Surprise International Heat Spotlight: Lexxie Couper

BEFORE I SPOTLIGHT LEXXIE, CONGRATS TO ARMENIA FOR WINNING MARI’S PRIZE!

Okay, now let’s get down to business!

Remember last week, on Mari’s spotlight, I said there was a little surprise in store? Well, here she is: Our naughty little surprise. (Yep, naughty is the key word there.) LEXXIE COUPER. I’m thrilled to announce she is our latest and lastest member of International Heat. Woo hooo. I am so excited she’s here, I’m doing the lampshade happy dance.

The extra cool thing about Lex is that she’s a fair dinkum Aussie Sheila. Born, bred and still based Down Under. (Unlike myself – born in South Africa) and RC (based in Singapore.) Which means she can pash and root play the didgeridoo and throw a boomerang with the best of them. ;D

If you haven’t already met Lexxie, I’m sure you’ve read about her on my blog. Yep, she’s featured here a couple of times. Now, it’s true Lexxie is a brilliant author, and writes hot, sexy paranormals that first have you gripped until the final word of the story, and second, have you desperate to find a significant other to, uh, work off some of that heat. But the real reason I adore Lex has nothing to do with her skills with a pen/keyboard. See, Lexi introduced me to two very, very, very, very hawt, sexy men:

Yep, Bill and Sam.

Okay, I should be saying Lexxie introduced me to my new favorite program: True Blood! And for that I will be eternally grateful. But I’m getting sidetracked here – heck, who wouldn’t when thinking about Bill AND Sam – let’s get to the point:

Lexxie Couper’s Writing and Books:

Did you know, Lexxie is not only an author of erotic romance? She has dabbled in porn cartoons. Check it out here.

She also writes sweet, beautiful and romantic poetry. This is just one example of her unique, er, talent:

There was a young man from Australia
Who in bed, was never a failure.
He could bang on all night
And his arse was real tight
In fact, he was a real animalia!

Then I could go into great detail about all of her books, but I’d run clean out of blogging space. So I cheated. I hopped on to her website, and stole her cover pics to show you:

Plus there’s her new release at Samhain:

Lex: Welcome to International Heat. It is wonderful to have you!

For your chance to win a super prize, compliments of our brand new member, all you need to do is leave a comment here. If you’d like to increase your chances of winning, head on over to the rest of the IH blogs, including Lexxie’s and leave comments there as well.

Good luck.

Jess

RT gives Three’s Company 4 1/2 Stars

Donna M Brown reviewed Three’s Company over at Romantic Times Magazine.

This is her review:

RT Rating: Four and a half stars
Category: EROTICA
Publisher: SAMHAIN
Published: August 2009
Type: Erotic Romance (Anthology)

Menage is the theme of this award- winning collection filled with hot sex, engaging alpha personalities and nonstop action. Exhilarating plots will draw you completely into the characters’ way of life.

Summary: In James’ “Wicked Garden,” Eden is fighting to save the community center she manages. Old flame Billy returns to town as the engineer who will decide the center’s fate, and he and Eden renew their relationship. How will current lover Jon react to the couple?

Connor and Gabe like to share their women. Their threesomes have worked in the past, and this one should be no different. But when Maddie enters the scene and one of them falls in love, the rules change in Dee’s “A Question of Trust.” A thrilling race on the highway introduces Alexa to Justin. She then meets his twin in the boardroom when she’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Polar opposites Justin and Jayson meet her in the bedroom in Rylon’s “Nice and Naughty.”

Not too shabby, huh?

Jess

Viv Arend’s Cowboy Countdown Contest

Vivian Arend is hosting a Cowboy Countdown Contest and she’s popped in today to ask us to join her in getting ready for her latest release, Rocky Mountain Heat, coming August 31st to Liquid Silver Books. (Damn, I’m glad she popped in. Did you see the gorgeous hunk in the bath tub she brought along with her?)

Viv has a question for us:

Have you ever swam in a swimming hole?

My answer was… ‘What the heck is a swimming hole?’

After Viv explained, my answer changed. ‘Course I have dummy. I spent my childhood weekends in the Magaliesberg. (Go on, I dare you to try and pronounce that name.) It’s a small mountain range just outside of Johannesburg. We jumped off 30 meter high rock cliffs, into the freezing rock pools below. Hey, it’s one of those precious childhood memories.’

You can share your answers and experiences in the comments section of this post. The cool part of this is that all answers will be entered to win the prize in the Cowboy Countdown. For more info you can visit Where Dreams Become Reality.

Welcome to the Six Pack Ranch, where one sweet young thing plus the Coleman boys equals trouble with a capital T.

Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a blonde wearing a cowboy hat with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. Hell, he was the one that taught her to ride a horse and now all he can think about is riding her. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for his hands, and his heart. She may have considered Blake a big brother once but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s just what he’s been waiting for.

Add the complication of two sexy younger brothers who have suddenly noticed Jaxi and things heat up fast. Blake’s gonna have to decide if a little trouble is worth fighting for.

Thanx for visiting, Viv,

Jess

International Heat Spotlight on: Mari Carr

CONGRATS ALISON, FOR WINNING T’S IH SPOTLIGHT. GREAT PRIZE TOO. ENJOY IT!

And now onto this week’s spotlight author… MARI CARR.

The first time I learned about Mari Carr, I was reading this incredibly hot, incredibly brilliant novella called Erotic Research. So entranced was I with the book, and the hero, Ross, I posted to the Samhain Cafe about it, expressing my awe, only to receive like a gazillion mails back by other readers saying, “D’uh. Of course it’s brilliant.”

I started noticing Mari around the Cafe quite a bit then. Whenever she had a chat, I liked to go along because she was always good for a laugh. Plus, she always seemed to have countless offerings of yummy looking cocktails.

Then came her next Samhain book: Tequila Truth. It was no surprise that this book was just as good, and just as hot, as Erotic Research. And by this time, I was a Mari Carr fan for life. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was invited to join International Heat, and discovered Mari would be one of my IH sisters. Now it’s a funny thing, IH. I’ve gotten to know my IH sisters pretty well, and I’ve learned a few things about them. Mari included.

One thing I’ve learned is the real truth behind her book “Tequila Truth.” Now if you’ve read the book, you might think it’s all about three close friends telling each other their deepest, most erotic secrets while under the influence of tequila. But the real truth behind the title is that Mari loves tequila. End of story.

Okay, not quite end of story. She loves alcohol – period.
In fact, while writing her books, Mari has had some interesting working titles. Did you know “Erotic Research” was originally called “Research into absolutely anything to do with liquor.” Then there are her Ellora’s Cave releases. (She has about a million of them:)

“Scoring” was originally called “Drinking”. “Sugar and Spice” was named “Beer and Brew.” “Everything Nice” was of course “Wine is Nice” and finally, “Covert Lessons”… Well actually, Covert Lessons did not have a working title. Mari was too busy studying different beers of the world to think up a good one.

But I digress. Here’s what I’m really here for. To introduce you to Mari’s incredible list of books:

From Ellora’s Cave:

Scoring ebook	Sugar and Spice ebook	Everything Nice ebook	Retreat ebook
Spitfire ebook	Covert Lessons ebook	Kiss Me, Kate ebook

From Liquid Silver:

No Regrets More Information	No Recourse More Information

And finally, her new bestseller from Samhain:

If you haven’t read Mari’s books, you’re missing out. Big time! Treat yourself. Go ahead and buy one… (I dare you.)

For your chance to win a prize from Mari, leave a comment on this blog, and then visit the other IH Spotlight’s about Mari. Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Now, if you think this is our last IH Spotlight, well… guess again. We have a sneaky little surprise for you. (Okay, a big surprise actually. HUGE!) What is it? Hmm…we’ll never tell.

Well, okay, we will. But not until next week. So be sure to check out this space again, same time next week.

Jess

Lexxie Couper: Not just a romance author

Yes, it’s a well known fact Lexxie Couper writes sinfully hot, paranormal, erotic romance. But she does more than that. Did you know she’s written the script for a porn cartoon?

I kid you not. This multi talented author got together with artist Rhys McDonald, and look what the two of them produced:

LOLOL. Go Lex!

You can find out more about the cartoons and Rhys, the cartoonist, at The Plastic Age .

You can find out more about Lexxie by visiting her website. And if you’d really like a treat, head on over to My Bookstore and More, and buy her new scorcher…

Death, The Vamp and his Brother:

When it comes down to love or duty, pick a side—and pray your heart survives.

Death exists for one purpose and one purpose only: to sever the life-threads of the living. She does her job with pride and an unwavering commitment. Nothing ruffles her. Until she encounters Patrick Watkins. The Australian lifeguard pushes all her buttons—and makes her tailbone itch like crazy. And when her tailbone itches, it means trouble is brewing. Big trouble.

Ven’s gut tells him that Death is taking aim at his kid brother. He should know—he died and was turned vampire while trying to prevent another failed murder-attempt eighteen years ago. Patrick is meant to do something important in the world, and Ven will do anything to keep him safe. Even take on Death herself. In more ways than one.

As far as Patrick’s concerned, the whole thing is a load of bull. But what if everything Death tells him turns out to be true? How is he expected to save mankind from the worst fate of all—the Apocalypse? Especially when all he can think about is how quickly he’s falling in love with the most feared Horseman of them all…

Product Warnings: This book contains enough heresy to shame the Devil, more scorching sex than one person can handle, Oh, and lots of Australian colloquialism. A bloody lot of Australian colloquialism.

Jess

Mari Carr’s Because of You is now available

My IH sister, Mari Carr, has a new release today. And if you are familiar with Mari’s books, you’ll know you have to get your ass in gear and buy the book.

Have I read it yet? Nope. But I cannot wait. I’ve come to expect a certain level of brilliance from Mari’s books, and she never, ever disappoints.

Check out the details:

Because of You

Description

Sometimes what you’re looking for is closer than you think.

Jessie’s life is a mess. In the eight hellish months since her husband died in a freak accident, she’s been mugged, her house has been trashed, and now she’s receiving frightening pranks calls. She resists a friend’s offer of a weekend getaway—her grief is still too fresh to consider meeting anyone new.

Then again, since it’s a party for gay men, there won’t be any pressure, right?

ER doctor Caleb James feels perfectly at ease among his gay brother’s friends, but one look at Jessie sparks a sexual tension that’s impossible to ignore. A few drinks and a few hours of conversation later, things move a lot faster than either of them expect. Jessie is left confused and Caleb aches with regret—and love for a woman who is still guarding her heart.

Pressure is the last thing she needs. But as it becomes apparent that her string of misfortunes trace back to her husband’s death, help is what she’s going to get. Caleb’s help…ready or not.

Product Warnings:

This title contains a two adults playing doctor. But that’s okay, one of them is licensed to practice. A prescription for extra-strength Kleenex may be required.

Because of You is available now at MBaM

Happy reading,

Jess

How not to be a good role model

Ah, Lordy. I swear I try to be a good mum. I promise. But sometimes, well, things don’t go according to plan. (Hmm, now that I think about it, if my sons are involved, nothing ever goes according to plan. )

So, yesterday I was chatting to my eight year old son. He’d had a fight with one of his friends and was pretty cut up about it. Being a good mother (snort), I got him to speak about what he could say to make things right between the two of them, and more importantly, how he could say it.

In my great motherly wisdom, I explained that it’s always good to speak nicely when you want to put your point across. Don’t get angry, don’t shout, just say things calmly and keep the chat friendly.

My eight year old responded instantly. (Damn kid. He’s always too quick for his own good.) “Mom,” he said, “how come you’re telling me to be nice and calm when you say shit and fuck whenever you get cross?”

It took a good few minutes to regain my composure after that. I had to turn and hide my surprise from him. Also had to hide my snickers (yes, I thought it was hilarious – sue me) as well as think up a brilliant response. Finally I had one.

“You see,” I said with all my maternal brilliance, “it’s really quite simple. When I get angry or upset, I like to swear to myself, where the other person can’t hear me. it’s just my way of expressing frustration so I won’t take it out on the person I’m angry with.”

“Really?” asked the eight year old. “Then how come you’re always rolling down your car window and telling other drivers to  fuck off?”

I let my husband take over the conversation after that. I think he’s probably a better role model than I am.

Jess

International Heat Spotlight: T

CONGRATS TO TEZ, THE WINNER OF MY SPOTLIGHT. TEZ WON A COPY OF CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: ONLY TYLER. I HOPE SHE ENJOYS IT!

And now, onto T…

Ah, what can I say about the wonderful T?

Well, for one thing, she’s a bit strange.

Yes, she is! (I have proof.)

This woman has no idea how to tell day from night. When the rest of the USA sleeps, T gets up to start her day. You’ll never find her on her computer at regular hours. Nope, she has to wait til it’s pitch black outside, ’til all the lights in the entire neighbourhood have gone off, and only then will she climb out of bed. Which is actually a great thing for me and Rhian Cahill, because when the rest of IH is asleep, there’s always T to chat to.

I first met T when she was a moderator at the Samhain Cafe. And of course I loved her – especially after she posted a fantastic review for A Question of Trust (written by Sandie) on her website. At that time, reviewing seemed to be just a hobby for T. Who woulda thought that now she’s a regular reviewer, and posts several reviews a month over at her blog, Ebook Addict.

T doesn’t just focus on reviews. She runs loads of contests, and is always interviewing authors. (LOL, it won’t take long for you to realise that T has a special spot for m/m romance.) Seriously, you should go and check out her blog to read more. I think you’ll enjoy yourself there.

If T hasn’t yet reviewed one of your books, and you would like her to, contact her at: ebookaddict@bellsouth.net. But be warned. T is not going to sugarcoat her reviews with sweet, syrupy words of praise. She’s gonna be honest. If she likes your book, she’ll let the readers know. If she doesn’t, well, she won’t rip you to shreds and make you cry, but she won’t pretend either. Which is why you can always trust one of her reviews, and it’s why so many of us have begun buying books based on her recommendations.

To make T’s spotlight extra special, she is giving away a $10 voucher from ARe. (See? She really is wonderful.) All you have to do for your chance to win is visit the various iH blogs, and leave a comment or two. The more comments you leave, the bigger your chance of winning. Good luck.

Jess

International Heat Spotlight: ME!

I am so excited. This week the International Heat Spotlight is turned onto…me!

Cool huh?
Just visit the various IH blogs to find out more about me and my books.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of my ebooks – or a yummy packet of TimTams – all you need to do is leave a comment on the blogs. The more blogs you visit, and the more comments you leave, the more chance you have of winning.
For all the blog links, check out the top post on my blog.

Good luck and happy blog hopping,

Jess

Whipped Cream Reviews – Best Book of Week

Wheeeeee!!!

Whipped Cream Reviews reviewed Circle of Friends: Steve’s Story, and now it’s up for Best Book of the Week! How exciting is that?

If you have read and enjoyed the book, I’d be so grateful for your vote.

All you need to do do is head over to the Whipped Cream poll  and cast your vote. It’s that simple.

Hmm, and while you’re there, check out their contest. You could win an eReader.

BTW – thank you to Stephanotis for the lovely review:

“Ms Dee handles the plot beautifully… It’s a touching story and a recommended read.”

Jess