Spicy!

Congrats...

2011-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

to Taryn! You're the winner of my $25 Amazon.com gift card!! Please email me at avamcknight(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can confirm your email addie and get your prize to you!!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and participated in the giveaway!
Happy Sunday,
Ava

New Reviews & Contest!

2011-06-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've given anything away, so how about a chance to win a $25 Amazon.com gift card? You can enter to win by leaving a comment on my blog, along with your email addy. Also, if you're headed to NYC for the RWA National Conference at the end of the month, look for goody bags from Between Your Sheets at the Literacy Signing and you'll see that I'm also giving away a $50 gift card! Details are included with my Calista Fox promo items at the conference.

As you can see, I've got a (relatively) new release. Worth the Wait is a novel in e-book format, available at Ellora's Cave. I'm excited by the excellent reviews received thus far, including a Reviewer Top Pick and Reader Recommended/Must Read ratings! Here are a few great things being said about the book:

Blurb:
Jade’s law-enforcing, gun-toting relatives scare off every potential love interest she has in the small town of Moon River, Montana, leaving her frustrated and sexually deprived. Until bad boy Vin D’Angelo roars into town on a bad-ass motorcycle…along with his devilishly handsome friend and business partner, Noah Riley.

For one night of her very sheltered life, Jade gets everything she wants, needs and desires during an intense ménage with the two men. Come morning, though, it’s Vin’s sinfully delicious body she still craves—making him more than worth the wait.

Unfortunately, Vin has come to Moon River to reveal secrets he’s kept for eight years. Shocking revelations that threaten his new bond with Jade when she discovers who he really is…and how intricately he’s entwined with her painful past.

Reviews:

5 Stars—Romance Writer Reviews

“Worth the Wait by Ava McKnight is a very romantic story of Vin and Jade who meet online when they were young, but lost contact. …This book is hot and very sexy!!” ~Wanda

5 Stars and Reviewer Top Pick—Night Owl Reviews

“Vin D’Angelo is in town to scout locations for filming; he’s also there to look up an old friend. In Jade he finds a very sexy woman, eager to be led astray. …What starts out as a hot fling quickly develops into something deeper and more meaningful. …There is a lot more to Jade’s father’s over protectiveness than first appears, and the deeper issues in this novel are deftly dealt with. This is a really fun romance which manages to be hot, sweet and spicy at the same time. I loved the characters, the humor and the story.” ~CYD

5 Siren Stones—Siren Book Reviews

“Worth the Wait by Ava McKnight hit so close to home it was uncanny. No I didn’t have Vin or a Noah...but I did have overprotective brothers and cousins and I totally could relate to the difficulty poor Jade had with entering a relationship… I commend her on how she stood up to her family in her own town.

Vin the sexy man was not a one dimensional type a guy but multifaceted. Every time I thought I had him pinned down, he threw out another fault that led to such a great trait I thought I’d die swooning over him. I enjoyed the hard hot passion between he and Jade but more his determination to right a wrong that never really was. Seeing how he went from boy to man and his past life altering traumas had me falling for him.

Now Noah, what a fine piece of man, and I can’t wait for his story. I was glad he didn’t overly intrude on what wasn’t his but obliged just a bit. He’s the type of friend every guy should have. The secondary characters were a lively bunch and I can’t wait to see what crops up. Maybe even if Jade’s papa finds himself a strong heroine too.” ~Cia

Worth the Wait by Ava McKnight (aka Calista Fox)

On Sale Now at Ellora’s Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9180-worth-the-wait.aspx

Best,

Ava

New Releases and Giveaways!

2011-03-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to have two releases this month! The first is Stefan's Wicked Ways, which is the sequel to Simon's Wicked Web (available in both e-book and print). Liquid Silver Books is where you'll find this diddy. Here's what it's about:

Billionaire British bad boy Stefan Van Halderon is a confirmed bachelor who likes the thrill of chase. But when he sees former lover Anna DeVane at his best friend’s wedding, Stefan is instantly ensnared. Winning over smart, sexy Anna is a challenge, since Stefan once cheated on her. Yet with Anna’s job as a famous gossip columnist on the line because of budget cuts at the American magazine that employs her, Stefan sees a prime opportunity to help her make a strategic career move—while working his way back into her good graces.

Resisting Stefan has never been easy for Anna. The fire still burns bright between them, despite their sordid past. When Anna accidentally buys a date with Stefan at a bachelor auction, she’s lured by his wicked ways once more, and soon caving into temptation. But when aftermath complications with the auction threaten to wreak havoc on her new business venture, Anna refuses Stefan’s help, driving a wedge between them.

Can two independent people with vastly different backgrounds, living on different continents, find common ground long enough to see they’re meant for each other?

My second release this month is One Spark. Not for the faint of heart (you can tell by the cover, right? LOL), but this is a sexy story about reviving a marriage in peril. It's on sale at Ellora's Cave, where you'll also find an excerpt! About One Spark:

Grace is a domestic goddess in need of being worshipped by her workaholic husband, who is trying to make senior partner. With his focus solely on work, Michael has left Grace lonely and doubting her desirability.

When her former college roommate—the very stylish and statuesque Wilhelmina—stops by the house unexpectedly, she turns a day out by the pool with Grace into an erotic encounter—unwittingly witnessed by Michael! Grace fears the fallout from her tryst, but is Wilhelmina really a catalyst in disguise, the one spark Grace and Michael need to finally confront their marital problems?

******

AND, WHAT ABOUT THE GIVEAWAYS, YOU ASK?

Enter to win a free copy of my bestselling e-book, Simon's Wicked Web, and have your entry roll over to my next giveaway--a $10 Amazon gift card! Just leave a comment about something fun you plan to do this spring (or over Spring Break) and you're entered into both contests! Easy enough?

Best,

Ava

Contest!!!

2010-10-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

I'm hosting a contest to celebrate the great reviews my June Ellora’s Cave release, Satisfying Sophie, has received! (On sale here!)

5 Stars and a Reviewer Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews!
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read from HEA Reviews!
5 Delightful Divas!
5 Siren Stones from Siren Reviews!
4.5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!

Readers and reviewers have asked for a sequel to Satisfying Sophie, featuring the same characters, and one in particular—Sophie’s best friend and bad boy, Jordan Cooper. Jordan Tamed will be released this fall by Ellora’s Cave!

Enter to win a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and an electronic copy of Jordan Tamed by leaving a comment, just saying "hey!" or telling us the high point of your summer. It's that easy!!

5 out of 5 from Night Owl Reviews and Reviewer Top Pick:
“I was completely captivated by this short novel by Ms. McKnight. She took a story of personal growth and wove it into a beautifully erotic tale. …I was also impressed with how the spicier and sexual aspects of this book were written; they certainly raised my internal temperature and made me wish that I could take Sophie's place. This is a book that I can easily see myself reading again and again. I do hope that we get to see these characters again in another book by Ms. McKnight.” (Maria)

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read from Happy Ever After:
“Satisfying Sophie was an emotion-packed novella that brought sexual tension to a new level. The slow seduction that Ava McKnight created between the characters, with the generous helping of eroticism, was done to perfection. If you’re ready for a sexy, contemporary romance that will satisfy you on many levels, you must experience this book. I eagerly look forward to more books by this talented author!” (LynnMarie)

5 Delightful Divas:
“Satisfying Sophie was such a well written book, that I couldn't put it down. It kept me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. The author, Ava McKnight, takes us on an erotic and emotional journey. …The book sizzles with sexual tension, and the sex scenes are super hot and addictive. Ava McKnight writes with such skill that we are taken away and trapped in the scenes with the characters. …For a sexy, emotional book about friendship, love and letting go, definitely add Satisfying Sophie to your reading list. You won't be disappointed!” (Stacey)

5 Siren Stones from Siren Book Reviews:
“Satisfying Sophie takes you on an incredible emotional journey. This is a wonderful story of how love and friendship can help heal personal and physical tragedies. …Ava McKnight weaves a spell-binding tale that is revealed bit by bit. …This is a great story that you won’t want to put down until it’s finished. Based on this story, I would seek other creations by Ava McKnight.” (Stacey)

4.5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies
“Ava McKnight's Satisfying Sophie is a story that will stand out in readers' minds long after you've read the final page. Sophie has never talked about what happened to her with anyone, and it's carried over into all facets of her life. You'll fall in love with all the characters. Jordan and Sam are exactly the kind of friends that Sophie needs. They're non-judgmental and care for her happiness above all else. This is a beautiful story, Ms. Knight. I hope to see many more like this in the near future.” (Chrissy)

Best,
Ava

Vaughn's Bidding is My August Release!

2010-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I forgot to blog about Vaughn's Bidding! I love, love, love this story! Vaughn Lariat, the hero, is one seriously hot-'n-hunky vampire and Zora Valent, the heroine, is the perfect match for him! The book has received great reviews and is on sale here!

Reviews:

Vaughn’s Bidding by Ava McKnight (aka Calista Fox) received a 4-1/2 star review from Romance Writers Reviews. Reviewer Pam said: “…A delightful story. A vampire needing a human’s help to fight evil, except this human has a special ability that has been hiding in her that enables her to kill an alpha wolf. Nice little twist. …This has adventure (well, let’s call it ‘steamy adventure’) too.”

Vaughn’s Bidding also received 4 stars from Sensual Reads:” Fascinating story involving vampires, shape shifters and another powerful creation in Zora. The sensuality in the beginning with Vaughn reaching out for Zora in her dreams and the sultry voice he uses helps elevate this mesmerizing story.”

About Vaughn's Bidding:

Zora has lived the past thirteen years in an anesthetized state. She logs long hours at work and takes sleeping pills at night, helping her to keep insanity at bay and the howling of wolves from her dreams. But memories of her family, slaughtered by a pack in Montana, haunt her. One night, her troubled dreams are interrupted by a man who urges Zora to return home—and finds an erotically stirring way in which to entice her to do his bidding.

Vaughn is a vampire. He’s read Zora’s thoughts for years, making his desire for her nearly unbearable, especially when she begins to fantasize about him. Vaughn responds in reality, but can his mind-blowing orgasms help Zora call forth the mystical power buried within her? Will their lust be a distraction or will it help them defeat the pack?

All For Shayla Released in July!

2010-10-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

My Ellora's Cave Exotica release, All for Shayla, is on sale now! (click here for purchasing info) It just received 4 Tea Cups from Happy Ever After Reviews, which I'm thrilled about since this is pure erotica!

Angelique’s Review:

"All for Shayla is an incredibly hot erotic short story. Shayla knows what she wants and ends up getting more than she asked for from the “bad boy” she goes home with. Ms. McKnight describes the sex in such detail that you will feel Shayla’s desire and taste the sweat of Keith’s body.

If you are looking for a tale to make your blood boil, this is it!"

Yes, indeed, be forewarned that this one is SUPER steamy!!

Best,

Ava

TOP PICK Review for Satisfying Sophie!!

2010-07-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

I am thrilled to have received two very excellent reviews for my June Ellora's Cave release, Satisfying Sophie! Night Owl Reviews gave the short novel a 5 out of 5 Rating and a Reviewer Top Pick! Reviewer Maria said about the book:

“I was completely captivated by this short novel by Ms. McKnight. She took a story of personal growth and wove it into a beautifully erotic tale. Ms. McKnight touched on a topic that is pertinent to all women; the idea of physical perfection. Sophie has emotional issues throughout this book due to perceiving her physical body as less than perfect. We get to see every step that Sophie takes on her journey to self-acceptance. I especially liked how Ms. McKnight phrased her feelings about this in the acknowledgement page of the book: "Facing and accepting your flaws is a powerful and courageous thing to do, made all the more beautiful when there's someone in your corner cheering you on, as Sam and Jordan do for Sophie."

I was also impressed with how the spicier and sexual aspects of this book were written; they certainly raised my internal temperature and made me wish that I could take Sophie's place. This is a book that I can easily see myself reading again and again. I do hope that we get to see these characters again in another book by Ms. McKnight.

…Ms. McKnight does an excellent job of transitioning [Sophie, Sam and Jordan’s] relationship from best friends to potential and eventual lovers. All three characters grow throughout this story, from one of the men realizing that the love he feels towards Sophie is the familial kind and that he wants it to remain that way to the other man realizing that he wants Sophie in an amorous and possibly permanent relationship. What is really emphasized is that what makes all of their relationships work is trust, that the giving and receiving of trust is paramount to any real love.”

ROMANCE JUNKIES also gave the book 4.5 Blue Ribbons!!

Reviewer Chrissy said:

“Ava McKnight's Satisfying Sophie is a story that will stand out in readers' minds long after you've read the final page. Sophie has never talked about what happened to her with anyone, and it's carried over into all facets of her life. You'll fall in love with all the characters. Jordan and Sam are exactly the kind of friends that Sophie needs. They're non-judgmental and care for her happiness above all else. This is a beautiful story, Ms. Knight. I hope to see many more like this in the near future.”

Thanks to Maria and Chrissy for the wonderful reviews! Satisfying Sophie is on sale now!!! Buy it here!

Satisfying Sophie by Ava McKnight (aka Calista Fox
Sophie has never had an orgasm. Too much guilt and a horrific teenage tragedy have left her self-conscious about her body. But her two roommates and best friends, Sam and Jordan, find Sophie beyond desirable. Together, they set a steamy seduction into play that awakens Sophie’s passion…and her love for Sam.

Both men are more than willing to help satisfy her sexually. To finally free herself from the pains of the past and accept love in her life, Sophie must reveal her darkest secret to Sam. And hope he returns her love, even knowing her deepest flaws.

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title A Subtle Seduction and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.

Island Fantasy is a Reviewer TOP PICK!!

2010-07-03T12:30:00.002-07:00

Well, here's some good news to kick-off the holiday weekend! My May release, Island Fantasy, is a REVIEWER TOP PICK over at Night Owl Reviews and received a 5/5 Rating! Reviewer Maria says:

"I loved this story by Ms. McKnight; it was everything that a reader could want in a spicy contemporary romance. The characters are spectacular and the story was a joy to read. … Both Jewel and J.T. decide to take a risk on acting on their mutual attraction and the story heats up. The spicy elements of the story are done very well and I did need to fan myself a few times. I was very satisfied with how the romance between Jewel and J.T. grew and how they became emotionally involved and it is during this process that we get the back story on how Jewel had been hurt in the past and on J.T.’s dissatisfaction with his life. Both issues are resolved in a very satisfactory manner by the end of the book, which has a happy ending. I look forward to reading more from Ms. McKnight."

Also received this review from Joyfully Reviewed! In short, here's what reviewer Joy had to say about the story:

"Passion simmers in island heat. Island Fantasyhas all the right parts for the perfect whole: hot hero, sexy heroine, surf, sand and sun. Not only do the parts make the perfect whole but it’s also done in such a way that held my attention and gave me a warm feeling. It was so easy to fall for JT and I felt for the bad experience the Jewel had. Island Fantasy is a light-hearted story perfect for the warm days of summer. This is a story that will go into my short story library to be read again and again—no matter the season."

Island Fantasy is on sale now in e-book format at Ellora's Cave!

Some Like it Hotter!

2010-05-19T12:47:00.002-07:00

I'm a big fan of smart, steamy romances, and I'm thrilled to have four new ones available this summer! My most current release is Island Fantasy, a scorching-hot romance set on a remote tropical island. It's an e-book from Ellora's Cave, so you can be sure it'll steam up the windows!

To celebrate the release of Island Fantasy, I'm giving away a copy of my print book, Simon's Wicked Web! This book was first published as an e-book, and it ranked #5 for all books on Fictionwise when The Da Vinci Code was #1 (in e-book format) and X-Men: The Final Stand was #3!!! To win an autographed copy, just leave a brief comment telling us what you're looking forward to most this summer! It's that easy to be entered to win! (Please be sure to check the comments in a week or so to see if you're a winner--otherwise, leave your email addy and I'll contact you!)

Here's a little about Island Fantasy:

Jersey-girl-turned-islander Jewel spends her days hosting fishing excursions on her father’s boats. After ten years on the island, she’s learned to avoid vacationers with sexy smiles and promises they can’t keep. Until gorgeous J.T. Hollander arrives, a man whose mouth and hands she wants all over her body.

J.T.’s just looking for a little R&R on the remote Caribbean island…until he meets Jewel. A beautiful topless woman in paradise is one temptation that’s simply too irresistible to pass up.

But a mainlander on holiday has to return to the real world someday…doesn’t he?

Read an excerpt here. Island Fantasy goes on sale this Friday, May 21!!

My next two releases are Satisfying Sophie (an erotic menage story) and All for Shayla (an erotic short story).

Sizzling!!

Best,

Ava