Five Fun Facts - Angela Nichelle

1. I'm a professionally trained singer (soprano)
2. I also play the violin
3. I must have something sweet after dinner  :)
4. I LOVE HEA's
5. Tulips are my favorite Spring Flowers!

Cupid's Arrow by Angela Nichelle

Blurb:

Safina Ralph is single on Valentine's Day.  She's determined to have a good time in L.A. away from her home in Chicago with her friend, Lynn.  The two of them have exclusive passes to Red, the hottest nightclub on Venice Beach.  Just as the festive atmosphere begins to coax Safina into the party mood, she notices something . . . or someone shooting arrows into the crowd of unsuspecting partygoers below! 

Chaos erupts as Safina races to stop the attack. When she confronts Kal, one of the club's sexy owners, Safina's sure he's the attacker despite his warm reassurances and her body's hot response to his touch. Consumed with overwhelming feelings of déjà vu and desire, Safina is relieved to get back home but she can't shake unsettling questions and Kal's handsome face from her mind.

After their encounter at Red, Kal tracks Safina down in Chicago with questions of his own.  And the answers for them both could be the key to everything they've wished for, but will Safina accept the truth and can Kal trust his heart? 

Excerpt:

Safina splashed cold water on her face several times before meeting her reflection in the decorative oval mirror hanging over the modern basin. Some curls had escaped from her fancy up-do, but that was the only sign to indicate she had experienced something out of the ordinary. Pulling a paper napkin off the marble counter, she patted the moisture from her face.

There was something about . . . she didn't even know his name. Safina shivered, remembering the awareness she’d experienced when his hard body had pressed so close to her own. Even in her dazed state, the scent of his cologne and the feel of his arms wrapped under her thighs had sent her heart racing.

Maybe Lynn was right; time to go back to the hotel. Taking a deep breath, she shut off the bathroom light and opened the door, instantly aware her friend was gone. "Where did Lynn go?"

Kallias downed the contents of his glass. "I told her I'd bring you back out after you had a few more moments to regroup. I'm Kal, by the way."

Safina looked around the beautifully decorated room. There were large mirrors on all the walls and an interesting collection of art pieces adorning the wooden shelves facing the desk Kal now rested against. Red was obviously doing very well.

"How do you feel now?"

Tearing her gaze off the exquisite ivory sculpture of a man and woman intertwined in an intimate embrace, Safina met Kal's dark brown eyes. "Better." Except for the fact she was now experiencing a serious case of déjà vu on top of everything else.

"Beautiful, isn't?" Kallias asked, coming to stand by her and the suggestive artwork.

Safina nodded, afraid to speak. Just his presence evoked a response from her body she didn't understand. Goosebumps prickled along her skin as she sucked in a deep breath. Unconsciously, she took a step away from Kallias, who turned from the statue to study her.

"Safina?"

Those lips, those dark eyes, his voice was so familiar. She couldn't breathe. She wanted to escape whatever was happening to her. She needed to escape before she rushed into his arms. "I-I'm gonna go. Thanks, Kal."

Safina turned and rushed for the door, letting out a yelp when Kallias stopped her with a sharp tug on her arm.

Kallias moved close, bringing his face a centimeter, maybe two, from hers. "Do I know you?"

His hand on her skin was more than she could bear. Pleasurable tingles raced from his warm touch up and down her bare arm. With wide eyes, Safina tried to yank free but he held fast. "Please—"

Kallias cut her off with a kiss. His lips melded with hers and Safina forgot about struggling and moaned, going limp in his arms. She kissed him back, enjoying the heat and passion she could taste as he stroked her tongue, remembering . . . remembering something. Finding a bit of strength, Safina wrenched away, breathing hard.

Kallias licked his bottom lip and appeared to be just as bemused as she was. Safina used his momentary confusion to break free of his grasp. Pivoting on the balls of her high-heeled shoes, she bolted for the door.

Buy link: https://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=69

http://www.angelanichelle.com

http://www.angelabradley.blogspot.com

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Five Fun Facts - Sandy Sullivan

1. I've been told by another author that Justin Wilder is the most arrogant, egotistical, sexy character she's ever read.

2. I had to giggle every time Justin and Katrina sparred words while I wrote this piece.

3. The car Katrina drives is my husbands dream car.

4. I had to pick the brain of my husband and my daughter for research information concerning the Air Force and fighter jets. My daughter did sheet metal for these airplanes while she was stationed in Las Vegas.

5. During final edits, one editors comment was 'nice' when she read the line, "The pain shooting through her brain made her want to claw her eyes out and throw them across the room."


Blurb:

Katrina Jamieson didn't have time for a man in her life, much less a cowboy.She's not about to give up her career as a fighter pilot for anything. Zipping amongst the clouds at 40,000 ft is her dream and being the best pilot the Force has ever seen, encompasses her days.

Justin Wilder, cattle rancher and all around gorgeous hunk, doesn't need the feisty Katrina in the middle of his
world. He does just fine, thank you very much, taking care of his cows and building his ranch, but he can't seem to forget her after she slams her brand new, Mustang GT 500 KR into the side of his truck.

When their worlds collide, sparks fly and these two are so hot, skin sizzles when they touch. Can their attraction stand the test of time or will it burn out faster than the afterburners on her jet?


Excerpt

“Mind if I cut in?” The deep voice of the other man cut into their conversation. Mark smiled and stepped back as she frowned, but allowed Justin to wrap his arm around her waist and take her hand in his. The tingle of awareness rippled across her arms, sending goose bumps skittering across her flesh.

Trying to think of small talk, she asked, “So you raise cattle, Mr. Wilder?”

He chuckled, flashing those devastating dimples, and she sucked in a ragged breath. “I have a few head and dabble in selling them.”

Nervously flipping a curl over her shoulder, she said, “Well, you must be good at it if Mark is involved. He doesn’t mess around.”

“How long have you known Mark?”

“Most of my life.” Swaying to the soft music with him like this sent heat right between her legs. The warmth of her hand grasped within his palm sent electricity zinging down her spine. It’s been way too long since I’ve been with a man if I’m getting horny just dancing with one. “How long have you known him?”

“Oh, about five years now. I’m surprised I’ve never seen you two together before tonight.”

“I was in Iraq until about two months ago. I don’t always attend functions like these with him.”

“Ah, I see. You must be very close.”

Giving him a teasing smile, she replied, “Like family.”

“Are you originally from Las Vegas, Ms. Jamieson?”

“Actually, not Las Vegas itself, but close by. My family moved here some years ago from Los Angeles.” She studied the man, her eyes sweeping over his features, noting the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. Um…thirty-something? “What about you, Mr. Wilder? Your slight accent puts you as a non-native of Nevada, too.”

“Wyoming.”

“Tired of the snow?”

He laughed softly. “Just a little. I like heat.” His gaze moved over her face and she could feel the warmth spreading to her cheeks.

“Family?”

“Two brothers, one sister, and my parents. One owns the family ranch in Wyoming and one settled in South Dakota. My sister lives with my parents currently.”

She tilted her head and said, “No one special, I assume, since you came alone.”

“Get right to the point, don’t you, Katrina?”

Her name rolling off his tongue sent shivers down her spine again. I’ve never heard anyone say it like that before. “I don’t believe in mincing words. I’m a straight shooter.”

“Then let me ask you this—is there something between you and Mark?”

“Now it’s my turn to wonder at your motives for your question.”

“I’m curious.” He pulled her a little closer, his hand resting on the bare skin of her back where her dress dipped. He splayed his fingers, encompassing every bit of exposed area, scorching her with their heat. Warmth spread through her, settling low in her belly when their gaze collided.

Her voice came out a little breathless, at least to her own ears when she replied, “Mark and I are actually cousins. His mother and my father are siblings.”

Tucking her hand inside his own before placing it on his chest, his tempted lips lifted in a sexy grin, sending her heart into a rapid tempo. The warmth of his breath caressed her lips, and she parted them slightly on a sigh when his gaze slipped down. “No kissing cousins?” he whispered.

“No,” she murmured in return, her lips tingling in response to his nearness. “I have very little time for relationships of any sort, but family means everything to me.”

His gaze returned to hers. “A woman after my own heart.”

“Hardly, Mr. Wilder.”

He frowned. “You wound me. I thought we were past that.”

“Past what?”

“I thought at least we were on a first name basis now. After all, I still have chips of baby blue paint on my truck.”

Anger flared, making her cheeks flush and her eyes burn as the hand resting on his chest balled into a fist.

He grabbed the fist and held on tight. “Uh-uh, no violence.”

Her jaw clenched tight, and she hissed between her teeth, “Let me go.”

“As you wish.” He slowly let loose of her fist and slipped his hand from around her waist. His hand purposely ran high enough to brush just under her breast with his thumb. She sucked in a ragged breath at the contact, her eyes going wide when desire raced along her nerves. She stepped back and smoothed her skirt with her hands in a vain attempt to hide the trembling. Leaving him standing in the middle of the dance floor, she returned to the table and grabbed her purse.

Five Fun Facts - Alannah Lynne

5 fun facts about me:

1. My favorite sitcom is Two and Half Men and I live in awe of the writers.

2. I'm addicted to DEA shows on SPIKE TV and NASCAR

3. I'm a weather fanatic and love hurricane season. Although I don't like it when hurricanes actually make landfall.

4. I despise wearing panty hose and make-up - although occassionally I'll make an effort with the make-up, I refuse to make the effort with pantyhose.

5. If it doesn't go in the washer or dishwasher, I probably don't own it.

Blurb: Kat Owens can't believe her luck. Her new job was supposed to be a fresh start - one that would lead to a position she's coveted for years. Instead, it reunites her with the man she's spent the past thirteen months trying to forget.

Only a fool would let Kat slip away. That was Erik Monteague's realization upon waking - alone - after an impassioned night with Kat. But Fate has brought her back into his life, and he'll stop at nothing to rekindle their smoldering attraction.

Neither is prepared for the emotional fallout that follows when they act upon their explosive passion. Erik's feelings for Kat force him to confront the painful past that has haunted him for ten years. Kat much choose between a promotion and love, while knowing love might not be enough to save Erik.

Short Excerpt:

Erik was standing in the middle of the room next to the bed. He’d stripped off his shirt, his hands were tucked into his front pockets, and he wore a dark and dangerous expression. “Come here.”

A shiver raced down her spine as nervous anticipation sliced through her. She’d seen desire in a man’s eyes before, but the fire in his transcended simple lust. And heaven help her, she was damn near desperate to experience everything he had to offer. She pulled the door shut and moved across the room toward him. The closer she got, the more she trembled and the harder her heart pounded.

His pupils were dilated, and in the dim lighting his eyes looked like luminous sapphires. A streak of lightning flashed and reflected off the dark orbs, so full of their own flashing energy. The house shook from the force of a thunderous boom. She jumped and ceased her forward motion.

She dropped her gaze to his bare shoulders and chest, where the muscles bunched and flexed with his apparent impatience. Her eyes raked across his well-defined abs and down the thin trail of dark hair disappearing into the waistband of his pants. At the thought of tasting him, she licked her lips.

His resolve must have snapped, because he closed the distance between them in one stride. He slid one hand through her hair, wrapping it tightly around his fist, while the other slipped around her waist. His mouth crushed hers and his tongue pushed past her lips, demanding complete and uninhibited access. His tongue swept the inside of her mouth with a seemingly insatiable hunger while his hand dropped from her waist to her ass and hauled her body up tightly against his.

She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him to her with a desperation she’d never before felt.

Booksigning Today in Meyerland, TX

Read It Again & Again

38 Braeswood Square

Meyerland, TX

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Linda Poitevin on A Fairy Tale for Gwyn

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Linda Poitevin, author of A Fairy Tale for Gwyn, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb: Gwyn Jacobs doesn't believe in fairy tales. Ever since her ex-husband walked out four years ago, abandoning her with their three-year-old daughter and four-month-old twins, Gwyn has had to be mother, father, and bread-winner all rolled into one. Her own scarred heart and failed marriage aside, she refuses to open up her children's lives to the possibility of another heartbreak, so she has an unbending policy of no dating and no unattached men in her home...Until her very own fairy tale falls into her lap - and the hero won't take no for an answer.

Welcome, Linda.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? 

In the winter, it’s the loveseat in our living room. We keep the TV in our basement family room, so the living room stays nice and quiet. I usually put on a classical CD and wrap up in a blanket and put my feet up on the coffee table…if I need extra coziness, I’ll turn on the electric fireplace for a while. :)

In the summer, I try to read outside whenever possible. We have a sun shelter in our back yard that’s screened to keep out the bugs, and I love to sit out there. I can even go out in the rain, which is extra nice because no one follows me! :)

2) What is your favorite genre? 

To be honest, I tend to pick up whatever’s lying around the house because I rarely have time to visit a bookstore or library for my own use. With three teen daughters who read extensively, I’ve been exposed to things I would have never picked up for myself and I’ve enjoyed them thoroughly. When I do go shopping for me, I tend to look for something in the paranormal/urban fantasy genres, however, as that’s where my own focus has turned and I love to see what other writers are coming up with.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels?    

Definitely novels! I love really getting to know a character and becoming emotionally invested in him/her, and I find I need the more in-depth plots and character development of novels to achieve that.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain?

I like to have at least the hero and heroine’s viewpoints, and in more complicated novels, the viewpoints of as many secondary characters as are necessary to really fill out the story.

5) Do you like first/second/third person?

Third. Definitely third. That said, however, I won’t turn down a well-written first-person…I’m into the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris right now and am loving them. :)

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Linda: I’m petrified that I won’t be able to write another book as good as the first, and that I’ll disappoint my readers. I don’t think that will ever go away, either…I have a manuscript with an agent at the moment, just about ready for submission to editors, and now I’m back to worrying all over again that I won’t be able to write another. I’ve learned to regard this as part of my process, however, and I try not to panic (too much)!

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Linda: Many people, for many different reasons. My mother always wanted to be a writer and gave up her dream to raise a family…I think that inspired me not to let my own dream fall by the wayside. My husband is the one who pushed me to pursue actual publication in the first place – he loves that he’s responsible for me even having a writing career! :) My daughters, for inspiring me to lead by example and to show them that perseverance really can pay off.

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Linda: I want to tell really, really good stories. Stories that captivate readers and draw them in, that keep them reading way past when they should be in bed, that leave them wanting more. To me, that’s about the most successful any writer can possibly be.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Linda: I have a rather quirky sense of humor, and that tends to come through in my writing in unexpected places. Readers say that it catches them off guard and makes my stories feel more real and natural.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Linda: I’m actually in the midst of changing genres, moving away from contemporary romance into paranormal/urban fantasy…but still with strong romantic elements. So I guess it would be the chance to explore emotions that appeals to me most.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Linda:  Before or after I have a good sulk? J It’s hard for me not to take criticism personally, so the first thing I do is make sure I’m being objective about my reaction.  I also try to remember that reading is a subjective thing, so not everything I write is going to appeal to all everyone. If I’m in the editing stages of a manuscript, I have a policy of making no-questions-asked changes if three readers pick up on the same thing. If two out of three pick up on it, I take a closer look and make a judgment call. If only one feels it’s a problem, I tend to assume it’s a matter of personal preference and not worry about it.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Linda: I walk away from the computer and find something completely different to do. I have a very active subconscious and I’ve learned to trust it to figure things out for me…which it often does before I’ve even finished hanging the laundry or cleaning the kitchen.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Linda: A Fairy Tale for Gwyn is my only published novel…so far!

Emma: What are you working on now?

Linda: I’ve just finished the first book in a proposed urban fantasy series, along with the synopsis for the second book. Those are with my agent at the moment, who is getting ready to submit them before the end of the month. And then I get to start holding my breath all over again! :)

Emma: Thank you for your time, Linda, and good luck with your future books!

Linda: And thank you for having me visit, Emma – I’ve really enjoyed my time here! Oh, and I still think your little guy is the cutest ever…he makes me miss having little ones of my own *sigh*…but not enough to do it again! :)

I'm Being Roasted

I'm being roasted at the Author Roast and Toast Friday! Stop by for your chance to win your choice of His Ship, Her Fantasy or His Hope, Her Salvation.

Eleanor Sullo on Too Damned Hot

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Eleanor Sullo, author of Too Damned Hot, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb:

When sensual and gutsy Alana Phoenix goes on a routine air-conditioning service call in the desert, she’s stunned to find her fiery former lover Ted Caliente, returned to Tucson after making a big name as a Mexican chef. Although sparks ignite, each blames the other for a bitter ten-year separation.

As their sizzling romance is rekindled, she’s afraid it’s just sex, and he’s scared to death it’s something more. Whatever it is, it’s as hot and hard to resist as Teddie’s famous chili peppers. Although meddling relatives and secrets from the past rock their lives, the choice is theirs—refuse to face a future with no guarantees, or step out into the storm and gamble on love. 

Welcome, Ellie.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? In bed, or by the ocean or the pool.

2) What is your favorite genre? Women’s fiction or a gripping mystery with some heartfelt romance included.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? I like long, leisurely reads, the kind you don’t mind missing your bedtime for, the kind you hate to finish because then you leave those wonderful characters behind.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? I don’t mind switching points of view, but please don’t include the villain. The villain’s point of view makes me squirm. I need to fall in love with the person speaking—particularly if it’s in first person.

5) Do you like first/second/third person? I like reading and often writing in first person, too. But if it’s third person, go deeply into the character’s head and heart, and I’m happy.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Ellie: Good question. I suppose the worry over never getting published, of having to keep your “babies” to yourself and never bring them out into the sunshine.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Ellie: Great books, and people in my life I know deeply and care about.

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Ellie: I think my goal has been to touch people’s hearts, to give them bigger dreams, help them to believe in themselves, like the woman who discovered as an adult she had been adopted and thereafter felt like a second-class person, until, she told me, she read my novel The Emerald Eye, about a woman in a similar situation who found great love, forgiveness of those who had deceived her, and satisfying relationships in her life.

(How great it is to help someone believe in herself again!)

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Ellie: Wow. Well, I hope it’s the depth of my characters, their never-give-up spirit, and their undying belief in God and love.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Ellie: Since I write across genres—memoir, romance and mystery, I’ll have to go back to my characters again. They give everything a heartbeat. I’m just discovering that as I answer you.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Ellie: I cut my writing eye teeth on rejections, and grew tremendously from writing teachers, workshop leaders, and the occasional kindly editor or agent who took the time to respond in some detail why my project wasn’t ready for print. I always figure you can’t grow without some fertilizer, sunshine and water. Good criticism works to grow me as a writer, I hope.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Ellie: I interview them, or resume our original interview. They take on their own personalities for me, and, as other writers have often said, sometimes surprise me with their answers—which gives me a clue as to how to proceed. 

In one of my Menopause Murders (it’s a series, one out, five to come) I was interviewing Lucia, the resident Mom and gourmet chef of the group. I kept asking her what she wanted to do with her life, open a restaurant or what. She kept offering me cookies. Finally I realized she was hiding something from me—it turned out her father, a great chef, had abandoned the family when Lucia was young. I honestly didn’t know that, until it popped up in our interview. And it gave me a direction to go in, for sure.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Ellie: My first novel was Moonrakers, an English historical about a real haunted manor house in Devon, a romantic suspense with pirates and ghosts; Emerald Eye, another romantic suspense about the previously mentioned woman who discovers she’s adopted and her heartbreaking search to find her birth parents while falling in love with a tough guy who doesn’t quite understand her search; a Year in Poughkeepsie in which another strong woman fights to keep her family’s farm land from a vineyard developer who, you guessed it, becomes the light of her life, and a spiritual memeoir of my own family’s life journey, Seasons of Love: A Journey of Faith, Family and Community, under my maiden name, Sampeck, to protect the guilty!

Emma: What are you working on now?

Ellie: My spicy Tucson, AZ romance, Too Damned Hot, just came out from The Wild Rose Press, and as we speak though I’m from Connecticut, I’m here in Tucson launching it with several talks and booksignings. People have been great, and though I expected to be working on Book Four of my Menopause Murders, I’m so busy taking on new opportunities to discuss Too Damned Hot at group meetings, and soaking in a little desert air and sunshine, let’s call it a much needed break at the computer!

Emma: Thank you for your time, Ellie, and good luck with your future books!

Ellie: God bless, Emma, and you with yours. It’s been fun.

Terry Spear on Legend of the White Wolf

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Terry Spear, author of Legend of the White Wolf, available from Sourcebooks.

Blurb:

In this fourth in Spear's werewolf series, Private Eye Cameron MacPherson and forensic scientist Faith O'Malley are both on quests that lead them into the world of magical wolves, mystery and murder.

Cameron arrives in wintry Maine to search for his partners in his P.I. business who are late returning from a hunting trip, and runs into Faith, there to locate her ex-boyfriend who stole her father’s research. But Cameron and Faith instantly are attracted to one another and keeping their business on a strictly professional level doesn't have a snowball's chance of succeeding in a toasty fire-warmed cabin, the couple snowbound and the setting perfect for an unplanned tryst.

Together, the two tumble into an icy world of mayhem where myth, legend, and reality merge, changing their lives forever.

Welcome, Terry.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? Bed. I’m done for the day and it’s time to rest and relax and fall into another world. :)

2) What is your favorite genre? A mixture of historical and the paranormal. I guess that’s why I like time travels so much. But I love to mix a little of that with my werewolf stories also since they live so long.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? Novels. Shorts are too short. I want to see more character development. Same with novellas. When I read, I want to fall in love and I don’t want the story to end. I mean, I do. I want to see the HEA, but at the same time, I’m enjoying the story so much I don’t want to say goodbye to the characters.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? Hero and heroine’s. I’ve done it in the villain’s before, too, but it’s more fun to leave him a mystery in most cases and I like reading books that way also.

5) Do you like first/second/third person? Third. I love to see both the hero and heroine’s pov in a romance. Without that, it loses half of the romance.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Terry: I can only mention one??? :) Well, let’s see. First, there’s the first sale. Then after that, it’s whether I can pull it off again. And then it’s worrying that the books don’t become the same old thing as they turn into a series. And then there are the reviews, and meeting deadlines and hoping that the next story will be as well loved as the last and…, oh, you asked which one I had “overcome”… Hmm, okay, it’s sending in that first manuscript, taking a deep breath, trying not to think of that manuscript again, and starting on a new story, and continuing to do so until I sold. :)

(LOL! I completely understand!)

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Terry: A myriad of authors. I read and read and read when I was growing up. I can’t say that any particular author set me on the right path because I’ve always loved to read and create my own stories also.

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Terry: Okay, famous authors (NYT Best Selling types) say that we should go for the gold and we’ll make it. But on the other hand, we’re told we shouldn’t set goals we don’t have any control over. *sigh* Sooo, if I could wish upon a falling star, my wish would be to become a Rita finalist, a Rita winner, a USA Today Best Selling author, a NYT Best Selling author, and whatever else sounds pretty nifty. But as far as goals? To write and write and write and keep creating new stories. Which is something I do have control over.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Terry: Because all writers have a different past, different ideologies, different backgrounds, everyone’s will be unique. For me, it relates to my love of mythologies and fables and legends from all over the world, the paranormal, of nonfiction stories, the historical past, and even an interest in science, my military background, my interest in genealogy, so for me, all these interests combine to create a unique writing style and world.

(Well said.)

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Terry: I love the paranormal, read ghost stories growing up, watched Dracula on stage, werewolves and gargoyles and zombies in the movies. Just as I love fantasy worlds like in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, I love the paranormal. But werewolves were not thought of in a good light. They were beasts, best killed to save the world. Creating hunky werewolves who are the good guys was a challenge. And still, a lot of folks vote for a vampire over a werewolf hero. But to me, the wolf is a rugged majestic creature, loyal to family, to his mate, a hunter, but playful and loving too. And he doesn’t have to suck blood from anyone! I do love to write about hunky vampires too. But I think the werewolf hero is just as desirable.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Terry: I love it when reviewers love what I’ve written. But not everyone will love everything in a book. Or they might love some parts, and be turned off by one thing. Even in the case of NYT Best Selling author’s books, not everyone will like them. And I have to remind myself of that. Sometimes, though, I see an issue I can relate to. Or sometimes, I think, okay, won’t do that again, but then someone else reviews the same book and says they love that aspect, when will they see it again? So it goes back to everyone’s tastes. What one loves, another might not. It’s just something we have to get used to. And it’s impossible to write a book that everyone will love! Although I try my darnedest to do so!

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Terry: Brainstorm. Take a break and do something else. Work through it if nothing else is successful because I’m always on deadline and I work full time so I don’t have a lot of extra time to deal with annoying walls that appear in my path. :) Sometimes, I’ll ask my critique partners or co-workers to see if they have any ideas that might work.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Terry: So far, Heart of the Wolf, Destiny of the Wolf, To Tempt the Wolf, and Legend of the White Wolf are out in the werewolf series. Seduced by the Wolf is coming in August, and Wolf Fever in the fall. After that, Taming the Highland Wolf and Dreaming of the Wolf, 2011.

I also write a medieval series: Winning the Highlander’s Heart and The Accidental Highland Hero.

And YA: The Vampire…In My Dreams and Deidre’s Secret.

And other adult titles: Deadly Liaisons (Vampire romantic suspense) and Relative Danger (an Agatha Christie type romance mystery)

(Wow! You're a busy bee!)

Emma: What are you working on now?

Terry: I just finished Wolf Fever, editing Seduced by the Wolf, and The Accidental Highland Hero…so my next plunge is into the world of werewolves, Highland style.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Terry, and good luck with your future books!

Terry: Thanks so much, Emma, for having me! Hope everyone finds the heroes of their dreams and adventures galore in the world of books!

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Excerpt from Legend of the White Wolf:

Once she reached her room, she slid the key card in. Green light. She twisted the handle and pushed. The door didn’t budge. She tried again. Same thing. She hated key cards. Why couldn’t they just use regular old brass keys?

She tried a third time and this time she twisted the handle harder and shoved the door more firmly. And was rewarded. Lights were on in the room and the place was already toasty warm as if the welcoming mat had been set out for her. Perfect. She walked into the room and glanced at the two queen-sized beds, the chartreuse covers pulled back from the pillow of one, a chocolate wrapped in gold foil sitting on the center of it. She smiled and pulled off her parka, peeled off her boots, and reached for the phone to call room service when she saw a leather bucket filled with ice. Wow, they sure knew how to coddle their guests.

That’s when she heard the bathroom door open. She whipped around and faced a naked man towel drying his hair. Or at least until he saw her.

His mouth gaped. Hers matched his expression, and he quickly wrapped the towel around his waist. “I didn’t think room service would come this soon.” He glanced down at her sock-covered feet, her boots lying beside them.

“I’m not…I’m…they gave me a key to your room by accident.” Faith tried not to look at the man’s physique—too much—but ripped abs, arms muscled just enough that could give a woman a good hug, and toned legs that looked like they could run a marathon, were just too appealing.

And his eyes—blue like the ocean, dark, hiding a wealth of secrets, that held her gaze with way too much interest as if she was the specialty of the house and just what he’d ordered on the menu. A light blond stubble covered his square jaw, making him appear a bit roguish and intriguing.

He folded his arms across his broad chest. A light smattering of blond hair trailed down to the towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze dropped lower. He cleared his throat to get her attention, making her skin heat in a flush of awareness, but he wasn’t moving out of her path. The one she needed to take to get to the door. Although for now she wished it was her room, and he was part of the amenities.

He inclined his head a little, a hint of a smile on his lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Then I guess I’d better get dressed before—”

A knock rapped on the door.

“Too late.” His deeply-amused baritone voice sounded like he was enjoying this a little too much as he turned, took a couple of steps, and opened the door.

Great. Faith hurried to pull on one boot, when the aroma of steak wafted into the room as a man brought in a tray. Faith’s stomach growled. The room service guy glanced at her, green eyes smiling. She could just imagine what he was thinking what with the room’s occupant wearing a towel, and her pulling her boots on.

The toweled guy signed the bill, and the lodge employee grinned, dimples appearing on his ruddy cheeks. “Thanks so much, sir. If you need anything else, just ring.” He glanced at Faith, smiled even more as if to say she could visit him next if she had a mind to, then left the room.

“Enough for two of us, if you want to split a medium-rare steak, baked potato, and salad,” the sandy-haired hunk said.

“Thanks so much for the offer, but I’m returning to the front desk to get the right room key. Have a nice night.” She brushed past the mostly naked man, smiled when he smiled, then hurried out of the room.

“The night could have been better,” he murmured.

© Terry Spear, 2009

It's a Wonderful Wednesday

It's sweet and spicy day for me. I'm talking about sweet romances at Kadian Tracey's blog...http://kadiantracey.blogspot.com/ and Denyse Bridger and I are talking spicy at The Spicier Side...http://emmalaivisitsthespicierside.blogspot.com, where we're giving away a $5 TWRP gift certificate and one of Denyse's books to a lucky commenter. Stop by and say "hi!" 

Robin Pope Cain

As a novelist with a newly published book, I now spend a great deal of my time doing things that are greatly annoying the forthcoming characters of my imagination. Instead of getting lost up in their joys and sorrows, I have to set them aside – literally put their journeys on hold – so that I can spend time introducing the world to the ones whose story now resides in book form. I tell you, they don’t like that one bit and they’re becoming quite vocal about it.

The already-brought-to-life characters of WHEN DREAMS BLEED, thrilled to now be out in the world, are just rubbing it in the faces of my new characters who sit cooling their heels, waiting to do the same.  The new characters mumble and complain, pop into my head and distract me, waiting for their story to be told, while I spend my time booking social engagements for the others.

I have to tell you - it’s causing a great deal of angst among all of us.

The WHEN DREAMS BLEED characters, finally out of my head and living their own lives now, want nothing more than to be shared, experienced and introduced. Frank (the main character) tells me constantly that it’s HIS time to be on center stage and living large. After waiting nearly four years to be in print, his power hungry, Type-A personality wants his efforts recognized. Proud of his accomplishments and tenacity, he’s looking forward to being pretty smug. Despite his accident and the misery he’s caused others, he thinks he’s got it together now and wants to share it with the world.

Meanwhile, Sadie tells me that she just wants everyone to comprehend her reasons for doing what she did. She cries out for compassion and understanding of all she left behind; the decisions that nearly killed her. My heart still breaks for her.

Citra, on the other hand, frankly just doesn’t give a whole good gosh damn what anyone thinks. Self-absorbed and greedy, she’s only out for herself and willing to squash anyone and anything in her way. She is 100% convinced that everyone will agree with her actions. Frankly, she tells me, one would be a fool to not see it her way! She keeps telling me if it wasn’t for her their book wouldn’t be selling.  Between you and me, I never liked that bitch, anyway.

Don’t get me wrong. My characters in WHEN DREAMS BLEED are nice people –at least in their own right. Honest. Yes, even Citra at times.  No one would ever accuse of them of not being able to liven up a cocktail party, add interest to a lonely solitary night or not be remembered long after they’ve left the room. The lessons they’ve learned are good ones and all they want to do is share. Their actions have created a real page-turner and they are darn proud of it. If only they could just tell you themselves…

You see, each of them had dreams – dreams to be rich, dreams to be successful or dreams to be forever loved. Not unlike a lot of people, they thought happiness would be theirs…“if only”. Yet their dreams began to bleed – and for many of them, it was just a little too late.

So now they harp and whine and pester me in my sleep,

“Who are you telling about us now?”

“Where have you placed us?”

“You haven’t forgotten us, have you?” 

They sit among the pages waiting to tell their story while just hounding me to get the word out. And at the same time, the new characters poke me on the shoulder, tap on my brain and wake me in the middle of the night…

“What about us?”

“When do we get our chance?”

“C’mon, leave those others to their own devices! We have a story to tell, too.”

Next time, I tell you, I’m making everyone far more self-sufficient…

©2010 Robin Cain   http://www.robincain.com

Rachel Brimble on The Sharp Points of a Triangle

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Rachel Brimble, author of The Sharp Points of a Triangle, available from Eternal Press.

Hannah Boyd has been crowned the youngest Independent Financial Adviser in the UK.  She has kicked out her boyfriend whose idea of romance is leaving a present of skid-marked boxers on the bedroom floor, or sharing a chilli-kebab in front of the football on a Saturday night.  She is successful, single and about to secure the one of the wealthiest men in England as a client.  But then the one person she never wanted to see again reappears as her biggest competitor…and temptation.

Jamie Young never stopped loving her but is now competing against Hannah in the cut-throat business world.  He has to find a way to secure both the lucrative client and her.  Will she agree to work to him so he can keep her close and let him mend the heart he broke so badly?  Or has he lost her forever?

Welcome, Rachel!

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1)      Where do you like to settle in for a good read? 

2)     What is your favorite genre?  Romance or Women’s Fiction

3)     What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels?     

4)     Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain?

5)     Do you like first/second/third person?

Rachel: Bed, bath, garden, beach, I love to read wherever and whenever!  Favorite genres are romance or women’s fiction novels.  Mmm, hero and heroine POV with a 40/60 split is just about perfect for me.  The type of POV itself all depends on the authors skill and execution as to whether I love it or not – if a story jars me, I close it!

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Rachel:  That I can actually write! LOL! Self-doubt is the most crippling thing for a writer but every single one of us has it.  Every time I finish a book, I worry it’s just not good enough.   And then jump for joy when my editor say it is!

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Rachel: Nora Roberts, Jodi Picoult & British writer, Marian Keyes

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Rachel: Ongoing success!  I hope to get better and better and have lots of loyal readers who enable me to continue to write and comfortably give up the day job!

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Rachel: My style I hope…I write with a huge dose of humor and a few tears, in the hope the reader is one hundred percent drawn into the hero and heroine’s journey and really care about what happens to them and how they achieve their happy ever after

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Rachel:  Everlasting love – need I say more?

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Rachel: I actually deal with it quite well.  I listen to it, decide whether the comments enable me to improve at my craft – if not? I ignore every word!

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Rachel: Iron!  All my best ideas/solutions come to me when I’m ironing…or in the bath!

(Now there's one chore I'm not a fan of! But, bring on the baths!)

Emma: What other works have you published?

Rachel: Searching For Sophie and Reluctant Witness are both romantic suspense novels published by The Wild Rose Press and I also have my very first historical romance, The Arrival of Lily Curtis due for release by them in July.

Emma: What are you working on now?

Rachel: I have a contemporary romance currently under consideration with an agent and another one I am polishing for submission within the next few weeks.  My next novel will be another Victorian romance  set in Bath, England.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Rachel and good luck with your future books!

Rachel:  Thank you, Emma and thank you so much for having me on your wonderful blog!