Blog Archives
Tuesday Tales – Curly
Hey there everyone! I am back with Tuesday Tales! (It’s been too long!). And…I am back with Gideon in my untitled Steampunk romance. The last we were with Gideon, he had rescued Emma from the humidor. (Need a refresher? Click here!). What will happen when Emma wakes up?
Don’t forget to check out the other incredible excerpts from the other Tuesday Tales authors!
The pumpkin orange glow of the late autumn sunset illuminated the thick glass pane of the window. It was soft yet still pierced Emma’s senses. She let go a soft groan as she stretched her stiff limbs.
Her mind raced to remember what had happened. The last she remembered she had been thrown in Gideon’s horrific humidor, the door sealing shut when she hit the floor. The thick fog of poison wrapped around her, choking her. She thought of him, of Gideon as she gasped her last breath. All she wanted to do was tell him how much she loved him. She never would.
But now, she was lying in the soft sanctuary of someone’s bed. Whose bed was she in? Had Katarina taken pity on her? Emma brushed a curly lock of hair from her face as she opened her eyes. Her gaze was met by the cold glare of Gideon’s.
“Gideon,” she breathed.
He shifted in the chair he sat until his elbows rested on his knees. He pressed his palms together for several moments. “You betrayed me. Your willingness to assist me, to be here with me, to want me was only a ploy to get me to finish that bloody contraption.”
Emma sat up, tugging the covers closer to her. “At first, yes. Katarina commanded me to do it. But the longer I was here, the more I was with you I wanted to be here.”
“Liar,” Gideon spat.
Emma drew her eyes to slits. She tossed off the blankets and stood on unsteady feet. She spun at him. “I don’t need to sit here and listen to you call me a liar. Yes, I lied. But I am not lying now. I was here because I wanted to be with you. I touched you, I kissed you because I wanted you deep in my core to the point I ached. No man has ever compared to you. But I don’t need your condemnation.”
She turned away from him to search for her gown. Just as she stooped to pick it up, a hand on her arm whipped her around. Her lips were engulfed in a scorching, sinfully delicious kiss. The only choice Emma had was to melt into it helplessly.
Click below to get back to the Tuesday Tales blog!
Secret Cravings Winter Wonderland Third Anniversary Blog Hop!!
Welcome to the Secret Cravings Publishing Winter Wonderland Blog Event! There are lots of prizes to win on both the main blog and each author’s blogs to celebrating our third anniversary. How do you win on the Secret Cravings Publishing blog? It’s very simple! Find the missing letter on each author’s blog then e-mail your answers to reviewcoordinator@secretcravingspublishing.com for your chance to win!!
And how do you win on my blog? Just comment below!! And what could you win? You could win a copy of either Black Irish (Black Irish #), Queen of Savon or Breaking the Cycle!! I will be picking three lucky winners on the evening of January 30th!!
This is Secret Cravings Publishing’s third year of romance and this is my first year with them. This has been the most incredible year. I have published five books (soon to be six!), I have met fans and other Secret Craving’s authors. I have been interviewed and have done some interviewing. I have become a radio show host and an E-zine editor. My dream since I was little was to be a writer. Now I am leaving my dream times ten. Let me give you a taste of what I have published this year.
Black Irish (Black Irish #1)
Released May 8, 2013
Find here on Sweet Cravings Publishing
Abbey couldn’t believe he was gay. She nearly ran away from her dreams of being a children’s book writer when she was introduced to her illustrator Sloan O’Riley, a dark, sensual Irishman with incredible blue eyes. He certainly couldn’t be good for Abbey’s relationship with her boyfriend back in Iowa. How could she stay in New York and work with the sinfully sexy Sloan even if he was gay? And when Sloan is threatened to be deported, how far would Abbey go to keep him in the US?
Sloan was forced to tell a little white lie. He had no choice. He couldn’t let the sweet, beautiful, Abbey Wright flee from his life – not without a chance to explore the sudden desire he felt for her. But what would Abbey do if she ever discovered the truth about Sloan’s sexuality – or learned the deeper, darker secret he’s been hiding?
Queen of Savon
Released June 11, 2013
Find here on Secret Cravings Publishing
Cassandra is brought to the palace by her grandfather, the sorcerer Malicar, after her parents are brutally murdered. After being presented to King Thomas she is raised alongside two boys – Thomas’s son, Matthew and Victor, the young man chosen to be Matthew’s commander of the army.
However her life in the royal palace comes at a price. She is vowed into a life of servitude Matthew’s advisor, forfeiting the dream of having a husband and children of her own.
As they mature into adults, childhood curiosities turn to jealousy and burning desire. Cassandra finds herself caught between the two men and forced to make a decision – to throw away her vows for the life she dreamt about with a man she does not love or to stay shackled to the promises she made as a child to be with the man she wants with her heart, body and soul but cannot have.
Heartland (Black Irish #2)
Released August 6, 2013
Find here on Sweet Cravings Publishing
Sloan and Abbey move to Abbey’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa, to start their new lives together away from the chaos of New York City. And they are not alone – they are joined by Gordon, Maggie, and Bartholomew each looking for a fresh start and new love in the small rural town.
Their marriage is put to the test by the reappearance of Abbey’s father, bullies from her high school days, a business opportunity in Miami, and a new baby on the way. When a person from their past comes back looking to make Abbey his own again, will he be able to tear Sloan and Abbey apart forever?
The Troubles (Black Irish #3)
Released November 24, 2013
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
While Sloan and Abbey are in Las Vegas to celebrate Gordon and Mary’s wedding, a enemy from Sloan’s past nearly kills her. Sloan is forced to do the unthinkable – he files for divorce. He moves Sloan Enterprises to Switzerland far away from the woman he loves to save her.
Three years pass. When Sloan invites Robert to Switzerland to celebrate his fortieth birthday, he learns shocking news – Robert is living with Abbey. Refusing to lose Abbey, Sloan relocates the company to Minneapolis, Minnesota where Abbey is living and makes her the Chief Operating Officer. He fights against his desire for her as he contends with her two new beaus, his own new girlfriend, her hostile family and Amelia, his four-year-old daughter.
When his enemy makes another attempt on Abbey’s life, will Sloan be able to save her – or is this a war he just can’t win?
Breaking the Cycle
Released January 13, 2014
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
Max is excited when Chloe, a girl that works for the same gym he does, agrees to go on a date with him. He is disturbed, though, when she becomes violently ill after he kisses her. Max can’t shake how he feels about her. He sacrifices his job and does everything he can to find an answer to her illness. But is it enough to save their relationship – and save her?
Chloe can’t believe Max Thomas, the hottest guy at Roadie’s Gym, wants to go out with her. When their date is a disaster, she thinks she’ll never see him again. She is stunned when he reappears in her life and tries to find the answer behind whatever has made her sick since she was a child. However, will he stick around or abandon her like her father did? Can she trust him enough to let him into her heart?
And coming in February 2014…
The Thirteenth Knight
Life is simple in the village when Thatcher and Miranda realize that their lifelong friendship has turned to love. Their world is turned upside down when Miranda’s true identity is revealed – she is the niece of the kingdom and the next heir to the throne. She is swept away to the palace giving Thatcher the only solution available to him. He will become one of the King’s knights and therefore worthy of Miranda’s hand.
When dark magic strikes the kingdom, it is Thatcher’s bravery that saves the King and the kingdom. Yet being a knight is not enough nobility to marry the woman he loves. When the source of the dark magic captures the palace and vows to make Miranda his bride, both Miranda and Thatcher work to overthrow him. Will it be enough to bring them together – or will dark magic and the King himself keep them apart?
And we can’t forget my free serial read that is updated every Sunday on the Sweet Cravings Publishing site, Innocent ’til Proven Guilty!
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
Livvy Randall won’t let anything stop her chance at a journalism career in Chicago. That is until the passenger train she is riding in breaks down in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a town not much bigger than her home in Lincoln, Nebraska. She acquires a room at the Hotel Montrose where she meets the devilishly handsome Frankie O’Carney, an Irish bad boy working in maintenance at the hotel.
When Frankie is accused of murdering the wealthy H.M. Goodrich, Livvy does everything she can to clear his name. With danger at every turn, Livvy searches for answers to the questions plaguing her. Is Frankie with the quiet, brooding Poppy? Why, when the Irishman is near, does her heart beat out of control? Will she get out of Cedar Rapids and back on the train to Chicago with her heart intact? And – is Frankie really innocent…or is he guilty?
Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog. Please make sure to stop by and check out the blogs of the other incredibly talented authors of Secret Cravings Publishing! Click on the badge below to return to the main blog.
Meet H.N. Sieverding!!!
Today on my blog I have someone on who is near and dear to my heart – H.N. Sieverding! She’s a great friend (even though we have never met face to face – and we live an hour away!). She is also my co-host of our WON Radio show, Freshly Booked and she designed the cover to my new release.
And she didn’t come alone. She brought Caleb Mason with her, the hero of her Nightwalkers Series! Yum….*fans self**swoons*
Better get started with the interviews…
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m a writer and freelance graphic designer. I’ve written a HUGE amount of books and am partial to horror and paranormal romance (most are also contemporary as well). I have a degree in art and though most people know me for my graphic design, my specialty is sculpture. I’m also a mom and have a four year old son. Oh, yeah! And I host this radio show with you 😉
2. How did you start writing?
When I was in grade school, I couldn’t really write yet, so I made comic books. When we got our first computer, I vowed to write my first book. And I did. I sat at the computer in my parent’s crowded kitchen and wrote it. After that, writing books became an obsession for me. I call it my “obsession” because I can’t get away from it. I don’t think I could stop writing if I wanted to.
In college, I would spend every minute of my free time writing. I didn’t have a computer, so I would hand-write all of my stories. Some of my favorite memories of being a writer is sitting in the library working on my books.
3. Who are your favorite authors?
Besides myself? Hmm…this one is hard. I’d have to say my favorite authors are my author friends, because their books are the only I really read. I’ve always had a hard time settling my mind down enough to concentrate and loose myself in a book. I always seem to get distracted or can’t remember what I had been reading. I blame it on my concentration issues (I have ADD) or my anxious personality. So, when I do read, it’s usually when I’m waiting for something or can’t get to my laptop and I only read short bits at a time. If my laptop is there, it’s a too much of a tease and I won’t read anything. I’ll be working on a book-or messing around with a design in photoshop.
4. Where do you find inspiration for your books?
I don’t have a certain place or thing that inspires me. If you need an “answer”, it’s an idle mind. The best times are when I’m on a road trip, gazing out the window or doing a mindless task at work or home.
5. Tell me about your muse.
I don’t have one.
6. Do you carefully plot out what you are about to write or do you just go for it?
I don’t write outlines and sometimes I can’t predict where a book it going to end up. Sure, at first I think I know, but my characters always change everything on me. That’s okay though, because I love them. The closest thing I do to outlining is taking notes as I’m going along to keep things straight, but that’s about it. I don’t even do that much. To me, outlining takes all the fun out of the story.
7. How do you get prepared to write? (Do you put on music? Make a pot of coffee?)
This is weird. In every other aspect of my life, I have a hard time concentrating on anything. But when I’m writing or working on a piece of art, I can actually zone out and get into it. Nothing distracts me when I’m in the writing mood, so because of that I don’t have any rituals besides opening my laptop. But if I’m trying to write an email or something un-novelish? You better shut up because I can’t concentrate when you’re talking.
8. How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
I don’t want that awkward moment where someone asks, “Is that based on me?”, so I try not to write about anything real. The closest I’ve come is using names. Besides, my life is rather boring, my stories aren’t.
9. Tell me about your main characters.
Ooo….I like this question. How did you know I like to talk about my books?
My Nightwalkers series currently has three books; Blood Kisses, Forever Black and Blood War.
Ashleigh: She’s a horror/romance writer, who is known for her bestselling vampire series, Nightwalkers (hence the name of the series). She uses the pen name, Victoria Allure, and there is a huge cult following for her books. After her father’s death, she was raised by her grandparents. She has a mother, but you don’t met her until Book 2. Her grandfather hints that her mother has vampire tendencies, but not much else is mentioned about her other than Ashleigh hates her.
Ashleigh has a huge crush Caleb, a celebrity, who she mirrored the hero in her books after. You don’t meet the man she bases her villain on until the second book, but Ashleigh mentions that he killed her father.
Caleb: He’s the lead singer of the hard rock band, Armageddon, that he formed with his two childhood friends. He’s a dare devil and has a very bold personality that often gets him in trouble. But he’s friendly, generous and outgoing. Though he doesn’t seem like the “reading” type, he’s actually a huge fan of the Nightwalkers series.
Natalie: Ashleigh’s best friend and roommate. She and Ashleigh work in a bookstore that their grandfathers opened together.
Spencer: He’s the first vampire Ashleigh meets. He tries to seduce her throughout the book, but I won’t tell you if he succeeds or not. He’s a hunter, and brings home the dinner for the vampire Elders. His master hired Nathan and him to find Ashleigh. He also becomes one of
Ashleigh’s good friends, though for the most part he seems like a stalker.
Kris: Caleb’s best friend. He’s Armageddon’s guitarist. He lives the classic rock star lifestyle and it’s hinted that he’s an alcoholic. Otherwise, he’s a lot like Caleb and is very outgoing. He’s also like Caleb’s shadow and spends the majority of his free time at Caleb’s house playing video games.
Robert: He’s been Caleb’s guardian since he was a child. Caleb regards him as a father figure and the pair is usually always together. Like Nathan and Spencer, he’s a hunter and serves an Elder vampire.
Aiden: An Elder vampire. He has a bet going with another Elder to see who can seduce Victoria Allure first. He falls in love with Ashleigh from her books, and is extremely wealthy. He’s a huge snob, and philanthropist. He tries to buy Ashleigh’s publishing company to find out the identity of New Castle’s mystery author, Victoria Allure.
Nathan: He’s not exactly a main character in this the first book, but he’s in the rest of the series. He becomes Ashleigh’s guardian in the second book, Forever Black and Blood War. In Blood Kisses, he works for the same man as Spencer. Natalie is in love with him, but Nathan doesn’t return her affections.
The Count: He’s the villain of the series and knows the secret behind the storyline in Ashleigh’s Nightwalkers series (he calls her out viciously in Forever Black). He’s also the first vampire and is immortal, unlike the other vampires. He’s known for his poetic lines and is very princely in nature, unlike Caleb, who is childish and immature in a lot of ways.
Zander: Ashleigh’s son. Caleb and Kris nicknamed him, “Wolf Boy” because he likes to bite people. He’s usually seen chewing on his grandmother’s “homemade” suckers to curb the urge. He’s makes an appearance briefly in Forever Black, but is a main character in Blood War.
10. Describe you favorite place to write.
On my laptop
11. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Graphic design, playing video games and traveling. I’m a huge Fallout fan. The game. Not the band.
12. Does your main hero/heroine have an interesting quirk?
Not that I can think of.
13. What advice do you have for other writers starting on this path?
Get an editor. It’s amazing how much you don’t know about writing and can learn from an editor. It’ll improve your writing immensely.
14. What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
This one’s easy. Jared Leto would be Caleb 😀
15. How do you feel about your character (the one you are being interviewed with)?
I love him! He’s one of my favorite characters.
Now for some hot and naughty questions…
1. Which of your characters would you like wrapped in a bow and nothing else?
Ha! I love this one. But it’s hard to pick just one. So, I’m picking two. First, would be Caleb from Nightwalkers. If he’s naked, then I can see ALL his tattoos, but his guitar would have to be an accessory he came with. Second, would be Levi from The Doll Shoppe Murders. Except he’d have to strip for me first. Why? Because I’d love to see him peal that uniform off his sexy self. In the book, he poses for a beefcake calendar with some of his fellow police officers.
2. What kind of man/woman makes you purr? Do you have any examples (celebrities?)
I think thick, muscular guys with tattoos are super hot. One who can pick me up and play rough. And if they have a devilish grin? That has me sold. I love bad boys.
3. What part of a man/woman’s body makes you drool?
Eyes. It’s the first thing I look at on a guy.
Hmmm…I’d have to agree. Now, onto our sexy guest. Caleb…
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m in a band called Armageddon. Maybe you heard of us? (laughs)
2. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell me about them.
My fiancé and my son. I don’t think I could live without either of them.
3. When you have five minutes of free time, what do you like to do?
Well, with my hectic schedule, I don’t get much of that. But if I do, I unwind by playing my guitar.
4. What do you do for a living?
I’m livin’ the dream. But seriously, I’m really lucky. So, I’d like to send a shout out to my fans. (waves) You guys are awesome and thanks for supporting my music.
5. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Feed Wolf Boy, so he doesn’t eat the first thing he sees.
6. What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
Cuddle my girl
7. Tell us about your author. What do you think of him/her?
Who?
8. What makes you happy?
My fans, coming home to my family and….something I can’t mention.
9. Do you have any regrets?
No
10. Are you afraid of anything?
Me? Naw….
11. What kind of music do you listen to?
Mine
12. If you could convince your author to write a superpower for you, what would it be?
Mind reading, that’d be awesome.
13. Describe yourself to our readers. If you looked like a celebrity, who would it be?
I’m Caleb Mason from Armageddon and I am a celebrity.
14. What was the most significant moment of your life?
Almost losing everything, then taking it back.
15. Where do you want to be in five years?
Still on the top ten
Very nice! It’s so great talking to both of you! If you would like to get more of Caleb, you can find him here:
Blood Kisses (Nightwalkers Book #1)
And catch up with H.N. Sieverding on Facebook or her Blog!
What are YOU Looking Forward To In 2014?
Happy New Years Everyone!! And Welcome to the SSLY Blog Hop!
So what are YOU Looking Forward to in 2014? That’s a great question. Ever since I pressed the “publish” button on my first self-published children’s book in 2011, each year has been bigger and better. It’s hard to think of what I look forward to. But…I do already have some big plans for 2014!
I hope to keep publishing many more novels in 2014 and I am starting big in January with my release, Breaking the Cycle. This book is very dear to me. I wrote it to bring awareness to the disorder my daughter, Alex, suffers with – Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. However, as I have written it I have gotten to meet some incredible people. I’ve made new friends and found a new home at Hard Drive MMA. My little story became a community, a family. And I can’t wait to share it with you.
I follow it up with my first published novella, The Thirteenth Knight, which began with another incredible group of people I belong to – Tuesday Tales. These are some very talented writers I am blessed to become a part of. Stop by and take a look. You won’t be disappointed.
And…I may just be working on another book of the Black Irish series. 😉 Even I can’t live without Sloan, you know!
I am hoping to attend a couple of conferences in 2014. So if you are there and see me, please say hi. I would love to chat with you!
And I am hoping for continued success with both Cravings (Secret Cravings Publishing’s E-zine – I am the Editorial Director) and Freshly Booked (Heidi Sieverding and my weekly show with Writer’s Online Network on Blog Talk Radio). So just like in 2013 – I will be busy!
So now that I’ve told you my big plans for 2014 – What are YOU looking forward to in 2014? Tell me in the comments below and I will choose four commenters. One will win an e-book copy of Black Irish, one will win an e-book copy of Heartland (Black Irish #2), one will win an e-book copy of The Troubles (Black Irish #3) and one will win an e-book copy of my medieval romance Queen of Savon. I will choose the winners Wednesday afternoon.
And for a treat – here is an excerpt from Breaking the Cycle!
Max stepped inside the gym. It was deserted. He glanced around. The place was no Roadie’s. There was no perfect, stainless steel trim. There was no state of the art equipment. He scrutinized the cardio machines that were lined three deep along a wall of frosted windows then scanned the weight equipment alongside it. Everything looked like it was in working order.
The rest of the room was lined with vinyl wrestling mats. There were signs indicating to locker rooms back in the hallway. A staircase leading to a walkway on the second floor led to a couple offices and a conference room.
Suddenly, its door opened. Max steeled himself as a young, well-built, suit-clad man stepped out and leaned against the metal rail. His slicked–back, black hair made him look like a used car salesman. He smiled down at Max.
“Hey, Jack,” Max greeted coolly.
“What brings you to Hard Drive, Max?”
“I came to talk to you about the job offer you gave me.”
Jack laughed. “How many times did I offer a job to you?”
“At least a dozen times.”
“And how many times have you turned me down?”
“Just as many.”
“Why would I offer it to you again?”
“Because, to quote your own words, I’m the best you could possibly dream of getting.”
“So, you suddenly got over your hang ups about working here?”
Max took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “No. I am still vehemently against training your guys to the best of my ability so that you can toss them into an octagon and let them beat the crap out of each other. Seems to make the job pointless, don’t you think?”
“I don’t toss them in there. They fight of their own free will.”
“Is the job available or not?”
“Of course, it is.” Jack was smug.
“I have stipulations before I agree to it.”
Jack snickered. “Of course, you do. More money? Do you want me to buy you a better car?”
Max glared at him. “I want an assistant. Full time with benefits, especially medical. I write her schedule. She answers to me. Your fighters don’t touch her. If they do, we’re both out of here. Don’t raise the salary you offered me. Lower it, if you must. But I get my assistant.”
“You really think you need an assistant?”
“How many MMA fighters do you have here?”
Max could see Jack’s brow crunch as he computed the numbers in his head. “Thirty.”
“Then, yes, I need an assistant.”
“And you realize that you aren’t going to teach Tae Bo here, right? You’re training my MMA fighters. And your assistant will be, too.”
Max paused. “Yes. I know what I’ll be doing.”
Jack pushed himself away from the rail and stood straight. “You’re hired. And so is your assistant. There’ll be no change in your salary. I’ll negotiate your assistant’s with you at a later time. I promise it’ll be fair. Be here Monday to sign your contracts. And give Roadie your two weeks’ notice. You belong to Hard Drive now.”
Jack strode back into the conference room, closing the door behind him. Max shot one last glare at the door before he walked out the front door.
Click on the badge below to return to the Blog Hop!!
A Special Kind Of Love by Tamara Hoffa
Blurb:
A SPECIAL KIND OF LOVE
Through Fights and Fire, Prejudice and Passion, Burns A Special Kind of Love
A divorced school teacher, estranged from her family, wants to start over. Sharon Daily moves to Gaines, Wyoming with her ten year old autistic son, Aaron. She hoped to find kindness and acceptance in this small town. She wasn’t looking for love…
Tanner West, the Fire Chief of Gaines, seems to have it all. Great job, loving family, and any woman he wants to warm his bed at night. But, Tanner has suffered too. A Native American in a white world, he longs to find love and acceptance. He is ready for more than someone to share his bed. He wants someone to share his life. And Sharon really lights his fire.
Making a life with Sharon will require A Special Kind of Love.
Excerpt One:
Sharon looked up into the most gorgeous face she had ever seen. Eyes like dark chocolate, deep and warm, stared out at her from a face that looked like it could have been chiseled in stone. Skin the color of burnished copper, high cheekbones, a sharp nose, full lips, and a cleft chin. How the hell had she failed to notice him before? Her heart skipped a beat and she ran her gaze down the rest of his body. He was tall, well over six feet, she would guess, with broad shoulders that tapered into a trim waist. His thighs, encased in worn denim, fit like a second skin against legs the size of tree trunks, and oh my, what lay between those thighs… Her attention snapped back to his face and she could feel the heat of a blush suffuse her skin.
Tanner cleared his throat, his dark chocolate eyes flashing with amusement and a little heat. He extended his hand. His large calloused hand engulfed her small one. A shock of sensation shot up her arm and down her body to some places she had begun to think had stopped working long ago.
“Ma’am,” he said.
What the hell was with everyone calling her ma’am here? She was beginning to feel like an old lady.
“Call me Sharon, please. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. West.”
“Well now, if I’m gonna call you Sharon, then you’re gonna have to call me Tanner.”
Their gazes locked and everything around her faded away. Feelings she had thought were lost with the defection of her ex-husband surged to the forefront. Attraction, lust, a deep loneliness, and desire to be held in those strong arms. Aaron interrupted her reverie and snapped her back to the present in a heartbeat.
“I want to see the horses, now!” he demanded.
Excerpt Two:
“Hello?”
“Hi, beautiful.”
The deep baritone of his voice rolled over her skin like a caress. She felt hot and cold at the same time and goose bumps crawled down her spine. She was in such big trouble.
“I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon,” she cooed.
“I don’t want to scare you off, but I really had a great time today. I want to get to know you better. I thought Aaron would be asleep by now and we could talk.”
“He is…asleep I mean. What do you want to talk about?”
“Where are you?”
“Um, I’m in bed.”
“Oh, man, now I have that visual in my head. I’ve been dreaming about you in bed. In my bed.”
Dang this man was coming on strong. But I kind of like it.
“Really? You are a naughty boy.”
“You have no idea. What are you wearing?”
Sharon laughed. “Sorry to ruin your fantasies, big boy, but I’m wearing flannel pajama pants and a T-shirt. I’m sure that’s not what you pictured.”
“I was picturing nothing…” Sharon barked a laugh “That’s not what I meant! I mean I didn’t have anything specific in mind.”
The poor guy was stammering. She loved being able to fluster him.
“What are you wearing, Mr. West?”
Silence met her question.
“Tanner?”
“I’m not sure I should answer that question.”
“Fair is fair, I answered your question. Now answer mine.”
“Boxer shorts,” he mumbled.
She closed her eyes and pictured him in her mind. She knew he was muscular, she could just imagine his chest, smooth and tan. Would he have a hairy chest or smooth? Smooth she bet, considering his Native American ancestry. A six pack, at least and maybe a happy trail heading down behind the waistband of his shorts. She licked her suddenly dry lips.
“Do they have smiley faces on them?”
“No, never. SpongeBob.”
She laughed again. When was the last time she had laughed this much? Not in too long to remember.
“I don’t believe you.”
“No, really they’re just plain. But I made you laugh.”
“Yes, you did. You do that a lot. Thank you.”
“I love the sound of your laughter. I want to hear it all the time.”
That had to be about the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her.
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxfPO3pRJSM
Buy links:
SecretCravings: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=751
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/a-special-kind-of-love
All Romance E-books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aspecialkindoflove-1351236-149.html
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-special-kind-of-love-tamara-hoffa/1117447832?ean=2940148898863
Bio:
Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 4 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.
Contact Links:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamaraHoffa
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TamaraHoffa
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6537898.Tamara_Hoffa
Blog: http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/
Other books by Tamara
Roping Love
Buy links:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/roping-love-tamara-hoffa/1115278813?ean=2940016670935
All Romance E-books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ropinglove-1190964-149.html
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=584
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/roping-love
Buy Links
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-a-soldier-tamara-hoffa/1113574219?ean=2940044998056
All Romance E-books https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-heartofasoldier-945734-149.html
Borough’s Publishing Group http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/heart-soldier
Cover Reveal for Her Deviant Lord
Cover Reveal
Her Deviant Lord,
Pleasure Garden Follies, Book 3
by Layna Pimentel
Releasing November 11, 2013
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre: Historical Erotic Romance
Warning: This book has elements of: light bondage, and ménages.
Length: Novella
Blurb:
Bastian Wycliffe, the Earl of Wendelhem, has finally moved on…or so he thought. En-route to a hunting trip after over-indulging the night before, he endures a frightful and terribly embarrassing swoon. He’s seen a ghost and her name is Cordelia Waite, the Duchess of Downsbury.
Mrs. Weylen, formerly a duchess, has a secret. All it took was the chance meeting in the inn that fateful night for her memories to come back and haunt her. She makes haste returning to London incognito with the intent to clear up misconceptions and to deliver an ultimatum to her former lover.
Yet, when a new found obsession refuses to accept the truth, and her imprisoned husband discovers she’s still alive, their lives and relationship may be in danger. Second chances have never been more precarious.
Related books: Scandal at Vauxhall (Book One), A Sinful Education (Book Two)
Want to be the first to catch some sneak peeks into this book? Subscribe to my blog or my Facebook page. I’ll be posting some surprise teasers until release day.
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:
Blog: laynap.wordpress.com
Website: www.laynapimentel.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaynaPimentel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLaynaPimentel
Sitting down with Julie Shelton
Happy Wednesday, everyone!! Today I have Julie Shelton, author of the newly released (and when I say newly released I mean TODAY!!) novel Owning Sarah, a sequel to Loving Sarah. Who better to hear about the new release than from Julie herself and her hero, Jesse Colter! Hey guys! Thanks for joining me!
And three lucky readers of my blog will win a signed copy of Owning Sarah! Just leave a comment below showing Julie and Jesse some love!!
So let’s get started on these questions. Julie, tell me a little about yourself.
I am a former children’s librarian and professional storyteller/puppeteer. For nearly thirty years I did story times with puppets at day care centers, elementary schools, birthday parties, holiday parties, and at the Puppetry Arts Center of the Palm Beaches. Now I write erotic romances, thus following the basic “children’s-performer-to-erotica-author” career arc previously taken by so many of my fellow authors 🙂
How about you, Jesse? Tell me a little about you.
My mother abandoned me, my father used me as his punchin’ bag—when he was sober enough to actually throw a punch. I was small for my age until I was around fourteen. That was the last time my father hit me. I left home at fifteen—made a place for myself in the attic of my cousins’ farmhouse. Worked on cars and motorcycles to earn money for food. When I was nineteen I took a summer job as gardener’s assistant at the Marshall estate. That’s when I met Sarah. She was thirteen and about to fall thirty feet out of a tree. I’d never climbed a tree so fast in my life! By the time I showed up for work the next summer she had hit puberty She was so gorgeous she made my hands shake and my heart beat so fast I thought I was havin’ a heart attack. The things she was makin’ me feel terrified me. I was bad news and I knew I had to stay away from her before I completely destroyed her future. The last time I saw her was the day of her eighteenth birthday. I pulled a potential rapist off of her, then practically took her myself. I left town that night and joined the Navy, where I served as a SEAL for eight years.
Wow. Jesse, let’s stay with you. Who is the most important person in your life?
Sarah is by far the most important person in my life. That summer I rescued her from fallin’ outta that tree, I didn’t know what to make of her. I was full of my own teen-aged crap, but even then I knew she was someone truly special. I’d never met anyone like her. She was only thirteen, but she was the smartest person I’d ever met. She kept after me and kept after me until I finally gave in and read all her favorite books. Thank God I did. She turned me into a reader. She talked like a little adult, and she actually sought out my opinion. It was the first time in my life I had been…valued. Even though she was raised in the lap of luxury, her childhood was just as devoid of love as mine. Her father was a judge worked all the time and who paid no attention to her, so she was basically raised by tutors and nannies. She was…magical, and that summer we were inseparable.
Sarah seems incredible. Julie, back to you. Where do you find the inspiration for your books?
Everywhere. Years ago, after seeing a blue gown on a background character minor character in the movie, Becket, the entire plot of a novel set in the Middle Ages sprang into my mind. I couldn’t write it down fast enough. I wrote the entire thing on 3 x 5 index cards—still have it. It’s in two shoeboxes on top of my bookcase, along with three shoeboxes of research notes on the Middle Ages, also written on 3 x 5 index cards. Of course, all this happened before computers.
Now, Julie, this might be a question Jesse would be interested in coming from you. Do you carefully plot out what you are about to write or do you just go for it?
I have a general idea of where I’m going when I start a book, but I don’t have all the details. When I started my first book, Loving Sarah I thought I knew where it was going. But when I was more than halfway through, my characters took over and took me in a completely different direction. I had the choice of sticking to my guns, or following where they led, which meant I would have to eliminate several very good scenes. I dithered a long time over this sudden unexpected turn of events. I finally decided to follow my characters, realizing that I could use the discarded scenes in a sequel, which ultimately made both books much more exciting! So, in answer to your question, I just go with the flow.
I think most authors do actually. Jesse, what do you do for a living?
I’m the Chief of Police of Marshall’s Creek, Virginia, both Sarah’s and my home town.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning, Jesse?
I tighten my arms around Sarah, bury my face in that sweet spot where her neck meets her shoulder and just breathe her in. Then Adam and I torment her until she’s screaming with pleasure.
Lucky girl!! And before you fall asleep at night?
Exactly the same thing, except in reverse. This is usually after a nice long session in the Play Room, followed by more fun and games in the shower.
Very lucky girl!! Julie, how do you get prepared to write? Do you make a pot of coffee? Listen to music?
Well, I don’t drink coffee, so that’s out. And I don’t put on music, because when I’m playing music I find myself actually listening to it. If it’s a song, I’m singing along and bopping around in my chair, if it’s classical, movie soundtrack, or some other instrumental, I’m still humming along with it. So, I roll out of bed, open up the laptop and pick up where I left off the day before. I go until I get hungry.
Jesse, describe yourself to my readers. It’s not fair Julie and I hog the eye candy.
I’m tall, 6’3”, and, thanks to my Native American DNA, I have the straight black hair, aquiline nose, and high cheekbones of my heritage. I now wear my hair short, but it used to come down to my shoulders. Bein’ a SEAL for eight years helped me hone my body so that I’m muscular, but not muscle-bound like a body builder. My eyes are dark brown, nearly black. I’ve been told I look like a cross between Jason Momoa and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Could be worse, I suppose. I could look like a cross between Fred Mertz and Barney Fife. Not a good look for a super-macho, bad-ass, alpha-male commando-type (as Sarah likes to call me).
Ok, final question for both of you. Jesse, what do you think of your author?
I love that woman. A few years ago, I knew she was lookin’ for a story to write and I knew she’d do justice to my story. I kinda sprung Adam on her—my best friend, Adam Sinclair. She wasn’t expectin’ us to wind up in a menage relationship. And I kinda surprised her by bein’ a Dom, but she kept up, bless her heart, and did a superb job of tellin’ our story.
And Julie – what do you think of Jesse?
I am totally, 100%, head over heels in love with Jesse Colter. I don’t think I could have told his story if I hadn’t fallen in love with him.
Thank you to both of you for being on my blog today. I really appreciate it. It was fun chatting with you! Now, let’s take a look at that new novel coming out today, Owning Sarah!
Blurb:
It’s been a month since Sarah Marshall was kidnapped and held at knife-point by her ex-fiance. But Jesse Colter and Adam Sinclair, her two loving Doms, know that there is an even deadlier threat still out there—Ryder Malone.
He blames both Sarah and Jesse for sending him to prison eight years ago for attempted rape, and he’s determined to make them pay. So, he begins a systematic campaign of terror and intimidation against them. But the danger he poses doesn’t end there.
Set against the deepening love and commitment between Sarah, Jesse, and Adam, Owning Sarah is more than just a sexy, sensual, BDSM love story. It is a harrowing race against time for Jesse, Adam, and a team of former SEALs to stop one of the biggest arms-for-drugs deals in U.S. history. And to rescue Sarah before Malone sells her to a human trafficker and she’s lost to her men forever.
Excerpt:
Maggie reached out to grab the check, but a quelling look from Jesse had her drawing back her hand. “I see what you mean,” she murmured as they were getting back into the car. “Definitely bossy.”
Sarah giggled. “Oh, God, you don’t know the half of it.”
“Does he bite?”
“Um…”Sarah’s cheeks flamed, and it was Cassie and Maggie’s turn to giggle.
Jesse ahemed loudly. “If you ladies are finished assassinatin’ my character, may I ask where we’re goin’?”
“Oh, right. We’re meeting Lisa and Heather in an hour at the bridal salon in Williamsburg.” Sarah gave him the name and address of the store, watching him enter it into his Onstar before merging onto I-64 and heading east.
Lisa and Heather were already there when Jesse finally pulled into a parking spot right in front of the historic old building that housed the salon. For the next three hours the five women bonded over a veritable flurry of gorgeous gowns and dresses. Although, initially, Lisa’s goth looks drew a few stares and more than one raised eyebrow from the shop’s other patrons, she was still a giggly girl at heart and threw herself wholeheartedly into the spirit of the occasion. Despite their widely disparate backgrounds, the women found they had a lot in common, not the least of which was their love and admiration for Sarah Marshall.
Adam and Jesse stood back, arms folded across their chests, watching the goings-on in mild amusement. The first four gowns Sarah tried on and modeled for them were lovely, but nothing special in their opinion. Not nearly special enough for the love of their life, although they assured her she looked spectacular in each one. It wasn’t until she walked slowly out of the dressing room wearing the fifth gown that their hearts plummeted to the floor before jerking back up and spinning like yo-yos. As soon as they saw the beatific smile on her face, they knew she’d found the gown of her dreams. It was a strapless, close-fitting, ivory peau de soie that hugged all her curves before flaring slightly below the hips to fall gracefully to the floor. It was beaded all over in a simple, subtle pattern of vines and flowers. Instead of a veil she wore a coronet of silk freesias, orange blossoms, stephanotis, and daisies, Sarah’s favorite flower.
Not that Jesse and Adam knew any of that. Nor did they care. All they cared about was that she looked so exquisite, so elegant, so ethereal standing there looking up at them hesitantly, neither man could control the emotions tightening their chests, nor the sting of sudden tears in their eyes.
Fighting the lump in his throat, Jesse dropped his arms and strode over to her, pulling her gently, almost reverently into his arms. “God, sugar, I love you so much. I’ve never seen anythin’ more beautiful in my life than you in this dress. I can’t wait to see you walkin’ down the aisle toward me,” he whispered. Lifting a hand to wipe the tear from her cheek with his thumb, he threaded his fingers through her hair and palmed the side of her face. After staring at her for what seemed like forever, he lowered his head, barely touching his lips to hers in a kiss that sank deep into her soul, robbing her of her ability to think. A kiss that went on and on, holding everyone else in the salon in thrall, as if a binding spell had been cast upon them.
When he finally lifted his head, the room seemed to sigh as he stepped aside to let Adam take his place. His kiss was just as reverent, just as arousing, just as adoring as Jesse’s, and as it lengthened, one of the bridal consultants, whose name tag said Debbie, poked her elbow into Maggie’s side. “Where do I get me one of those?” she asked out of the side of her mouth.
“Wish I knew,” Maggie replied.
“So, which one is she marrying?” the other consultant whispered curiously, neither of them taking their eyes off of the kissing couple, both pairs of eyes widening as Jesse stepped up behind Sarah and put his arms around her, sandwiching her between them.
A chorus of feminine “Oo-o-o-hs ” soughed around the room.
“Both.”
“Well, that’s hardly fair.” Debbie said, sounding a bit miffed.
Maggie grimaced. “Tell me about it.”
Finally, Adam raised his head and grinned down at the lovely woman looking at him with a dazed expression. Her lips were kiss-swollen and slightly parted as her breaths came in short, trembling sighs. Applause broke out all around the salon, along with a few wolf whistles. “We seem to be attracting attention, sweet pea,” Adam said, lifting his head to glance around the room.
“Huh?” It was all she was capable of. Her ability to form words into sentences, something she had excelled at not twenty minutes earlier, seemed to have deserted her.
Adam laughed and both men released her. “Looks like you’ve found your weddin’ gown, baby,” Jesse said.
“You really like it?” she asked, although she knew the answer. She’d known the minute she’d seen the looks on their faces as she’d walked toward them wearing this gown. She was just fishing for compliments. A gal could never get too many compliments.
“The only thing we’ll like better than seein’ you in that dress on our weddin’ day,” Jesse murmured softly, “is takin’ you out of it on our weddin’ night.”
“Another thing to look forward to,” Adam added with a wicked grin.
Where to Buy Owning Sarah: http://www.sirenpublishing.com
Innocent til Proven Guilty – The Backstory Part One
I am very excited to be writing my free weekly sweet serial with Sweet Cravings Publishing. If you haven’t read it, click here to have a read!
The story is set in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the 1940s. While the characters and the plot line are fictional, the setting and locations are very real. So, what better than to learn the back story here on my blog!!
This is a postcard of Cedar Rapids in the 1940’s. This is a close-up of the Federal Courthouse. The City Hall/Veterans Colosseum is in the background.
This is Cedar Rapids today. The Federal Courthouse is the small building just off the right of the center. The City Hall/Veterans Colosseum is split in half on the far right. The city has grown quite a bit in seventy years.
Now, the question many people would ask is – why Cedar Rapids? What possessed me to write my story here? Well, the answer is simple. I was born and raised here. My husband was born and raised here. All our children were born here. Nearly all our extended family lives here. And we pass this skyline every day.
And the Hotel Montrose? The building that now resides where the hotel stood…is where he and I first met.
So next week we will be exploring the grand Hotel Montrose!
Meet Sandy Sullivan, Author of Healing A Cowboy’s Heart!
Happy Saturday Everyone! Today I am hosting the first guest on my blog and I am hosting none other than the incredible Sandy Sullivan! We will be talking about her new release, Healing a Cowboy’s Heart. And one lucky winner today will win a copy of Healing a Cowboy’s Heart! Just leave a comment below for your chance to win a copy!
Blurb:
Jeffery Young is tired of women and their games. His son’s mother did enough damage to his heart to last a lifetime. Now, he had to deal with the architect helping the land developers tear up the local ranches for their houses. Not on his watch. Terri Kennedy had her own plans. As the architect for a large land development in Bandera Texas, the deal would put her business on the map, but dealing with the stubborn, bullheaded male from the local ranch didn’t come with her job description. Maybe staying on their guest ranch would give her some clues as how to handle Mr. Stubborn Jackass. Will the secrets she’s harboring keep him from getting close? Can he learn to trust women again or should be play the game to find out what’s she’s up to?
My Review:
Wow! I started reading Healing a Cowboy’s Heart and could not put it down until I was finished. I loved the complexity of the characters. Watching Jeff and Terri go from enemies to lovers was incredible (and their time as lovers was hot!!). The descriptions of the life around the ranch was so vivid – I could see and feel everything going on. I fell in love with Ben. I am normally not a cowboy romance fan but after reading Healing a Cowboy’s Heart I am going to have to read the rest of the series – and recommend it to everyone!!
My rating (out of five shamrocks): 
Where you can buy Healing A Cowboy’s Heart:
Meet Sandy!
Sandy Sullivan is a romance author, who, when not writing, spends her time with her husband Shaun on their farm in middle Tennessee. She loves to ride her horses, play with their dogs and relax on the porch, enjoying the rolling hills of her home south of Nashville. County music is a passion of hers and she loves to listen to it while she writes.
She is an avid reader of romance novels and enjoys reading Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux and Susan Wiggs. Finding new authors and delving into something different helps feed the need for literature. A registered nurse by education, she loves to help people and spread the enjoyment of romance to those around her with her novels. She loves cowboys so you’ll find many of her novels have sexy men in tight jeans and cowboy boots.
Stop by and Tell Sandy Hi at:
https://www.facebook.com/sandy.l.sullivan.7?fref=ts
Thanks for stopping by my blog today, Sandy! And for more chances to win a e-book copy of Healing a Cowboy’s Heart, make sure you check out the other remaining spots on the tour!
9-15 http://msme28.blogspot.com
Inside This Writer's Mind 