Anya Bast

Winners of the “I Went Away, So You Get Cool Stuff Contest” are as follows:

1.) Niki Isaac

2.) Dawn Branscum

3.) Becky Jean

Whoever contacts me first gets her first choice. Second gets second choice, ect. Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com. Congrats!

Cross-posted from Fire and Ice.

In view of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d talk a little about that all important first kiss in a romance novel.

Kissing scenes are hard to write anyway, but the first kiss scene? Argh! The pressure! The expectations! It makes it all the harder. You have to get it just right, you know? The charged erotic climate. The blossoming attraction between the hero and the heroine that might, juuuust might turn into something more.

You have to nail the sensuality of it. The slow glide, lip to lip. The taste of each other’s mouth. The scent of their skin. The slip of tongue against tongue that sends tremors of want through them both. The twining of their breath, a little bit of their souls. How to get it exactly right… What are their hands doing? Are his hands at the small of her back, holding her flush against his chest? Are hers curled into the fabric of his shirt at his shoulders?

It makes me crazy getting the details straight.

I’m not holding this one up as an example of a good first kiss scene (I’m way too critical of my writing to ever think that), but I do really like this one from an older, less popular title of mine, Water Crystal (Ellora’s Cave).

~*~

Excerpt

The room was empty save for the two of them. Steam billowed from the surface of one filled tub. To its right side stood a shelf containing shampoo and soap. On the other side stood a rack of large towels.

Angelo uncuffed her and turned to leave, but hesitated at the door. “Let me check the boards on these windows, Bianca.” He went around the room, making sure the windows were nailed tight enough that she couldn’t pry them off.

“I’m not going to try and escape.”

He turned and gave her a look of disbelief. “After what you pulled at Hank’s, am I supposed to believe that?”

“Angelo, I swear. I’m much safer with you than without you at this point.”

“I agree with you for the first time since we met.”

“The water’s getting cold,” she complained.

“Just give me a few more minutes, okay?”

She gave him that sly, secret smile that was fast becoming her trademark. That smile meant she was up to something. “Well, if you won’t leave me alone, I guess I’ll just have bathe with you in the room.”

Before he had a chance to protest, she unbuttoned her pants and sent them sliding down her legs to pool at her feet. Shapely calves flowing into strong, beautiful thighs met his view. Above that was a peek of blue material under her shirt, blue cotton with tiny, faded red roses.

She kicked her pants away with one slim foot and the smooth muscles of her legs rippled. He couldn’t look away from her. Damn, he couldn’t even move. There it was again—that tightness in his body, settling in his groin. He hated that she had such power over him. He hated it even more that she knew she had that power over him.

Her hands went to the bottom of her shirt, as she prepared to slide it up over her head. Her flat abdomen came into view.

His paralysis broke and he went to her in four fast strides. He caught her hands and pushed them down, forcing her shirt back into place. She looked pleased with herself. Too damned pleased. She knew that she had the upper hand, and that she could bring him to his knees if she tried hard enough. He knew it and so did she.

Playing with fire, that’s what Bianca loved to do…but she could she handle the inferno once it was started? Angelo doubted it. Maybe it was time to turn the tables. Maybe it was time to push her buttons and reveal the truth at the same time.

Winding one arm around her waist so she couldn’t step away from him, he caught her chin in his fingers and tipped her face to his. “Are you going to be ready for me, Bianca, when I finally call your bluff?”

She looked uncertain for a moment. That same raw look of innocence wounded crossed her features. A fake smile flickered across her face. “Bluff? What do you mean?”

He drew his thumb over her lower lip. It was soft and smooth. He couldn’t help but think about how her mouth was going to feel under his, so lush, warm and wet.

“This is what I mean.” He lowered his face toward hers, and he felt her stiffen.

“Look, I’m sorry I teased.” She snaked her hand between them. Her palm pressed against his chest. “This is a bad idea, Angelo,” she whispered so low he almost couldn’t hear her.

He nodded his head slightly, his intent gaze on her lips. “It’s the worst idea I ever had.” He drew his hand from her chin to the base of her spine, and then pressed her into him while his mouth descended on hers.

Her lips were unmoving at first and then her body relaxed, curving to fit him perfectly. Her mouth moved under his, returning his kiss with a sudden urgency. He coaxed her lips apart and let his tongue explore within.

Her hands came up tentatively, fluttering against his arms as though she was unsure what to do with them. She finally curled the fingers of one hand into the hair at the nape of his neck. The other she pressed tight against the back of his shoulder. It almost seemed as though she was willing more of him against her.

Her tongue found his and moved against it artlessly. Her inexperienced strokes simply served to stoke the fire that was already burning hot and high within him. All his resolve about staying celibate dissolved like sugar stirred into water at the press of her lips and tongue against his.

He brought a hand around and cupped one small breast, brushing his thumb back and forth over her erect nipple through the material of her T-shirt. She moaned deep in her throat and arched into him. Reveling in the feel of her taut breast pushing against the thin fabric, he pressed his hard cock against her so she could feel what she was doing to him, and how much he wanted her.

She pulled away a little, gasped, looked surprised for a moment, then smiled and sealed her mouth back on his with a new urgency.

He found the edge of her T-shirt and pushed his hand under it to caress the skin of her lower back. She felt firm and warm. He wanted so much more than she was going to be able to give him. His body ached with the desire to lower her to the floor and help her discover all the ways a man and woman could find pleasure together, because for all her teasing she didn’t know.

He’d been right all along about her. The truth of it was in her kiss. She wasn’t ready for him. Suppressing a groan of frustration, he released her and backed away.

He looked at her and couldn’t help but smile. Now who had the upper hand? It had nearly killed him to get it, but he’d savor it while he had it.

I had a booksigning at Rose’s Bookhouse in O’Fallon, Mo., this past weekend. Rose’s Bookhouse is a really awesome indy bookstore near St. Louis. Check it out, if you can. While there I picked up the latest release from each of the lovely authors I signed with. This is your chance to win one of their signed books!

First up is The Lure of Song and Magic (I love that title), by Patricia Rice….

Her voice was a curse…

When Dylan “Oz” Oswin’s son is kidnapped, the high-powered producer will do anything to get him back. Desperately following an anonymous tip, he seeks help from a former child singing sensation called Syrene, only to find she’s vowed never to sing again. Immune to her voice but not her charm, Oz is convinced she holds the key to his son’s disappearance-and he’ll stop at nothing to make her break her vow.

Only he can make her sing …

She knows the devastation her talent can bring. There’s more than a child’s life at stake, but Syrene cannot unleash her dangerous siren’s voice upon the world, even for a man who is impossible to deny…

Visit Patrica’s web site.

Next is debut author, Heather Snow with Sweet Enemy….

Sweet Enemy…
A Veiled Seduction Novel ~ Book One

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom…and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can’t control…

Visit Heather Snow’s web site.

And, finally, Always a Temptress, by Eileen Dreyer…

His greatest battle is just beginning . . .

Captain Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men on the battlefield, he’s ready to put his responsibilities behind him and live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: find out what the most outrageous woman in London, the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier, is concealing, before her secrets take down the crown.

Her heart is the only thing she won’t risk . . .

Surrounded by ardent admirers and a few loyal friends, Lady Kate Seaton glides through the ton on a confection of couture gowns and bon mots. No one suspects that beneath her lighthearted façade Kate hides a sorrow so scandalous she’ll do anything to keep it hidden. But only when she trusts Harry with the truth and only when he trusts her with his heart can they stop the villains all too willing to kill Kate to attain their ultimate goal: destroy England

Visit Eileen’s web site.

Comment for a chance to win: Do you enjoy booksignings? Try to get to them when you can? Or not so much? This contest is open to all, both in the U.S. and not. I’ll keep the contest open until Friday morning. Check back then to see if you’ve won. The first person I draw will get her choice of books, second person her choice of the remaining two, ect. Good luck!

Today is the official release day of MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT, although it’s been floating around out there already. Thanks for all the emails from those who have already read and loved the book (and, dude, you read really fast).

Order from Amazon.com

Order from Barnes & Noble

Excerpt from MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT….

She found herself at the edge of a campsite, a fire flickering merrily not far away. Standing, not making a sound, she moved from her place between two bushes and peered through the foliage at him.

She didn’t worry about being caught. Niall remained sadly deluded on this point, but he would never catch her. Watching him now she decided that was somewhat of a pity. Maybe being caught by this man wasn’t the worst thing that could happen to her.

He leaned up against a rock, blanket spread underneath him and the fire crackling and spitting near his booted feet. He had his eyes closed and his hands behind his head, looking restful . . . maybe just a little defeated. Her lips curled in a smile. His shirt was unbuttoned, giving her a glimpse of his muscular chest and a hint of his broad shoulders. This man was much stronger than her; no doubt about that—but she was faster and trickier.

He had dimples. She hadn’t noticed that before. They gave him a mischievous look. Her gaze traced the curve of his lips, and she wondered what his hands were like, wondered what his hands on her body might feel like.

She knew she shouldn’t be thinking about this man in that way. He was her enemy. He wanted the pieces she was guarding and therefore, by default, his success meant her mother’s death. Still, she couldn’t help fantasizing about this man. She’d been doing it from the first night he’d tracked her down and she’d heard his voice in the darkness, caught the scent of him on the wind. It was true she lived a sheltered life, but she’d met plenty of men, mostly nature fae—this man was different. This one called to her in a primal way.

This one made her wonder what it would be like to slide naked down the length of him, to feel the cup of his big hands on her body and the fit of him between her thighs. Maybe it was just because he was the one man she could never have, or maybe there was something more substantial to her attraction.

Either way, it didn’t matter.

This was just fantasy. She couldn’t have this man. Not even for one night.

~*~*~*~

NIALL OPENED HIS EYES, feeling the pressure of someone’s presence nearby. Elizabeth. It had to be.

He remained still, searching the area with his senses for her exact location. Once he thought he had it—she was right there, between those two bushes—he sprang to his feet and lunged for her.

A woman’s yelp. A flash of a long, peach-colored form. The softest brush of bare skin against his fingertips.

Then nothing.

He lay sprawled in the foliage, cursing under his breath, branches poking him in the side and leaves tickling his nose. Then he rolled onto his back. Sweet Danu, she’d been naked again. He rubbed his fingers together, recalling the lovely sensation of her skin.

He wanted more.

Winners!

The winner of her her choice from the first three books of the Dark Magick series is Deana! Congrats!

The grand prize winner of the $100 GC to the bookstore of her choice is Martie Evans, who got married for love (and that was really dumb, according to her). Congrats!

Both of you, please send me an email ~ anyabast(at)gmail.com

Thank you so much to everyone who made this contest such a success. I hope you all had a great time. I will get the prizes out as soon as I can. (I have a whole stack!)

The winner of Witch Fury is Tagati! Congrats! Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com.

Today’s book……

Since this is the last day of the daily contests and since MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT releases tomorrow, I will give today’s winner her choice of any of the first three in the series.

Want to win an autographed copy of one of these books? Reply to the following question. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won. Also, tomorrow I will be announcing the winner of the grand prize, so be sure you come back for that.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod? Or, simply, what’s your favorite song?

The winner of Wait for Me is Diane (who hates to vacuum)! Congrats! Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com with your selection.

Today’s book….

Sarafina Connell is having the worst week of her life. It takes an even darker turn when an infamous playboy kidnaps her and reveals a world she never knew existed….

It’s a world where magick is real, and where Sarafina is given a chance to join a secret cabal that is bent on gaining absolute power. They could use a woman like her—a witch with an untapped gift for creating fire. But she isn’t about to get in league with the devil.

Rescued from her captors, Sarafina is introduced to a coven that is duty-bound to fight the forces of darkness. She’s pleased that her savior is the imposingly seductive Theo—until the trust between them goes up in flames. However, as the war between good and evil is waged, Sarafina and Theo realize they have no choice but to unite in the battle for supremacy—that’s getting hotter by the minute.

Want to win an autographed copy of this book? Reply to the following question. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won.

What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?

The winner of Hot for the Holidays is Asheleigh W! Congrats! Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com with your selection.

Today’s book….

A woman without a past…

After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.

A man desperate for a reason to live…

Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.

Two lives about to converge.

As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be? As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they’ve both been searching for is finally within reach.

Read an excerpt

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Want to win an autographed copy of this book? Reply to the following question. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

The winner of yesterday’s contest is Stacy S! Congrats! Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com with your selection.

Today’s book….

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Borders

Four bestselling authors invite readers to spend the night with these never-before-published novellas spiced with sexy romance and paranormal passion. So come in out of the cold and experience the thrill of a soul-stirring new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh, a return to the beguiling world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight, and two more mesmerizing and unexpected stories of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits from Anya Bast and Allyson James.

My novella is titled Sweet Enchantment. It provides a first taste of the world in which my new Dark Magick series is set.

Want to win an autographed copy of this book? Reply to the following question. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won.

I have lots of great travel memories–seeing windmills in the Netherlands for the first time, having French Fries in Belgium. Even if you only went a few miles away, do you have any memorable travel experiences to share?

The winner of Witch Heart is Savannah M! Congrats! Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com.

Today’s book……

Your choice of any of these titles. Sorry I couldn’t offer them all. I go by the stock on my shelf.

Answer in the comments for a shot at a winning your choice from the above set of books. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you won.

Tell me one thing that’s awesome in your life, something or someone you cherish, an event you’re looking forward to, anything that you absolutely love.