogue, playing mah jongg and minding everyone’s business. She thinks he is a bit too straitlaced, old-fashioned and tied to his past.

How could this work? Neither is looking for a happy ever after. But as the candles of Hanukkah cast their miraculous glow, love grows. Is it just the holiday or is it time for Morty and Margot to fall in love for the last time in their lives?

 

Morgan Malone has been reading romance since the age of twelve, when she first snuck her mother’s copy of The Saracen Blade under the covers to read by flashlight. An award-winning published author of fiction by the age of eight, Morgan waited fifty years, including thirty as an Administrative Law Judge for a small New York State agency, to pen her next work of fiction. Now retired from her legal career, Morgan lives near Saratoga Springs, N.Y., waiting to find her next rescue dog. When not writing later-in-life romance about men and women who fall in love for the last, or maybe the first, time in their lives, Morgan is penning romantic memoirs or painting watercolors. She travels frequently with her wonderful daughter, a Clinical Psychologist, and spends time with her awesome son-a realtor, amazing daughter-in-law-a nurse, and two delightful grandsons who live nearby.

 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Buy the book at Amazon.

 

 

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,
Next Page »