Dark Cravings

Interview with Catherine Bybee

2009-12-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Catherine, thank you for joining us today. Tell the readers a little about yourself:

CB: Thanks for having me, Shiela. First, I’m a wife and a mother. Although sometimes my family would say I spend entirely too much time on the computer. But I do love to write. Having spent many years in busy urban emergency rooms as a nurse, I find I want to escape when I come home. Reading and writing is the perfect tool for relaxing for me.

You have a new release coming up soon called, Binding Vows. This book sounds absolutely fascinating and I must say I am somewhat partial to the Scots as my hubby is Scottish. Share with the readers a little taste of this yummy book.

CB: Here is the blurb:

Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.

Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.

When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?

And is it love they feel? Or something else?

EXCERPT:

"Where are you going, Tara ?"
"Out!"

"I can see that, but where?"

She stopped and turned. "Far away from you."

He almost collided with her. Before he could react, she was storming off again, as he shouted, "A lady is not safe out here by herself."

She stopped. This time he didn't stop in time and fell nto her.

Hands at her sides, her chest thrust up next to his she gritted between her teeth. "A lady isn't safe around you either."

"Now, Tara." He tried pleading with her.

"Oh, don't you even ..'now, Tara' me." She stepped to the side and started off, in a different direction. Stalking in circles.

He let her walk for several minutes before attempting to speak to her again. "I would be happy to escort you on a walk. But, we need to get you more properly dressed." He knew the effect watching her walk in tight jeans was having on him, he could only imagine what his men must have thought when she stormed the

courtyard.

"You're a bastard, you know that MacCoinnich?"

He wanted to counter what she said, but cautioned himself against it. "Still, we need you in more fitting clothes. If someone were to come along, questions would be raised which would be most difficult to answer."

"You should have thought of that before you brought me here." She waved a hand in his general direction. "Right now, I don't give a crap what questions you might have to answer."

"I told you how necessary it is for secrecy." He turned to the Keep and noticed some of the men watching, curious about what would happen. He needed to put a stop to this and soon.

"Bite me."

A completely inappropriate image of him doing exactly that popped into his head. A slow lazy smile inched over his lips.

Unfortunately, for him, Tara read his thoughts. She didn't find them nearly as entertaining as he did. "You ass..." She raised her hand to slap his face.

He caught her hand before it made contact. "I've had enough of this."

How did you come up with this story?

CB: I love time travel. The idea for this book evolved when I considered what would drive a family from the sixteenth century to the future. And if they came to the future, why on earth would they want to go back? I also felt that if a family had the ability to move through time, they must have other ‘gifts’ that separate them from the average guy. I love the thrill of discovery, the thrill of characters finding out about their ‘secret’ abilities and gifts. This entire trilogy is full of discovery, laced with time travel, romance and intrigue.

If you could time travel to a particular time and place, what would it be?

CB: I do love the highlands, but I doubt it would be as romantic as we portray it in books. Still, the renaissance times appeals to me the most.

When I read your excerpt this line just jumped out at me. "You're a bastard, you know that MacCoinnich? " It sounds like your hero and heroine don’t get along well. I’m a sucker for romances where the couples start off fighting. Share with the readers some insight into Tara and Duncan.

CB: Duncan is purposely placed in Tara’s path for the sole purpose of helping her with that little ‘virginity problem’ she has. LOL. In the chosen excerpt, Tara is letting him know that his decision to wisk her away to the sixteenth century wasn’t all that thought out on his part.

Duncan and Tara do have their fights, but I wouldn’t say the entire plot centers around their differences. I can tell you that Myra’s story, Silent Vows, has a bit more of this fighting mad romance and by the time Redeeming Vows, Fin and Lizzy’s story, is out, you’ll have the perfect picture of two people who truly ‘fight’ to stay out of each others arms. I’m having a lot of fun writing Lizzy and Fin’s story right now. Can you tell?

In your bio you state that you’re a nurse and that you work in the Emergency Room. Do you ever use experiences you’ve had as a nurse in your books?

CB: Yes I do. In February I have a short werewolf story coming from The Wild Rose Press titled, Before the Moon Rises. The heroine in this story is an ER nurse. If you’d like a glimpse of the ‘day in the life’ of an ER nurse, pick this one up. I find that life is much stranger than fiction could ever be. It would be a shame to not use my experiences in one way or another in my writing.

Being a wife, mother and working such a demanding job, how do you manage it all and still find time to write?

CB: Like I said, I’ve been off the ER floor for a while, but even when I was working, I wrote at night and when the kids were busy. When I do return to work, I’ll find the time. I have to. Writing is in my blood now, I couldn’t give it up if I tried!

I understand you’re having a contest on your blog to celebrate your new release. Tell the readers all about it.

CB: I am! Thanks for asking. What I’m going to do is this: For anyone who picks up a copy of Binding Vows and can e-mail me the final line in the book, I’ll put their name in a hat for either a copy of any one of my back list titles, or promise of a e-book copy of Silent Vows when it comes out later next year.

I will also be giving away a e-copy of BV to one person. In order to be eligible for this you need to sign up for my newsletter and leave at comment on at least two blogs during my tour. The details for this contest will be spelled out on my website: http://www.catherinebybee.com/

Where can the readers find you and your books?

CB: Binding Vows is available at The Wild Rose Press : http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

I have other titles available at The Wilder Rose Press and Red Rose Publishing. Stop by my blog: http://catherinebybee.blogspot.com/

Or my website for more details about what’s happening in Catherine Bybee’s world.

Thank you so much, Catherine, for sharing a look into you, the author, and your latest release, Binding Vows.

Thanks again for having me. This was a lot of fun!!!

How to control rude Characters with Honoria Ravena

2009-12-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

My Characters
by Honoria Ravena

Recently, a discussion on the Red Rose Author loop prompted some thoughts in me. We were discussing our characters and how rude they are. They shout and butt in when you’re not working with them. This is why some writers work on more than one project at a time.

While my characters do tend to demand my attention, I still only work on one novel at a time. I’m not sure why, that’s just the way I’ve always done things. If my characters speak out of turn I write down whatever they’re telling me and then go back to my work in progress.

One woman said that even when she’s done writing their stories, her characters still nag her. This is only true of some of my characters. The ones from my novella, Fear of Darkness, rarely talk to me anymore. They’ve ridden off into the sunset together to live happily ever after and its going to be pretty hard to wrangle them for their character interviews. Nyx, from Of the Night, still talks to me, but we get along really well, and a lot of things happen in his bar.

Do your characters talk to you? Or do you think we’re all crazy?

Now I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Biohazard.

Blurb:

Hunted by his people, the shapeshifter, Jayden, sheds his human skin after escaping his execution. 200 years later he’s still on the run. When he’s attacked in the remote woods in Wyoming, the last thing he expects is to be saved by a human woman.

When Maura finds a rough looking group of men hunting a tiger in her forest, she doesn’t hesitate to pull a gun on them and release the animal. What she doesn’t expect is for that frightening cat to change into a gorgeous, surly man with a tortured past.

But when his people threaten her life, will he save her, or leave her to the wolves?

Buy Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com

Excerpt:

I jerked awake as a warm cloth slid across my open wounds. I snapped my teeth and snarled at the female cleaning the injury. She jumped, and her wide, frightened eyes shot to mine. I moved to shove her away and found my hands tied to the headboard.

I pulled at my bonds, shaking the bed and ignored the small bubble of panic that rose in my chest at the thought of being trapped. “What have you done, human?”

She stepped back from the bed and pointed a handgun at me. “It’s just a little insurance. I don’t know who, or what you are, and until you convince me that you won’t hurt me you’re staying tied to that bed.”

I sneered at her. “Your ropes can’t hold me.”

I tried to change, and found that I couldn’t. I roared and yanked at the ropes. Dizziness swamped me, and I had to lay my head back down. Whoa.

“You have a fever.”

“No shit, female.” Spec-fuckin’-tacular. I couldn’t change with a fever this severe. Thankfully I wasn’t human. One of their kind would be dead. Eventually my body would fight off the poison, but for now I was helpless.

“Untie me.”

She didn’t move, just stood there with the gun in her hand. “My name is Maura.”

“How is that a response to ‘untie me’?”

She bit her lip. “What’s your name?”

I growled. “I’m called Jayden. Now…Maura untie me”

She shook her head, her golden curls cascading around her shoulders. She pointed the gun at the floor. “No,” she said as she backed toward the door. “You haven’t been very friendly. I don’t trust you yet.”

I took a deep breath and tried not the shout at her. “I’m not going to hurt you. Just let me go, and I’ll leave your home.”

“No.” Her eyes locked on mine and she hesitated a moment. “Besides, you’re hurt. You should at least stay here until you heal.” She turned and fled.

“Female, get back here!”

My command fell flat in the empty room. I sighed and lay back on the bed. I couldn’t afford to be tied up if my ‘buddies’ decided to bust in and kill us.

I started working the knots. Fortunately, she wasn’t good at tying them. Within seconds, the restraints fell away. Rubbing my wrists, I sat up. I’d have to take the woman by surprise or she would shoot me. Any damage she could inflict would heal, but I really didn’t want a gunshot wound. Besides, there was always a chance she would hit the head or the heart and then I’d be worm food.

I followed her scent, and the smell of chicken soup, as I limped down the hallway. My ankle had more than likely been fractured in a few places, but it was already partially healed.

The most pleasant sound filled my sensitive ears. I peered around the corner. The female bustled around the kitchen, singing quietly to herself. She had the voice of an angel.

No, she had the voice of a goddess.

And the looks of one, too. Her blonde curls spilled to her waist. Her body was lusciously curved. The women of my culture were all bone. There was nothing for a man’s hands to grasp. No lush cushion or warmth.

I sucked in a deep breath. Lord, and she smelled incredible. Most women wore too much perfume. She wore none. Hers was the aroma of soap and her unique feminine scent.

My dick started to harden. Great, just what I needed to convince her I meant her no harm. Unfortunately, it wasn’t something I could stop, and given my heightened libido because of the disease I carried, I was surprised it hadn’t happened sooner.

Her taunting frame beckoned as she leaned forward and avocado, tomato, cheese and lettuce out of the fridge. She slapped the cheese into a frying pan and then moved to the cutting board on the counter.

I darted into the kitchen and pushed her against the counter top. She screamed and made a wild grab for the knives in the wood block. Before she could reach a weapon, I had her by the wrists. Bringing them around behind her, I clasped them in one of my hands, then I pulled them up, forcing her upper body onto the counter.

Read an extended excerpt on my website: http://www.honoriaravena.com

Scott Winfield the next Stephen King

2009-12-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

Scott Winfield born in Butte Montana and raised primarily in a small rural town called Whitehall, spent years reading all of the great writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. One day after pulling inspiration from his late mother and his favorite writers, he decided to put his ideas on a sketch pad and the rest became history. He wrote his first published poem and age 12. His mother once said, “We do have a Hemingway in our midst.”

The inspiration for the Choice and Grego Series came from looking at an antique necklace and also with the mindset of how would it be if we changed some of the world’s tragedies into peaceful solutions? Or assist humanity in not destroying their existence. He takes you on a mystical journey leaving you feeling as if you were the person traveling through time. What would it be like? What would it be like if the bombing of Pearl Harbor never happened?

He takes his characters on a surreal journey travelling through time and revisiting real historical events and even the macabre. He has vividly crafted The Choice and Grego Series as factions-partly fact and fiction- mixing fantasy, conventional crime solving and paranormal ingredients. His works are uniquely universal by design and can’t really be placed one specific genre. Mr. Winfield is not your stereo typical novelist whose engaging works belong in just one genre and any given library. Scott’s writing has been described as quick hitting and concise that is short on dialogue and long on action.

Several years ago, Scott decided to take a chance and write books in the paranormal suspense arena. He pulled inspiration from the horror master himself Stephen King. In the Lost Souls series, he takes you on a mind boggling, thrilling and unpredictable trip for those readers who want to follow the horror, pursuit and capture of serial killing names such as the reincarnated, Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy. The pages of the Lost Souls series carry a flavor of mythology, time travel, magical powers, lust and love, blood and gore, sorrow and happiness, innocence and immortality, relief and elation. The story revisits the past, focuses on the present, but leaves the readers hanging in the end of each sequel with killer still on the run and blood dripping on his knife. The challenge is in the chase, it takes the readers on usual ride. Both Hell’s Gate and The Lost Souls series can be described as a C.S.I story with an X file twist.

As far who in the publishing world inspired him and fine-tuned his style of writing that would be Terry Balmer and James Wason of Club Lighthouse Publishing. Being a self-made writer, they have showed him how to fine tune and sharpen his writing. To present, Mr. Winfield has evolved into “The Stephen King of the 21st Century.” His writings are versatile, unique and nightmare making. Terry Balmer, who is a paranormal author and publisher herself, can be credited to developing Mr. Winfield into the writer he is today. James Wason has also given Mr. Winfield the tools needed to be highly successful in the eBook publishing arena. Let’s not forget to mention, the two people that also supported him in his pursuit to become successful, his wife editor and best friend and also his late mother, who always inspired him to become someone great and not ordinary.

Find out all about Scott Winfield and his books at http://www.clublighthousepublishing.com

Guest author Kiyara Benoiti

2009-12-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hello! Kiyara Benoiti here with some wicked-cool tips to pass along to aspiring writers.
Some of you might know me by now. You have seen me on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and some of the Yahoo Groups. I have to say promoting my books sucks. It is time consuming. Also, it really works the brain creating new ways to make my titles stand out from the rest that are already racing along the cyber highways.

Although I may seem like a new face, I’m not, really. I have been around a while, but much of my work has appeared in print magazines. I am just as capable of writing non-fiction as I am fiction. Some of my readers might recall my other blog appearances where I have mentioned getting screwed over when I first came onto the e-publishing scene a few years ago. The ordeals nearly caused me to quit writing fiction forever.

But I have returned! (Can’t you just hear the pulsing action-adventure medley coursing out of the sound system? No? Well, then take your elbows out of your ears). Now that I have my freelancing career to back me up, I know more of what to watch out for.

So, aspiring writers, do you know what to look for when putting your work out there amongst the masses of electronic manuscripts?
Here are a few tips I have learned quickly.

1. Be wary of small, new publishers. Let them establish a track record before submitting your work. Wait a year and watch from the sidelines. I have noticed many such e-publishers will go under within months.

2. If you do submit material to a new e-publisher, only submit short fiction to them—things under 10,000 words. That way, if the publisher does shut down, you are not losing much. Believe me when I say it is a pain trying to shop a 90,000-word novel after it has already been published.

3. Pay attention to cover art. Terrible cover art can hurt your sales. I know it is said to never judge a book by its cover, but people do. Ask avid readers if a bad cover makes them turn away from buying a book and see how many answer with yes.

4. Read excerpts whether on the publisher’s site or a distributor’s. If you see mistakes, and the story is poorly written, steer clear of that publisher.

5. And just because you promote your ass off does not mean you will have a huge royalty check. If you expect to make $500 and you only net $15, then what is the reason? Are you writing a genre that has lost its popularity? Are you promoting your work in the wrong places? Maybe it is the simple fact people are spending money on physical Christmas presents instead of buying themselves the e-books they usually enjoy. Maybe you are guilty of drive-by promos (That term makes me laugh. I see some cyber chick wielding a Word-machine gun, spewing out phrases like ‘buy my book’ and ‘win this prize’ as she shoots off to the next cyber port), and, as a result, readers ignore yours because you do not take the time to mingle online

As I said, this is just a quick list of things to watch out for as a new writer, but rest assured there are about two hundred other things that factor in with writing, submitting, and promoting your books.

Take your career one step at a time. Don’t rush it. Success will come to those who learn all that is necessary to writing and submitting a great story.

I invite you now to stop by my website. Visit my available titles page, take a look at the current contest that runs into January 2010, and leave a comment or question. I will be sure to reply as soon as I can. http://kbhotromances.wordpress.com/

Remember e-books when you are Christmas shopping this month. There is nothing better than leaving this dimension for a short while to jump into one of love and adventure. Step into my world—Romance with an Edge!

Wickedly yours and season’s greetings—Kiyara Benoiti

Books available at Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

Guest author Jamieson Wolf

2009-11-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today's guest post is from a fellow Breathless Press author, Jamieson Wolf. He is currently on a blog tour and I am proud to have him posting the story behind his latest release, Hard.

Check out the cover. Isn't it yummy?

Here is the Blurb:

Owen’s best friend makes him hard.

He’s been in love with Daniel for years, but could never tell him. If Daniel knew how Owen felt about him, Owen knew that he would lose him. And that his heart would break.

Owen dreamed of kissing Daniel, of touching him. But the most they had done was look at porn together. Owen knew that his dreams would never become a reality…

…until Daniel rents some gay porn by accident and he becomes just as hard as Owen…

Behind the Story – The True Life Story of Hard
By Jamieson Wolf

My new novella, HARD, is actually based off of a true story.

When I was a randy young lad, I did indeed look at pornography magazines with my male chums. Name one guy that doesn’t when he’s younger (never mind when he’s older). But I always found myself looking at the guys in porno magazines.

I knew at a fairly young age that I was gay. I was brought around to this realization with a little help from my best friend at the time, a young man I will call Jason (that’s not his real name, in case you were wondering).

As young men are wont to do, we did explore each others bodies. We even pressed our crotches together, much like Owen and Daniel in HARD. But the true-life story ended much more horribly than the novel I wrote.

One afternoon, while Jason and I engaged in what could loosely be called an extra curricular activity, I got hard. Even worse, I got hard while we were rubbing crotches together.

I remember the look on Jason’s face when he realized I was hard. And the way the look deepened when he realized it was not the pornography magazines that were making me hard; it was him.

“Your hard.” He said. There was a note of accusation in his voice.

”No I’m not.” But he knew that wasn’t true. So did I.

The damage was done. Jason and I kind of drifted apart. We no longer hung out after school, we no longer talked. But I would see him from time to time in the hallways of our high school. Each time I saw him, I got a feeling that made me warm inside and slightly sad at the same time.

Years later, I realized that I was more than likely in love with Jason at the time. But I didn’t really know what love was. Heck, I didn’t even know what being gay was, not really. I just knew I was different; I just didn’t know how different.

When I sat down to write HARD, I had only one thought in my mind: what would have happened if my own story had gotten a happy ending? What would have happened if things had gone differently?

And the story of HARD was born.

While I was writing it, it was impossible not to think of Jason. I think of him every now and again and wonder what ever happened to him. He was the first boy I ever loved but, thankfully, not the last.

I can only hope that he’s found happiness as I have; and that he thinks of me every once in a while not with shame, but with pleasure.

You can read HARD to find out if Owen and Daniel get a happy ending. Get your copy from the lovely folks over at Breathless Press right here: http://www.breathlesspress.com/

Cheers,
Jamieson

Jamieson Wolf
Words that satisfy every need…
http://www.jamiesonwolf.com/

I Kissed a vampire

2009-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I found this video on You Tube after one of the members friended me. This is definitely a new look at the vampire genre. I think it would be a hoot to see the whole show. The lead Vampire is definitely a babe. :)

Interview with Rebecca Rose

2009-11-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Rebecca, thank you for joining us today. Tell the readers a little about yourself:

RR: Thank you so much for having me! Hello everyone, I’m Rebecca Rose a writer of contemporary romances. I’ve been married for 16 years, have 3 crazy kids, and a bunch of animals. I started writing seriously about 6 years ago and have been having an affair with my computer ever since. LOL Don’t worry my husband, Mark, knows about us.

On your website you state that Divine Turmoil is your debut Novel. Share with all of a little taste of this wonderful novel.

RR: Together Brian and Serena learn the heart won't wait for the right moment to fall in love and second chances are divine gifts of forgiveness meant for ourselves as much as each other.
Serena closed her eyes and wished Brian would never let her go. He was strong, secure, and
at that moment, what she needed. She turned her head to look up into those steel gray eyes and time froze for them both. Home, she felt it and welcomed it as Brian brought his lips slowly down to hers. The kiss was light and over almost before it even began, but it was the underlining feelings of understanding and support that threw them both into emotional turmoil. They stared at one another, bewildered. Then Brian cleared his throat.
“Why don’t you let me help out? I have magic hands, you know.” He wiggled his fingers at
her. “Someday, maybe I’ll treat you to one of my back rubs.”
“Does that line work on every girl?”
“My hands are famous for their incredible tenderness. And.” He flicked the tip of her nose.
“For their ability to be firm and demanding.”
“Well if your hands are that fondly known, I don’t know if I want them on my body.” Serena
stepped closer and put some allure into her voice. “I don’t know where they’ve been last.”
“Yes you do. They were on you yesterday.”

I understand you are dyslexic. That must be a challenge for you when it comes to writing. How do you cope with it and is there anything you find that works best for you when dealing with your disorder?

RR: Being dyslexic has been quite a challenge. When I’m on live chats with other authors and readers you can always tell when I’m tired. The misspellings are horrendous! Over the years I’ve learned to picture the word in my head in order to spell it correctly; but that only works with certain words. For instance; rope verses robe, woman verses women, then verses than. I swap p’s and b’s all the time and if you flip a typed a it looks like an e.
At first I was embarrassed to tell my editor and then it came to a point where I had to. She was so understanding and it really helped our working relationship. But I still send a lot of my writing to a friend who edits for me. She’s God sent and I’m her worst nightmare! LOL Some of the things I’ve misspelled don’t even come up on spell check!

You mention that Divine Turmoil was inspired by your grandmother’s death. First, let me offer my condolences. Could you share with us how she inspired you to write the book?

RR: Your kindness means a lot, she was a beautiful woman.
When my Memere was in her 60’s she decided to go back to school and get her High School Diploma. I thought, WOW here is a woman who raised 6 children, overcame polio as a child, and has been married to a military man for almost 50 years! I was in 8th grade and didn’t have anything close to that in a reading level, so she and I learned together. Memere also talked me into asking my 9th grade English teacher for help, which is how we found out I’m dyslexic. I owe that woman a lot. When she passed I didn’t know how to deal with my grief and I lugged it around with me for years. Then one day I was watching how our family dynamics had changed, after her death, and it got the little voices in my head talking to each other. I didn’t realize at the time I was writing closer to my sorrow but that’s what I did. I know she would have loved this novel and understood everything I put into it. I truly believe it’s something she would have been proud of.

You state in your Biography that you’ve had several publications in a local magazine. Can you tell the readers a bit about the stories and where they can read them?

RR: I wrote for my local magazine Southwoods http://www.southwoodsmagazine.com/index.html. It distributes to a little over 20 thousand people and businesses. Actually, it’s a pretty big thing out here. I wrote funny stories about life and tales of things I’ve investigated. Like there was one article I wrote on home remedies. I asked my family and random people in town what their parents used to do to them. Some of the stuff was just plain icky. One woman told me her parents used to cover her head to toe in Vicks and then make her sleep in sweats. My aunt said her mother used to make them eat a teaspoon of Vicks. (I’m fairly certain this isn’t healthy for you). Then some said drinking onion juice or eating whole garlic cloves. It was a great article.
Sadly, I had to give up my job with them because of scheduling conflicts, but I will soon be posting my articles on my website for everyone to enjoy.

I hear your family likes to play Guitar Hero. My children are obsessed with it. What are some of your favorite Guitar Hero songs to play or listen to your family play?

RR: LOL I don’t play video games. It’s a dangerous thing for me. You know how David Banner turns into the Hulk? Well that’s me with video games so it’s best if I stay away. My kids and husband love Free Bird, anything by Aerosmith, Cliffs of Dover, and Through Fire and Flames. Actually my better half is a collector and has 12 different game systems starting with the original Atari.

I see you’re an animal lover. Dog, cats and a coon. Sounds like a fun house. :)
There must be a story behind your cat that is named Snowball. I’m intrigued and I’m sure the readers would love to hear more about Snowball and your other animals.

RR: Oh Snowball! She was found by my husband outside of his work taped up in a box with her 3 siblings. She was the only black one and Mark insisted. Does anyone here watch The Simpson’s? Lisa’s black cat is named Snowball 2 because the first Snowball was hit by a car. LOL We love our cartoons!
Our Coon is Murphy’s Law. He came with the name when we rescued him and it’s perfect for our home. He’s wicked lazy. LOL I mean he only moves if he absolutely has no choice.
Then we have Enzo our cat that has all the markings of a cow. And Max our ‘old man’ dog. He’s going deaf and blind but his bark seems to be okay. I’ve never looked outside my windows as much as I do now. lol

How do you balance working, being a wife and mother with your job as an author?

RR: I don’t sleep! LoL No really, I try to be very strict with my work schedule, it’s the only way.
I love this line from you book. “That girl could use a vacation and some good ole lusty sex.” The lead characters, Serena and Brian sound fascinating. How did you come up with the characters? Tell us about them.

RR: Serena and Brian are so much fun! I took all the quirks from my cousin Jessica and from myself then combined them into Serena. She’s fun and hot tempered. Brian was named after my cousin Brian. He was visiting and I told him I was thinking of writing a book. He told me to name the man after him. Thus, we have Brian! LOL He was totally fictional except I examined my insecurities and put those into him. He’s a little messed up. But aren’t we all? Lol I also put an incredibly hot body on him. Not too over the top but enough to make you drool.

Where can the readers find you and your books?

RR: You can find me at my website: https://sites.google.com/a/authorrebeccarose.com/divine-turmoil/ or on Lyrical Press Inc. http://www.lyricalpress.com/rebecca_rose

Thank you so much, Rebecca for sharing your release, Divine Turmoil with all of us today!

RR: Thank you again for having me. I hope everyone had as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Take care and try not to behave yourselves too much!

Jeanne St. James talks about her spark

2009-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've recently decided to once again open my blog to authors. Today's guest is my very first author and she is here to talk about what sparks an idea.

I give you now....Jeanne St. James"

Where do my ideas come from?
By Jeanne St. James

Some people ask me “where do you get your ideas?” Ok, those are the people who know I write books since I write under a pseudonym. However, when they ask me that my mind starts spinning… Are they asking me where do I get my plot ideas? Or my sex scenes, since I write erotic romance?  Luckily I’m pretty shock proof, so I don’t blush.

But really, it’s a hard question to answer. Normally, it is just a spark of something… like a scene in a movie or a book I’m reading. The spark goes off in its own direction, my book is nothing like the movie or novel I was reading.

For example, my book Double Dare (January 2010 from Loose Id), the opening scene was originally written when it spawned from the movie “The Wedding Crashers.” The opening scene with one of the heroes who is attending a wedding popped into my head, I wrote it down and it sat in my computer for a while. At least a year later (it could have been longer) I decided I wanted to write a m/m/f ménage a trois and I looked at my files of “ideas” and pulled that opening scene out and Double Dare was born. And believe me, when you read Double Dare it is NOTHING like “The Wedding Crashers.”

Recently, I’ve been reading calls for submissions from different publishers and that gives me good ideas also. One day I came across an open call for Phaze Books for their themed Heatsheets, which are short stories (novellas). I read about what they were looking for in their “Rebel” theme. What popped into my head? A rebellious football player (because in real life there have been quite a few getting in trouble recently). So Rip Cord was born. In the story Rip Cord is known as the “bad boy of the NFL” and he attends a high school reunion and runs into his secret high school crush, a nerd by the name of Gil. And vice versa. Here’s Rip Cord’s blurb (a m/m novella which will be out with Phaze on 11/30):

Gil Davis had hated high school. Ever the geek, he had no intentions of attending his 10th year class reunion. The last thing he wants is to relive the taunting and teasing he received during his teenage years. However there is one thing he missed from high school: the star Varsity football player. The one he had a crush on since the first day he laid his eyes on him. But the last thing he expects is the now pro football player to come back to their home town to attend a lame high school reunion. Known as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Ripley “Rip” Cord, not only shows up, but shows up without a date and an eye for Gil.

And I have two other stories started because of special calls for submission from two other publishers.

The best thing is when someone knows I’m a writer and comes up to me and says you should write a book about this… and blabbers on about something that happened in their life. And believe me, it’s usually boring and NO publisher in their right mind would want that story, nor am I interested in writing it. But hey, someday someone might give me a good spark of an idea and I might run with it.
So, where do my ideas come from? My simple answer? Anywhere.

You can read more about Jeanne St. James and her books on her website at http://www.jeannestjames.com/ or her blog at http://jeannestjames.blogspot.com/ .

Her latest release is Banged Up, a m/f contemporary erotic romance with Liquid Silver Books. You can find the blurb and the first chapter here: http://www.tinyurl.com/bangedup .

It is getting great reviews! She has her erotic m/m novella, Rip Cord, releasing on 11/30 with Phaze Books. And she has a m/m/f ménage a trois, Double Dare, releasing in January 2010 with Loose Id. You can find excerpts and the blurbs of her upcoming releases on her website.

One of those days

2009-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel blah...like you could sleep for days...no energy, no will to do anything? I'm having one of those days. From the first moment I woke I dragged my butt out of bed and all my chores that needed getting done seemed to horrendous to even think about. Putting the toaster away was a chore. Even the thought of what to make for dinner seems too strenuous. today is one of those days I want to curl up in my chair and watch movies. But alas, I have work to do. :(

It's days like today that i wish I had a clone. I could be lazy and my clone would take over for me. It's a nice thought, however unrealistic. Hmmm....i smell a story there. :) Mad scientist woman creates a clone of herself to live her life while she works in the lab. But when she meets Mr. Right and falls head over heals in love. Problem number one , he doesn't know about her clone. Problem number two: Her clone will do anything to keep him. Anything, including murder. Hmmm...yeah, I like that idea. :)

My bad

2009-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Things have been so crazy busy for me these past few months that I've let my blog slide. I really need to set up a schedule to get everything done and still have time to blog. My marketing career is taking over my author career and I need to separate the two. Anyone have any suggestions?

So, in the past few weeks I've had two releases. The last two books in my Darkness series are now available. Consuming the Darkness and Surviving the Darkness are now available at Breathless Press. www.breathlesspress.com

I've come to a conclusion recently, which if I follow through with it will mean upheaval in my life for the next God knows how long. I'm not an ebook author. Don't get me wrong, I am all for ebooks, its just that my writing style and length don't work for ebooks. For one, I'm a romance author. I don't write erotic or erotica novels. I'm more of a story teller with romantic aspects to the story than anything. Not that my books aren't hot. They are, but not erotic hot. I've had several people telling me lately that I should look at getting an agent and selling my stories to bigger publishers. So that is my goal. And it terrifies me. LOL

Right now I have nothing coming out but I am working on stuff. For one, I have my crit partner looking at a book I wrote a few years back called Spiritual Calling. It's somewhat of a sequel to Secrets of the Dean in that it is the daughter of the hero and heroine in Secrets. She, like her father, has the ability to communicate with the dead. Only problem is, they haunt her sleep as well as her waking hours. I've written three stories in the Spiritual series and each book is over 60,000 words. Definitely not a quick ebook read.

The other thing I'm working on is rewriting my Demon series. Again, there are three books in the series. For those who aren't familiar with it the series is about a generation of demons working for Satan and trying to find a way out of it. This has always been my favorite story (ssshhh don't tell my other novels) though I'm not entirely sure why. There has just been something about the book from the moment I dreamt it that has pulled at me. I subbed it to Linden Bay when I was with them but they turned it down due to the Satan aspect. I'm hoping someone will love it and want to publish it.

Aside from that, I've been busy working for Breathless Press, helping get them off the ground and promoting the heck out of them. If you've never heard of Breathless Press, go check them out. They're a great ebook publisher with some really wonderful authors. www.breathlesspress.com

Well, that's it for me for now. I promise I'll be back to talk more about myself and my life.
In the mean time, go check out Consuming the Darkness and Surviving the Darkness. www.breathlesspress.com

A new vibrator

2009-07-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Have you seen it? The new vibrator? It's all the rage now and every woman is dying to get it. The ads for this new vibrator states: "Be the first to feel the vibe." It even claims to have "Unprecedented elongation." "Moves with Unique Zig Zag." and the vibrating engine even goes to turbo. Hot damn! Now here are some reviews.

"I just received this product in the mail today and couldn't wait to try it. I love it. Would make a great stocking stuffer for Christmas." Rosemary

"This is definitely on my Top 10 list!!!" absolute_ly-flawless

"I have lusted over the pricier versions. The pulsing adds to the effect and adds some novelty, too! I would definitely get the Very Black next time." ekmurray.

With reviews like this, what woman could resist running right out and buying it. Except...it's Mascara. I kid you not! Disappointed? I know I was at first, but then I couldn’t stop laughing. Maybelline has come up with The New Pulse Vibrating Mascara. WTF?

Seriously, would you use a vibrator on your eyes? "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye." LOL

I know of much better places to use a vibrating wand. Oh hey, now I get it! This is just a ruse which allows women to carry a vibrator in their purse without drawing attention to herself. Seriously, picture this. A woman is at the grocery store, she's at the cash register rifling through her purse for her wallet and out falls her vibrator. OMG! How embarrassing! Now everyone knows her little secret. Now picture this little scene.

A woman is at the cash register, rifling through her purse for her wallet and out falls her mascara. Big deal, it's mascara. What's the big deal? She picks it up with a snicker and gently lays it back in her purse. Her little secret is still safe.

How brilliant!! Women unite! Now even the shyest woman can use a vibrator without feeling awkward. It's only mascara after all. And let's not stop there. What about the vibrating shavers? Seriously, why were those invented if not for self gratification without embarrassment.

"Mom, what is that rrrring noise?"
"It's just my razor sweetie. Mommies shaving her legs." snicker snicker.

Now the same thing can be said for the mascara.

"Mom, what is the rring noise?"
"It's just my mascara sweetie." snicker snicker.

I wonder if Maybelline will come up with "accessories" for the brush. Maybe a water tight liner to slip over your "Mascara tube" to ensure that it doesn't "leak" all over your purse if it gets hot or breaks. Or rather, Once you're finished "using it" you can remove the liner and toss it in the trash and no one will ever know the difference.

This is the greatest invention since...well...the vibrator. LOL

Check out the Pulse Mascara here. http://www.maybellinenewyork.ca/caeng/whats_new/l190l2879.htm

What Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett meant to me.

2009-06-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

When I heard that Farrah had passed on this morning, I was saddened. I knew she was dealing with cancer and that her battle was nearing it's end but it saddened me to hear such a beauty was gone. Then I heard about Michale Jackson had passed away and I was shocked! How can this be? As far as I knew, he wasn't ill. Sure, I knew he wasn't well, hadn't been well for a while but he was planning a comeback tour. And now he's gone.

Two people who I grew up idolizing are gone.

Let's begin with Farrah Fawcett and how she affected my life. Charlies Angels.

Three women who were in charge of their own lives, in a world predominantly male oriented, they showed women they could be empowered. And who didn't love and want the Farrah hair? I know I did. I worked hard to get my hair to feather back like hers.

Even to this day I wear my hair similar to hers. I know, time to move on but still... Some things are hard to give up. But hair aside, I envied her for another reason. She was married to the six million dollar man. Come on, Lee Majors. Yummmyyyyyyy!!! I used to pretend to be Farrah on Charlies Angels. There was just something about her that I felt empowered by. Maybe because I was blond that I felt closer to her than the other Angels. In any case. She was a wonderful woman and she had a hard battle. I'm sad to see her go, but I'm glad her pain is over. Rest in peace Angel.

Michael Jackson. He was such an icon to everyone. Who doesn't know a Michael Jackson song? Well, maybe infants now but most know him for his music and yes, his wackiness. His music is what I remember and will always remember. When I hear Beat It, I know what I was doing when that song originally played on the radio. I was in my bedroom, small portable radio blasting the song while I danced to the beat. Pretty Young Thing reminds me of when I met my husband. Thriller reminds me of my father. My dad was never listened to rock music, well, rarely. When the video for Thriller came out, I knew I wouldn't be able to see it because my dad wouldn't let me. I was utterly thrilled when I walked into the room and found him watching it. My dad is gone now, and hearing of Micheal's death reminded me of my dad. Another memory I have of my dad is driving me to one of my chiro appointments and listening to Rock With You on the radio before my dad changed the channel. I used to dance to his music and okay, I'll admit it, I still do.

Micheal's music is phenomenal and will always remain phenomenal. I have several of his albums and tomorrow, I plan on listening to them all. He was suck a talented artist who inspired so many artists today. Despite his weirdness at times, the allegations of child sexual assault he was an incredible artist and will be deeply missed. I can;t believe he's gone.

Show the angels how to dance, Michael. You have a whole new audience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8

Are you afraid of the Dark?

2009-06-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Come on by The Fantasy Pages and read all about my addiction. You won't want to miss this. Two lucky commenters will win a Darkness T-Shirt or a Tote bag. Plus...I reveal the NEW Darkness covers. They are to die for. :)

http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/2009/06/afraid-of-dark.html

Featured author

2009-06-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm the featured author on Ann Lory's June Newsletter. Check it out!

Featured Author: Shiela Stewart

AL: Thank you so much Shiela for participating in my newsletter.

SS: Thank you very much, Ann, for including me in your wonderful Newsletter.

AL: Tell us about your Darkness Series? It’s set in the future and all sorts of things
are going down.

SS: The Darkness series is set in 2025, the not so distant future and for the most part,
things are relatively the same as they are now, except for a few minor details.
Technology is a little more advanced in that some things are more computerized. Originally when I wrote the first book, it dealt with the eclipse of the sun and the story evolved around it. After a few rewrites, I changed a few things, but the eclipse is still the catalyst to bringing the once evil king of all vampires back from his confinement in the Realm of Dark Mystics by sacrificing five virginal girls during the eclipse. Trinity Ford and her once lover, Basil Hawthorne, want to stop it. What ensues in the following books is the desperation from these two to bring back the sunlight that was cloaked during the ritual, and protect the city they call home. Of course, love blossoms even in the darkest times and in each of the eight books, a relationship blooms and has a pivotal part in the stories.

Penetrating the Darkness is my current release and is the sixth book in the Darkness series.

Here is a glimpse:

Felicity Hawthorne is finally waking up—literally. Everything about her sheltered life in the Land of Mystics has been a lie, including the whopper that her natural mother is evil. Determined to find the truth, she breaks free…and touches down in the middle of stark, cold Jacob’s Cove, surrounded by a pack of bloodthirsty demons.

Dusty Ryder didn’t ask to be turned into a vampire. Even now, on the brink of his unwilling initiation, he is looking for a way out. A reprieve comes in the form of a dark-haired goddess whose beauty drives him to rescue her from his new “family”. Except she’s not quite as helpless as she looks.
As they embark on a journey of self-discovery, they uncover more secrets that bring Felicity face to face with her forgotten past—and make Dusty wonder if he’s gotten in over his head. But it’s too late. Now that he’s had her in his arms, he can’t bring himself to let her go.
Until Chaos rains down on them, threatening to end it all.

AL: Do you have any new or upcoming releases you’d like to fill us in on?

SS: There are going to be quite a few changes for me and my books in the
coming months including a new publisher, new covers and new release
dates. But the Darkness series will still be released in the order they were
written with Consuming the Darkness: A New Beginning, following shortly
after Penetrating the Darkness this summer. So stay tuned.

AL: When did you know you had to be a writer?

SS: Gosh, I’ve always written in one form or another. Even as a child I
would write tales or tell my cousins elaborate stories. I loved to fantasize.
It has always been a part of me. But it wasn’t until after one particularly
bizarre nightmare that the need to “write” became so gripping I was
compelled to do it. A lot of my stories come from my nightmares. After
putting it to paper, my husband read it and insisted I start looking for a
publisher. I laughed it off, thinking there was no way I was good enough
to be a published author. With his persistence, I began looking into
publishers and after several rejections, I was finally accepted. And here I
am now, and author with nine books published and contracts for four more.
Not bad I guess, for a woman who was nicknamed “The Dreamer” in
school. LOL

AL: Who inspired you to follow your dream of writing?

SS: My husband has always been a huge supporter of mine. If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be talking with you today. If there is one author that I would say inspired me to write it would be Nora Roberts. After reading one of her books for the very first time I decided this is what I wanted. I wanted others to read my stories.

AL: Who are some of your favorite authors?

SS: As I stated above, Nora Roberts is definitely on the top of my list. Her Alter ego, J.D. Robb would be second. I also love J.R. Wards Brotherhood series.
I’m a big paranormal nut and I love a good, seat gripping suspense.

AL: Do you have a favorite sport, &/or team that you follow?

SS: I’m not a big sports nut, but I do enjoy watching my hubby and sons play
occer. One of my sons was also in wrestling and though I tried to be a
supportive mom and watch a few of his matches, I did it with tense muscles
and held breath. I’ve seen plenty of boys come out of it with concussions and
broken bones. Thankfully the only wound my son incurred was a dislocated
finger and some bruises.

AL: What favorite movie; or T.V. show makes you hunker down on the sofa
and settle in for the night?

SS: Wow, there are several actually. Monday nights are my big, TV night. I
love Heroes, How I met your Mother, Bones, Eleventh Hour, CSI Vegas. But
my all time favorite show right now would have to be The Tudors. I’m a big
fan of the royal Tudor family and can’t get enough of their stories.

AL: If you had to write yourself as a heroine, what kind of heroine would
you be? What would you be named?

SS: Oh wow….now you have me thinking. I would be a no holds barred
kick ass type of heroine. Much like the Heroine, Trinity, in Seducing the
Darkness. I was once given the nickname of McNasty by some friends
because of my writing style and….bluntness shall we say. I guess it’s as
good a name as any.

AL: Now that we know what kind of heroine you would be, who is your
hero?

SS: My husband. I know, corny but it’s true. He never lets anything stand in
the way of what he wants. He worked his way from the bottom to the top
and even during some serious hard times he has risen above. He has a kind
heart, generous and is always there to lend a hand. And he puts up with me.
See…that’s why he’s my hero.

AL: Please share a favorite quote, or any quote that means the most to you.

SS: “It’s a dog eat dog world and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.” A line from the eighties TV series, Cheers quoted from Norm. Anyone ever watch it? I loved that show and Norm was so right. I feel that way sometimes. I guess every wife and mother does at some times. Hell, who doesn’t feel that way sometimes. :)

AL: Thank you so much Shiela for sharing with us this month.

SS: Thank you Ann for giving me this opportunity to share a bit of myself and my work with your readers.

Check out Ann Lory's Website to sign up for her Newsletter.

Ann Lory
Website: www.annlory.com
Blog: www.annlory.blogspot.com

New things in the works

2009-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Good day one and all.

There are some major changes going on with me and my books in the next few months that I would like to inform you all of. First off, let me just say just how much I appreciate each and every one of my fans. Without you, my books would go know where.

Now on to the news.

Back in January, the authors of Linden Bay Romance were notified that the ownership was changing and that Samhain Publishing would be taking over. We were assured that things would remain as they had been with the previous owners. For the most part, things moved forward much as it had before the buyout. Three weeks ago, LB authors were informed that the LB line would be discontinuing as of December 2009 meaning there would no longer be a Linden Bay Romance. Samhain editors would go through all the LB authors books to see which ones Samhain would want to take over to their publishing company, meaning not every author would be invited to join them.

I saw this as an opportunity to move forward and so I contacted SP and asked for my rights back to all of my books. I was granted the rights back and now have a new publisher for all of my books, new and old. Absolute XPress publishing, a division from Hades Publishing and Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy has taken over all of my work plus, publishing new works. As of August 1st, my books will take on a major change. Not only will the covers be different, but the content on some will change as well.
Kidnapped, my first book published will be altered back to its original state. Secrets of the Dead will have some changes as well. Several of my Darkness books will have added content.

Why you may ask?

When I submitted Kidnapped to LB it had to be cut down on word count to fit their criteria. So half of the book was cut out. I’ve always regretted that but sacrifices have to be made when wanting to move forward. The reviews I received for Kidnapped always had one similar aspect. The book seemed rushed and things happened too quickly. So that is one of the reasons I’m going to submit the old version. Secrets of the Dead had to be cut back as well. AXP’s criteria is different in that they call for a higher word count. So that is why some of my books will have new content. The overall theme of the book will remain, with some added sections.

Along with added content, the book covers will change as per copyright and licensing agreements. But trust me, the new covers are to die for. J I am very pleased so far with the covers I’ve received. The Darkness series covers are incredible and I can’t wait to showcase them.

There may be some delay in the ability to purchase my books from now until August 1st but I hope all of you will bear with me and be patient. Samhain/LB have already begun taking my books off of the selling lists such as Amazon, fictionwise, My Books and More and the Linden Bay site. It will take several months for them to all be taken down but I wanted to warn you that if you’re looking to purchase one of my books and can’t find it, this is why.

Beginning August 1st, my books will be rereleased with AXP with new covers and content in a month to month or every other month basis. Two books will be released at a time each month to get the ball rolling. Plus…I have a new release coming in August with AXP titled, Until Death Do Us Part. It’s not my usual paranormal romance but instead it’s a romantic suspense. If you enjoyed Escape in Passion and Mercy in Passion then you will love Until Death Do Us Part. I don’t have a cover to share with you all just yet but when I do you can be sure I’ll be posting it. I’ll share a blurb at the end of this letter.

On a personal note. I’m sure you’ve noticed the scarce posting on my blog these past few months, as well as few Newsletters. This has been a tough nine months for me and my family in the wake of my father’s sudden death in August. I’ve also been struggling with some health problems along with dealing with my eldest son’s Bipolar disorder. I appreciate all the patience you have given me and I promise in the next few months you’ll be hearing more from me.

I’m looking forward to the future and not to worry, I’ll be producing new works very soon.

Now, for a look into Until Death Do Us Part (This is an unedited draft and may not be the final blurb)

Blurb:

Beautiful, wealthy, a luxurious home and a handsome and devoted husband, Victoria Brentwood has it all. Until a sudden explosion takes the life of the man she loves. Alone and grieving Victoria knows she has to go on for her unborn child’s sake and the multi-million dollar hotel empire her husband left her.

Struggling to raise her daughter and make it alone, Victoria continues with life haunted by one question. Who killed her husband? Victoria begins to rebuild her life and has it all turned around when her dead husband, Christian, walks back into her life.

Under the Witness Relocation Program, Christian has spent the past year and a half of his life in hiding while the police search for the man who wants him dead. When he’s told to come out of hiding to lure the killer out, Christian has no idea what’s in store for him. Upon his return he is faced with a wife who refuses to take him back and a child he knows nothing of. Wanting both back in his life, Christian expects Victoria to take him back. She on the other hand, isn’t quite so ready.

With a killer on their trail, will they be able to mend the broken fence that is their marriage before it’s too late?

Please vote for me

2009-04-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

My book, Embracing the Darkness has been reviewed by Whipped Cream reviews and they gave it 5 Cherries. 5! I am so thrilled. And on top of the glowing review, I’m up for Best Book of the week as well.

So if you have a moment this weekend, please go vote for Embracing the Darkness. I would really appreciate it. The poll is only open today and tomorrow.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/recentrev.htm

Thank you so much!

Here is a little snippit of the review.

If you want a sexy story with a gut-wrenching twist and intelligent characters you won’t forget, then Embracing the Darkness is the novel for you. I highly recommend this read for the keeper shelf and give it 5 cherries. Kudos!

2009-04-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

New Book Smell

The smell of e-books just got better

Does your Kindle leave you feeling like there’s something missing from your reading experience?

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If you’ve been hesitant to jump on the e-book bandwagon, you’re not alone. Book lovers everywhere have resisted digital books because they still don’t compare to the experience of reading a good old fashioned paper book.

But all of that is changing thanks to Smell of Books™, a revolutionary new aerosol e-book enhancer.

Now you can finally enjoy reading e-books without giving up the smell you love so much. With Smell of Books™ you can have the best of both worlds, the convenience of an e-book and the smell of your favorite paper book.

Smell of Books™ is compatible with a wide range of e-reading devices and e-book formats and is 100% DRM-compatible. Whether you read your e-books on a Kindle or an iPhone using Stanza, Smell of Books™ will bring back that real book smell you miss so much.

Samhellion Article by Misty Evans

2009-04-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Addicted to Writing
By Misty Evans

My name is Misty, and I‟m a writing addict.
Today I wrote The End on my third super agent book. As I gave my hero, Michael, his long-deserved HEA, I actually teared up. He's such a good guy, and I put him through all kinds of hell in the first book of the series, Operation Sheba. His girlfriend betrayed him with his old rival, his boss set him up as the CIA's mole, and terrorists held him hostage in his own home. He was turned him into a human bomb and shot in the chest.

I left him alone for the second book, giving him a chance to recover. He needed to grieve over losing Julia, and he also needed time to let his physical wounds heal. Then there was the post traumatic stress he was trying to suppress and the deep rage over the hostage situation building inside him. All difficult internal challenges he had to overcome in the third book.

Bringing characters to life, and putting them through hell in order to find a happy ending, gives me a high that no drug can. The thrill of writing sends me on a rollercoaster ride. Every scene, every chapter, is a slow, deliberate climb to the top and an exhilarating zoom down to the bottom again. I'm a prolific writer and when people ask me how I turn out stories so fast, I always tell them it's not the how that's important, it's the why. I'm an addict. I need the rush.

I'm not alone with my God/Dr. Frankenstein complex. Several of the authors I interviewed for this article, including Marie-Nicole Ryan (One Too Many), stated similar reasons for their choice to be a writer. As she puts it, "Writing fills the undeniable urge to create, which is always present in my life. There's much magic involved in creating and completing a new story."

Vivi Andrews (The Ghost Shrink, the Accidental Gigolo & the Poltergeist Accountant) loves the control writing gives her. "There is something extremely cathartic, emotionally speaking, about having the power to make that happily ever after happen. Good, bad, or ugly, everyone gets what they deserve and I get the intense satisfaction of seeing that justice in words when it can be so elusive in ,real‟ life. If I can control that one area, I can let go of all the things I can't control. It's my own private therapy session for the control-freak within."

Writing as therapy was a common denominator among the authors I spoke with. "Writing can be boiled down into two major parts for me," Michelle Miles (Nice Girls Do) says. "One part is Quell The Voices In My Head, and one part is Escapism From The Real World."

Shiela Stewart (Tempting the Darkness) agrees. "For me, writing has always been both a necessity and a means of escape. I need to get the stories out of my head or it will explode, and escaping into the fantasy world makes me a much saner person."

In the current economy, escapism is the new black. We‟re all in need of a good fantasy. "Writing gives me an escape from the chaos that is my life," states Kaye Chambers (Tiger by the Tail). "When I'm writing, I can be whoever - or whatever - I want to be and not give a hoot about the consequences!"

According to scientific studies, writing has positive health benefits. Because you use your left brain, which is analytical and rational, to put sentences together, your right brain is free to create, intuit and feel. Mental blocks crumble and give you brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you.

Keith Melton (Blood Vice) has found this is true. "Getting out of my head and into another person's head, and living their dreams, fears, needs and sorrows, increases my empathy and ability to relate to the rest of humanity. I believe the experience of fiction enhances the connections between us all."

Whether writing satisfies our need to create, keeps us sane, or helps us relate to others, we are all addicted to telling stories. No drugs or professional therapy necessary. Just another story…
I was going to take a break from writing this week. Do some spring cleaning. Catch up with a few friends over lunch. Paint my bathroom. But all I can think about is the next world, the next character, the next rush. Yep, I need another hit, another story.

Writing is my addiction, and I don't plan to break the habit any time soon.

Misty Evans is an award-winning, multi-published author of CIA thrillers and paranormal comedy. Visit her at www.readMistyEvans.com

New Book New Publisher

2009-04-14T10:13:00.001-07:00

I've had a really crummy past few weeks that involved my oldest son, having to put one of our cats down and dealing with my other two children deciding they didn't need to do their school work. I won't go into details only that the stress levels for me these past three weeks have been beyond tolerable.

So receiving news that my book, Until Death Do Us Part was accepted for contract with Absolute XPress publishing was just what I needed to lift my spirits.

Yahooooooo!!!!

I submitted this book, which was originally titled, Love, Honour and Forgive, a few months back. This is my first submission to a different publisher (I've been with Linden Bay for nearly three years)and to say I was nervous would be an understatement. For those that are wondering, no, it does not get easier with each book submitted. There is always the chance they will reject it. Having multiple books published is not a guarantee that any of my other books will be accepted. For example, Until Death Do Us Part was rejected by LB.

I am so excited to be a part of the AXP family. They are Canadian based so it's nice to have a publisher close to home. :) If you're interested in checking them out, here is their website. http://www.absolute-x-press.com/catalog/

Would you all like a glimpse at the book? Now remember, this is an unedited summary. There is no cover as of yet but I'll definitely be posting it when I get one. I'm so excited!! :)

Until Death Do Us Part Synopsis.

Beautiful, wealthy, a luxurious home and a handsome and devoted husband, Victoria Brentwood has it all. Until a sudden explosion takes the life of the man she loves.
In a flash, Victoria’s life is thrown into chaos. Losing the only man she will ever love is hard enough, losing him on their anniversary adds to it, but to top it off, she’s pregnant with their first child.

Alone and grieving Victoria knows she has to go on for her unborn child’s sake. Then she learns her husband has left her in charge of his multi-million dollar hotel empire.
Having been a pampered woman most of her life, never having had to work a day of it, Victoria has no idea what to do with such a responsibility, but dives right into the business, much to some of her employee’s dismay.

Struggling to make it alone, and raise her daughter, Christina, Victoria soon becomes quite comfortable with her life. But one thing still haunts her. Who killed her husband? When the local police keep giving her the run around, she threatens to hire a private investigator to look into the brutal slaying of a man who was loved by all. Over a year has gone by and still there are no suspects.

Trying to come to turns with losing her husband and raising a child alone, Victoria begins to rebuild her life.

And has it all turned topsy turvey when her supposed dead husband, Christian, walks into her life.

Under the Witness Relocation Program, Christian has spent the past year and a half of his life trying to cope while the police search for the man who wants him dead. When he’s told to come out of hiding to lure the killer out, Christina has no idea what’s in store for him. The last thing he expects upon his return is a wife who refuses him back and a child he knew nothing of. Wanting both his wife and his child back in his life, Christian tries to bully Victoria into taking him back.
She on the other hand, isn’t quite so ready to take him back.

Learning the man you thought was dead really is alive should be a joyous occasion, yet for Victoria it’s brought forth with lies. Having the man you thought you knew tell you for the entirety of their marriage he was suspected of smuggling jewels is shocking enough, but that she knew nothing of it is a slap to the face. How could she not know?
Though she still loves him dearly, Victoria can’t get over the deceit. Wanting to punish him, Victoria refuses to let him into her life, or his daughters.

Determined to get his family back and to protect them, Christian pays dirty. He resumes his position as President of his corporation, knocking her out of her position without so much as a consult. Furious, Victoria lashes out at him and the truth comes out. It is Christian’s Brother, Tyler, who has tried to set him up and wants him dead. Just before he was to marry Victoria, Tyler begged Christian to loan him money to pay of a drug lord whom he stole from. When Christian refuses, Tyler pays dearly. And he is determined to make his brother suffer for it. When Tyler finds out his brother is still alive, he decides to try it again, only this time, he threatens the two people Christian loves beyond reason.
Wanting to protect his family, Christian moves back into his home, though Victoria makes it clear he is not welcome in her bed. When their daughter becomes ill, Victoria sees how wrong she is to prevent father and daughter from being together when Christian steps in to help. And seeing him with their child stirs up emotions in Victoria she has desperately tried to fight. Giving into her needs and desires, she allows Christian back into her bed but only for that one time. She can allow him to fulfill her desires, if only for one moment, but not into her heart. His betrayal prevents her from allowing him back in completely.
Christian realizes now that he must regain his wife’s trust. Slowly, he and Victoria begin to rebuild the relationship that was torn apart by his lies. Admiring the woman she has now become, Christian offers her a hotel of her own. With glee she accepts and another rift between them is mended.

Just as things begin to look up for them, their lives are through into turmoil once more. Learning she is pregnant again, Victoria is worried. She and Christian are still working things out, she has a new job, a hotel of her own to run, and a mad man out to kill her and her daughter and the unborn baby she is carrying.

But even the protection of the police isn’t enough to keep them safe.

When Tyler kills the guards protecting Victoria and Christina and takes them hostage, Christian is determined to do anything to protect them. Even killing his only brother. As Tyler holds them all hostage, vowing to kill Christian’s family, Christian knows he is the only one who can protect them.

Until a mysterious young man entered the picture.

Connor Grant has pretended to be Tyler Brentwood’s friend, but in reality he wants his own revenge. Tyler’s involvement in Connor’s family’s death has left the young man bitter, but when Tyler expects him to take out Christian, Connor knows what has to be done. Justice must be served.

Determined to protect the ones he loves, Christian fights for their freedom and manages to wrestle a gun from one of Tyler’s guards. As guns are raised, Christian is willing to give his life for his wife and daughter. But as his brother is about to pull the trigger, Connor fires his. When Christian expects it all to be over, Tyler lifts his weapon once more, ready to fire. As the police burst in, Tyler aims his weapon, and is taken down in a hail of rapid weapon fire by the officers.

Relieved that he has his family back, Christian swears to Victoria he is a changed man, and convinces her to take him back. Unable to resist, loving him more than the life itself, Victoria says yes.

The Case For E Books by Patricia Snodgrass

2009-03-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone! Thanks and big hugs to Sheila for granting me the honor to guest blog today. She has a great blog spot here and I look forward to reading it often.

After hearing complaints about the electronic novel industry, I decided to take this moment to make my case for our beloved e-novels.

Way back in the mid 1930’ the paperback novel was introduced. This caused immediate revolution in the publishing industry. New publishing houses blossomed, new writers and genres found their way to readers eager to escape from the bleak reality that was the Great Depression.

There were detractors, of course, who found the ‘dime novel’ and ‘penny dreadfuls’ (which btw, were around as early as the 19th century) to be considered a vulgar and profound waste of one’s time. Paperbacks were considered by some to be cheap and tawdry, not elegant and useful like hardbound books. Fortunately, the critics were few and far between, usually spoken by teachers who took them up during class time or parents who wanted their children to do chores instead of goofing off with a good book.

So you may be asking yourself now, why are we having this little history lesson?

Because history as we all know tends to run in cycles and the publishing industry has entered again into this by the introduction of the e-novel.

My friends scoff at me because I have written three e novels. Their chief complaints are that they don’t like reading novels off the computer that the e readers are too expensive, and they aren’t really books. After all, you can’t pick one up, thumb through it or cuddle with it before going to bed at night. And teachers tend to take up their student’s e-readers in class when they should be studying and kids (and grown ups) would prefer to read than do chores.

And of course, the one arguement that sets my teeth on edge is the idea that an e-novelist isn't a real writer.

I assume these are similar arguments that those elitists for the early 20th Century gave when the mass market paperback made its debut. And I am willing to wager than once people get used to the idea of books on computer their doubts about whether this is a viable industry will subside and I dare say that the e novel may someday surpass, if not replace mass market paperbacks altogether. But not today. Fifty to a hundred years from now, perhaps, but not today. Today, we still need to make the case for the e-publishing industry, to prove that it is not only healthy and flourishing, but a viable alternative to paperback novels.

Why do I say this? Because of the advantages e-novels have over the standard paperback. Here’s a short list:

• Expense: Paperbacks are no longer inexpensive. You can pay as much as 20.00 for a good paperback now. My e-novel, Marilyn is available at a humble 3.95 per download copy, a far cry better than 20.00.
• Convenience: With the advent of Kindle and other e-readers makes it much easier to download an ebook and take it with you. Soon, I’m sure this industry as well will make it even easier to read and store e-books. Perhaps someday soon, you can store an entire library on your reader.
• Space: yes, space. E-novels only take up space on your computer or reader. They don’t take up shelf space. You don’t have to dust them or make sure the puppy doesn’t chew on them. You don’t have to worry about decay that plagues older books.
• Environment: All an e-novel does is displace a few electrons whereas paper and hard back publishing decimates forests. And what happens to paperback novels after they're no longer wanted? They eventually find their way into the landfill. With an e-novel, all you have to do is hit the delete key, and voila! All done.

Again, I don’t think that e-publishing will completely replace paper publishing anytime in the near future, but I do see it as a growing industry that will, like its predecessor, become a highly used market very soon. Some of the things I see happening with this industry are:

• College textbooks on kindle. Imagine the inexpense and ease of toting all your college text books on your e reader. Imagine going online and simply downloading your textbook for a fraction of the cost of a hardbound book.
• Imagine going into the library and downloading your favorite reads the same way you used to check out a book?
The possibilities are endless. I am happy and proud to be one an e-book author, working on the cutting edge of this new and wonderful technology.
So, all in all, happiness really is a warm Kindle
END OF LINE.

Guest blogger Ann Lory

2009-03-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

I welcome today, Ann Lory to my blog sharing her latest release, Bait and Switch as well as a little insight into the book and why her husband isn't bothered by her many posters of hunky men, inlcuding Orlando Bloom. Yummy. :)

Ann Lory: http://www.annlory.com/

Bait and Switch

So, when did the idea of Bait & Switch hit me? Well, to start with the original title was A Platinum Purchase, but when this evolved into a five book series, I needed to change the name so that they all were all connected.
I was surfing the web and saw a picture of a breathtaking man online. I get a lot of inspiration from pictures, or from driving and listening to music. I remember seeing this picture and thinking, “This guy has a story.” But what was his story?
He was tall with long, dark hair, a sculpted face that said, “Hi, I’m sensuality incarnate”, and these pale blue eyes that jumped off the paper at me. So, I got to thinking…in real life this guy’s in Vegas on occasion then I thought about what this man actually did for a living and the plot just kind of fell into my lap. The personality of Devon McGuire does not match the personality of the man in the photo, but I’ll use his body. *sigh*
At that time I was working at Ameritrade. My cubical was graced with pictures of men all over the back wall. I even went so far as to have a huge poster of Legolas (Orlando Bloom) on the side wall. A bit juvenile to be sure, but I was constantly seeking inspiration for that next story. They were all my inspiration. Each one had a story to tell. A dripping wet dream for every woman to delve into.
I had a lady from Dividends ask me if my husband got upset knowing I had all these men pinned up. I told her, “Of course not, he knows I don’t have a chance in hell with any one of them.” I don’t think she got my joke. She just shook her head and walked off. Oh well, to each their own and I would like to thank Ameritrade for allowing me to hang up my sexy men, and furthermore, that no sexual harassment charges were issued during the inspiration and/or making of not just this book, but several others.

Blurb:

One workaholic. One gigolo. One week in Sin City. You do the math…

Anna Jackson’s ex-boyfriend may have stolen her promotion, but she’s not mad. Not anymore. She’s getting even—by beating him at his own game. So what if she has to give up all her free time and any semblance of a personal life? With a partnership in a law firm as prestigious as Beckam, Beckam and Leland on the line, she’s willing to pay the price.

Las Vegas escort Devon McGuire is charming, sexy, and damn good at pleasing women. He’d better be, it’s what he gets paid for. Always up for a challenge, he’s looking forward to his newest job. Who wouldn’t enjoy a week as the companion of a smart, sultry, high-powered attorney—no strings attached?

Devon’s used to pushing boundaries, but there’s something about Anna that makes him want to turn up the steam. And when she learns to let go and unexpectedly opens to him, he finds himself falling right in.

Whoa, hold it. Love was never part of the plan…

Warning: This book contains a sizzling, drop-dead gorgeous, sex-on-a-stick gigolo who wants to make women’s fantasies come true, and a woman who won’t cooperate and let him do his job.

Excerpt:

Anna didn’t know what to do. Was she supposed to pay? Was he supposed to pay? She grabbed the bill, but his hand came down over hers. “I have this, Anna.”
She lowered her voice. “I don’t know the-” she was struggled to find the word, “etiquette in situations like this.” Good God, there had to be a better word, but that was all she could think of.
He grinned and winked at her. “Don’t worry, all of this is covered.”
The reality of this meal came crashing in on her. Not that she’d forgotten what he was exactly, but it just seemed so unreal. Her friends had apparently taken care of all the details and that included meals and any extracurricular activities.
Groaning, she grabbed her purse, jumping when he took her hand in his and placed it on his arm. She frowned at him. She didn’t want him to act like a gentleman. She didn’t want to like him. She wanted to be disgusted with him, but for some reason, she found that she really wasn’t.
Something about him was extremely appealing to her. Not to mention the fact that he was drop-dead gorgeous. But there was also a kindness about him, a patience that most men didn’t have. She wondered if he’d been in the business so long that he’d perfected how to portray exactly what a woman wanted.
They took the elevator up to her floor and he walked her to her room. She knew he was chuckling at her as she hurriedly dove into her purse for the room key. With the card clutched in her hand, she cleared her throat nervously, and looked at him.
“Well, thank you for an…interesting evening, Devon. I’ll be busy all day tomorrow, but maybe we can get together the next day.”
He laughed and leaned in close, his hands coming up on either side of her head, trapping her against the wall.
She swallowed with great difficulty as his face came closer to hers, his breath fanning her cheek. Her mouth went dry, and she had to fight not to lick her lips.
“No, Anna. Janie supplied me with, as she put it, your…” his lips brushed her jaw, “…outlined,” her earlobe, “detailed,” his tongue swirled and he sucked the lobe between his lips. She felt herself quiver, her eyes closing briefly before he pulled away, gazing down at her, “Five times thought-out and approved schedule for this whole week.” His body moved in closer, brushing against hers. “I know that you have a meeting in the morning, one after lunch, and that you’ll be free for the rest of the day.”
His lips were so close. She stared wide-eyed at him, hoping he would kiss her, yet at the same time knowing that she shouldn’t want him to.
She licked her lips. Damn.
Finally he touched his mouth to hers. She had to fight not to moan as he deepened the kiss, his tongue probing for entrance. She obliged.
His delicious caress scorched her mouth, and she returned every sweep of his tongue with her own. His hands came down to grasp her arms, his body pushing into hers.
Nothing about him was soft. Every inch, every angle was hard, wreaking havoc on her senses. His hands still gripped her arms, running up and down their bare lengths until she finally caved in and wound them around his neck. Her hands went into his hair.
His knee moved between her legs, pressing into her, and she felt instant heat pool in her belly to settle in slick need at her juncture. He felt so delicious, all man, all male strength as he held her against the wall. She pushed her body against his and moaned.
He released her, slowly pulling away, but not before he placed another lingering kiss to her lips. She stared up at him through a haze, seeing his grin of smug male satisfaction, realizing he’d gotten what he wanted.
Her surrender to his kiss. Damn.
He tugged her close again, hugging her tightly around the waist, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Sweet dreams, Anna. I’ll see you tomorrow, here in your room, at five.”
He left her then and she watched, leaning against the wall, her legs still wobbly, as he walked back up the hall and disappeared around the corner. With trembling hands she unlocked her door, made her way shakily across the room and fell on the bed. Grabbing one of the pillows, she buried her face in it and groaned.

Best Book Cover award

2009-03-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Come on over to my blog, Book Cover Lovers, and check out the book chosen by voters as The Best Book for January and February. Kiki Howell’s Mystic Stones was voted as Best Book.

It was a close race and I would like to thank everyone for popping in to Book Cover Lovers and voting for your best book cover. And be sure to check back on April 1st to see who is in the running for March’s Best Book Cover.

http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-book-award-for-jan-feb-2009.html

Guest blogger Samantha Sommersby

2009-03-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Today I bring you the wonderfully talented, Samantha Sommersby. Her Forbidden series hooked me from day one and I have been impatiently waiting for this latest release, The Temptation for farrrr too long. Sam can tell you just how impatient I was...always nagging her to get it finished. LOL
Of course, now that it's been released I dashed right out and bought it. I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet (other than the tempting excerpts she's teasingly provided) but i am definitely going to get started on it soon.

Once upon a time I had a HUGE crush on Byron from The Awakening and The Claim but alas, he has been pushed aside by this latest hunk, Jake. I love a hairy man and Jake certainly fills that desire. :) Not sure what I'm talking about...then read what Sam has for us all today.

Samantha Sommersby
Forbidden: The Temptation

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Terry Kate, the creative genius behind Romance in the Back Seat. Terry combined her love of Romance novels and film to create this really wild project called Romance in the Back Seat! The Black Cab Sessions, in part, inspired the idea. Terry is currently living and working in Los Angeles. She drove down to San Diego last weekend to do the shoot – the results of which should be up in a couple weeks (http://romanceinthebackseat.com).

Boy, was I nervous. I’m a writer and the idea of being on camera was very intimidating. I was able to read a short excerpt from my new release, Forbidden: The Temptation, which I practiced ahead of time (over and over and over). One thing that Terry explored during the interview was my choice to write the Forbidden series in the first person point of view from the perspective of the hero.

When Shiela asked me to guest blog this week, I thought maybe I’d share the reason behind that choice with you AND a little snippet from the book. I hope you like it!

Most urban fantasy seems to be written from the POV of the female protagonist. There are so many wonderful series out there that use vampire mythology. I wanted the Forbidden series to be different enough that it would somehow be set apart in the reader’s mind. Although I use traditional lore, I also created some rules, etc., that are unique to the Forbidden universe. Traditionally vampires are portrayed as strong, powerful, creatures of seduction. I wanted my vampire hero to be a little more relatable, more accessible to the reader. There’s no better way to do that than to let the reader inside the hero’s head and heart. The first person POV allows for a very immediate, intimate, and intense experience. Now I’m hooked on writing that way. So the voice that you hear when you read Forbidden: The Temptation belongs to the books hero, Jake Madison. (And what a hunky hero he is – see evidence below)

Summary:

There’s a fine line between man and beast…one only the heart can cross.

A year ago, Jacob Madison got more than he bargained for during a rock-climbing trip to Yosemite. A freak accident left him badly injured, at the mercy of the elements—and the wolves who rescued him. If it hadn’t been for them, he’d be dead. He’d also still be human. Now he’s back, hoping to find out who he is and what he’s become. Instead, he finds smart, sexy Allison Connelly.

A forensic psychologist, Allison is newly divorced and proudly standing on her own two feet…until an unexpected storm shears off the snow bank she’s standing on. She plunges down an icy ravine, thinking she’s heading for oblivion. Then she lands in the arms of a tall, dark Texan. Jake.

Brought together by circumstance and bound by passion, secrets from their past threaten their future before it can begin. And somewhere in the mountains lurks a rogue Were turned serial killer. Whatever the danger Jake’s inner beast poses to Allison, there’s only one way to protect her—unleash it. Even if it costs him her love.

Warning: This book contains raging winter storms, truly inspiring sex, a kick-butt heroine, and one very hot, dirty-talking cowboy…who’s sometimes furry.

Excerpt from Forbidden: The Temptation
Copyright © 2009 Samantha Sommersby
 All rights reserved — a Linden Bay Romance publication

I was running through the forest. The snow was so cold and coming down so heavy it felt as if I was being rained on by glass, thin shards pelting against my naked skin. But I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t slow down. If I did, it would find me. I lengthened my stride, pushing myself like never before. I could outrun this, whatever it was, if only I could push through the pain.
I could see the clearing up ahead, covered in a blanket of white. Unspoiled. Pristine. My lungs burned, the cold air scalding them, scorching them. Then I felt it, the brush of fur rolling, unfurling. Faster. Faster, I pushed myself. Jumping over fallen trees. Ducking under branches. Trying to avoid the rocks that were buried beneath the snow. My feet were cut and bleeding.
As I reached the edge of the clearing I saw them. Wolves. They weren’t chasing me. They were waiting for me, baying, calling.
“God, no!” I shouted out, raising my arms up towards the sky. Begging. Pleading. I searched the heavens, realizing too late, and only then, as I stared into the light of the full moon, that the beast I’d been running from was me.
“It’s easier if you don’t fight it,” one said.
“Just let go,” another said. “Let it happen.”
“Accept what you are.”
But I couldn’t. I didn’t. I fought. I fought to hold on as my bones broke and knitted back together, muscle and sinew torn apart, reshaped, then reformed. My screams shattered the darkness, merging with the sounds of the wolves until they were indistinguishable. Claws formed, teeth elongated and then finally, when I was no longer able to stand on my own two feet, my flesh shredded in an explosion and a thick coat of fur burst forth, allowing me to blend into the shadows.
My eyes flew open.
Night had fallen and my breaths were coming quick and heavy. I was drenched in sweat despite the fact that the fire was almost out and the temperature inside the cabin had dropped.
I climbed out of bed and moved quietly over towards the window. The snow continued to fall outside. The moon had risen and I with it. I always felt more alive, more aware when the moon was up, as if its light was a source of energy. Its power radiated through me, making each and every nerve hum in an inexplicable way.
“Are you okay?”
I closed my eyes and nodded. “Bad dream.”

Available now in eBook at:
Linden Bay Romance: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/product-forbiddenthetemptation-7253-140.html
All Romance eBooks:"http://allromanceebooks.com/index.html
My Bookstore and More:"http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/forbidden-the-temptation"

Coming Soon in Print!

To find out more about Samantha Sommersby and the world of the Forbidden, visit the author’s website http://www.samamthasommersby.com/"
or
MySpace Page http://www.myspace.com/samanthasommersby

Guest blogger, Michelle M. Pillow

2009-03-02T05:59:00.000-08:00

Today I bring you a wonderful author whose books are sure to please and keep you wanting more. Michelle M. Pillow has a vast amount of books in a wide range of genre's including Paranormal Romance and Horror. And check out her book covers. Definitely yummy.

I bring you three of Michelle's books today so sit back and enjoy!

KING OF THE UNBLESSED
Book one in the Realm Immortal series
Michelle's website: http://www.michellepillow.com/navigation.htm

BLURB:

Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good—happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick’s and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the Blessed, coveted by the Damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father’s, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the Unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her…or die.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, trickster goblins, overly helpful sprights, a king of necessary evil who lives to get his way and a woman who would dare to deny him.

Excerpt

Place of Purchase:
Ebook: http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow

FAERY QUEEN
Book 2

Blurb:

Queen Tania of the Faeries is tired of waiting for Hugh, the Earl of Bellemare, to come back to her. A year has passed since his commitments pulled him from her side and she’s begun to suspect he never intended to return. Disheartened, the queen’s mood darkens until she finds she has no choice but to teach the earl a lesson he will never forget—that no human should dare lie to a faery queen.

Hugh’s hatred of the magical world is well known and he wishes to live out the rest of his life in the mortal realm, doing his noble duty. Too bad his heart hasn’t caught up to his head. Thoughts of a tenaciously seductive queen haunt him, even as he knows the woman only wanted him as a plaything for her bed. But it would seem he can’t run far enough, for the teasing nymph won’t back down and Hugh finds himself at the mercy of a vengeful faery.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, a castle full of amorous faeries, a vengeful queen succumbing to her darker thoughts and the human she would make her plaything.

EXCERPT:

Place of Purchase:
Ebook:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow

STONE QUEEN
Book 3

Blurb

Juliana, newly appointed Queen of the Unblessed, has realized there is a bit more to her position than she first thought. Sure, it has its perks: a sinfully sexy husband who is also a king, growing powers and a magical life that’s never boring, but the drawbacks are considerable. To save her kingdom from war, Juliana accepts assistance from a witch. But when her reality turns upside down, she realizes she’s been betrayed.

For a brief time, Merrick knew happiness, as much happiness as the king of necessary evil could ever feel. Juliana has become the light in his darkness. Though he can never tell his wife he loves her—or risk upsetting the balance of both the mortal and immortal realms—the words are understood between them. Or so he thought. When she falls prey to a wayward spell, becoming encased in stone, he knows he’ll have to risk everything to gain the only thing he truly wants.

Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, an evil witch, a blundering wizard, meddling sprights, a new queen and the lustful king who plans on showing her just how fun it is to be in charge.

EXCERPT:

Place of Purchase:
Ebook:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Print:http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow

Tempting the Darkness out today

2009-03-01T16:46:00.001-08:00

The fifth book in my darkness series is out today in ebook. This was a very difficult book for me to write being so closely related to the death of my father. I'm a guest on several blogs over the next few weeks where I explain more about writing Tempting the Darkness. I'll keep you all posted as to when and where.

But for now, here is a look at Tempting the Darkness.

If you’re afraid of the dark…you’re screwed.

The Darkness, Book 5

For twenty long years, Cooper Hawthorne has kept the brightest light in his bleak existence a deeply hidden secret. All this time, his beloved Gabriella has slept safely in cryogenic stasis, awaiting the day he finds a cure for her terminal cancer.

As love blooms amidst the Darkness, and still no cure in sight, loneliness drives Cooper to drastic measures. He awakens Gabriella and breaks his last promise to her—by turning her into a vampire.

Gabriella’s sense of betrayal weighs heavily on her attempts to deal with what Cooper has done to her. Pushing him away, she turns to his friends for support—and finds she isn’t the only one hurt by his actions.

Cooper fights the temptation to use his powers to wipe her mind of the damning memories. But, when he comes face to face with the monster that created him, he knows what he must do.

Will Gabriella be able to save him before it’s too late? Or will the Darkness swallow him whole?

Warning: This book could induce intensely heated flesh, rapid pulse, and panting. Should be read in the company of a man who can turn your temptations to delights.

Excerpt:
Cooper stood outside the bedroom door and felt the love pouring out from the room. It warmed his heart to know the two people he thought of as his family were finally getting back to where they were meant to be.

It made him long for what he had lost so long ago.

Making sure no one was around to see him, he sent himself away, setting down just outside the secured door to his wife’s room. “You may take a break,” he instructed the guard. Keying in the code, he entered the room. When the door closed, he walked to the glass case that held his love.

She looked as pure and beautiful as she had the day he had sent her to sleep. The day he promised her he would not wake her until a cure was found. Twenty years had passed and he was no closer to a cure today than he had been on that fateful day he said goodbye to his one true love.

Yet he longed for her as much now as he did then.

“I’ve lived without you for so long. I cannot bear another moment. I miss your gentle touch. I miss your sweet voice. I miss the conversations we would have. I miss you, my love. I need you. I cannot live without you any longer.”

His eyes flicked to the control panel that kept her in her stasis. All it would take would be to key in the code—which he alone had—and press one button to wake his sleeping beauty. He paused, his mind working feverishly.

Should he wake her?

What then? Spend a few months with her, at best. Watch her wither away as the cancer robbed her body of life? He couldn’t do that to her, to himself. But he needed her so desperately. He was tired of being alone.

The love between Basil and Trinity reminded him of his own desires and love. Once, he’d had what they have now. Like Basil, his love was human. Though Basil made Trinity his by siring her, Cooper had promised Gabriella he never would.

Yet…

What kind of life was this? She was frozen, asleep, and wasn’t truly living anyway. Sure, he could see her any time he liked, but it wasn’t the same as having her. He missed having her.

And what if something was to happen to him? There had been some close calls over the past twenty years, especially these last few months Jacob’s Cove had been engulfed in darkness. What would happen to Gabriella then? Who would take care of her? How would she feel if she woke up to find that he was no longer with this world? He didn’t want her to have to feel the pain he had felt for the past twenty years.

There was one way he could cure her. One way he could have her for his from now on. Though he promised her he would never turn her, he saw no other way to curing her.

Without wasting any time, he hurried to enter the code. He took a deep breath, then pressed the red button that would shut off the liquid nitrogen that had cooled her body to preserve her DNA. He watched as her life support continued to breath for her, continued to cause her heart to beat, knowing that the instant he shut them off, he would have to revive her himself. It would take several minutes for the cryogenic freezing to shut down. While he waited, Cooper prepared the medications and tools he would need to bring her back to life. Setting the syringe filled with adrenaline to start her heart on the table beside her, Cooper watched the seconds tick away, waiting for the green light to indicate it was time to shut off the life support. When it beeped and turned green, he flicked the switch to stop the machines. Pressing the button to open the chamber, he anxiously waited for it to open. The instant it did, he was there with the syringe.

Pressing the needle over her heart, he injected the adrenaline, then set it back on the tray and prepared for other methods of CPR.

When her body jolted, so did his. When she gasped for the air that hadn’t been natural to her for over twenty years, he was right there, prepared to give her his.

Her eyes flew open and she gasped several times before finally relaxing.

“That’s it, my sweet, come back to me now.” He stroked her face, watching the machines emitting her pulse and heart rate. They were erratic, but that was to be expected.

She coughed, she gagged, then drew in one long breath before settling.

“There you go, that’s my girl.”

Her eyes drooped and she blinked them several times. Her mouth worked as she tried to swallow and attempted to speak.

“Just relax, my sweet. Take your time. I’m here. I’m here for you.”

She turned her head to him and her eyes lit up. Then she smiled and said, “Cooper.”