Chasing Time Release Day! WOOT! #timetravel #romance #HEA #yesplease

Today my newest book baby, Chasing Time: Bonded Souls Book One, has a birthday! And honestly, I know how elephants feel, because I've had this book brewing for 8 years. Elephants have a 18 to22 months pregnancy. Hell NO. But it's here, It's live, and I'm so danged proud of it! 

I started writing this as a challenge in the Goodreads Erotic Enchants group in 2013. It was supposed to be a short story, dark, probably non-con. The title was "Alone" for eons. But none of that  happened, because I don't write short, dark, or non-con. It's a nice, juicy book at 113,000 words. It's angsty and conflicted but not dark, and there's no non-con. It's not erotic (steamy, yes.) It's a time travel, but it's not your mama's time travel! 

Even better, it's a series. Don't be afraid...I'll finish it. Book 2, Freezing Time, is written and edited, and Book 3, Making Time is almost complete. I plan on at least 5 books but I might have more! 

So what is Chasing Time??? 

When a spunky bookseller meets the literal man of her dreams, she’s afraid to admit she desires the sexy author…until he hints at a history that links them. Little does she know, she’s in for an adventure that will span centuries and could end in love…or tragedy.

💙 A spunky heroine who has given up on men.
💛 A determined, cinnamon roll hero driven to regain her love.
💚 A jump through time that could save them both...or destroy them.

The cover is stunning! Thanks to Diana Carlile for her magical touch. Authors, run to her blog to see her other creations and book her talent! 

Here's the real blurb! 

Skye Worthington’s quest for family brings more trouble than she bargained for…

My already turbulent life flips upside down the moment Marek Young appears. Nightmares from a childhood jumping between foster homes edge into sexy dreams of a man in leather pants with a simmering magical touch. As Marek is an important client at the bookstore where I work, I can’t say no when he asks me to dinner. I didn’t expect the pull of desire or the sizzle of familiar energy the first time we touched, but I need more than satisfaction. I need the truth. Yet the truth he offers seems too bizarre to believe…

One fated jump through time destroyed Marek Young’s life…

I have only one mission—make my wife love me again. Except the aloof bookstore clerk and grad student has no recollection of me. An emergency jump through time left Skye to grow up in this era with no memory of our adventures...or me. Unfortunately, she’s always had a temper. My time is running out, but if she discovers what I did to strand us here, she’ll kill me anyway.

Chasing Time is the first book in the exciting Bonded Souls series. This is gut-wrenching, second chance romance with a spark of magic by Mia Downing. Jump into this magical new world today!

Grab your copy of Chasing Time!

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Thank you for stopping by and sharing my release day! Leave a comment, and I'll enter you into a drawing for a print copy of Chasing Time. 

~Mia 

My gorgeous cover flat by Diana Carlile! 

#NewRelease Twisted Luck: Ready to Take You To Hell And Back #paranormalromance #kindle

So excited! Today is release day for Twisted Luck!

This is my first full release in a long time, and I'm really proud of this book. They say it takes a village for a lot of things, and a village definitely helped me get this project off the ground. You see, I had given up writing. In my mind, I was done. But a friend asked me not to stop, and at the same time, the muse kicked in with a story idea. I always come up with a song, and Elle King's Ex's &Oh's became the track that made the images form in my mind and beg to be written. I said I'd try once more, but I'd write for me and my village.

So here we are, a year later. I hope you like Olivia and Leo's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. The trailer below was designed by TBC Trailers and is gorgeous. Enjoy!~Mia

Teasers by Sunshine Reads

Blurb For Twisted Luck: 

All I wanted was luck—the good kind. I’d lost my job, a jerk hacked my bank account, and I caught my best friend screwing my fiancé. When stood up by my Internet date in a bar, I met the perfect man—tall, dark, and handsome in the most expensive suit. He was out of my league, but I didn’t want forever.

I barely remember the words he whispered under the veil of sin and seduction. I didn’t believe in Satan, God, Heaven or Hell. I thought he was kidding. A figment. A dream.

I was wrong. With one, breathless yes, my fate was sealed.

Businessman by day, demon by night, Leo Weston now owns my soul in exchange for good luck. Time is ticking as he works to secure my mother’s soul, too. Somehow, I have to take him down despite him being so damned gorgeous, glib, and devious. Will my gift of twisted luck be enough to save her and protect my heart?

 102,000 words/400 pages

~*~

Excerpt from Twisted Luck

Someone slid onto the stool next to me. I glanced over at the attractive guy in a suit, my heart pounding fast for a beat. Maybe my date had shown after all.

Cover by Designed by D

I turned just enough to check him out from the corner of my eye. Nope. The tailored, expensive suit and sparkling cufflinks screamed class and money. Definitely not my internet date.

I sipped the frozen margarita I’d nursed between shots and peeked again, trying to not be obvious in my perusal. Hot, broody, and dangerous, he wore a dark gray suit that fit him to a tee. Short-cropped, dark hair, high cheek bones, firm lips, and a hint of dark stubble shading his strong jaw—all definitely my type. Probably mid-thirties. I liked older. With my luck, the guy had a wife and two mistresses waiting somewhere.

Yet here he sat on a barstool next to me, making my palms wet and my heart race. Disheartened, I sipped my drink and did my best to ignore the eye candy at my elbow.

I was definitely doomed.

“Can I buy you another drink?” the hot guy asked.

“That’s probably not a good idea.” I toyed with the stirrer in my drink. Wife and mistresses. I had to keep that in mind.

He chuckled, his deep voice stirring something carnal deep inside me. “I assure you, I’m not married. Nor do I have mistresses.”

Had I said that aloud? I shrugged, not wanting to be sucked in to the charm and whatever else he was selling in that expensive suit. “Sure. It’s your dime.”

He ordered and casually leaned an elbow on the bar, the weight of his stare sliding along my skin, heating it. I’d worn a simple black dress that showed just enough thigh and cleavage for a first date. My exposed flesh warmed as shocks of pleasure and lust danced along my nerves.

Maybe the alcohol was finally kicking in. I focused on the television, hoping the hot guy would take his drink and sit somewhere else.

“You look like you’ve lost your best friend,” he observed.

“Nosy.” But yeah, I had when she’d screwed my boyfriend in my bed. I took one of the shots the bartender slid in front of me and downed it without clinking glasses or thanking the guy.

“You want to talk about it?”

“Nope.” I set the glass in front of him and met his chocolaty gaze for the first time. “Look, buddy—”

Gah.

I froze, mesmerized as I stared at perfection. His eyes…deep, dark brown pools I’d drown in if I weren’t careful, framed by the thickest, darkest lashes. My heart did weird things as I fought for the breath lodged in my tight chest.

Mr. Perfect stared at me as if he knew me, had lost me, and had finally found me. And for some reason, I thought I knew him, too.

Where to Find Twisted Luck… 

Amazon

Amazon UK

B&N

Kobo 

iTunes

Check out the excellent reviews on GoodReads 

Sneak Peek At Twisted Luck Book Trailer by @thebookchick #.99 #preorder #paranormal

I am SO EXCITED!!!! 

So this is probably the best thing that happened to me outside of  not being late for my wedding, birthing 2 healthy kids, and finding clean underwear this morning (I'm not an exciting person and I'm very easy to please). This trailer was created by The Book Chick, Nita Banks, and it is AMAZING. It's everything Twisted Luck is about. There's action, danger, and the possibility of romance. Nita did an amazing job, and I'm so grateful she was able to do this. She is beyond amazing. 

So without further ado, here's the trailer for Twisted Luck. It's available on pre-order for .99 for a limited time at all retailers.

Buy Links:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Goodreads

iTunes

What do you think? I absolutely love it! Thanks for coming to see. 

Hot Diggity! Drool Worthy Cover For Twisted Luck #paranormal #romance #newrelease

HOWDY FOLKS!

It's been FOREVER since I've blogged, and even longer since I've put out a book. For good reason. You see, I had decided I was giving up writing. A funny thing happened...the minute I said I was done, my muse returned and POOF! I have a juicy, full-length book to share with you. For a limited time, the book is on sale for .99 during pre-order. Links to follow. And be sure to stay to the end. Leave a comment and your email and I'll put you in the running for a surprise!

Cover designer Diana Carlile has outdone herself this time! Everything about this cover is perfect. It's sexy, the hero looks like bad boy demon Leo, jingling his change as he verbally spars with our heroine, Olivia. Just try not to get drool on your phone or keyboard. 

My gorgeous teasers and the cover reveal artwork were created by Sunshine Reads. You'll see more of them in the future! 

Now let's have a peek at this cover! 

Twisted Luck  by Mia Downing

"When I told him to go to hell, I didn't realize it would be a trip for two."

All I wanted was luck—the good kind. I’d lost my job, a jerk hacked my bank account, and I caught my best friend screwing my fiancé. When stood up by my Internet date in a bar, I met the perfect man—tall, dark, and handsome in the most expensive suit. He was out of my league, but I didn’t want forever.

I barely remember the words he whispered under the veil of sin and seduction. I didn’t believe in Satan, God, Heaven or Hell. I thought he was kidding. A figment. A dream.

I was wrong. With one, breathless yes, my fate was sealed.

Businessman by day, demon by night, Leo Weston now owns my soul in exchange for good luck. Time is ticking as he works to secure my mother’s soul, too. Somehow, I have to take him down despite him being so damned gorgeous, glib, and devious. Will my gift of twisted luck be enough to save her and protect my heart? 

To be released April 7, 2017.

Pre-order Links: 

Amazon

B&N 

Kobo 

Goodreads

iTunes: coming soon

PG-13 Excerpt of Twisted Luck (more racier excerpts to come in later posts!)

“What would you give, Olivia, to have your revenge?” he asked.

“I don’t want revenge.” But honestly…I’d sell my soul for some good luck.

“What did you say?”

I frowned. “I don’t want revenge?”

“No, the other.”

“I don’t recall saying that out loud.”

He leaned closer and practically whispered, “Say it anyway.”

I licked my lips, unable to tear my gaze from his chocolaty one. “I—” I licked my lips again. “I’d sell my soul for good luck.”

“Would you?” He leaned forward on his elbows, interested and eager for my answer.

“Would you?” I countered, shocked by his words and that I’d even contemplate this to begin with. People didn’t sell their souls. I didn’t believe in God, Satan, Hell, or Heaven. When I was little, God hadn’t helped my mother or me when we’d needed him most. I sure as hell didn’t see any help on this horizon.

“I already have. Paid the piper, too.” Blatant honesty and sadness quirked in his slight smile.

Now I sat a little taller. Had this guy been through hell and back? No way could someone fake that look, the one of cold despair. I knew it too well. I had seen it on my mother’s eyes, viewed it in the mirror when I gazed at myself. I had thought Mr. Perfect hot and out of my league, but this…maybe this soft admission put him square in my playing field.

~*~

I'm so happy you stopped by! Leave a comment and your email and I'll do a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card and a backlist e-book.

Switching Leads Release Day! #mm #glbt #eroticromance #sports

Release Day! 

Well this sort of crept up on me like the Boogie Man on the prowl! But today is here, the release day for Switching Leads! I hemmed and hawed about adding new material to this novella now that it's not part of the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m bundle. I decided not to do so. If I do add something I'll notify readers and it will happen here, on my blog, for free.

So if you've read the story in the bundle, many thanks for reading. You're not missing anything new. Please feel free to add a review to one of the fine sites or Goodreads (links below the excerpt.)

If you're a new-to-me reader, then welcome! Have a peek at this short (28,000 words) but very satisfying m/m novella. Have you always wanted to see what m/m romance is about but were leery? I've been told in many reviews my books are a great place to start. If you're an avid m/m reader then you're sure to enjoy this hot but satisfying romance!

Here's a link to a great review by Smitten with Reading.

Blurb for Switching Leads 

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant coach for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life?

Finn has had a hell of a bad year, ending with a horrible riding accident. Instead of looking forward to winter in sunny Florida training horses for the show circuit, he ends up going home to snowy Cathia, NY to heal, physically and emotionally. He'll endure John's frosty reception if it means he'll get what he wants most. He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?

Excerpt from Switching Leads (Campus Cravings: Higher Learning series)

A soft knock rattled the door. John pushed away just as it opened and Finn shoved his head in.

“Oh, hey,” Finn said. “Can I talk to you?”

“Busy,” John managed, his throat tight, choking down any other words that wanted to come out. Of course, it had to be Finn. He strode over to the desk and shuffled papers through his trembling hands, hoping it all looked natural. Just close the door and go away.

“You okay?” Finn slid through the small gap and shut the door behind him.

Was he? His hand froze on the note Rob had left him earlier, reminding him about Finn starting today, knowing John rarely checked email on the weekend. “Fine.”

“You have to talk to me at some point.” Finn cocked his head. “It’s just a matter of time.”

John whirled and leaned against the desk, his heart racing. Talking wasn’t good. If he was already seeking Finn’s approval, how long would it be before Finn coaxed him into bed? March? February? Hell, next week? Did he have that much will power? How long before his heart would be trampled again?

Available now!

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

ARE

Smashwords

Add to your wish list on Goodreads.

And hey, give me a holler. I love comments! If you've read the book let me know about your favorite part! If you're a new reader, tell me what you love about romance. I often give stuff away when I get comments. Here's your chance to put me in an even better mood!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Mia Downing's New Year's Update #mm #eroticromance #amwriting

Happy New Year! 

I don't do resolutions. I just vow to try harder. So This year I'll try harder to write more, get more published, and work harder the whole author thing. I have some things brewing. I thought I'd give you a little peek at January's events.

To spark off the New Year...
Ripped is being featured on Crystal's Many Reviewers in their Throwback Thursday celebration. Two great reviews for my novella! Here's the link: Crystal's Many Reviewers.

Switching Leads to be re-released soon!
Switching Leads is up for pre-order on Amazon and ARE! It's also going to be available at Kobo, B&N and iTunes (through Smashwords.)

Expect to see it live everywhere January 7, 2015.

And a super secret project...
I've decided to branch out a little, and I'm working on a secret project that's straight erotica to be offered under another name. It's hot, very spicy, and sure to please. Look for this by the end of January 2015.

Look for more excitement to come for 2015! Thanks for stopping by!

Describing Ladyville...Tips for the Discriminating Smut Author #eroticromance #authorhelp

Well, I'm slipping or I've been pretty happy because I had to go way back into July to find something to post. For those new to this form of torture, I take a FB rant and discuss it here on my blog. Today we're talking about some body parts.

The post:

Dear authors,

An aureole is: a circle of light or brightness surrounding something, especially as depicted in art around the head or body of a person represented as holy.

FYI, It's not a sexy body part.

Love, Mia.

My cover model for Just Ask
is not a lady, but he has nice areolas!

The Discussion...

I write erotic romance, which contains several body parts that are often used (hopefully quite vigorously.) I've seen aureole used several times instead of areola. It could be because Word will tag areola as incorrect and doesn't tag aureole as incorrect. So perhaps they think they're doing it all wrong. No one wants wrong boobs, be they man boobs or lady boobs. But aureole is all sorts of wrong, so go to your spell check and add AREOLA right this moment.

Other Parts to Discuss...

While I'm on a rant, let's talk about things I DO NOT WANT TO READ when it comes to getting down with the lady parts.

1) Suckling, suckle, suckled. The definition of this is: To feed (a baby or young animal) from the breast or teat. It's just not erotic despite the hero being 6' 2" of hot hunk doing the suckling. If he's suckling on red aureoles, I'm chucking your book. My children killed my sex life. I don't need to be reminded of that while reading your sexy book. It makes me all sorts of crabby.

2) Womb. I know we just dropped down to the other section of Ladyville, but this begs discussion. In no way, shape, or form does a womb have a place in smut. Because...

• The womb is the uterus and again, the uterus is for babies. I had babies in my uterus for eighteen months (two pregnancies) and now that I am fixed, my uterus is a source of anger. Do not get me started on how men own the world, ruling the tampon and feminine napkin organization. If a man had to bleed out of his fixed dick every month he'd spend all of his time and energy to make it not happen, and you bet it would be safe and effective. ::grumble:: 

• There's no way a man is going to be using his massive tool on a uterus unless you read/write those massive dick erotica stories where the cervix opens like a garage door to allow that massive beast of a cock entrance to the forbidden womb. Yes, it's a sub-genre of erotica, and to each his/her own thing. My coochie clenches painfully at the thought. 

• There could be contact with the cervix but I don't want to think about that, either. Cervix is clinical and the only time I think about my cervix is when Dr. Young is doing a pap smear and scraping cells off of the poor little thing, or during my period when my cervix is cramping to allow for bodily maintenance I don't need.

3) Snatch. The definition is to grab quickly. Ladyville deserves some respect and a leisurely fingering, not a grab and grope. There are enough things to call it without going to porn-land. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

How Not To Piss Off Your Peers... Advice for the New Author #authoradvice #amwriting

So today's Dear Author post is aimed at advice for the new author. Yes, we were all new once. Yes, we all wished someone would help us get seen! There are ways to do that, though, and ways NOT to do that. This Dear Author letter was aimed for my Facebook wall audience, but take heed because this message covers anywhere, especially GoodReads. 

The Post...

Dear New Authors,

The fastest way to loose assistance from your peers is to spam their wall with your book, page, group, street team info. The fastest way to GAIN assistance? Get out and chat. Introduce yourself as a person, smile, shake hands, share man candy and bacon (well, the last two work for me.)

Love, Mia.

Discussion:

The newbie author just probably blinked and called me evil words because I am so uncaring and unhelpful! But let's break it down. SPAM is something unsolicited and unwanted sent electronically and usually to a large number of people. 

I know some new authors are sputtering at this point. But...but... We need to be SEEN! We need to be HEARD! We need HELP!

Let me ask you this first... In the real world, would you market your book using these tactics if they were free?

• Telemarketing calls at dinner?
• Sticking notes and advertisements under windshields at the plaza?
• Mass post card mailings to buy your book?

If you said yes to any of the above and aren't already seeing the golden light of connection I'm offering you at the end of the tunnel... As my Southern friends would say, bless your heart. Good luck with your writing journey. Have a piece of bacon on your way out.

If you said, "NO! Absolutely not. I hate telemarketers, junk mail, and windshield notes! Show me the way, Mia!" Then read on.

If you don't want to SPAM potential readers/buyers/fans/authors who might help you, here's a short list of what NOT to do on any social media platform (Facebook, GoodReads, Twitter...)

• Don't friend someone and then ask them to like your page, buy your book, vote for you, or anything else that has to do with you as an author or your book. 
• Don't join groups in Facebook or GoodReads and then SPAM the group immediately with your book sale, book like plea, contest, new release, etc. 
• Don't tag anyone on Facebook in book promotion type posts unless you have permission to post things to their Wall.
• Don't add people to a group on Facebook without their permission. 
• Don't send people a book recommendation for your own book on GoodReads.
• And though it's your wall, I would avoid posting promotional posts all the time, every time. People get sick of the rolling infomercial. 

How to get other authors to help you. 
It takes time and effort to build friendships and alliances in the publishing world. If this is your career, then networking is well worth the effort. 

• Do introduce yourself and say thank you. "Hi, I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for your friendship!"
• Do comment and like posts, say congratulations on that sale or release, offer condolences for a bad day...you get the picture. Be friendly. 
• Post only to your wall until you get to know people. I only tag people if it's something funny and something I know they'd love. For example, tagging me in hot man candy pics and bacon shots is absolutely okay.
• Promote your favorite author now and then (because you're a reader, too, right?) 
• Join groups in your genre and interact with readers as a reader. Readers and other authors will take the time to look you up. Trust me on this.
• Wish people "Happy Birthday." It's easy, it's fun, and you'll get to know people that way.
• Post about yourself so people get to know you. Even if you use a pen name you can include readers in your daily activities such as your love of bacon or coffee. Oh, that's me. :-D
• Do interact with authors and readers as appropriate. Try to include everyone and not just your new group of friends. 
• Be nice, be yourself, and be kind.

You guys can have cake for reading this far. You can have some of the bacon from above, too.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sometimes Learning The Truth Is More Than You Bargained For... Alone #paranormal #EroticRomance

In my case, it was the blurb! 

I spent part of my day working on a blurb for Alone. This will be book 1 of a new series, and I hope you all like it. This one is m/f with a touch of paranormal, a smack of kink, a smattering of suspense, and a blistering romance. I don't have a cover yet, but I have a little taste of what my hero, Marek, looks like. Enjoy!

Thank you to my editor, Diana Carlile, for suffering as I sent her different versions.

Blurb for Alone (Jump Book 1)

What would you give to finally learn the truth?

Skye Bennett senses someone out there knows how she ended up in foster care at age two. Every penny she earns is spent on uncovering her origin, but at twenty-two she still has no answers and is no closer to feeling the connection she craves.

Until one dark night, when a sexy stranger claims he knows the truth about her past and who she is, but he's been waiting for the right time. He has to be wrong, but his words strike a chord deep in her soul, and something slumbering awakens and begs to be heard. The deal he strikes renders Skye breathless. If she spends the weekend with him, he'll reveal the entire truth by six p.m. Sunday night. The only catch—she will be his. Completely.

Marek Young is in grave danger without Skye’s help. Using the truth is a dirty ploy, but he’s afraid of the consequences if he wines her and dines her the old-fashioned way. Once he’s out of danger, he’ll need to convince her to help right a wrong that impacts both their lives.

When six p.m. arrives... Sometimes knowing the truth is more than you bargained for.

Available SOON! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Taking the Move Out Of Your Writing: Choosing Better Verbs #amwriting #editing #authorhelp

On Facebook I often have a Dear Author post that deals with what's going on around me. It might be a rant about usage of passive voice, or lack of etiquette, or a plea for more bacon and man candy posted on my wall.. who knows what tickles my fancy at any given moment. I have decided since I don't personally blog enough that I would transfer my Dear Author posts here.

So today's post: 

Dear Authors,

Please strike the word "move" from your writing vocabulary. It's weak and non-descriptive. Example: He moved across the yard. He skipped (or hobbled, limped, crawled, flew, streaked, sashayed, waddled) across the yard. See how much better that is? Think how much better your sex scenes will be, too! No more moving in and out, moving his hand up her body (yes, get rid of body as well!)

Love, Mia.

~*~

Discussion:
The word "move" is a pet peeve of mine while reading, in my own writing, and in any editing I do for other authors. It's a vague verb and doesn't give the reader a good description of what's going on besides something or someone changing location (however small.) It's not a horrible word all alone, but when you read a paragraph in a book that contains three or four moves in one paragraph it becomes tedious.

The above example shows that a better verb gives you an entirely different mental picture. Let's discuss it more here.

Example: He moved across the yard.
Better: He skipped (or hobbled, limped, crawled, flew, streaked, sashayed, waddled) across the yard.

A man might waddle because he's overweight, he might be limping because he's a zombie and he's missing half of his leg. He's skipping because he's won the lotto, or he's crawling because he doesn't want to be seen by the Ninjas next door. There are so many mental images you can give your reader by simply changing that one word.

Sex scenes can be flooded with the word move if the author isn't careful.

Example: He moved in and out. 

Better: He thrust. 

Example: He moved his hand up her body. (The word BODY is an entirely different rant, but strike that from your vocabulary, too!)

Better: He caressed a path from her abdomen to the hem of her panties.

Places where "move" might be okay....

Example: Move your ass! 

Example: He moved from NYC to Denver last week. 

Example: He's got the moves like Jagger. (He doesn't, but it works.)

As an order, move works. It also works in the general terms of packing your crap and living somewhere else because it takes too long to say, "I packed my crap and relocated to Denver." And moves like Jagger...enough said. 

See how much better it is to use active verbs when possible? 

~*~

Thanks for stopping by! 

Fab 5 Questions for Mia Downing

Whitley Gray tagged me for Fab 5 Questions. So here are my answers! 

1. What am I working on?
It's hard to classify what I'm working on because it just doesn't fit any category I try to put it in. It is unique, edgy, different, kinky, suspenseful, and romantic. This one is traditional in that it's a hero and heroine. But there is absolutely no category that it truly fits in, because it straddles so many lines.

I know that sounds cryptic, but I don't quite have a blurb yet to share. When I do, you'll be the first to read it!

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I have no clue how to answer this, so I turned to my 1# stalker fan and asked her opinion. She said, "The way you write angst and how sensual your characters are without being sappy makes your work differ." 

3. Why do I write what I do?

I love the happily ever after of romance and they were the books I gravitated to when I was old enough to love the domineering men on the front of the historicals or Harlequin Presents novels my grandmother read. But I like erotic romance because I can use sex as another way to show character growth and intimacy. I had a friend basically call it porn and it's not. I don't write it with the intention to excite or turn readers on. I write to push the boundaries for my characters in and out of bed, and if they find it a hot read in the process, that's great. 

4. How does my writing process work?
I am a crazy writer. I first start by seeing a scene. I start asking questions. Who? What? Why? Where? I usually find some music that fits them (and it's random why it fits. My WIP has music from Pink, Requiem from a Dream, and a song from Divergent. I write the beginning (first 3-4 chapters) then usually I see the ending and write that. Then I connect the middle. I write scenes out of order and then just make them all connect. As far as plotting...until this book it's all been in my head and as the story develops. This book I've actually taken some notes and made a few plot diagrams for future books because there are some very intricate points. But usually I don't write much down. So far, no one has complained.

5. Where can you find my work?

My Author Pages

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

ARE

Bookstrand

The Wild Rose Press

Connect with me on the Web!

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Pinterest

Campus Cravings Cover Reveal with Mia Downing! #mm #boxedset #college

Campus Cravings Cover Reveal!

I'm in a boxed set with eight other fabulous authors and today is our cover reveal for Campus Cravings, a m/m bundle! The novellas are all set at Cathia University. It was a blast to write and include some of the shared locations and characters for our little college town. And I'll also give you a little teaser of my blurb to enjoy while you drool over the cover. 

Switching Leads by Mia Downing 

He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life…and into his bed? 

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Here's more about the bundle and finally...the cover!!!

Welcome to Cathia University, where school is in session! Nine of today's hottest gay romance authors have crafted brand-new interrelated novellas celebrating everything wonderful about college, with over 200,000 words featuring sophisticated professors, sexy teaching assistants, ambitious grad students, and spirited undergraduates, all looking for the same thing: an A+ in true love.

Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m boxed set

Annabeth Albert: Winning Bracket 

Cassandra Carr: The Eloquent Jock

Dalton Diaz: Lesson Learned

Mia Downing: Switching Leads

Whitley Gray: Artistic Endeavor

Bianca Sommerland: Solid Education

KyAnn Waters: Private Lessons

LA Witt: Did Somebody Order a Pizza?

Sara York: The Dust Of Everyday Life

The Campus Cravings male/male bundle will release 
on August 25th.

Join our Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/299579866886134/

Add Campus Cravings to your Goodreads to-be-read-list here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738703-campus-cravings

Thanks for stopping by!

Five Things You May Not Know About Mia Downing...

Today I'm doing something we've been doing on Facebook--posting things people may not know about you. Of course, someone knows some of this stuff. I don't have enough skeletons in my closet to surprise the world. But I do have a few neat things you may not know. I'm going to do five writing things and five personal things.

Writing:
1) I don't write scenes in order. I write the beginning, then the ending, then fill in the middle. Scenes are all out of order and come when the muse strikes.

2) I wrote my first story in 4th grade when I wrote the sequel to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I didn't like how the book ended and I wanted more, so I filled a spiral notebook with a really neat story.

3) I didn't always write erotic romance. My first penned romances were historicals and they were quite unsexy. I also have a few unsexy contemporaries in boxes under my bed.

4) I have my fingers in many areas of the publishing world. I was a technical writer and an editor before I published my first fiction novel.

5) I let my editor, Diana Carlile, have #5 because I got stuck. She said you'd find it interesting that I do write to a playlist (certain songs for certain characters) and I like to torture my characters. I think she means with conflict, though there are a few heroes I've written I'd love to tie to my bedpost and torture with kisses... Anyway. That's two things, but she's the boss so she gets to say whatever she likes.

Personal things:
1) I have SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) which is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. I have been diagnosed since 1997 and have both skin and major organ involvement. To read more, visit The Lupus Foundation of America.

2) I am scared of heights. I hate the glass elevator in the mall and my kids laugh when I hide in the corner with my face stuffed toward the metal side.

3) I worked in a restaurant as a line chef for 2 years. My family won't eat any of the recipes I can make.

4) I am not a big fan of movies. I go to one or two a year. That means I have to work harder scoping out the hot male actors.

5) Neither my husband or I wear a wedding ring (I do have a beautiful ring, though.) A ring is a safety hazard in both of our day jobs. Both of us know people in our professions who have lost their ring finger in an accident.  :-O I wear mine for special occasions and when we go out.

What about you? Is there anything you want to share? :-) Don't be shy!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Interviewing Myself, My Love of Bacon, And Endgame #eroticromance

Happy day after Christmas! I hope you all had a peaceful day filled with good things. You can't always get what you want, but I hope you all got what you needed spiritually and gift-wise. I got candy and time with the family so my day was good. 

For giggles I decided to fill out my own interview, which sounds really weird in some ways but hey, it's a way to get to know me if you don't, and if you already know me, well...you know I'm lacking a few pieces of the puzzle. 

So, here's me, interviewing...me. By Mia Downing. 

Coffee, tea or…what’s your vice? 

All of it. I love coffee in all versions. I love tea and choose that when I'm sick because it's perfect comfort drink. I also am a Diet Coke fan.

Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman. 

Favorite Color: Blue. I find earth tones soothing, though.

Favorite book/author: Oh, gee. I have a few from many genres. I adore Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series, Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, anything Julia Quinn, Bertrice Small, Tymber Dalton's Reluctant Dom. Watership Down is a huge favorite, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is why I started writing. Lots of variety. 

How do you feel about bacon?

Oh, bacon... How do I love thee... Let me use pictures to show you.

Bacon is art...

Bacon is naughty!

Bacon can be religious...

Bacon can be useful...

Bacon can earn a living! 

Bacon is logical. 

Bacon, I love you.

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So those of you that don't know, I send guests an interview sheet and this is part of the questionnaire. I usually delete it out, but now you can see what people have to put up with when they come here to visit. 

The REAL questions… (you don’t have to answer all of them but I do want to know more about you AND what’s under your bed. I’m growing dust elephants for profit. I don’t want to be out-marketed.)

*Tell us a little about yourself. (Please answer this one even if you think it’s boring. Make something up, tell us about your cherry stem tying skill… Tell us about your knitting or your llama…whatever works.)

I guess I have to answer my own question. I'd love to say I'm a lingerie model or a spy, but I'm really boring. I have a small farm in New England with a variety of animals that all eat and poop, and you can't not feed them because that's mean. I have two teen kids and a husband to help take care of it all. I'm the woman who is stopped all the time because I look like Aunt Gladys's neighbor's daughter or some weird thing. I do knit. I don't like llamas after spending weekends camping in this weird petting zoo in Canada when I was a kid. They'd close the gates and set the llamas, deer and goats free to roam around your camper. It sounds fun, but it was really scary when I was five. I don't like emus, either. 

What’s under your bed?

HUGE dust elephants. Often a random cat, old socks, my scunchies seem to hide there, luggage and some knitting supplies. 

What comes first, plot or characters?

Characters. I'll catch a glimpse of a scene and ask myself how this character got to that place. Who, what, when and why are my friends in this instance. 

Pantser, plotter, or hybrid? Tell us about your writing process.

I am a pantser in that the story develops when it develops. I don't do character arcs or notebooks or even pictures. I will start with whatever scene I see and then from there the story can go anywhere. I often write the beginning, then the ending, and then fill in the middle. I don't write linear (meaning scenes in order) and it's a holy hell editing mess. I can't have a critique partner because of this, but I do have 2 friends I trust to see the mess when I'm stuck. The only good thing about my process is no one has yet complained about a saggy middle. 

Oddest thing on your desk?

A six shooter rubber band gun. A woman has to defend herself against sneak attacks.

What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

 I have to have music for every book and if I don't have the right song, I can't write. Oddly I know if it's right or not because if it's rigth I can't hear it at all. I put it on loop and write until I hear it, then it's time to change. The song reminds me of a situation or character in some aspect. 

What’s your favorite thing about the genre you write in?

I love the happily-ever-after. You can drag their souls through the mud and know at the end everything will be okay. I love writing sex that drives the plot or shows character growth. 

What is the hardest thing about being an author?

 Promotion. Marketing. Bad reviews. Believing in my writing and my thought process. 

What’s the easiest thing about being an author?

The commute, though that thirty seconds down the stairs can be full of detours and pit falls, and then opening the files and avoiding Facebook is another adventure.

I also love the good reviews and hearing from friends and readers. Their emails and messages usually show up just when I need them most. So thank you, guys. 

Tell us about your latest release! 

My last release was Spy Games: Endgame, book 3 in the series. I absolutely love this series and I had such a great time working on it. If you haven't read any of them, it's best to start with book one, Spy Games: Trained for Seduction and work your way through them. 

Endgame was fun because it was a different sort of heroine and hero. I'd written two books of alpha males and incredibly strong yet submissive women. Now, don't fret. Both Aaron and Charlotte learn to find that trait within themselves, but they're probably the most interesting in their sexual journey. I love that Charlotte is as hard as nails outside and yet she's so damaged and conflicted you can't help but cheer when Aaron melts through her icy exterior with his charm and wit.  

Blurb for Endgame...

Sexy spy Charlotte Smith doesn't go by the code name Dragon

Queen because she's sweet and cuddly. She's cold, hard, and mean and has been training for the past five years to take down the men who destroyed her soul and left her burning for revenge. But when she meets her next assignment at a wedding, her body protests there's much more to life than kicking asses and taking names. Actor Aaron James is witty, hot as hell, and he smells divine. But women with suicidal endgames don't indulge in casual sex, and they definitely don't fall in love.

Since meeting Charlotte at his brother's wedding, Aaron's life has been nothing but trouble. He's plagued by memories of the kiss he stole from her, and he senses underneath her aloof nature and frosty glare is a woman with passion and fire. When Charlotte is assigned as his bodyguard after a botched kidnapping attempt, he's psyched. What better way to get in her panties than have her pretend she's his girlfriend? Until Aaron realizes too late he wants more than in her panties... he want's Charlotte's heart.

Contains: Explicit language, really hot sex, anal sex, toys, light bondage, very light BDSM, an actor wannabe spy and his kick-ass spy bodyguard.

Available in E-book and print

Amazon
B&N

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Thanks for stopping by!