Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sharing My Favorite Book – Giveaway Hop!

 

sharing my favorite book giveaway hop

   

Sharing My Favorite Read Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

I'll be giving away a copy of Vampire Hunter: Blood of the Vines, the first book in the trilogy. To enter for a chance to win, simply post a favorite vampire movie or book along w/ an email addy.

Hop and enter the other giveaways!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Rattling the Cage Cover Reveal

This week keeps getting better, and it's only Tuesday! I just received the cover to my upcoming romantic suspense novella Rattling the Cage, coming soon from Ellora's Cave.

Montana Lee desires a life outside of Rattler City, Nevada, a hellhole of a town where the law draws fear in its residents. Slapped with a reputation from a mother she hardly knew, and a debt that keeps her slaving for pennies at the bar, her dream of escape to become a dancer remains out of reach.

But the winds change when Lawson, a handsome, muscle-bound drifter struts into town exuding danger and an undercurrent of raw sexual energy. Convinced that he’s the key to her escape, she makes it her priority to capture his attention.

Anger and darkness has consumed Lawson for years, leading him back to the town that robbed him of his childhood. His plans for vengeance are simple: find the stolen money, kill the one responsible for the demise of his family, and destroy the town. Despite Lawson’s intentions, Montana’s will to seduce is hard to ignore.

~Ann Cory

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Now In Print - Handcuffs and Lace Vol. 2

I've been waiting for this one :) Now in print - Handcuffs and Lace Vol. 2 from Resplendence Publishing.

Included in this book is my story Primed Suspect.

Here's a rundown on the stories you'll find inside Handcuffs and Lace Volume 2, available now:



Handcuffs and Lies by Bronwyn Green: Undercover cop, Michael Tanner, promised his dying partner that he’d take care of the man’s sister. Tori Spinelli wants nothing to do with Michael—or any other cop. Forced in protective custody, she falls in love with Michael, but how can she trust a man who lies for a living?

Photo Finish by Kris Norris: Photo journalist, Paige Sommers, is determined to get digital proof and put Jason Tate—longtime arms dealer and her fiancé’s murderer—away for good. But when her zoom lens reveals a familiar face, she’ll have to decide who to trust in a job that’s guaranteed to be a photo finish.

Cat and Mouse by Justine Elyot: For Layla, it’s a game. Scaling the highest buildings in her patch of East London so she can tag them with her signature takes her mind off the grim realities of her life. For police officer Adam, it’s an obsession. Ever since their first encounter ended in an unexpected kiss, he has burned to pursue and capture the light-footed Layla. But she knows her territory very well, and the chase proves both exhilarating and frustrating—until the game turns deadly serious, and Layla is forced to realize that she can’t rely on her own resources forever. Will Adam persuade her to step out of the shadows and take a chance on love with the man she has seen for so long as her nemesis.

And my story, Primed Suspect: Cassidy Valance is one part woman, one part Kitsune—a rare shape-shifting fox. She finds solace inside an estate, away from the hunters who have invaded her home in the forest. Officer Ian Valenti is assigned to investigate an abandoned estate after reports of unusual activity are called into the station. When he goes to inspect the house, he finds the suspect inside, naked and alluring. Ian’s instincts and years serving on the force tell him to cuff Cassidy and haul her in for breaking and entering. But she would rather he cuff her and treat her like the submissive she longs to be. With her restrained and primed, Ian brings Cassidy’s fantasies of a Master to life. And willingly lets down the guard around his heart.

Handcuffs and Lace Volume 2 is available at Amazon.

~Ann Cory

Monday, June 18, 2012

Blood of the Vines - New Excerpt

The first book in my Vampire Hunter trilogy – Blood of the Vines is available now at Liquid Silver Books as well as on Kindle.

Tracking ruthless bloodsuckers isn’t all bad, especially when there’s a man around that slays your heart.

New Excerpt –

“Easy there, beautiful.”

Regan blinked. She’d seen those eyes before. The hunky bartender. Why the hell hadn’t she heard him? Her senses weren’t nearly as sharp since she set foot into The Vines, and it unnerved her.

He removed his hand and stepped back. In his other hand, he held a garment bag. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. Care to explain what you’re doing in here?”

His magnetic touch lingered on her lips. “I-I’m just looking.”

“Well, I hate to be the one to tell you, but this isn’t a store. It’s the coatroom.”

Heat flooded her face. Did he think she was there to steal? “No, I realize that, I meant that I’m looking to leave my jacket here.” Why did her IQ drop around this guy?

“Ah, I see. Makes perfect sense to me.”

The clean scent of soap and a hint of mint aftershave lingered in the air. Realizing she was staring, Regan asked, “Why are you here?”

“Well, for starters I work here so I’m allowed. But the real reason I’m here has to do with you.”

She arched a brow. “How so?”

“The wine episode.”

Regan bit back a laugh. “Yes, I remember now.”

“You’d be amazed at how much of a mess the stuff can make. Anyhow, I just showered. I cleaned up better than the shirt. The stains will never wash out.”

She watched him push back a group of jackets and hang up the garment bag. Her mind wandered to how well he wore his tight black slacks. Equally impressive was the half-buttoned shirt that revealed his sleek, toned chest. Perfect for exploring.

With a mischievous smile, he walked behind her. “Allow me to hang this up for you.”

With ease, he slid her jacket off, his knuckles grazing her skin, and hung it up beside the garment bag.

“Um, thanks.” The level of distraction around him frustrated her. Somehow, he sucked all thoughts from her mind and replaced them with sexual fantasies.

Handsome came back around to face her and offered a dimpled grin. “Tell me, why aren’t you out there dancing? I’d think a woman with a body like yours must like to be the center of attention.”

She’d settle for his attention over anyone else. “Well, I plan to, but I had to use the ladies’ room, and then I got lost. Luckily, I found this room. It’s too hot on the dance floor for a jacket.”

His fingers trailed up the side of her arm. “Actually, I’d say you’re too hot with it off.”

She stood, transfixed by him.

“I’m Garrett Reynolds, by the way. It’s Regan, isn’t it? I overheard Selena mention your name.”

Her voice refused to cooperate so she nodded instead.

“Beautiful name. Warrior-like. Suits you.” The way he eyed her from head to toe made her shiver with desire.

He stepped forward. She wondered if the incessant drumming came from the music or her heart.

“I haven’t seen you around The Vines before,” he said huskily.” I’d remember you.”

She wet her lips. “I—uh, no, I’m new here.”

He leaned over her shoulder and brushed his lips against her earlobe. “Not many people even know about this place. What do you think of it?”

To think, with his breathy voice in her ear, didn’t prove possible. His cheek skimmed hers as he straightened.

“I like it.”

“I like that we have a quiet moment to talk.”

She managed a squeak, but nothing more.

He chuckled and her knees threatened to liquefy.

“I wouldn’t have thought of you as the silent type, but I seem to be doing most of the talking here.”

Typically, she had a sharp tongue and could outshine anyone in a verbal battle, but not with this guy. Not when he stood so close. Not when her body burned for his touch.

“You know, no one will come in here for hours.”

Regan thought of all the things they could do in a couple hours. Alone. Together. Worried that he could read her mind, she averted her gaze. What the hell was wrong with her? This wasn’t what she was asked here to do. She had a job to do and leather to buy. She didn’t know anything about Garrett, other than the fact she wanted to wrap her thighs around his waist and feel the delicious thrust of his cock inside her. He reached up and thumbed the rise of her cheek.

“You have beautiful eyes.”

Her pulse thudded.

“Do you mind if I kiss your luscious red lips?”

She tried to force herself to say yes, she did mind.

“No. I wish you would.”

Regan made a mental note to kick herself when she was alone. Where did her self-control go? What about her discipline and strict rules on not getting involved with the opposite sex while doing a job? What about the growing need to sink herself further into him?

“Excellent.”

He brought her chin up with his thumb and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “Your lips are going to haunt my dreams.”

Beads of sweat lined her forehead.

“You never did say. What brought you to The Vines?”

“I was ... thirsty.”

Try as she might, she couldn’t snap out of the fuck-me mode she was in. The heat between her thighs neared scorching. He leaned forward and licked the bow of her lips. All the blood from her face drained.

“Maybe I can help quench your thirst.”

Before she could attempt a protest, his mouth covered hers.

(copyright 2012)

Ann Cory

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Blood of the Vines Now on Amazon

My new release, Vampire Hunter: Blood of the Vines , is now available on Kindle.

Once a vampire, now a vampire hunter, Regan Fellows walks a fine line with her reputation. Unable to afford her favorite Italian leather outfits, she takes any job she’s offered. When the owner of The Vines, a popular nightclub, asks her to investigate strange occurrences within her establishment, her investigation takes a disturbing turn. As Regan explores the labyrinth of rooms within The Vines, she discovers blood-filled carboys, discarded bodies, and shadows that follow her every move. But they aren’t the only problems.

Sexy bartender, Garrett Reynolds is a bona-fide distraction, and flawless at the art of breaking down her resistance. Even in the midst of tracking a ruthless horde of vampires, Regan can’t deny him. And that attraction puts her in more danger than any job she ever accepted.

Excerpt

Regan Fellows walked swiftly along the desolate streets, dodging broken glass and rain puddles, her eyes intent on the night prowlers. The downtown dive was near the location she’d been asked to meet up at. The young woman on the phone called it The Vines. Burned out streetlamps made it difficult to see clearly, and an onslaught of garbage coated the sidewalks. It seemed a place where the trash walked and fit right in.

A bitter wind nipped at her cheeks as she picked up the pace. She pulled the collar of her leather jacket up further as a shield. Her new Italian black leather pants with matching jacket seemed to hold up well for the late autumn weather. She should’ve thought twice about the skimpy top. Her nipples pressed tight against the lace of her bra, making her wince.

At the corner of Fifth and Halsey, Regan stopped. An obscure wrought-iron sign that read The Vines dangled in the breeze. For a supposed popular nightclub, it looked seedy. Her stomach knotted. A new job always wreaked havoc on her nerves, especially when she ended up in some sordid place. Those who knew about her line of work were often the ones she needed to be wary of. She acknowledged the dangers of her job, but she needed money to afford her fetish for high quality Italian leather.

With a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered.

She followed a winding metal staircase down into a sea of writhing, undulating bodies on a red-lit dance floor. The bass of the music vibrated so deep it shook each step. At the bottom step, a petite redhead greeted her, a tray of drinks balanced in her hand. “Welcome to The Vines. Have a seat wherever you can find one.”

Regan nodded and pressed the faux flap of skin around her neck.

“Thanks. I wondered if you could help me. I’m looking for a woman by the name of Selena. She asked me to meet her here.” The waitress primped her corkscrew curls. “Sure, I’ll let her know you’re here. And you are?”

“Regan. She’s expecting me.”

The redhead nodded, curls bobbing. “I’ll let her know. It might be a few minutes before I can flag her down. Have to serve customers.”

Regan shrugged. “No worries. I’ll wait at the bar.”

She tracked the young woman until she disappeared into the crowd of dancers, and then made her way to the other side of the room. Hands groped her body as she passed, some lingering longer than others. Already the temperature in the room had spiked ten degrees.

At one time, this scene would’ve worked for her. Back when she’d been naïve and curious. Addicted to the euphoric high of nonstop sexual energy as she danced naked with strangers. Wrecked in body and soul for a single drop of their blood.

But this wasn’t her scene anymore.

At the bar, Regan plopped on a stool and admired the selection of wine bottles along the shelves. Not much of a drinker, she’d never really learned the fine art of tasting wine, though she’d enjoyed several specialty Italian wines once on a weekend Tuscan getaway.

Regan turned and eyed the dance floor packed with obscenely beautiful people all outfitted in black. They danced like a raging sea, bodies gyrating and grinding to the hypnotic music. Aroused, a carnal yearning brewed inside her.

(copyright 2012)

This is the first book of my Vampire Hunter trilogy.

~Ann Cory

Monday, June 11, 2012

Vampire Hunter - Blood of the Vines - New Release

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my book Vampire Hunter: Blood of the Vines from Liquid Silver.

Once a vampire, now a vampire hunter, Regan Fellows walks a fine line with her reputation. Unable to afford her favorite Italian leather outfits, she takes any job she’s offered. When the owner of The Vines, a popular nightclub, asks her to investigate strange occurrences within her establishment, her investigation takes a disturbing turn. As Regan explores the labyrinth of rooms within The Vines, she discovers blood-filled carboys, discarded bodies, and shadows that follow her every move. But they aren’t the only problems.

Sexy bartender, Garrett Reynolds is a bona-fide distraction, and flawless at the art of breaking down her resistance. Even in the midst of tracking a ruthless horde of vampires, Regan can’t deny him. And that attraction puts her in more danger than any job she ever accepted.

Excerpt

Regan Fellows walked swiftly along the desolate streets, dodging broken glass and rain puddles, her eyes intent on the night prowlers. The downtown dive was near the location she’d been asked to meet up at. The young woman on the phone called it The Vines. Burned out streetlamps made it difficult to see clearly, and an onslaught of garbage coated the sidewalks. It seemed a place where the trash walked and fit right in.

A bitter wind nipped at her cheeks as she picked up the pace. She pulled the collar of her leather jacket up further as a shield. Her new Italian black leather pants with matching jacket seemed to hold up well for the late autumn weather. She should’ve thought twice about the skimpy top. Her nipples pressed tight against the lace of her bra, making her wince.

At the corner of Fifth and Halsey, Regan stopped. An obscure wrought-iron sign that read The Vines dangled in the breeze. For a supposed popular nightclub, it looked seedy. Her stomach knotted. A new job always wreaked havoc on her nerves, especially when she ended up in some sordid place. Those who knew about her line of work were often the ones she needed to be wary of. She acknowledged the dangers of her job, but she needed money to afford her fetish for high quality Italian leather.

With a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered.

She followed a winding metal staircase down into a sea of writhing, undulating bodies on a red-lit dance floor. The bass of the music vibrated so deep it shook each step. At the bottom step, a petite redhead greeted her, a tray of drinks balanced in her hand. “Welcome to The Vines. Have a seat wherever you can find one.”

Regan nodded and pressed the faux flap of skin around her neck.

“Thanks. I wondered if you could help me. I’m looking for a woman by the name of Selena. She asked me to meet her here.” The waitress primped her corkscrew curls. “Sure, I’ll let her know you’re here. And you are?”

“Regan. She’s expecting me.”

The redhead nodded, curls bobbing. “I’ll let her know. It might be a few minutes before I can flag her down. Have to serve customers.”

Regan shrugged. “No worries. I’ll wait at the bar.”

She tracked the young woman until she disappeared into the crowd of dancers, and then made her way to the other side of the room. Hands groped her body as she passed, some lingering longer than others. Already the temperature in the room had spiked ten degrees.

At one time, this scene would’ve worked for her. Back when she’d been naïve and curious. Addicted to the euphoric high of nonstop sexual energy as she danced naked with strangers. Wrecked in body and soul for a single drop of their blood.

But this wasn’t her scene anymore.

At the bar, Regan plopped on a stool and admired the selection of wine bottles along the shelves. Not much of a drinker, she’d never really learned the fine art of tasting wine, though she’d enjoyed several specialty Italian wines once on a weekend Tuscan getaway.

Regan turned and eyed the dance floor packed with obscenely beautiful people all outfitted in black. They danced like a raging sea, bodies gyrating and grinding to the hypnotic music. Aroused, a carnal yearning brewed inside her.

(copyright 2012)

This is the first book of my Vampire Hunter trilogy.

~Ann Cory