Sunday, December 17, 2006

JERR Gives Leading Her to Heaven 4 Stars

Title: Leading Her To Heaven
Author: Kayleigh Jamison
Publisher: Aphrodite’s Apples Press
Publisher URL: www.aphroditesapples.com
ISBN: N/A
Reviewer: Ginny Kon
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: O

Just when Lady Susanna Cavendish thought that she was safe from Court intrigue by rusticating in the country, King Henry, to forge a political union with Scotland, went and married her off to a barbarian Scot! Blair Ruthven had the advantage, however, of at least knowing that his bride is of fine face, rather than an old crone like the rest of his clan is expecting. Overcoming ages-old prejudices and their failure to communicate with each other are the least of their problems. There is someone with a decades-old grudge, and another with vengeance in his mind, against the seemingly star-crossed lovers.

Lady Susanna is mercurial in temperament. One minute she is the shy bluestocking innocent, the next minute a spitfire who can curse like a salty tongued sailor. Although Susanna was sheltered from Henry VIII’s immoral court, she was not completely ignorant of it. Well-read, beautiful, and can hold her own with the rest of them are always admirable traits in a heroine. However, in this case, she was a bit too feisty in certain parts that I wanted to avert my eyes from Susanna’s disastrous decisions. But she’s still splendid in all her spirited glory. And Blair complements her very well. A hardened and very noble warrior/assassin, he even avoids casual sex because his playboy brother more than makes up for it by siring sons all over the village! Put Susanna and Blair together, and there is the expected combustible sex – a little BDSM doesn’t hurt either! The sex was great, and there are even some surprises in store for the average historical fan. The story was well paced to keep me interested, with one development after another. The scenes flowed well despite the fact that (or maybe because) there were multiple villains. Even Blair’s brother was likeable in his promiscuity. I can see another story with this redeemable playboy! I only hope Ms Jamison will oblige her new fan.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Ebook Piracy - Just Say No!

It's a shame, folks, that my first post of substance in a long while has to be on such an unpleasant subject. But I think it important enough to come out of my hibernation (induced by much studying for finals) and drop a few words.

Copying, redistributing, or reselling ebooks in any way, shape, or form, is illegal. It is a violation of copyright no different than sharing MP3s, dvds, or movies. It was brought to the attention of EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection, of which I am a member) that there are a number of sites on the Internet proclaiming to sell "used" copies of ebooks. There's no such thing as a "used" ebook, my friends. If you want the book, buy it from the publisher or an authorized seller such as Fictionwise or Mobipocket. If you're looking to buy a used book, go to a book store and pick up a used print copy.

These "resellers" are appearing, for the most part, in the form of WordPress blogs, which post a list of books and a PayPal link for payment. If you're unsure as to the validity of a seller, go directly to the publisher's website, and purchase from them, or contact them and ask if that person is an authorized distributor of the book.

Several months ago I blogged about people selling ARCs on Ebay. This is basically the same thing. Authors will get no royalties from the sale of a "used" ebook. This isn't even the free sharing of pirated work, this is one person making money off another's work. You may think, oh, who cares? Well, I care. I'm not making thousands of dollars from my writing. I'm not even making hundreds of dollars. Don't mistinterpret: I don't write for the money. If I never make another dime from my work, I'll still write. It's as much as necessity for me as breathing. But to see someone else profit from my blood, sweat, and tears is absolutely infuriating.

Please do your part to stop ebook piracy. If you come across a "reseller", contact the author and let them know or, if you're so inclined, contact the site administrator (such as WordPress) and inform them of what you've found. Since this information broke just this morning, two sites have been shut down by WordPress. Your watchful eye can and will make a difference.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Twelve Sexy Days of Christmas!

Sexy Author's Twelve Sexy Days of Christmas Contest
We all know about the 12 days of Christmas song, but really how much fun can a partridge in a pear tree be? Although there is something to be said for lords a leaping and ladies dancing.
So we SAWA's thought that we'd have our own 12 days of Christmas, with a naughty twist. On each of the days listed below, send an email before midnight CST with your answer to the question listed for the day. The names of those who correctly answer that day's question will go into a special sexy hat and one lucky winner will be drawn. Now, your answers don't have to be true – but they do have to be sexy! Be careful to pay attention to the date for each question, naughty boys and girls who enter on the wrong day will be disqualified. Also, because of the weekends being BIG shopping days, the contest only runs on weekdays.

You can enter one day, or you can enter every day, or just enter the ones that catch your fancy. Just play nice and send in only ONE entry per day, and it must be to the question of that day. : )

Make sure your subject line shows which day you are sending the answer in for, like this: Tuesday, December 5th. And if you would, copy and paste the question before answering it. We'd hate to get mixed up and not know which question you were answering.

Each day someone will win! And who knows, you might inspire a story idea or two. : )

As a bonus, everyone who enters will be included in a special drawing closer to Christmas. The more times you play, the better the chance you'll have of winning this fabulous prize!

Have fun crafting your answers, and send them to
sexyauthors @ yahoo.com
(no spaces!)

Week 1: Days 1 - 5

Monday, December 4th: On the first day of the sexy contest, your true love gave to you what favored genre of erotic romance?
Winner will receive: Masquerade vol. 1 – with stories by Kayleigh Jamison and Jamie Hill

Tuesday, December 5th: On the second day of the sexy contest, your true love gave you what favorite lingerie outfit?
Winner will receive: Bedtime Tales by Michelle Houston

Wednesday, December 6th: On the third day of the sexy contest, you asked your true love for what naughty toy(s)?
Winner will receive: Secret Santa by Jamie Hill

Thursday, December 7th: On the fourth day of the sexy contest, your true love took you to what romantic place to make love?
Winner will receive: Erotic Fantasy - with stories by Jude Mason, D Musgrave & Michelle Houston

Friday, December 8th: On the fifth day of the sexy contest, your true love bound you with what item?
Winner will receive: Foxy! By D Musgrave

Aphrodite's Apples Holiday Contest!

Aphrodite's Apples' Holiday Giveaway!
Stuff your stocking with homemadegoodies by our own fabulous authors!

Handmade Bath Salts by Sabrina Luna
Czech glass jewelry set made by HS Kinn
Herbal tea blended by Kayleigh Jamison
Money Doll handsewn by Katrina Strauss
Aphrodite's Apples gift certificates
And much, much more!

Just buy any two Aphrodite's Apples titlesduring the month of December and forward your receipt to:contest @ aphroditesapples.com and you're eligible to win!Pics coming soon!For more information visit:http://www.aphroditesapples.com/

Monday, December 04, 2006

Chat Tonight!

Aphrodite's Apples Live Chat
Date: Monday, December 4th
Time: 9 PM EST
Where: The Romance Studio
URL: http://www.theromancestudio.com/chat.php

As always, we'll be discussing our latest projects and giving away a few goodies!Hope to see you there! :)