Hot History Facts and Hot Fiction

Saturday, June 20, 2015

#AReblast Almost all my books are 25% off #ebook #sale



Today only (June 20) almost all of my books are 25% off at All Romance. Please check them out.

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

The deal of the day? You can get the Green Book of Grown-Up Fairytales for 74 pennies!
That is five steamy novellas for less than a dollar.



Monday, June 15, 2015

Making #Writing a Habit and #SexytoGo



I'd like to say I'm addicted to writing. If I don't write something or do something else creative every day then I get depressed. Writing is a lifeline for me. However, I've gotten out of the habit. Elder care is draining mentally, physically, and emotionally. I didn't feel like I had anything to put to paper.

I need to start writing daily again. I need to make time to write. Now that I'm not spending hours on end taking care of my grandparents it should be easy. Unfortunately, I'm finding it is still a chore. It isn't that I don't want to write, but other things take time.

I need to clean house, do laundry, wash the dishes etc. Oh, and the weeds in my garden are like ten feet tall, and I'm pet sitting for my neighbors. Little things pop up and by the end of the day I realize I haven't written very much. This is frustrating.

My writing partner Eva Lefoy invited me to be a part of her Sexy to Go anthologies and issued me a monthly writing challenge. The sexy monthly installments force me to at least write a short story every month.

Now that I've got that under my belt I feel like I'm ready to write something longer every month to go along with the short story. It is a slow process, but my goal is to build up my monthly word count to 50k. I have won Nanowrimo. I know it is possible for me to write 50k a month.

I just have to make writing a priority. Writing is a creative passion, yes. But I also want to make writing my business, my career.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

What is #Voodoo? Guest post by @HaleyWhitehall #PNR





What is Voodoo?

Thanks to popular culture Voodoo has become very misunderstood. Haley Whitehall is here to set us straight. She researched Voodoo for her recent release Alpha's Voodoo.

Welcome, Haley! It is a pleasure to have you on History in the Hot Lane.

Thank you for having me, Shiloh. Voodoo is more of a religion than black magic. As with all religions there are those who wish to twist the teaching and use it for their own selfish and dark purposes. I find it interesting that went you type Voodoo into the Wikipedia search engine you get nothing. You are asked to be more specific as redirect links are given to four different but related religions:
  • Louisiana Voodoo
  • Haitian Vodou
  • West African Vodun
  • Dominican Vudu

My historical paranormal romance Alpha's Voodoo is set in New Orleans. New Orleans Voodoo is an alternative name for Louisiana Voodoo, and that is what I am going to be talking about today.

Louisiana Voodoo describes a set of spiritual beliefs and customs that developed as a result of the African diaspora. It was developed by blending the cultures of the enslaved West Africans and the French, Spanish, and Creole populations in Louisiana.

The roots of Voodoo refer to the West African practice of Vodun. Voodoo combines Catholic influences. It is widely believed that the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, who is featured in my book, was a devout Catholic. Legend even has Marie Laveau having a snake, Zombi, named after an African god.

Important elements of Voodoo include the use of gris-gris and Voodoo dolls.

Here is an excerpt from Alpha's Voodoo.

New Orleans, Louisiana
1858

Violet struggled to straighten her dress as she ran. Her hair was a tangled mess of sloppy braids, twisted around her head like Medusa’s snakes. She wished she could stop and look at herself in the mirror to properly put her attire to rights, but at this late hour she couldn’t even see her reflection in a store window.

She knew it was dangerous to be out this late unaccompanied. Her pulse roared in her ears, and her shoes clipped on the sidewalk as she strode swiftly home. When she got closer to the Creed estate she slowed her steps, lest she make herself known. She slipped through the gate and hurried up the walk.
The soreness between her legs remained and she feared she looked as wanton as she felt. The night had not gone as she had planned. Well, all except for the sneaking out unnoticed part. The crowd that had gathered to listen to Marie Laveau speak stretched on as far as she could see. Yet, she did not get lost among the many white, brown and black faces. Somehow the Voodoo Queen’s magic had found her.

She swallowed hard, unable to get the picture of the man’s face out of her mind. The white man had seemed drawn to her. He’d kissed her and then as if by magic they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Her conscience kept telling her it was wrong, but she couldn’t control herself.
Shaking her head, she forced that image to fall away, and continued toward the house. When she saw the lamp burning in the window her heart forgot how to beat. 


Mini Blurb:

With her reputation in tatters, debutante Violet Creed is forced to exchange her life of luxury for one of uncertainty. Mark Afton wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as the leader of the Bayou Pack, but he needs a mate. Is Violet Mark’s destined mate, or is their attraction merely Voodoo magic? Haley Whitehall is pleased to present Alpha’s Voodoo, Book 1 of her hot, new, paranormal romance series, Bayou Pack.

Buy Links:

Where to Find Haley Whitehall


About the Author

Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historical romance set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy.


Previous Books:       

Midnight Caller – Moonlight Romance Book 1
Midnight Heat – Moonlight Romance Book 2
Midnight Kiss – Moonlight Romance Book 3
Soldier in Her Lap
Wild and Tender Care
Civil War Valentine

Friday, June 12, 2015

A Place to Call Their Own by Dean Pace-Frech

It is my pleasure to welcome a fellow M/M historical romance author to History in the Hot Lane. I'm currently reading A Place to Call Their Own and really enjoying it! Dean has brought Western Expansion to life.

Thanks so much for having me today! My first novel, A Place to Call Their Own, has been released as a Second Edition and is now available from JMS Books. 

As I worked through the first draft of #APTCTO, I researched the attitudes and politics of the time. Looking back at the Homestead Act of 1862, 160 acres of land for free seems likes a great deal. In reality, just like Franks father points out, that was a small plot of land to try to make a living on.

Another challenge as a historical writer is balancing the attitudes of the times with the positive portrayal of Native Americans. I balance by using the word Indian in dialogue, but chose to use Native American in the narratives. I hope I did the topic justice.


Thanks for joining me today and enjoy A Place to Call Their Own, my romp through Western Expansion with Frank and Gregory!




Blurb
Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866:  Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.
When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends' dying wishes.

Sales Links:

Excerpt:


You two together, or…” Mr. McAvoy asked with a puzzled look on his face.


Mrs. McAvoy raised an eyebrow, also curious about the situation.


Gregory gave Frank a nervous and mischievous look and answered, “Ah, yes, sir. We planned to each get a claim and build one house for now, help each other out.”


The answer seemed to satisfy both Mr. and Mrs. McAvoy. “That sounds like a good idea. It’d be nice to have a few neighbors around to help with things once in a while. And what I wouldn’t give to have had just one other man to help me with some of the house building and stable. You stay around here, and you’ll need a stable. Wolves and coyotes will get your livestock if you don’t.”


“How did you protect yourself before? This stuff doesn’t get built in a day.” Gregory asked.


“It takes ’em a while to figure out you’re here. And of course, it’s worse in the winter than this time of year. They haven’t been quite so bad the last few weeks, have they?” he directed to his wife.


“No, they calmed down. Hopefully they’ve been preying on the deer that are eating my potato plants.” answered Mrs. McAvoy. “You two want to stay for supper? I’ve got a big pot of rabbit stew on the stove.”


“It’ll be good, I promise. She’s done great cooking whatever I can find for us,” Mr. McAvoy added.


Gregory ignored the invitation. “How’s the hunting around here? You do good during the winter months?”


“Yeah, in the fall it’s the best—the animals are all fat and sassy from the summer. You can tell the bucks from the does, and you don’t have to worry about orphaning a young deer like you do now. There are plenty of rabbits and prairie chickens right now. You can find squirrels…”


“And the meadowlarks do fine, too, in a pinch,” piped in Mrs. McAvoy. “Now, what about supper?”


“We appreciate the offer, ma’am,” Frank spoke up. “But we’re just trying to find us our claims and be done with traveling. We’ve been traveling nearly six weeks now. It has been that long since we had a decent home-cooked meal, but we need to keep moving on today.”


They both remembered the last time they joined anyone for dinner. The McAvoys seemed harmless, but Frank and Gregory were both a bit shy about joining anyone else at this point.


“Yeah, we’re getting close to where we want to settle,” Gregory added. “We appreciate the offer and all, but we just want to keep moving.”


Mrs. McAvoy smiled, turned, and ran into the house with her load of laundry. Neither Frank nor Gregory knew if she was hurt because they declined the supper invitation or just needed to get back to her household chores.


“We understand that. Took us nearly six months to get here from New York, where we come from. We stayed with some relatives along the way, but the missus did appreciate it when we finally stopped here.”


“Well, we appreciate your hospitality and all your help. We should probably get going,” Frank said, glancing at Gregory.


“If you happen to end up around here, don’t be strangers. Just let us know where you’re at,” Mr. McAvoy replied.


“It’s a deal, sir,” Frank said and extended his hand.


Mr. McAvoy walked over and took it. After they were done, McAvoy stepped away from the wagon.


Gregory slapped the reins and yelled “giddyap,” and the horses sprang forward.


A frantic Mrs. McAvoy yelled from inside the house, “Wait!”


Frank grabbed Gregory’s arm to stop him. Gregory pulled back on the reins.


Mrs. McAvoy came out of the cabin with a small basket covered with flour sack cloth.


“This here isn’t much, but maybe it will allow you to rest once you stop for the night. I put two crocks of my stew in there and part of the bread I baked for our supper tonight. I don’t know why I did it, but something told me to make extra bread today.”


“We’re mighty obliged, ma’am. This will help. Now we don’t have to worry about hunting anything for our dinner. We’ll just warm this by the fire and be ready to go,” Gregory spoke up.


“Yes, ma’am. We are getting a bit worn out by this trip,” Frank said. He grinned at Gregory and said, “Hopefully, we’ll be finding our home soon.”


Both men tipped their hats once more, and Gregory got the horses going again.


Dove and Daisy lumbered along for the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening. Before they realized it, the wagon climbed a gentle, gradual grade. The early evening sun blinded them as they reached the crest of the ridge. At the top, Frank looked over his shoulder where the wagon had just been. There he saw the trail left by the wagon and horses in the prairie grass. To the west, a line of trees indicated a creek, river, or some sort of waterway. The sun drenched the entire landscape in its golden hue. He looked at Gregory, and they both knew this was their new home. They had arrived on the homestead.


“Welcome home, Frankie!” Gregory yelled at the top of his lungs.






Giveaway:

In celebration of the release of A Place to Call Their Own, I am giving away a copy of my novel, Disappear With Me.


Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway




About Dean Pace-Frech



With inspiration from historical tourism sites, the love of reading, and a desire to write a novel, Dean started crafting his debut novel, A Place to Call Their Own, in 2008. After four years of writing and polishing the manuscript, it was accepted and originally published 2013. His second novel, Disappear With Me, set in Edwardian England was published later that same year. Both novels were re-released in May 2015.


Dean lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his husband, Thomas (legally as of February 14, 2015), and our two cats. They are involved in their church and enjoy watching movies, outdoor activities in the warmer weather and spending time together with friends and family. In addition to writing, Dean’s hobbies include reading and patio gardening.


Dean is currently working a standalone title, Need Your Love, set in 1966, and The Higher Law, a continuation of the story of Frank and Gregory’s family set in the 1930s.

Connect with Dean Pace-Frech
Facebook:  Dean Pace-Frech, Author page or send a friend request Dean Pace-Frech.
Twitter: @deanpacefrech
Google+: +deanpacefrech
Goodreads: Dean Pace-Frech
Pinterest:  Dean Pace-Frech

Monday, June 8, 2015

Banshee Seduction #NewRelease by @Diane_Saxon #paranormal #romance

I'm really excited to help announce Diane Saxon's newest release Banshee Seduction. I've never read a romance with a banshee before and can't wait to learn all about Ginny.



Man, that cover is lick-able! Banshee and a dragon shifter? Definitely a must read! Thanks for dropping by, Diane. I always enjoy the sexy hunks you bring with you. *grin*

Blurb

Sweet, shy librarian Ginny has a problem. Whenever passion strikes, so do the weeping, wailing voices in her head. Being half banshee, she’s already run screaming from the underworld and her female relatives, believing love will find a way with patience and faith on planet Earth.

The trouble is, humans just aren’t man enough, and every time Ginny shows interest in a male, she makes him bleed. It’s going to take more than just a simple human being to get past Ginny’s defenses.

Matthew, “The Dane,” fullback for the New York Chameleons, knows the moment he meets the little fireball that she’s his mate. For two hundred years he and his dragon have waited for a female capable of setting their world on fire. Problem is, he doesn’t seem to be able to stop her from going up in flames long enough to prove he’s more than man enough for her screaming banshee.

Will Matt ever be able to convince Ginny she’s his mate? And will Ginny get Matt alone long enough to let him appreciate her pyrotechnics?

Buy Links


Excerpt
He had no idea if he was going to survive. She drove him higher than he’d ever been before, and he’d only managed to get his hands on her and kiss her. The sweet smell of her skin, the soft touch of her fingers—umm, well—the yank of her fingers. Desperation was evident in every move she made, every sound she emitted from her perfect, plump lips.

He cruised his mouth back up the length of her neck, enjoying the heavy weight of her perfumed breasts in his hands. He sucked in the silken skin over the racing pulse at the base of her throat. His tongue smoothed over the flesh he held in his mouth. He felt the groan reverberate through her throat and flicked his thumb over her taut nipple.

“Oh, oh.”

With a sharp jerk, she wrenched her fingers from his hair and grasped his shoulders.
Thrilled at her response and keen that at last he seemed to be going to get the chance to explore his mate, he repeated the move with his thumb, stunned she hadn’t yet exploded into a profusion of fireworks.

The firm grasp of her fingers tightened on his shoulders like steel clamps. She might be a little thing, but she sure was undeniably strong. He nipped her neck in retribution. She flung back her head, making him flinch at the loud thunk as her skull connected with the heavy leather-bound books behind her.

“I’m coming!” she shrieked, almost exploding his eardrums.

He reared his head back and stared at her. “Already?”

Bright puce flooded her face, her lips parted, and a small keening wail escaped her. Wow, she really was responsive. Her lush breasts heaved beneath his hands, and the thrum of her pulse escalated to join the rhythm of his own heartbeat.

“No,” she gasped. “No…the door.”

She gave him a firm shove. Off balance, he reeled backward into the opposite shelf. His hand caught a row of books and sent them careering to the floor as his lunchtime leisure break took off in the opposite direction, tugging her clothes into place and screeching at whoever hammered on the front door.

“I’m coming. I’m coming!”

Her voice impatient, the fast clip of her heels echoed against the stone floor as Matt glanced at the fallen books scattered all around. He hunkered down and picked one up.

The Elusive Orgasm—Have You Got Her Coming or Going?

Where to Find Diane Saxon

About the Author
Diane Saxon lives in the Shropshire countryside with her tall, dark, handsome husband, two gorgeous daughters, a Dalmatian, one-eyed kitten, ginger cat, four chickens and a new black Labrador puppy called Beau, whose name has been borrowed for her hero in For Heaven's Cakes.

After working for years in a demanding job, on-call and travelling great distances, Diane gave it all up when her husband said “follow that dream”.

Having been hidden all too long, her characters have burst forth demanding plot lines of their own and she’s found the more she lets them, the more they’re inclined to run wild.

Previous Books:  

Loving Lydia -Atlantic Divide Book 1
Bad Girl Bill – Atlantic Divide Book 2
Finding Zoe - Atlantic Divide Book 3
Flight of Her Life
Flynn’s Kiss – Disarmed & Dangerous Book 1
Short Circuit Time
For Heaven’s Cakes



Friday, June 5, 2015

Going Audio - Testing the ACX Waters

I took a class on audio books a long time ago. Well maybe not that long ago but AXC had just come out and it was the newest craze in the book world. Indie authors were excited about the possibility of getting their books published in audio.

I didn't jump on the bandwagon right away. I was still new to the publishing world in general and it seemed overwhelming to me. However, I finally feel like I'm getting my feet under me, and I'm ready to give it a try.

I just completed my profile for Private Pleasure and I am currently accepting auditions. It should be interesting to see if I get any takers. F/F books are not popular in general, but I know of a few narrators who have been asking for more F/F books to narrate. Fingers crossed!


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Writing a Menage...And Keeping Track of Body Parts

I don't think many people have to worry about keeping track of body parts except for serial killers and writers. Makes me think of the opening to the TV show Castle. "There are two kinds of folks who sit around thinking how to kill people: psychopaths and mystery writers."

I've only written one menage so far. Private Pleasure is a F/F/M menage. It was a bit easier considering one guy was involved. The menage short story I'm working on this month has three men! There are way too many hims and his and he's. It is rather confusing.

I've asked other menage writers how they manage to keep body parts straight and it seems to the key is a lot of editing. So for the time being I'll just keep writing and then we'll see if I can get all the body parts to go where I want them, lol.

Have you written a menage? If so, how did you deal with keeping track of body parts?

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Writing #Gay #Interracial Historical Romance

Interracial Historical Romance
I’m a relatively new author as I have only been published since 2013. My first story, Saltwater Lover, is still my favorite. Set in the early 1800s it is the romance between a slaver and one of his captives. All the research I did for that novella spawned my growing interest in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the lives of slaves once they lived in America. As you can imagine many journals, narratives, and newspaper articles will make you cry in anguish and scream in anger. However, I’ve read some touching stories as well. My fiction is not trying to lessen the suffering of those in the past, but to let readers knows kindness and even romance bloomed under these difficult circumstances.

Of course, the interracial romance during this time adds tension to the story. Not to mention being gay during this time was extremely frowned upon. I like that as an author—the automatic uh oh. It has spawned so many story ideas I fear I will never have time to write them all.



I’m part of the monthly Sexy to Go anthologies published by eXcessica. Each volume continues the serial of a slave, James, and a plantation owner’s son, Daniel. The two lovers narrowly avoid being separated when the estate is sold at auction to pay back debt after Daniel’s father dies. Forced into poverty they must work hard to survive. Each story can be read as a stand-alone, but they are better read as a set.

This is the first serial I have written. It is a new experience for me. Each short piece must contain action, romance, and some sort of hook. It is a different writing formula than the novels I am used to. In a way it is a challenge, and I like challenges.

Here is a very short excerpt from Lust in Bloom (Sexy to Go, volume 3)

Not one to back down, he rose to the bait. “And what will happen if I do regret my decision? Since you seem to be able to see into the future.”

“You’ll lose this farm and coming begging to me to save your sorry ass.” Whitaker flashed a smug smile before kicking the mount in the flank and galloping to his side of the property line.

“Next year,” Daniel grumbled, “I’m putting up a fence.”

James ambled over to him cheeks puffed, he looked like he was trying hard not to burst out laughing. “Wouldn’t keep him out, sir. He’s like a fly drawn to buttermilk.”

He hated being called sir, but there was no way of knowing if Whitaker was still in earshot. They walked a fine line of social expectations. It would catch up with them one day.

“Guess I’ll just have to make the buttermilk unappealing.”

“Can’t do that,” James said in a low, husky voice. “It will always be appealing.”

“He has something up his sleeve,” Daniel grumbled. “I don’t trust him. We need to be careful.”

“Yes, sir. Trouble coming?”

Daniel folded his arms across his chest. “He gave me a warning, but I won’t be bullied. Under no circumstances will I go running to Whitaker for assistance.”

“Looks like we have to help ourselves then,” James said. “Best keep picking till it gets dark.”

“Dark,” Daniel said with a sigh. “That’s several hours away.”

“How observant of you, sir,” James pointed out and they both chuckled. His lover always knew how to get him to relax.

James put a hand on his shoulder. It was more of a friendly than intimate gesture but Daniel’s mind went to other places quickly. How long had it been since they’d had sex?

James gave him a knowing look. “Tonight we can relax properly.” He spoke it as a statement not a question.

Daniel’s balls tightened. “Yes. Tonight.” He cursed under his breath. The sun couldn’t go down fast enough.

Shiloh Saddler’s Books:

Interracial Historical Romances
Role Reversal (BDSM, D/s)
Clipped Wings (Historical Paranormal)

Sexy to Go Series

Other Historicals
Half Soul (Vampire/Demon Paranormal)
Bitten by Snake Oil (Historical Western with fantasy elements)
The Virgin Madam (Lesbian Western)

Private Pleasure (F/F/M in Ancient Rome)

Monday, June 1, 2015

Contest Win! Private Pleasure - F/F/M #Menage

I am humbled and excited to announce that my F/F/M menage set in ancient Rome won the GLBT category in the Easychair Bookshop Competition. It is the very first writing competition I have entered.


I'd like to thank Susan Horsnell for running a very professional contest. I also had the pleasure of judging some of the other categories.

Blurb:

A member of the Roman elite, Livia, shares a secret Sapphic relationship with her slave that’s threatened when her father forces her to marry a powerful senator. But after her new husband introduces her to the pleasures of sex with men, she finds her attraction torn. Is it the senator she wants in her bed, or her slave?


Sensuous Naomi has been a devoted slave and lover to Livia for many years, but she too, feels a desire for the senator that’s too powerful to stop. When he discovers their secret, he offers Naomi a choice – marry another slave, or live as a threesome. Naomi jumps at the chance to lie in the senator’s arms, even if only for one night.


Felix’s political ambition knows no bounds, nor his appetite for women. But when a critical mission results in his capture, it’s only getting back to his two lovers he desires, no matter what the diplomatic fallout. Little does he know the risks he’s taken in his bed and in the field have not gone unnoticed by the emperor, but will he be rewarded or reprimanded for his actions?


Warning: this is ancient history on the erotic romance side. This novella contains two women lusting after each other and a powerful man determined to have them both.


Buy Links: