Wolfgirl and Captain Marvelous to the Rescue!

I won this book a couple of years ago, and it sat on my shelf until this weekend when after several (three to be exact) attempts to find a good book to read, I finally picked Captain Marvelous up.

I wish I'd read this book two years ago when I first got it. I didn't want to put it down once I started, and that's saying a lot because it's full of things that usually make me squirm in my seat, namely abuse of women and children. But, don't let that deter you. Ms. Doran conveys the seriousness of the related issues with a flawless ease that doesn't deter from the very hot romance between Annie Wolfe and Ronen Marvelic and the mystery and suspense of the the search for a very mean bunch of criminals. You won't believe who the mastermind is either.

This is a well-written, fast-paced read. There's nothing better than a suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. Off to find some more of Ms. Doran's books!

Friday News - Reviews and Rebrand

Received a lovely review from Beck's Book Picks for Not Just Friends. My favorite part...


This is a quick read, full of romance and steam. Emma Lai is an excellent writer and I have not picked up anything yet by her that I disliked. If your in the mood for a feel good romance that won't leave out any details, be sure to check out Not Just Friends.


Click on the link for the full review.


Some of you may remember, I planned to update my banners and taglines. I changed my website a couple of days ago, and for those of you who haven't seen them, here are the new banners.

Passionate Love...Throughout the Ages: I thought this was an accurate summary of all my published work.


As for the Guardians, well I kept the original tagline, but updated the graphics.

I'm still pondering some format changes to the website, but otherwise, I'm happy. What do you think?

Magic, Mystery and Superstition -- Halloween! by Linda Nightingale

Magic, mystery and superstition – Halloween!

The holiday began as the Celtic festival of Samhain, the end of summer and beginning of winter, when the worlds between the living and the dead blurred, and ghosts roamed the earth.  People felt especially close to deceased relatives and friends. For affable spirits, places were set at the dinner table, treats left on doorsteps and by the roadside.  Candles were lit to guide loved ones on their return to the spirit world.

Today in our trick-and-treat celebration of the holiday, many of the rituals have become obsolete. A lot of the old customs focused on the future rather than the past—on the living instead of the dead.  Some traditions purported to help young women identify their future husbands and, with luck by next Halloween, they would be married.  At some Halloween parties, the first successful apple-bobber would be the first one to walk down the aisle.

I love to dress in costume for Halloween whether I’m handing candy to trick-or-treaters, going to a party or going for a drink with friends.  I have a vampire costume, a dark fairy costume, an angel costume with wing (real feathers in blue and green) and a Cleopatra costume (I usually wear this with vampire fangs as Anne Rice’s Queen of the Damned).

Do you dress in costume for Halloween?  What’s your favorite costume?

Night Before Doomsday isn’t a Halloween story or an inspirational.  It is about fallen angels. In Genesis, "The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took wives for themselves from those who were pleasing to them."

Azazel was a leader of the Grigori, the angels sent to Earth to teach Mankind after the oust from Eden, how to survive in a less hospitable environment. Nine-tenths of the Grigori fell from Grace, but was it love or lust?

This novella presents the Grigori's tale in first person from Azazel's point of view--the temptations, his struggles and the final realization that Heaven doesn't speak to him anymore.

Excerpt:

One spring night I picked my way down a slippery path and found Ruth bathing in a moonlit lake. The sight took my breath away, and the song taking shape in my mind fled.  

“Golden Azazel descends to his humble servant.”  Ruth twined her arms above her head, her wet, succulent breasts gleaming in the moonlight.

She forged into shallower water. Excellent night vision bared what the lake would have hidden.  The dark curls at her mound drew my gaze.

I averted my eyes. “I’ll leave you to your peaceful ablutions,” but anticipation rooted my feet to the sand.  She'll come to me...I was certain.  I turned, placing my wings between me and temptation.

“Ho, Azazel!”

I angled my body so that I could see her.  Beckoning, she strode through the lake, shedding her mantle of water to stand naked on the beach.  Moonlight traced lush curves and the ivory globes of her breasts.  I could almost taste the rosy, pebbled nipples.  Wet hair streamed to her small waist.  My breath hitched.  My heart raced, pumping blood to the shaft tenting my robe.  Guilt plucked at my nerves, but I couldn’t look away.

Magdalene waited for me.  I should leave before trouble closed the distance between us.  My feet refused to move.  Enchanted, I stared at the feline huntress.  I might have conceived this sensual work of art, my own hands molding from river clay that perfect feminine shape.  A thudding awareness of the power she’d been born with, and that lust had given her, held me prisoner.  Then Magdalene’s face flashed before my eyes, turning me toward home.

Deep, throaty laughter mocked me.  “You’re afraid of me, Mighty Archangel.”

I spun to face her. “I am not afraid of you, Ruth.”

“Oh?” Her arms glided around my shoulders, her fingers massaging tense muscles.

She snuggled her face against my wings, her hands stroking the tender underside.  She must know that caressing my wings fired lust.  Which of my brothers was Ruth’s lover?

“Bad Ruth,” she purred, “Azazel is a married man.”

I held her back from me.  “I’m not a man. I’m an angel.”

“A fallen angel.”

Shame and anger jerked me out of her embrace.  “Mind your tongue.”

She teased my nose with a feather that had fallen from my wing.  “You committed the Original Sin.”

“The Original Sin was Disobedience.”

Her eyebrows flickered, her expression mocking.  “Did you not disobey when you took Magdalene into your bed?”

The truth tore a gasp from me.  Angels are the Word made manifest.  The Word no longer spoke in me.  I had betrayed divine trust.

She rubbed her arms.  “Your eyes burn my skin.  I’ve made you angry.”  With her hand, she traced my hipbone, her fingers then slid across my thigh.

I caught her hand before she could touch the hard evidence that I wanted her.

“Smite me with your Seraphic sword.”

“Ruth.”  Her name was a plea, a prayer to withstand temptation.

“I’ll never forget the first time I saw you.” She winnowed her fingers through my hair.  “Thick, straight, silky as the gold thread you’ve taught us to spin, your hair spilled over the whitest, grandest wings of all.  I wanted you then.  I want you even more now.  I can make you feel better than you’ve ever felt before.”  A fingertip dotted desire on my lips.  “I promise.”

Ruth made good her promise.  Her body clutched, sucked and milked me dry.  Delirium took me down, down, deeper and deeper.  As a delicious explosion tore me asunder, I cried, “My God, Ruth.”

No, not my God, any more....

I tried to stay away from Ruth, but memories of her lusty embrace left me moaning, sweating in my bed.  I touched Magdalene, felt Ruth.  I craved, yearned, stopped myself just short of praying to be consumed by her fire.  Shadows in the moonlight, we stole heaven beneath eucalyptus trees.  To her credit, Ruth never told our secret—that she’d tempted the first angelic husband from his wife’s bed.  If she had other lovers, there was no evidence, and our passion blazed out of control

Thank you Emma for letting me guest today on your beautiful blog.

Something Different to Read

The following two books are great horror reads to get you in the mood for Halloween.

Blurb: Tales from Beneath the Dulippa Tree is a dark journey with scenes that remain in your thoughts long after reading the last page. It shimmers with imagery that H.P. Lovecraft conjured so easily. You will find no words of comfort in this scarlet landscape. But for those who are able to recognize the Baudelairean beauty that lies in decay, the Lovecraftian awe of glancing into dark gulfs in which madness dwells, Tales from Beneath the Dulippa Tree can provide this and much, much more. Hewitt fills our descent into chaos with exquisite scenes, mixed in equal parts, of glamour and gore. 

Tales from Beneath the Dulippa Tree by M.J. Hewitt is a collection of short horror stories interspersed with a handful of poems. The tales have unexpected twists, both heart-stopping and heart-rending. It is full of beautiful though bloody imagery. Definitely not for the faint of heart. It's a read that will keep the reader in wonder long after the book is put down. If you pick up this book, make sure and read "Big John" before putting it down.

 

Blurb: What manner of man or beast delivers untold pleasure and unspeakable horror upon the college girls who venture into Delino House? Others have tired and failed to solve the mystery, but Betty Fect believes she can discover the truth. Will she triumph, or will she be haunted by the memory of a never again attainable peak–like those who came before her?

Betty and the Cambion by Ralph Greco, Jr. is the first erotic horror story I've ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I picked up the story. Would the sex be gratuitous or crass? Would the guy be able to paint the female protagonist in a believable light? I was pleasantly surprised. The book is built on the premise of sexual tension, and I think it hit the mark. As for the Betty, well I could totally relate to her plight and feelings. You'll just have to read it to understand the last statement because I don't want to give anything away.

Izzy, Heroine of Sarah Grimm's After Midnight, Names Her Ten Temptations

Sarah couldn’t be here as she’s in the middle of a blog tour for AFTER MIDNIGHT, the story of how Noah and I met, so she asked me to sit in for her today. Since she’s the one who really brought Noah and I together, how could I refuse?

My name is Isabeau Clark—though you probably know me better as Isabeau Montgomery—child prodigy pianist who owns Izzy’s Bar, where one late night after closing, my entire life changed.

Welcome Izzy, Name Your Ten Temptations...

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?

“Denim. Denim so worn and faded only the seams hint at its original color. Denim that rides low on the hips and cups Noah as tightly as a hand.” Izzy clears her throat and smiles. “I’m a big fan of denim.”

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?

“I’ve never had a ‘type’ I was attracted to. Blonde, brunette, long hair or short, it never mattered to me. Before Noah, men where all the same to me – just someone who could scratch the itch when the itch became too strong, you know? But I’ve got a real fondness for blondes now – a mix of medium and dark blonde, and shoulder length.”

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?

“My eyes are a pale grey/blue, not really either color, just an odd combination of both. Most people find my eyes peculiar, especially when combined with the dark skin tones of my father’s Native American heritage. Being with Noah changed the way I look at myself. Through him, I’m beginning to see that pale grey/blue eyes can be more than just peculiar, they can be beautiful.”

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?

“I’ve never been to the opera or the ballet, and in all honesty, I’ve had enough of the symphony to last a lifetime. So I’m going to go with a rock concert. Just something about the pounding beat, the roar of the crowd and Noah, spotlighted center stage. I can pick rock concert, right?”

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?

“I’ve never been all that interested in jewelry. Shoes, yeah, shoes used to be my thing.”  Isabeau cups her left hand in her right and stares down at the rings on her finger. “Lately, however, I have a fondness for diamonds.”

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?

“Daisies. Roses are a bit trite, and orchids and lilies a bit fancy for my taste.”

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?

“I never touch the stuff. Too many years of witnessing the negative effects it can have on a person, I suppose. Noah likes a dark lager every now and again. Kissing him after he’s had one is the closest I come to drinking alcohol.”

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?

“Definitely coffee. Or a double mocha caramel with extra whip cream when I can get one. It means an extra mile or two on my daily jog but it’s sooo worth the calories! Sometimes late in the evening, after Noah’s put in a long day in the studio prepping for Black Phoenix’s upcoming Resurrection Tour, we’ll sit together on the back deck, overlooking the Sierra Nevada foothills, and share a few laughs while he sips tea with honey.”

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?

“Hmmm, salty snacks have their place, but I’m going to go with cookies – White chocolate chunk with cranberries just like my mother used to make when I was growing up.”

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?

“I love the feel of the sun on my face, but nothing beats a storm. The power and beauty of nature’s symphony –  no music is quite like it. I’ve always had a fondness for storms. Lately, my love of them has only grown stronger…”

~*~

Startled, she bolted upright in bed, her hand pressed against the frantic beat of her heart in her chest. A glance at her alarm clock told her it was thirty-six minutes after four. The incessant pounding told her whoever stood at the outside of her reinforced steel security door wouldn’t be ignored.

Wearing nothing but her silk robe, she crossed to the door, paused to peer through the peephole. She blinked to clear her eyes and looked again. With a gasp of shock, she threw the lock and pulled the door open.

Lightning flashed, illuminating Noah as he stood with his hands braced on either side of the doorway. Water ran in rivulets down his handsome face to soak his clothes to his skin, but he didn’t seem to notice. In fact, he didn’t seem to be aware of anything but her as he looked down at her.

Where earlier today his eyes had been emotionless, tonight they were anything but. Her skin flashed hot, her breath caught as deep green eyes filled with longing and desire locked on her. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t have to. His intent was obvious.

Before she could absorb the shock of his arrival, he used his left hand to push the door open wider. His right curled around her waist and pulled her against his wet body. Sensation overwhelmed her—the damp chill that immediately saturated her robe, the hot press of his mouth against hers and the heady combination of pleasure and pain as he fisted a hand in her hair and tugged her head back.

She realized in an instant that this was not going to be like any coupling they’d shared before. His lips were hard and demanding, his muscled arms like steel around her. He kicked the door closed as he feasted on her mouth, devouring, arousing her with his teeth, his tongue. And far from shying away from it, she fisted her hands in his shirt and begged for more.

He tasted like rain. He tasted like aroused man. Desperate to touch him, she trailed her hands down his chest and slipped them under his shirt. Beneath her palms, his body vibrated. Whether it was from restraint or emotion, she wasn’t certain, but she knew it was important for him to work through it. She was more than willing for him to do it with her.

She rocked against him, shuddering as his heat and strength radiated through their clothes. A groan rumbled out of his chest, and he lifted his head to come after her from a different angle. His kiss was voracious, starving. Rough and demanding. She wanted more.

His arm tightened around her waist and he lifted her off her feet. She braced her hands on his shoulders and arched her back in pleasure as his mouth closed over her breast. She sucked in air hungrily, greedily as he suckled her through the fabric, scraping his teeth across her budded nipple—moaning against the exquisite pain, sobbing his name. Shifting her, he treated her other breast to the same beautiful torture until she felt an orgasm building inside her.

His free hand skimmed over her body, slid down the outside of her thigh then up beneath the robe to cup her bare cheek. Her breath left her in a rush as sensation streaked through her. She lifted her knees and hugged his hips. The action separated her cheeks and his fingertips brushed along the division of her buttocks.

“Noah!” she gasped.

“Tell me to leave,” he growled as his fingertips continued downward, following the intimate curve until his long fingers eased between the lips of her sex and his thumb pushed into her in one devastating plunge.

She clamped tightly around him as a contraction exploded inside of her. “Stay.”

Riding Rodeo has a Release Date

The last person Amanda Goodson expected to walk into her bakery was Sean Cassidy, the bareback bronc rider who rode her hard one night and left without a good-bye the next day. Since then, she'd sworn off one-night stands and cowboys, but one look at the man she called Rodeo leaves her hankering for another ride. 


A nasty injury ended Sean’s career and left him with nothing but time to contemplate past sins, especially the most damning one…walking out on Amanda, the one woman he couldn’t forget. Eager to right the biggest mistake of his life, he finds Amanda–and learns he has competition. Never one to back down from a challenge, he offers to fulfill her darkest fantasy–taking two cowboys for a ride.

When the dust settles, will Sean’s plan to win Amanda’s trust backfire or will she risk her heart for one more shot at Riding Rodeo?

Coming November 11th from The Wild Rose Press.

All Hallow's Eve by Sherri A. Dub

October is definitely my favorite month of the entire year. Why?  Because of Halloween, of course.  I love the candy, the costumes and the general ambience that fills the autumn air with spooky chills and crisp scents.

I am a Paranormal Romance writer, so I love to observe the way that other people celebrate Halloween.  For myself, a Wiccan for over 25 years, I tend to enjoy solitary candle ceremonies and nights by the firelight with a good novel or a black and white film on TCM.  But, I always decorate the house and porch, leave the light on and have plenty of candy on hand for the kids.

While my son was growing up, Wiccan as well, we always explored haunted mansions and hotels together.  It was our "thing" so to speak.  We never saw anything amiss, but we've scared eachother numerous times over the years with pranks and jokes.  All in fun, I assure you.

However, did you know that in the 16th century, the Scottish people coined the phrase, All-Hallow's-Even and sent their children out guising, to sing and perform tricks for their neighbors in exchange for coins and treats?  I find this fascinating.

When I grew up, in a traditional Catholic family, my siblings and I dressed up and made a contest out of collecting the most candy we could in large pillowcases.  We truly didn't know the diverse meanings of the holiday and all we cared about was which super hero or monster we were going to be that year.  By the by, my favorite costume ever was when I dressed in my father's karate gi and had my hair twisted into buns on each side of my head to portray Princess Leia.  Sadly, I never had a light saber.

As a paranormal writer, I like to uncover any myths, legends and traditions related to Halloween that I can possibly use in my future stories.  One that I found recently, made me think of a million ideas, so I'll share it with you.  In Scotland, on the night of All-Hallow's-Even, unmarried women were known to sit in unlit rooms and gaze into mirrors to seek the vision of their future husbands in the glass.  If they saw him appear, they would be delighted.  If they found themselves looking at a skull, they would die before marriage.  I don't know about you, but that seems a pretty scary adventure, no matter the outcome.

This year, as Halloween approaches, I hope that everyone takes the time to enjoy the season.  Find a costume that makes you feel a bit less-inhibited by your normal restraits of life.  Eat a carmel apple, take a hay ride and by all means, explore a haunted house or corn maze.  You never know what you may find.  And, if you're a writer like me, the creative juices will be flowing before the last witch's cackle.

As for my husband and I, now that our son is grown, we like to visit Disneyland each year and see the spooktacular transformations of The Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. Also, the decorations and the delightful treats are always a plus.  Who wouldn't want to eat a Jack Skellington carmel apple while riding the train around the park, and donning a pair of ghostly Mickey ears?

For more information on my Paranormal Romance novels, please visit my website: http://www.sheropatra.com You can also friend me on Goodreads.com, Facebook or Twitter under the name: Sheropatra.

If you'd like a chance to win one of my novels, just leave a comment on this blog.

Haunted reading~

Rollercoaster Writing

I normally strive for brevity. Today's post will fail to hit the mark.

A writer's life is one of ups and downs with enough twists and turns to keep my stomach unsettled. Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@EmmaLaiWrites) know I fight against the loneliness the solitary life of a writer and stay-at-home-mom create. I'm also known to occasionally rant when something really strikes a negative cord.

However, I like to think of myself as an upbeat person. I share good news like signed contracts, new covers (check out the cover for Riding Rodeo) and release dates (Not Just Friends now available at Amazon).

Today though I'm focusing on how a recent discussion with an editor affected my perception of myself as a writer.

I love editors. They help me deliver a better product to my readers. And, confession time, I am an editor myself. So, double the love.

Being an editor, I've had to send out multiple rejection letters, and I always try and provide constructive and helpful feedback during the process. (I have to assume based on the responses I receive from authors that I'm successful.)

Believe it or not, the hardest letters are actually the "soft" rejections, which leave the door open for a rewrite and resubmit. I put a lot of thought into those because if the author makes the changes, I have every intention of pushing for a contract for them.

So when I get one of these as a writer, I strive to address the concerns of the editor and resubmit as soon as possible. But, I must say, the most recent hit my pause button. Not because the requests will be difficult to meet, but because one thing in particular made me wonder if I'm writing the right things.

This work is my first attempt at a full-length. (And let me say I have a greater appreciation for those who write novels after finishing the submission.) However, the editor requested I cut about 20K, which would almost assuredly drop it back into novella length. So, I wondered and still wonder if maybe I'm one of those people who can only write short stories. (Notice, I am NOT questioning whether I should write. At least, I've overcome that particular qualm. Decent sales for Twice is Not Enough, fan mail, reviews and editors' comments have all told me I deliver enjoyable stories, which is all the encouragement I need. I'm so easy.)

This is where having a good and diverse support group comes into play. Someone pointed out the chop request could be to meet company needs. It could also be that when all is said and done, the excess isn't necessary to the story. (I've had this particular suspicion niggling at the back of my mind since two weeks after I hit the submit button. And with my editor's hat on, I say to myself, "Why did you submit it?" But all writers know there are numerous moments of self-doubt in the submission process.)

My decision is too finish the two wips I have in progress before returning to the full-length. This is contrary to my normal inclination, but I've let the editor know I appreciated her efforts and my intent to rewrite and resubmit in the future, so I'll move on with a clear conscious.

My question to my readers is should I stick with short stories? Are they enough to keep you interested? Or, would you like something with more meat?

My comment to writers is to always keep an open mind about editorial comments. They generally put a lot of thought into the words they commit to a page...just like we do.

Review - Saddle Up by Marie Tuhart

For those of you who follow my Goodreads reviews...you'll have seen the following four star rating...

I'm an insatiably curious person and this book both satisfied and inspired my curiosity. No stranger to sex toys or BDSM, Saddle Up still provided some OMG moments and left me wanting more. Thankfully, there's another book in the series to explore. Ms. Tuhart had a knack with writing believable characters. Jared was the perfect Dom for me. He took control and maintained it without being an asshole...just a sexy, give-me-what-I-want man. And, his love of all things sex would inspire anyone's passion. Angie was a strong heroine, tired of having to maintain control all the time--so very easy to relate to. Can't wait to read Roped and Ready. Then, you also might have seen a very similar review on Amazon.  However, if something didn't seem quite right, then you probably picked up that Amazon censored my use of the word "asshole." I had to change it to obnoxious. Thank you to the Amazon system for chastising me on my word choice. For those of you interested in reading more, Angie shared her Ten Temptations with me back in September.

Angie Davidson finds herself at loose ends after her best friend's wedding and in need of a vacation, so when sexy yet aloof co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch, Jared Turner, insists she stay to explore their sexual attraction, she agrees. Though she loves being a submissive in the bedroom, Jared's distant air after lovemaking brings back bad memories. Can she show this strong sexy man he has nothing to fear from her, or will he abandon her like everyone else in her life has?

Sexy yet aloof Jared, co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch is eager to explore Angie's submissive side with two weeks of toys and other naughty play. However, the last time he was this attracted to a woman—mentally and phyiscally—she wasn't able to put up with his Dominant streak. Can Angie see that her vacation with him can be the perfect way of life?

Gabrielle Broussard, Heroine of Elizabeth Means' Dangerous Charade, Share Her Ten Temptations

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?

Compared to the miserable scratchy wool garments I’ve had to endure during my recent undercover assignment…they all sound tempting!  But under normal conditions, silk is my greatest temptation.  Its flowing drape and cool, smooth texture make me feel incredibly feminine the second I step into it.  And I can really identify with silk.  As materials go, it is a bit deceiving; much like my current circumstance has forced me to be.  At first glance it appears to be very fragile but the truth is it’s a surprisingly resilient material.

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy. Short or bald?

Bald?  Good heavens!  Surely you jest.  I cannot imagine being tempted by a shiny, nude head!  As for the other lengths, I think it all depends on the man wearing it.  Any hair style can be tempting given the right model. 

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?

Green eyes intrigue me the most, perhaps because they’re so rare.  Truth be told, there’s a pair of green eyes that are proving to be a rather dangerous temptation for me at the moment. They belong to the mysterious Lord Julian Blackwell.  But I’m certain I will get my feelings under control before any further damage can be done.  After all a green-eyed murder suspect is still a murder suspect, is he not? 

Alcoholic beverages: champagne, wine, whiskey or beer?

Consuming alcoholic beverages while on assignment is strictly against agency policy.  I would not dream of breaking their rules. 

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?

What unusual choices.  As a general rule I try not to snack for fear that I won’t be able to fit into my gowns.  That would upset the agency because outfitting undercover investigators is not cheap, even when one is pretending to be a governess.  But on those rare occasions that I am tempted, it is almost always by spongy tea cakes topped with clotted cream. They are divine!  They’re also the perfect complement to a sparkling glass of champagne.  Oh bugger!   Alright, I confess, once in a great while I might indulge in a glass of champagne.  Or two.  But not very often.  As I mentioned before it’s strictly against agency policy and I try my best not to bend their rules.  On another note, I’ve also found it tends to lower my guard and that is the last thing I need to do around Lord Blackwell.

Performing arts: opera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?

I’m unfamiliar with this Broadway you speak of but whatever it is I’m certain it cannot compare with the beauty of ballet.  The combination of the colorful costumes, music and athletic ability of the dancers leave me in awe every time I see a performance.  Which has not been for quite some time, unfortunately. 

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?

Black pearls.  They’re stunning and they’re rare.  The way they reflect the light off their dark exterior remind me of dreamy starlit nights.  

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?

Peach roses, they emit the most delightful fragrance.  It’s funny you should ask because it just so happens I was recently tempted with an entire roomful of them!  Normally this would not be a problem but the sender happens to be Lord Blackwell, the one with the green-eyes who cannot be trusted.  The devil take it!  Why must he be my number one suspect?

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?

Tea, of course.  Is there anything else?

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?

It depends greatly on my mood.  I love cloudy days immediately before a storm hits, when it’s just starting to build momentum.  The sky turns gray and ominous and there’s an indescribable energy in the air.  I find days like that to be very romantic.  Sometimes they lead me to daydream what it might be like to curl up before the fire with the man I love and share a nice bottle of wine.  Oh drat, I did it again!  I suppose I have another small confession to make… I do enjoy a good merlot.  I fear I’ve said too much…you did say no one from the agency will be able to see this interview, correct?

Author: Elizabeth Means

Title; Dangerous Charade

Available: September 23, 2011 from TWRP in print and e-book CLICK HERE to buy the book!
Website: www.elizabeth-means.com

Contact: through author website

To escape an arranged marriage Gabrielle Broussard flees her home to become an undercover investigator with an elite, all-female investigative agency.  Her first assignment, as governess at Westford castle to investigate the suspicious death of the Countess of Westford, quickly becomes complicated when she finds herself attracted to her number one suspect.

Lord Julien Blackwell is a survivor.  After his father’s bankruptcy, he becomes a self-made man in Victorian England’s booming industrial era.  Trapped into a loveless marriage, he has survived the shock of his wife’s sudden death.  But now he must survive rumors and outright accusations.  Hiring a private agency to investigate and prove his innocence seems like a good idea…until desire threatens to compromise both the case and the life of the investigator.

Dangerous Charade, teaser

“One-two-three... two-two-three… very good.”  Julian held Gabrielle securely about the waist as they moved across the floor in perfect unison.  “You’re a surprisingly quick study.”

She nodded demurely, barely able to concentrate on whatever it was her feet were supposed to be doing. Or not doing. Dancing with Julian was proving to be even more unnerving than she had feared. Having his body but a breath away from hers was far too distracting. He was her number one murder suspect, and she needed to keep her wits about her now more than ever.

“Are you sure you’ve never waltzed before?” he asked.

“Never,” she lied.

He spun them around quickly, catching her off guard, causing her to cling to him tighter. “I believe you’re ready for Rocancourt’s ball. I no longer fear you will trip over both my feet and embarrass us silly.”

She pursed her lips. “I can assure you I would do no such thing, with or without your lessons.”

“You don’t say?” He furrowed his brow in mock thoughtfulness. “Do you know what I’m thinking, Gabrielle?”

“I cannot begin to imagine, my lord.” She cursed the butterflies in her stomach. The effect he had on her when he breathed her name in that seductive drawl of his was maddening.

He leaned down so his face was beside hers and whispered in her ear. “I think you have a secret.” He felt her body tense. “Oh, yes, I’m onto your little game.”