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

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

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

Healing Hartley - Six Sentence Sunday

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday!

The following six sentences are from my menage book Healing Hartley

A woman would be a fool to find fault with being sandwiched between two very giving and doting lovers.

Hartley rested her head comfortably on the pillow and stared at the ceiling, willing them to wake up. With their hands on her body, she couldn't think straight, and she had a big day planned. They'd somehow, unknowingly, charged her very core with electricity and made her want sex like she would die if she didn't have it soon. Impatience gnawed at her. For now, she'd have to wait, captive between the two men who'd taught her how to unleash her inner witch, reclaim her natural gifts and restore her trust in love.

Healing Hartley is available from Amazon

Thank you so much for stopping by! Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

~Ann Cory

Motivational May

It's Monday and the first May Write Motivation check-in day!

I've kept my May Write Motivation goals short but sweet this month because so much of my time now is spent at the community college where I'm taking classes. I'm actually considering going beyond getting the certificate and possibly going for an Associate Degree, but I'm stil debating. Anyhow, going back to school has definitely reduced my writing time, so I have to work harder at the time management, and making smart, doable goals.

My May Goals:
1. Finish WIP#1 which is more than half done.
2. Finish WIP#2 which is exactly half done.
3. Blog 3 to 4 times a week.
4. Sub a short story.

There are all sorts of stories that I want to write - but I'm trying to keep a good, solid focus on finishing what I've started. That means getting the two WIPs completed, critiqued, edited, and submitted. My reward when that happens will be to work on one thing I want to work on - regardless of what it is.

If you're looking for an extra boost by a group of fantastic and super motivating people, then I highly recommend joining Write Motivation. You can also follow along on Twitter at #writemotivation. There are also plenty of cookies, homemade nibbles, teas and coffee - and you know, something stronger on those days you really it, and confetti!

Whether you join or not, I hope your May is full of inspiration, creativity, and productivity.

~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - Z - Zoo

Believe it or not, the zoo can be romantic. Especially in the summertime. And especially at the Portland Zoo. Well, okay, I'm a bit bias because I've been going to the Portland zoo since I was three, but regardless, I'm constantly amazed at how well the animals are taken care of, and how much the zookeepers care about the animals. The exhibits are incredible. There are animals at the Portland zoo that you won't find at other zoos. Careful attention is given to the animals' needs and their habitats. The zoo is constantly expanding as they work hard to keep the animals happy in their environment.

At Christmas time the whole park is lit up, even the train. For Halloween they make it a bit spooky - fun spooky with the zoo boo train.

Trains run all throughout the day, but my absolute favorite is the cute little steam train. Peacocks strut around the tracks with their gorgeous fan of colors. There are often music shows and festivals during the summer, shows where you learn about eagles and hawks and owls. There's a long winding trail that is just breathtaking that takes you to the beavers, otters, and a scary crocodile.

One of my favorite exhibits is the rainforest where you'll find an array of exotic birds. The polar bear exhibit is huge and the bears are often in the water playing with toys. I don't know, they're so big they kind of scare me. Huge bodies, huge paws...*shivers*

I always get a laugh at the penguins. Other animals to see include giraffes, zebras, cranes, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my), antelope, a seriously cool mountain goat, all sorts of monkeys, elephants (Packy is Portland's very special elephant), wolves, bats, and well...let's just say many many more.

Despite it being a zoo, where of course there are a ton of kids running around, there are moments of peacefulness to be found. Hubby and I walk hand in hand and enjoy a picnic on the grass.














I hope you've enjoyed the A-Z challenge. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, but a special thank you goes out to Lynn Proctor and Savannah Chase. I've had a wonderful time learning about new places as well as reliving memories of the places I've been. In all honesty you can make any place a fun and romantic couple's getaway.

Ann Cory

Ride to Ecstasy - Six Sentence Sunday

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday!

The following six sentences are from my book Ride to Ecstasy

Tonight, her mind refused to sway from lustful thoughts of Vaughn. She needed to get off now or it would be one long night.

Carah charged back into her studio, the floor cool beneath her bare feet. She wasn't fooling around. The burning need toiling around inside her was as ravenous as when she'd first come up with the idea of the sex-toy bike. No less than three orgasms were going to do the trick tonight.

Ride to Ecstasy is available at Amazon

~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - Y - Yaquina Bay

Yaquina Bay State Park is located in Newport at the north end of Yaquina Bay near its outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Spruce and pine grow steadily there, but the real star is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Built in 1871, it was decommissioned in 1874. It was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation on December 7, 1996. It's believed to be the oldest structure in Newport, and is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached. It is also the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing.

Yaquina Bay is located off Highway 101, just southeast of the quaint town of Newport, Oregon. It's quite fun to take a couple hours out to go and tour the lighthouse. The tour guides dress in period clothing and are happy to tell you the history of Yaquina, as well as answer any questions that you have.

On the other side there is the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The 93 foot tower, Oregon's tallest, is located on a narrow point of land jutting due west into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Winds and rain have buffeted this lighthouse since its beginning in 1872. It took approximately one year, and over 370,000 bricks to construct Oregon's tallest lighthouse.

If you have time or plan to stay the weekend, you may want to take time out to drive over the bridge and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It used to be where Keiko the whale was placed for rehabilitation. You'll find hours of fun and exploration there both indoors and outdoor.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - X - Xainza, Tibet

Nature lovers will enjoy passing through Xainza County in Tibet. There are many nature attractions to see including bodies of water and geologic formations. Even more thrilling is the Xainza Nature Reserve.

Located in Xainza County, Nakchu Prefecture, the reserve is the habitat for over 120 species of birds. It covers a total area of 40,000 square kilometers and is the highest and biggest among the seven nature reserves for black-necked cranes in China.

Its location provides a warmer climate for the birds to live. Runoff from the nearby Gangdise Mountain's glaciers and snowfall, and the annual rain volume of 300 millimeters are sources of moisture for the reserve. The surrounding lakes, with low mineralization water, and widely-distributed marshlands and grasslands, are also indispensable factors for the sustainability of a favorable inland wetland and water ecological system. It's considered to be the best living environment for black-necked cranes.

Xainza Nature Reserve was established in 1993 to protect black-necked cranes. Xainza Nature Reserve is favorable for aquatic organisms and aquatic birds to propagate and live.

Black-necked cranes are also called Tibetan Cranes, and are the only crane species living on highlands. The black-necked cranes are an endangered species. There are no more than 6,000 in the world.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - W - Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Park, located in beautiful Ontario, Canada, is a delightful place to visit. While not romantic in the sense of candlelight and a stroll beneath the sunset, it is fascinating to step back in time and imagine yourself in the days of the pioneers.

On many weekends there are people who are out in the fields doing reenactments. Each day you'll see people dressed in full costume, going about their business making bread, churning cream into butter, sewing and weaving, and blacksmithing. You can watch the carpenter or printer at work, speak to the trapper in the French-Canadian log cabin, or chat with one of the soldiers in the three-cornered hat. Some of the buildings at the park were used in the Anne of Green Gables movie starring Megan Follows. I highly recommend both the horse and buggy ride after a day of walking around.

Westfield Heritage Village is a collection of 35 historic buildings relocated from various sites around southern Ontario and carefully reconstructed and painstakingly restored to their original appearance. The village sits on a 39 acre site surrounded by an additional 324 acres of unspoiled natural woodlands and meadows with several well marked nature trails.Visitors may witness living history demonstrations and take part in guided tours of the 130-hectare site which is bordered by beautiful woodlands, meadows and trails.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - V - Verona

I'm hanging around Italy again because it's a place I long to visit. This time I'm hitting up Verona.

I don't know what it is about medieval/Renaissance/Elizabethan Era, but it's a time period I enjoy listening to the music, reading books about, and watching movies about. Such movies as Becoming Jane, Ever After, Romeo and Juliet (the 1968 version is my favorite), A Knight's Tale, King Arthur, Stage Beauty, Shakespeare in Love, Game of Thrones, Ladyhawke, Stardust, Lord of the Rings, and The Other Boelyn Girl to name a few, make me want to don the clothes and dance to the music. A very beautiful soundtrack to listen to is the Becoming Jane Soundtrack.

That era inspires me to write and be creative. So yes, I definitely want to go to Italy and spend a couple days in Umbria and then a couple days in the fair city of Verona. To walk the streets and take in the ambience.

Celebrated by Shakespeare, who made it famous as the romantic setting for the moving tale of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a splendid, ancient corner of the Veneto region, nestling between the river Adige and Lake Garda, and intimately linked to their waters. With its wealth of Roman sites and streets of pink-hued medieval buildings, Verona has more in the way of sights than any other place in the Veneto except Venice itself.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - U - Umbria

Just east of Tuscany, north of Rome and west of the Marches, you'll find a beautiful place that in my opinion would be very romantic indeed. It's a place called Umbria.

I have a great love of medieval castles and the architecture of old historic towns. So does hubby. If I went I'd probably choose sometime during the summer when they are putting on one of the many festivals where people are dressed in costume, putting on plays, and enjoying what Umbria has to offer.

Umbria’s wealth of fabulous medieval towns, mist-cloaked hills, deep valleys and artistic treasures make it a charmer. Its hilltop towns are medieval gems rich in art and architecture, while its wooded landscape comes into its own out of season, when it's mountain-crisp outside and fireside-warm indoors.

Umbria’s capital, Perugia, is the world’s most cosmopolitan medieval city. Encircled by walls, it's an upbeat university city with a lively nightlife and a foot-tapping jazz festival each summer. Elegant shops line its palatial Corso Vannucci, while a warren of winding streets tunnel beneath Etruscan arches.

Visit Assisi in the evening to stroll around the hilltop town bathed in golden light as day turns to dusk. Yes, I think this would be a very romantic spot to go. What do you think?






















All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - T - Toronto

There are many things to do in Canada's beautiful city of Toronto, and a ton of incredible places to eat. No matter your busy agenda, don't miss out on taking an elevator ride up the CN Tower. The view is incredible. There's also a fun little restaurant inside where you can get some fun souvenoirs. Another beautiful site is Casa Loma. I love the architecture of buildings, and castles are some of my favorite.

There are also plenty of shops, the Hockey Hall of Fame for hockey fans, theaters abound showing an assortment of both popular and brand new musicals and plays. At our lost stop there both The Lion King and Mama Mia were the big headliners.

Other attractions include the St. Lawrence Market - perfect to grab some picnic food, The Royal Ontario Museum, the Harbourfront, the Toronto Zoo, and Canada's Wonderland - a large amusement park attraction. There's so much to do in Toronto you really need a good week to enjoy.

Hubby and I enjoyed Toronto at night most of all. The weather was nice and we'd sit outside of a nice eatery with a drink (Bailey's on ice), talking and people watching.










All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - S - Sunriver

Since I was a little girl, I've been going to Sunriver every couple of years. The resort is located about fifteen miles from Bend, Oregon. My favorite time to go is in late September or early October, just as the autumn leaves show off all of their radiant color. The drive alone is pretty surreal.

There are so many fun activities to do there. They rent out bicycles and have some of the best trails I've seen. There are three outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, plenty of tennis courts, golfing, horseback riding, you can walk everywhere, and the shops are quite fun to check out. You can go out on a raft, or look at the stars in the state-of-art Sunriver Observatory. Very romantic indeed. And if you prefer the colder weather, you're not far at all from Mount Bachelor.

I also have to mention that they serve delicious food at the restaurant. I recommend the creme brulee for dessert. Yum! Also, if you're going to Sunriver to spend some time with your special someone and need to bring the kids along, there are a ton of fun activities to keep them busy. All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - R - Rose Gardens

The Portland Rose Gardens is a soothing way to spend your day with your loved one, surrounded by acres of beauty. Five acres, to be exact.


Those five acres in Washington Park were set aside as a rose-growing test garden in 1917. During World War I, the Portland Rose Garden became a haven for varieties European growers feared would be destroyed during the bombing, and today it is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States with more than 8,000 rose plants.


June is the busiest month at the gardens because of the Rose Festival, and in my opinion not the best month to go. While it does get warm in July, you'll find some quieter days during that month. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway for the day with your honey, I highly recommend a walk through the Rose Gardens.


All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - Q - Queen's Landing

Sometimes you and your significant other want to stay somewhere luxurious. You deserve to stay somewhere luxurious. If you're in the Niagara area, you'll find plenty of accommodations, but a true beauty is Queen's Landing.




Queen's Landing is a grand Georgian-style mansion with elegant decor, attentive service, and a breathtaking waterfront setting. You will find the romance of the water and an ideal blend of style and comfort. 144 elegant guestrooms, a lakefront villa and waterfront cottage, are individually decorated and feature fireplaces and whirlpool baths. When you stay at Queen's Landing - it's all about indulgence, romance, and serenity.

The dining experience is impeccable. Delight in French traditional cuisine in the beauty of the Tiara restaurant. The restaurant is heavenly, and the farm-fresh food will delight all your senses. No matter your preference, you'll find a tasty treat, and the experience alone is worth a stop in. There is also a more casual restaurant on the premises, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. I remember stopping in for the afternoon to cool off and had the most scrumptious creamsicle drink with a kick that I've ever had. Mmmmm.




It's such a quiet place to stay you can lose yourself in the many amenities offered, including a dip in the pool, or a spa treatment at the two local spas.


If you want to venture out with a picnic lunch, you're never far away from a truly pleasurable wine experience in the Niagara on the Lake region. Some of my favorites include: Chateau des Charmes Winery, Hillebrand Winery (try their Trius), Inniskillin Wines, Jackson-Triggs (delicious ice wine), Konzelmann Estate Winery (crisp and clean Chardonnay), Marynissen Estates Wines, and Pondview Estate Winery.

All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory