Trick or treat

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, which is really no surprise, since I've always had this inherent interest in all things paranormal. So it should come as equally no surprise that not only do I found my writing "niche" in paranormal romance (Dark Thirst, the first in The Brethren vampire series from Kensington/Zebra books is available now for only $3.99) but that I live in Louisville, Kentucky, home of Waverly Hills Sanitarium, which has been touted as the most haunted site in America.

Built in 1926, Waverly Hills was one of the country's premier hospitals for the treatment of tuberculosis. During the height of an early twentieth century epidemic of the lung disease, thousands of patients died at the sanitarium, with estimates now ranging between 6,000 and 65,000. A tunnel was built leading from the main building through which it's said that the dead were transported out, so that patients wouldn't see or realize just how many of their fellows were passing away.

Today, Waverly Hills Santarium is privately owned, closed to the public except for privately scheduled tours, and stands vacant and empty, the hollowed out remains of this once-bustling hospital. It's been profiled on the ABC/Fox Family Channel's "Scariest Places on Earth" and VH-1's "Celebrity Paranormal Project." Tonight it's the setting for the Sci-Fi channel's "Ghost Hunters," and part-time paranormal experts from The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) will be on hand with their equipment, hoping to document spooky happenings.

What manner of spooky happenings, you may ask? Well, for starters, here's a photo taken this morning by a crew member of a local radio station who broadcasted live from Waverly Hills. Notice the strange blue light in the top left corner. Upon closer look, it seems to form the words "No Show." Maybe they're not fans of "Ghost Hunters?" You can see a bigger version of the picture, which the station swears is untouched, at: http://www.themaxfm.com/Article.asp?id=503678

Perhaps even spookier is a video clip from this same radio station, when they broadcasted from Waverly Hills last year: http://www.themaxfm.com/Article.asp?id=299214

Listen closely to the dee-jay, George Lindsey, who explains what you're seeing in the video, then watch as the spectral forms of two small children seem to appear and disappear right in front of the camera. Waverly Hills is said to be inhabited by what locals call the "Shadow People," the ghosts of those lost within its walls during its somber past. Does this video capture the images of two of these unfortunate victims, the spirits of two poor children left to wander the dark, vacant corridors eternally together?

There's no denying that Waverly Hills is a place of terrible tragedy and hardship, a site where countless people suffered and died. It's creepy enough that I used it as the model for a fictitious haunted santarium in an as-yet unpublished book. I don't know if it's really haunted or not. But you still won't catch me there after dark.

With the creepy stuff out of the way, let's get back to the fun part of Halloween. For one day only -- today, Wednesday, October 31, 2007 -- I'm giving away your choice of FREE TREATS at my website! Just visit http://www.sarareinke.com/ and complete my quick and easy online form to claim your free Halloween treat! Choose from PDF copies of my available ebook titles or a signed cover flat for my new vampire romance, "Dark Thirst." Plus ALL entries will receive an eye-catching desktop wallpaper image featuring "Dark Thirst." All free! No tricks! And -- better than candy! -- no calories!

(Limit one treat per person. Must be 18 years of age or older. Entries valid only from 12:01 a.m. EST, US to 11:59 p.m. EST, US on October 31, 2007. See website for details.)

Here's wishing you and your family a safe and fun-filled Halloween!

Sara Reinke
________________________________________________

DARK THIRST - Available now Only $3.99 from Kensington/Zebra Books
"This new twist on the vampire legendd...is a fascinating and unique romance." -- Romantic Times Book Reviews
http://www.sarareinke.com/

Hey There TRS!

Good morning (it is still morning where I am, LOL) TRS!

I'm lucky enough to be today's member blogger. Because I have a few hours left in October (breast cancer awareness month), I'd like to blog about Coming Together: For the Cure.

Coming Together is a series of fundraising erotic anthologies. Porn for a cause! What could be better? All of the proceeds go directly to charity, and the reader gets a wonderful collection of stories sure to...uh, bring them hours of enjoyment.

Tee hee.

I'm lucky enough to be included in the most recent edition of Coming Together, which goes to benefit breast cancer research. I'm in good company, too, with stories from James Buchanan, Kis Lee, Alessia Brio and Lisbet Sarai among many others. This is a monster anthology, more than two hundred naughty pages for your titillation. (See what I did there?)

My particular story, My Right Breast, takes a picture of a moment in time between a submissive woman suffering from the after effects of a mastectomy, and how her loving and dominant husband helps her regain a sense of self. Since you all are reading, I'll tell you a little secret about this story...come closer...the character of Sheila is based on a friend of mine (who thankfully does not have cancer but is a firecracker of a redhead). Don't tell her, though, she'd be totally embarrassed ;)

All of us have been touched by breast cancer--if not ourselves than a mother, sister or friend. All of us know the sinking feeling of hearing a doctor say "cancer," the worry and fear that a family and peer group can experience. Coming Together is a chance for each of us to make a tiny difference, to fight back with an extra bonus--hot erotica! Visit phaze.com for an excerpt and to buy your copy today, in PRINT or ebook format (this is my first print story ever, happy dance!). Or, you can visit my blog and click the tag "my right breast" for excerpts and reviews of my story.

Finally, I want to give readers a chance to enter my Halloween contest. Just send me something scary in an email--be creative--and I'll enter you in a chance to win! You're now up against the scariest picture of the Hoff I have ever seen, so work hard! Mail goes to ameliajune@ameliajune.net. Good luck and happy Halloween.

Let's Play Dress-up!

In “Taming Marie Antoinette” it’s October in Paris and Liana Trudeau attends a masked fancy dress party wearing only a few key pieces of clothing attributed to the infamous Queen of France. It doesn’t take long at the Depravity Dance to find two men who satisfy all her needs. On her last photo shoot, Saffron Hoyt has her body painted to look like an erotic cowgirl. Virtually naked, she’s left blindfolded, in an extremely vulnerable position, and is seduced by a silent man in “The Painted Lady” [Winter Wishes Anthology].

Exciting, naughty, to some even kinky, and yet there’s an intriguing element attached to these two tales of seduction. Hearts race and panting breath, the courage shown by these two ladies is immense. How are they able to release their self-consciousness and follow their fantasies?

Is it because they can hide behind the mask/blindfold or aren’t dressed as themselves that allow them to lower their guard and explore? Maybe it’s both. Either way, it doesn’t matter because Liana and Saffron consciously left their inhibitions at the door and purposely chose the path they follow, one that just so happens to lead them to their happy-ever-after.

Dressing up in a costume is one of the easiest was to become someone else, allow fantasies to come true, be it for fun, Halloween or while role-playing with a partner.

Wait a minute, what was that last bit, you ask?

That’s right, role-playing [donning an erotic persona as a part of seduction] is a way to let those hidden desires out to play and be satisfied. At times this can become a serious lifestyle choice, for others it’s entertaining and silly, but don’t be mistaken in thinking it isn’t sexually satisfying for all involved.

So why bring this subject up now? It’s Halloween! There are costumes galore out there, something to accommodate every fantasy. Put your seducer’s hat on and go shopping, buy, get ideas for or make an outfit reflecting the scene you want to play and let nature take its course.

Still not sure? How about a few ideas to get you thinking about those costumes in a new way.


Surprise your significant other by greeting them after a long hard day at work or home with the kids, wearing something other than what is expected. Be the sexy secretary to his boss. You can wait until the kids go to sleep, it can be your little secret. Then, when all is quiet and it's just the two of you, “Hello Sir, I have my pad and pencil ready for some dictation.” Or turn it around and be the boss!




Maybe he watches football over the weekend and you want a little personal attention. Well, go get a jersey, chop a bit off, pair it with a pair of shorts, tube socks and sneakers, then head out to and give him a surprise right there on the couch - ummm, during half-time of course.




What if he’s carrying a torch for Cat Woman. That's right, Batman's own seductive nemesis. Take a luxurious bath party with your favorite scented oil, lather up with lotion and slip on something black and slinky, and you’re ready for a walk on the wild side with your partner.




Okay, okay, already I can hear some of you saying you aren’t comfortable wearing something tight and body baring. No problemo, you know why? Because it’s the person that makes something sexy, not the clothes or how much flesh you flash! In fact, I have an idea for a costume that will keep you covered and get his heart beating a little faster…a Tavern Wench! Oh yes, those busty barmaids have some seriously hot moves that only they can handle.





Wait a minute, don’t be so quick to dash away guys, you can do this as well. That’s right, don’t think women have the lock on possessing a secret yearning to try something new. Why not set out to woo your lover under a different personality. How does a Pirate, Policeman, Race Car Driver, or a Roman Soldier sound? One of those may be the key to unleashing the secretly naughty minx waiting for just this moment to come out and play.

Take a night and pretend to be something else. Let those secret fantasies free and see what comes of it. You may be surprised at how spontaneity will have your passionate flame burning out of control for a few hours. Your partner will definitely be watching, waiting for the next trip into fantasy land.

Let those inhibitions free, it’s time to play!

Still not sure?

Well, the person who holds your heart is the person who’d be most pleased you opened yourself up to them, made yourself vulnerable to them, shared your hidden desires with them. It’s what they want, to be your everything, to give you everything. Why not give them the chance to be your Knight in Shining Armor or Lady Godiva?

Now, if you want to know more about Tilly Greene and the recently released "Taming Marie Antoinette", you're in luck - they'll be featured on TRS Blue this November so come over and check it out.

Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
www.tillygreene.com

Tilly Greene’s Monthly Scorcher
Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tilly_greene/
Google http://groups.google.com/group/tillygreene/

Tilly Greene’s Hot Thoughts Blog
www.tillygreene.blogspot.com/

Note: Costumes shown above were found at the Halloween Mart [www.halloweenmart.com]

Meet Seth...

LADY IN WHITE is now available for sale from www.ResplendencePublishing.com and guess what? You can meet Seth, the rogue hero from LADY IN WHITE at www.myspace.com/sethmastersli

I love rogues - and Seth's the dark, brooding type of hero I love to write about. From Rochester in Jane Eyre, to Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, I've always been attracted to a hero who's got that bitter edge - a man tormented by life's cruel irony...a man tormented by haunting memories. Seth's past is filled with all of that, but he's also an alpha male who'll risk life and limb to save the woman he loves. LADY IN WHITE is Seth and Serena's story - the first in my 'Bride's Inn' series of erotic romance available from www.ResplendencePublishing.com

Seth's got a mysterious past and I love writing about characters with a little mystery in their backgrounds. LADY IN WHITE will keep you guessing about Seth right up to the very end.

Why don't you rev up your weekend and go check Seth out at...

www.myspace.com/sethmastersli

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Catherine Chernow
www.CatherineChernow.com

The Gentle Wind's Caress by Anne Whitfield

I am very happy to report that my historical novel, The Gentle Wind's Caress has paid back its advance in sales after only four months. That is such good news. I'm so pleased it's selling well.
Blurb
1876 - On the death of her mother and sister, Isabelle Gibson must fend for herself and her brother in a privately-run workhouse. To escape a life of drudgery and near-rape at the hands of the matron’s son, Neville Peacock, Isabelle agrees to marry Farrell, a moorland farmer she has never met. But Farrell is a drunkard and a bully in constant feud with his landlord, Ethan Harrington.
When Farrell bungles a robbery and deserts her, Isabelle and Ethan are thrown together as she struggles to run the farm. Both are married and must hide their growing love.
Despite the secrecy, Isabelle draws strength from Ethan and his best friend, Hamish MacGregor, as she faces the return of her long lost father and Neville Peacock.
And when Farrell returns to claim his wife, tragedy strikes, changing all their lives forever.

The Gentle Wind's Caress can be bought from Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0709082282/ref=pd_rhf_p_1/026-5172031-1000424
or ordered in by your library.

Reviews ~
Anne Whitfield crafts a moving story of a strong woman in her historical novel THE GENTLE WIND'S CARESS. In an era of work houses and sharp class differences, Isabelle Gibson is a woman worthy of love and admiration. reviewed by Laurel Bradley, author of A Wish In Time.
Anne Whitfield has penned a tale that will have you rooting for the hero and heroine until the very unexpected end. This is not a light tale of romantic love, rather a story of how love sometimes needs to fight for its very existence in a world filled with ways to keep two people apart. reviewed by Diane Wylie, author of Secrets & Sacrifices.

Anne Whitfield has carefully crafted a powerful love story with vivid characters who will stay with you long after the book is read. The ending is gripping and unexpected, leaving the reader breathless with both sadness and joy. This book is beyond a simple romance. Rather, it is an enduring tale about the strength of a woman to overcome poverty, destitution, and scandal by fighting for love. If you want to read a romance story different from all other romance stories before it, then this is the book to read. This is one story where you can expect the unexpected! Mirella Patzer -author

Thanks to everyone who bought or ordered a copy. Your support is wonderful and I truly appreciate it.

Are you ready for some real fun?

So I have sooo much to tell you and little time to do it ehhehe

Hi, I'm Aline de Chevigny, I write cross genre romances. My lattest 3 are shown below with so important contest information. I invite you to join me to hear about all the fun stuff I like to do LOL Here are a few ways yuou can contact me:

Website: http://www.alinedechevigny.com/

Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aline_Newsletter/ Please feel free to join, if you like to be first informed of my new contests of coming soon books.

First I My Halloween Romance Bare Bones is the book a day give away on Monday October 29th. Here's a Little Blurb for you.



On the run from the Lycan who turned him during the full moon on All Hallows Eve, Christian Clarke isn't happy when he finds Joanna wandering through the woods searching for him. His inner wolf refuses to leave her side, yet his inner man wishes to keep her at arm’s length for fear that he won't be able to control his inner demons.

Hearing her whispered profession of love, he reveals himself. Can he keep her safe from the pack that hunts him? Will Joanna love the beast he's become?

For an Exceprt click Here: Bare Bones Excerpt

Also on November 8th, Book 1 of the Chronicles of the cursed: Blood Red is the TRS Book a Day Giveaway. Here's a little blurb:



Mikael De Wohlf better known to his kind as Cerberus Gnosis, became the head of his clan with the simple act of killing his Sire. That act alone gained him the power and respect he needed to take control of all the ruling houses and reshape the clans to help them survive in this day and age. His reputation painted him as a ruthless killer and terrified everyone who knew him, everyone but her. Everyone but his Bella, his obsession.

Annabella Micelli knew exactly who he was and wasn’t afraid of him one bit. To her dismay she found herself attracted to him and couldn’t get him out of her mind. As keeper for his clan she had insights into the Vampire world that other humans would never have and could never know of.

Will Mikael be able win over the one person that could help him attain his goals, or ruin the one chance he had at happiness?

For an Exceprt click Here: Blood Red Excerpt

And last but definitely not least, I have a Christmas story coming end of November from Forbidden Publications called Merry Christmas to Me! NO cover yet, but I do love this pic hehe



Blurb: Jennifer was having the worst Christmas ever. She'd just quit her job, her ex had happily married some blonde Barbie doll and the man of her dreams didn't even know she was alive.

Franko was through with women, or so he thought until the hottest little spitfire he'd ever met walked into him and set him straight. He now had five days until she left the mine for good to convince her that he was the Christmas gift of her dreams.

For an excerpt click here: Merry Chrritsmas to Me!

So to enter the TRS Book a day contest, you go here: TRS Book a day contest

Other Links for me are:
Blog: http://alinedechevigny.blogspot.com/

Group: See below hehe
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/authorbox/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LeagueAmazingWriters/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/daughters_of_circe/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onekiss/

My Publisher's Yahoo chatting loops:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ForbiddenWhispers/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMP_Community/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redrosepublishing/

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alinedechevigny

Hope to see you around.

Aline de Chevigny
Is Happily Ever After your thing? Travel the path of love with Aline de Chevigny!

Haunting the Loop for Halloween

Join TRS for some fun this Halloween exclusively on our TRS BLUEYahoo group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trsblue

From Friday, October 26th through Wednesday, October 31st, we'll beusing a very different format for the loop for Halloween. Please readcarefully:

1) Promos or promotional posts of any kind WILL NOT be allowed on theTRS BLUE loop from 10/26/07 - 10/31/07 UNLESS you're willing to giveaway an free book (ebook, disk, or print) for each book to a readeron the loop.
2) All posts from 10/26/07 - 10/31/07 are about Halloween all thetime. Posts should especially feature Halloween stories - excerpts,blurbs, etc. These can be current releases or releases from yearspast - as long as they are just right for the Halloween season.Remember this is TRS BLUE so anything goes on the excerpts. Be as hotas you'd like to be.
3) Posts are also welcomed from readers. Join the authors in sharingyour Halloween recipes, costume and party ideas, Halloween memoriesand more!
4) Book giveaways of any and all Halloween stories are welcomed andencouraged by authors, publishers, and promoters.
5) TRS will giving away prizes too for both authors and readers!

Please come on out and help us make this a super big event! If youhave any questions, please email us at info @ theromancestudio.com

Thank you!

The Staff at TRS

Help us break in our new blog!

Now that we've got a new blog we just need to use it! Want to link your blog to ours? All that we ask is that your blog in some way pertain to the romance genre. That's it! Send a link to your blog and let us know if you'd like to be listed as 1) author 2) reader or 3) industry professional to info @ theromancestudio.com. Everyone is invited!

Featured members of TRS can email us about scheduling blog days from Monday - Friday on the weeks the main site is open (that email again is info @ theromancestudio.com). On Saturdays and Sundays, when the main site is open, we'll have free-for-all days when all featured members can post. The fun begins on 10/22/07.

Not a featured member at TRS? Learn how. Click here!.

Thank you!

Tidying up over the next few weeks

Over the remaining weeks of 2007, we'll be doing some tidying up at our main TRS site. Today we rearranged the menus on each page to make them uniform and more in line with what our many visitors want to see in what order. Then we'll move on through the rest of the site to update our pages to make them ship shape! Thank you so much for your patience.

TRS starts a blog...

It's something we've wanted to do for quite some time and have finally taken the time to do. Hi there! We're still in the planning stages of this project so check back soon! Thank you!