Raven McAllan The Alpha's Challenge

Hi everyone! I'm doing NaNoWriMo. I promise to start posting regular updates for you all! In the meantime, my lovely and probably bestest friend in Scotland's beautiful land, Raven, has another cover reveal. This one really struck her heart, so I asked to write up a quick blog so I could show you her awesome cover that hit the spot and fits the characters so well. I know a lot of my followers are writers and will understand how meaningful it is when an artist gets it "just right" for our beloved characters. So, without further ado, Raven McAllan!

I never ever lose the thrill of a new cover. I see the email and my heart goes pitter patter, as I wonder what those talented cover artists will come up with.
I really don't have words enough to say how much I admire them, and my covers. In over 60 books I can count on one had those I've had to query, and some of them were down to me, and that weird 'one language separated by an ocean' thing we can all identify with.

However this one by Channing Harris, is spot on. And I'm not the best as describing my characters, I admit.
I opened the email, got goose bumps, shook cried a bit and then did a chair swivel jiggle and squeed everywhere.
The Alpha's Challenge will be out on 3rd December from Siren Bookstrand

Here's the awesome cover! Don't get too distracted because a blurb follows :)

Here's the blurb:

~ When human Ari Mackintosh lets wolf shifter Jacob Wolfe know she fancies him, fur and sparks fly. Especially, as Jacob isn't a mere shifter. He's the Alpha of his pack and a Dom to boot.
Jacob cannot believe his luck when he discovers that the woman he’s been lusting after from afar not only knows about shifters, but is turned on by seeing him shift. It becomes clear that Ari knows far more than she ought to when she recognized him in his wolf form.
It challenges Jacob, as it’s his duty to keep the pack safe. There are rules to follow—rules that he breaks one by one, as he cannot resist Ari’s natural submissiveness.
When push comes to shove and Jacob reveals his secrets, he is fully aware that they might send Ari away screaming. He has to take the chance and trust that she will stay.~

Sounds like another fantastic hot tale from her :D Congratulations!

Raven McAllan Miss Simpkins' School: Miss Flora

Hi all!! *Waves Madly* I'm so so so sorry! I missed posting this at the release time, but now, she gets to be the very first in my new blog feature, Succulent Saturday Stories! Whether looking for a quick read, or something more, you'll find new stories here every week!

Hot writer, and a regency favorite, Raven McAllan brings us a whole new series to love. Take it away Raven!

Sometimes an idea jumps up and metaphorically bites you in the bum. Sometimes it creeps up and taps you on the shoulder. And then again (note, the editor in Leona will be cringing at all these 'sometimes', oh how I love to torture her), sometimes it does both.

With Miss Simpkins' story it was most definitely both.

I don't know if you're like me but sometimes, (sorry couldn't resist it) a minor character catches your attention, and you think "oh I wonder what happened to her?" That's how it was with Molly Simpkins. She was a very minor, but a pivotal, (you know I've wanted to use that word for years) character in one of my earliest books, A Most Unusual Mistress. Without her, there would have been no book, but we only met her very briefly.  Ever since then, I found myself wondering what she got up to.

Well, now I know. She opened a 'school'. Where Seduction's the game, and success is the aim. Flora ia her first student.

Ex mistress to an Earl, who better than Molly Simpkins to show Flora how to ensure she gets what she needs from her marriage?

Flora's intended has idea she doesn't agree with. Angus thinks she should be happy to live at their Scottish estate whilst he spends his time in London.

It may be the way of the ton, but it isn't going to be Flora's way. This is her chance to show Angus what he'd miss if he leaves her alone. There's only one thing, she doesn't know how.

Luckily Miss Simpkins does.

 

Here's a wee taste…

 

“Ah, so good. Fraser. I need to know.”

“Know what? Tell me, Flora, show me what you want.” His finger moved in her, and yet more stings and tingles enveloped her. She began to lose the ability to speak, let alone think. What had he asked?

“What? Ah, everything, I have to experience everything.” Her tongue seemed to have developed a mind of its own, and she had trouble forming her words.

He moved so fast she didn’t have time to look and admire his body as he pulled the banyan over his head and stretched out on his back next to her.

“Then take what you need.” He spread his hands out wide.

What? He expects me to touch him? How, I wonder? She decided that perhaps to mimic some of his actions would be acceptable. But she was naked, and so was he, what if? Stop thinking and just do something. Before she had a chance to change her mind, Flora scrambled onto her knees and knelt by his side. As she dipped her head her hair brushed his chest and he groaned. She pulled back in alarm, but he grabbed her arm.

“Oh no, don’t stop. I’m interested, very interested to see what happens next.” He rubbed her arms in a soft soothing manner. “That gentle caress had to be the prelude to so much more. Touch me, as you like to be touched.” He guided her hand to his chest. “I promise you won’t give me pain—not in a bad way.”

Emboldened by his words and actions, Flora circled the dark male areolae one by one, and pinched his nipples in much the same way he had done to her. His eyes deepened in color as the nubs hardened under her touch.

“More.” Just one word, designed to make her feel empowered. She bent her head again and laved the area with her tongue before taking one nub into her mouth and grazing it with her teeth. It was his turn to gasp.

“Heaven.”

She had to agree with him. Each touch she gave him made her ever more excited, and her juices increased, to coat her thighs. She shifted her body, and he grasped her waist to hold her closer, until she was half on top of him. Something hard pressed against her side. She did a mental inventory of where she was and realized his cock was rubbing her.

“I think my pego is ready for you, my dear. Eager and in dire need of attention.”

Flora took a swift glance downward and then looked back up to his face. He was correct. She wasn’t sure she was ready to take his prick in hand yet. In the moonlight, Fraser’s eyes glittered and the smile he gave her was one of encouragement. “Don’t give up now, my love. Finish what you’ve started.”

That was the problem, what had she started? “I don’t know how,” she said. “Will you show me?”

“For someone who doesn’t know how, you have a gift be- yond price,” Fraser answered her, his voice deep and smooth, like liquid chocolate. “My body is oh so ready to fuck. I would very much like to feel you around me, to feel my cock deep inside you, and bring us both to climax. However, there are a couple of things that need clarifying first.”

There was? Flora wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. The deep grey eyes now had a hint of steel in them, and his mouth had firmed. How he could turn from lazy-eyed lover to this implacable dominant male she wasn’t sure. She pulled back to kneel on her knees and Fraser didn’t stop her.

“I also wish to understand something.” She did her best to sound in control of herself, and not a quivering mass of need.

“Like what?”

She guessed the loud thumping she could hear was her heart as she decided how to reply. “Why do you want to marry me? Why me and not any other acceptable female? What makes you think I’m the right person for you? To bear your children, continue the line, and to do all your countess should.” Would he answer her? If he did, would it be what she wanted to hear?

The silence lasted for all of the count of thirty noisy heart- beats. Flora began to worry. Had she done everything wrong? She began to edge backward. He shot out his hand and caught her un- aware and she toppled forward onto his hard body once more. His cock wedged between them and tickled her quim. Then he smiled slowly as he rolled her under him, and looked down on her as he rested on his elbows. The scant inch between them heightened her arousal, until her body was a mass of tiny pin pricks and ripples.

“Because I only want you, have only wanted you since you so prettily asked me to marry you all those years ago. Hell, I’ve waited with as much patience as I could muster. So many years as I watched and hoped no other would catch your eye. The older you grew, the prettier you became, the harder it was for me to stand back and wait. But I promised John I would let you grow without preconceived ideas of your future. No longer, let me show you.” He knelt up, and grasped her ankles.

Her legs were parted as he placed one foot on each of his shoulders. Flora watched wide-eyed, her throat tight, and her mouth dry as he took hold of his cock and stroked it slowly from glistening tip to hard balls. She bit her lip. His prick was so big, its purple head slick with his juice, and the veins along its length stood out and beckoned to her.

“Are you ready?”

*****

you can buy Flora here…

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=17&products_id=508

 

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Simpkins-School-Flora-Seduction-ebook/dp/B00GUAUJ1Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1385111640&sr=1-3&keywords=raven+mcallan

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Miss-Simpkins-School-Flora-Seduction-ebook/dp/B00GUAUJ1Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1385111640&sr=1-3&keywords=raven+mcallan

 

http://www.bookstrand.com/miss-simpkins-school-flora

 

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-misssimpkinsschoolflora-1352197-340.html

 

And check out Raven at www.ravenmcallan.com

Happy Reading,

Love R x

 

 

Impulse, we got it

Hey, guess what? I'm blogging today LOL

But it's not for me. As you've probably seen, I've gotten bad about it. But, I have great news! I come bearing gifts. We've reached the time to give you a free book! Raven's Impulse!

You can get it here, and in case you forgot what the cover looks like:

 

 

It's free for a short time only. Want to read a little of our upcoming release, Temptation, an Isola Dei Sogni novel as well?

 

 

 

"Ah love." He cuddled her close and Meryl felt his heartbeat resonate through her. "I'm always there,.You chose to ignore it. You are my life and with me, in me at all times. I shouldn't have stayed and I did. I shouldn't have left like I did, but I had no option. Surely you knew you just had to show me you needed me and I'd be with you? If not in person, in your dreams. Even when you've called me all the names no self-respecting person should know let alone say." He paused and rubbed her shoulder. "Just because I'm not on show, doesn't mean I'm not here, not with you. Hold your hand out and let your heart feel me. You are mine, and even though you doubt it, it's true."

He ran his hand over her heart, and Meryl felt his heat burning into her. She melted as he kissed her, and his hand lifted her t-shirt and stroked her breast over the top of her bra. Her skin tingled and Meryl crossed her legs to stop the shivers of excitement she felt from being too obvious. She was on a plane for heavens sake. Okay she'd heard of the mile high club, but it was so not her.

He grinned, and tingles danced down her spine. "Ah my lovely Meryl just let yourself go. Purr for me." He nipped and sucked her shoulder and at the same time moved his hand to creep under the top of her jeans and touch her clit. Meryl groaned at the sweet sting he gave her, even as she arched into his palm. His breath was warm on her neck. "Oh sweet, I've so missed touching you. Come for me now." As he stroked and petted it was the perfect feeling of love, care, and being needed. She began to shake, and he drank her sighs and mewls of pleasure as his mouth covered hers in a long lingering kiss. With a silent scream she shattered. As she came down from one of the most exhilarating climaxes ever, his hands stroked her hair in a long soothing caress. If she were a cat she'd purr.

 Hold on. Cats? Purring? What the hell is going on? Her sleepy, sated state disappeared in a second.

 Meryl opened her eyes. All thoughts of her climax disappeared as she saw where she was. Sheesh, did I really make myself come with a dream? Hell I hope no one saw or heard me.  She checked—the blanket still covered her.

HOT HOT HOT

Hi!
I know, it hasn’t been six month’s but I thought I’d post anyway I have two new releases, Serviced, and Crimson, both anthologies Serviced has something to do with military (those were the guidelines to submit) and had to be hot. Well, we deliver! Here’s a FB link for Serviced page and here's the cover:
 

Gorgeous, ain’t he? er, sorry for the bad grammar. He’s got me all tongue tied… My story, Over a Dead Body has a Navy man and an NCIS woman and boy do sparks fly.
Riker discovered a body and it’s Edie’s job to determine if he did it or not.

He looked at her, his face set hard in downward lines, his eyes ice cold as they looked at her. “Am I a suspect or a witness?”

“Why don’t you tell me?”

He slammed a fist on the table. The noise echoed in the small room. “Damn it, Edie. You know I didn’t do this. Why are you baiting me?”

Other than a slight twitch of her knees, she managed to control the urge to jump back from his outburst. “I’m doing my job,” she answered coldly.

“Your job.” He sneered the words back at her.

“Yes, my job. I need to find out what happened to the MCPO and your role in it.”

“I had no role. I had a meeting and found him dead.”

“So you say,” she said, poking the tiger. She needed to be sure. She knew him well, even if it had been five years. He still hadn’t told her everything.

“Since when is my honor in doubt?” he nearly shouted.

She clenched her fists behind her back to relieve some of the emotions coursing through her. Was it honorable to leave a woman just weeks before the marriage? “We are talking about murder. Or rather you’re not talking.” Her voice rose on the end. He had a way of getting under her skin—always had. Everyone on her team thought she was cold as ice under pressure.

“I told you I found him and called you. I did not kill him,” he said. His vocal volume also rose, making her feel a bit better. She wasn’t the only one losing control.

“You’re also not telling me the whole truth. Out with it.”

Their shouting match had put them in each other’s faces. Her height so close to his that they were mouth to mouth and before she knew it, he’d grabbed her and stolen a kiss from her. Stolen a kiss, her anger, and her will to resist.

For a brief blissful moment, she forgot about the case, the five years, and the betrayal of abandonment. His lips pressed to hers, rough, demanding and oh so delectable. She gave back as good as she got, her tongue warring with his for supremacy.

Then he stepped back and she stood there dazed. They both were breathing hard and just stared. She recovered first.

“What in the hell was that?” Yes, anger, a dandy shield to hide behind. She should know; she’d perfected the technique over the last five years.

These two are a real riot together. Both strong, both loving and wait until you see what happens to them!!

For snippets from other stories in the anthology, go like and read the page. Allie A Burrow shares a few bits there!

 

OH and let's add the buy link, shall we :) It's even on sale at the pubs site! Buy buy buy ;D

 

 

 

My first interview of a fellow author Raven McAllan

Hello all you happy people. I've gone and done it. I've done an interview. Raven was a very good sport about being my guinea pig. In fact, she said I could do her. As she's in Scotland... ;) Okay, enough of the Romance writer bad joke banter. Please, welcome the great, the one and only Raven McAllan!

Hi Raven. It's great to have you back again. First, I'd like to thank you for being my guinea pig for author interviews :D Let's get a couple of traditional questions out of the way, shall we?

Great to be back, and lets go for it.

How long have you known you wanted to write?

I suspect, ever since I first realized that the crayon in my hand made words, and words made sentences…

What was your breakthrough that helped you finish that first novel?

The first one published was due to a dare by my crit group. They dared me to write it and sub it, so I did. The first ever (awful terrible cliché ridden rubbish) was because my DH bought me a computer and told me I had no excuse now.

Best writing advice to those scared to try their hand at writing?

 Do it. Write as you can, not as you think you should and ignore the doubters.

 

Okay, those are out of the way, let's get to the good ones. *rubs hands together with glee*

Raven grabs a cup of coffee and looks worried.

What is your favorite love scene from your books? And why?

Raig on the roundabout from The Price To Pay… when she's watching him… well he just opens his mouth and the words are nectar! And ohh that smile…So combine that with his trust in her, and his actions and ohh well… you'll need to read the book *laugh*

 

If you're stuck on a scene, do you have a special thing you do for inspiration?

Eat chocolate, play on the net. Moan and groan… Actually I look out of my window…

 

What's in your nightstand?

My underwear! (sorry)

 

Was there a character who embarrassed you but you wrote it anyway? If so who and where can I buy the book? ;)

Do you know, I don't think there is, not really. I've written some things with my eyes closed lol, and then thought Bloody hell did I write that? But not embarrassed per se. A Most Unusual Mistress I loved writing, because she is so feisty. In To Catch A Fox, I combined all my favorite things. Shape shifters, Menage, Regency, hot men, strong woman… I have a book out on 17^th (from Evernight Publishers) called A Shimmer of Silk and that did give me a few 'can I really write this' moments. Not because I'm ashamed or embarrassed, but because it was very personal to my characters! Oh and very hot! It's a sequel to Silver Silk Ties. That was the book where I really realized I can write. Oh everyone might not like it, but this is me, my voice, and I'm not ashamed of it.

 

On your last visit, you gave an impressive list of books. I'm thinking you're impressive and I want to be like you when I grow up. Can you adopt me and my kids? lol Seriously, you're with more than one publisher, and you have health issues that make it hard, yet, you not only prevail, but spectacularly so. HOW do you do that?

Ah thank you. *blush* Actually I've slowed down a bit now. However, I know my limitations, and when I'm okay to write I just write, and luckily DH is fine with that. If I can't type for any reason, I've now learned to accept it, and I’ll read instead. (well okay I have been known to type one fingered on occasion) I do try to do at least an hour a day though, so I don't lose the thread.

oh and consider yourself adopted lol ta xxx

 

You're amazing and I'm glad to have you back! *starts making out new passport application*

You're a doll xxx I'm so pleased to be here.

 

Here's some links for the beautiful books by Raven, but she has many, many more.

You can find links to all Raven's Books on her web… www.ravenmcallan.com

Meanwhile here's some teasers

Teaching Teacher…

 

Finding love in a new town had not been in Seb's plans. But life has a tendency to throw you curveballs – like Ruari.

When the new head teacher walks into his bar, Ruari knows he has to have him, and damn the consequences. When lust turns to love, nothing else matters. Together they will overcome, no matter what. Or will circumstances drive them apart?

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=391&zenid=89jqkmtcbn3q9hv0st1qva1f14

 

To Catch A Fox

 

When Eleanor was told the foxes had returned to Wilderwood she wondered, and hoped it wasn't just any old foxes. She’d spoken to no one of her week of passion with Alexander and Stanford Foxxe

 

                The Foxxe brothers had warned her about their other lives, but Eleanor had been skeptical until that magical night where they had showed her their true selves. They shifted from human to animal; howled at the moon, and mated with her. 

                 Now six years later, the foxes were back.

Had they come for her? If they had, would her changed circumstances alter all their plans? How would they cope with what she had become?

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=13&products_id=354

 

and

The Price To Pay

 

 

Do a friend a favor? Easy. Persuade the woman she's your soul mate? Not so easy. Does this cougar romance stand a chance?

 

Raig was only doing a favor for a friend. Who'd have thought the mum he was "babysitting" would turn out to be the woman of his dreams?

 

Raig could see their future; Vairi could only see the age difference. He may say "you are only as old as the man you feel," but she couldn't do the forever he wanted. Too many obstacles stood in their way, especially when she finds out Raig has not been telling her the truth, even though she too has secrets she's not willing to share. Can they open up and put their doubts behind them to discover how satisfying a cougar romance can be?

 

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=30

 

Comment and if we hit 10, we'll be giving away a free book. And if we hit 25 we'll give away 3


DO YOU GUYS SEE HER GENEROUSITY??? Thank her by commenting!

Guest post, Raven MCALLAN

I have a great guest post :) It's a little different than the other Christmas promos, but a lot of fun! Please welcome the savvy and very prolific Scottish author, Raven McAllan, one of my fav new peeps I've met this year since becoming a published author at one of the houses she publishes through.

 

Oh what a lovely year.

 

Or—ohhhh…ooohhh…hoooo, Merry Christmas

 

And a very happy all year!

 

Because boy has it been a very happy year for me. I started the year with one book under my belt and will end it with…*drum roll*…*ducks rotten veg and ignores catcalls of greedy. I agree sorry but hey ho*… 17 stand alones, 7 anthos, 3 print, 3 free reads, and numerous flashes. (and 6 YA and a print under a different hat.)

 

Now before you all leave the blog, let me say how bloody lucky I feel. I never ever thought I'd get one book published let alone all these. They aren't all full length; in fact a lot are between 15-30k. A nice quick fill an hour read, something I enjoy.

 

It's not been easy, and there has been times I've wondered why the hell I was putting myself through it. But do you know? There is no way I couldn't. I have to write, and once I get to know my characters, that's it. I have to tell their story. Often I have no idea what it is until I start, and even then it can be nothing like I envisaged. The joys of being a pantster.

 

Take Stephen in The Perfect Gift. Did I know he was what he was? Did I heck. I thought his and Judith's story was a sweet romance. Ha, ha, ha. Once I began I realized it was no such thing, but oh boy I enjoyed writing it. It seems my Ladies of London (La Bella Isabella. The Best Man's Bridesmaid, and The Perfect Gift) are not so sweet and innocent as they seem.

 

Holly in Deck Mac Hall, is unsure of what she wants, or will accept but she knows the only person who can help her decide is Mac. If only he'd stop procrastinating (sounds like me on an oh-I'm-stuck day) and get on with it.

 

And once Christmas is over, I've a story in a very special book. Wine & Nine which is published on 28^th December. This book was conceived (sounds rude, I assure you it isn't—well not too rude anyway) around my kitchen table, way back in April when my lovely crit group met up. Over a very boozy few hours we decided to write an anthology, set in a pub in rural Scotland. Eight women on Magic Mac and his Mystery Tour's coach.  Because we all lead such busy lives, It's taken until now to sort it all out, but look for it on Amazon then. The cover is by a new very talented cover artist called Nicole Calder. I foresee we'll hear a lot more about her in the future. (www.nicolecalder.com )

 

Looking at my books and their blurbs, I seem to like feisty take no prisoner heroines. And hot, hot, hot, dominant men. I wonder if it has something to do with where I live? The land of brave warriors and not at all helpless lassies.

 

I live on the edge of a Scottish forest, in an area full of fairy stories and romantic novels. There's ony DH and me left at home, the children are off forging their own lives. Well we do have two cats, whose ambition in life is to kill the lap top and regain my lap.

 

I love all things Christmas. In fact I was considered a bit of an oddity… no agreeing thank you, in that I always asked for the tree to be put up before my December birthday. Then it was a tree for me as well as Christmas. I never minded waiting for a 'big' joint present on Christmas Day. We weren't well off and it was a way for me to get a bike, record player (yeah, that's how old I am) or watch.

 

Nowadays I'm lucky, I get two special days within a few weeks. And yes, I'm very thankful for all I get. I love presents but its not the cost, it's the fact they are made and or given with love.

 

However, the most important part of Christmas, is family. Sadly we can't always all be together, but I cherish any moments I have… (okay enough of the maudlin, or I'll be crying in the gin, and I was told that can't be the best part of Christmas…the gin not the crying.)

 

We have our traditions, and even the year all the kids were in various places around the world DH and I kept to them.

 

Dressing the tree with carols playing and a glass of Fizz in my hand…well nearby anyway. I do a wee bit of decorating each day for a week, until every room is decked in some Christmas finery. Yeah okay, overload, but hey it's Christmas.

 

Then on the day…

Fire lit, fairy lights on, Christmas music playing as we open our presents, turn and turn about. Then Bucks Fizz and smoked salmon for brunch. Dinner when I've cooked it. A chill-out count my blessings day.

 

(Okay I'll tell you a secret, I usually disappear for a few minutes and have a wee cry for my mum and dad who are no longer with us, and any friends and family I miss as well. It's my way of remembering them. Darn it I'm welling up as I type this …sorry)

 

And then it's boxing day, leftovers and hopefully a walk in the forest to make room for more…

 

Wherever you are who ever you're with or miss, peace and love to you all.

And I always remember the late, great comedian Dave Allen, who signed off with…

 

"May your gods go with you." Very Apt

 

Love R x

 

Oops Leona asked for a list of books out this month… feel free to talk amongst yourselves

 

I've started this list on 29^th November, because my free Christmas read from Evernight Publishing came out then… and there are so many due to all the delays and pitfalls the best planned publication dates can fall foul of…

 

Where There's A Will 29^th November (free read, Evernight Publishing

 

The Best Man's Bridesmaid 30^th November (Breathless Press)

 

Vanilla Free Christmas (anthology) 3^rd December (Evernight Publishing)

 

The Perfect Gift 7^th December (Breathless Press)

 

 

Deck Mac Hall 21^st December (Breathless Press)

 

 

 

Teaching Teacher 28^th December (Breathless Press)

 

Wine and Nine 28^th December (The Nuthouse Scribblers, available on Amazon)

 

 

 

That's it folks…

 

www.ravenmcallan.com

 

 

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=99

 

 

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/raven-mcallan/

 

Thanks Raven!

Lovely woman, even better writer. Here's her author page for Breathless Press :)