Summer Nights with The Vampire Family!

Why be out in the holiday heat when you can stay under the moonlit radar with The Vampire Family? I'm certainly in the cool indoors clicking away on the sequel.

Here's a list of spots we'll be haunting this August. I'm taking a small vacation, but my calendar is overflowing for September and October. Yes, keep thinking Fall, pumpkins, cornstalks, the changing of the leaves will be here soon enough!


8/3 Eternal Press at the Cover 2 Cover Group
8/5 EP Live Chat 9 p.m. est at Romance Junkies
8/11 EP Author's Blog Paranormal Day


Erotica fans can enjoy all the science fiction and summer heat of course with fellow NJ gal and Eternal Press author Leigh Wood. Look for her forthcoming On The Way To New Isosceles! Here's a quick list of a few of Leigh's guest spots.

7/14 EP Authors at Rites of Romance
7/15 Leigh Wood at Romance Bistro After Dark
7/21 Leigh Wood Day at the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group
7/22 EP visits the Amethyst Winters Group

I won't say the year, but don't forget Leigh's birthday is August 1, too! Stop by our collaborative Blog Scares and Spices to say hello!



Remember for a complete list of appearances, stop by the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group! And of course you can friend, follow, subscribe, or comment at any of the following locations:

http://kristin724.livejournal.com/

http://leighwood.blogspot.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella

http://vampfam.blogspot.com

http://myspace.com/kristinbattestella

http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella


~On The Way To New Isoceles
by Leigh Wood
Coming Soon from Eternal Press!
http://leighwood.blogspot.com


The Vampire Family
by Kristin Battestella
Now in Ebook or Paperback
http://jsnouff.com/kristin

Today is Paranormal Day her on the blog, so I'd like to invite you into my fantasy-world. I'm Jean Roberta, and I write erotica in various flavors - realistic, fantasy, BDSM, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.

The following is the opening scene from my story, "Slippery When Wet" -- about a lesbian university student and her very attractive but unusual classmate, who doesn't seem to eat human food. This excerpt is part of a passage I read aloud in an erotic reading by 6 women writers in Toronto (Canada) on June 22, part of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Pride Week

"Slippery When Wet" is from Obsession, my collection of 14 erotic stories from Eternal Press, available in e-form since 2008, and now available in print!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Cory Seeker, third-year biology major at Lifeprep University, had a dream
about snakes. She was fond of all the animals she knew personally, and she
often dreamed about creatures in all shapes and species, but this dream
was unusually troubling. The snakes in Cory’s mind emerged from dark holes to slide familiarly over and under each other as they swarmed up her solid curves, from her thighs to her quivering belly to her hardening nipples and on to her neck, seeking warmth as she tried not to breathe. When she opened her mouth to scream, no sound came out.

Dim light, as though from candles, glowed on scales in various patterns and colors, from the black of an oil slick on a midnight ocean to metallic silver and gold to the deep red of rubies and fresh blood. Cory couldn’t distinguish the poisonous or hostile from what might be relatively friendly and harmless snakes. A constant hissing reminded her of flowing water and rising steam. The snakes tempted her with suggestions in a language she could almost understand. She couldn’t close her slippery thighs to keep out unwelcome visitors.

When Cory awoke to the light of day streaming in through venetian blinds, she was covered with cold sweat. She threw the bedding off her legs, and felt the shock of air on her wet bush. Her nightshirt was bunched around her waist. Cory’s cunt pulsed to the rhythm of her breathing, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to indulge in a fast, purposeful self-fuck to relieve tension, or to run to the shower to wash off the atmosphere of the dream. She looked at her bedside clock, and realized that her first class would start in forty minutes. The shower won.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colorado here I come.

This is me, in Colorado, happily writing. This is me next week, on the deck in Colorado, happy and having fun. I can't wait. You can count on a post or six about this time every year that has to do with sitting on the deck, watching for bears, dodging kamikaze hummers and doing the "avoid the chipmunk underfoot" dance.

And then there is the gossip with six friends, wine, books, reading, naps, dinner at favorite restaurants, relaxing somewhere where the temperatures range from 40-70 and have never seen triple digits, ever. Did I say shopping, Taos, Walsenburg, LaVeta, scenery, walking in the meadow, painting? Can't wait. Fly out on Sat.am, crack of dawn.

Eternal Press New July Release: High Life by Terry Sanville

The High Life by Terry Sanville
http://www.eternalpress.ca/highlife.html
Paranormal
Science Fiction/Romance, 5,665 Words
$ US
Flame Rating: 1 Flame
Cover Art © 2009 by Amanda Kelsey
Edited by Foery K. MacDonell
Copyedited by Gerald L. “Moss” Bliss, D.D.
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-23-4
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-32-6

Low level violence
Adult themes

Summary:
By 2098, the rise in sea level has flooded low-lying areas along the Southern California coast. The flooding has created a patchwork of marsh islands where the displaced “dung people” live – subsistence fishermen and farmers…the future’s untouchables.
The affluent live high above the marshland, in condominiums bolted to the underside of old freeway flyovers. Jacque lives in a posh end unit and is the CEO of an international trading company. She discovers Desmond, a handsome dark-skinned “dungee,” trying to steal crops grown on her balcony. She helps him escape from the murderous Security Forces. When they meet again on a moonlit night, their attraction leads to passionate lovemaking. But can love and lust overcome their differences? Create a lasting bond? Don’t assume anything about this story, because the ending may surprise you.

Excerpt:

Moving along the walkway that surrounded her unit, she froze. A metal hook with rope attached hung from the railing. The rope was taut. Jacque leaned outward. A man clung to the line ten meters below, almost hidden in the vines. With a yelp, she retreated.
“HELP, PLEASE. I won’t hurt—” followed her inside.
Slamming the door, she reached for the vidcom to call Security, but stopped. Stay calm…stay calm. You can take care of this…you’re in control here.
From the kitchen, she retrieved a serrated knife. A shiver ran through her body. You can do this…you’re top management now…. She pushed through the balcony door and moved to the rope. It was made of some kind of hand-braided material, probably from the marsh reeds that concealed the dung people’s villages. She sawed on the line with the knife. It began to tremble.
“PLEASE DON’T,” the dungee shouted. “The fall will kill me.”
She stopped sawing and yelled, “Then climb down and get the hell out of here.”
“I can’t. Look.”
The coffee-with-soy colored man pointed to the lagoon. A massive school of finned fish cut the water’s surface. She watched a particularly large example roll onto its side, showing jagged teeth. Maybe I should feed him to those critters and save Security the trouble.“PLEASE, I’m begging you.” He used proper English, which surprised her. She’d expected the dungees to communicate in grunts and growls. But it was the fear and pleading in his voice that made it tough for her to treat him like the animal he was.

Eternal Press New July Release: Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West

Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West
http://www.eternalpress.ca/heartofawarrier.html
Romance, 71,400 Words
$ US
Heat Rating: 2 Flames
Cover Art © 2009 by Dawné Dominique
Edited by Pam Slade
Copyedited by Rose V. Stepney
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-31-9
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-30-1

Summary:

When Belinda arrives fresh from England, at her father’s store on the edge of a Navajo reservation, she is faced with not only the news her father is ill in hospital, but the store is being run by Jez Lansdowne, a man she hates and distrusts. Until she can find out why Jez is suddenly her father’s new partner, Belinda is forced to live in Chief Yuma’s storage hut, next to the store.
Yuma is annoyed the fiery English woman is living on his land, as the Res is soon closing to outsiders. They clash, but a deeper emotion grows into a love that makes Yuma question his culture and traditions.

Excerpt:

Belinda ran full pelt towards the sound of the waterfall. Just when she thought she was almost there, her feet left the ground and she screamed in angry frustration. Muscular arms encased her like tight bands of steel, and she clawed at them knowing in her heart that this man was way too strong for her to escape from.
“Let me go,” she screamed, scratching and kicking with every bit of strength she possessed. “Get off me.” It took a few moments for her to register the soft, masculine voice in her ear.
“Belinda, it’s all right. You’re safe now—with friends. No-one’s going to hurt you.”
Belinda continued to struggle. Friends! She didn’t have any of them in this godforsaken country. A small sob pushed through her swollen lips, as her strength began to wane.
“Belinda, stop. The fight is over. I promise you that while there is breath in my body, no one will hurt you like this again. You’re safe with me.”As the words penetrated her terror fuelled brain, Belinda slowly ceased her wild struggle. She didn’t know who held her, but for the first time since she was a child, she felt totally safe. Still locked inside the protective circle of the arms holding her, she slowly turned. A sob caught in her throat when she saw a single turquoise stone hanging on a silver chain. It was lying on a bare, golden chest, one she remembered very well.

Eternal Press New July Release: Queen of Kings: Macha Mong Raud by Cornelia Amiri

Queen of Kings: Macha Mong Raud by Cornelia Amiri
http://www.eternalpress.ca/queenofkingsmachamongraud.html
Celtic/Fantasy/Romance, 17,950 Words
Flame Rating: 3 Flames
Cover Art © 2009 by Dawné Dominique
Edited by Rebecca Wood
Copyedited by Erin Cramer
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-21-0
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-30-2

Summary:

Macha of the Red Braids exudes the essence of female power. Defying and fighting two kings, she takes her father’s place on the throne. With one goal in mind, she uses magic, battles, disguises, and skills of seduction to take the crown as sole ruler. She is the only woman listed as a High King of Ireland. She builds the famed kingdom of Emain Macha, marking off the borders with the pin of her treasured cloak brooch. Even still, a Champion from the wilds of Connaught throws the powerful battle queen off guard when he comes to claim her heart. Has Macha met her match in Nath of Connaught? Will he pass the three trials she has set before him?

Excerpt:

It was night, her element. As there were the dark gods of the moon and the sea, so there were the bright ones of the sun. She was dark. Her gaze fell onto the distant plain where she had raced with Nath earlier in the day. Though clouded in darkness now, she thought of the lush green grass that blanketed the earth. The deep, dark soil was firm and solid: sure, constant, and dependable.
She turned and gasped. Nath had come upon her, silently. He stood there at her side.
“I did not mean to startle you, my queen.”
His nearness was overwhelming. She cleared her throat, pretending not to be affected. “Not at all.”
But she couldn’t tear her gaze from him. Fiery sun, bright and hot, big and bold. Everyone wants him to shine on them.
“The druid thought you would be out here.”
“The druid knows me well.”
When the rays of the sun touched the rich earth, they created the lush peaceful green pasture. She needed him, the sun for her earth. They completed each other. They belonged together: dark and light, earth and sun, Nath and Macha. The druid knew it, and druids were never wrong.
He looked up, and her gaze followed his. The pearl moon gleamed, smooth and perfect against the clear ebony sky, which twinkled with countless stars.
“Dark, sparkling, vast and enchanting,” Nath rasped.
“Yes, the night sky is lovely.”
“I did not mean the sky, my queen.”
A twinkle of moonlight caught her eye as she gazed at him. His eyes alone could set her ablaze. Fire danced in her. “I need to speak with you.”
“Yes, your majesty?” He leaned closer to her.“Nath, what is it you want of me?”

Eternal Press New July Release: A Touch of Scarlet by Jessica McHugh

A Touch of Scarlet by Jessica McHugh
http://www.eternalpress.ca/atouchofscarlet.html
Fantasy/Horror, 25,963 Words
Heat Rating: 1 Flame
Cover Art © 2009 by Dawné Dominique
Edited by Foery K. MacDonell
Copyedited by Adrienne Morris
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-20-3
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-29-6

Medium level violence
Adult themes
Implied child molestation

Summary:

Scout never expected to wake up one day with a power that allowed her to jump into other worlds. She never expected God to tell her that she was special and destined for greatness. But most of all, she never expected to learn that her life as she knew it was fabricated to hide the dark secret of her true identity.
Provocative and enthralling, A Touch of Scarlet invites you into a world beyond good and evil where the truth is merely a matter of opinion.

Excerpt:

“I hold more emotion in this small body than any other being ever has. My mind is broken, not into two equal sides of good and evil but into many factions of grey. You think you know me. You think you can control me because I am yours. Well, I am not yours anymore. I belong to the aspirations of man. I am what they long to be. Before the end, you should know and accept that.”
“I cannot. I want you to be as you were born to be; I still see the good in you, Scout.”
“The good is there, for sure, but there is a stronger force within me; one that exceeds all others,” I replied.
“You’re trying to be proud, but I feel the struggle within you. The bits I created anew are trying to break free. I know you have regret because I can feel your sorrow. You know what you did was wrong.”
“The only sorrow I know comes from residue of realization that the good of my life was a lie,” I responded.
“It's not true. You're not damned, Scout. I can save you.”
“I’m beyond salvation, and even if I weren't, I would not accept your aid.”
“I am not the one who is trying to hurt you,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter what your intentions were; there’s no way to go back. We both need to live with the fact that you put me together wrong, and that because of it, I am the most magnificent being in all creation.”

Eternal Press New July Release: Guardians of Desire by Sahara Berns

Guardians of Desire by Sahara Berns
http://www.eternalpress.ca/guardiansofdesire.html
Time Travel Romance/Science Fiction, 13,377 Words
$ US
Heat Rating: 3 Flames
Cover Art © 2009 by Amanda Kelsey
Edited by Diana Rubino
Copyedited by Valerie R. Coffey
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-19-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-28-9

Low level violence
Adult themes
Sex scene

Summary:

Kendra is the quintessential girl next door. She runs a small bookshop in the center of Cape Town, lives in the suburbs with her mother, and nothing spectacular ever happens to her until her dream man, a tall dark Bond-like Englishman strolls into her store. And when an unusual earthquake strikes the heart of Cape Town, Kendra has no idea the event will disrupt more than just the city - her life is about to be thrown into turmoil.

Mark Holby, the Rift Council’s crisis manager, runs a small group of elite operatives, who must ensure that the world’s historical timeline remains stable. Ever since science stumbled onto the Rift, groups have been travelling back in time to change history for their gain.

Mark must recruit Kendra in order to help the group travel back in time, but in joining the group, Kendra will have choose between the death of her father and life with the man of her dreams.

Excerpt:

Adrenaline thundered through Kendra’s veins. Her heart raced. The tiny hairs all over her body rose, like static electricity before a storm on a dry summer’s day. With her eyes screwed shut, she prayed it wouldn’t hurt. And that she would live. Almost as soon as she stepped into the portal, the electrical field dissipated. The loud jarring honk of a horn assaulted her ears. A horn? She opened her eyes. She spotted the green army Jeep hurtling towards her. Startled, she barely had time to leap out of the way, as a group of angry soldiers jeered, shaking their fists. Wide-eyed she watched them disappear down the hill in a cloud of red dust. As she peered down the road, Leo materialized in the spot she’d just been.

Eternal Press New July Release: Sunset on Ramree by Robert Appleton

Sunset on Ramree by Robert Appleton
http://www.eternalpress.ca/sunsetonramree.html
Historical/War, 14,939 Words
$ US
Heat Rating: Not Applicable
Cover Art © 2009 by Dawné Dominique
Edited by Lauren Gilbert
Copyedited by Heather Williams
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN:978-1-926704-18-0
Print ISBN:978-1-926704-27-2

Summary:

On February 19th, 1945, one thousand Japanese soldiers retreat into the fetid mangrove swamps of Ramree Island hoping to escape their British enemy. However it is soon apparent that the twelve kilometre stretch of marshland that promised to offer safe cover, has delivered them straight into the jaws of hell.

Inspired by true events during WWII, Sunset on Ramree follows young musician-turned-soldier Shigeatsu Nakadai and his best friend, Kodi, as they head ever deeper into danger.

Excerpt:
I try to conjure a memory of before the war—something, anything to distract me—but draw a blank every time. I purse my lips to whistle a familiar tune, but nothing comes out. I shut my eyes tight and roll them inward until they ache and release a heavy pulse. The screams and shots and calls for surrender are still there. Kodi and Sobiku are still there. I imagine the reed of a clarinet between my lips and the long, sustained breath given to making sweetly aching music. But nothing comes out. No tune, no melody, no woodwind to soothe the mangroves. Just the damp, cold harmonics of the night. I’m lost without music, and there is no music on Ramree.

Eternal Press New July Release: Halloween Romance by Donaya Haymond

Halloween Romance by Donaya Haymond
http://www.eternalpress.ca/halloweenromance.html
Paranormal Romance, 38,700 Words
Heat Rating: 1.5 Flames
Cover Art © 2009 by Amanda Kelsey
Edited by Sally Odgers
Copyedited by Cate Masters
Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson
eBook ISBN: 978-1-926704-17-3Print ISBN: 978-1-926704-26-5

Summary:

Selene believes Ferdinand would abandon her if he knew she was a werewolf, something that isn't supposed to exist. Ferdinand hides his vampirism from her for the same reasons, and must also hide from a world that thinks he's evil. He's just a melancholy English major who had a serious misadventure last summer. She's just a college student with a bizarre family history. A comedy of secrets and a romance of accepting what makes us different.

Excerpt:

“I have a condition that makes me, um, sensitive to strong light. My name is Ferdinand, by the way.”
“Ferdinand?” She had visions of German counts and friendly bulls.
He shrugged. “My roommates call me Ferdin and my mother says Ferdy, when she's in a good mood.”
Selene couldn't repress a giggle. “Ferdy doesn't suit you at all, especially in that vampire get-up. What color are your eyes, really?”
He stared off into space for a moment, then said, “Blue...Your costume. What creature are you supposed to be?”
Selene grinned. “Nobody gets it on first try. I forgot all about the party until this morning, and didn't have time to put a costume together, so I just came as a werewolf on the other twenty-nine nights of the month.”
“Clever!” he said, amused. “I've never seen such a good-looking werewolf in all my life.”
“Are you flirting with me?” “Aren't vampires supposed to be oversexed?”