Mythos 1: Bride of Death has been released by Aspen Mountain Press!  This is the first book in my Mythos series, a collection of Greco-Roman myths retold with a modern narrative voice.  I remain true to the original classical sources, which means reinjecting these stories with the original sensual context of the stories.  Most mythologies are of a sexual nature, and despite centuries of vanilla-izing still have those erotic overtones.  The story behind Bride of Death is the myth of Hades, the god of the Underworld, and his wife, Persephone, the personification of the spring maiden.  The story of their relationship was meant to explain the changing of the seasons–while the spring maiden is on earth with her mother, the world thrives and bears fruit.  But, when she is in the Underworld with her husband, winter descends upon the planet as Demeter grieves for her daughter.  Persephone is an early personification of sexual power–in the end, her allure is intense enough to bring Death himself to his knees.

You can pick up a copy of Mythos 1: Bride of Death at http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/bride-of-death/prod_304.html.  You can read an excerpt of the story either on that page or on my website Shoot The Muse! 

Synopsis:When the mischievous god of love targets Hades, the god of death falls hopelessly in love with the spring maiden Persephone, the one immortal most ill-suited for his dark domain. Her mother Demeter will never allow the Lord of the Underworld to court her beloved daughter. The king of the gods proposes an unconventional solution: Hades may kidnap Persephone and take her to the Underworld to woo her. If Persephone agrees to marry Hades, Zeus will support the match.

But neither god has reckoned on Demeter’s inconsolable grief at the loss of her daughter.  If Persephone is not returned to her, the goddess has vowed to destroy all life. Can Hades win Persephone’s heart before her mother discovers who has taken her? Or will Persephone make her own wishes known as the intended bride of death? Even in the world of immortals, time is not on Hades’ side.

If you love gay romances with shapeshifters and a healthy dose of thriller, you will be sure to enjoy this week’s release by Emily Veinglory.  Kerry is a werewolf and Bern is a vampire and the two are on the run, seemingly from everybody.  A strange situation for two men employed by the local police agency.

Bern is a quiet sort of man who works as a receptionist at a police station.  He is legally registered as a vampire.  Not so, Kerry, a born werewolf, who is keeping his paranormal status quiet.  But when a murder takes place, Kerry knows that he’ll be suspect number one.  The victim was attacked by a wolf.

Prejuidice takes shape in all sorts of forms and this time it is between humans and ‘otherkin’; and between the ‘born’ not ‘made’ groups of paranormals.  Kerry and Bern have trouble all around them and it’s going to take a lot for an unasumming vampire to step up and keep Kerry safe.

Visit Aspen Mountain Press today and pick up a copy of Blue Murder.

The Asphodel Cycle 4: Apostle of Asphodel

Author: Celina Summers

Artist: Renee George

BUY LINK: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/apostle-of-asphodel/prod_263.html

Tamsen Ka’antira has grown into a woman of incredible power as the Virgin Huntress’ player in the game of the gods. After discovering the Hippolytes, a fabled race of women devoted to the arts of combat, she must lead them back to the plains of Ilia to fight the greatest war of antiquity again. The pantheon of gods awaits her in their Hall of Judgment, where the ultimate fate of the Elven Realm will be determined. (more…)

The shaman “Lizard” is one of the two-souled-ones, a Berdache. Lizard must convince his proud and stubborn childhood friend, Red Wolf, one of the finest warriors of his village, that he too is a Berdache and must take the shaman training, before he loses his mind.

A call for aid comes, so the Berdache, his friend Red Wolf, and the beautiful Chickasaw slave, Born In Moonlight, take the journey to hopefully avoid a war. Will these three give in to the closeness they feel or will they be forever separated by the dangers they face from both the Spirit World, and the world that surrounds them.

Excerpt:

With the swiftness of a badger, Red Wolf’s hands clamped down on Lizard’s arms. The dream-crazed warrior yanked the Berdache to his chest with total disregard for dignity. All Lizard managed was a gasp of surprise before Red Wolf’s lips clamped down on his.

Lizard’s mouth was open from his gasp, and Red Wolf forced it open further with his tongue. The violent kiss, full of an unspoken need, aroused in Lizard a burning heat. Tongues tangled and fought, each vying for supremacy. Some force in Lizard demanded he not submit, until he was sure it was truly a choice on Red Wolf’s part, and not the dream that made him act thus.

With a moan, Red Wolf broke the kiss. “You with your maiden’s hair and shaman’s skills. You call to me like no other. I don’t understand you or the battles you fight, but I know now that you make war with an unseen enemy. It is enough.” (more…)

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is a journey through the short stories of critically acclaimed author Celina Summers.  Every story deals with a transformation–from a world where the Church places the blame for original sin upon men to a New Orleans garden that brings a play to life. The collection culminates with a previously unpublished prequel to Summers’ best selling epic fantasy series The Asphodel Cycle. Sometimes funny, sometimes horrifying, Metamorphosis is a romp through the realms of speculative fiction–where anything can happen and nothing is quite as it seems.

Coming March 27, 2009 from Aspen Mountain Press

Edited by Lori Basiewicz

Cover art by Renee George

Metamorphosis is a collection of stories in the spirit of the original Metamorphoses, written by the Roman poet Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso 43 BC — 17 or 18 AD). His Metamorphoses  serves as the primary source material for many of the transformation myths in Greco-Roman mythology. He also wrote the scandalous Ars Amatoria, a treatise on love and seduction, that eventually led to his exile from Rome by the emperor Augustus. My Metamorphosis explores the transformations of speculative fiction–not necessarily literal transformations like Ovid’s, but changes that make modern speculative fiction the new and exciting genre-bending world that it is. 

Metamorphosis’ stories range from humorous to dark, from fantasy to horror and I had a lot of fun putting them all together.  Look for it on March 27.  Also, in honor of Read an Ebook Week, I’m giving away a set of my series The Asphodel Cycle!  Go to my blog Elf Killing and Other Hobbies and leave a comment in the thread and you’ll be eligible to win.  Enter by midnight on Sunday and I’ll announce a winner on Monday.  That way you can be ready for the final installment of the series Apostle of Asphodel when it’s released in May. 

Nicolette Snow is tired of self-gratification and decides to visit the Del Fantasma.  Who should show up but Jack Frost ready to cause some mischief of his own.  Is Cody serious when he thinks the hot blooded Nicolette should hook up with Old Man Winter?   There’s only one way to find out…the answer lies in Del Fantasma: Winter Break by Dawn Montgomery.

Excerpt: 

Jack strode back to the fire. The groan of leather and the crunch of snow under his boots were the only sounds he made when he moved. He knelt in front of her, his blonde hair and perfect smile filled her view. There was wariness in his eyes. “You’re immune to cold.” He touched her cheek and a tingle of warmth touched her skin.

She grinned. “So are you, obviously.” Her vision still blurred a bit around the edges, but her pussy was tingling with suppressed excitement. When he would have pulled away she touched his wrist, keeping his fingers against her cheek.

“Tell me, Jack Frost, does your touch always make a woman’s skin tingle, or did I have more to drink than I originally thought?”

“I think you’ve had far too much to drink.” His lips still smiled but she could see heat building in his ice blue eyes.

Sex and chocolate. That’s exactly what she thought of when she heard him speak. “I’m sure you’re probably right.” She slid a hand to his throat, feeling the jump of his pulse against her palm and smiling with wicked pleasure at her ability to give Mr. Frost a taste of his own medicine.

“So kissing you would be taking advantage.” He leaned closer and she could see flecks of crystal in his eyes, like snowflakes. Her thumb brushed his smooth cheek.

“Kiss me, dammit, before I knock you on your ass and kiss you.”

His mouth opened and she dragged him off balance. He caught himself before crushing her, but she couldn’t stop the slightly drunken giggle that escaped her lips. She touched his lips with her finger, slowly tracing the edge with her fingernail. His eyes darkened and she smiled, silliness vanishing in a moment. “Most men find that ticklish.”

“Any touch is a blessing.” No emotion tightened his features or rumbled from his voice. Just a statement, and that alone made her heart ache.

“That’s good, Jack.” She leaned forward and kissed him softly, letting her tongue taste his lips. Ice and fire, a deadly combination, and she wanted more. “I really like touching you.”

~*~*~*~*~

Del Fantasma: Winter Break is NOW AVAILABLE at Aspen Mountain Press.

The Secret Service Agent went on sale this month and is already a bestseller at eReader! Click the banner above to check out the book or my picture below to stop by my official website.

Hey there!  I’m completely excited–Temptation of Asphodel, the third book in my epic fantasy series The Asphodel Cycle, has been released today by Aspen Mountain Press. I was pretty flabbergasted to find this blog entry about Tempation’s release today –http://jpscribble.blogspot.com/

 ”…I should tell you that I am not, generally speaking, a fan of epic fantasy. Summers’ offering, however, is just head and shoulders above the other books I’ve read in the genre. Her characters are complex, fully-realized people (or gods, as the case may be), rather than coming across as something a fanboy might have worked up on a D&D character sheet first …”

 Dang.  I love blushing first thing in the morning.

I’ll be hanging around on Facebook all day for a book release event.  Feel free to drop by my Temptation of Asphodel Release Party and leave a note on my wall there–I’ll be giving away copies of Asphodel books all day! I’ve got an excerpt up and live on my blog and my website in case you want to check those out.

Hope you American folks had a great Thanksgiving. 

The Temptation of Asphodel

Author: Celina Summers
Artist: Renee George

Tamsen has learned to sacrifice everything as she plays the game of the gods but as she nears the end of her quest, everything changes again.  The hunter becomes the hunted, the ally becomes the foe and behind it all lies the hand of a third, unknown god who tries to lure her from her destiny. Can she hold firm against the temptations that are thrown in her path, or will she fall into failure as generations of Elves have done before her? As the rumbling memory of an ancient war settles over the realm of Ansienne, Tamsen’s faith falters. When she is drawn into conflict with immortal enemies, she discovers that the line between obedience and temptation is much narrower than she thought. Temptation can be dangerous, but obedience can kill.

Now Available: Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams
Raine Delight
Paranormal Erotic Romance
11/7/08

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/fairy-kisses-and-magical-dreams/prod_181.html

Prince Aryan has searched his world for the one woman that is his destined mate but has just about given up when he is led to the human world. Even though it is forbidden to fall in love with a human, he finds Skye Andrews completely delectable and wonders if she is his chosen love.

Skye Andrews has had it with men. After another disastrous date, her aunt gives her a love potion to try. With a magic spell and a mysterious face haunting her waking days, will Skye find the love she is looking for?

In honor of my newest release from Aspen Mountain Press, Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams, I am having a trivia contest and you can find all the answers right on my website.

Up for grabs is a small gift basket with custom made lotion from Jupiter Gardens with the scent of Moonlit Path, Fairy Dreams Incense sticks, a Rose scented candle and a some teas.

To enter, please email me the answers at rainedelight AT yahoo DOT com with “Fairy Kisses November Contest” in the subject line.Good Luck!

Trivia Quesitons:
1) Who are the main characters in Devon Falls: Red Hot Magic?
2) How many books in the Devon Falls Series are currently available from Aspen Mountain Press?
3) What kind of shifter is Rodrick Dracon in Devon Falls: Haunting Magic?
4) On my WIP Page, please tell me one works in progress I am currently working on (ths means writing, not plotted?
5) In Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams, who gave Skye the magic potion to call her true love?

Available Now

from

Aspen Mountain Press

PHOTO OP!

BLURB:Photojournalist Emily Peters is in Paris when the opportunity to expose an infamous sex club sets her on fire. She never expects to be tied up in knots by the Devil. 

Restaurateur Nicholas Caine prefers an inconspicuous lifestyle, but when a sex goddess enters his lair there’s only one thing he can do…take her. 

EXCERPT:

Her nose twitched as a subtle, yet pleasant, aroma surrounded her.

 “It is pear, Madam.”

Another tall handsome waiter, looking good enough to eat, stood at her side and without a word slid a menu in front of her.  She glanced up into large chocolate eyes and her heart stuttered.

“Pardon?”  Her voice came out on a whoosh of air.

“I noticed your attempt to distinguish the scent.”  He waved a large hand in the air.  “Many of our ladies have had your same reaction.”

She cleared her throat.  “Delightful.”“At times, late in the evening, the air is infused with a hint of cinnamon and chocolate.”  His eyes twinkled as if he were sharing a dark secret.  “Tempts one to indulge in a decadent dessert.  Would you care for one, Ms Peters?”

A shiver weaved its way up her spine when he said her name.  With shaking fingers, she took a gulp of ice water, ordering her oversexed body to behave.

“If nothing on the menu appeals to you, Chef Claude would be elated to whip up whatever you prefer.”

British and gorgeous. And then it sunk in.  Chef Claude.

“Is he Claude St. Cyr?  The same chef who owns a cooking school?”

The waiter from every woman’s fantasy grinned.  “One in the same.”

Now what the hell is he doing in a place like this?

“Ms Peters?”  He tapped a well-groomed fingernail on the menu.

“What?  Oh yes.”  She flipped open the leather jacket to scan the tasty treats, her one downfall.  The card read like an international list of culinary sexual pleasures. 

Spotted Dick          presented by    Jon

Bavarian Cream    presented by    Hans

Hot Soufflé             presented by    Francois

Mocha Butter         presented by    Motumba 

Emily slipped the cap off her lipstick tube, then did an unhurried swipe along her bottom lip, wondering just how far the presenters would go. 

“Do you see anything you like?”  His deep voice played havoc with her senses as she squirmed in her damp panties.

“Too bad you don’t offer Cumberland Rum Nicky.  I enjoyed it at a restaurant in London a few years ago.  Never found it again.”  His tanned face paled as if she’d requested to borrow The Crown Jewels.

“Perhaps a dish of Whim Wham?” 

“No thanks, I’m fanciful enough.”  She laughed at her little joke about the true meaning of the Scottish pie.  “I’d really like a Benedictine straight up and a cup of black coffee.”

He nodded and walked toward the bar area.

Of all the waitstaff Emily had encountered or seen during her two hours over dinner, this last was the paix de la résistance.  Sable brown hair caressed his white shirt collar.  She’d give anything to run her fingers through the thick waves.

The Reverend and ladies met with her lickable waiter at the doorway.  He stood to the side, gesturing for them to go first.  The tallest of the women stopped and started up a conversation, but he backed away the moment she ran her fingers along his jaw line.

Seems like the help gets to play with the clientele.

Emily pulled the cap off her lipstick tube. 

Smile, I think you’re going to like this one.

BUY LINK 

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell
TEDDI TURNS ON www.aspenmountainpress.com
FRENCH TWIST www.eternalpress.ca
www.sloanetaylor.com   www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor