Friday, December 31, 2010

“Ring in the New Year with the explosively hot The Bite of Silence!” *

Tonight's the night! Enjoy New Years Eve with a free New Years Eve story. If you haven't gotten yours, The Bite of Silence, a Five Angel/Recommended Read** is free for Kindle at Amazon and Nook at Barnes & Noble for a limited time!

*Joyfully Reviewed **Fallen Angel Reviews

Erotic vampire romance with a dash of snark and a naughty use of ties...

Today's visit to Tina Donahue's blog has been postponed due to computer issues. Tentatively rescheduled for January 10, 2011. Thanks for your understanding!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

After the NaNo Holidays

Handling Life After The Rush.Come let me know how you're coping after NaNo*, or how you deal with post-holidays at the Samhellion!

*National Novel Writing Month

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Lady Who Knows What She Wants: Tina Donahue Guest Blog and Contest!

One of the things I like best about writing contemporary erotic romance is a heroine who isn’t shy…a lady who knows exactly what she wants.

My women aren’t aggressive, they’re assertive, not afraid to speak their minds, to claim what they want and need.

In Sensual Stranger, my newest erotic romance that released December 15th, I envisioned Toni Starr as a young woman without guile. Although she speaks her mind, beneath her candor is a heart aching with need.


To illustrate what I mean, here’s the blurb and an excerpt:

BLURB:

Into his life she came—wanting…willing…wanton

It’s no ordinary morning when Toni Starr arrives at Zach’s garage. Flat broke, with a past she won’t share, Toni’s instantly taken by such a potently virile man. Direct and unashamed, she tells him she’s a motorcycle performance artist who needs work and knows motors.

Zach knows women, and Toni’s unlike any he’s met. Lushly sensuous, exceedingly assured, she’d easily be his match in business and bed. A provocative challenge that stirs him as nothing has since losing his wife. A chance he’s reluctant to take, offering no more than a month’s employment, then she’ll have to be on her way.

The hours tick by. Each word and glance intensifies their denied yet escalating desire, forcing them to surrender to passion and Toni’s need for Zach’s dominance. Driven by carnal hunger, conquered by yearning, they face the unforeseen truth of Toni’s past and a future neither of them expected.


EXCERPT:

(This scene is shortly after Toni and Zach have kissed for the first time with Zach questioning his good sense given that Toni’s a woman he believes he shouldn’t pursue)

Zach stood framed in the doorway, his powerful body straining against his tee and jeans, utterly masculine, sensuous beyond belief. Unable to resist, her gaze roamed over him. He’d finger combed his damp hair. His face was freshly shaved, his eyes veiled.
Behind her, the bacon sizzled and popped.
Zach’s gaze darted to the skillet and the carton of eggs on the counter. His lips parted as though he intended to speak. In the end, he did not. He looked back at her, taking in her naked feet, blue-jean cutoffs and aqua tank top.
Toni’s nipples constricted with his scrutiny.
He took in a shallow breath, and finally spoke on a ragged sigh, “That shouldn’t have happened.”
Expecting him to say as much, Toni faced him. “Why not?”
His eyes jumped to hers. Obviously surprised, he parroted her words, “Why not?”
“Exactly.” She reached over and turned off the bacon so they could talk uninterrupted. Hooking her thumbs in her front pockets, she turned back to him. “I enjoyed what happened upstairs and so did you. We’re both adults. We both know what we want. We’ve known it from the moment I stepped into your garage.”
His gaze shifted to the side, then returned to her.
“We have a month,” she said, her voice throaty with arousal. “Why not have some fun? Why not enjoy it while it lasts?”
He shook his head. “No.”
Toni refused to back down. Even though he could never give her love, she still craved his warmth and strength. “Why?” She took a step toward him. “You have a girlfriend, a fiancĂ©e, an ex-wife you still think about?”
Shoving his fingers through his hair, he muttered, “I told you last night, I’m not divorced.”
“You told me you weren’t married.”
His hand dropped to his side. He heaved in a deep breath. “Or involved. With anyone.”
Toni didn’t understand his resistance to her and was reluctant to question. Had he loved someone who’d dumped him? What woman would be crazy enough to do such a thing? Even if some woman had, his actions upstairs hadn’t been feigned or hesitant. He’d wanted her as much as Toni wanted him.
Anxious to settle this, she spoke quickly, “Are you worried I’ll want something more than just sex? Do you think I’ll hold your garage or this place hostage?” She put up her hand, stopping him from answering. “I told you last night at the shop, I’m not a thief. And I’m certainly not going to call in a team of lawyers to slap you with a sexual harassment suit. I’m the one who just spent a few days in jail, remember? You’re the upstanding citizen. They’d believe you in a heartbeat.”
He sighed. “Good god, I never thought any of that, all right?”
She advanced another step. “Then you’re concerned there’s something wrong with me or I’ll get pregnant?” Before he could answer, she spoke softly, sincerely, “I’m clean, free of disease, Zach, and as far as having a child, it won’t happen. I’m fully protected. I know what it’s like to be alone, to be without a father to protect and love me. I’d never force a baby on a guy who didn’t want it. I’d never do that to any child, especially my own.”
Zach’s face flushed. For a moment, he looked lost, exactly as she’d felt for too many years. “Why are you so alone? What happened to—“
She cut him off. “No. Don’t go there…please” She forced all emotion away, refusing to cry, to let him know how vulnerable she was. “This isn’t about my past. It’s about here and now. You and me. Having some fun. Then I take off. No harm done. You go back to your life. I go back to mine.”
Shoulders slumping, he lifted his face to the ceiling as though he couldn’t bear to hear another word.
Despite it, desire radiated from him, charging and thickening the air.
Desperate to be back in his arms if only for a little while, Toni murmured, “I know you want me, Zach. You’ve had a hard-on since we met. A few minutes ago, up in the hall, you proved it.” Her gaze dropped to the solid ridge of male flesh behind his fly. “You’re hard now.”
His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. He spoke in a choked voice. “So what if I am?”
“So do something about it.” Please.
A pulse in his throat jumped. His chest expanded with his fitful breaths.
Never had Toni seen a man struggle so hard to control the male animal within. With the other men she’d known, especially Joe, there had been little concern over crossing boundaries.
Why Zach was so different, Toni wasn’t certain. Nor did she care.
Passion sang in her blood. Her body buzzed with energy. She advanced another step, determined this moment would play out even if she had to goad him. “What’s the matter, Zach?” Cocking one brow, she reduced her voice to a sultry purr. “What’s the real problem? Don’t you know how to satisfy a woman?”
He went completely still, not even finishing his breath.
Several moments passed. The only sounds were the hush of the air-conditioning and the rapid thumping of her heart.
Lowering his head, Zach met her gaze with hooded eyes, his expression changed. He wore the look of a rutting animal, male, feral. He spoke through his teeth. “Sweetheart, you have no idea what I can do to you.”
Excitement snaked through her. Her cunt felt heavy and achy, needy of his cock. “You’re right.” She held his gaze. Challenge rang in her voice. “So why don’t you show me.”
Zach’s lids slipped down, hiding his eyes. As he opened them, danger continued to flare in his expression and voice. “That’s enough. This conversation is over.”
“We’re not finished.”
“I said, knock it off.”
“Make me.”
Swearing, he crossed the room to her so quickly that Toni’s initial reaction was to step back. She did not. Head lifted, pulse racing, she stood her ground, looking at him looming above her. Formidable. Aroused.
“Make me,” she whispered.


What happens next is beyond hot. :)
 


Sensual Stranger is available now!


Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com

To celebrate the upcoming release of Sensual Stranger, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:

    1. Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
    2. Adored – ebook
    3. Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
    4. Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
    5. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
    6. Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks

Contest open through Wednesday evening (December 22, 2010 11:59 p.m. EST)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Ring in the New Year with a FREE READ on Kindle, Nook

Top your tree with a Star---A 5-Angel Recommended Read FREE! The Bite of Silence is one of four New Years Samhain books free today at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Limited time only!

 

Monday, December 6, 2010

Coming this month...

Upcoming events

  • December 15, 2010—Secret! To Be Announced
  • December 18 & 19, 2010—Samhain Christmas Party! At the Samhain Cafe
  • December 20, 2010—Visit from Tina Donahue, contemporary and contemporary erotic romance author--with contest!
  • December 20, 2010—I blog at The Samhellion
  • December 31, 2010—I blog and offer a contest at Tina Donahue Presents

Anatomy of a Musician, mid-holidays

'Tis the Season...for holiday gigs. While the rest of the world might be decorating, sending cards, and digging up new recipes for that festive turkey or ham, I'm--playing. And practicing. And playing some more.

The last four days alone I've had two rehearsals and five--count 'em, *5* performances. That's not counting time at home, woodshedding any of fifty holiday pieces. My wip...excuse me, lip feels like Dr. Claw stretched it out and ran a tractor over it. My eyes aren't focusing; when I shut them little eighth notes dance on my eyelids. I've played more versions of Silent Night than it has letters.

This week: three more rehearsals and three performances (although some of them are for my husband only and I'll just drive him there and read on my Kindle). But it means I'm only taking a quick dip in the cyberwaters today before plunging back into the raging current of holiday music. Hope to see you on the other end!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Two writers' blogs

Jim Butcher on writing quite seriously the most amazing treatment I've read on the net

Charles Stross on a variety of topics, entertaining and informative

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

EPIC article

Whose Book Is It: A succinct article on differences between buying a print book and an ebook.

Monday, November 29, 2010

BBC Sherlock--Brilliant!

I love shows and movies done from books. Done well, it's an added dimension, seeing another interpretation of a favorite. Here's my latest: Sherlock

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Bite My Fire up for August Sammie Cover poll

If you're on the Samhain Cafe in Yahoo groups there's a sweet poll for Samhain cover art each month. Bite My Fire is up as part of the August print books--please vote!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Biting Me Softly Gets Five Blue Ribbon Rating!

"Author Mary Hughes delivers another hit with BITING ME SOFTLY...I can’t wait for another installment in the BITING LOVE series."

~ Pamela Denise for Romance Junkies

Annual Black Friday Bash at the Samhain Cafe!

Time for the annual Black Friday Bash in the Samhain Publishing Café! Prizes, authors, more!
Friday, November 26th in the SP Café from 7-11 p.m. EST!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Biting Nixie up for Best of Halloween

Please vote for Biting Nixie for best cover and best first chapter! Check out the Best of Halloween poll at D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters (scroll about 1/2 way down).

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Birthday Samhain Publishing!

Fifth birthday celebration 10-10 EST today, November 1! Join me at the Samhain Cafe for chat, prizes, excerpts, more!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Comment to Win! Biting Nixie 1st Chapter

Biting Nixie is up at the 48 Hours of Halloween. Comment to help make it the prize--comment on all the other wonderful authors' chapters to increase your chances of winning!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

LASR Halloween Scavenger Hunt

The Long and the Short of It is having a Halloween Scavenger Hunt! October 30-31. Lots of prizes. I'm participating in the Whipped Cream hunt.

Are We Living in a Hologram?

Article at Discovery News about the possibility of us being a holographic projection from the Universe's event horizon.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Check out the Samhellion Spook-a-Palooza! Kindle, ebooks, wow!

Three contests, lots of amazing prizes! I'm participating in two, please join me.

October 17-23 is the first Scavenger Hunt. Twelve awesome authors, twelve ebooks. More info here.
October 24-31 is the second scavenger hunt.
October 17-31 is the Kindle contest. More info here.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Two weeks of contests

It's October and time for contests and scavenger hunts! I'm participating in quite a few...more info on each as I get it.

October 17-23—Samhellion Trick or Treat Ebook contest
October 17-30—Samhellion October Kindle Giveaway contest
October 30-31—LASR/WC/Aurora Halloween Scavenger Hunt
October 30-31—D. Renee Bagby Presents The 48 Hours of Halloween: One 1st chapter drops every hour. Comment to get a chance to win! More info here (scroll down to Reader Info).

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

New editor, New Samhellion Author Blog, Freebies still available!

Great news, I have a new editor, and Biting the Rainbow is in her hands. More info as I get it.

The Samhellion blog is getting a makeover! The freebie short stories Biting Dracula and A Biting Christmas Special are currently available at www.readmoreromance.com.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Come on baby--Bite My Fire

A short blog at the Samhain Weblog on song titles, to celebrate the release in paperback of Bite My Fire, the first Biting Love story.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Are you happy? Blog and giveaway

Please join me at the Australian Romance Reader's Association blog where I explore the question Are You Happy--and how being a reader might just answer that question. Oh, and there's a giveaway!

Bite My Fire now in paperback!

At last, the perfect lover. Now what? Stake him, shoot him—or screw him?

The first Biting Love novel, Bite My Fire, is now out in paperback! Check these booksellers: My Bookstore and More, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders

Finalist 2009 ARRA Favourite Erotic Romance
FAR Recommended Read; Joyfully Recommended

Elena O’Rourke lusts for two things—her detective’s shield and a good lay. Sass-Cgal’s “Bad Girl Sex Tips” will win her the man. But keeping the shield hinges on solving a murder.


Warrior-gorgeous Bo Strongwell stands in her way.

Powerful as a Viking warship, Bo would be Elena’s one-stop solution to celibacy—except for his apartment building full of mysteries. Plus, his kisses…and nibbles…and full body tongue-swipes…keep distracting her from the case. As if a caped clown named Dracula, a hooker with a heart of gold (and boobs of steel), and Elena’s own clueless partner aren’t distraction enough.

Bo Strongwell is a master vampire who needs a cop snooping around like he needs a garlic enema. Fighting rogues keeps him busy enough without Elena trying to pin the murder on one of his kind…even if she does taste like heaven.

Two fighters for justice. One incredible attraction. A terrible secret. Drunken women dancing on the bar… It all rides on Elena solving the Case of the Punctured Prick.

Warning: Jammed with hot explicit sex, graphic fanged violence, and acid cop humor. May contain donuts.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Are You Happy? -- I guest blog at ARRA

Please join me at the Australian Romance Reader's Association blog where I explore the question Are You Happy--and how being a reader might just answer that question. Oh, and there's a giveaway!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Whipped Cream 3rd Anniversary scavenger hunt starts today!

Through August 29. Prizes are 3 Nook ereaders loaded with your favorite authors, plus a gift certificate to get more! Check out all three hunts at LASR or the hunt I'm taking part in at Whipped Cream!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Website links

I'm cleaning up my website, but I've got some links I don't want to lose!

Book-Related Links

Bite My Fire

Light My Fire
Beltaine-Cooley's Reel
Brian Boru/Danny Boy (James Galway)
Colcannon-Jenny Medley
Colcannon-Humors of Winter 
Book Trailer

Biting Nixie

Dragonforce-Through the Fire and Flames
Flogging Molly-Drunken Lullabies
Dropkick Murphys-I'm Shipping Up to Boston
"Weird Al" Yankovic--Smells Like Nirvana
"Weird Al" Yankovic--Don't Download This Song
Renaissance Dances 1
Book Trailer

The Bite of Silence

The Sound of Silence also here
New Year's Eve Countdown

Biting Me Softly

Killing Me Softly (Fugees)
Killing Me Softly (Roberta Flack)
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (Pt 1) (Pt 2) Better interpretation
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (Pt 1) Better sound
Book Trailer

 

Doctor Who Killer Christmas Tree (A Biting Christmas Special)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

What Do I Call It?

Titles. Not my favorite things to think about. Until now.

Check out author Lynn Viehl's blog on the topic.

Or for some fun, generate random titles here or here. I mean, come on. Who can resist "I Was a Teenaged Helen of Troy"?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Biting Me Softly "a sensational read that I could not put down!"

Five Divas! Recommended Read! "Biting Me Softly is a sensational read that I could not put down! Mary Hughes brings it to the mat with this fantastic book…Logan, simply gives me chills with his electric sizzle and his “alpha” Vampire personae. He likes to be in charge, but when he meets up with Liese, let the battles begin. There is no way to say who will end up on top. " ~ Reviewed by Deb for Dark Diva Reviews

The artist and self-doubt

"Few artists, no matter how celebrated they may be, are strangers to fear and uncertainty." About musicians and Benny Goodman but it applies to authors too. Read the whole article at the Wall Street Journal Online.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Biting Nixie review "If you like amazing fun, sexy reads...'"

Check out the great review Deb gave Biting Nixie!

4.5 Delightful Divas! "If you like amazing fun, sexy reads, then pick up Biting Nixie by Mary Hughes. You will laugh until the cows come home." ~ Reviewed by Deb for Dark Diva Reviews

Monday, June 14, 2010

Biting the Rainbow and other musings

The next Biting Love story, Biting the Rainbow, is now in the hands of the gods...er, editor. Same thing.

So now I'm back to playing pit orchestra, Guys & Dolls. Flute only this time. I have to say, though I enjoy the challenge of playing different reeds and love the sound of clarinet, there's something deeply satisfying about just being able to play the part on the instrument I know best. Also, my favorite musicians are in the pit with me, including the best set drum man in the world, the most awesome trumpet woman I know, and the wonderful, fantastic cellist husband who makes it all ten times more fun. And chocolate. Where would I be without pit chocolate?

(While that's a rhetorical question, the answer is: faint from low blood sugar. I put out a lot of energy in a pit.)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Questions that Authors are Never Asked

Authors Nadine Gordimer, William Boyd, Jacqueline Wilson, *Ian Rankin, Rose Tremain, Chang-rae Lee, Jonathan Coe, Sarah Dunant, John Banville, *Margaret Atwood, Barbara Trapido, Andrew O'Hagan, *Jeanette Winterson, Sue Townsend, and Roddy Doyle ask (and some answer) their own questions.

At Guardian.co.uk.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

My Creative Truths -- and winner of MBaM GC

Okay, here are the answers. Remember, you didn't have to get them right to be considered for the gift certificate (or just to have fun)!

7. Biting Nixie is about a punk rock musician named Betsy
FALSE - Her name is Nixie


6. Bite My Fire was a finalist in the 2009 Australian Romance Reader Awards for Favourite Historical

FALSE - this one was tricky, the category for Fire was Favourite Erotic Romance

5. My books are steamy hot lion shifter romances
FALSE - My older boy (the English major) won't let me write them. He wants me to do steampunk fairy tales but right now I do hot humorous vampire romances


4. My children are named Caesar and Aahz
FALSE - But these are my tear-up-the-house grandcats

3. I am secretly a bar stripper at night
FALSE - I wish!


2. My husband works in a cave
KINDA TRUE - He's a computer systems guy, and they always put them in the basement. So no, not a
cave, but he doesn't have windows, either. Well, he does have Windows because they use Microsoft stuff, but...well, you know what I mean.

1. I soloed on bass drum in Germany.
TRUE! Points to Vivi for getting it! Our college wind ensemble toured Europe and we were short on percussion. I played flute except for one march, with a two-beat bass drum solo. My director took great delight in cuing me, dah-dah-dah *point* boom boom!

The winner of the $5 MBaM Gift Certificate, chosen at random, is *flchen1*! Please drop me an email at mary@maryhughesbooks.com and I'll send it out.


Thanks to everyone who played!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fiona Vance is calling me a Liar...I mean, a "Creative Writer"!!

Thanks to Fiona Vance for nominating me for Lesa's Bald Face Liar "Creative Writer" Blogger Award!

See if you can catch me out in my lies creativity! One statement below is true. Post your guess as to which for a chance to win $5 MBaM Gift Certificate! (You don't have to get it right to be eligible!)

And because this is too much fun to keep to myself, check out my creative friends! Post one of their book titles here for a second chance!

My Liars Creative Friends

Vivi Andrews, smoldering hot Serengeti shifters and quirky upbeat Karmic consultants
Kaye Chambers, surprises, laughter and steamy romantic magic
Marianna Lauren, dark, dangerous bad boys in erotic vampire romance
Honey Jans, erotic romance painted with a vivid, kinky imagination
Fiona Vance, pirates and highwaymen in erotic Regencies

1. I soloed on bass drum in Germany.
2. My husband works in a cave
3. I am secretly a bar stripper at night
4. My children are named Caesar and Aahz
5. My books are steamy hot lion shifter romances
6. Bite My Fire was a finalist in the 2009 Australian Romance Reader Awards for Favourite Historical
7. Biting Nixie is about a punk rock musician named Betsy

Careful, some of these are partially true!

Again, post your guess as to my single full truth for a chance to win!
Post one of my friends' book titles for a second chance!
CONTEST OPEN UNTIL MAY 27!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Biting Me Softly FAR April Recommended Read!

I adore Hayley's writing! Who else could use empyrean in a review?

Five Angels! Recommended Read! "I love, love, love Mary Hughes' writing style. It revs me up and keeps me going from the sheer excitement of the merry chase her heroines lead their men on in hopes of winning their love.  I do believe that each time Ms Hughes delivers a new hero to her voracious fans they become hotter and sexier. I know that I certainly feel that way. Each time I think that I can love no other character as much as the previous one she gives birth to a new empyrean delight to torture and beguile the reader." ~ Reviewed by Hayley for Fallen Angel Reviews

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Awesome Vivi Andrews -- The Abs-olute Truth Interview!

My guest today is a multipublished best-selling author, a multitalented woman who’s traveled the world. Applause and warm welcome to the Awesome Vivi Andrews!
Thank you, Mary!  I’m thrilled to be here.
Your new book, The Sexorcist, looks like another incredible ride of romance, excitement, and laugh-out-loud fun. Can you tell us a little about Brittany and Luis?
Brittany is the single most optimistic person on the planet.  Not even demonic harassment can get her down.  Luis is the oh-so-sexy exorcist paired with her when a mischief demon starts wreaking havoc on the wedding she’s planning for one of the Karmic Consultants.  And hilarity ensues… along with a dose of True Love.
(Oh, my. Fun, true love and those abs? Yum!)

You write both the wonderful Karmic Consultant series and the popular Serengeti Shifter series. Is one easier to write? Any special challenges or joys?
I flat out love the Karmic Consultants books.  I love writing them.  The biggest challenge there is living up to the hype inside my own mind.  I always have this image in my head that the book is going to be beyond awesome.  And then I have to actually write it. 
But I also love the Shifter books.  When I’m burned out on humor, they give me a chance to explore sensuality and emotional depth without the veil of comedy.  And the big, muscle-packed Alpha males in that series certainly don’t hurt. 
I need the variety.  It helps make every new book feel fresh to me.
(Pictured: Serengeti Storm)

You write in many different genres. Any stories you particularly want to see soon in a publisher’s queue?
I’m always excited by shiny new ideas, but for now I’m mostly attracted to contemporary romances and various flavors of paranormal.  A few years ago, I said “I’ll never write paranormal.  I’m too lazy for all the world-building.”  And now I’m writing two paranormal series. Then I said, “I’ll never write category contemporary” but I’ve recently submitted one of those.  It seems like whichever book I say “I’ll never write (fill in the blank)” turns out to be the next one I find myself writing.  (Anyone want to fill in the next blank for me?)
(Pictured: Serengeti Heat)

You say in your bio that you’re a movie buff. What are your favorites? Any of them life-changing? Any that your friends groan about when they see you barreling down the hallway toward them with your Special Edition Copy and conversion mania on your face?
If you have not seen The Philadelphia Story and you do not want to be strapped to a chair with duct tape and forced to watch it, you should run when you see me coming.  If you admit to ignorance of The Princess Bride, His Girl Friday, How to Murder Your Wife, Bull Durham, To Catch a Thief, or Noises Off, I am not to be blamed for forcing you into a marathon for your own good.  You’ll thank me later.  After I remove the duct tape…
(Pictured: Tickle My Fantasy)

Is there an untapped corner of your life that would bring on a new story? (My husband really wants to see one based on your minor in mathematic theory.)
Nerd lovin!  One of the next books on my To-Be-Written list has a molecular physicist heroine – which delves into my perverse fascination with quarks.  That’s about as close to linear algebra and chaos theory as I’m likely to go in my books.  I learned a long time ago that most people don’t love math like I do. I’ve watched their eyes glaze over when I start to wax poetic about how you can write computer code to use a series of finite iterations to mimic infinite repetitions to approach solutions for unsolvable differential equations… yeah.  You’re all bored.  This is why I don’t write about math geeks.
(Pictured: Shifting Dreams)

How do you choose a topic to blog on? Are your amazing posts stream-of-consciousness brilliance or incredible writing/editing talent?
LOL.  Dude.  You just called my blog posts amazing. You are so good for my ego.  The Truth About the Blog: Usually I just braindump all my crankiness or glee over a certain topic and hit “post.”  I try to rein in my natural tendency to swear like a drunken dockworker and once or twice a week I’ll actually hit spellcheck before posting, but more often than not, what you are seeing is unedited me.  Once in a blue moon, I’ll save a post for later and look back at it to make sure I’m not saying anything too inappropriate – but those saved posts tend to get sucked into the internet ether, never to be posted or seen from again.  I don’t have the patience to edit my blog posts. That’s just where I play.
(Pictured: The Ghost Exterminator)

Well, I love the brilliant way you handle some very nuanced topics. And the fun. Oh, and the contests. Vivi's highly enjoyable, thought-provoking, and always-entertaining blog is Ramblings from the Road. And visit Vivi at her website ViviAndrews.com.

Enormous thanks to Vivi for celebrating her fabulous new release, The Sexorcist, with me today!


Everything that can go wrong, will…especially when a demon helps things along.
Karmic Consultants, Book 3

When a mischief demon threatens a wedding, who’s a Karmic Consultant gonna call? Brittany Hylton-VanDeere. Brittany’s never planned a wedding before, but how hard could averting demon-induced matrimonial disasters be? Her particular brand of cockeyed optimism has always carried her through—but this time there’s a complication. A tattooed, badass exorcist who’s tempting her to break the no-office-dating rule.

Luis Rodriguez isn’t sure what to make of bright-eyed, somewhat illogical Brittany, but he’ll take any job that gives him a break from exorcising demons for pampered, lusting housewives. Helping pull off a wedding is not exactly his idea of a break, but who knew that Brittany’s infectious enthusiasm would be so, so seductive?

As the demon keeps finding ways to throw Brittany and Rodriguez together, they find themselves sliding deeper into a forbidden romance. But distractions are something they can’t afford. The demon’s aggression is rising, and it plans to stop the wedding. Even if it means stopping Brittany…permanently.

Product Warnings
This book contains a hero guaranteed to heat things up, a heroine bound to tug your heartstrings, and enough demonic mischief to keep you smiling all the way to the chapel.

Read an excerpt at Samhain Publishing

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

30 Books! 21 Authors! Get Hooked on a New Series Contest through May 15

Get Hooked on a Brand New Series

Love series? Want a great way to try a new one?

30 ebooks, each the first in a series (including Bite My Fire), are up as prizes for Moira Rogers's third Get Hooked contest.

Where? Here!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hilarious Interview at Scribbling Ninjas!

See me as the Vampire Flutist!

Check out my interview--especially Keith's brilliantly witty questions and editorial replies--at Scribbling Ninjas!

Mary

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Join Maria and me at the Samhain Cafe for an hour of Biting Love chat

The Samhain Cafe is having a Home Alone During RT party! And Magnificent Mod Maria Durst and I will be hosting an hour on Wednesday, April 28 from 10-11 p.m. EST -- 3 a.m. London time and noon in Sydney. After supper in the US, lunchtime in Australia or if you can't sleep in England, come join us!

The Cafe is here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/samhaincafe/

e=mc*c goes both ways

Matter from energy! Check out web article "'Beauty with antimatter bottom' out of pure energy"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

What kind of book consumer are you? A quiz at Vivi Andrew's Spring Blog Party

Please check out my totally unscientific quiz at the Amazing Vivi Andrew's blog!

It's part of her Spring Blog Party! and she's giving away not only a copy of Biting Me Softly but the grand prize of an ebook reader!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Biting Me Softly Gets 5 Fangs!

Check out the incredible 5-fang review Sidhe Vicious gave Biting Me Softly! "I absolutely love Mary’s sense of humor which comes out in the richness of her characters…At times, it’s laugh out loud funny and at others, well between all the action, danger, steamy hot hook ups, it’s also a touching renewal of faith in falling in love." ~ Reviewed by Sidhe Vicious Reviews

Two chances to win! At Sidhe Vicious Reviews

We're doing not one but two giveaways! One lucky person will get a copy of my new ebook, Biting Me Softly. Another, an ebook of the winner's choice from my backlist! Check out the bottom of my interview at Sidhe Vicious Reviews for how to enter (18+, please)!

In-depth Interview on Sidhe Vicious Reviews!

I answer questions ranging from what inspires me to write vampire stories to shaking off writer's block. Join me at Sidhe Vicious Reviews!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Biting Me Softly incredible 5-Cherry Review!

Check out the terrific 5-Cherry Review Biting Me Softly got at Whipped Cream!

"There’s trouble coming to Meiers Corners…This story had me smiling throughout; it was such a fun reading experience. The comedy of errors that kept Liese thinking the worst of every move Logan made was such fun, and Logan’s determination to show Liese her true self was priceless. Of course, this being a Mary Hughes story, it wouldn’t be complete without hot, biting vampire sex. I recommend that this be read in front of the fan, on high, with plenty of cold drinks."
~ Reviewed by Holly for Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews

See the full review here!

Monday, April 12, 2010

The Conquering Vampire Hero--Guest Blog at VampChix

Why do I write vampire romance? It's not what you'd think. Or maybe it is, but please come read my blog at VampChix--I'm giving away an ARC of Biting Me Softly!

Mary Hughes
Biting Me Softly - Next week!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Biting Me Softly up for Best Book at Whipped Cream!

With an awesome five cherry review, Biting Me Softly is up for Book of the Week! Please vote here! (Voting 4/10-4/11 2010)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Large Hadron Collider sets record at 7 TeV!

The collider at CERN is up and running! What new things will we learn about the universe?

Information Week article here.
National Geographic article here.
CERN's public website here.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Writers, as artists, need those kudos

My invaluable hubby found me this article. It's about Benny Goodman, famous jazz clarinet player, but the last paragraph is one that resonates with me.

The Unsure Artist at the digital Wall Street Journal

Biting Me Softly Five Nymph Review at Literary Nymphs!

Five Nymphs! "I love Liese…a little snarky, lighthearted, independent and stubborn. Then there’s gorgeous and sexy Logan. This Alpha male vampire is everything you’d expect him to be: possessive, protective, loyal, dedicated and determined but able to bend when he comes to Liese…"

Full review of Biting Me Softly by Mystical Nymph for Literary Nymphs

Friday, March 26, 2010

Biting Me Softly Joyfully Reviewed!

"Ms. Hughes knows how to heat up the page… Love, laughter, and lust wound together in a wonderfully-written story makes for the ultimate reading experience. Every book in the Biting Love series has all of these things, including Biting Me Softly. I adored Logan and Liese, both separately and as a pair. I finished Biting Me Softly a well-satisfied reader and cannot for the next Biting Love novel." ~Reviewed by Shayna for Joyfully Reviewed

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Join me Saturday March 13, 2 p.m. EST

March 7-13 is the 3rd Annual Samhain Cafe Readers Appreciation & Read and Ebook Week.

Saturday at 2 (EST) I'll be hosting an hour of excerpts and chat with a giveaway! Please join me!

Directions to the Samhain Cafe

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Bite of Silence FAR January Recommended Read!

Check out the awesome things Hayley said about The Bite of Silence!

"Twyla is quirky, snarky, intriguing, and hilarious…deliciously sexy vampire Nikos (a man who left this reader decidedly dehydrated from all the drooling) and then goldenly, gorgeous Klaus soon after certainly sealed the deal and made it a for sure winner…I love Ms. Hughes' sense of the irreverent and think that her skill grows with each story she pens. " ~ Reviewed by Hayley for Fallen Angel Reviews

Bite My Fire nominated for ARRA 2009 Favourite Erotic Romance



I am thrilled to announce Bite My Fire is one of ten finalists for Favourite Erotic Romance in the 2009 Australian Romantic Readers Association awards! Voting for members is through March 13, 2010.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The Bite of Silence on Sale Now!


Spartans do it with discipline.

The Bite of Silence © 2009 Mary Hughes

Times Square on New Year’s Eve. A million partiers chanting the final seconds. This year, it’s a countdown to death.

My name is Twyla Tafel and I’ve uncovered an insane plot to unleash berserk vampires on those unsuspecting revelers. I have to stop it, armed only with my great admin skills, my useless art degree—and Nikos, a severely hot vampire who I’d love to photograph as a Spartan king roaring his muscular challenge at the Persians.

But Nikos has issues, if you know what I mean. Roadblocks in his psyche that say stop when all I want is go-go-go. See “severely hot”, above.

Although if I finally break through Nikos’s reserve, I may get more than I bargained for. He’s seriously big, seriously built, and more than just a tad dominant. Still, it’s time to push my limits and find out who I really am, so I’m willing to try...I think. I’m sure. I’m mostly sure. Until he starts stalking me with those sable bedroom eyes and long, sharp fangs—!

Material Safety Warning: Contains 50% high-voltage sex by volume. 10g seriously hot Greek vampire, 4g curvy, competent heroine, 7g explosive action and gritty language. Made on equipment used to process snarky comments. Some light bondage may occur during handling.

Printers Sent From Hell?

An article that explains a lot of things! See it a Gizmodo.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Another great review for The Bite of Silence!

"Ms. Hughes does a great job of drawing the reader into the storycharacters jump off the pagesa short story that has a little of everything." ~Reviewed by Clare for TwoLips Reviews

Friday, January 1, 2010

Bite My Fire Joyfully Recommended!


"Bite My Fire is a truly irresistible read I didn’t want to end.  Ms. Hughes made me laugh, made me blush, and swept me away for hours upon hours of enjoyment with this fabulous tale.  Joyfully Recommended!" ~ Reviewed by Shayna for Joyfully Reviewed

The Bite of Silence in MBaM Top 10!

The Bite of Silence is currently #4 at My Bookstore and More!