Welcome Angela Aaron!

A big Thank You for allowing me to invade your blog today.  I am honored to be counted as one of your guests.

Okay, I'm ready for the questions (rubbing hands together)- bring 'em on.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day? 

Hm…had to start with the tough one, eh?  Well, I write when I can. I definitely do not have a set schedule.  I work full time and I'm a single mom to a wonderful son who is a senior this year.  I write mostly in the evenings and on the weekends.  I have been known to get up at 4:00 a.m. to get a few things down before I forget, however this is only on rare occasions. I get so little sleep, I don't give it up too easily. 

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The hardest part of writing is finding quiet time to do it. I have a hard time setting aside housework and other chores to write.  I get obsessed with wanting all the work done before I write.  I am learning that it never gets done (ha- isn't that the truth?) and I just have to accept it and find time to write.

What do you think makes a good story?

I think there are several elements that make a good story, but first and foremost are characters I like to like (or hate) and that interact well together.  I've seen great characters but awkward dialog between them drew me out of the story.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?

Both and neither.  Sometimes I have a rough outline, sometimes I have nothing and just let the story develop.  Sometime I have really detailed notes.  I actually find a mixture works best for me. I like to have a rough outline, but I also let the characters take me where they want to go. Quite often I don't have an ending. I like to wait until writing is well underway before I figure out how it is going to end.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

I have 3,427 songs on my Ipod.  No kidding.  I just looked.  I have everything from Celtic to 70's guitar rock, soundtracks to Lord of the Rings, King Arthur, and Phantom, 60's hits, bagpipes and a crazy medieval metal bagpipe band, classical and country.  The only kind that is NOT on my Ipod is Rap. 

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I definitely listen to music while I write.  Sets the mood and helps set free my imagination.

Tell us about your favorite character from your books

Right now, my fav character is Aedan from my latest.  I love a big alpha male, especially one that is a bit arrogant (but has every right) and strong in his convictions.  I loved writing Aedan in Scottish dialect.  That was such a challenge.

Tell us about your current release.

I am glad you asked this and here is my shameless plug (snicker).

Imagine this:  It is 6:30 a.m. on a freezing February morning.  The air is biting crisp and the sky is clear.  It is "nose-hair-sticking" cold.  There isn't another soul around as I pull into the parking lot of work.  I have no desire to get out of my warm car and instead decide to finish my coffee and mumble about the winter doldrums. I look to my left and there is the biggest, brightest full moon I've ever seen and it captivates my full attention.  Being the hopeless romantic I am, found myself wondering how much magic that moon really has, and wouldn't it be grand if I walked inside the building and stepped into an adventure with a handsome alpha hero.  Well, the whimsical thought came and went and I eventually braved the cold and headed into work.  As I entered the building the thought came to me that I should write down what I was just thinking and make a story out of the experience. That's how The Fire of Beltane was born.

I spent the next few months observing and jotting down notes and ideas that kept flooding my brain. I developed my characters from watching the people around me.  My heroine, Aislinn (pronounced Ashlynn) is the combination of 3 different people and my Hero Aedan, on the other hand is pure made-up alpha fantasy. I love to write strong but flawed and terribly perfect heros because that is what I like to read.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.

The Fire of Beltane is a story full of sizzling romance, magic and mystery; where the impossible becomes possible.  It's a story where dreams come true…literally.

It is a feel good story at its barest! The love scenes are hot-hot-hot, but it can be no other way for Aedan and Aislinn. (Content warning:  Sizzling graphic love scenes, ancient public fertility ceremony)  And yes…I did write the "moon" scene into the story.

Blurb:

The Fire of Beltane

Angela Aaron

When Aedan is denied his soul mate that fateful Beltane night, he is given the gift of immortality, permitting him to wait for her prophesized return. Reunited after eleven-hundred years, he is disheartened to learn his true love holds no memory of him.

Wishing for a distraction from the winter doldrums, Aislinn never expected to be caught up in a whirlwind of magic and danger with a man she has spent her whole life dreaming about. What he asks of her tests the very reality she holds dear.

Now, as Beltane approaches, and with time running out, Aedan and Aislinn must reach Ireland to pledge their love to one another. But in order to live out their destinies, they must overcome an ancient foe determined to see an end to their fated love.

Eleven hundred years he waited for her. He could lose her in a single moment.

 My Website:  http://www.angelaaaronauthor.yolasite.com

The Blog I share with Heather Peters:  http://www.bodaciousbabesbookbuds.blogspot.om

Buy link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books?author=152

Facebook:  Angela Aaron or Angela Aaron Author

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG8uRbVTxqc

Welcome Sue Brown

I guess this is all Lisa Worrall’s fault. It’s eleven thirty at night and I need a blog topic for tomorrow. She gives me my first teenage crush.


*bangs head* Do I want to be reminded of that? No, I really don’t think so. Okay, who was your first teenage crush? Was he some gorgeous ripped hunk, with perfectly tanned skin and dark, flashing eyes? Was she big breasted, small waisted and long legged?

Mine… wasn’t. In my mind he was lean and beautiful, with dark, flashing eyes. I used to dream about him. He worked in my local library, and I used to visit as often as I could just to see this boy.

I should thank him really. He certainly encouraged my love of books. I used to cycle to the library every couple of days as I’d do anything to see this lad. I went through a fair portion of the fiction section drooling at him. I think he was about 3 or 4 years older than me –in my world that was a lifetime. I’d never have been brave enough to actually approach him, dreaming was enough.

I used to daydream about meeting him outside of the library, him walking me home and then… fade to black. I was too young and naïve to think beyond that stage. Besides which Mills & Boon or Barbara Cartland didn’t let me know what happened next. At that stage it was all chaste kisses and holding hands. Certainly there were no heaving bosoms or anything below the waist.

I am so easily distracted. Back to my first crush. It didn’t last. It wasn’t that I was unfaithful. I am always faithful to my crushes. Nope, the problem was that I put my glasses on. My first crush proved to be a greasy, skinny, spotty oik not worthy of my daydreams. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was. I transferred my affections immediately to the boy at the local sweetshop. Should I thank him for my mouthful of fillings?

So, I’ve embarrassed myself enough. Let’s share the mortification. Who was your first crush? Were you the object of anybody’s crush? Come on, I have the popcorn. Tell all to Aunty Sue.

Author Bio: Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found at university listening to lecturers discuss long-dead theologians. In her head, however, she's plotting how to get her cowboys into bed together; she just hopes the lecturer doesn't ask her any questions.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she's made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Final Admission Buy Links:

Noble Romance: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/357/Final-Admission

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Final-Admission-ebook/dp/B006NGE7V8/ref=zg_bs_172503011_19

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-finaladmission-728536-145.html

Blurb:
James Trenchard is a dick. Everyone in Bingwell, Brock, and Bacon says so, and after Ethan’s first encounter with the man, he agrees. Ethan resolves to avoid James but ends up working closely with him and discovers the lawyer's hiding a secret from the world. Ethan also realizes he's falling too hard too fast. Ethan has to decide if he should help James and risk getting entangled in the mess James has gotten himself into, or move on. But walking away from love is never a simple decision to make.

Excerpt: Chapter One


"Trenchard is a dick. Unless you're a chick. Then he's the only one with a dick. The rest of us might as well not exist."

There was a rumble of agreement around the coffee room at Vince's vehement rhyming declaration.

Ethan looked around at the other assistants, as they nodded in agreement. As the newest employee of Bingwell, Brock, and Bacon, the largest advertising agency in the city, he had no idea who Trenchard was, or what he had done to offend the senior administrator. He noticed the small, secretive smile that curved the lips of several women in the room, as they stared down into their coffee cups. Ethan had the impression she knew a lot more than she was giving away.
Vince curled his fingers around his cup so tightly Ethan feared that it was going to crack. "Do you remember last year with Antonia from the third floor?"

"Heck, yes." Paul chimed in. "He was all over her the second we walked in the building."

"And she went out to dinner with him." Vince's tone was bitter. "When I asked her to go out for a drink, she laughed at me. Then Trenchard raised his eyebrow, and she was dropping her panties before you could say slut."

Paul shrugged. "Yeah, but he's James Trenchard, Vince. If he asked you out, you'd be dropping your panties even faster."

Ethan waited for Vince to explode. He was, as far as Ethan was aware, a full-on heterosexual male, albeit an arrogant douche who had the women running for the hills.

Instead, Vince bit at his fingernail, before saying, "Nah, probably not."

"Who is this dude?" Ethan asked, totally confused.

Vince gave him a look. "He's James Trenchard."

As if that was supposed to explain everything. By the way they all nodded again, maybe it did.

From the way they said James Trenchard, Ethan wasn't sure what he expected. The Messiah, perhaps? In all the years his mom forced him to go to church, no one told him that he'd meet the Messiah at Bingwell, Brock, and Bacon
* * * * *

In the lobby, as James Trenchard greeted Leanne Cauldwell, the administration director and Ethan's boss, Ethan stared at him, trying to see the attraction. Sure, the guy was good-looking, almost beautiful even, for a guy in his mid-thirties, with sleek, light brown hair that curled over his collar, and ice-blue eyes framed by long lashes. Those lips wouldn't look out of place on a woman, except, on Trenchard, they didn't look effeminate. He was wearing a charcoal gray, pinstripe suit, with a plum-colored shirt and tie. Ethan noticed how well the suit pants showed off Trenchard's ass. The lawyer seemed friendly enough. Ethan wondered what he'd done to warrant the enmity of Vince Lines.

Up until the moment Trenchard let the door bang behind him, right into Ethan's face.

"Told you so." Vince's nasty whisper floated behind Ethan.

The guy was a dick, no doubt about it. Not a word of apology for almost rearranging Ethan's nose, then Trenchard ignored them all as they used the elevator to the tenth floor. Ethan stared at the lawyer's back with dislike, his top lip curling as James Trenchard openly flirted with Ethan's boss.

Ethan felt sickened, the way Trenchard's hand rested on her lower back as he guided her toward the conference room. What was worse, Leanne "Lay-one-finger-on-me-and-I'll-bust-your-balls" Cauldwell was positively blooming under Trenchard's sleazy charm. She had just giggled—giggled—at something he said.

But as the lawyer showed Ms. Cauldwell into the large, airy room, he looked over his shoulder to the men following them, Ethan included.

"Your boys get prettier every year, Lulu," Trenchard said conversationally. "Especially that large one. He's so young."

The large one, of course, had to be Ethan; he cleared most of the men by at least half a foot. And he wasn't fucking pretty. Especially not with a door imprint on his face. Unimpressed at being reduced to the level of a thirteen-year-old girl, Ethan rolled his eyes at Vince and Paul.

He noticed Ms. Cauldwell hadn't even bothered to look at her team. "You batting for the other side this year, James?"

"I bat for everyone," Trenchard said, then showed his perfect, white teeth.

Ethan imagined Trenchard sinking them into Ethan's shoulder, even as he sank his cock into Ethan's body.

Ms. Cauldwell snorted. "I bet you do. Well, my boys are pretty and clever, so don't you forget it. Don't make the mistake of thinking they're just for show."

Trenchard swept a glance appreciatively over the small group of men; his gaze lingered on Ethan's face. "Oh, I won't underestimate them, Lulu; I definitely won't."

And didn't Ethan just know Trenchard was talking to him. He wanted to punch him in the face.

"I don't think your boy likes me very much." James confided to Ms. Cauldwell as they sat down.

"Mr. Williams has good instincts," Ms. Cauldwell said.

Ethan resisted the urge to preen a little.

"I'm sure he does." Trenchard drawled.

The rest of them spread around the table. Ethan didn't know how it happened but somehow he ended up on the opposite side of the table from the lawyer. His temper rising, he avoided looking at the man's smug face; instead, his gaze fell on Trenchard's hand wrapped around a fountain pen. Long fingers tipped with well-manicured hands—strong hands. Ethan wondered what they'd look like around his dick. Flushing guiltily, Ethan looked up, to catch Trenchard smirking. Hastily averting his eyes, Ethan caught Ms. Cauldwell staring at them with a resigned expression.

"For heaven's sake, put him down, James." Ms. Cauldwell sounded more resigned than angry as she tapped her fingers on the table impatiently.

Trenchard leaned back in his chair. "I haven't touched him, Lulu."

Ethan wondered if he was the only one who could hear the yet.

"He's off-limits. Mr. Williams, if you could actually concentrate on our meeting?" Her tone made it clear that it wasn't a question.

His cheeks grew even hotter. Ethan muttered his apologies. He could feel the amused stares of all his colleagues except for Vince, who glared at him from farther down the table. Ethan looked up to see Trenchard still gazing at him, as if he were a succulent piece of prime rib.

Ethan was grateful when the meeting actually started, which diverted attention away from him. As the meeting progressed, he was unwillingly impressed. Trenchard knew his business. Nothing got past him as he went through each file. Ethan managed to acquit himself adequately when it came to his turn, answering all of the lawyer's questions competently. Some of his colleagues didn't fare so well. Ethan winced as Trenchard shredded Vince for a mistake that cost the agency thousands of dollars.

By the end of the meeting, he was feeling more relaxed and able to handle himself. That complacent feeling lasted until he felt a warm foot travel up his calf. From the angle of the foot, it could only be Trenchard. Ethan was pinned like a butterfly on a board as the silk-clad foot tiptoed its way higher, until it rested neatly in his groin.

Trenchard's mouth moved as skillfully in his detailed discussion on why the agency would get screwed by Disney if they used a phrase in a technical manual as his foot did in its detailed exploration of Ethan's groin.

Unable to move, unable to say anything, Ethan bit his lip as his traitorous cock sat up and begged for attention. He couldn't even shove Trenchard off without drawing attention to himself. There was absolutely nothing he could do, as slowly, inexorably, he drew closer to climax. Just as his balls drew up tight, screaming for their release, the foot disappeared.

In shock at his denied orgasm, Ethan watched in horror as the lawyer pushed back his chair and stood.

"I think we're done for the day, Lulu. Good work, everyone." Trenchard's gaze swept around the room. He gave a brief smile. "I believe there is lunch in the boardroom. I'm sure the sandwiches aren't too stale."

Everyone stood, except Ethan; he clutched his pen so tightly it was in danger of snapping. So close to coming, a puff of wind could've set him off.

"Mr. Williams, are you coming?" Ms. Cauldwell raised an eyebrow at her associate's lack of motion.

Most likely, he thought desperately, as he gave her a wild-eyed, "Yes, ma'am."

"I'll leave you to collect the files, then you can join us in the boardroom." She pushed back her chair, not giving a hint that she knew of his predicament.

"Yes, ma'am." He repeated himself, not moving a muscle. Trenchard, the bastard, left without even a backward glance at Ethan.

Paul gave him a puzzled look but obediently handed over his file, the others following suit.

Angry as fuck, Ethan grumbled, alone in the conference room with a pile of files in front of him, his erection hardly subsided since that bastard left him hanging. He wanted to get his cock out and jack off. Get it over and done with. Only he couldn't do that, so he had to wait until his boner had gone down enough for him to walk without a limp. He'd be lucky if there was any food left by the time he got there. Ethan ground his teeth in frustration.

When he finally could show himself in public and walk into the boardroom, his prediction proved accurate. The food platters were empty, the only things left a few pieces of limp watercress. Ethan groaned inwardly. It would be late evening before he had a chance to eat again.

"Here."

Someone thrust a plate into his hand. Not expecting it, Ethan dropped the pile of files in his arms. The sandwiches miraculously stayed on the plate. The room went silent for a moment, then everyone burst into laughter.

"Dear me, Lulu, you really picked a good one this time."

Ethan could hear Trenchard's mocking tone over the laughter. He sank to his knees to pick up the files, but not before putting a sandwich in his mouth, just in case they got taken away. Paul immediately joined him, reaching out for a file that had slipped farther away.

"I'm so sorry, Ethan."

"Huh?"

"I saved you some food. I should have waited until you'd put the files down."

"So you should, Mr. Vicini. It seems Mr. Williams can't manage two things at once. Multitasking is obviously not one of his skills."

Ethan looked up to see Trenchard standing over him, that stupid, mocking smile still on his handsome face. Glaring at the lawyer, he got to his feet, files in hand.

Throwing caution to the wind, Ethan leaned forward and lowered his voice. "I am perfectly capable of managing two things at once, Mr. Trenchard, just as you seem to be. It's really a shame you'll never have a chance to discover that for yourself."

He took satisfaction in the fleeting look of disappointment that crossed the lawyer's face.

His boss watched them from the sidelines, wearing a peculiarly satisfied expression.

"I think I'll take the files back to the office, Ms. Cauldwell." He didn't really care if this was against protocol.

She nodded, that odd look still on her face. "Good idea, Mr. Williams."

He took another sandwich from the plate Paul still held; he was hungry, after all, then left the room, thankfully without tripping, a shred of his dignity still intact.

As he left, he heard his boss say quietly, "One for my team this year, I think."

James gave a short laugh. "Not on your life, Lulu. This is just the opening salvo. Williams is just a kid. He could never stand to play with the big boys."

And didn't Ethan just hear the emphasis.

Ethan was a short hop from dropping the files and walking back in to plant his fist in James' face.

"Honestly, Lulu, you're going have to up your game if you think you're going to beat me."

"James, one day you might just get what's coming to you."

"Never gonna happen."

Humiliated and furious, Ethan stabbed at the elevator button. The guy was a lawsuit waiting to happen. Who the fuck did he think he was? If Ethan didn't need his job so much, he might have called the bastard's bluff. Except he wouldn't have, because God, that foot had felt good on his cock.

Yes, Mr. Trenchard, you are a total dick.

Welcome Raven McAllan

How did you start your writing career?
At school, winning two where does chocolate come from writing competitions. As an adult, meeting Robyn Donald a New Zealand writer who told me to go for it or I'd regret it. Entering a terrible piece in a romance writing competition in 2010, but meeting my crit group through that. They dared me to write my first book.


Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
Raig in The Price To Pay. He has to really fight to get Vairi. She pushes against him all the way.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
Ankor Wat, the thought of it fascinates me. South Island New Zealand, we didn't make it that far. And back to The Great Wall, Halong Bay, Singapore … too many to mention. I've been so lucky where I have visited so far.

Does travel play in the writing of your books?
It should do a lot more, considering where I've visited. Well I did get an idea for two interrelated books whilst I was on holiday in St.Kitts recently. The plantation house we stopped in Ottleys gave me food for thought.
Tell us about your current release.
To Please a Lady, is a historical m/m/f menage. Great fun, and Hermione lead her lovers them a merry dance. Here's the blurb:

When your lovers are lovers themselves, and want you to help them make the perfect triangle, what do you say? Persuade me of course!

Unconventional, and happy, Hermione is in the enviable position of having not one, but two lovers to attend to her every need. That her lovers are lovers themselves, only adds to the equation. Berry and Ran feel it’s time to make all their various twosomes, into one splendid threesome. Now all they have to do is persuade Hermione!

Being men, they are too impatient to wait for her answer. Being a woman, she isn’t going to be pushed, shoved or coerced into saying anything until she is good and ready. Patience is a virtue, and one her men needed to get.

Also Taken Identity, (noble romance) where Jules finds someone has stolen her life. And she wants it back!



Tell us about your next release.

The Price to Pay, it's out Feb 24th here's the blurb… Do a friend a favor? Easy. Persuade the woman she's your soul-mate - not so easy. Does this cougar romance stand a chance?

Raig was doing a favor for a friend - babysitting mum. Who'd have thought that 'mum' turned out to be the woman of his dreams?

Raig could see their future, Vairi could only see the age difference. He may say you were only as old as the man you feel but she couldn't do the forever he wanted. Too many obstacles stood in their way, especially when she finds out Raig has not been telling her the truth by omission. She too has secrets she's not willing to share. Can they open up, be honest and put their doubts behind them? Then discover how satisfying a cougar romance can be?

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?
See above. And a great publisher and editor keep me going.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?
No, but Doris O'Connor is my conscience, my ear to moan to and my send it here and I'll do it it synopsis sorter

Who is your favorite author?
I don't have just one. Doris O'Connor, Miss Read, WEB Griffin. Too many to mention.

When was your first sale?
October 7th 2011

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
On and off all day. I have a dodgy shoulder that sometimes means my hands go numb, so I have to be careful. I'm best in the 'wee small hours'

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Getting the characters to listen to me. And giving then up at the end. I want to go on and on.

Where do you research for your books?
On line, at the library, family history.

What does your family think of your writing career?
Hmm. Depends who you ask.

Does your significant other read your stuff?
He does, and if he thinks something isn't right he tells me. It's good to get a blokes perspective, also Doris's OH reads my stuff. He really got me going with The Price to Pay. MY OH was away on business, and as it is all written from the man's POV he checked it over for me..

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Doris O'Connor. I've no idea where she finds the time. And my crit group UCW without them I wouldn't have dared submit.

Who are your books published with?
Breathless Press; Noble Romance, and soon Evernight Publishing

Do you hear from your readers? What kinds of questions do they ask?
Yes, and It's great to know people read them. They ask sorts of things, from do I research (Oh YES) are my characters based on any one (Oh NO) to can you read my M/S for me. Sorry! It takes me all my time to read my own.

What do you think makes a good story?
Believable human characters. A good plot and and yup, HEA or HFN

Plotter or Pantser? Why?
I always thought I was plottter. I so am not. Definitely pantster. Or a led by my characters-ster! I would love to know exactly what was going to happen and when, but I don't think I'd have a good book at the end of it.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it? I do Raven Is the bird that brings change. Before I had my first acceptance there was a Raven in the garden. And every time I hear anything about a M/S I see one or two waiting for me to look at them before they fly away. McAllan is the finest single malt Scotch whisky I think you can get.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Thanks for supporting me. I hope we grow older together.

Interview with Karenna Colcroft

Please give a warm welcome to my guest Karenna Colcroft!


How did you start your writing career?

Back in 2006, I was dealing with some stuff from my past (and present). Among other issues, that stuff had left me with a very negative view of sex. A friend of mine challenged me to put my writing skills to use and write something that “showed sex in a positive light.” I wrote a short scene and was kind of impressed with it, and that started me writing erotic romance. That scene, in a slightly altered form, appears in my novel Eternal Love, which was released by Pink Petal Books in July 2010and will be one of their freebie specials in September.

Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

Right now, I would have to say it’s Kyle Slidell from my M/M novel Salad on the Side, which is available from MLR Press. He’s a wiseass and a very strong character, and I had a lot of fun writing him. Who doesn’t love a vegan werewolf? A close second would be Niko, from my MFM novel Shiny Objects, which will be out in a few days from Passion in Print Press. Niko is a very complex character and is based on a close friend of mine, so I really enjoyed writing him as well.

Tell us about your next release.

My next release will be Shiny Objects. Elena is happy in her relationship with her live-in boyfriend Corin, until her former lover Niko re-enters her life. Her feelings for Niko—and his for her—haven’t faded despite not seeing each other for a year and a half. When an innocent visit leads to a kiss, she believes she has to end the friendship, until she confesses to Corin and he gives her his okay to explore her feelings for Niko.
Of course, it doesn’t go as easily as all that. Elena, Niko, and Corin are all human, and they each have their own positive and negative reactions to the arrangement. There’s a lot of discussion and boundary-setting, and eventually they do work it all out. If you’re looking for a story where everything goes the way the heroine wants and they’re all thrilled to be in a threesome, this book might not be for you. But if you’re looking for one that presents a pretty realistic view of a polyamorous arrangement, complete with the bumps on the road and with a happy ending, you might want to check this one out. I’ve shared a short excerpt at the end of this interview.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?

There have been a number of people who have helped me, and I don’t want to forget mentioning anyone! But the three who stand out most are Lex Valentine, Tess MacKall, and Emmy Ellis. I owe each of those ladies a big thank you.
Amber - All great authors! :o)

When was your first sale?

My first sale was in January 2009, to Excessica Publishing. It was a short, titled “Ask and You Shall Receive”, which was released in March of that year. It’s unavailable now, as rights have reverted to me, but once I have a gap in my deadlines I plan to revise and expand it into a novella, and possibly self-publish.
When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

What does your family think of your writing career?

My family—at least those who know what I write—are pretty proud of me. My father drives a limo-van for a hotel and has been known to tell his passengers that his daughter’s an author. My husband calls himself my “research assistant” and brags about me at work (which gets a bit awkward at times, since he and I work at the same place!) My daughters have read my young adult fiction, which is written under a different name, and are proud of me for that; my older one is a bit irked that I won’t let her read my romances, though.
Amber - LOL My husband does the same thing!


Does your significant other read your stuff?

No, hubby refuses to read my books. He says he’s afraid he’ll hurt my feelings if he doesn’t like them. He prefers science fiction and high fantasy, anyway, and I don’t write anything like that.
Amber - Mine won't read my M/M, but loves reading the rest.

Who are your books published with?

As I mentioned, I was first published with Excessica, but the two titles I had with them are no longer available. I have a short with Noble Romance and a novella with Siren Publishing. The majority of my romances are with Pink Petal Books (I have five with them now and another under contract), and my third novella from Ellora’s Cave released a couple weeks ago, with another one under contract. I have a novel out with MLR Press, and my upcoming release from Passion in Print Press.
You can find out more about the books, including review links and buy links, on my website, http://www.karennacolcroft.com.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a published author and a teacher. I don’t teach anymore, but the published author thing seems to be working out pretty well.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

Take your time. You don’t have to be published tomorrow. Learn your craft and develop your skills. Find a trusted author—not a non-writing friend—to look over your work if you’re not sure about it. And take time also to research publishers when you reach that point. There are unfortunately scam artists out there, along with well-meaning but clueless people who think they can run a company but end up going bust within a few months.

Shiny Objects
releasing August 16 from Passion in Print Press http://www.passioninprint.com.
Blurb:

Elena is happy in her relationship with her live-in boyfriend Corin. But when she runs into her former lover Niko at a party, she realizes she still has feelings for him. Her attempt to form a friendship with Niko goes off-course when the two of them kiss.
When she confesses to Corin, he encourages her to not only remain friends with Niko, but to pursue a relationship with the other man. At first Niko has no objections, but the two men soon become rivals, and Elena isn't sure she can handle being shared.

Excerpt:

“I don’t like letting people in,” he repeated. “I don’t want to give anyone a chance to learn something they might use against me. And yeah, that’s probably paranoid as hell, but that’s been my experience.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had that happen.” She folded her legs in front of her. “Do you think I’d do that, though?”
“No, and that’s why you’ve managed what no one else has. And don’t think no one else has tried.” He took a ragged breath. “None of them managed it, and that led to the end of some so-called friendships. No skin off my nose. I won’t change what I am just because someone expects it of me. They can take me or leave me.”
“You’re a good person,” she said softly.
He stared at her for a moment. No one had ever said that to him before, and he knew she meant it completely. She truly saw him that way. “And that’s exactly what did it,” he said finally. “You really think that of me. Maybe I am a good person. Maybe not, or not as much as you think. You believe it of me, and that comes pretty close to making me believe it too. No one else has ever made me feel like that. You did it right from the start, and that’s why you made it in.”
“So is that good or bad?”
“It is what it is,” he said. “Do you even understand what I’m saying? Do you understand what you’ve done yet, or do I really have to spell it out? Some things don’t need to be said.”
“And some things do.” She hesitated. “You’re a good person, and a good friend.”
“So are you.” He chuckled bitterly. “I think you do understand, even if you don’t want to. That’s fine. You have your man, and I’m just something on the side for you.”
“I didn’t say that!” she exploded.
“You said I’m a good friend,” he replied. “Which implies there’s nothing else between us, sex or not.”
“I didn’t imply a fucking thing,” she spat. “You inferred it, and you’re wrong.”
“Really?” He leaned forward. “So maybe you’re lying to yourself when you think you’re in love with your man, is that it?” He was baiting her now, but he needed to hear her say something that indicated she had feelings for him. If she truly only considered him a friend, he would end this now. He had to hear her tell him differently.
“No.” She stood abruptly. “Look, I came over because I thought you actually needed to talk to me about something important. For someone who’s so hung up on honesty, you’re doing a lot of dancing around what you wanted to tell me. Which is fine. It’s your choice whether to talk to me or not. But don’t you dare sit there and act like a sarcastic jackass about Corin and me.”
He stared at her, open-mouthed, for a moment, chuckling again, more amused this time, and sat back. “Good for you,” he said sincerely. “I didn’t think you had it in you to stand up for yourself like that. Sit back down, and I promise to be good.”
She stayed on her feet, glaring at him. “I didn’t say I only thought of you as a friend. Or a fuck buddy.”
Not quite the words he’d hoped for, but for the moment they would do. He relaxed. “I said sit. Please.” A pleading note entered his voice.
She hesitated, before sitting down again. “Say what you mean,” she said firmly. “Or I will leave.”
“If you had any idea how hard this is for me to say, you wouldn’t be so pushy.” Now or never. Speak the truth, or forever let her go.
He took a deep breath. “I don’t love,” he said again. “I don’t let myself feel that deeply about anyone. And still you got in.”

Thanks for being here today Karenna! Do drop by again! :o)

Interview with Lucy Felthouse

Please give a warm welcome to Lucy Felthouse

How did you start your writing career?

I started writing erotica on a dare. Soon afterwards I came across the now-defunct UK magazine, Scarlet, and submitted a piece to it. They published it, and I've never looked back!

Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

I like the character Meg from my latest Noble Romance release, BITE WITH HEIGHT. She's a vampire living in Paris and she's sassy, sexy and smart. She also has quite the unusual lifestyle (even for a vampire!) but I'm not telling you what, because it'll give the game away!

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I don't write every day. I fit it in around my freelance work (PR, Marketing & Web Design) and sometimes I like to get all my other jobs done so I can have a full day to write. Other times I'll slot it in for half an hour here and there. I can be pretty flexible, which is great because it helps me keep to deadlines. Sort of!

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The beginning and the end. If I don't get the beginning right, I find it difficult to keep going. Once I've got it, the writing tends to flow. Then finishing is hard because you want to tie up loose ends and give it an ending which will please readers.

Where do you research for your books?

I don't. The majority of my stuff is contemporary or paranormal erotica or erotic romance so it all comes out of every day inspirations and my sordid imagination.


As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a writer. Occasionally I'd say I wanted to be a vet and some other things, but it always came back to writer.

What are your favorite TV shows?

Supernatural, True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Hex and Being Human.

What hobbies do you actively pursue?

Reading, writing, watching the above shows, watching films, walking and going out visiting country houses and other historical stuff.

Morning Person? Or Night Person?

A night person, definitely. I am so dopey in the mornings it's ridiculous. I never write early in the morning because my brain just won't fire up. It's late morning before any words arrive on the page!

What would we find under your bed?

Books, toiletries, dull paperwork and more books.


Blurb:

When Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she's intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.

Excerpt:

Meg was hungry. Or, to be more precise, she was thirsty. Taking her usual route down the Boulevard de Clichy, she knew she'd find something suitable to drink if she waited long enough. The Pigalle area was notorious both in Paris and further afield, known for its sleazy bars, clubs, and sex shops. Most young women traveling alone would avoid it like the plague. Not Meg. For her, it was the ideal hunting ground.

At this time, just past sunset, it was always full of people, some going about their daily life, which just happened to take the crowds through one of the city's seediest areas. Others came to stare, bug-eyed, at the voluptuous women trying to entice them into lap-dancing clubs. They giggled behind their fingers as they shuffled past shop windows advertising all manner of equipment for use in the bedroom.

Then there were stag and hen parties—groups that descended on Pigalle, spent an evening causing havoc in the bars and clubs, then left, having laughed themselves hoarse and having drunk a skinful.

Most of these people were utterly harmless. The area was an attraction, a bit of fun. For others, it was much more. Attacks on working girls were not uncommon. Or at least, they hadn't been. The crime rates had dropped dramatically since Meg had moved to the area. Nobody, much less the police, knew why. And Meg didn't intend for them to find out.

Meg thought she had a thorough measure of the area and its inhabitants, so, she was completely taken by surprise when she saw the girl. By now, Meg was much further up the boulevard, on a strip of pavement between the Moulin Rouge and the inevitable branch of Starbucks. Glancing across at the coffee house, Meg spotted her. The girl sat at a table outside, gripping a cup of something-or-other as though her life depended on it.

She was beautiful. She was also completely out of place. At this time, the majority of people were here because they wanted to be. This girl looked as though she would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere else. Wondering if the girl had been coerced into coming by a boyfriend, Meg gritted her teeth and crossed the road.

As she drew closer, she realized there was no other cup on the table, no evidence at all to suggest that the girl was there with someone else. Meg headed inside and ordered a Cappuccino with an extra shot. Caffeine always did her the world of good. It warmed the blood. Taking her beverage outside, she heaved a sigh of relief as she noted both that the girl was still there, and that the seat beside her was the only one available.

Moving toward the girl, Meg smiled and asked, "Do you mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is taken."

Momentarily startled, the girl looked at Meg and smiled shyly. "Sure, no problem. There's nobody sitting there."

"Thanks. I'm Meg, by the way," she said, extending a hand.

"Grace," the girl replied, temporarily removing a hand from her cup to shake Meg's. She put it straight back on again, but not before Meg noticed a slight tremble. The girl looked as though she was about to go back inside her own head, so Meg spoke quickly.

"So, what brings you here? I can't help but notice you're not local."

"Oh," Grace said, as if surprised that Meg was still there. "I live in Paris. I moved here with my boyfriend, but . . . ." she looked at her hands.

Suddenly, a piece of the puzzle clicked into place.

"I'm sorry," Meg replied. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm just a little lonely, I guess. Just making conversation."

"You?" Grace replied incredulously, studying Meg. "If you're struggling for company, then there's no hope for me!"

"Depends what kind of company you're looking for. Can't say there are many desirables 'round here, though!" She looked around, as though to prove her point. "Say, you want to get a proper drink?"

Meg stood, hoping Grace would follow her lead. She looked down at the girl, smiled, and held out a hand. She watched Grace's posture visibly relax, and her grin grew wider as she put down her cup and took the offered hand.

Chasing Forever

Spank Me Twice has a new low price - Kindle $3.99

In other news I have a new release today. Chasing Forever is a quickie available from Ellora's Cave. Here's a little taste:

Blurb:
Jordyn has longed to make her relationship with best friend Diego more than platonic. Her body drips with need to know what it would feel like to have his lips kissing every inch of her skin. Desire to wrap her legs around his waist and plunge into deep waters with him fills her every dream.

Diego is one with the ocean. His passion is surfing and chasing that ultimate wave. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Or does he?

A storm is brewing and when a tragedy occurs, Diego and Jordyn need to decide if they’re both chasing the same dreams.



An Excerpt From: CHASING FOREVER

Copyright © AMBER SKYZE, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One



Jordyn sat on the beach towel watching Diego riding out the waves. Her pulse raced. He knew he shouldn’t be out there. Hurricane Ivan was heading inland and the weatherman had warned of the dangerous undertow. She’d attempted to chase a few waves, but once she’d swum a few yards she knew it was a mistake. She’d quickly swum back to shore and waited while her best friend tried to prove he was smarter than the ocean.

The waters had turned mean and ugly over the last twenty minutes and the sky was an ominous gray. The hurricane was moving closer. A breeze came in off the water and a chill passed through her body. She’d unzipped her wet suit down to her waist, exposing her bikini top when she exited the water. She should cover up again in case the rains poured down.

She scanned the waters. Someone on a Jet Ski buzzed around, stopping every so often to take some pictures. She hoped he would keep away from the jagged rocks. The razor-sharp rocks were Jordyn’s bigger fear with Diego being out on the water. One wrong move and a wave could drag him under and throw him against the rocks, ending his life.

Jet skis were prohibited at any time on this part of the beach, but it didn’t stop them, especially on a day like today. They’d swarm around the surfers—in this case, just Diego—hoping to get a great shot of him nailing a thirty-foot wave.

Hopefully that’s all he catches.

She scanned the beach looking for any other fools. People with cameras hoping to click the ideal picture of the perfect storm peppered the sand.

“Dumbasses,” she muttered. What did that make her? She was on the beach too. Why had she allowed Diego to convince her this was a good idea?

“Because I’m a fool too.” She buried her foot in the sand and watched how the tiny particles glided between her toes. If she was smart she’d grab her board, jump in her Jeep and hightail it back to her place. Common sense flew out the window when it came to Diego, because she was head over heels in love with him.

Too bad he doesn’t feel the same. He loved her like a sister he’d said a few too many times, especially on drunken occasions.

If she’d had a nickel for all the times he’d said, “If you weren’t like a sister to me, I’d fuck you.”

How her pussy moistened with the thought. A few times she’d been tempted to sock him one and other times she’d wanted to tackle him and show him the woman inside waiting for him to fill that void deep within.

Instead she’d sat back and waited.

Guest Interview - Ella Jade

Welcome special guest Ella Jade!

How did you start your writing career?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. In high school, I used to write short romance stories for my friends, and back then, it was all long hand, so they used to fight over who was taking home the notebook over the weekend I've been writing short stories for myself for years, but I never had the courage to do anything with them. It wasn't until I recently started writing for a Fan Fiction website (spinning tales of a popular vampire series) did I find the courage to begin submitting my manuscripts to publishers.

Tell us about your current release.

Jocelyn's Choice releases this coming Monday. It's a Young Adult Romance that deals with all the firsts that come with new love. I had such a fun time writing this because in capturing the innocence I needed for Jocelyn, I felt like I was reliving all those high school moments; the first kiss, the first fight, the first time…
It was a sweet journey, but it isn't all roses and tulips. Jocelyn quickly learns there are consequences to her actions and young love can sometimes be complicated. But, I always deliver the HEA!

Who is your favorite author?

I have so many, but throughout the years no matter how many books I read, I always come back to Nora Roberts, Stephen King and Anne Rice.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I usually write at night when the kids are asleep. I take my laptop, crawl into the guest bed and try to write for two hours, but it always ends up being more like four. I also keep the laptop open on the kitchen table throughout the day and if an idea pops into my head, I quickly type it.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Believe it or not, it's the steamy scenes. I know that's ironic for an aspiring erotic fiction author. I never have trouble spinning the plot or coming up with dialogue, but I always end up saving the heat after I write the chapter. It seems to work, so I just go with it.


Does your significant other read your stuff?

No! I think his eyeballs would pop out of his head! He'd want to know where I learned about certain subject matter. lol

What do you think makes a good story?

I'm a dialogue girl. When I read a story, I want the conversations to sound realistic and the characters should be believable. I'm reading because I want to get lost in the story. If I remember the characters long after I close the book that was a good story for me.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

Yes, I do use a pen name. I have two boys, Jake and Cole, but if I had a girl, I wanted to name her Ella. I got impatient, so I borrowed the name. For some reason (even I don't know why), I've always called my son Jake, Jade. So, I just put the names together and came up with Ella Jade. I think it works.

What books have most influenced your life?

I would have to say the Twilight series. Had it not been for those books and my obsession of those characters, I never would've stumbled on that Fan Fiction website. It was a wonderful place for me to start. It was almost like a writer's workshop. I met lots of great people, found beta readers, pre-readers and people willing to help me improve upon my original work. It was also the perfect place to learn how to take criticism and become a better writer.


What would we find under your bed?

Nothing! Ever since we installed hardwood floors in the bedroom I've been very diligent about keeping it neat and clean. So, other than the occasional dust ball, you shouldn't find anything under there.


Jocelyn's Choice Blurb

Jocelyn Andrews, a shy, awkward, high school senior, has never even been on a date until she meets Alex Jordon, the older, more experienced brother of her best friend Evan. Jocelyn falls hard for the charming player and wants to explore all of the “firsts” that go along with young love. Alex has no problem showing her what she’s been missing.
Alex is captivated by young, innocent Jocelyn and to his own surprise, only has eyes for her. One night of careless passion leads to a life-altering dilemma. Alex must head back to Yale to finish an internship, having no idea what he’s left behind. Jocelyn must decide what to do on her own, forcing her to grow up much faster than she anticipated.
Reality sets in, decisions are made and Jocelyn has to live with her choices. Alex returns home to more than he ever bargained for. Young love has never been more complicated as they deal with a teen pregnancy, social barriers, and concerned family members. Life sometimes throws a curve ball, but the unexpected isn’t always bad.

Excerpt

I sat on the tiny bathroom floor and debated whether I should reach up to the counter and check the stick I had just peed on. It had been over five minutes, more than enough time to get the results I was dreading. I’d thrown up twice since starting the test, but I was getting used to that. I had been throwing up for over two weeks now. At first, I thought it was just the stress I felt over him leaving. It wasn’t until after he went back to Yale that I realized I was more than three weeks late.
Three weeks and two days to be exact. I didn’t have to look at that test to know what it was going to tell me, because I already knew. My stomach did another flip just thinking about it. The July heat wasn’t helping, either. I hovered over the toilet and emptied whatever was left in my system, which wasn’t much. I stood up and rinsed my mouth out, glancing over at the pregnancy test. My hands trembled as I slowly picked it up. I forced myself to look at it. I needed the confirmation.
Two pink lines . . . no shock there. I even knew exactly when it happened. What day of the week it was, and where we were. But, how did I let this happen? I knew the answer to that too.

Guest Blogger - Heather Peters

Thanks, Amber for having me; Your interviews are so fun!

Thanks for being here today! I always enjoy having you. :o)

Tell us about your favorite character from your books. I love all my characters, but I'm going to say it's a tie between Lyon from Surrender and Dane from Secret Dreams. Lyon Sauvage is my hero from Surrender, my contemporary Beauty and the Beast novella. Lyon is scarred inside and out, and is in love with a woman who doesn’t love him back. But through his tenderness, nobility and devotion to Belle, the woman who left him five years before, he endures and eventually, gets the girl in the end. Dane, my older hero (he's 48) from Secret Dreams, has never married because his career doesn't allow room for a wife. Yet once he meets Annie, his fears about commitment fade away, and he makes a choice to do anything and everything to commit himself to Annie, and their love.

Tell us about your current release. Secret Dreams is my contemporary romance that features my feisty heroine, Annie DeRosa, a savvy, brilliant, music producer, who lives and works in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. She is the best at what she does and devotes her waking hours to her work.

My hero is music icon and 80s superstar Dane Franklyn, a fiercely independent musician, who is extremely possessive of his material. His music company has given him literally hours to write a title song for his upcoming album. He's never allowed anyone to share the load, until now. Finding himself in a bind, he's come to the conclusion he needs help. But when that help comes in the petite fiery form of lovely, sexy, smart Annie De Rosa, the sparks begin to fly.

The sexual tension crackles from their first meeting and gradually elevates into an all-out inferno by the time they begin working together in the studio. Being stubborn individuals, their personalities soon clash, and Dane and Annie agree to disagree. But music creates a language and sexuality all its own, driving them both to discover a passion and desire neither have ever known.

Tell us about your next release. Right now I'm working on two erotic romances; one, about a hockey goaltender and the team owner's daughter; the other, a spa owner and former DEA agent.

Who is your favorite author? Too many to list from today's top writers; but I'm going to reveal my age and say I fell in love with Kathleen Woodiwiss in 1976; Once I read Flame and the Flower, Shanna, and Rose in Winter, I felt that no one could ever create romance like she did; Now that she's gone, an era is over. She was one in a million, and will be missed.

When was your first sale? My first sale was in June 2009, with the release of an erotic romance published by Freya's Bower, called Toy with Me, written with my writing partner at the time, Eden Elgabri.

What is the hardest part of writing your books? Oh, you would have to ask that question! Lol….For me, it's the love scenes; I try very hard not to make them all sound alike, but I have to admit that I struggle to get those in bed and create a memorable lovemaking session. The actual act of love is so much easier than writing about it!

Where do you research for your books? Let's face it, how many of us could live without the internet? Google and I are real good friends.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers? My critique partner and dear friend and slave driver (sorry, kidding) Angela Aaron, keeps pushing me to get it right and keep going, when I want to give up or become discouraged; a good friend who believes in me.

Who are your books published with? Surrender, Secret Dreams and Best Laid Plans are Noble Romance Publishing Releases; With a Twist, a Red Sage release.

What do you think makes a good story? When I read a book, I want to know what's going to happy on the next page, and the page after that, and that page after that and so on; a story that keeps me turning the pages, a heart wrenching love story, a tender hero who adores his woman; a woman who stands up to her man, but loves him fiercely; a plot that keeps you guessing til the last page….now that's a good story.

Plotter or Pantser? Why? I think both, actually; sometimes, I just write as I go along; but lately, I've been using the 3-act structure and it's worked out fine. Whatever mood I happen to be in at the time I guess.

Tell us about your family. I have two amazing adult children, both married; I'm also blessed with two grandchildren, who, in the past several months, have literally saved my life and sanity when I was going through a hard time. I have great cousins and lots of aunts and uncles. So I don’t feel like an only child. I have a wonderful extended family.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it? Yes, I do have a pen name and I simply use my daughter's name, which is Heather, and my son's name is, yep, you guessed it, Peter.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what? It's funny; as much as I love music, I can't write unless I'm sitting in total silence; I guess my attention span isn’t as deep as I'd like it to be.

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula? No set formula; I usually will see something on TV or in a movie that will spark an idea, then sit down and think about how I want to write them into a story.

What book are you reading now? Right now I'm reading a bunch of old Sandra Marton's Harlequins; I simply adore her heroes; they are so strong, macho, confident, usually very rich and cocky, but tender and passionate lovers – works for me!

What are your favorite TV shows? I love True Blood & Vampire Diaries; also Nurse Jackie, Dexter and recently got hooked on Criminal Minds; love Shemar Moore – he's yummy!

What is your favorite meal? I'm an American Italian, as Martin Scorcese likes to call us, so anything that involves sauce, pasta, meatballs, or eggplant and Italian pastries make me a very happy girl.

What do you do to unwind and relax? I love to read, crochet, or just become a vegetable and watch TV.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they? I'm going to be very corny and boring and say, never give up, no matter what. It took me over 15 years to get Secret Dreams published, but I got there. And don’t let anyone tell you writing for you is a 'hobbie' – it's what we do, what we are.

Morning Person? Or Night Person? I'm usually awake before five each morning; I love to nap when I can, but definitely a day person.

What would we find under your bed? Lots of dust bunnies!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Thanks so much for reading my stories and I hope to keep you all happy. I'll try to keep getting them out there, and bring you books filled with hunky heroes, brave, intelligent heroines, stories that explore relationships, passion, share laughter, and yes, mind-blowing, steamy sex!

Guest Blogger - Angela Aaron

1. How did you start your writing career?

I started when I was nine years old writing happily ever after stories about my favorite television show "Here Comes the Brides." No kidding. I was so intrigued even then with wanting Candy and Jeremy to get together that I filled notebooks with scenarios of their union.

2. Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

My favorite character is Aedan from an upcoming book. He's a huge, hunky, Highlander who has waited eleven hundred years to be with the woman he loved.

3. Tell us about your current release.

My current and first release is Pleasure Island, published by Noble Romance. Pleasure Island is about a woman, who finds herself at a sex resort on a remote tropical island. She is aware the business is all about fantasies but can't help falling for the mysterious man she unexpectedly made love to in the island's club. After believing something special was happening between her and the mystery man, she discovers his attentions were nothing more than business. Or were they?

4. Tell us about your next release.

The next realease is a full length fantasy/medieval/contemporary novel about a hunky warrior that is given the gift of immortality to wait for the return of the woman he loves. Of course, all is not well when he finally meets her as she has no idea who he is. The story is about her awakening and recollection of a past long ago.

5. Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?

Heather Peters was someone I wrote fanfic with in the 90's and it was her prompting that encouraged me to submit my first manuscript to Noble. She has been my biggest cheerleader. I would also like to mention Bryl Tyne, my noble editor whose expertise made me look good.

6. Who is your favorite author?

Boy, that is a hard one, I love so many. Right now I'd have to say Karen Marie Moning. I love her Fever series.

7. What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The stories come easy for me. The hardest part, hands down is the editing. I'm horrible with mechanics and spelling. It is such a chore for me to clean up my manuscript. This is where I get discouraged the most and in the past this is where I would put the story down and never do anything about it.

8. What books have most influenced your life?

"Sweet Savage Love." My first taste of what a romance novel was. I would sneak it from my mom's bedside table and would read it when she wasn't home. Funny, but I've read thousands of books, and that one still stands out as a definitive moment of change in my life.

9. How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?

I mostly write on the fly. I'm learning to plot, but I hate it. I like the spontaneity of just writing. Plots feel confining in a way, but then sometimes I do get a bit lost with where to go. I do usually do a character outlines for my main characters. There are pros and cons to my method. The trick is to just do what works for you.

10. Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

I'm a beginning writer myself. I'm still learning. Learn from other writers and people with experience. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams and take a chance. For so long I was apprehensive about sending my manuscript to a publisher. I wish I had done it sooner. Don't be afraid.

Blurb:

When Cassie Douglas unknowingly arrives at a sultry tropical island resort where the sole business is to provide the perfect pleasure fantasy, Cassie finds it difficult to overcome her inhibitions and join in the fun.

Ryan MacKenna isn't about to let the feisty red-head disrupt his life or his business. He lives firmly by his set of self imposed rules which keep business and pleasure very separate. But from the first moment he meets Ms. Douglas, he is in danger of breaking every rule.

Excerpt:

The music's pounding beat immediately drew Cassie in. She loved to dance and found she loved to dance with Ryan even more. He immediately swept her up in the sensual rhythms. She couldn't help become aroused from the way he held her, ran his hands over her, pulled her tightly against his rocking hips. He made no bones about the fact he was hard for her and ground his body against hers every chance he could. She too found her own body relishing the contact with him, and after two hours of tantalizing dance play, Cassie was panting with unfulfilled desire.
"Ryan." She spoke fully exasperated and loud enough for him to hear. "I can't take anymore."
"Oh, thank God." He growled the words, grabbed her hand, and dragged her to the rear of the club where they slipped out the employee exit.
As soon as they were out the door, Ryan pinned her against the side of the building with his hard body. His mouth came down on hers, crushing her lips against his, his tongue demanding entrance. His hands roamed over every inch of her body, stroking, and squeezing, tugging down the straps of her dress until he exposed her breasts to the humid, night air. They were making love, right here, against the building, and reason fled fast in the face of the frenzied passion between them.
"Tell me you have nothing on underneath this dress." Ryan's voice was thick and ragged with desire.
"No."
"No, what?"
"Nothing . . . ."
With one hand, Ryan hurriedly grabbed bunches of Cassie's dress and lifted it above her hips, while his other hand fumbled with the zipper of his trousers.

Addictions

I have many. One reared its ugly head last week. In the midst of another round of sickness roaming through our house I decided to distress with Jewel Quest. I played so much I didn’t watch television, didn’t write, didn’t blog. I didn’t do much but sit on the couch with my laptop and that vicious game. Yesterday I played until I had to go to my sister in laws baby shower. I paused my game until I got home and picked up where I left off. I continued playing until my eyes and head hurt. I finally said enough is enough. I quit, took some Tylenol and headed to bed. I made a choice NOT to play again today. I haven’t written in a week. I’m letting other things fall by the wayside. It’s unacceptable. This morning I woke up and wrote 1200 words. Production! I have a new release today and it deals with additions. Delia the heroine has an addiction to shopping. She cures what ails her with retail therapy. Only her therapy normally comes with a high price tag – a good paddling from Scott her husband. Scott only spanks his wife when her addiction gets out of control. Scott and Delia were first introduced to you in the Spank Me Twice Anthology. My story is Rein Me In. This story is called Love Revisited – Scott and Delia. Its available today from Noble Romance. http://www.nobleromance.com Hope you enjoy the story. I know I had a lot of fun writing it!

Edits, Edits and More Edits

Saturday edits for All or Nothing arrived. Sunday edits for Love Revisited arrived. I’ll bet you can’t guess what I’m doing! :-P One book is long. One is very short – 10 pages
Mother Nature obviously thought it would be neat to trick us with two days of warm weather and then turn the heat off completely. The weekend turned bitter cold with temperatures dipping into the negatives. I didn’t find her sense of humor very funny.
Over the weekend we went to dinner and a movie with my brother and sister in law. We saw No Strings Attached. Save your money. Not worth paying for. It was okay. Personally, I’d wait until it’s on television for free.
The kids are on winter vacation – woo hoo. I’ve heard I’m bored more times than I prefer. I warned her if she continued to tell me how bored she was I’d wrap her in duct tape. She finally went to hang with her friend.
It’s going to be a long week with edits and school out.
Happy Monday!

A New Week

The start of a new week and it holds lots of promises. We had a fun time in NY. I got to see a bunch of old friends at my cousin’s birthday party and visiting with my family is always a good time.
The girls back home are all into Zumba. I recently heard about it on the talk show – The Talk. It looks like so much fun. I love to dance. All my girlfriends and I used to go out dancing frequently when I lived in NY. So to me this is a great way to lose weight. The constant theme I heard was it didn’t feel like working out. They’re having fun and being goofy. AND they were surprised when the 30 mins was up. Now that’s my kind of exercise. I’ll be looking into that in the future.
We got home from NY early in the afternoon and by 8pm I was down with a migraine. A BIG one. So big I considered going to the ER for something really strong. Somewhere around 2:30am it eased up. Between meds and cold compresses the pressure finally subsided. I wish they could find something I’m not allergic to that would rid my migraines. For now I’ll suffer.
In other news I signed my first contract of 2011. It’s for a short I wrote for Noble Romance called Love Revisited. I showed you the cover art last week, which I received before the contract. Now I can officially say my story will be released on April 11th. I’m excited. I always love hearing about where characters are after we leave them.
Something fun: Today is National Backwards Day. There are many fun things you can do like walk backwards or wear your shirt backwards, but my ultimate favorite is eating your meal backwards. Start with dessert!
Happy Monday!

New Cover Art

I'm excited about my new cover. Who doesn't love Jimmy Thomas?
In Love Revisited I went back to take a look at where my characters Scott and Delia from the story Rein Me In are today. The story appeared in the Spank Me Twice anthology with Noble Romance. I don't have a release date yet, but they're thinking sometime in February.

I was pleasantly surprised to see me, along with Tara Nichols, Jude Mason and Keta Diablo are up for Best Anthology of 2010. For our book Spank Me Twice. If you feel so inclined I'd love your vote.http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/01/nominees-for-best-anthologymulti-author.html

Up for Best Anthology

I was pleasantly surprised to see me, along with Tara Nichols, Jude Mason and Keta Diablo are up for Best Anthology of 2010. For our book Spank Me Twice. If you feel so inclined I'd love your vote.

http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/01/nominees-for-best-anthologymulti-author.html

Thanks and Stay Warm!

Amber

TGIF!

I sent another story off this morning.
This weekend I’d like to finish working on the Exotika story I’m working on. Amber Heat is doing a special call out and I really want to sub something for it. The due date is April 1st and must be at least 18k. I’ve got something in mind for the theme and will likely start working on that once Rainy Day is finished.
We have another snow day here in New England. On top of that they’re talking about frigid temps for the weekend. I don’t do bitter cold. Guess I’ll be stuck in the house all weekend. I really need to grocery shop. We’ll see.
Hope everyone stays warm and dry wherever you are.

Happy Friday!

Another one bites the dust!

The End. Those are two of my favorite words. Why? Because I know I’ve accomplished something. I’ve finished yet another story. It might be great. It might suck. That’s up to my editor to decide, but for me it’s exhilarating.
I battle different demons whenever writing a book, so the feeling of triumph never diminishes with every new book I write.
As you can probably tell I finished a book today. Really it was a SHORT (4k) story. I’m revisiting two characters that appeared in the Spank Me Twice Anthology with Noble Romance. I sent the story off to a friend for her opinion. She’s someone who knows my work well and will give me the feedback I need. That’s right, I mean the truth! LoL
While I await her comments I’ll be jotting down ideas I have for a new YA. I’ve been mulling it around for a while now. It’s time to put my notes on paper so I can see if it has potential.
Happy Wednesday!

TGIF

It’s Friday and I can’t be happier. It’s been a busy week at work and I need the three days off to get caught up on some writing.
The stress is coming out in my dreams. Last night I had a dream the DH and I were in bed SLEEPING. It was morning and Brian Austin Green jumped in between us. I immediately jumped out and panicked because in my dream I couldn’t have sex. Also the DH climbed out because he was sick and didn’t want to infect anyone. I know for certain the idea of being with a man doesn’t appeal to him.
Why am I dreaming of a threesome? It’s not my sexual preference and then why with an actor? Not my thing either. That’s just one example of my crazy dreams lately.
Whenever I share them with my DH or kids they just shake their heads. I’m sure they’re thinking WTF. I’m thinking it too! Most are creepy and scary. I’m to the point where I don’t want to sleep. My dreams are freakin’ me out.
Why am I sharing this? I have no idea. LOL Maybe someone will have some insight to why I’m having these dreams.
My editor returned All or Nothing asking for a few SMALL alterations before she sends it off to the powers that be. All were in the first ten pages, so I sent back bright and early.
Now I need to finish Love Revisited. UGH! I wish I could clone myself.
Have a great weekend!

Migraines from Hell

From Sunday until sometime Monday I suffered from a cluster of migraines. They’d only go away temporarily. Anyone who suffers from them knows how debilitating they can be. Not only that they wear you out. I couldn’t think straight. So far today I’m doing good. I’m hoping to keep them at bay; I’d like to get some writing done.
I’m the proud winner of Natalie Dae’s blog makeover. I’m going through all the different designs to see what I’d like for my new look. I’m very excited and thrilled to win.
In other news I interviewed fellow Noble Romance author, Nichelle Gregory over at A Pinch of Romance. Drop in and show her some love if you get a chance.
Need to get working on All or Nothing. I’ve left my poor heroine shackled to the bed before tortured with a feather. She’s probably cursing me right about now. LOL
Happy Tuesday!

Heather Peters New Release

Recently my friend Heather lost her husband. She's buried in grief and I know won't be promoting her new release, so today I'm helping her out. Please take a moment and check out this HOT author.

Best Laid Plans
By Heather Peters

Length: Naughty Nibble (Short)

Sub-Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Blurb:

Wedding planner extraordinaire Taylor Forrester is stunned when her potential clients turn out to be her ex-fiancé Caleb Bryant and his future wife. It's obvious he's moved on with his life nearly three years after Taylor abruptly broke off their engagement. But Taylor harbors a secret that led to their break up. She had to let him go, but still loves him.Caleb Bryant's heart breaks all over again when fate brings him and Taylor together as he plans his wedding to another woman! One look at Taylor and Caleb cannot deny the love that still burns bright for his one true love. Will this chance meeting finally bring him the answers he demands? Or is it too late to mend broken fences?

Excerpt:

Taylor Forrester clutched her wedding planner like a bible, grabbed an overstuffed folder, and crammed both items into an already-crowded tote bag.
She looked around her tiny apartment to make certain she'd remembered everything. She chided herself for neglecting to do the laundry this morning, but duty called. Her boss, Jane Donnelly, had asked Taylor to fill in for a co-worker who was down with the flu. She dutifully gathered a lavender cloth bag engraved with the title, "Bridesmaid," which held everything she needed to create the perfect dream wedding.
The dream that hadn’t come to fruition for herself. She sighed, once again reminded of the old adage, "always the bridesmaid, never the bride."
She grabbed her car keys, slipped into her good Kenneth Cole heels, and took one last look around the room to make sure she had everything she needed for her meeting with the prospective couple.
Truth was, Taylor seldom forgot anything pertaining to her work. She was the ideal wedding planner, the perfect bridesmaid, the loyal maid of honor.
Big deal. She'd give it all up to be on the other side of the date book.
* * * * *
Twenty minutes later, Taylor arrived at her office, a tiny but serviceable area in a corner cubicle, and placed her valise on the floor next to her chair. Her thick binder sat unopened in the center of her pristine desk. She looked at her watch, puffing out a tiny sigh to see she had two entire minutes before meeting the couple she'd been asked to see. From habit, she touched the empty spot on her ring finger where a diamond used to sit. She gave herself a mental shake. This is no time for a pity party. Get to work.
Because today was Sunday, she was alone. She shrugged off her salmon-colored blazer, tucked her shoulder-length hair behind her ears, and opened her folder to make a mental note of the bride's name. Suzanne Dobbs was some rich society matron's daughter. The groom owned a construction company across town. Taylor was just about to read his name when she heard the ding of the elevator.
Taylor remained standing in order to greet the young couple who entered her open office doorway. She looked up and saw a stunning, tall, brunette walk toward her, with a much taller, sandy-haired man behind her.
Taylor's heart stopped.
Caleb.