Sunday, September 30, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a print copy of The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Author Lonnie D. Story (right), with Anni Adams (middle) and Bob Gaul, President of the Iowa Luxembourg American Society August 2007




Author Lonnie D. Story's
recounting of this part of Luxembourg's WWII history has been recognized by the Ambassador of Luxembourg to the United Nations, H. E. Jean Marc Hoscheit, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to the U.S., and H.E. Joseph Weyland. In fact, Story's work was lauded by the Luxembourg General Consul, Georges Faber, as a "magnificent, historically correct accounting of the hardships suffered" during the time period of his country's occupation and suppression.

Story is a freelance writer residing in Holly Hill, Florida. He is currently working on his second book, Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story, a true story about a U.S. soldier deployed to Iraq in full health who returns to discover he has aggressive, terminal cancer.


INTERVIEW:

Where did you birth the idea for this book? When? How did it come about?
The idea originally came from a business venture (idea.) I wanted to fill an niche market that no one appeared to be addressing and a need that left a large, untapped void. I thought I would write biographies for a living by limiting just to family members and that kind of thing. A biography of a person just for private use and not publishing. It appeared to be a chance encounter, but, I am fully persuaded that there is no such thing as coincidence. I met Anni in a flower shop in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where she worked part-time. She had wonderful stories to tell about her life and I found it so intriguing that I volunteered to write her biography for free as sort of a "guinea pig." The more we met and conversed the more convinced I was that she had all the potential, material and stories that would make a great book and then some! Thus we began the long, arduous, unseen adventure to "bookland."

How do you as a writer put together a book like this? Did you outline first or did you write down anecdotes and stories and then organize them into book format, or ???
I started with an outline but as time progressed and more stories came forth, the outline changed and metamorphed into the final working outline and finished product. Actually, I would write about one chapter a week, sometimes I would go weeks without writing anything. Once I had the "feeling" to write it was irresistible and I would write the entire chapter in one sitting, usually taking long hours into the wee hours of the morning such as 4 or 5 a.m. having started around 6 p.m, the evening before. I took a shotgun approach and only wrote what, where and when the feeling for a particular chapter manifested itself.

What sort of research was involved in writing this book?
There are no adjective or, at least, not enough here for proper English to express the intense, horrid, voluminous, meticulous, time-consuming research required for this work. I had to cover very minute details and print tons of pictures, maps and such and then screen it through Anni to get the story exactly right, factually, historically and evidentially.

How long did you take to write this?
I worked 12-16 hours a day (mostly 14-16 hours), 7 days a week for 7 1/2 months. I put aside all holidays, family gatherings, social invitations/engagements, etc. I stayed locked away in my one little bedroom at my sister's house only coming out to go to the store for supplies (food, water, etc.) and back to my "cave."

If your book is turned into a movie, which actress should play Anni?
Anni at 14-18: AnnaSophia Robb Anni middle years: Laura Linney Elder Anni: Glenn Close

What takeaway points do you hope the reader pulls from this book?
Never give up. Never quite, persevere, push, press and pray. I mean pray HARD!! Don't let go of God and don't stop nagging Him, pleading with Him, praising Him, thanking Him and wrestle with Him to the desire for death rather than giving up. Beside that, learn lessons the first as often as able, stay positive, hopeful, faithful and enjoy the shortness of life, each moment. Savor friends, family and life experiences no matter how good or bad. Faith, hope and love.

How did you become a writer?
Somehow it was there all along. I started reading and writing at age 4. By the time I started school, I was well ahead of my classmates. However, being ahead of the classmates caused me to be less "covered" by the teachers. The teachers rationed their time, typically, to the other students that needed more help. Because of this, I was less attentive in class and my mind wandered a lot into fantasies, visions and mental adventures. If I had the chance, I would write some of these things down or draw pictures of them.

Can you share something with our readers about what God has been teaching you lately?
If you can call 4 1/2 years "lately", then I would say PATIENCE! Other than that, I have had a supernatural development in my faith levels. I have always dreamed big, reached big and even failed big. But the God I serve is a big God. Bigger than my hopes, dreams and wishes, so the big answer more than anything else?? TRUST!!! Not in people, only God. Put confidence in people but never trust them, love them but don't rely on them. These are treasures for God only.

Please share a little about your family, your church and community involvement.
During the writing of the book I spent most of my time alone. I did take time out to call family or go to Anni's (which was usually 3 times a week), but mostly stayed sequestered. After the manuscript was finished I spent some time catching up but it was a very difficult thing. At the time both my brother and sister were terminally ill. I was the youngest of the three, the "baby", but also the one everyone turned to for help, advice and high expectations. My only community involvement was after the book and these were all events to bring awareness to Anni and the book. I donated hundreds of books to veterans for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, radio stations and churches, church organizations, etc. Because of what I had been through the year before starting the book, I took a long sabbatical from church. In place of this, I devoted many, many hours in prayer, deep, very deep study of the Bible and listened to Charles Stanley for hours on end each day over the Internet. At that time, his website had four years of cataloged sermons and I listened to all four years worth!! And many times each new message for the day, I would listen to 4-7 times in an afternoon or evening! Thank God for Charles Stanley!

Lonnie, tell us about your radio program--what does it consist of, and what format does it follow?What book are you reading now?
My radio program came about mostly out of frustration, hope and prayer. I missed being on the air (before my life's disaster, I had a Christian program for approx. 5 years), I felt it was a good venue to move forward and push harder the message on both my books. The program is called (of all things LOL) "Lessons Learned." I wanted it to be a talk news show. Very interactive with the listening audience. Taking our life experiences, historical events and history in general, teachings from much older generations and look at what we think the near future holds and try to turn it into applicable, valuable news for today. As for books, only one: My Bible. (I do have a stack I wish I could get to, I am dying to have some time to read but that is a dream and a wish. I won't let myself "taste" that reward until my mission with this book and the next is satisfied and successfully launched into readerland. When the income makes me debt free and time rich.)

What book is coming next?
The next book has been in the making for more than a year and a half. Like the first book, I entered it very naive, just when I thought I was capable. Uh UH!! The next book will have to be read about over the Internet, not enough room here. Just google "Dustin Brim," look for my name and read ALL about it.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Story Recounts Metamorphosis of Survival
to finding American Dream

Imagine living a life of security and comfort while traveling throughout central Europe with a famous professional gymnast--who just happens to be your father--with just one twist. You were born in 1926, and at the age of fourteen your entire world changes because of the Nazi invasion. Anni Adams survives the poverty, humiliation and uncertainty of the refugee camps and eventually returns to her home, where life is not the same. She quietly resists the submissive lifestyle of the Nazi rule for four years. Here she becomes a Catholic war bride to her American GI husband, following the liberation of her country.

The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg shows how family and faith fuel Anni's survival through her evacuation into France and the years of German occupation of Luxembourg when she and her family are placed in labor camps and government prisons. Anni goes on to live a remarkable life in the United States, where she displays an uncanny ability to meet people of renown in the most unlikely circumstances. Anni's story is only one of countless others from this time period; she personifies the guts, grit, fortitude, faith and hope of that era. These virtues in the face of adversity create a beautiful butterfly. Each breathtaking "stain glass" pane of the butterfly's wings is yet another story of how Anni overcomes tremendous odds--the truest form of the American Dream come true.


REVIEW:

"This fascinating biography enables the reader to see how a teen survived WWII Nazi occupation. Anni does so by mentally going in and out of her cocoon made up of loving family depending on circumstances. She as "the butterfly of Luxembourg" gives the audience a deep insight into life under the German occupation. The American segment of her journey is also well written and rounds out the bio, but like the early years pales next to the four years under the Nazis. THE MEETING OF ANNI ADAMS : THE BUTTERFLY OF LUXEMBOURG is a deep look at how people survive the most harrowing nightmarish experiences caused by inhuman humans."
-- Harriet Klausner


The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg
by Lonnie D. Story
ISBN-10: 1932124268
Publisher: ACW Press
Release Date: March 2004
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
$14.25 from Amazon.com


Purchase The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg
by Lonnie D. Story HERE!!!

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a copy of Studs for Hire: Woman on Top by Sherry James.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native Nebraskan, Sherry James spent her youth riding and writing, and all of those hours spent in the saddle gave her plenty of time to think up a slew of stories. These days she’s a wife to an amazing husband, and the mother of two equally amazing kids. She rides when she gets the chance and can’t imagine her life without horses. A former rodeo queen, and founding member and past president of the Prairieland Romance Writers, she is also a longtime member of Romance Writers of America. She is a multi published nonfiction writer of magazine and newspaper articles, and has been a winner and finalist in many writing competitions. She has written seven romance novels and currently writes for Black Velvet Seductions and Ellora’s Cave.

Visit her website at: http://www.sherryjames.com


INTERVIEW:

Why did you become a writer?
I have a deep love or reading and that developed into a deep love to tell stories.

Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
Well, I did a lot of writing as a kid, but I never thought I'd pursue writing as a career. I hated grammar in school. Ugh. Memories of grammar class still sends chills down my spine! But when I hit my early twenties, something snapped and I decided to pursue writing. I loved historical romances so much that the wonderful books I'd read inspired me to try my hand at writing them myself. Besides, I hate punching a time clock. Writing is a job I can do on my own schedule. And in my jammies, sweats, or jeans.

What do you love about being an author?
The freedom to work when I want/need to. I love to do research and travel, so it's fun to do both and then come home and write the stories. I also love the fact that there's always something new to look forward to---whether it's finishing a manuscript, seeing my new cover art, getting a great review, or the anticipation of attending a writers' conference. This business is a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of darn fun, too!

Is there anything you dislike?
The long wait between royalty checks. The uncertainty if I'll even get a royalty check. Rejection letters.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?
Balance? Hmm. Right now balance is pretty hard to find. I have two small children so I have to write in snippets here and there. But my oldest starts kindergarten this year so I have high hopes of developing a consistent writing schedule that will allow me to take nights, weekends, and holidays off and still allow me to produce three manuscripts per year. Ask me in a few months if I've been successful!

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
Most generally it's the characters for me. But once in a while I'll have this vague story idea, usually based on research that I'll develop characters who would work in that idea. For example, I've always wanted to write a story set around the Pony Express where my heroine is bound and determined to be a Pony Express rider. Well, the Pony Express only lasted for a short time in American history, and it will take a certain type of heroine who would even want to be a rider. So, those two elements will be my starting point to develop the story..

What genre(s) do you write?
I write light contemporary romances that hopefully make people laugh a little, and drool a lot! Drool over hot heroes, that is! I've also written several humorous historicals that I haven' t found a publisher for yet, and I'm working on a witchly paranormal.

Why do you write the stories that you write?
I write the type of stories I like to read.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
They are pretty much bits and pieces of real people and characters from movies.

Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
Hmm. This is tough. I really like Sydnie from Studs for Hire: Woman on Top. She's a woman with a vision, and with enough guts and determination to go for what she wants. But, she's also not afraid to let the right man take the lead once in a while. Hmm. I guess that pretty much describes all of my heroines.

What would you want readers to take away from your books?
A few hours of fun entertainment!

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Never give up!!! I'm living proof persistence pays. If you love to write and dream of seeing your books in print one day, don't ever give up. No matter how many rejections you get. If you keep your nose to the grindstone and keep honing your craft, you'll make it. Just keep the faith and believe in yourself.

What are you reading right now?
Janet Evanovich's Lean, Mean Thirteen.

If you could be anyone or anything that you wanted, who or what would you be?
I'd love to be a witch like Samantha on the TV show Bewitched! It'd be so cool to be able to twitch my nose and poof! The house would be clean. The laundry folded and put away, not to mention the fun of flying on a broomstick!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

"Woman on Top" is the first book in the "Studs for Hire" series. The third book, Studs for Hire: Woman in Charge will be released in November from Black Velvet Seductions.

BLURB:

He's one hot carpenter undercover . . .

Trevor Vanden Bosch is directed to go undercover at Studs for Hire as a carpenter. His mission–seduce Sydnie Riley into unknowingly giving him ideas to launch the Venus Bra for one of his ad agency’s biggest clients, Stardust Lingerie. But how can he steal her advertising ideas and win her heart, too?

. . . she's one feisty boss with something to prove . . .

Sydnie is tired of men always being the boss. After she’s cheated out of a promotion at her advertising job by her sexy nemesis and almost lover, Trevor, she decides it’s time she take charge of her life and career. She ditches her male-dominated corporate job, bands together with two college friends, and creates Studs for Hire, a contracting firm loaded with sexy carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

. . . together they'll battle each other's shenanigans and weather one little deception that could keep them from finding their happily-ever-after.


EXCERPT:

“Sydnie, your two o’clock is here,” Casey said as she entered her partner’s newly decorated office.”And whoa, is he hot! He’s just what we’ve been looking for.”

“I hope you’re right. His resume certainly is impressive,” Sydnie Riley said as she glanced over Allen Bosch’s list of carpentry skills one more time.

“To heck with his resume.” Casey sat on the edge of the antique oak desk. “All this guy has to do is show up at my place in nothing but a tool belt and I’d be a satisfied customer.”

“That nice, huh?” Syd glanced up at her friend and smiled.

“Nice? Nice doesn’t begin to describe this guy. One look at him and I knew I’d found my fantasy bad boy. I wonder if he owns a Harley.”

Syd shook her head in amusement. Leave it to Casey to check the guy out in full detail in two seconds flat. “Well, show him in. We’ve got a long list of interviewees
this afternoon. I’d like to get some men hired as soon as possible. Jobs are beginning to stack up on the waiting list.”

“Did I tell you how smart you are, Syd?” Casey said as she studied her red polished fingernails.

“Yeah, about a dozen times.” Syd laughed. The two women were not only business partners, but best friends. Along with their other good friend Terri Alberry, the
three always shared their hopes, dreams, and drowned their man sorrows together in lite beer and chocolate chip cookies. Throw in an occasional gallon bucket of
strawberry swirl ice cream, and all heartaches were forgotten. At least temporarily.

It was only natural the trio would join forces when they’d all had enough of the power suit, pantyhose world that was still, in their opinions, dominated by a slew of
arrogant, egotistical, male chauvinists.

“Creating this contracting agency was ingenious. I wish I’d thought of it.” Casey flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder. “I mean, once word gets around,
not a single woman in Omaha is going to call the competition when she can have her sink unclogged, or her outlet rewired, by a handsome hunk from Studs for Hire.
We’re going to be rich.”

“Don’t start counting the George Washingtons just yet. We’ll have a lot of expenses along the way, and payroll will be the biggest.”

“Yes, I know. I am our accountant, remember?” Casey plucked a candy cinnamon stick from the jar on Sydnie’s desk. “But being surrounded by men who rival Adonis while we wait for the money to roll in is my idea of heaven. All we need now is to keep an endless supply of t-bones, wine and chocolate stocked in the fridge.”

“Sounds delicious,” Syd cooed. She rose from her chair and pulled a file from beneath Casey’s designer jean clad bottom. “But unless you show in our first choice cut-of-the-day, we’ll never be able to afford anything more than an occasional mushroom burger.”

“Say no more. I love a good steak almost as much as a night of sultry sex.” Casey hopped off the desk and sighed. “But if I can’t have the sex, by damn I’m going
to at least have the steak.”

Pathetic. That’s what this whole situation was. Three grown women settling for corn-fed Nebraska beef in lieu of steamy sex. Sydnie shook her head. Life was filled
with so many injustices.

She gathered a stack of papers from the top of her desk and turned toward the file cabinet.

Filing. She hated it. As soon as they could afford it, she’d hire an office girl for this stuff. Or better yet, an office stud. A cute, sweet guy with eyes as blue as the
heartland sky outside of the Omaha city limits would suit her fine. She’d watch for a possible candidate in the pile of applications they’d received so far.

“Hello, Syd,” a deep voice drawled.

Sydnie’s hand stilled above the long row of manila folders in the top drawer of the file cabinet. Her breath caught in her throat.

She knew that voice. Knew it all too well. But what would Trevor Vanden Bosch be doing here? Didn’t he get enough gloating in before she was practically forced to crawl away from the advertising firm over a month ago?

Rounding up her courage, she turned to face the man who’d helped rip her career dreams out from beneath her like a zero to sixty in two-point-six-seconds sports car.
He leaned against the door jamb and folded his arms across his broad chest. Standing there in a pair of jeans and a snug fitting black T-shirt, the man who’d caused
her to devour two quarts of Rocky Road in one sitting, was more handsome then ever.

“What are you doing here?” she managed to ask around a lump in her throat.

“I’m here about a job.”

“I don’t need an advertising rep, Vanden Bosch. Contrary to what you might think I’m quite capable of coming up with my own ad campaigns.” She slammed the file drawer shut. “Now if you’ll please leave, I have a two o’clock appointment waiting.”

“I’m not here about advertising, Syd.” He shoved away from the door and moved deeper into the room.

“Then what are you here for?” She arched a brow, ready to battle with this guy if necessary. “Gloating is so unbecoming. Didn’t your mother teach you that?”

“I told you. I’m here about a job. Specifically,” he said as he pulled a folded newspaper from his back pocket and pointed to a classified ad circled in bright red, “a position as a carpenter.”


REVIEWS:

"I laughed. I sighed. I wanted Trevor Vanden Bosch to come rewire MY basement. WOMAN ON TOP is a winner!"
--Julie Miller, National Readers' Choice Award-winning author.

"If you like fun, sexy romance, you'll love WOMAN ON TOP by talented new author Sherry James. I couldn't put it down!"
--Kate Donovan, award-winning author of the SPIN series from Silhouette Bombshell.

"Sherry James has an awesome read on her hands with Studs for Hire. Ms. James hooks the readers from the first page and keeps them hooked until the end. Studs for Hire has everything a reader wants and so much more. Sydnie and Trevor offset each other well, and with the fabulous twist in the story, will have readers begging for more. Ms. James has the reader laughing and crying with this emotion-packed romance. Ms. James has wowed this reviewer with the laughter and romance of Studs for Hire. This is a must have romance story. I cannot wait to see what Ms. James comes up with next."
-- Fallen Angel Reviews


Studs for Hire: Woman on Top by Sherry James
ISBN 0-9774682-7-5
Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions
Genre: Romantic Comedy
$11.99 (paperback)
$ 4.99 (ebook) from Blackvelvetseductions.com


Purchase Studs for Hire: Woman on Top by Sherry James HERE!!!

Saturday, September 29, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a copy of Beyond the Tears by Michelle Cary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Michelle isn’t engrossed in her favorite hobby of scrapbooking pictures of her family and friends, she usually can be found with a laptop attached to the end of her fingers.

A lover of romance novels, Michelle decided two years ago to try her hand at creating fictional worlds through words instead of paint. The result has given her an entirely new perspective on the world. Every day affords new opportunities for ideas and new ways to create the perfect happily ever after.

Raised in ‘small town’ Illinois, Michelle now lives in New Jersey with her extremely supportive albeit somewhat neglected husband and their two beautiful children. For updates on her latest work, check out her website at www.michellecary.com or visit her blog at
www.michellecary.blog.com.


INTERVIEW:

Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
Up until about 2 ½ years ago I’d never considered the idea of writing. Then, believe it or not, after watching an episode of Deadliest Catch, I had a story line start building in my head. Over the years I’ve had a lot of them, but after a day or two it would go away. This one plagued me for over two weeks and I finally said something to my husband about it. He told me to write it down so I could get it out of my head. 75k later and I had a full novel. Of course, being my first it was horrible and went nowhere, but somewhere in the process of getting out my thoughts I was bitten by the writing bug and here I am.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?
I love the look I get from people when I tell them I’m published. Most of them become instantly interested and want to know how I find the time to write and how hard it is.

I think my biggest dislike would be waiting for responses when you’ve subbed a story. I know I’m supposed to move on and forget it until my editor contacts me, still, I find myself constantly checking my e-mail waiting for that elusive message.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?
It’s not easy. I have a ‘real job’ as most people would call it, two children ages 10 and 4 and a husband, so squeezing in time to write comes at the price of my own sleep. I usually write after the children go to bed at night or before they get up in the mornings.

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
Usually it’s a character that comes to me first. I have to name him/her and create a backstory, then, if it’s worth following a plot will start to form.

What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
Anything romance. My first two contracts are both for stories that fall in the erotic romance line, but I also have a romantic suspense novel in the works.

Why do I write the stories I write? I guess it would be because I love the idea of a happy ending. Life is filled with so much real life horror and sorrow that the last thing I’d want to do is write about it. I want the story that will give me a warm fuzzy feeling deep in my belly, the one that I can finish with a smile on my face, turn off the lights and go to bed knowing my dreams will be happy ones.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?
LOL…that you make a lot of money. I have made some money on my first book, but nothing that’s going to support me. I think it might be enough to pay one bill.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
I’ve never based any of my characters on real people. That’s not to say I haven’t used particular phrases or traits from people I know, but a character is never entirely based on somebody I know.

Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
I have a love for all my characters, but I think my favorites would have to be my hero and heroine from my romantic suspense novel, A Lover’s Ransom. Riley Whitaker is a small town sheriff nursing a broken heart. Vanessa Beaumont is the daughter of a horse racing tycoon, bent on protecting her favorite horse from her ex-husband’s grasp. They struggle against each other and their own hearts as their love blossoms. The story is yet to go under contract, but it’s with my editor even as I write this, so I’m hoping she’ll say yes soon.

If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
Wow, I’m not sure. I don’t keep up much with movies and Hollywood, so picking people wouldn’t be easy. I do love Sandra Bullock’s work so I’d want her to be my lead.

What would you want readers to take away from your books?
It would make my day if my characters touched readers in such a way that they walk away still thinking about the book, wondering about how the characters are doing after the story. I’ve read books like that, and would be thrilled if my stories had that same effect on people.

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Don’t be too proud to listen to advice. I’m a member of a critique group and learned nearly everything I know because of them. All my stories go through a critique process before I sub them. I wouldn’t be published now if I hadn’t listened to those who had been there before me.

Who are your favorite authors?
Nora Roberts is at the top of that list. In my opinion, she is the Queen of romance. I also love Janet Evanovich, Sandra Brown.

What are you reading right now?
I’m embarrassed to say, nothing. I work for a pool company and this is our busy season. I’ve also had two extra house guests for the last seven months, so between work and keeping on top of the mess in my house, I’ve barely had time to write. Reading didn’t work into those plans. I’m hoping to pick up a book soon.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

BLURB:

A year after her husband died while serving in Iraq, Cassidy Yates still nurses a broken heart. Thinking a vacation will help, she agrees to a week in Key West with her best friend, April. Upon arrival, April suggests a way for Cassidy to ease her pain—sleep with the sexiest stud she can find.

Not the type to bed hop, Cassidy refuses April’s idea and ends up alone. Abandoned by her friend, Cassidy decides to take a nighttime swim. In the Jacuzzi, she masturbates to the memories of making love to her husband. Mortified by her own behavior, Cassidy retreats to her hotel room, hoping no one witnessed her exhibition.

Chase Dempsey is a man with rugged good looks and a killer smile. He isn’t looking to fall in love and only wants few days of relaxation before returning to his Texas ranch. Still, he’s curious after watching Cassidy’s erotic display and wonders what makes the gorgeous redhead tick. When he finds her dropped sarong, he realizes she’s just given him the opportunity to find out…


EXCERPT:

The last time her home felt so large and lonely was after Bobby died. During the week after his death the house had been filled with concerned and grieving friends and relatives. Then one morning, Cassidy awoke to realize that the place was empty. Everyone had returned to their own homes and resumed their own lives, leaving Cassidy to deal with the aftermath. For days, she wandered around the house, crying and feeling sorry for herself. Now, as she walked through the door, those same feelings of sadness and dread flooded over her.

To make matters worse, the airline had lost her luggage. Two hours of arguing with the baggage claim supervisors resulted in speculation that her baggage had accidentally been routed to Denver. Dallas/Denver, they both started with the letter D so she could see where that simple mistake could have been made. Idiots! Thank God she’d put Chase’s shirt in her carry-on bag. Leaving with only a promise of the luggage being delivered to her home when it was located, Cassidy made the nearly three-hour drive back to Killeen and her empty house.

She dropped her keys on the foyer table and bent to pick up the slew of mail covering the hardwood floor. Thumbing through the stack, she discovered a letter from Bobby’s mother. Cassidy glanced over at the quilt Bobby’s mother made for their first anniversary resting on the back of the sofa.

She tossed the rest of the mail on the table, picked up her bag and went to her bedroom. After changing into a pair of cotton shorts, Cassidy donned Chase’s shirt and headed back downstairs with the letter still in hand.

Pictures of her and Bobby hung on the wall, reminding her of happier times. She set the letter on the coffee table and went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of hot tea. Bobby’s favorite mug, with the words “Support our Troops—Do a Soldier” scrawled on the side, rested in the dish drainer. Maybe it was time to move away from the memories and start fresh.

Cassidy curled up on the couch with her mug, picked up the letter and ripped open the envelope.


Dear Cassidy,

I’m so sorry we missed you at Easter this year, but I understand your need to be with your own family. Thank you for the beautiful flower basket you sent. I plan on planting the bulbs around Robert’s grave.
Since we haven’t seen you since Christmas, Dad and I would love for you to take a week this summer and visit. I know it’s been a difficult year for you. It has been for us too, but we’re dealing with the pain and learning to move on. We can only hope that you eventually will too. Just know that no matter whom you meet or what happens in the future, you’ll always be a part of our life.
I know you’re busy, but I’d love to hear from you, so please give me a call when you get a chance.

Love,
Mom

Cassidy drew in a deep breath and set the letter back on the table. Seeing his parents at Christmas had been so painful that she’d made a point to avoid them ever since. It was wrong and she’d have to try to make things right. Maybe spending a couple of days with them and facing her pain was what she needed to move on. After all, hiding inside the house only kept her rooted in the past, perpetuating her suffering.

Her focus wandered to the wedding picture sitting proudly on the top shelf of the entertainment center. A new wave of guilt washed over her. She slipped from the couch, pulled the picture down and returned to her seat. Running her fingers over Bobby’s image, she remembered that day with such clarity. With sable hair and chocolate eyes, he’d been so handsome in his black tuxedo, the definition of tall, dark and handsome.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, choking back the lump in her throat. Tears flooded her eyes and scurried down her face. “I know I promised I’d wait for you, but you made a promise too. You promised me you’d come home safe. I’ve kept my part of the deal for as long as I can.”

Tears dripped off her cheeks onto the glass, blurring his image. “I love you and I’ll always love you, but I can’t do this anymore.” She set the picture on the floor, snuggled against the throw pillow and pulled the quilt off the back of the couch. “I want more.”


REVIEWS:

5 Blue Ribbons:"Michelle Cary does a magnificent job of taking a wounded soul and a lonely one and bringing them together. I wanted to cry when Chase left to return home. Cassidy was alone again, but she was determined to go on - alone. But will it last?"
-- Nickie Langdon, Romance Junkies

4 Angels: "Michelle Cary’s Beyond The Tears is a heartwarming book of a second chance at love. Chase and Cassidy are delightful characters that each have to face past hurts to find the love that they have been searching for… The sexual connection between the two is balanced by the strong emotional bond neither is able to deny… This title should not be missed."
-- Tewanda, Fallen Angel Reviews


Beyond the Tears by Michelle Cary
ISBN: 1-59998-577-2
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: June 15, 2007
Genre: Chick lit
$2.50 from MyBookStoreandMore.com


Purchase Beyond the Tears by Michelle Cary HERE!!!

Friday, September 28, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a signed print copy of Coming Undone or Risking It All by Stephanie Tyler.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephanie Tyler has long since given up trying to control her characters, especially the Navy SEAL alpha males, and today she writes military romance for both Harlequin Blaze and Bantam Dell. And, because she loves being busy, she also writes paranormal erotic romance with a military twist for Bantam Dell with co-author Larissa Ione under the pen-name Sydney Croft.

Stephanie lives in New York with her husband, her daughter and her blog. You can find out more about her by visiting www.StephanieTyler.com and www.SydneyCroft.com!


INTERVIEW:

Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer -- always considered myself a writer, but didn’t start to believe I could really make a career out of it until sometime in late 2003. Before that, I was writing poetry and short stories, and then I moved into the more academic world of studying and dissecting literature and, finally, teaching. And then I was trying to write the great American novel, but nothing ever came of it. And then I had a baby, and then my world changed forever.

Romance gave me that brief respite I needed when I couldn’t deal with doctors and nurses and beeping machines and people telling me things might be taking a turn for the worst, and most of all from the guilt of not being able do more to help my daughter. And when I finally was able to take her home, she still needed me there with her. So I left my teaching job and stayed home with her, and I started writing and I’ve never stopped.

I joined a critique group and started subbing to agents and publishers in early 2004. And I kept my eye on the prize. I firmly believe that you’ve got to consider writing a career before you get published if you want to be published.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?
The best part has been getting notes from readers who’ve enjoyed my books. That’s the biggest thrill, to know you’ve made someone smile while reading your words. The worst? You know what? After that first piece of reader mail telling you how much your book meant to them, there is no worst.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?
I’m lucky to be a full-time writer -- well, as full-time as it can be with my five year old. She’s special needs and is currently on a home therapy schedule, so things get a little crazy around here during the day. The bulk of my writing gets done when she’s asleep -- which means I’m usually up until 2AM or so. And then my husband’s awesome about giving me most of the weekend to myself for the writing. Although I suspect that has a lot to do with his plan to semi-retire in a few years -- on me. 

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
My characters -- especially the heroes -- seem to just ‘arrive.’ The story grows from them. Usually there are several of them in the background, not so patiently waiting their turn. And then I’ll hear something -- it could be a line from a TV show or I could be reading a book on a completely unrelated subject and boom, there’s the idea or the scenario or the heroine that will suit the hero perfectly. Once I’ve got that, I just build from there. I’m not a plotter -- but I’ve found that since I build from character, it all works out in the end.

What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
I’m exactly where I want to be -- writing military romance! Plus, I co-write under the name Sydney Croft with Larissa Ione -- paranormal erotic romance with a military bent -- so I have the best of both worlds.

Military Romance books are some of my favorite books to read, which is why I was drawn to writing them! There’s just something about a man in uniform, especially one who’s been trained to handle most anything the world throws at him. And I just love when they’re paired with a woman they’re not prepared to handle at all. So you’ve got a highly trained man who can save the world and a happy ending – what could be better?

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?
That the actual writing gets easier after you get published. You get better, for sure, with each book, published or not, and yes, editorial feedback is really awesome, but since you push yourself to grow with each book, the writing is still the writing – it’s still sitting in the chair and opening Word and working just as hard as you did before the contract. Which is why I consider anyone who writes on a regular basis a writer, published or not.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
I always tell people that my characters, especially the heroes, just arrive in my mind. And then they bug me until I find them a heroine and a plot. So really, I’ve got to say they’re always from imagination and I really think, at times, that I channel my characters. There’s one in particular, part of my Bantam SEAL trilogy, who I’ve spoken about several times on my blog. I’ve had three different women write to me privately to tell me that they know a military man with my character’s name and his physical characteristics who grew up in Bayou Country…and they all want to know if I know how to get in touch with him!

Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
Honestly, they’re all my favorites when I’m writing them – I couldn’t write a character I didn’t fall in love with one way or the other. But there is one that’s really special to me, Jake Hansen, the Navy SEAL character in my upcoming Bantam Dell release, Hard To Hold. I’ve even got entire blog posts devoted to him – you can read them here
(http://www.stephanietyler.com/blog/?cat=2&submit=view), if you’re interested (start from the bottom up for them to make the most sense)…I’ve just turned in revisions on his book and I’m really thrilled with the way it’s turned out.

If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
I love, love, LOVE Viggo Mortenson…he makes an awesome hero.

What would you want readers to take away from your books?
I don’t know if romance writers fully comprehend how much good they do, how much joy they bring to people everywhere, every day, but I’m going to attest to it here from firsthand knowledge. I’m not really sure that any other genre can quite claim to do the same thing, so this is my thank you to all of from this reader of romance. Romance writers possess a greater courage than they know (beyond dealing with the stereotypes they’re often labeled with) - they dive into the complex emotions that surround love and sex and men and women, and they delve and prod the human psyche and create characters so memorable I’d swear some of them were alive. And that’s what I strive to do in every book I write.

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Actually, I just wrote a piece for the 70 Days of Sweat Challenge some writers and I are sponsoring, so I’ll give you that snippet here:

Stop worrying about if what you’ve got is good enough or in a genre that’s selling and stop – please STOP reading the craft books if you haven’t yet written a complete book yet. I cannot stress this enough – if you’re reading a book on craft and you haven’t yet written a book that you can plug your own experiences into, you’re not going to understand that craft book on the level you need to. Just write the book – the whole book – write it in order, out of order, in any genre or POV you need to but get it down. Don’t get so caught up in the things you think you need to do for pre-writing that you don’t get the actual writing done. Save the energy you expend doing index cards and things of that sort for the writing. Trust me, the craft books will make so much more sense after the writing is accomplished.

Maybe you’re better only giving yourself a couple of hours in a row to crank out the pages or maybe you’re a grazer, like me, who writes bits and pieces all day and pulls it together at some point during the week to see what it’s all worked out to.

Don’t compare your output to anyone else’s – only compete with yourself because that’s what has to happen once you do get published. No one but you should be in your view. You will only slow yourself down if you worry about everyone else. If you want it, once you finally tell yourself, I want it, and nothing’s going to stop me, well, that’s something no one can take away from you.

Original post is here:
http://www.stephanietyler.com/blog/2007/07/07/wanting-it/

Who are your favorite authors?
Oh, so many favorites! I’ve got Tami Hoag, Suzanne Brockmann, Tara Janzen, Amy Tan and Cherry Adair, just to name a few!

What are you reading right now?
I’m lucky enough to have sneak peeks at a few books – Hunting The Demon by Jaci Burton that releases in September (fabulous book!) and I’m finishing Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian and ready to start the sequel, Midnight Awakening (again, an advanced copy of an December book). Oh, and I just finished another ARC – Tara Janzen’s On The Loose.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

BLURB:

Losing control is the ultimate rush…

Surfer – make that ex-surfer – Carly Winters can’t believe she accidentally faxed an erotic letter to…a secure military line? Now Navy SEAL Jonathan “Hunt” Huntington is at her door, fax in hand, asking her how the fantasy ends.

Talk about fate…

Because Carly’s parents think Hunt is her new boyfriend, and Carly does need a wedding date ASAP. Hunt’s ready to play – only on one condition. Carly’s got to teach him to hang ten. Problem is, it’s been a while since Carly’s career-ending accident and she’s terrified of anything aqua. But with Hunt, letting go just may make her fantasy a reality!


EXCERPT:

Carly walked ahead of him, and he watched her outline, silhouetted in the moonlight. She moved easily, with the grace of someone who had a natural athletic ability, and he wondered if he’d get the chance to see her surf anytime soon. Or naked. With or without the surfboard.

Now that would be a fantasy come true.

“Are you coming?” she asked.

He bit his tongue and caught up to her with a few easy strides. They walked in silence for several seconds, until they hit the dunes. He jumped over into the soft sand that led to the surf, where had tide had crested, but she remained behind.

“I’m going back,” she told him.

“We just got here. And it looks like the night for a swim.”

“I’m not wearing a bathing suit.” She crossed her arms in front of her and looked anything but comfortable.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never skinny-dipped.”

“I’ll leave that one to your imagination,” she said. “And now you’re staring.”

“Not staring – imagining.”

That got a slight smile from her and yeah, he liked that smile.

“Have you gotten your fill yet?” she asked, even as his eyes lingered on her legs and continued upward, traveling slowly until his gaze met hers.

“Not by a long shot.”

“Hunt, look…”

“I’m going in,” he called out before she could start talking about heading for the house again. He threw his T-shirt toward her and quickly shed his pants. Modesty in the military wasn’t possible, and getting naked was something he’d never been much shy about anyway. “Watch my back.”

He broke into a swift run as he got closer to the edge of the surf, and once his feet hit the water he moved faster until he could dive into the dark waves and roll with the undertow. Night swimming had always been his favorite, even as a kid growing up along the beach. The sound of the rushing water wasn’t drowned out by a noisy, touristy beach crowd, and the thrill of doing something he wasn’t supposed to only added to the pleasure.

Funny, he’d have bet money a surfer would feel the same way, but Carly was no closer to joining him than she was at the start. If anything, it looked as though she’d backed away from the dunes, but she was still watching him.

Yes, there was a lot more he wanted to find out about that.
***
Carly wanted nothing more than to strip and run into those dark waves with him, her muscles ached for it, but her mind wouldn’t give in. Ten months ago, she wouldn’t have given his offer a second thought, probably would’ve been the one suggesting the skinny dip.

She was no fun anymore.

And when she lost sight of him for a second after a crashing wave broke over him, she held her breath until he resurfaced.

Damn. She hated this, hated herself for being so scared.
She held onto Hunt’s t-shirt in one hand, picked up his pants with the other and shook the sand from them while he frolicked in the waves. There was no underwear to be found, and she guessed the term going commando was indeed coined by the military for a reason.

How did she get herself involved in all of this?

Right, the movie thing. The, I’m-dating-someone-already, excuse. The Candy Valentine letter.

She would have a lot more fun bringing Hunt along. The parties she was expected to attend would be boring and stuffy and Hunt could pull his magic hypnotizing act on the whole lot of them. He’d probably be a big hit, once he agreed to help her out.

He ran back up the sand and stopped right in front of her, salt water running off his body which, even with only the moonlight to see by, looked better than anything she’d ever seen in a gym or on a surfer.

Her hands fisted at her sides, nails biting palms again until he let a lazy, half smile tug at his mouth. He was standing so close, so naked, daring her to do something, anything. She thought about the way he’d swum out, how powerful his body looked cutting through the moonlit waves.

She wanted some of that power for her own, needed to release the tension making her body ache. And her fantasy was standing right in front of her.


REVIEWS:

"Stephanie Tyler is a writer whose name you’d do well to remember as she writes sexy tales about sassy women and gorgeous men which hook you from the very first page and which keep you engrossed until the final full stop. Witty, steamy and romantic, Coming Undone is certainly not a book for the faint hearted and readers will love its intoxicating blend of steamy sensuality, hilarious one-liners and sophisticated romance!"
-- Julie Bonello, CataRomance Reviews

"A winner all the way, COMING UNDONE is an unforgettable story — from the memorable characters and the scorching sensuality to the realization that you can’t always control what happens in your life. If you only had one Blaze to pick up during the month of April, then make it COMING UNDONE."
-- Patti Fischer, Romance Reviews Today

"Tyler’s “Coming Undone” is just the read to get you thinking “Summer.” Her straight forward, dead-on writing style invites us to get hot and happy and bowled over by love right along with Carly and Hunt. Which makes being there when they do come undone one of the best things about the novel — next to just how great a romance it is."
-- Michelle Buonofiglio, Romance: Buy The Book


Coming Undone by Stephanie Tyler
ISBN: 0373793197
ISBN-13: 978-0373793198
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
Release Date: April 2007
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Military Romance
$11.86 from Amazon.com


Purchase Coming Undone by Stephanie Tyler HERE!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a copy of His Toys by Ruby Storm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Reading and writing are two things I’m very passionate about. What better way to get away from it all, step into another’s shoes, and let my fantasies take be where they will! I started my first book when I was twenty-three. Wow…that was so long ago that my feeble mind finds it unimaginable! I think I’d run through a string of stories that simply weren’t doing it for me. So, I picked up a notebook and pen and started to jot down a plot and character names. Of course, that’s when my first baby arrived and the old notebook found a new hiding place in the bottom of my underwear drawer for the next twenty years. More babies followed, jobs, a joint business venture with my husband. There never seemed to be any time to get that story written. But it aged in my mind like fine wine as the years passed. Yup…some day I was going to write a book.

That day finally arrived about ten years ago. I pulled out the notebook, slipped to the floor, and leaned against my bed as I read through the scribbled pages. I had to get this story started on my computer. Originally, I had absolutely no plans whatsoever to publish. I had set a goal to simply get the story written for my own peace of mine. Once I passed it on to some friends to read, they urged me to try marketing it. Here I was, a virtual virgin, wading into the publishing waters without a clue! No one would help me or give me any ideas of what I needed to do. With perseverance and a fair amount of stubbornness I decided I’d get this publishing thing figured out and to hell with those who rolled their eyes.

Boy, does one need to develop a very thick skin early on when dealing with submissions! Whew, I felt like the skin was being shaved off my body little by little. But eventually, my first story was accepted, and the rest is writing history. The one thing I learned is that you don’t become a writer…you simply are a writer. And now I’m a full time writer, working out of my home office and loving every minute!

Visit my website: www.rubystorm.net.


INTERVIEW:

Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
Becoming a writer was not a conscious goal but more a desire to simply see if I could write a book. I used to be a voracious reader (too busy these days to read as much). But I’d come across so many average stories that I figured I may be able to do better (pretty arrogant when I think about it now!) I wrote my first story with all intentions of putting the manuscript in my underwear drawer and just telling myself that I’d done it. My mom and my good friend refused to let that happen after they’d read it. They insisted I try to sell the story. That insistence lead to three years of research on how to publish, got me some horrible rejection letters, and made me grow a much thicker skin. LOL. Eventually I did sell my first story and the biggest thing I’ve learned from that entire experience is that the publishing world is not for wimps. I mean, you’ve written a story and it’s like your baby, it’s full of blood, sweat and tears. Then it hits the shelves and there is always someone who doesn’t get what you had tried to say. They take your ‘baby’ and rip it to shreds. Ouch.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?
I absolutely love doing what I’m doing! Think about it. I get to put myself in someone else’s skin, live out their fantasy (or create one for them) and actually make a living while doing it!

The part I dislike the most is the business end of writing. Things like keeping up with self-employment taxes, of all the paperwork that goes into a book before and after publication. Suddenly it feels like a job. But, I get over it, get the work done then get to writing again.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?
It’s easier now because my children are grown and gone. There’s not much balancing anymore. It’s kinda like it’s Ruby Storm’s world now. After thirty years of raising a family and trying to find time for myself, I now have the time and I’m thoroughly enjoying this phase of my life. At 51, I’m young and healthy enough to have fun, yet mature enough (my sister would dispute that last statement) to get done what needs to be done.

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
It can happen either way. Sometimes I imagine this great hunk of a hero who is a bit of a bad boy yet can sweep a woman off her feet. His story most times will just appear along with him. Or I may see a title of a movie or book and it will kick off an idea. Sometimes I outline and sometimes I just sit down and start pounding on the keyboard. I have no definite style whatsoever.

What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
A lot of times, an author is known for one specific genre. I’m guilty of being on the opposite end of that assumption! I’ve published the following in an erotic nature: Contemporary, Futuristic, Time Travel, Fantasy, Historical.

Books with a more mainstream and sweet romance feel: I’ve got a historical romance series called the Keeper Series. The books have done wonderfully! In fact, Book One, Keeper of the Spirit was awarded the 2006 Romantic Reviewers Choice Award for BEST ROMANCE for Small Press! The entire series has garnered Recommended Reads and top awards.

I like writing in the many different genres simply because of the challenge.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?
That we’re somehow different from the norm. I worked my entire life, raised kids, went to Little League games, camped, fished, vacationed…

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
LOL…well, if you hang around with me, you’ll often see my friends pointing a stern finger at me while warning they had better never see the conversation of the moment in a book somewhere. I smile and tell them “writer’s license, honey, writer’s license!”

Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
Oh man, I hate this question! Why? Because an author loves all their heroes and heroines and they try not to play favorites, but I have to be honest. I have yet come across any characters that can match my Wilkins family in my Keeper Series. It’s like those people live in my house with me. The men are heroes through and through. I loved writing them because they are vulnerable hunks who absolutely will stop the world for the woman they love.

If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
Gale Harold and Drew Barrymore. I first saw Gale on the award winning QUEER AS FOLK on Showtime. He is phenomenal! If you haven’t had a chance to catch him in anything, make sure that you do. He reminds me of Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Kevin Costner, Johnny Depp all rolled into one fantastic persona! And Drew? Well, she’s just a great actress all around.

What would you want readers to take away from your books?
A sense that they’ve just been on an adventure of a lifetime. That the characters within the pages have become close friends.

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Cliché I know, but write what’s in your heart. Of course you must tailor to market dictates in order to make a living, but never ever forget that book in your heart.

Who are your favorite authors?
The late Kathleen Woodiwiss, hands down. Celeste De Blasis, Victoria Holt

What are you reading right now?
I have Ms. Woodiwiss’s The Reluctant Suitor sitting on the table beside my bed. THAT will be the next book – sheesh, I’ve had it for over a year now. I want to read it before her last release comes out this fall. She was in edit when she died and the book will be released.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

HIS TOYS has been chosen by the NightOwl Romance Review Site as one of the top picks for BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA for 2007! Click HERE to vote for the book through October 31st.

BLURB:

Sanford Willard is a crafter of toys. Not your standard run-of-the-mill playthings created for the general public, mind you, but items designed for the woman who basks in her sexuality on all levels. He has one more step to complete before taking the adult market by storm and that's to ensure his prototypes are the perfect complement to a woman's body.

One weekend. One thousand dollars on the table for payment to co-worker Melodee Dayton. Forty-eight hours of extreme pleasure in exchange for her honest opinion.

Two consenting adults. A fantasy come true. Get ready to roll the dice of fate.


EXCERPT:

She stared into his appraising eyes, struggling for air. Her fingers scratched at the linen tablecloth until it bunched in her hands. Her breasts heaved as she fought to breathe and not attract attention. A fine sheen of perspiration glistened on her brow. She couldn’t do it anymore. She couldn’t forestall her body’s need.

When the orgasm hit her, her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip. Her eyes slammed shut as she fought to sit still. Over and over the hot contractions ripped through her womb, igniting a hot path to her breasts. She continued to come hard, her clit throbbing against the wild vibrations, the blood pounding in her ears. Her knees spread wider and it was all she could do not to reach down and cup her wet and dripping pussy. God, the desire for something thick and hard inside her burgeoned higher. She clung mindlessly to the fact that she had to remain mute no matter how loudly she wanted to moan. She couldn’t give herself away to the many patrons around them. Her body reeled with sensual pleasure, heightened by the fact that Sandy controlled each of the pulses.

Finally…finally it was over.

She couldn’t open her eyes. Her brain spun and her body thrummed from the release. She could only suck in deep breathes to clear her head and slow her heart rate.

Sandy had watched Mel in the throes of her orgasm, his cock hard and leaking. The sight of her parted lips as she’d panted hard, the glazed look in her eyes as her nails clawed the table, the sweet tension of her body. It had set him on fire.
The gut level reaction he’d experienced made his heart rap crazily beneath his breastbone and at the moment he wanted to toss her onto the table, yank her legs wide and bury himself inside her hot cunt. But he needed her reaction. He needed to stay focused on the reason they were here and not the fact that he’d never been so turned on in his life. That little detail stunned him. Here he’d thought he would be an interested and observing bystander this weekend, jotting down notes and reactions like a senseless robot. Fat chance.

“Mel?”

Her heart still thudded when she finally glanced up.

“Want to take the panties off now?”

A slow smile turned up the corners of her mouth. “Not on your life.”

He chuckled. “At the risk of ruining the ‘moment’ for you, I need your reaction.”

She snorted, wondering if her clit would ever feel normal again. “My reaction?” She took a deep breath, picked up her wine and downed it completely. “I’m not going to be electrocuted, am I?”

“I’m not following you.”

“You, the toymaker who has come up with the perfect pair of underwear and you’re not following me? I don’t know if it’s the wine or if I just don’t give a damn what I say because I feel so damn warm and tingly. Sandy, I’m wet—like dripping wet. I just sat here at the table and experienced one of the best orgasms I’ve ever had. And if I continue to stay wet, I just might be electrocuted.”


REVIEWS:

5 Blue Ribbons!"For many readers, Ruby Storm has become an icon of the romance genre and I know for me, she’s a ‘must read’ author. I have to admit I was a bit leery of venturing into reading an 'Exotika' story . . . after all I want my riding off into the sunset happily-ever-after, and this line isn't necessarily romance - but I have to say I adored this story. The characters are realistic and neither of them pretends to be looking for a real relationship. They admit that what they want is a mutually satisfying sexual relationship and friendship. There’s a simple honesty in their time together that really draws the reader into this storyline and keeps you reading to find out just how their relationship turns out. There’s something so refreshingly different about this story that I’m left in awe of Ms. Storm’s constantly evolving talent to write in whichever genre she chooses and always giving me a reason to smile."
-- Chrissy, Romance Junkies Reviews

5 Angels! "His Toys was a delight from beginning to end. A truly unique story, we are able to watch as two people with repressed fantasies let it all burst forth during a steamy as all get out weekend. I couldn't put down this book and found myself, ahem, squirming in my seat almost embarrassed to be reading it while my children were in the room. Not only did I enjoy this book, but my husband did as well. I’ve got to make the man read stories like these more often. Oh, well, needless to say, the imagery and the characters themselves were fantastically wrought and Ruby Storm cranks up the heat in His Toys."
-- Serena, Fallen Angel Reviews


His Toys by Ruby Storm
ISBN #9781419911620
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Release Date:
Genre: Sensual Romance
$4.45 from Ellorascave.com


Purchase His Toys by Ruby Storm HERE!!!

(Bethany House, 2007)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Alexander’s books have won multiple awards, including Romance Writers of America’s 2007 RITA® for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006.

Her books have received acclaim from Library Journal, True West Magazine and Historical Novels Review, and Rekindled debuted on the CBA fiction bestseller list. She has a professional background in business management and conference coordination. A leader of women's ministries for over twelve years, she is currently active in music ministry, facilitating small groups, and mentoring other women. A graduate of Harding University, Tamera lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Greeley, Colorado.

Her other two books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles are Rekindled (Book 1) and Revealed (Book 2)

To celebrate the release of Remembered, as well as the 3-volume boxed set of Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), Tamera is currently giving away boxed sets in a contest on her website. Check out the contest at http://www.tameraalexander.com/ .

From a Distance, the first book in Tamera’s next historical series (Timber Ridge Reflections) releases in spring 2008.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 3


BLURB:

Though loss is often marked in a single moment, letting go of someone you love can take a lifetime...

The threat of war--and a final request--send Véronique Girard from France to a distant and uninviting country. In the Colorado Territory, she searches for the man who has held her heart since childhood--her father. Pierre Girard left Paris for the Americas to seek his fortune in fur trading, vowing to send for his wife and daughter. But twenty-five years have passed and his vow remains unfulfilled. Sifting through shards of broken promises, Véronique embarks on a dangerous search for a man she scarcely remembers.

His grief finally healed, Jack Brennan is moving on with life. After years of guiding families west, he is now working as a freighter to the mining towns surrounding Willow Springs. What he doesn't count on is an unexpected traveling companion on his trips up into the mountains, and how one woman's search will cause havoc with his plans... and his life.


REVIEWS:

"Alexander again delivers a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people. Though there are French words sprinkled throughout the story, they enhance the emotions rather than distract the reader."
--Romantic Times

"...a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre."
--Library Journal

"Alexander has done it again with Remembered, third in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES. She's fashioned characters that are as rich and deep as the mountains and valleys they explore throughout the pages, coloring the story as adeptly as the heroine does her canvas. I was drawn immediately into the ages-old heartaches of both of the main characters, understanding at once Veronique's reticence to make a place for herself in the unknown wilds of America and Jack's uncompromising love for this land that he’s cut a swath through time and again. They both have a series of mountains to overcome in the search for Veronique’s father, but I enjoyed watching their faith and appreciation grow with each turn of the page. And woven adeptly through it all is the encompassing truth of the Lord's sovereignty—that sometimes He takes away, and sometimes He gives us what we need, not what we're looking for.

Anyone's who's read the other Fountain Creek books won't want to miss this one, but it easily stands alone. The characters will take you by the hand and lead you heart-first into their stories, and by the time they release you at the end, you'll feel as though you've taken up residence just across the Creek from them, as surely as they have in your heart."
--Roseanna White, christianreviewofbooks.com

"Remembered, the third book in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES, takes us back to Willow Creek and revisits beloved characters from the previous two books in the series, Rekindled and Revealed. Tamera Alexander has the remarkable ability to create places, and characters who endear themselves to us, even those just briefly mentioned. If I had lived in the late 1800s, I would love to have met these people and would surely have been inspired by the way they lived out their faith.
Remembered is a delightful read, well-researched and well-written. I expect to see great things from this author in the future."
--Lindsey Freitas, bookloons.com

"Remembered is an absolutely wonderful continuation of the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES."
--Amanda Schafer, armchairinterviews.com


Purchase Remembered by Tamara Alexander HERE!!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a choice of ebook from Lauren Dane.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lauren Dane is a suburban mom with a salacious imagination that she’s put to good use with her writing. Her favorite thing is when people tell her that she doesn’t look like “someone who’d write those books.”

She lives in the Northwest with her husband and three very
rambunctious kids. She writes
everything from paranormals to
contemporary BDSM books and
develops terrible crushes on all of her heroes. To date, she’s contracted twenty-three novels and novellas.

Even though she lives in her head a lot, she does venture outside from time to time to collaborate with other authors, oh and to buy shoes too.

Visit her website at www.laurendane.com


INTERVIEW:

Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
I’ve written on and off for most of my life, from a pretty early age but it never became something I seriously considered until 2004 when I was on bed rest with a high risk pregnancy. So I had a lot of time and my husband got me a second hand laptop and I wrote this book I’d been toying with in my head since the year before when I’d visited New Orleans. That book, Triad, was my first sale.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?
I love that I get to make up stories! I love that I can set loose all the stories in my head and tell them and even better, people seem to like it when I tell them. It used to be this, “wouldn’t it be great to be a writer?” thing and it’s a reality now. That’s amazing to me.

As for dislikes? Waiting. I hate the time after a manuscript is turned in before you hear back from the editor. Drives me nuts. But it’s a big part of this business and so I’ve just learned to deal with it and fill the time with another project.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?
I have three young children so my daytime hours are filled with mom stuff. They come first always but especially during the day. As for writing, I write every day except for a week or so each year when we go on vacation. Once the kids go to bed I write until about midnight or so. That’s work and my family is really good about respecting that time. Writing is a commitment in my life, I make the time for it. But none of us has the same schedule, we only have the life we have. I give it all I can every day I can.

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
Each book is different. Sometimes I have a really strong sense of the overall story and the characters slowly unveil themselves as I write. Normally though, the characters come first and then they give me their stories.

Generally, I’m a pantser. I like watching the story come to life as I write it. But as my career changes and grows heavier with deadlines, I have to use at least loose outlines so I can keep focused. Also, I sell on partial manuscripts now, which means I have to write a synopsis with the submission which serves as a great roadmap. I’m getting more used to it and I’m also able to have a lot of leeway within the framework of the outline to let the story go where it needs to but not let it gallop off into the sunset.

A world is something I build into the characters as well as the overarching story. I tend to be analytical about stuff and I like details. Sometimes my editors make me take stuff out, other times they love it. LOL.

What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
Let’s see: Paranormal (werewolves, vampires, witches, faeries), Urban Fantasy (post apocalyptic, dark erotic), Contemporary (romance, erotic romance, romantic suspense) and straight erotic contemporary. That’s so far, we’ll see what the future holds!

I just write the stories that resonate with me. Generally, no matter the genre, stories are about the characters so whether they’re on a spaceship or in Seattle fighting the werewolf mafia, it’s really about the characters and where they’re going and how they get there.

I think oftentimes, romance is a maligned genre but romance and interpersonal relationships are the perfect setting to tell compelling stories. Sometimes the most simple stories are compelling. I just want to grab a reader for a few hours and take her somewhere. I’m not out to change the world or win the Nobel prize. I want to write something interesting that has a minimum of clichés and stereotypes. I like to make people laugh.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?
Back before I wrote I probably thought writers had it a lot easier than they do with respect to selling books. I also think many people pick up a book and think, “oh I could totally write this!” but it’s a lot harder than you think. Harder than I thought it was, that’s for sure. Even a bad book is hard to write.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
Well my poor husband has learned that everything he says and does is fair game and he often sees bits of our life in my books. I use people I know all the time. Good and bad. It’s fiction, so it’s not totally based on me or people I know, but there are aspects of my life and people in it in every single one of my books.

Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
That’s so hard! Hmm. I’d have to say Rowan from Goddess With A Blade. A book I very much hope to sell. She’s hard and complicated but still human in a world where she’s has to be nearly inhuman to survive. She’s intelligent and writing her dialog is so much fun because she’s a smartass and very blunt. Nina from Enforcer is a very close second though.

If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
What a fun question! Gerard Butler so I could act all the bedroom scenes with him. Oh, or Clive Owen for the same reasons. I don’t think my husband would be pleased though. In all, I think there are a lot of talented actors out there, they don’t always get the parts they should though. I’d just want people who could give the characters their soul on screen.

What would you want readers to take away from your books?
Just a sense of having been transported for a few hours. I hope they like my writing of course, and I hope they see the connection between my characters on the page.

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Do it. Don’t make excuses. Don’t complain about your lack of time. Stop wasting energy on finding reasons not to write. If you want to write, do it. Five minutes every three days? An hour a day? Whatever. It has to have a place of importance and commitment in your life or you won’t succeed. You can never publish a book you don’t finish.

Who are your favorite authors?
Margaret Atwood, Kim Harrison, Megan Hart, Anya Bast, Lilith Saintcrow, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Linda Howard, Richard Morgan, Liz Maverick and William Gibson

What are you reading right now?
Richard Morgan’s Thirteen
Sasha White’s Trouble
Patti O’Shea’s The Midnight Hour


ABOUT THE BOOK:

This book is a spinoff of the Witches Knot series, but can be read alone.

BLURB:

Mei is a Warrior for the Balance. She stands between good and evil. So when her boss tells her she's got to head to Tir na nOg to help the Fae she is most displeased. Mei's mother Aine, the queen of the Fae, betrayed and exiled her millennia ago. Or so she's been led to believe.

But Aine was misled by her own sister, and suddenly everything Mei has thought was true for thousands of years falls down around her ears as she looks up to see the face of her husband. Her first husband, a man she'd thought was dead.

Jayce MacTavish is surprised to find that his wife, thought millennia dead, is alive, but his joy is tempered by the realization that she's got another mate.

Mei, Card and Jayce must find a way to be together as three while a threat from the Dark Fae and a new enemy darkens the horizon.


EXCERPT:

Jayce came into the room and stood there, watching Mei as she looked out the windows over the expansive gardens. So beautiful, his woman. Complicated, exasperating, strong, courageous and irascible. Intractable even. But he’d give his last breath for her. He loved her so much that his chest ached with the fullness of it.

He knew they had to deal with this threat. It was her job, his, Card’s. Their destiny and fate. But he hated it beyond bearing that she had to risk herself. It seemed a whole lot of unfair that a woman who’d suffered so much couldn’t just take a holiday and leave the world saving to others.

“I can feel you,” she murmured without turning to face him. “Not just your emotions, although I can feel those loud and clear. But your physical presence. I can almost feel the beat of your heart. I loved you before, of course. So much. With that bloom of youth and the certainty of absolute invincibility. I was shocked when they told me you’d died. I didn’t believe it for the longest time. The belief that you’d be waiting for me when I got back to Tir na nOg was all that got me through many a day. Years. Centuries. I can still remember Eire’s face when she told me you’d died in your first year at Carthau. My ears began to ring. Funny.” She sighed. “And then they sent me away and I had nothing. No one. But your memory has always been here.”

In the reflection of the window glass he saw her press the heel of her hand to her chest, over her heart.

“But now I see you, older and wiser, more hardened by life, and I realize that my love for you now is a million times that of the young Fae I was when we left for Sareem that day. I look at you, a man, battle-tough and yet still so good inside, and I count my blessings. I know it’s hard for you, not knowing everything. I know it’s hard when you see that Card knows more about those years. I’m sorry for that. I want to be more open with you because you’re so important to me. I want you to know you can ask me things. I can’t promise I’ll be able to talk about them right when you ask but I’ll do my very best to be open with you. I don’t want you hurt.”

A sob caught in her throat and he felt it tighten his gut. With purpose, he strode to her, his clothes falling away as he reached her.

One touch of his fingertips against her shoulder and hers disappeared as well, leaving her nude, the sun streaming through the glass making her skin look dusted with gold.

“You’re a miracle to me, Mei,” he murmured as his lips brushed over her neck. “The first time was amazing enough but to have you back now, after all you’ve endured—it’s a gift I simply can’t stop thanking the heavens for.”


Threat of Darkness by Lauren Dane
ISBN #9781419910517
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Release Date: July 2007
Genre: Menage a trois/Fantasy
$5.95 from Ellora's Cave


Purchase Threat of Darkness by Lauren Dane HERE!!!