We're Dancing With J. Hali Steele, and her Dance With Desire title, Rhythm of Love

Ellora’s Cave author J. Hali Steele released her Dance of Desire title this morning, Rhythm of Love, and I’ve asked her to guest blog with me here today to mark the occassion.

Joann has been kind enough to offer up one of her erotic romance titles as a prize for a commentor, so if you would like a copy of her erotic Angel romance, Hope in Love from Ellora’s Cave (details here – and man, you should see the cover!), then make sure you chat back today.  Contest closes midnight February 24th, MST.

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Who are your favourite authors at Ellora’s Cave (and you don’t have to say me!)?

Ooh! A tough one right off the bat. There’s Joey Hill, Ruby Storm, Shayla Kersten, Fran Lee. There are just too many good ones to name. I’ve got lots of new stuff I haven’t read yet so I’m sure I’ll find some more faves. Hey, I have Red Leopard and can’t wait to read it!

What is your favourite novel cover (can be from anywhere)?

Yum! Elizabeth Amber’s The Lords of Satyr—HOT! HOT!—all of them. Funny because unlike a lot of people, I don’t want to see the face. Show me a hot body and I’ll imagine the face. Especially don’t want to see hair because I want to imagine it’s all long! By the way, there aren’t enough covers or stories with awesome looking blonds or silver haired devils!

What’s the best Hero Moment you’ve ever seen in film

Superman, when he spins the earth around and turns back time to save Lois. Nothing tops that moment for me.

What’s the best Hero Moment you’ve ever read in a book?

I can’t count the books I’ve read! I have shelves full, boxes full, and now, computers full of excellent stories—not one hero moment stands out. There have been too many I guess for me to remember just one.

What reading device do you use for reading ebooks on?

My mini computer. Fits right in my purse, which is large, and it’s perfect to travel with too!

Your favourite romantic suspense author?

I haven’t read a romantic suspense in a long time. It’s a genre I just don’t go looking for or buy. I’m sure I’ve missed out on a lot of awesome stuff. If anyone has any good suggestions—I’m open to trying a spicy romantic suspense.

Your favourite historical romance author?

You are tough! Please don’t make me pick just one. Right off the bat I’d start with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, and Lynsay Sands—love her highlanders. They pop to mind first for me. I also love any story about Sheiks and the desert. Remember the Harlequin stories back in the day? I grew up on them and go back to them even now for a read that ends and leaves me smiling. I look for books like that today, but with more spice.

Your favourite historical era?  (extra credit for telling us why)

It would be the stories about sheiks—in any era. I know that’s wide open but it doesn’t matter. To me there is something erotic about the desert and the heat mixed with lots of fiery passion. I mean being plucked up and thrown across a horse by a dark and dashing hero hidden behind a burnoose and carried off to a plush harem where I just know I’m going to end up as the one and only queen—well, need I say more! *grins*

Your favourite contemporary romance author(s)?

Hmm, do the Stephanie Plum novels count? Though, since she can’t seem to decide Ranger is the man to choose—I stopped reading at about book 6. Depending on who she ends up with, then I’ll finish reading them. If it’s Morelli, I won’t waste my time. Is that terrible? I love the story, the writing, but damn! Pick somebody already, girl!

If someone offered you immortality, but you could never write again…would you take the offer?

In a minute! Don’t get me wrong, I love to write, but there are a few things I’d enjoy doing more that have nothing to do with writing. With immortality I could do awesome deeds for humanity and animals, a great love of mine, which I can’t accomplish as a writer. I could amass a great fortune over time and I’d gladly give it all away to help one hungry or homeless person, one abandoned, hungry or hurt animal.

What do you want your epitaph to read, at the end of your life?

She rescued and brought joy to many furry creatures.

What are you currently reading?

Tina Donahue’s Deep, Dark, Delicious.

What will you be reading next?

Jean Johnson’s The Sons of Destiny novels. I read the first three, loved them and put them aside until I had all eight. They’re on my shelf now and I’m ready to devour each one in order.

The Desiree Staccato

In honour of Desiree Holt who started this Saturday Night Live style tradition:

• Favourite colour? Royal purple
• Favourite drink? Tanqueray, straight up
• Favourite writing oufit? Sweat pants and a comfy t-shirt.
• Favourite food(s)? Pasta done any way imaginable.
• Favourite music? A mix of new age and tango. I enjoy listening to Soundscapes while I write. Instrumentals are my favourites because I don’t have to concentrate on words.
• Favourite sport? Baseball!
• Favourite body part? The spot right above a man’s hip bones! You know, when he has cut abs and the pants sit low on his hips and you see that little curve by the hip bones! Yeah, that’s my favourite part.
• Favourite spot in the world? California high desert
• Favourite movie? Now Voyager…no, Ladyhawke. Okay, Now Voyager. Bette Davis was so damn sharp in that movie.
• Favourite TV show? Right now—White Collar
• Favourite flower? Night blooming jasmine
• Favourite thing to do at knock-off time? Curl up with a cup of berry flavoured coffee with extra cream and watch mindless TV!

Tell us about your book.

Sure, here’s the blurb, I think it covers it well:

Carter Gates, amateur Latin ballroom dancer, is ready to make a move on his sexy new assistant. Bree’s scent intoxicates him, and her lithe body makes it hard to keep his hands to himself. But Carter owns the company and has one rule—hands off the staff. His body isn’t listening.

Bree’s no better off. She has a taste for her new boss, one she can’t quench. Hiding the fact she’s best friends with his partner, and a dancer herself, she slips into a revealing outfit and his arms…just for one night of sexy, hot competition and a highly erotic tango that gives new meaning to “going up in flames”.

Bree’s friend has other ideas—she wants to keep Carter for herself. However, after spending a passionate evening in Carter’s arms, and his bed, Bree wants more. And she’s determined to get it.

And an excerpt – (PG 13 if possible)

*Laughing* I deleted a few words to be PG for the interview…

He’d reached his destination and the rhythmic strumming of the guitar exhilarated him. The melancholy beat caused his heart to race. Carter spoke to a few contestants, glancing around to see if his partner had arrived. Sometimes they met in a quiet corner by the bar to discuss their routine. He shoved through the swaying, gyrating sea of people and grabbed the last stool available. He ordered Tanqueray, straight up. Not nervous about Cara showing up yet, he looked over the room. It was a good crowd.

A head of wavy hair moving through the throng caught his attention. Familiarity washed over him. Hell. He’d know her anywhere. What was Bree doing here? Caught totally off guard by her appearance, he started to sweat. The thing with the underwear blared in his mind along with the fact his employees weren’t aware he had a penchant for dance. If they found out, the guys would laugh, rib him for the tight outfits and fancy shoes, something he didn’t want to deal with. Christ.

He watched her come closer. A smile curved the corner of her very kissable lips and he remembered how sweet they were. His chest tightened with jealously when he watched a stranger hug her. The man’s hands rested lightly on her hips. How did they know each other? Carter wanted to do exactly what the guy did, take her in his arms, feel her pressed tight to his crotch. Damn if he liked watching someone else do just that. Heat flared in his crotch.

She hadn’t noticed him yet, but she was moving his way. After being stopped twice more, she stood only feet from him talking to a female contestant. Her head turned to where he sat, almost as if she knew he was there. He almost choked on the gin he’d swallowed when their eyes met.

“Carter, it’s good to see you.” Bree’s throaty, sexy voice slid down his spine. Relief washed over him that she didn’t seem upset about what happened between them. He’d waited for her to come from the bathroom at the office as long as he could, but had to leave for a meeting.

He gazed up and down her body, his eyes stopping at the split in the icy blue satin dress that clung to every curve. It ended just below her thighs and made him think of the hot, wet spot he wanted to feel again. Damn if she didn’t look dressed to dance. The high heels made her taller and her body looked even better than he remembered from only hours ago.

When she leaned to speak to someone, a swell of breast peeked at him from the side of the strapless concoction. He saw the thin invisible strap around her bare back. He let his eyes travel to where the pale blue material picked up again right above the crease of her ass. He wanted to put his hand there, feel the heat. Go down further and cup her cheeks. Let his tongue slide through the velvety warmth. Jesus!

The scent of musk trailed around his head, pulling him in. Christ, this woman had him tied in a knot. His slacks grew snug, but the swell would barely be noticeable. He couldn’t perform a single step if he had to right now. Good thing his partner never affected him this way. Bree looked back at him and a smile lifted the corner of her mouth.

“Bree. Didn’t know you hung out here. Can I buy you a drink?” The music roared in his ears. Carter hoped he hadn’t spoken too loud. He salivated as his gaze remained glued to her plump lips and he almost missed her answer.

“Gin, straight up,” she said.

He grinned. Lifting his drink, he moved it slowly to her pink lips. She opened and ran her tongue around the glass’s edge. She touched his hand, tilting it enough to take a swallow. He pulled it back, his eyes never leaving hers. “Umm, that’s good.”

“You dance?” He envisioned dragging her into a dark hallway and taking her while the music pulsated against the walls.

“As often as I can.” Brown eyes shimmered at him. He wanted to dive in, taste her. All of her. “Latin is my favorite.”

“Hmm. Who’s your partner tonight?” His heart banged along with the drums from the dance floor. He didn’t want to know. Anybody holding her in an embrace so close, so hard, steamed him. Some lucky man would feel her grind against him. Tease him to the point of pain.

“You.”

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To buy Rhythm of Love from Ellora’s Cave, click here.

To visit J. Hali Steele’s website, click here…her blog here.

Don’t forget to leave a comment!

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