Thursday, May 1, 2008

Guest Blogger ~ Destiny Blaine

EXPLICIT WARNING! If you ain't old enough (18) to belly up to the poker table or the bar, get lost, little dude or dudette.
A mighty big welcome to my fellow Siren and Bookstrand author, Destiny Blaine. This little lady is so high energy I just cain't keep up with her.
Seriously, Destiny is an impressive multi-published author and has an absolutely amazing hand with promo. Her Yahoo group, Just Another Paranoromal Monday is fun, and a great opportunity for readers to find the books they want, and a great way for authors to show off their books with blurbs and excerpts, and, of course, the chance to answer any questions. While my loop cyber-social skills aren't too impressive, hey, I'm learning and having a good time. And getting a chance to, maybe, find readers interested in my e-novels.
If we're all really nice to Destiny, she may even offer us a gambling tip or two. Personally, I'm absolutely intrigued with her casino knowledge and background as a gambler. Not to mention the rest of her colorful life. Wow! Thanks for being with us today, Destiny.
I want to first thank Title Magic and Savanna Kougar for allowing me to join in and blog here today. I’m glad to have the opportunity to spend the first day of May with all of you! Savanna and I are fellow authors at Siren Publishing and we’ll both be published by BookStrand too!
I’m really excited to blog with you today because I have some phenomenal news to share. Winning Virgin Blood just released from Siren Publishing on April 28th (http://www.sirenpublishing.com/destinyblaine/). Winning Virgin Blood, for those of you out there who like paranormal, actually motivated and initially inspired the concept of a new paranormal loop author Ann Cory and I just started. Just Another Paranormal Monday operates as a Monday-only chat loop for readers, writers, and pretty much anyone who loves paranormal.
Since writing in the paranormal genre is still somewhat new to me, I’ve been thrilled about the receptive audience to paranormal as well as urban fantasy because Winning Virgin Blood incorporates both urban fantasy and paranormal elements. For those of you who’ve read Bewitching Bite, you know the Bewitching series (Resplendence Publishing) also includes a few urban fantasy elements. However, the stories are definitely different.
Winning Virgin Blood combines my love of casino gambling (and a Las Vegas setting) with vampire paranormal elements. The series kicks off with Orlando Spenser, and while I love Orlando, I have to say, his brother just rocks my world! You’ll meet him in Winning Virgin Blood and that’s where your lust for him will begin—mine did!
The Winning Virgin Series was contracted by
Siren Publishing (www.sirenpublishing.com) and the Spensers will go through a lot of trials and tribulations just to protect those they love. Naturally, they’ll have to win the affection of those they want first. That’s always the fun part.
If you’re a history buff, and I am, check out the Bewitching Series. Part of the Blending Bloodlines titles, Bewitching Bite was included in the Shivers print anthology and the concept of Matilda and Armand’s story was something I hope you’ll find a little different. An urban fantasy/paranormal, the story combines historical research into an urban fantasy while delving into the past life of one of the most notorious of all vampires—The Blood Countess (referred to as Elizabeth or Erzsebet Bathory).
Matilda and Armand will be transformed and revisit the past life of Erzsebet Bathory and the one vampire Erzsebet could never control, so to speak. I won’t ruin it for you because the story of Matilda and Armand’s hike into the past really comes into clear focus in the second story releasing soon—Bewitching Purpose.
I’m a fickle writer and love to write in all genres. Paranormal and western erotic stories seem to have my focus right now but I’m a gambler at heart. I’ll typically write something, at any given time, about casino gambling or sportsbetting.
Casino Player is a prime example. Whispers Publishing took a chance on this little short story and just this year, the story won the 2007 Best Romance Short Story Readers Poll Category at Preditors and Editors. Whispers also decided to take a gamble on the Unspoken Series and later this year, Unspoken Truths will release and I have to tell you—the ultimate bad boy alpha-male will be found there.
This brings me to another point. I love strong alpha-male heroes. I find, and I guess most of you who read and write paranormal would agree, some of the best bad boys in the world will literally leap off the pages of a paranormal romance but it isn’t the only genre where sexy-hot rogues are found.
I have to share a little secret with you—the other two places to find the strong alpha males we all love to dream about are often found in westerns and erotic gambling romances. I really believe they are and maybe I know from experience. I grew up on a farm and die-hard gambling runs in my blood too so I’ve met enough bad-boys to know that these two genres have them! I write those fellows straight into the bedrooms of any unsuspecting heroine who will have them. And sure, there are several who don’t want them there!
As a side note, today I believe the best of the "real-life" bad boys are found in a casino. I’m a recreational casino player who spends a lot of time in the sportsbooks and around the tables so believe me, I know what I’m talking about. Read Unspoken Truths when it comes out and you’ll see what I mean.
Until then, take a closer look at Orlando and Almonzo Spenser in Winning Virgin Blood and the Winning Virgin Series. Then, sprint to the nearest casino and listen in on some of the conversation. It’s the one place I’ll go whenever I need dialogue motivation for my characters.
Right now, most of my books and stories share one common factor—the alpha-male. I only have one western erotic story out now. In case you want to take a peak, sneak over to eXtasy Books at
www.extasybooks.net and check out Beyond the Valley. It’s number six right now on their Best Seller list.
I’m still hoping someone, somewhere will tell me where I can ride, I mean find (yes, that’s what I meant), a cowboy who looks like Jonathan Woodwine. (Remember, if you do, tell him I have his rope or his saddle for that matter). Yes, I like to tease. You will too when you see him!
Thank you again for blogging with me today! I hope you’ll take time to stop by and visit my website at
www.destinyblaine.com or stop in and visit with Catherine Chernow over at my blog today (http://www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com/). You will also find the lovely and very talented Savanna Kougar blogging with us on May 12th and 13th.
Until we meet again, keep looking sexy—and reading it hot!
Destiny Blaine
P.S. Enter my contest today! It’s easy! Since I want to be sure everyone has an opportunity to win one of the few free copies of Winning Virgin Blood, I’m running a contest here today. Post a comment here and let me know something about your favorite books or even a favorite alpha-male, and you’ll be entered to win Winning Virgin Blood!
I’ll draw one winner later today. Hurry! This will be one of the very few free copies of Winning Virgin Blood!

56 comments:

Savanna Kougar said...

Hi Destiny, so you don't think I've bailed out on you. I won't get to the bunkhouse and my bed until six or later this morning, which means my little eyes will be closed in sleep when you arrive.
Just wanted to welcome you again! And a big thanks for being our guest today.

Jami Davenport said...

Hey, Destiny, I'm just dropping in to say hi before I take off for work. Have a great day!

Jami

Destiny Blaine said...

Good Morning Title Magic!

I am arriving late this morning. I never sleep in—or typically don’t- but the teenagers just quietly left for school today and I just woke up! :)

Can you believe it?

Thank you Title Magic and Savanna for allowing me to blog with you today! (((Waving at Jami and Savanna)))

Destiny :)

Destiny Blaine said...

WOW Savanna!

What an introduction! Thank you for such a phenomenal post! I called my other half to tell him you said I had a "colorful" life and he agreed! :))

And here I thought approaching 40 made for dull and boring. ;))

Hugs,
Destiny :))

Anitra Lynn McLeod said...

Thanks so much for sharing here with us today, Destiny! The books I enjoy the most blend elements, like what you've done with gambling and vampires. I love unique ideas and fresh voices!

And 40 is neither dull nor boring--40 ROCKS! :)

Western Romance said...

Hi Anitra!

You just made my morning! 40 is approaching fast but I certainly don’t want to put on the breaks! LOL. Thank you for allowing me to be here with you! Title Magic rocks!

AND…if you like paranormal, be sure to join us any Monday you can over at Just Another Paranormal Monday http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday/

Hugs,
Destiny

Unknown said...

Hi, Destiny, I just want to stop by and tell you how much I enjoy you and your work. You're a prize peach in my book, and I wanted to show up for you and give you my support. Love you a lot. Audey Godwin

Unknown said...

Destiny, it's me again, Audrey. I blogged before, but didn't realize I could mention my titles. The first is Dancing with The Devil at Siren Publishing, and then Sweet Hell, Shadow Lover and The Erotic Ghost are listed on the Coming Soon Page at Siren. Hope you'll look them up. Don't forget Sin City at BookStrand! And more coming! Yippee! Thanks Destiny for this opportunity. I love you big! See yaQ Your friend, Audrey

Savanna Kougar said...

Hi Jami, Audrey, lovely to have you in my neck of the blogging woods.

Anitra, so glad you came by. Hey, forties are powerful!

Destiny Blaine said...

Hey Audrey!!!!

Woman, you know I'm your biggest fan but then again, no one should be surprised--SIN CITY says it all.

Hugs and love,
Destiny

Mel Hiers said...

Hi Destiny! Welcome to TM! I love that you've blended casino gaming with paranormal. It's definitely a fresh take. Thanks for hanging with us today!

Anonymous said...

Hi Destiny:

Happy blogging day. I know, I know, I never show up anywhere, but I thought I'd stop by. Winning Virgin Blood looks very interesting (of course I read the excerpt, of course!). It also has a great cover. Here's to many sales!

Emma, who is raising a wine glass
www.emmawildes.com

Destiny Blaine said...

Hi Mel!

Thanks so much for the compliment. I hope Winning Virgin Blood gains the approval of readers who love paranormal while appealing to those who love to roll the dice (or ante up anywhere for that matter)

Thank you for sharing your space with me here today. I’m really glad to be here and look forward to learning more and more about the American Title IV Authors.

All of the TITLE MAGIC authors are talented and I’ve had so much fun reading about all of you. (Hint to those stopping by: Go back to the front page and then follow the author links and you’ll see what I mean!)

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Hi Emma,

Thanks so much for dropping by to blog with us! Aren’t these Title Magic authors terrific?

In the early writing days, I should’ve blamed Emma for depleted cash stores. She’s the reason I spent more than I made when I first ‘crossed over’ from writing non-fiction to erotic romance. Once I decided to read the spicy stories, Emma lured me in with one intent—to keep me coming back for more by writing books to ensure it!

Yep, she’s one of the first erotic romance authors I personally ever read and she’s also always on my TBB and TBR list—my husband probably feels like they should be on a first-name basis since he often pays my book bill at FW and Amazon!! (Smiles)

Emma’s one of those authors who will be around kicking up her heels long after many of us have kicked off our boots and settled into a nice and comfy recliner. That’s okay—I’ll still be reading everything she writes.

Thanks for stopping by to blog, Emma!

Hugs,

Destiny :)

char10 said...

Hey Destiny,
just stoppin' in to say hi and to say congrats on winning virgin blood.what a smokin' hot ,can't put down read. sexy vampires and smart- mouthed women,what a combination.hopefully there will be a second book.See ya monday.
char

Destiny Blaine said...

Hey Char!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you’re having a terrific Thursday! Everyone, meet Char! She’s a friend of mine that I met through Just Another Paranormal Monday! What a great group we have over there!

And yes ma’am there’s a second and a third book—both are already submitted! Almonzo’s story is Book Two (Winning Virgin Love) and Constance grows up and gets her own story in Winning Virgin Lust! And it’s a scorching hot book. Hotter than anything I’ve submitted to date—whew! :) These Spensers may just make a spicy-hot erotic romance writer out of me yet! :)

Hugs,

Destiny :)

Renee Knowles said...

Hi Destiny! Thought I'd stop by and say hi. Winning Virgin Blood looks wonderful. And I so love Alpha males too :)

Good luck with the release! It's on my list:)

Renee
www.reneeknowles.com

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

Where were you when I was writing a gambling scene that took place at a Casino in CT. I could have used your expertise. I'm too cheap to gamble.

Ash

Anonymous said...

Hey Destiny and everyone else. Winning Virgin Blood is AMAZING. Destiny is always a goddess of the written word and creating neat and enthralling characters and worlds.

Hugs,
Amanda

Savanna Kougar said...

Mel, thanks for stopping by. Our Title Magic super librarian knows of what she speaks when she say 'fresh take'.

Emma, so pleased to have you here. A wave, then a bow of respect to the 'erotic romance' author.

char, hi! glad you made it over.

Renee! luv that you came by! Renee, has a lovely informative newsletter out now. Okay, All Shades of Blue Paradise is featured. But I'm not that biased that I don't know a good thing when I see it. reneeknowles.com to check it out.

Ash, yay! My fave comedic hot author! Thanks! Hey, I may need a some gambling atmosphere from Destiny. Hopefully, I'll have something to trade that she needs.

Destiny, wow! Throwing-the-dice wow!

Destiny Blaine said...

Hi Ash!!

Thanks for stopping to blog!

Okay, everyone. You have to follow me now. Come closer, come on, follow behind me in a straight line now—lol—I’m leading you to Ash’s website because it’s one of my all-time favorite! Go on now: http://www.ashlynchase.com/ take a look! You’ll love it too!

For those of you who LOVE vamps, you have to check out Ash’s Vampire Vintage. You can thank me later but this is a must-read title from Ashlyn Chase! Ah shucks, and while you’re buying VV, might as well pick up Demolishing Mr. Perfect too.

BTW lady, next time you need casino insight—I’m your gal. I’ve spent weeks and months in casinos writing on everything from craps to poker to the people playing the games. And I grew up around sportsbetting so ask me anything if you ever need a resource. I’d be honored and if I don't know--I know where to find out info! :))

Hugs!
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Hi Renee!!!!

Good to see you over here. Thank you for dropping by!

Okay all, there are now two must-visit websites. Come on now. Let’s get in line again and trot on over to Renee’s website. You’re going to love it there too—I promise! Check it out here: http://www.reneeknowles.com and yes, thank me later after you see what a neat site she has or better yet—I have a much better idea.

Send me a hunky man to pass along your gratitude. I love eye candy! Make them tall, dark, handsome and all alpha-male. LOL.

Renee’s book Going Topless has caught some FANTASTIC reviews and their posted over at Siren now so go check them out at www.sirenpublishing.com!

Thanks again Renee for popping in!

Destiny

Desiree de Cleves said...

Hi Destiny,I figured it out!!WooHoo, I'm so glad to be here. I hope you are having a lovely day.
Desiree

Destiny Blaine said...

Hey Amanda!

OH MY GOODNESS! I am rocking-happy now. Tell me I didn’t just see Amanda sneak in the door!!!! Yes, I believe so. What’s up woman? Glad you stopped in over here. I want to introduce everyone to Amanda Haffery from Dark Angel Reviews. If you want to have an honest review of your work, then check her out here: https://darkangelreviews.com/

Thanks so much for being here!

Hugs!

Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Desiree!!!

You made it! Now, ladies and gents—you can pop the cork and party on because Desiree knows how to keep a good party going! How’s it going tonight? Did you write any today?

Don’t you just love this blog? Look around and go back to the front page and click on some of the links here. I’ve already tried to gauge my reading list and it’s impossible now. It’s through the roof!

I have a feeling Savanna’s All Shades of Blue Paradise will be on everyone’s TBB list and guess what? It’s kicking off a new series, isn’t it Savanna?

Thanks for stopping in today, Desiree. When do you think you’ll have your book submission ready to go?

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Savanna!

You are too much. You always have what I need—optimistic flair! I love it. You can light up a room. Hey, I do have an idea though. This is random but I think I’ll do it if the response is good. I go to Las Vegas, Indiana and Mississippi (Tunica and Biloxi) so we need to plan a “retreat” in a casino town. It’s a must-do. What do you think? Sound good?

We’ll discuss books by day and gamble by night because let me tell you all a little secret—the men at craps tables love to see a new “shooter” walk up when the shooter in question is a bubbly woman with a positive attitude! Yep—the chips will come down out of the rack and across the board. Beginner’s luck and all of that does weigh in so we need to plan a writer’s retreat—a huge party for readers and writers of erotic romance.

Let’s see—who else agrees?

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Everyone posting is registered to win a free copy of Winning Virgin Blood and I'm drawing one winner soon so come on out and post!

Destiny :))

Desiree de Cleves said...

Two weeks tops, Destiny...so ready to go on this end.LOL I know, patience is a virtue, right??LOL
mmm, the champagnes yummy

Destiny Blaine said...

Desiree—

“Patience is a virtue” always confused me. I’ve decided whoever said it never wrote a book for publication—lol. Of course, I never claimed to have patience. I’m learning though!

Destiny :)

Anika Hamilton said...

Hi Destiny:
Just wanted to stop by and say hi. Show my support and stuff. I hope you enjoyed your day of blogging. Anika

Desiree de Cleves said...

You're too funny honey...I have to have patience, I've got four kids ad a husband.LOL and of course they're always perfectly behaved and wonderful.

Unknown said...

Hey Destiny,
you are everywhere girl and this book looks like another winner for you - Many Sales to You!
Cricket

Renee Knowles said...

Wow, Destiny, thanks so much for the shout out about my site and Going Topless.

And, Ashlyn! Your site is gorgeous. Love the cover slide show.

Renee

Savanna Kougar said...

Amanda, hi! Thanks for being here. Quite a blogging party. If only the champagne was real. Hey, I'm a champagne girl, not a beer girl.

Desiree, four kids, you have my undyig admiration.

Cricket, hi! and welcome.

Anika, what a lovely name!

Destiny, I'll tell you what, you know how to throw a blog party. If I was a few years younger and lookin' like I used to, hey, a casino vacation. Woopee!
And yep, I'm working on book II, Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil. And I think it's ultra steamy paradise -- and there are horses!

Desiree de Cleves said...

Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil...horses..sounds very intriguing. Is it out yet?? What's it about?? My four kids, 26,22,26,12, my pride and joy,first4 myspace friends,lol

Savanna Kougar said...

Hi Desiree, no, Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil isn't out yet. It's Book II of my World of the Blue Pearl Moon series. Currently All Shades of Blue Paradise, Book I is out with Siren.
The two reviews on Blue Paradise both commented on how steamy erotic it was. So I'm following in those comment steps with Pleasures.
Hi to your 'big' kids! And to the youngest. Oh how I remember when I was twelve! Waving!!!
Thanks for asking!

Anika Hamilton said...

Hey Savanna,
Thanks :-)

Anitra Lynn McLeod said...

Glad I cheered you up about 40. I just turned 42 on April 18th and I'm thrilled! To me, a birthday is a celebration that I survived another year but also that I thrived during that year. I've done more post-40 than I ever did before. :)

And honestly, age is a relative thing. Whatever age you think you are, you are. ;) I think I'm young and therefore, I'm right! Sure, I don't have the same fabulous body I had at nineteen but I've got lots more wisdom. And waaaaaayyy better tricks. ;)

Savanna Kougar said...

Anitra, 'way better tricks'? Now that's a story waiting to be written -- unless you already have?

Hey, everyone, we've got tornado warnings going in this part of the country. So, I may have to sign off soon.

If so, thanks! Huge thanks! to everyone, especially, Destiny, for being with us today.

Destiny Blaine said...

Wow! I disappeared to fix dinner and take a walk and came back to posts galore! Be right back—I want to see what I’ve missed! Stay tuned a prize or maybe even a few prizes are headed your way!

Thank you for being here!

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

I have a winner!!!!! The winner of a PDF file of Winning Virgin Blood is ….drum roll please. Yes, dramatics……

BRB with that winner!

Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Hi Anika!

Thank you for stopping by today! Look at you and your default pic! Wow, you look comfortable when you write those award winning books.

Anika has several titles coming soon so be sure to drop by and check her out at Siren and BookStrand!

This lovely lady will be hitting the book world and taking it by storm. Yes, she will be taking hostages because once you read her work—she’ll have her book-hooks in you! This woman writes the good stuff!

Thanks again for stopping by today!

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Desiree,

My hat is now off to you. If you have a husband and four children who are all well behaved then I want to follow you around and see what you’re slipping into their drink!

By the way, speaking of slipping something into someone’s drink—check out Catherine Chernow’s post on my blog today—you’ll love it!

Hugs!
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Cricket!!!!

Where have you been hiding? What’s up with you? Do you have plans for the summer yet?

Thank you so much for the kind compliments! Come over to Just Another Paranormal Monday and chat with us when you can. In fact, everyone join us every Monday—it’s fast-paced and loads of fun!

Keep in touch!
Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Renee!

I tell it like it is and call it like I see it--and I'm not the only one! You are loved woman!

Destiny :)

Desiree de Cleves said...

Hey Anitra, I saw 40 several years ago, and I have to agree with you, I've done so much post 40, I love it, and yes age is all relative, I love my age, 25 is awesome,and my kids are grown,LOL All Shades of Blue with Siren, o yeah...time to go shopping.lol Renee, Going Topless...that story wass wonderful,I totally enjoyed it.

Destiny Blaine said...

Anitra,

I’ll toast that “way better tricks” comment—I like it. I agree with it and I’ll pass your words of wisdom right on to my gal pals who dread 40 far more than I do but now keep in mind, I have teenagers and their friends who refuse to let me age so I’m with you. It’s how old you feel. Today I’m 24.

Hugs!
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Savanna,

Apple martinis here—champagne will do just fine too. Okay lady, I’m slowly approaching forty—what do you mean a few years younger? We’ll have none of that now—lol!

And I can’t wait to learn more about Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil because I know it will absolutely be a huge hit for you. And if you’re writing horses in—I’m there. Can I bet on them? Just kidding.

Hugs!
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

I have a winner for Winning Virgin Blood! Anika Hamilton—you just won a free PDF copy of Winning Virgin Blood!!! WOO! HOO! Thanks for being here today—Please contact me with your email address and I’ll send it your way! YAY! Congrats Anika!

Please send me your email confirmation to destinyblaine@yahoo.com with WINNER of WINNING in the subject line and I’ll send you your free copy!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs!

Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

Desiree!

Look at your default pic! How pretty you are! Now, tell the truth. Are you 24 too or did I want to be 19 today? Golly darn, I always forget these things. :))

Hugs,
Destiny

Destiny Blaine said...

I have to go ride a cowboy—oops, I meant WRITE a cowboy. Gees. I declare it’s old age trying to creep in because it’s almost bedtime!

So I wanted to pop back in one last time to thank all of the lovely ladies here at Title Magic for allowing me to blog with you today. I’ve learned so much about the Title Magic crew and feel very honored to have been able to share the first day of May with you!

Thank you so much for booking me to blog, Savanna. You’re a special lady and I always enjoy seeing you online—you make chatting a blast!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to post today and to those of you who popped by just to read the Title Magic blog—you rock and we're glad you stopped by too! :))

Before I go, just to let you know, everyone who posted today and everyone who posts before midnight EST tonight will be able to receive a copy of a backlist title in PDF format. If you’ll just drop me an email to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com, I’ll send you a backlist title right away.

Tomorrow, I’ll be blogging all day with Catherine Chernow at my blog—drop by to see us! Until then, keep it sexy and keep reading it hot!

Lots of hugs and love,

Destiny :)
http://www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com/

Desiree de Cleves said...

Congrats Anika, thank you Destiny,you're always so sweet, Savanna and girls...it's been a pleasure. It's getting late and I still have work to d, so I'll say goodnight.
Blessings,
Desiree

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the winner!
Hugs!
Lisa

Renee Knowles said...

Desiree,

Thanks so much for the compliment on Going Topless :)

Btw, your pic is GORGEOUS!

Hugs,

Renee
www.reneeknowles.com

Anonymous said...

I'm late to the party as usual :P
Good luck with all your projects---I look forward to your posts at the Bookstrand Author list.

Your userpic is GORGEOUS. Talent, beauty and a good family, some people have it all! :: envies ::

Lindsay Townsend said...

Hi Destiny!
Have a great day today at Title Magic! Thanks to TM for welcoming you as their guest and to you for inviting us along, too!
Lots of luck with WINNING VIRGIN BLOOD!!!!
Best wishes,
Lindsay
Lindsay Townsend, Kensington and Bookstrand writer of Sensual historical romance.
www.lindsaytownsend.com