I'm Back!!

Hello to all!! I hope everyone is having a fantastic holiday season. I enjoyed the opportunity to be with family and friends and of course the presents :) We had some snow, but not the crazy storm that hit so many...I hope all of you stayed safe and warm. Thankfull the fun is not over since I got several gift cards. I absolutely the post-xmas shopping...it's like a mini holiday!

Best wishes to all and a very happy new year!

Alex

Merry Christmas To Me!

"Alexandra Ivy has me hooked on this series, craving it like I would the finest chocolates."


Alexandra Ivy created a winner with this combination of sexy, gorgeous hero, a courageous heroine who's more than a match for him, sly humor, action, magic and hot passion guaranteed to sizzle a page or two.



Regan, kidnapped and abused from young, is a pureblood Were who was finally rescued from her kidnapper, Culligan. However, when Culligan escaped, she vowed not to rest until she has him in her grasp and exacts her revenge. However, she didn't account for Jagr, a smokin' hot vamp who fired her blood the moment she set eyes on him.



Sexy, gorgeous, muscled, virile hero (really, any other description for a hero, anyone?) Jagr, a reclusive vampire who had been tortured for centuries, is sent to bring Regan back home to her sister in Chicago. However, he understood her need for revenge, having undergone the same thing himself years ago. Attracted and unable to help himself, he joined forces with her to track down her ex-kidnapper.



Ms. Ivy's world is one wherein demons (referring to vamps, weres, imps and just about anything non-human) live under the humans' noses in disguises or passed themselves out as humans. I think the premise here is that the humans generally don't know that the demons live among them, except for some special people, such as those who had been in the service of the demons for years as caretakers, housekeepers, etc. Vamps belong to clans and weres to packs, and there exist a sort-of harmony/peace between the two tribes, but it only takes for something to happen and an all-out war would flare between them. There are other demons, of course, such as imps, trolls, gargoyles, etc. Nothing new in this nor in the way both main characters fight their attraction to one another, but the story has more twists and turns than a labyrinth which surprised me in a pleasant way.

There are lots more things I love about this book. There's the strong heroine and her humor and the real issues Regan brought to the relationship. There's the way Regan's character grew and developed over the course of the story, in the way meeting Jagr changed her and the way she suddenly realized how her priorities have changed. There's the way Jagr opened up a bit about himself to Regan early on in the book (about 100 pages into the book) and it is as a result of this that they have their first intimate moment. All too often in some books, sex happened for no reason other than that it's time to have a sex scene. And there's the way Jagr oozed all those protective male testosterone... *melts* He's utterly yummy.

And regarding the descriptions, we have an insight into the way each character viewed the other party toward the middle of the book. Yes, they're still attracted to the other's physical attributes, but there's something more, something deeper.

Regan on Jagr: Icily aloof and yet so terribly vulnerable. Strong and yet tender. Raw, ruthless power with the soul of a scholar.

Jagr on Regan: His tiny Were, with the soul of a warrior and the innocence of an angel.

Apparently, like all the heroines in the series, I also like Levet! I'm sure I'm not the only reader with this sentiment. He provided comic relief, and I'm certain there was once or twice when he stole the scene completely from the main characters. I'm eager to read the other books, if only for Levet, but that's not the entire reason. Ms. Ivy has me absolutely hooked on this series.

I'm happy to say that this book is a standalone and it's not necessary to read the other books in order to understand it, since this is my first Guardians of Eternity book as well. But I'm getting the other books while I wait for Salvatore's story.

Rating: 5 stars




Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble

Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook

Yikes

I'm still struggling with last minute shopping and trying to catch up on the loads of laundry my son brought home...sigh, so I'll wish everyone an early wish for the happiest of holiday seasons! Eat, drink, and be merry, merry, merry! I love you all :)

Best,
Alex

Good News!!

I received an early Christmas present :) I've been offered an anthology with Jacquelyn Frank, Larissa Ione and G.A. Aiken...I'm not at all sure how I was lucky enough to be included with these insanely talented ladies, but I'm going to hurry up and get my story in just in case it was a mistake :) (Yep, it'll be a Guardian story)

Happy xmas to me!!

Alex

Holiday madness

Sorry I've been MIA but things are crazy hectic!! I think we all get a little nuts this time of year...one of these days we're all going to get smart and just pack our bags and find someplace warm to hide out until the holidays are over :) I still haven't got around to xmas cards or baking and I a ton of shopping that I need to do, but the tree is up and my eldest is on his way home for college, so I suppose I'll be like someone from Whoville and accept that xmas is coming whether I'm ready or not :)

Happy Holidays to All!

New German Cover

Crazy

Wow, I can tell I'm getting older :) I went to town (yes, I live out in the country like a true hermit!) and it was insane. The traffic was insane. Finding parking was insane. Trying to get into the mall was insane...finally I turned around and just went home :) Online shopping is the only way for me to go! I did get the xmas decorations up, but no xmas cards yet. I love this time year, but to be honest, I just don't have time for it. Does that make me a scrooge? Yikes.

Hope all is well with you and that the season is bright and cheery :)

Alex

Still alive?

Hello to all. I hoped you survived Thanksgiving and of course, Black Friday :) I did two turkey dinners in one day...oy, but I gave the shopping a miss. Large crowds of hungry shoppers terrify me :) And I'm in love with online shopping. That way I can cruise around to a dozen or so sights and pick out what I want.

For those of you who were asking about Tane's story...it should be hitting the shelves in December 2010!

Blessings to all,
Alex

A Tiny Taste of Tane :)

CHAPTER ONE

Laylah was tired.

She was tired of the dark, cramped tunnels that she’d been running through for the past two days. She was tired of being chased by an enemy she couldn’t see. She was tired of her stomach cramping with hunger and her limbs screaming in protest at her relentless pace.

Reaching a small cavern, she came to an abrupt halt, shoving her fingers through the short, spiky strands of her brilliant red hair, her black eyes searching the shadows for her pursuer.

Not that she expected to actually catch sight of the frigid pain in her ass.
Vampires not only possessed supernatural speed and strength, but they could shroud themselves in shadows, making them impossible to sense, even to most demons. It was only because she had the power of jinn blood running through her veins that she could detect the relentless leech following her mad dash through the tunnels.

What she didn’t know was…

Why.

She shivered, her mouth dry. Christ. She’d thought she was being so clever when she’d initially allowed the vamp to catch her scent. She’d hoped to lure him, along with the other intruders, away from Caine’s private lair.

Not that she gave a damn about the cur, but she had hidden her most precious treasure at his estate, and she could not afford to allow any creature with the superior senses of a vampire, or even a full-blooded Were, near her secret. She’d thought the demons would give chase for a few hours and then grow tired of the game, hopefully returning to Hannibal or even St. Louis.

But her hasty plan had fallen apart right from the start.

The Were had continued on his path to Caine’s lair, and the vampire had refused to give up, no matter how far or fast she had run.

Now she was too weak to call upon her teleporting powers, and too far from Caine to call for his help.

“Oh, screw it,” she muttered, planting her hands on her hips and tilting her chin in unspoken defiance. “I know you’re following me, vampire. Why don’t you just show yourself?”

A warning chill thickened the air, prickling painfully over her skin.

“You think you can give me orders, half-breed?” A dark, sinfully beautiful voice filled the cavern.

Laylah’s heart missed a beat. Even with her demon blood she wasn’t immune to the ruthless sensuality that was as much a part of a vampire as his lethal fangs.

“What I think is that I’m done running,” she gritted. “So either kill me or go chase someone else.”

“Ah. Then you’re confident you’ve managed to lead me far enough away?”

“Away?” Laylah stiffened, licking her suddenly dry lips. He couldn’t know. No one knew. “Away from what?”

“That is what I’m wondering,” the dark voice drawled. “It must be of great importance.”

Laylah forced herself to suck in a deep breath, refusing to panic. The stupid vamp was simply trying to press her buttons. Everyone knew that they loved to toy with their prey.

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

“Hmmm. Have you ever watched a quail?”

She felt unseen fingers brushed her nape, the cold touch ironically sending a bolt of heat straight to the pit of her stomach. She whirled around, not surprised that the predator had disappeared.

“The bird?” she rasped, belatedly wishing she was wearing more than a pair of cutoff jeans and a muscle shirt. Having so much skin exposed was making her feel oddly vulnerable.

Not that clothing would halt a determined vampire.

It wouldn’t matter if she were wearing a suit of armor.

“When a predator approaches the nest, the mother quail will feign a broken wing and dash away to lure the danger from her chicks,” her tormentor murmured, his voice seeming to speak directly into her ear.

She instinctively stumbled backward, her mouth dry with a sudden fear.
“The only quail I care about are baked and served on a bed of rice.”

“What are you trying to protect?” There was a deliberate pause. “Or is it who?”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

“Is it a lover? A sibling? A child?” His soft chuckle grazed her cheek as the sharp leap of her pulse gave her away. “Ah, that is it. Your child?”

Laylah bunched her hands into fists of frustration. He was getting too close. She had to distract the bastard.

“I thought vampires were known for their courage,” she deliberately taunted, willing to risk a battle she couldn’t win if it would keep her secrets. “Are you such a coward you have to hide in the shadows?”

The chill thickened, the danger a tangible force in the air. Then, the shadows directly before her stirred, and the vampire slowly became visible.

Laylah reeled, feeling as if she’d just been punched in the gut.

All vampires were beautiful. And sexy.

Wickedly, indecently sexy.

But this one…

Reminding herself to breathe, Laylah allowed her gaze to skim over the elegant features that revealed his Polynesian ancestors, lingering on the slanted eyes that were a brilliant shade of honey and the inky black hair that had been shaved on the sides, leaving the top to form a Mohawk that fell past his broad shoulders.

Her gaze lowered, that vicious awareness only intensifying.

The aggravating creature was wearing nothing more than a pair of khaki shorts, leaving his body on full, wondrous display. Her fingers actually twitched with the desire to inspect the smooth muscles of his chest. Or down the flat plane of his stomach.

No doubt aware of her helpless response to his sensual beauty, the demon stepped far too close, his fingers casually stroking along the curve of her neck.

“Have you never been told the dangers of provoking a vampire?” he murmured.

Can you believe it

Holy guacamole, I can't believe that it's nearly Thanksgiving. The weather has been so crappy that I've been holed up in my troll hole and somehow the time just slipped away! I absolutely love the holiday season, but I am soooooo not ready :)

I was also astonished when a box arrived on my doorstep and I found ARCs for Beyond the Darkness! I've been so busy with promo for Darkness Unleashed I wasn't expecting them. Once the holiday season is over I'll start some contests to win an ARC.

Oh, and if you have a minute, I'm blogging over at Authors After Dark.

Hope all is well,
Alex

Question

So, who's going to New Moon ;-)

November Reads

So what's in your TBR pile? I have Nalini Singh's newest waiting to be read along with Kresley Cole's and Gena Showalter's anthology...now if I could just find some time! Tell me what else I can't miss...

Alex

New Contest

Join me for a chance to win!!

http://www.romconinc.com/index.php/conversations/blog/6

HAPPY NEWS!!!

I can't even believe I'm announcing this, but...

Darkness Unleashed is set to debut on both the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say I'm floating on air and I owe it all to you. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. It's your reading and telling your friends about the books and urging them to give the Guardians a try that have taken the books from obscurity to....well, the the NY Times!

A very giddy,
Alex

New Contests

I'm out and about on the web this week :) If you have a chance stop by and say hi! There are prizes to be won!!!

Today I'm at:
http://sapphireromance.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow:

www.RomConInc.com


See ya there!
Alex

Back

I'm back and I have to say I had a fabulous time!!! Check out my news page for pictures. A huge thanks to everyone who came out, and especially Cindy, Debra, Amy, Lisa (and Lisa's mom :) who drove to come and see me! It's was such a pleasure to be able to talk with my readers. And Amy, I have my beautiful Levet next to my computer :) I also want to thank Daniel for inviting me to Border's. It was so much fun. And of course, I can't forget my poor family who get hauled to all my signings :) Don, Lori, Aaron and Carol...big smooches. Hopefully I'll get out and about to visit other bookstores!

Have a wonderful week,
Alex

Book signing

Don't forgot I'll be at the Borders store in DeKalb, IL on Saturday (Nov. 7th) starting at 5:00. There's going to be live music and best of all, I'm bringing candy...oh yeah, I'm willing to bribe people :) I would love to meet you if you have some time to stop by!!!!!!

Release Date and Huge Thanks!!

Today is the official release date for Darkness Unleashed...yeah! And because none of this would be possible without all of you I am sending out cyber champagne and offering a toast:

To the very best readers and friends I could ever hope for. You really, trully are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex

Bad Karma

I really, really need to change my karma...sigh. Last night the GH live was terrible...just a repeat of old shows, bleck, and then this morning I fell down the stairs. I'm okay, but I'm black and blue from head to toe and so sore I can barely move. Good grief, I'm scared to get out of bed. I do have a new interview today at:

http://www.tigriseden.com/index.htm

Stop by if you have a minute or two.

Until later,
a very weary Alex

News

Hello to all, I hope everything is going well. Here the endless rains have managed to flood my basement so I've spent my soggy days trying to dry out the house...sigh. I also received my copy edits for Salvatore's story, which is great, but I'm soooo far behind on everything I want to crawl in bed and forget the world :( Anyhoo, I've updated the News sections of the web site so I hope you'll check it out. I have dates of some upcoming books as well as my booksigning! I'll post pictures whenever I get a chance. Oh, and if you've won a book in one of my contests I swear I'll get it in the mail as soon as I'm done shop vaccing the basement.

On a brighter note, it's almost Halloween. I intend to rest my aching back and watch the live Ghost Hunters...maybe with some hot chocolate and popcorn.

What are your plans???

Chance to Win!!

Make sure you stop by Literary Escapism and enter to win a copy of one of my books!! See ya there : )

http://www.literaryescapism.com/5772/guest-author-alexandra-ivy

Hi

Oy it's soggy and yucky here...AGAIN! I'm truly sick of this weather. On a happier note, I have redesigned the site so I can more easily update the news page! I hope you'll stop by there to keep up to date with what's going on with the Guardian series and for any announcements of upcoming tour dates!

Yeah, it's Halloween week, which I love. All the shows will have a Halloween theme and I LOVE the Ghost Hunters live broadcast :) Other than that I'll be plugging away at the books and trying to recover from my son's visit. Good lord, I forgot how much he and his friends can eat...I feel like Old Mother Hubbard and sadly, I'd rather go hungry than get out in the dreary rain!

Sightings

There have been a few sightings of Darkness Unleashed hitting the shelves...and I know Barnes and Nobel have been shipping them. For some reason it was available on Kindle and then suddenly it wasn't *shrug* who can say :) I'm excited for everyone to read Jagr's story...he was absolutely one of my favs. I just love a tortured hero! I'm also excited about a few upcomin events I'll be doing. I'm reorganizing the web site so I can update the news section and let everyone keep up with my booksignings and chats. I hope some of you can stop by and say hi!! In the meantime I'm working on Tane's story (another vampire) as well as the historical vamp story. And best of all, my oldest is home from college for the weekend...yeah!

So what are you up to?

Alex

Winner!

Okay, I've thrown all the names in a hat and pulled out:


dvlwitgrneyes

Congrats! If you'll send your snail mail address to alexandraivy@yahoo.com I'll get the book in the mail!!

Blatant copy cat :)

Okay, I received my author copies for Darkness Unleashed (still lovin' the cover!) so I've decided to hold another contest. This time I'm stealing an idea from other authors who have started a fascinating trend of asking the contestants to make a mention of the book somewhere on the web...any blog (including your own) or just chitchatting with your friends and saying just how excited you are about the book :) If you mention the book more than once, then I'll put your name in the hat the two or three or four times...just answer here in the blog with the links to where you spoke about the book!!!

I hope this isn't confusing and that you have a good time with it :) I'll announce the winner next Friday!

Good Luck,
Alex

peek at cover

I just received the art work for Salvatore's story!! What do you think???

October

Good grief, I can't believe that it's already October! The new shows have all started, do you have a favorite? I have to admit I haven't managed to catch alot of them, but I do enjoy the Vampire Diaries (although True Blood is still my fav) and I'm excited about the new season of Heroes.

What's your fav?

Alex

Busy!

Well, I've managed to finish up the copy edits for Salvatore's story (Devoured by Darkness) that should be hitting the shelves in April...yeah! Now I'm working on the anthology...I think you'll enjoy it, I've put in familiar characters despite it being a historical, which is the pleasure of having immortals :) Over the next few days, I'll be with my mother. She's going into the hospital for a few tests. At least it will give me the chance to read the new Dan Brown novel that I've been dying to read! I'm also on pins and needles waiting for the new Ilona Andrews book and the new JR Ward book...yum! It seems like there's a whole tide of great books coming out in the next few weeks!

Happy Wednesday to all :)
Alex

New Review from RT!!!

DARKNESS UNLEASHEDby Alexandra Ivy
RT Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Torture and captivity are two things Ivy's newest protagonists have in common in the latest Guardians of Eternity tale. You can see why Ivy is known for creating spunky heroines who face adversity straight on and don't back down easily. Add in sexy and powerful warriors, and you have a recipe for paranormal romance at its best.


Summary: Having survived centuries of torture, vampire Jagr now spends his time alone with his library. But Jagr still has responsibilities, so when the Anasso Styx sets him on a mission, Jagr has little choice but to comply. When another of Styx's wife Darcy's stolen pureblood were sisters has been located, it's up to Jagr to bring her back. Having spent her life being tortured and caged by a nasty imp, Regan has only one thing on her mind -- revenge. But there are other players in this drama, and they want to get their hands on Regan badly. It's up to Jagr to make sure they don't, but that won't be easy! (ZEBRA, Nov., 384 pp., $6.99) HOT—Jill M. Smith

Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Arrrg, maties, raising a toast for a day of clear skies, calm seas and plenty of ale. Oh, and pox on the scurvy blighters who bring ill winds!

Winner!!

Okay, I put everyone's name in a hat and I picked out.......................


Carmen R.

You're the winner :) Just send me an email with your snail mail address to

www.alexandraivy@yahoo.com and I'll get the ARC in the mail!

I will have more contests in October when I'll be doing a few online interviews and chats...I'll keep everyone updated.

A huge thanks to everyone who entered...I think it's remarkable just how alike our tastes are in heroes :)

Alex

An apology and a contest!

First of all, if you've written to me in the past two weeks and I haven't responded please resend the email...for some reason most of my mail was dumping into my junk file and being deleted...sigh. I think I have it straightened out now.

Second, another contest...yeah :)

If you'd like to win an ARC for Darkness Unleashed just tell me your favorite male character from any book...I know it's hard to decide, okay impossible, but just one of your favorites!

Mine would probably be Ranger from the Plum books. Or Eric. Or Wrath. Or Rhett Butler. Or...

I'll post the winner on Friday!!


Good luck,
Alex

Review for Darkness Unleashed

From: Coffee Time Romance & More

Paranormal Romance Rating: 5 Cups


Freedom is merely an apparition when one considers just how manyrestrictions there are in life. But the one thing Regan Garrett knows forcertain is that there will never be another man who controls her future.

Peace and privacy are unfathomable treasures for the centuries old vampire, Jagr, and the only things he has ever requested from his king. So his being brought into the fold with his vampire brothers holds absolutely no appeal for a recluse more comfortable with ancient tomes than clan politics. Jagr is seriously considering that the Anasso has completely lost his mind,but Styx is adamant that only Jagr is capable of tracking and retrieving Regan, his mate's sister. However saying no to Styx is not really an option, so Jagr ultimately finds himself face to face with one very sexy andatrociously bad-tempered were.

Of all the pompous, ill-mannered, anddisgustingly gorgeous vamps in the world why is Regan forced to accept help from the worst of the worst? Jagr could out-frost a blizzard in Siberia, but when it comes to this tiny little were, he melts into a puddle of goo; a fact he is quite certain could get them both char-broiled if he cannot get his head together.

If you are looking for hot sweaty romance, pulse pounding action, and hilariously snarky characters you have come to the right place. There is never a dull moment when you combine flat out stunning vamps, hotter than Hades Weres, and one very adorably ugly gargoyle. I cannot wait to go backand read each of the Guardians of Eternity books in this series, but believe me that they stand perfectly on their own. This is an amazing creation of wonderfully developed characters whose wit and intelligence are second to none.


Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Dragon Con

So was anyone fortunate enough to go to Comic Con or Dragon Con? Of course I missed both...I'm like a troll that never leaves it cave :( In an effort to ease my pain I'm rewatching all the Buffy episodes. How pathetic is that, sigh.

Alex

Same 'ol same 'ol

Hope everyone is having a fun on their long weekend. I'm trying to catch up...well, at least trying not to be so far behind :) We're kinda rainy here so I don't feel so bad on missing out on the bbq's, in fact, if I had my way I would let it rain and curl up with a great book, the phone off the hook, and the doors locked! I'm not anit-social, but I do love having time alone just to enjoy a great book :)

What is your favorite way to spend the day??

Alex

Call Out

I still haven't heard from Tamara :( If she's out there I have an ARC waiting for her! For those of you who are still interested in an ARC I'll be doing some guest blogging and running more contests over the next few weeks!

It's a new month, which means new releases. I thought about listing them all here, but the scifi guy does such a great job, it's just easier to steal his hard work ;)

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/scifiguyca-urban-fantasy-and-sff-book-reviews/86e1fb1fef6f16b8f6e8df0bb4326dd8

What do you all have in your TBR pile??

Alex

Popping in :)

Well, I got my eldest son packed and off to grad school. My husband is deep in football season, (he's a coach) which means I'm more or less a widow :) and my youngest is off doing his thing (whatever that is) so I should have plenty of time to get my work done, unfortunately for me the silence is more distracting than the endless noise and I'm constantly letting things lure me away from my computer when I should be focused.

I think a part of the problem is knowing it's the last few days of summer, so anytime I can get out and enjoy the sun seems like a good idea :)

What about all of you? Are you back in your usual schedule or are you still lingering in summer mode???

Best,

Alex

First reviews for my next Deborah Raleigh book :)

Seduce Me By Christmas:

Raleigh delights with a tale of the bad boy and the lady that has the added attraction of the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With both sensuality and poignancy she charms readers as she explores a relationship that goes beyond the sensual toward the trust and love that is the basis of romance.


Summary: Notorious, illegitimate Raoul Charlebois has left London and his rakish life to search for the answers to his past. On his first day back on the family estate he nearly runs down a small boy. When he brings him home to the gamekeeper's cottage, he meets Sarah Jefferson. Exotically beautiful, yet unaware of her beauty, Sarah cares for three orphaned boys. She is more of a temptation to cynical Raoul than the women of the ton, but Sarah wants nothing to do with him. As he hunts down bits of information about his parentage, he and Sarah form a bond, and as the truth emerges and danger awaits, Sarah prays for a Christmas miracle that will bring Raoul the peace and love he needs. (ZEBRA, Oct., 352 pp., $6.99) HOT

Winner!!!

Okay, I had my son pick a random number and the winner of Darkness Unleashed is....

Tamara!!

Just send you snail mail to alexandraivy@yahoo.com and I'll drop the ARC in the mail!

Thanks to everyone who entered....I had such a blast reading your favorite line! Levet thanks you as well...his head is sooooo swollen he's been impossible to live with :)

Alex

Darkness Unleashed ARC

Okay, I think I'm at last ready :) Here's your chance to win an ARC for Darkness Unleashed. All you need to do is tell me your favorite Levet line from any of the previous books! Just post here on the blog and I'll have my son pick a random number next Wednesday to choose the winner!!

Good luck to all,
Alex

Coming Soon

Okay, I'm in the middle of changing my internet service...which means that I have to change my email address. I swear it's as bad as moving, I can't believe how many things I've had to switch around. Once everything's settled and I have the web site changed over to my new address, I'll be holding my first contest for an ARC of Darkness Unleashed!!

Stay tuned and enjoy these last days of summer :)

Alex

Vampire Diaries

I've been watching the previews for the new show...what do you all think? Are you going to give it a try? I've also heard they're making a tv movie out of LKH's books? Does anyone have any info??

Just wasting time :)
Alex

New Week!

Oy, I'm still running behind :) I need to ask my mother if I was born late! Still working on Salvatore's story and trying to keep up with all the usual summer events as well as getting my oldest son ready to go off to graduate school. I was also checking on my list of books to buy for the upcoming fall...how fun, although I was surprised by the number of books coming out in hardback. How do you feel about that? Do you go ahead and buy them or do you wait for the paperback release?? I'm torn. There are authors I know I'm going to read over and over so I prefer a hardback, but then again, it does limit the number of books I can buy...sigh.

Alex

Happy Friday

Hello to all. Where the heck is summer going ?? We're supposed to have a few beautiful days here so I intend to get out and enjoy them! Oh, I went to see the new Harry Potter! I LOVED it, but my sons thought there was too much romance :) What do boys know? I'm also happy to say that I recieved a few ARCs for Darkness Unleashed so I hope you'll stay tuned. I intend to run a contest before the summer is over! What else....hmmm I've been pretty boring. I have a ton of writing to get done over the next few months, and what seems to be an endless list of baby showers, weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties....sigh. They're always fun, but I never remember to pick up the presents so I have to make a mad dash to town and then I never have anything decent to wear. I need a wife to keep me together!

Hey, what's on tap for August? Any great books I just can't miss?

Alex

RWA

Hi all, just returned from taking my mom on a short trip. We did all the fun girly things that mom and daughters do, shopping and eating and playing putt putt golf :) We had a great time. I'm back to writing, but I have to admit I'm beginning to regret not going to the RWA convention...sigh. I've always promised myself I'd go, but with two boys in college and my husband thinking about going back to college for his PhD, I think conventions are going to have to be put on the back burner for awhile.

Still I'd love to get any info if any of you are attending! Let me know what I'm missing :)

Alex

Fun Stuff

I've discovered over the past few days that I possess a wonderful talent for procrastination! Who knew how much time could be wasted staring out the window, curled on my bed with my Kindle, and of course...surfing the net :) In an effort not to feel like a complete slug and to hopefully spark me back into work mode, I've decided to pass along a few contests that I've run across. If you have any to add, please feel free!

http://www.kimberlykillion.com/contests.asp a ton of Zebra debut books and gift card
http://genashowalter.blogspot.com/ an arc of Darkest Whisper...yum!
http://www.scifiguy.ca/ I love, love, love this site. Always a ton of great interviews and giveaways!

I know there are hundreds more, so if you know any be sure and post them!

Enjoy,
Alex

Fourth

Where's the summer going? Jeez, I can't believe it's already the first of July. I'm still working away, hoping to get Salvatore's story done by the end of the month...that's a little ambitious, but we'll see. I don't have any big plans for the fourth, what about you all? Picnic? Traveling? Hotdogs and fireworks?

Whatever you do, be sure and stay safe :)

Alex

Yuck

OMG it's hot here. I mean swealtering, unbearable hot...or maybe I'm just a wuss :) I have a dozen things I need to do outside, including painting my trim and power washing the house, not to mention weeding my garden, but it just ain't gonna happen. I'd much rather sit in the ac and catch up on my reading! What are your July favs? I'm looking forward to Nalini Singh's book and of course Janet Evanovich (still waiting for it to come out on Kindle). What's on your buy list?

Alex

Vote for Styx

Styx was nominated as sexiest paranormal character at Bitten By Books. If you have time stop by and show Styx some love :))

This is the site:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8391

Of course, there's a ton of great characters...sigh. So hard to choose!

Alex

Oy, what a week. It went from sixty and freezing to to swealtering and raining :) On top of that my sewer decided to backup this weekend (yes, AGAIN) and I'm considering the very pleasant notion of getting in my car and just driving away! Instead, I'm sitting here waiting for the plumbers to call back and tell me they can't possibly get here for another week...sigh. Next week I'm going out of town with my mother. I'm staying in a hotel where I don't have to do anything but sleep and eat!

At least a few new shows have started for the summer season. Are you all watching True Blood? What do you think of it? Can't wait for Monk and Psych to start :)

Enjoy your week!
Alex

Update to the Update :)

Just heard that Salvatore's story has been moved up again :) The new release date is April 2010...yeah! I also wanted to let you know I set up a facebook page so I'd love to have you friend me. So far I'm stumbling around like a total dork so if I send you some weird message or manage to make the stupid thing self destruct please be patient!!

Have a good one,
Alex

Road trip

I'm back from my journey. I took my oldest son to visit a few colleges he's looking at for grad school. We had a fabulous time and I think he's made his choice, but I have to admit I'm not much on driving and seeing the country :( Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to travel and I love to sight see, but I prefer to fly and get to my destination so I can enjoy. The drive to get there...well, not so much!

Where's your favorite travel spot???

Alex

Winner

Okay, I picked a random number and Shel is the winner of the coverflat!!

Just send your snail mail to:
alexandraivy@yahoo.com and I'll get it in the mail. And thanks to everyone for your great book recommendations...my credit card's going to melt before I'm done :) Oh, and be sure and keep checking back, I intend to run more contests this summer!

Alex

Give Away!

To celebrate new release date for Darkness Unleashed I'm going to give everyone a chance to win an autographed copy of the coverflat! Just share you favorite June read (It doesn't have to be a book released in June!). I think mine was Ilona Andrews!

Good luck and I'll pull a name out of the hat on Monday!!

Alex

sneak peek

New Release Date!!

Just heard from my editor that the date for Darkness Unleashed has been moved up to November 2009 and Salvatore's story will be released June 2010...Yeah! I also have the new cover. I sent the image to my web mistress so she'll soon have it loaded. I have to say that I love it. My oldest son thinks the guy looks like Clive Owen. I'll let you all decide!!

Have a good one,
Alex

New Paras

Oh, I love my Kindle but it's getting me in soooo much trouble :) It's way to easy for me to impulse buy, and I have a dozen new books that I can't wait to read! I did notice during my buying frenzy that the para field has certainly widened over the past few years. It use to be witches and then vamps with an ocassional werewolf. Now there's angels and demons and ghosts....I think it's great. What about all of you? Do you enjoy the different species or are you more of a purest??? Right now I'm loving me some demons!

Best,
Alex

Title

Just received word that the title for Salvatore's story will be BEYOND THE DARKNESS. I'm about half way through the book and it's starting to come together :) Harley is a tough Were who doesn't take any crap...so Salvatore's going have to work hard to earn her trust. Poor guy :)

New Cover

This is the German cover for Embrace the Darkness!

Catching up

We were once again battered by storms and once again we dodged the tornadoes, but the rain came and wouldn't leave...sigh. For the first time ever my basement flooded which not only left a mess but ruined the new floor we installed last year. Such a pain, but I keep telling myself it could always be worse. I hope the rest of you haven't been hit with this insane weather.

I managed to get my oldest son graduated, YEAH!!! Big party and lots of fun. Now we're getting ready for a road trip to investigate the various colleges he's looking at for Grad school. That should be fun :)

This coming week I really, really need to get my nose to the grindstone.

Have a fabulous week!
Alex

Good News

I've been offered a place in an upcoming anthology. It will be historical, but I'll be tying it to the Guardians...I'll pass along the info as I get it :) More good news is that we managed to dodge the tornadoes that came through here last night....wow, it was a wild time, and not in a good way :)

Much love,
Alex

Movie Update

Okay, I made it to see Wolverine...Hugh Jackman...yum :) A good movie, my one complaint would be I would have loved to see more Gambit. I thought he was a fascinating character...I hope they'll have another xman with him and the others! I also saw Star Trek. I thought it was a lot of fun. For those who prefer the Next Generation this might not be your thing...it's more campy like the original series. I thought they did a good job with the actors who played the main characters, especially Spock, although I have to admit he'll always be Sylar to me! What's your thoughts???

Alex

Happy Mother's Day

Hope everyone has a lovely, peaceful, joyous Mother's Day! Most of all I hope you will take a moment just to appreciate everything that you do for others. Take a day just to celebrate YOU!!! You deserve it :)

Alex

It's Here

My Kindle finally arrived and I LOVE it!!! My greatest fear was being too much a tech-idiot to use the thing, but thank goodness you don't have to figure out anything but how to turn it on...yeah. Even downloading books is simple as pie (although I live so far out in the boonies that I have to download to my computer and put on the Kindle). Trust me, if I can do it ANYONE can :)

So far I've downloaded Lover Avenged (which I'm currently reading), Plum Spooky and Charlaine Harris' new book. Still on the list to get is Amanda Quick.

For anyone on the fence, I think you'll like the Kindle, especially if you need something super easy!

Have the rest of you read Ward's new book yet? Without giving any spoilers what do you think? What about your thoughts on your fav urban fantasies? I'm getting more and more into them...sigh. Just what I need. Another genre to buy :)

Have a good one,
Alex

German Edition

I thought you might enjoy seeing the cover for the German translation of When Darkness Comes!!

I did it!

Okay, I bit the bullet and finally ordered a Kindle!!!! I've been putting off the decision for over a year as I researched all the different ereaders and the pros and cons of all the ebook sites. I know that everyone has their own favorites and that there's a lot of people out there who have a problem with Amazon, but it finally came to a point where I had to just make the decision. I'll let you know after I receive it my own personal opinion (which is worth about a penny) but for now I'm just excited. I'll never get over my love of holding a book in my hand or having my house filled with bookshelves, but technology moves on and I want to be a part of it :)

Hope all is well,
Alex

RT anyone???

I would love to hear any stories, see pictures, learn the news...whatever you have to share from the RT conference. Did anyone attend???

Alex

Next Cover for Deborah Raleigh

Happy Monday

Is that an oxymoron? Ah well, its early enough that doesn't really feel like a Monday yet :)

The weekend passed in a blur...no, not a fun blur :( Just busy, busy. I did get a new toy, however, that's been a lot of fun. I found a Flip camcorder that was super cheap and just had to get it. Now I'm taping everyone and everything...you know, generally driving everyone crazy! I'm amazed how easy it is to use and especially how easy it is to download the videos. Technology changes so fast it's hard for us old folks to keep up, LOL.

My next tech investment is an ereader. Still debating which one, but that's my demand for Mother's Day.

What about you all, have you found some new tech toys???

Enjoy your week,
Alex

What's Up?

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!! I've finally tossed the last of the cake in the trash and replaced it with bananas...sigh. At least the weather has turned and I can get out of the house to walk. I'm busy working on Salvatore's story and working on my eldest son's graduation party (he's graduating from college...yikes) There's also my youngest son's birthday party, but he's reached that age that I probably won't even see him except when he wants his card :) Other than that I'm trying to ignore the mess building in the house and taking care of all the tedious details of life.

Hope your life is more exciting!

Alex

It's My Birthday!!

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter...mine was a lot of fun despite the miserable weather. Today's my birthday, but oddly enough the older I get the less they bother me :) Actually, I love birthdays...what could be better than cake and presents! Of course, it does mean working out twice as hard as I used to get rid of the cake-butt and I don't spend nearly as much time in front of a mirror as I used to, but on the up side my eye sight is going so I really can't see well enough to be worried :) I also get a card filled with money from my mother which means a trip to the bookstore...yeahhhhhh. Thanks to all of you I have a wish list a mile long. I can't wait.

Hope all is well with you,
Alex

Easter is swiftly approaching, which means I have to clean my house :( I love having family around, but it would be much easier if I had a fairy godmother who could wave her wand and magically make my house shine! Oddly enough when I used to dream about becoming a writer I pictured myself sitting in the sun with a delicious pool-boy bringing me drinks while I conjured my next great American novel . Now I'd settle for washer that doesn't rattle and a vacuum that actually picks up the dirt :) Big Sigh. Do you all have plans for Easter???

Alex

April Fool's

Wow, the year just keeps racing along, I can't believe it's already April. I did have a nice surprise, I found a gift card to Hastings that I'd tucked away from Christmas...yes, my house is that insane :) Now I have to consider what to buy with my fun little surprise. I've already pre-ordered Karen Chance's next book, but I'm not sure what else is coming out in April. Do you have any suggestions of can't miss books???

Hope you're enjoying your spring!

Alex

Guest Blogging

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I'm blogging at:

http://booklover125.blogspot.com/
Stop by and enter to win either a copy of Darkness Revealed or Seducing the Viscount!!!

Hope to see you there,
Alex

Weekend????

I can't believe the weekend is here already...I'm not exactly sure what happened to the week, but it's obviously disappeared. I'm thinking maybe I fell through a blackhole :) I did get plenty of movies for my netflix so thanks to everyone and someday I'm going to have time to actually watch them! For now I'm busy working on Salvatore's story...he's proving to be a bit of a pain (you know how those Weres can be) and it's slow going for now. The first of a book is always the most difficult part, trying to get the story running without overwhelming the reader...ah well, it always works itself out. I am bummed about our weather, we've had 70 degrees for the past week and now suddenly we're expecting six inches of snow :( What's up with that? I hope you all are having a better spring.

Alex

Net flix

Okay, I'm stuck again with my netflix :) Have any of you seen any great movies that might be out on dvd? My problem is that I see the previews and tell myself that I'm going to go see the dang thing and then of course I never make it...sigh. That means six months later I can't remember what the heck I wanted to see. So I would really appreciate any suggestions before I end up with an empty queue. God forbid!

Hope all is well,
Alex

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I'm not sure if I should admit it or not, but I'm waaaaay too old to go out and party like I use to on St. Pats Day. I don't even make the corned beef since no one in my family but me likes it. So, I suppose I'll be boring. I hope you all have better traditions than I do :) Let me know your plans!

Alex

THANK YOU!!!!

As happy as I am with writing the Guardian series it would not be possible without YOU!!!! It's because of my readers that my publisher has continued to support my writing (they are a business, after all) and I don't take enough time to just say thank you!!!!! Even if I don't always remember to say it, I am forever grateful for all of you allowing my dreams to come true.

Kudos to readers everywhere!

Alex

Good News

Just heard from my agent that Zebra is interested in four more books in the Guardian series!!! Yeah. I love, love, love writing these books so I can't wait!

Books

I just stopped a local Walmart, not the one I usually go to (we have three in the area although I live in the middle of nowhere...I keep waiting to wake up and have one in my backyard :)) But I noticed that they had completely redone their book section. It use to be cramped and huddled next to school supplies...now they've made it three short rows in the middle of the store with most of the new titles prominently displayed. I was pleasantly shocked and it made me wonder (yes, I do use my brain off and on!). Walmart never, ever does anything that isn't for profit so I had to assume that even in these tough times people are buying books. What's the word on the street??? Do you know people who are reading more instead of doing activities that are more expensive?

My random thought of the day,
Alex

Is it spring?

Hello from rainy Missouri :( It started storming here two days ago and hasn't stopped. I wanted spring, but now I hope we don't drown. Still, it does mean I've been stuck in the house working away and that's always a bonus. I've also tried to catch up on some tv shows I've missed. I can't say that I'm overly impressed. The new season didn't really catch my attention. I've enjoyed the return of Heroes and Chuck and the Mentalist is getting better. Beyond that...sigh. Of course, I haven't tried that many. What shows do you enjoy? Maybe I just haven't found the right ones :)

Soggy Alex

Hi

For those of you who have read DR and have met Jagr I wanted you to know that his story (Darkness Unleashed) should be hitting the shelves in December! As soon as I get the cover art I'll be sure and post it here...oy, I can't wait :)

Alex

The books are out :)

Hello to all! I'm excited to see that Amazon is now shipping out Darkness Revealed as well as Barnes and Noble. I'm hoping that the book is hitting the shelves in most bookstores, I did see it at my local Walmart :) And I hope that I'll be hearing from all! Let me know what you think...oh, and I'd love to hear about any other books you've been reading. I just finished Nalini Singh's latest and it was fabulous!!! Next in line I have Gena Showalter's and Kresley Cole so I can't wait to get caught up on my writing so I can dive in!!

All the best,
Alex

Showtime

The time is almost here, so of course I'm pacing the floor! It's always nervewracking when a new book hits the shelves. I've had a great time writing the book, but that doesn't always translate into readers loving the book :) More of a worry is whether the book is getting out to all the bookstores and Walmart. I can control the writing, but once I send it off to my publisher it's out of my hands. Not a pleasant thing for a woman who is a certified control-freak! Still, all I can do now is hope for the best (well, that and worry myself sick :) I do hope you all enjoy Cezar's story. Now it's time for me to turn my attention to Salvatore. He's in for a few months of torture :)

Alex

Boring

It's been one of those gray weeks here that make winter so blahhhhhhh. I'm excited about Darkness Revealed release date and working hard on my next book, but I need some sort of distraction before I turn into Johnny from the Shining. (OMG, does anyone even remember that movie besides me?). So I'm hoping that some of you are having a more exciting February than myself and will be willing to share :) An fun Valentine's Day? A new car? A new job? A vacation. Please, please...anything!

Alex

It's Time!

Okay, I had my husband pick a random number and the winner is….Finmechanet!! I’ve you’ll just send me your snail mail address I’ll get the ARC in the mail!!! Thanks to everyone who entered!

Alex

Oops

Thanks for all the wonderful comments...you've picked out some of my fav covers! I think the confusion with Only with a Rogue is that the title of the actual anthology is different from the title of the overall book :) Also I made a mistake in saying it is Darkness Unleashed...sigh. That's what I get for doing too many things at once! It's an ARC for Darkness Revealed...I'm soooo sorry for any confusion and I promise not to try to blog again before my morning Pepsi!

Have a fantastic weekend,
Alex

Darkness Unleashed ARC

Sorry to have disappeared, but my mother was sick so I had to drop everything and do some nursing :( Hopefully it's all cleared up...but once again I'm behind!

I'm going to do something a little different with the contest this time...I'm revamping my historical site at www.deborah-raleigh.com and in a completely selfish attempt to get people to stop by and visit, I'm going to ask every one to name their favorite Deborah Raleigh book cover...you can find them on the site under books...just come back here and list the title of the book and I'll put you in the drawing to win an ARC of Darkness Revealed. I would also be delighted if you'd stop by the blog (at the bottom of the page) and just say hi!! I'll do the drawing next week.

Hopefully that's clear...eek.

Good luck,

Alex

Where has January gone?

Wow, the days are flying past (and no cracks about getting old :) and February is almost upon us. I'm ready for spring, but of course, I'm ALWAYS ready for spring and I really need the time to slow down so I can get some work done! I never, never, never schedule enough time between contracts and end up making myself crazy...ah well. On the other hand I'm very excited by the news that I have some wonderful cover quotes from my very favorite authors!! Angela Knight was gracious enough to give a quote for Darkness Revealed (the next book) while both Gena Showalter and Jade Lee have written wonderful quotes for Darkness Unleashed. I'll be honest...I'm star struck! Not only are these ladies fabulous authors, but terrific ladies as well. I feel very blessed.

I hope your winter is going well and that soon we can all be out basking in the sun!

Alex

Bookmarks

Stop by Authors After Dark to win a bookmark!!

http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/

Darkness Unleashed Sneak Peek!

PROLOGUE

Jagr knew he was creating panic in Viper’s exclusive nightclub. The elegant establishment with its crystal chandeliers and red velvet upholstery catered to the more civilized members of the demon world. Jagr was anything but civilized.
He was a six-foot-three vampire who had once been a Visigoth chief. But it wasn’t his pale gold hair that had been braided to fall nearly to his waist, or the ice-blue eyes that missed nothing that sent creatures with any claim to intelligence scurrying from his path. It wasn’t even the leather duster that flared about his hard body.
No, it was the cold perfection of his stark features and the hint of feral fury that smoldered about him.
Three hundred years of relentless torture had stripped away any hint of civility.
Ignoring the assorted demons who tumbled over chairs and tables in an effort to avoid his long strides, Jagr concentrated on the two Ravens guarding the door to the back office. The hushed air of sophistication was giving him a rash.
He was a vampire who preferred the solitude of his lair hidden beneath the streets of Chicago, surrounded by his vast library, secure in the knowledge that not a human, beast, or demon possessed the ability to enter.
Not that he was the total recluse that his vampire brothers assumed.
No matter how powerful or skilled or intelligent he might be, he understood that his survival depended on understanding the ever-changing technology of the modern world. And beyond that was the necessity of being able to blend in with current society.
Even a recluse had to feed.
Tucked in the very back of his lair was a plasma TV with every channel known to humankind, and the sort of nondescript clothing that allowed him to cruise through the seedier neighborhoods without causing a riot.
The most lethal hunters knew how to camouflage when on the prowl.
But this place…
He’d rather be staked than mince and prance around like a jackass.
Damn Styx. The ancient vampire had known that only a royal command could force him to enter a crowded nightclub. Jagr made no secret of his disdain for the companionship of others.
Which begged the question of why the Anasso would choose such a setting to meet.
In a mood foul enough to fill the vast club with an icy chill, Jagr ignored the two Ravens who stood on sentry duty near the back office, and, lifting his hand, allowed his power to blow the heavy oak door off its hinges.
The looming Ravens growled in warning, dropping their heavy capes, which hid the numerous swords, daggers, and guns attached to various parts of their bodies.
Jagr’s step never faltered. Styx wouldn’t let his pet vampires hurt an invited guest. At least not until he had what he needed from Jagr.
And even if Styx didn’t call off the guards…well hell, he’d been waiting centuries to be taken out in battle. It was a warrior’s destiny.
There was a low murmur from inside the room and the two Ravens grudgingly allowed him to pass with nothing more painful than a heated glare.
Stepping over the shattered door, Jagr paused to cast a wary glance about the pale-blue and ivory room. As expected, Styx (a towering Aztec who was the current king of vampires) was consuming more than his fair share of space behind a heavy walnut desk, his bronzed features unreadable. Viper (clan chief of Chicago, who, with his silver hair and dark eyes looked more like an angel than lethal warrior) standing at his shoulder.
“Jagr.” Styx leaned back in the leather chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. “Thank you for coming so promptly.”
Jagr narrowed his frigid gaze. “Did I have a choice?”
“Careful, Jagr,” Viper warned. “This is your Anasso.”
Jagr curled his lips, but he was wise enough to keep his angry words to himself. Even presuming he could match Styx’s renowned power, he would be dead before ever leaving the club if he challenged the Anasso.
“What do you want?” he growled.
“I have a task for you.”

Gift Cards!

So I have my gift cards from Christmas...for bookstores of course (my family knows me sooooo well). I like to hold on to them and savor the thought of spending an afternoon browsing through the books. Of course, I have some that are absolutely must buys! Especially paranormal series that I have been waiting forever to hit the shelves :) But I was sorting through my books and I realize that there are some series that seem to have played out :( So, I wanted your opinion. What series are you just foaming at the mouth to get your hands on and which series have you given up on? (You can say mine :) Also, what keeps some series so incrediably exciting and what makes some become....repetitive. I would LOVE to have your insight!

Alex

Well, the holidays are behind us...thank god :) As much as I love my family it makes it almost impossible to work with people constantly underfoot. And of course, there's always the cooking and cleaning and grocery shopping...oy. I need a vacation!

With the New Year comes the usual resolutions. Mine is once again to make a bestseller list (any list...sigh) and more importantly, to spend more time thinking of others. What of you all? Do you have any resolutions?

Oh, and I have one more resolution. I'm going to have one more contest for an ARC of Darkness Revealed. Probably the first of February, so stay tuned!

Hope everyone survived the holidays!
Alex