Sabrina Luna's April E-Newsletter

It’s time for an April E-Newsletter! Check out my latest updates at The Musings of Sabrina Luna!


Thx!
Sabrina )O(

BDSM Reviews gives Fates Fulfilled 4 Stars!

Elise of BDSM Reviews has given Fates Fulfilled a 4 star review! As with reviews on the previous two books in this series, Elise has provided the most indepth and insightful commentary. She offers detailed explanations on what she likes and what she feels doesn't work. Her comments are not only helpful to potential readers, but to me as a writer. This is a rather lengthy review -- as I said, she is detailed! -- so I will post a few snippets that particularly stood out to me, followed by a link to the review in full:

"First, this story is good enough to stand on its own, you do not need to have read the first two installments of the trilogy to read and enjoy this final installment. Though background from the first installments is useful, and certainly helps explain some of the dynamics of the story, it is not necessary. I always appreciate it when an author creates stories which stand alone – it is a sign that their world building, character, and plot are all excellent."

"The overall plotting and character are excellent, but some of the scenes will not appeal to all readers. Primarily, the emphasis on sharps (well, truthfully, blade and blood play), may be too intense for some readers. I found the scenes with these elements well done and erotic, but the concept might be problematic for some readers."

"The BDSM scenes in the book are varied and generally well done. Action moves from Domme scenes to blade play to intensely tender scenes of romance and relationship building."

"Strauss has a gift for creating little jewels of characters, not only in her main protagonists, but also in supporting characters...The complete characterization represented by these and other examples throughout the story is the best reason to read the Eldritch Legacy books."

"This book is an excellent read. Ms. Strauss delivered on the promise of the characters and crafted an entertaining and engaging tale. I would strongly recommend this story to fans of more extreme play, and I would recommend [the series] to anyone."

Read Elise's full review here:
http://bdsmreviews.blogspot.com/2007/03/fates-fulfilled-book-three-of-eldritch.html

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~ Katrina S.
Explore the darker side of romance...
http://www.katrinastrauss.com/

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Some Friday Fun!

Okay, I've posted a few more pics from my trip to EPICon in Virginia Beach taken by other author-friends at my other blog! Thx for the pics, Tim & Eliza!

CLICK HERE

Have a ~*Magickal*~ weekend!
Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
Now Available
VELVET SEDUCTION
CHARADE
CRIMSON HEART

Milk Glass and Green Stamps

Even writing a contemporary story requires research...

Do you recognize this particular milk glass pattern? Growing up, did you ever wonder why your grandmother -- and everyone else's -- owned at least one piece of this set?



Read about the once-popular Harvest Colony Pattern here: http://indianaglass.carnivalheaven.com/id70.htm


While we're taking a trip down memory lane, chances are your grandmother acquired the pieces to her Harvest Colony set with these:




Yes, I come from the last generations of kids who, in the days before decent handheld game systems, partook of the much-loved "lick 'n' stick" project on rainy days. For you whippersnappers who came along after the Green Stamp stores closed down, this was the predecessor to reward cards:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S&H_Green_Stamps

During the 1960s, the S&H catalog was the largest publication in the United States, and the company issued three times as many stamps as the U.S. Postal Service. An Andy Warhol print, which depicted a sheet of S&H Green Stamps, was auctioned off last year for $5.1 million, after five people bid on it. Green Stamps are still around today in the form of greenpoints, but it's just not the same...

Yes, this is the weird shit interesting stuff I turn up when I'm writing...

~ Katrina S.

This is not your mother's snotty, tea-sipping Regency!
Indulge in the scandal of Regency Romp, volume 1
Featuring Emma Wildes, Jennifer Mueller,
Kayleigh Jamison, Katrina Strauss, & Nikki Watson
http://www.aphroditesapples.com/regency_romp1.htm

Seasonal Greetings ...

~As the Sun moves into Aries, I'd like to Wish Everyone a Happy Spring Equinox & a Blessed Ostara!~

Many Blessings & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
VELVET SEDUCTION -Mardi Gras Publishing
CHARADE -Aphrodite's Apples

Variety is the Spice of Life

A fellow author and friend recently asked me why I write a variety of stories. To date, I have several epublications available with different genres. My typical comment is that I’m a Gemini—meaning that I like to try writing different types of stories. It tests my creative imagination and helps me develop my craft as an author. Plus, writing a variety of stories is darn fun too! In other words, writing, for me, is never boring.

My current release, VELVET SEDUCTION, is a contemporary erotic romance novella. This story’s set in a small, southern town with a handsome hero, a spunky heroine and one town 'bad guy'...Anna's ex-boyfriend. Even though it’s only around 30,000 words, I do include several hot scenes because I love the erotic romance genre.

The second story, HOT PURSUIT, is slated for release in April and readers who enjoyed VELVET SEDUCTION will also like HOT PURSUIT. It’s set in the same town, but with a new hunky hero and spunky heroine. However, some of the supporting characters from the first story are also present in the second story. Both of these stories were great fun for me to write too! Having lived in a small town during the conception of my original ideas for both stories, I hoped some of my real-life experiences shine through in these novellas.

CHARADE, my D/s erotica fantasy, was a very different genre to write. I was inspired by Anais Nin’s DELTA OF VENUS and the BDSM classics, STORY OF O & THE BEAUTY trilogy. However, even though I did my research on Dominate/submissive relationships, CHARADE is also an erotica fantasy with several romantic elements. As Ms. Nin once wrote, “Only the united beat of sex and heart together can create ecstasy.”—and that’s what I sought to achieve in this story.

Vampires are both dark and erotic. These nocturnal creatures continually excite and stimulate me as an author and a reader. With my CRIMSON Tales, I wanted a chance to tell my own vampire stories. My M/M tale, CRIMSON AMBROSIA, was the first vampire story I ever wrote.

This story was inspired by the grand matron of vampire fiction, Anne Rice. I thoroughly enjoyed writing the darkly twisted tale of Silas Elmagus and his gypsy lover, Ivan. And, to my pleasant surprise, it has been very well-received by my readers! In 2006, CRIMSON AMBROSIA was one of the Top 10 Finishers at Preditor & Editors Readers Poll (Short Story Other category) and voted Best Alternative Lifestyle by Rites of Romance Reviews.

My second vampire tale, CRIMSON HEART, is a bittersweet romance between Alexander, a vampire, and his Russian love, Natasha. I had great fun writing this story, because it allowed me to explore the feelings and motives of my vampires. Even though it is also a short story, the world I create seemed to flow onto the page! Yes, I intentionally left the ending a bit open and would love to write more in this genre.

I’m also very excited that several other stories have been contracted and slated for release in the near future. These include a magickal erotic romance story set in early 20th century Egypt, a M/M BDSM erotica fantasy with Grecian gods and pleasure slaves and other exciting, erotic tales—so stay tuned for my upcoming stories!

Even though I’m a full-time author, I enjoy the feedback from my readers and fellow author-friends. You are the ones who continually inspire me to hone my writing skills and test my creative imagination! And, last but not least, I’d like to thank my epublishers and editors who allow me to experiment with different genres, making my writing career both fun and enjoyable!

I’d like to end with a fantastic quote by Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”

And I’ll second that, Maya!

Hugs to all,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
Author of Dark Erotica, Fantasy & Romance

Happy Green Fairy Day!

"Side by side or miles apart
dear friends are always
close to the heart!"

And don't forget today's the release of VELVET SEDUCTION at Mardi Gras Publishing! I'll be chatting with the rest of the MGP Authors at The Reverly Room Tonight at 9 PM EST --so if you're not busy drinking green beer & doin' an Irish jig, please join us!

Many Thx & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
Author of Dark Erotica, Fantasy & Romance

How Irish Are You???

You're 50% Irish

You're probably less Irish than you think you are... But you're still more Irish than most.

How Irish Are You?

+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
VELVET SEDUCTION
Coming March 17th
At Mardi Gras Publishing

Regency Romp is out today!

Available today from Aphrodite's Apples Press, including a new short by 2007 EPPIE winner and best-selling author, Emma Wildes!




Regency Romp, volume 1
Available today at:
http://www.aphroditesapples.com/regency_romp1.htm

Romance. Intrigue. Corsets.
Rakes and ladies, midnight trysts.

They say gossip is cheap, but the Ton knows better...Come and explore the secretive, sensual world behind the polished manners of Regency society. Featuring five scintillating, scandalous tales:


Rose Among the Heather by Jennifer Mueller

When Duke Edward Sinclair returns home from the Napoleonic wars, he finds his castle filled to the rafters with party guests. All Edward wants is to forget the horrors of war without being forced to be sociable. Without even a place to sit at the table of his own castle, a Rose among the Scottish heather offers him space next to her. With her own husband dead from the war, Rose knows how bad things were, and she's not about to let Edward go without comfort in a house where no one understands. And some comfort, only a woman can give.


Laudanum by Nikki Watson

Frederick Barrington has it pretty easy. He's a regular patron at Madam Moon's establishment, as well as an opium dealer, which keeps him in with the amounts money he is accustomed to. Only one problem arises at Madam Moon's establishment: Selina.

Juliana Williams has run away from her home, after her father's untimely death. Finding solace in the most unlikely of places, she agrees to go home with Mr Barrington when he pays Moon her asking price for a single weekend only.


Of Licorice and Decadence by Katrina Strauss

Klauss von Alstyne is the most celebrated composer of the Empire – and recently, the most uninspired. Upon meeting stage beauty Nicolette Neville, he is soon caught in the wild rush of exhilarating pursuit. In chasing Nicolette, will Klauss also find his elusive mistress, the Muse? Featuring characters from Katrina Strauss' second novel, Lessons Learned, Of Licorice and Decadence explores the primitive lust of man simmering beneath a refined show of civility.



Unspeakable by Kayleigh Jamison

Trevor Caufield has always prided himself on being a consummate rake…until a clandestine meeting with a mysterious, strangely silent woman in a darkened hallway. Setting out to pursue Emma Hatton with purely selfish intentions, he discovers emotions that transcend his formerly uncomplicated existence and teach him that true love has no need for words.


At the Lady's Discretion by Emma Wildes

The Duke of Hartley is jaded, sophisticated, and fascinated by his new mistress. The lady in question is beautiful, but there is an edge to her that he must admit is new to his experience. Louisa Drury experienced a less than perfect marriage. If she is going to give herself to the wickedly dashing Duke, it will be on her own terms. Exclusively. Yes, the affair has to be entirely at her discretion...


Regency Romp, volume 1
Available today at:
http://www.aphroditesapples.com/regency_romp1.htm

EPICon Pics Posted ...

over at my blogspot & at my blog on my MySpace profile --check'em out! :)

Thx & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
VELVET SEDUCTION
Coming March 17th
At Mardi Gras Publishing

Wow! What A Trip!

I'm back from EPICon! Boy, did I have a great time meeting lots of epublishers, authors & just plain cool people!



Sherrilyn Kenyon, EPICon's Guest Speaker, & me!

I carried a regular ol'snap camera, so bare with me til I get the photos loaded in my Yahoo! group photo album.

Thx & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


+ + +
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
Coming March 17th
VELVET SEDUCTION
At Mardi Gras Publishing

4 Stars for Fates Fulfilled!

I'm pleased to announce that Fates Fulfilled has received its first official review: 4 Stars from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, with a heat level of "O" for Orgasmic! Here's what Brigit had to say:

"Cousins Marissa and Devon have been put out of "The Big House" and forced to live like mere peasants for two years. While they are exploring this new found freedom from Devon's parents, they also discover secrets that have been hidden for years from both of them. The power that surrounds them, the lives they have lived in the past, and how they can redeem themselves now. Together, along with their lovers, they will have to put the evil that stalks them away forever.

"Steamy. Incredible sex fills this book. There is a heavy BDSM influence as both characters are into alternative sex. There is also a sense of mysticism and hidden messages in everything. As Marissa discovers her true desire to be both a top and a bottom, Devon finally finds someone who understands his craving for blood. As the four of them learn who they really are, and what they will have to do to stay alive, they also discover what it is like to be sexually free with the person they love. While the novel is a bit slow at the beginning, once it takes off it is like wild fire catching. Fast paced and easy to read with a droll sense of humor and truly likable characters, this novel is a great book. I had not read the previous two in the Eldritch Series but that did not hinder the understanding of the characters or the reading of the story at all. I look forward to going backwards to find out where it all started."

Brigit Aine
Just Erotic Romance Reviews, issue # 95
http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com

Yay!!! I mean, um, yes, nice to hear this fine Monday morning. :D

xxooxx,
Katrina S.
Dark Erotica & Paranormal Romance
http://www.katrinastrauss.com/

See y'all when I get back!
Thx & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


***
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com

A Gala Signing, E-Fiestas & More!

As I’m busy packing and preparing for EPICon, I just wanted to pass along these public events that will be taking place:

The eighth annual EPICon is coming to Surfside Inn, just in time for Read An e-Book Week, March 4-10. Public events include two e-Fiestas and a gala signing of more than three dozen authors, complete with keynote Sherrilyn Kenyon.

The public events include two e-Fiestas, combination educational and party events that are free to the public and safe family venues. The first will be held Thursday night, March 8th, 6-9 pm at Pembroke Mall's food court. The second will be held in the Surfside Inn hotel lobby from 2-4 pm on Saturday, March 10th.

At the Barnes and Noble, across the Blvd from Pembroke Mall, there will be a gala signing. There will be rapid-fire readings from 6-7 pm, promo packs, a second demo area...and that's before NYT Bestseller Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor joins in on the fun at 7 pm.

Local residents are also invited into the convention bookstore at the Surfside Inn, which will be open 8 am-noon and 1:30 pm to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday.

So, come & join us, if you can!

Thx & Hugs,
Sabrina )O(


***
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
CHARADE -Aphrodite's Apples
CRIMSON HEART -Mardi Gras Publishing
CRIMSON AMBROSIA -Mardi Gras Publishing
Winner -Best Alternative Lifestyle 2006
At Rites of Romance Reviews

Sabrina Luna's Double Double Contest Winner Is ...

Cindy Davis! Thx to everyone who entered and congratulations Cindy! You're package should be arriving next week.

You'll be receiving:

* A Five Dollar Gift Card from Starbucks
* Some chocolate candies
* A cool ink pen

Stay tuned later this month for another exciting contest!

Thx again,
Sabrina )O(


***
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com

Masquerade 3 is out today!

Aphrodite's Apples Presents:
Masquerade, volume 3





CK's Kwips and Kritiques gives Masquerade 3 Five Klovers!


"MASQUERADE VOLUME THREE is yet another splendid addition to this impressive series. One would expect that a series based on a yearly party by the Gods and Goddesses in which mortals experience their wildest fantasies would get old. However, the sheer talent and ingenuity provided by each one of these exceptional authors continues to produce anthologies of great variety. Once again, the unique twists will leave the reader anxiously hoping that this collection will continue!" -- Anne of CK's Kwips and Kritiques

Masquerade, Volume Three
Available for purchase now at:
http://www.aphroditesapples.com/masq_vol3.htm

Once a year, Arcadia Island hosts the Masquerade Ball. A select few are invited by the Gods to fulfill their wildest dreams. Aphrodite's Apples continues the best-selling Masquerade series with a new collection of erotic tales:

Unmasked by Kate Sterling

Three years ago, Morgan ran away from the man she loved--the only man to expose her deepest desires--because she was afraid of her feelings. Now, she stands before Aphrodite wishing in her heart to be with Derek again, but has learned he is with someone new, someone who might have wishes of her own. Morgan must choose between living with her pain, or causing pain to another. She appeals to the goddess for help, and soon learns the meaning of the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for."


Underworld Connection by Yolanda Sfetsos

When Adora Marks gets an invitation to a Masquerade Ball, she reluctantly attends. However, when she crosses paths with a mysterious man that calls himself Hades and literally sweeps her off her feet, Adora's forced to face the demons haunting her life… and the fascination with death that ignites most of her art.


Top This by Desiree Lee

Trina and her best friend Lucy have a running contest each year to come up with the best one-over on each other. This year, Trina's coup is pulling off an invitation to the Arcadia Island Masquerade Ball. The ball, however, isn't exactly how Trina had pictured it in her mind. Over the course of the night, she learns something about sportsmanship, love and a new angle on friendship from the most unlikely of sources.


Awakening On Arcadian Shores Between Full, Orange Moon and Shore-Side Foam
by Nikki Watson

After seeing his best friend, Patrick, in the underworld with Persephone and Hades in Masquerade 2, Aaron comes back to his empty home despondent and alone. This is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, takes an interest in him and brings him back to Arcadian Island, after he "wishes" for it, of course. While there, he meets up with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and realizes that to find happiness, he himself must take a chance.


Windswept by Katrina Strauss

When shy mortal Tempest Rayne meets Aeolus, the lonely Keeper of the Winds, two forces of nature collide, making for a stormy encounter, leaving them both…Windswept. The phrase "talking about the weather" will never be the same!


Want more of the Masquerade? Check out Volume One and Volume Two!

Sabrina Luna's March E-Newsletter

It’s March! Already? Geez, this year’s flying by! Welcome to my March E-Newsletter! February was fabulous –with P & E Reader Poll results, the release of CRIMSON HEART & a cool review from LoveVampires.com, plus fun chats and contests! Now on to March!

The Calendar at Sabrina Luna Author News has been updated and ready to go! Oh, I changed the reminder thingy, so you’ll get an email reminder 12 hours before the chat or event instead of day early.

Tomorrow’s the final day for Sabrina Luna’s Double Double Fun Contest, so if you haven’t entered yet, time’s running out. I’ll be announcing the Lucky Winner tomorrow 3/2 at 1 PM EST –Good Luck!

I’ll be attending EPICon March 8th-11th in Virginia Beach. If you’re going, find me and introduce yourself. I love meeting new people! Also, I’ll be on the Writing BDSM panel at the conference and I have 2 signings scheduled too—this oughta be fun!

And, finally, VELVET SEDUCTION will be released March 17th at Mardi Gras Publishing! This is a contemporary, spicy erotic romance that’s both short and sexy!

Well, that’s all for now –will keep you posted with News Flashes as they happen.

Thx & Have a Merry March,
Sabrina )O(

***
Sabrina Luna
Spicy Romance with a Touch of Magick
http://www.sabrinaluna.com
CHARADE –Aphrodite’s Apples
CRIMSON HEART –Mardi Gras Publishing
Now Available
VELVET SEDUCTION-Coming 3/17 at MGP