Lynne Roberts

Long due post

2011-09-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Here is a post that is long past due. You may have noticed that only silence has come from this blog for awhile. The good news? Carina Press is publishing my fantasy book, Altered Destiny, under my real name. The bad news? I just don't have time to give my full attention to two blogs, two (really four) emails, etc. Some of you know writing is just part of being a writer. Even editing is only part of being a writer. So, I've decided to turn my attention toward my fantasy books. These are not erotic books, but I think some of you may like them anyway. ; )

I can't express how wonderful you all have been, or how much your support has meant to me and what a bitter sweet decision this has been.

That's not to say I won't be on here occasionally. I have a guest lined up for you later this month. : )

So let me introduce myself to you. My name (why do I want to say Inigo Montoya?) is Shawna Thomas. Ah heck, that's not even true. My name is Shawna Guzman, but as I signed the publishing contract before I got married, I write under my maiden name, Shawna Thomas.

You can find me here or, every other Tuesday, here.

I'd love if you came by to say hi! I will miss you all, so please, don't be strangers!

Under the Covers with Shoshanna Evers

2011-07-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Please help me welcome Shoshanna Evers to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Shoshanna: Cotton. I’m a practical kind of gal. In the winter, I’d prefer flannel, but unfortunately I don’t own any flannel sheets. I’ll add that to my wish list!

Cotton it is! I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on tonight
Shoshanna: As far as I’m concerned, calories *never* count. When I feel like eating something, I eat it! But if it’s midnight, I’ll probably be drinking lemonade and rummaging for leftovers in the fridge.

Oh, my husband just introduced me to lemonade. I love it. While I whip up a snack, let’s play a game. Truth or dare?
Shoshanna: Good question! I always used to pick truth when I was a kid. Then if the question was embarrassing I’d just make something up, LOL.

That’s Dare Truth or Not. ; ) Okay. Did you ever pick dare?
Shoshanna: Oh, I just remembered one! The dare was to kiss the pizza guy when he showed up with the pizza for the slumber party. I think I was about thirteen years old, and fortunately for the pizza guy, I backed out at the last minute.

Okay. Now truth. Tell us something not very many people know.
Shoshanna: Ack! Okay, now I’ll have to tell you something without making it up, since I just copped to doing that as a kid. Hmmm. I have a smoky quartz taped to the back of my cell phone to help absorb some of the electromagnetic energy from the phone.

What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?
Shoshanna: This answer is not as exciting as it should be. In the summer I wear cotton shorts and a T-shirt, and socks. In the winter I wear fleece sweat pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a flannel shirt over that. And socks. My feet are always cold, no matter the weather.

It's not always the packaging. Sometimes it's the present. Besides. I can sympathize. I'm a sock girl too! Let’s get down to business. What surprised you the most about the publishing process?
Shoshanna: I think what surprised me most was that I ended up getting published long before I found a literary agent (Courtney Miller-Callihan of Sanford J Greenburger Associates, who I recently signed with, yay!). I also underestimated just how much time it takes before a book goes from my hands to the reader’s, LOL

Congratulations on your agent! Yup and you thought writing it was the hard part. ; ) Tell us about your newest release.

Shoshanna: My latest release is Chastity Belt, an erotic romance novella from Ellora’s Cave.

Chastity Belt Blurb:

Georgia Hearn has found the perfect way to make easy cash—performing an interactive BDSM-flavored stage show at the exclusive Gentlemen’s Club. When handsome GC client Jonathan Syler goes up onstage and locks her into a chastity belt, it’s all supposed to be part of the fun. But Jonathan makes it clear he won’t be unlocking her anytime soon.

Now she’s at his mercy—and has no choice but to see him again, since he holds the key to her pleasure. Literally.

Reader’s Advisory: This book contains a hot girl-on-girl tease and denial scene and some F/F/M action.

Here’s Chastity Belt at Ellora’s Cave.

You have another new release too?
Shoshanna: I have a new release with The Wild Rose Press as well. Taste of Candy is an erotic romance novella with a touch of BDSM as well.

Taste of Candy Blurb:

Candace “Candy” Bryce can’t believe her luck when she wins a dinner date with Dave Roads, the lead singer of a hot new band. Not only is he a drop dead gorgeous rock star, but after she lets it slip that she's never been able to reach orgasm with a man, he seems bent on giving Candy what she needs. Who knew all it would take is a little "tie me up," a few toys and Dave's merciless desire for a Taste of Candy?

Here’s Taste of Candy at The Wild Rose Press “Wilder Roses” site:

And where can we find you?

Website: http://www.shoshannaevers.com/

Blog: http://www.thewriterschallenge.com/

Email shoshanna.evers@yahoo.com

and follow me on Twitter

and friend me on Facebook

About Shoshanna Evers:

Multi-published romance author Shoshanna Evers writes for Ellora's Cave, The Wild Rose Press, and (in December 2011) Cleis Press and Berkley/Jove. When she's not writing hot romance, she's a stay-at-home mom, a weekly advice columnist for a couple of local newspapers, and a registered nurse every other weekend. Her favorite thing to do is cuddle up with a good book...and her husband.

Shoshanna lives with her family and four dogs in a lakefront cottage in upstate New York. She welcomes emails from readers and writers.

Don't usually like to turn my blogs into rants

2011-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

but today... where is that soapbox? Okay.

Well, apparently, I have a stalker.

You see, I spent all day Friday in court. My ex wanted his child support reduced. Again. Guess the last time we went in and they raised it... and he refused my offer to keep it as is (way under guidelines) (he instead decided instead to march out of the courtroom) didn't work for him. This time he came with proof that I'm hiding thousands and thousands of dollars... because you know, we writers make bank. (sarcasm intended) (my apologies to writers who really do make bank)

I have to say, I was curious about the proof. Below, please find proof that I signed a 40 thousand dollar contract with Samhain.

*Throwing confetti*

The Wild Rose Press offered a contract to Rendezvous, now known as Hooking Up, which is a short story close to my heart. I am so excited to work with my editor at TWRP again. In a word, she's awesome.

And *drum roll please* Samhain offerred a contract to Creative License a 40K novella that is also near and dear to my heart. The hero in Creative License is one of the yummiest I've ever written.

I'm a little nervous... this is a whole new ball game. But I'm taking one step at a time.

Some of you know it's been a long, dry period creatively for me and these contracts... well, they're like confirmation that I made the right choice.

I'll keep you all up to date

Um... did you catch that?

The scary part. He had a stack of papers 3 inches thick with blogs, tweets (?) and whatever all printed out and highlighted.

I never corrected him. Didn't really have the chance... but boy, I wonder if Carina press knows they owe me 104 K... as I just signed a full-length novel with them.

And just in case you're curious. After spending 2 hours explaining EVERY deposit for the last 12 months. His child support was lowered by $100.

Under the Covers with Silver James

2011-07-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Silver, welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why? Hi, Lynne. 1000 count Egyptian cotton. Talk about luxurious! Better than silk, not as slick as satin, the cool and ease of cotton, and just as cuddly in a totally rich way as flannel.

I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. Thanks for inviting me over. *floofs pillows* *plops down* I’ve been looking forward to being under the covers with you. *grin and wink*

As I have you! Tonight, calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on? Sonic M&M Blast, Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Popcorn, and Diet Coke. And maybe some Lay’s Potato Chips and Dean’s Onion Dip. Or lobster bites. *grin*

Oh, that sounds divine. You are a woman who knows how to live. Pass the popcorn, please. Okay. Truth or dare? Dare. I never could resist one.

Oooh, and a woman who lives on the edge. That’s nice to know. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Does playing Lady Godiva on a white horse in the middle of fraternity row count?

It does! How daring are you? What are you usually wearing in the middle of the night? Cotton sleep pants and a tank top. Wait. That’s usually what I’m wearing at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, too!

What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work? Aw heck. I’ve been married for almost 30 years. My memory doesn’t go back far enough to remember pickup lines. *laugh* And back in my dating days, they were pretty darn lame, like “What’s your sign?” *blink* Do people even pay attention to their astrological signs any more?

Well, I know I’m a Virgo. ; ) I love celebrating my birthday in September. What is your favorite season? Autumn. Definitely. Not too hot. Not too humid. Not too cold. Like Goldilocks and the Baby Bear’s bed, it’s just right.

I agree. If you could het around in any car, which would it be? I’d love to own a 1969 Chevy Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car. I’ve loved that car since I first got my driver’s license. I have mentioned that I’m older than dirt, right? In the alternative, I’m driving a Toyota Highlander 4-wheel drive that I love like whoah! His name is Drover and his GPS system speaks with an Aussie accent. Wait? Who? Hugh Jackman you say? Naw…. *wink*

LOL I never met anyone else who named his or her cars. My first car was Lady Strange. Hugh Jackman huh? Who is your favorite actor? Considering what I just said above, you probably think I’m going to say Hugh. While he is A favorite, I’m not sure he’s THE favorite. In fact, I’m not sure I have one. Sean Connery, Sam Elliott, Liam Neeson all come to mind, too. And John Wayne. I can honestly say I’ve seen every last one of his movies.

That’s an impressive list. Who is your favorite actress? I have to go old school here, too. And I have three: Maureen O’Hara, Lauren Bacall, and Katherine Hepburn. They just don’t make ladies on screen like these anymore, at least as far as I’m concerned. There are some talented actresses these days, but those three ladies light up the screen for me.

What is a movie you could watch over and over? LAST OF THE MOHICANS with Daniel Day Lewis. Oh, be still my heart! I actually wore out the VHS version and the cassette of the soundtrack. Yay for DVDs and CDs!

LOL Okay, doll. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? *hums* “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”* I’m a margarita girl all the way!

Margaritas it is. Who is your favorite character in your novels? This is really hard because I enjoy getting to know each and every character. But…truth be told, my favorite character is one who hasn’t seen print yet. Her book is in my agent’s hands and it’s out with an editor so I have hopes Sade (pronounced Say-dee) will make her debut sooner than later. Of course, she managed to upset everyone when she made her debutante debut, back in the day. She wore black and her escort was her foster brother, Caleb--who just happens to be a werewolf. All grown up now, Sade’s an FBI agent with some serious commitment issues.

That sounds good! What’s your typical writing day like? I write almost every day so it’s pretty boring. Coffee, breakfast, open Word .doc and start writing. If I get stuck in a scene, I’ll find Iffy’s scissors and let her play for awhile. When Iffy’s “on”, she’s the best Muse in the world. When she’s feeling ornery, she’s a pain in the patoot. I’ll write all morning, break for lunch and deal with on-line social networking, email, and visiting with friends, my CP, and my beta readers by IM. I’ll also research anything that needs it. I also break for errands. Housecleaning and laundry is reserved for those times when writer’s block is so severe I’d rather clean toilets than write!

Sounds like a full schedule. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be? I’ve been lucky. I’ve shared a meal or at least coffee and/or drinks with some amazing writers—Roxanne St. Claire, Allison Brennan, Karin Tabke, Jennifer Lyon, Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly, Kate Carlisle, Sharon Sala, Merline Lovelace, Gena Showalter. I’ve met Nora Roberts, though only briefly. Hrmm… Maybe Jayne Ann Krentz? She’s clever and entertaining plus she has an amazing career.

Wow. What is your favorite part of being a romance writer? Getting up, brushing my teeth, and grabbing a cup of coffee as I pass from the bedroom to the kitchen on my way to my office. Sometimes I even put on real clothes. And I get to get up and run around any time I want! (Which, considering how much coffee I drink, is a Very Good Thing™) Oh? You mean about actually writing romance? Ahhh. I love creating characters and figuring out how to complicate their lives so when they finally get their happy ever after, they’ve really had to work for it.

Least favorite? Marketing. I love meeting people and visiting and talking books, characters, and plots (mine and other authors’ books) but having to “sell” my books is hard. I’d much rather hide in my office and let the stories flow from my imagination to my keyboard—provided Iffy, my Muse, doesn’t find scissors and start running!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Wow. It depends on the season. Summer? I want to be in the mountains somewhere. I want cool days, cold nights, and no AC. Winter? I want to be where it’s warm. I love snow if I’m looking out the window and never have to get out, but that never happens. A castle in Ireland or Scotland would be cool, if I won the lottery and could afford it. Or a little cottage on a private beach, since I’m dreaming. Since I’m not a millionaire, that’s all I can do. *grin*

Tell us about your newest release. PROMISES, PROMISES is my second entry to the Class of ’85 Reunion series. Mike Doogan first appeared in FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE. I liked his character so much, I decided he needed his own Happy Ever After, so I wrote PROMISES. Here’s the short blurb:

Betrayed former society wife Kelly Kincaid only wants to make things right. Paying off her ex-husband’s debt of honor is tough when a minimum-wage job back in her hometown is the only one she can find. Could the answer to her problems be right in front of her?

The moment pub owner Michael Doogan sees Summerville High School’s former golden girl at the train station, he loses his heart. Again. He’d give Kelly Kincaid the world on a platter, but the stubborn woman is intent on going her way alone. A threat to her safety provides him the incentive to stand up for what he wants, but will he have the patience to win her love?

Do you have anything in the works? I’m always working on the next project. I have two novels out on submission but no contracts in hand—which makes me a very sad writer. I have one more WIP to get drafted and then I can return to the third novel in my Tir Nan Óg trilogy. FAERIE FATE and FAERIE FIRE are the first two books. I’ll wrap it up with FAERIE FOOL, hopefully by the end of the year. My editor at Wild Rose Press is hoping FOOL is finished much sooner!

Contracts are coming, I’m sure! Where can we find you? I’m always hanging around my website, Penumbra: http://www.silverjames.com/ And you can find me on twitter where I’m @SilverJames_ (don’t forget that little _. It’s important! *grin*)

A special Under the Covers with N.L. Gervasio

2011-06-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

*Due to a blogger mishap, this did not post yesterday. Sorry NL!* NL and I have been friends for quite a while now. We actually got to meet in 'real life' at a coffee shop (where else?) not too long ago and I can tell you, she's awesome and I can't wait to get her Under the Covers. : ) And why I'm hoping she can forgive the late blog post. So please help me welcome NL Gervasio to my blog.

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

*shudders* I hate silk. It makes my skin feel weird. I'd have to go with cotton. Cotton breathes. Do you slide on satin sheets? That might be fun!

Oh yes, you slide all over the place on satin sheets. And yes, it can be fun. But for us, cool high thread count cotton. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. Okay… knowing you, we’ll be up all night. Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight? I just ate Circus Animals cookies. Does that count? Love those!

Love those. Pink or white? LOL. Okay, both. Let’s play a game. Truth or dare?Let's go with Truth! I'd rather not discuss my daring follies.

Oh come on, your daring follies are one of the many things that make you so interesting. But okay, we’ll keep it tame. For now. Tell us something not very many people know. Oh, that's tough. My life is like an open book, if one reads my blog or follows me on Twitter. Something not commonly known about me is that I am fascinated by ancient history, and I love archaeology and anthropology. So much so that it finds its way into most of my stories, which you'll be seeing within the next year.

Can’t wait! You look very comfy. What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning? Since that's near the end of the day for me, I still have on my jeans, a tank, maybe a lightweight hoodie.

Practical and comfortable. I like that. I know romance isn’t your only genre, but there is plenty of it in Nemesis. If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be? You do realize I haven't dated in like ten years, right? *sigh* Okay, I'd have to say Petra. I'm an archaeology and anthropology geek, and that's one place I'd really like to see. It's in Jordan. It would help if my date was into that kind of stuff too. Hey, it could be romantic!

Are you kidding? Can you imagine the sunsets, the sunrises? The heat would necessitate many showers… you know I have a thing for wet men. No, trust me. Petra sounds very romantic. Hot in more ways than one!
Do you like the heat? What’s your favorite season? Fall. Hallowe'en is my favorite holiday.

I see. If you could have any car, which would it be? A BMW 765 Li – it has to be imported because they don't sell that one here.

LOL Better sell some books. Who is your favorite actor? Living or dead? Dead would be Vincent Price. Living would be Vin Diesel for reasons known only to me. *drools*  that's not a reason.

Oh I think it is. Who is your favorite actress? Cate Blanchett

What is a movie you could watch over and over? Galaxy Quest. That's the first one that came to mind, but there are several. I'm such a geek.

Me too! LOL At least I love that movie A soon as the interview is over. Let’s watch it! What is your favorite alcoholic drink? White Russian

Yum. That drink always reminds me of my sister. I am one of those annoying, can I have a sip people. Hey, that way I get to try a lot of drinks. ; ) White Russian is my sister’s favorite. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Italy, because that is where my grandfather was from, and it's beautiful. I'd like to get back the family vineyard, if possible.

I hope you don’t mind visitors. I mean what better place to go for inspiration? And good wine. ; ) Let’s get down to business. Who is your favorite character in your novels? Shawn, my vampire. You'll see him again soon, but if you can't wait that long, he can be found on his blog: Gemini Rising (http://delaurenttwins.wordpress.com/)

I've met him and I can see why he's your favorite. What’s your typical writing day like? Writing or editing, they're both pretty much the same. I work late at night, mostly because I'm nocturnal, but partly because it's when everyone's asleep and I can actually get work done without being disturbed. Essentially, I just write until I'm tired enough to fall asleep. That's one of the advantages to not having children.

If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be? Patricia Briggs! I love her Mercy Thompson series.

You and me both! What is your favorite part of being a romance writer? This is only the second romance (lacking paranormal) book I've ever written, so it's kind of like trying on new shoes. Ooh! We love shoes, don't we? I'm such a shoe whore. I just love falling into the worlds I create, regardless of whether or not it's romance or paranormal or horror. Yes, I write that too.

You know I adore shoes! I love the comparison. What’s your least favorite? Editing new plots in after having written the damn thing. Yes, I had to do that with this book and it damn near screwed everything up!

Tell us about your newest release and by the way, I love the cover. I call it a darker Cinderella story on the seedier side of life. It's about a woman—Nemesis—who works as a bartender at a gentleman's club in Phoenix. She's been looking for her Prince Charming and basically doesn't think the man exists at this point, as she's been through two already. She's also the only daughter of mafia don Michael Mussolini and tries with great difficulty to stay out of the family business, even though she's shown one hell of an aptitude for it. Her boss, Clancy Dolan, is more than meets the eye. Aside from lusting after the man for the past year that she's worked for him, Nemy (as her friends call her) discovers he's not much different than her father, which makes her want to run like hell from him.

Do you have anything in the works? I have several things in the works, some of which is paranormal, and some of which doesn't include the hot scenes like those in Nemesis. I'll be revamping (pun intended) my Prophecy series, beginning with The Vampyre Prophecy, out this fall.

Where can we find you?

My blog: http://jinxiesworld.wordpress.com/ (Jinxie's World)

Other blog: http://nlgervasio.wordpress.com/ (Unclouded Perspicacity)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jinxie_G

Zombie Survival Crew: http://zombiesurvivalcrew.com/

Running Ink Press: http://www.runninginkpress.com/

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-06-27T04:09:00.000-07:00

Under the covers with Olivia Ventura

2011-06-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

Olivia, welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Cotton. But not any old cotton. It has to have a really high thread count, so it’s super soft with that gorgeous sheen…you know what I mean. The kind of cotton that could buy groceries for a month 

Oh yeah… *happy sigh* Cotton it is. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. It’s a slumber party! We’ll be up all hours of the night. Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

Why are we waiting until midnight? Let’s see, we’ll start with the ice-cream. I couldn’t choose just one flavor, of course, so we have about a half-dozen tubs. And chocolate. Cinnamon rolls, assorted pastries. Tim Tams—ever tried them? Something we Aussies proudly lay claim to.

Good question. Let’s start now. I’ll try some of those Tim Tams… never had em. ; ) Truth or dare?

Truth. I’m a big old coward.

Tell us something not very many people know.

Ooooh boy, this is tough. I’m not a good secret-keeper because I like to talk. A lot. Ummmm, when I was a kid I used to eat sugar directly from the bowl. And sometimes I relapse.

When I was little, I used to drip coffee into the sugar bowl, let it harden and eat it like candy. What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?

In winter, flannel pjs. I get cold, and there’s no one to warm me up!

Then we need to get you out there! What would you consider a romantic date?

No adventure outings, please! I’m happy with a nice quiet restaurant where the food is REALLY good. And the dessert is orgasmic. Are you seeing a trend here?
It also helps if the company is good.

There is nothing wrong, and plenty right, with orgasmic dessert. What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work?

This one is pretty visual, so hopefully I can get the image across.
Guy walks up and stands to my right.

“Did you know that the distance from here (touches his right shoulder) to here (touches his left shoulder) is the same as the distance from here (touches his left shoulder) to here?” (suddenly his hand is on my left shoulder. Does this mean…? yes, his arm is around me.)

It didn’t work, mainly because he had terrible B.O. Lifting his arm was a mistake.

LOL. I love it! What is your favorite season?

Summer. I hate being cold. And I love the long days. And I hate being cold.

I think I do spot a trend here. ; ) What is a movie you could watch over and over?

The Princess Bride. And believe me, I have. How can anyone resist True Love?

But what the bananas was Mr. Goldman thinking naming her Buttercup? Bleh.

As you wish. I love the Princess Bride too. Let’s watch it after the interview. What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

Daiquiri. Strawberry is the best, but I’ll take anything. And then of course there’s the Pina Colada, the Fruit Tingle, and a perennial favorite, Sex on the Beach, which my mother for many years thought was called ‘Sitting on the Beach.’ We’re not sure why.

Maybe she didn’t want to order SEX on the beach. ; ) I’ve been craving a Pina Colada. I’ll mix some up.
How would you describe your writing style?

Rollicking . I tend to run on a bit. I like to write fun stories, and sometimes fun means getting sidetracked.

LOL And sidetracked isn’t always a bad thing. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

Nora Roberts. It wouldn’t even have to be one-on-one, I’d be happy to just sit there and listen to her talk to someone else. I could absorb her wisdom silently. And silence for me is not common.
Seriously, the woman is amazingly disciplined to be so prolific. Discipline is my main weakness—I don’t have any.

Nora has lessons for us all. I agree. What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

Happy endings. I can torture my characters as much as I like, but in the end I leave them happy.

I’m a sucker for HEA too. Least favorite part?

Actually sitting down to write. The words are there, but for some reason it’s so hard to type them out. I’m the world’s best procrastinator.

Tell us about your newest release.

MISS FIX-IT stars Veronica (always Vee, never Ronnie) an outgoing, girly, funky and fashionable woman. She has regular manicures, fabulous clothes, a shoe fetish, and a love affair with the color pink. And she’s a handyman—woman—person—I always get stuck with this word!

She’s on a job when her client’s husband gets frisky, and because Vee is soooo not into adultery, she threatens him with her (pink) hammer to make him back off. Next thing you know, she’s at the local police station, being questioned about the ‘attempted assault’.

Her questioner, sexy detective Cole Samuels, isn’t sure what to make of her, especially when she demands her right to a room with one-way glass. There are sparks between them from the beginning, just not necessarily romantic ones! Still, things heat up pretty quickly, and they’re well and truly into each other when the threatening notes start coming…

Coming soon is INTER-OFFICE RELATIONS, an erotic novella written under Louisa Masters and published by The Wild Rose Press. Jeannie quits her job and decides to leave with a bang—literally. She seduces her colleague Tim in one of the conference rooms, secure in the knowledge that she’ll never have to see him again. Then suddenly she’s offered a management role and decides to stay. But she’ll make it clear to Tim that their relationship is going to be strictly professional. Tim disagrees, and tries to change her mind in one of the most interesting places…

They both sound excellent! Do you have anything else in the works?

A few projects. One Night in a Bar, an erotic novella by Louisa Masters, is being shopped around at the moment. I’m working on a full-length contemporary, as yet unnamed, about a football player and a cleaner/children’s storyteller. Nathan and Jess are fast becoming my favorite characters ever. And I have another erotic novella half done, starring a ‘professional companion’.

Thank you so much Olivia! Now I’ll get on those Pina Coladas and but Princess Bride in the DVD player! You make the snacks.

Learn more about Olivia and her work:

http://www.oliviaventura.net/

http://www.louisamasters.com/

www.facebook.com/oliviaventura

Twitter: @OliviaLVentura

http://www.oliviaventura.wordpress.com/

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-06-20T04:08:00.000-07:00

There's just something about a wet man...

Under the Covers with Rachel Leigh

2011-06-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Rachel, welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Cotton – cool, fresh, clean. If I want to slide off the bed with someone and onto the floor, I want it to be my choice and not the sheets!

LOL I agree and on a scorching night like tonight, cotton feels nice. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. It’s a slumber party so calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

Chips and a salsa dip, yum!

One of my favorites. Let’s start off with a little game. Truth or dare?

Truth – I am a very honest person, but dares scare the life out of me. Sometimes ; )

Okay. Tell us something not many people know.

Sex in a Mini Cooper is highly recommended! (If you’re under the age of twenty-five, lol!)

Oh my! That sounds like an interesting story. You look very nice tonight. What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?

Shorts and a vest top – can’t do the naked sleep thing, and I have no idea why…

If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I am desperate to go to the Caribbean, I would love to see the Maldives, the Seychelles, Jamaica…

Summer all year long. Is summer your your favorite season?

Yes. I love the feel of the sun on my skin, or drinking a chilled glass of wine on the decking watching the sky turn pink at sunset. Heaven!

That does sound wonderful and relaxing. Here summer gets a little too hot for my liking. Let’s get down to business. How would you describe your writing style?

Fun, sexy, and great escapist fantasy

I like that! What surprised you the most about the publishing process?

The amount of time you can spend on promotion if you aren’t careful! I love interviews like this one; I love visiting other people’s blogs and generally talking with my readers and other writers. The only trouble is, you can spend so much time doing that, you haven’t anything written to actually get published. It’s a real case of reining myself in from time to time!

I hear you. When I’m promoting, I’m usually not writing. Catch 22. Who is your favorite character in your novels?

I’ve only had one erotic romance novella published so far but it is the heroine in my upcoming release Coming Back who is my favorite. Keep checking my website for a release date. Kelly is British and completely negates that stereotypical, stiff upper lip the world seems to think we have – this girl really doesn’t mind what she does or when she does it ; )

Love those characters! What’s your typical writing day like?

Hmm…typical writing day, now that would be nice! I work part-time and have two young kids so I write as much as possible once everyone else is happy and I know I won’t be bothered for at least half an hour. I write in stints around everything else…except maybe housework which comes in as a very low priority.

I think that would be true for most writers. ; ) If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

Margaret Mitchell – I would love to ask her how Gone With The Wind came to be. It is such a huge, emotional rollercoaster epic of a novel that I wonder if she even had any idea how big a story it would become. I’d want to know if she sees Rhett, Scarlet, Ashley and all the other characters as we do or as they were portrayed in the movie. Lots of lots of questions!

And yes, it’s my favorite book of all time.

Big grin. I loved Gone with the Wind so much that I couldn’t just leave it. My first attempt at writing anything was a sequel because I couldn’t stand it wasn’t an HEA. What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

That I can create my own characters and worlds whenever I want to – writing is a compulsion to me and I love it all. If I could write all day, every day I would be one happy and fulfilled person.

Least favorite?

Getting myself out there and publicly talking about my writing. I am a hugely shy person when I first meet people and to go out and talk about my work, especially erotic romance is very difficult but it’s something all writers need to do if they want to succeed.

My least favorite question is “What is your book about?” I freeze like a deer in the headlights. Doesn’t make sense. I love the book, love the characters…. You’re right. Us shy people need to step up and be bold. So that said. LOL.Tell us about your newest release.

Explicitly English is my first erotic romance novella and available now from The Wild Rose Press – it has received some great 4 star reviews which is fantastic! Here’s the blurb:

Laura Markham needs to forget - just for awhile. Be someone else for change - live as her parents will never have the chance to. And for Laura, that means leaving the City for the English countryside and doing just what the hell she feels like…wherever she feels like doing it…

British stockbroker, Stephen Cambridge knows by going home to his country retreat two days early, he's likely to surprise his contracted interior designer. And when he finds out she's the woman who performed the solo masterbation show for him on the inward bound journey, Stephen will do anything to further convince her to miss the outward bound train and stay with him forever…

Oh.. that sounds hot.... Do you have anything new in the works?

My next release is called Coming Back and I am waiting on pins for a release date from my editor. She is working on the cover art as we speak so I hope it will be available to download by the fall. Here’s the blurb as a teaser…

Kelly Hampton loved once...and lost. After two years of looking for Sean McKenzie in other men--and failing miserably--she takes a vow of celibacy. No sex until she finds love. Then Sean strolls back into her bar, reigniting old flames. No one has come close to understanding or satisfying her like he did. Her body burns for the passion they once shared, but her heart still remembers the pain.

Sean escaped Jessop Hill and his father's fists in the middle of the night without a word--even to his love, Kelly--to protect his battered mother, but he never forgot the explosively erotic relationship he left behind. Now his father is dead and Sean is back for the only woman he's ever wanted. Their reunion is full of fire – but can sexual attraction and noble intentions overcome years of heartache or will Kelly walk away to protect her heart this time.

I love reunion stories! Where can we find you?

http://www.rachelleigh.co.uk/

http://www.rachelleighromance.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Leigh/266044849655

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-06-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking this guy likes the sun...

Under the Covers with Tarah Scott

2011-06-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Please help me welcome Tarah Scott to Under the Covers with Lynne. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable.

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why? Cotton in summer, flannel in winter. I hate being cold. I hate being hot. Well, I hate being hot alone!

Good point! It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight? No calories! Be still my heart. Chocolate éclairs, almond rocha, and cheesecake—for starters. Heh heh.

Oh yum! That sounds good! When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare? Probably truth. ROFL. I’m much less afraid of anything I’d have to say than I am of a dare I’d have to act on.

Ok, truth. Tell us something not very many people know. When I was a teenager, I often had two dates in one night. My mother used to tell me I’d get caught, but I never did.

That’s pretty daring for someone who doesn’t like dares. You like to live dangerously. ; ) What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? I’d say the most daring thing I’ve ever done was stand up to a member of the Bandito biker clan. I grew up in Southern Texas and was 17 years old when my sister and I went to Padre Island with friends. One of the guys we were with mouthed off to the biker and he pistol whipped our friend. Everyone scattered, except my sister and I. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Wow! That’s pretty scary. Not a very good end to a date. What would you consider a romantic date? I love jazz clubs and long, leisurely dinners.

Long leisurely dinners are awesome. If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be? The Florida Keyes. That part of the world is so beautiful.

I’ve never been there. What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work? ROFL. OMG, I’m not sure I can remember that far back. A few years back a guy asked if I was a model. I nearly died laughing. I think I hurt his feelings. He muttered under his breath “I was serious.” No, sadly, it still didn’t work. I just didn’t believe him, but I appreciated the sincere effort.

LOL Maybe he did think you were a model! What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning? HA!! Clothes, sadly. Sweats in winter. Summer; men’s boxers and a tank top. (Goes back to not liking being cold or hot. Heh heh.)

What is your favorite season? I really enjoy the change of seasons a great deal. If winter goes on too long, I start getting antsy.

Who is your favorite actor? Oh! I have quite a few. John Travolta (I know, I’m so old.) Nicholas Cage, and Antonio Banderas. Who doesn’t like Antonio Banderas?

Who wouldn't love that accent? Who is your favorite actress? Reece Witherspoon is tops with me.

What is a movie you could watch over and over? It’s a Wonderful Life

What is your favorite alcoholic drink? A good, aged scotch. That smoky oak taste is fabulous.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? The Florida Keyes. The weather is perfect—except during hurricane season, and I’ll be Europe then. Heh heh.

Let’s get down to business. How would you describe your writing style? Gosh, this is your toughest question yet. Edgy, colorful, vivid. I love irony and dark humor.

What surprised you the most about the publishing process? Some of the major differences in Publishers’ house styles.

Who is your favorite character in your novels? This is a toughie. My favorite characters tend to be the one I’m working on at the time. I do have a soft spot for the first hero I wrote in My Highland Love, Marcus MacGregor, clan leader and Marquess. He’s about as sexy as a man gets.

If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be? Dead: Charles Dickens. Alive: Steven King. Strange combination. Huh?

Definately interesting. ; ) What is your favorite part of being a romance writer? Being a romance writer doesn’t limit an author to one genre. As long as you’re writing romance, you can write suspense, historical, paranormal…the list is endless.

Least favorite? Too many choices of things to write about!

LOL That’s not a bad thing! Tell us about your newest release. I have a recent release with The Wild Rose Press, a short collaboration with the talented KyAnn Waters. Double Bang! Heh heh. The title alone sums up the story. Here’s a little teaser

Sara Martin has a problem. And it’s not the attraction she has for her co-worker Devon Curran…or the lust she feels for her sexy neighbor, Rigg. Yes, those are problems. But she has bigger issues. There’s been a security breach in the impenetrable computer system at work. Suddenly Devon doesn’t look happy. And that is a gun in his pocket!

Devon is working undercover…and Sara is about to blow his case. He’d rather she blow him. She’s as smart as she is beautiful. But he’s lied to protect her. What will she do when she discovers he works with a partner? Tonight, they are going to keep her close…very close…in their protective custody.

That sounds wonderful! Any recent sales we can look forward to in the near future? Oh yes! I made a recent sale to Total E-Bound, the erotic Scottish Medieval, A Knight of Passion. Lady Riana Ellis will risk the fires of hell for those she loves. Can she let a man do the same for her?

Do you have anything in the works? I’m working on a paranormal/time travel that takes place in Scotland. My heroine, a Mississippi Deputy Sheriff, goes to Scotland to prove her former best friend murdered her husband. Little does my heroine know her friend lured her there to free a Scottish lord from an ancient spell.

Where can we find you? http://www.tarahscott.com/

Let me introduce you to

2011-06-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

one of my books, HOOKING UP. Between getting the word out about CREATIVE LICENSE and planning for the wedding. This book got lost in the promo wheels. Maybe under the wheels...I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for the underdog and really, I know I'm tooting my own horn, but this book is sexy, sweet and will just make you feel good after you read it! I wouldn't lead you astray!

So without further ado:

Trisha is tired of tame, tired of predictable. After years of playing the supporting role, she longs for one night of unrestrained sensuality, a night of passion to reawaken the woman she once was. Can she step out of her comfort zone and into the arms of a stranger for a single taste of erotic abandon?

Hooking Up available at The Wilder Rose Press

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-06-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

Under the Covers with Bianca Swan

2011-06-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

Bianca Swan is probably one of the most patient and kind writers I’ve met in quite a while. Recently, she raked me over my own coals. Today I get the chance to return the favor. Gently of course. ; )

Welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why? Silk. I love the way it feels against the skin, so well, silky and cool.

Silk it is! I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight? Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. There would also be Brie, butter and crackers and some mini-quiches.

Well, Bianca, you know how to plan a menu. That sounds perfect! When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare? Dare. I like taking chances.

So what’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? I’d blush to disclose. So I’ll tell the truth.

That’s cheating but okay. Tell us something not very many people know. Not many people who know the real me know that I write erotica as well as paranormal romance. A true secret is that I dream of meeting a tall, blond, handsome pianist with blue eyes. Know anyone like that? 

We’re comfy now but what are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning? Usually at 3 AM, I’m asleep—unless my muse wakes me up to write—and I’d only be wearing (ahem) panties. If I were awake writing, I’d be wrapped in a white cotton, waffle-print robe with slippers. I have marble floors and they can be a bit chilly.

How would you describe your writing style? Lush, I suppose. If I’m not careful, I can get lost in purple prose. I also very much like to write in first person. As to writing method, I’m a pantster. I usually start with one character demanding that I tell his story, most often the hero, as I tend to write better heroes than heroines.

Would it surprise you that I’m pretty sure not one of my past guests has been, or admitted to being, a plotter. Maybe romance writers are free spirits who fly on the winds of imagination. (I can purple prose when I’m not careful too!) _What surprised you the most about the publishing process? The length of the rocky road. Perserverence lost its meaning as I trudged through rejections. The journey seemed all uphill, both ways. When I made my first sale, I could scarcely believe it. The constant rejections wear on confidence in our writing. I wonder if other writers are as insecure about the words they put to paper as I am. I’m a closet perfectionist!

Amen! I have to close that closet door or I won’t write a thing. I live by the axiom you can’t edit a blank page.

Who is your favorite character in your novels? The hero in Celestial Sin, my recent release from The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Catalog. Cam-ael is an angel of the Order of the Powers. The Powers were the first angels created and patrol the perilous border between First and Second Heavens, resisting the efforts of Demons to take control of the World. He is very honest and brave but innocent of worldly pleasures—which is his downfall.

And it's no wonder. Here's her inspiration for the hero of Celestial Sin.

If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be? Oscar Wilde. I love his wit and humor. Both quotes in my signature blocks are Wilde. And he was such an interesting and controversial person. I would also love to have lunch with George Sand (Chopin’s lady love) and the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII who abdicated to marry the woman he loved). I’m reading his memoirs at the moment.

You are a romantic! What is your favorite part of being a romance writer? Being able to weave romance into every love story.

Least favorite? The MUST that there be conflict between the hero and heroine. I know I wouldn’t have a story without it, but sometimes they just really love each other from the beginning.

Gotta torture them a little. Part of the jog. ; ) What would you consider a romantic date? Dinner by the ocean, a walk along the beach then my date would play piano for me, preferably Claire de Lune.

What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work? At the reenactment of the Battle of Worcester (English Civil War) in Staunton, VA, an English voice asked, “Are you a Cavalier or a Roundhead?” It worked!

You’ve given us a taste, please tell us more about your newest release. Celestial Sin is a story I’ve wanted to write for sometime. About 10 years ago, I started toying with the idea of writing a book about the Grigori, the angels who fell in love with mortal women and sired the Nephilim. I did write a book about Azazel, one of the leaders of the Grigori, but it hasn’t yet sold, and there are now many stories about the Grigori and the Nephilim. In Celestial Sin, the hero hasn’t yet fallen when he meets the heroine, and he must deal with temptation as well as the knowledge of the consequences should he succumb to her charms.

Here is the blurb: Early on Essie McBane set her standards high and waited for true love. She never expected the answer to her prayer to literally fall from heaven in the shape of a warrior angel with chestnut curls and a heavenly body. As much as she'd love to teach the divine creature a thing or two about sex and lust, can she be responsible for leading him into temptation?

Sinfully handsome Cam-ael, an angel , is wounded in the second war between heaven and hell and plummets into Essie’s arms. But Cam knows he must return eventually, no matter how much he likes the material pleasures of earth. Not to mention those he's found with Essie. But when a demon locates his hiding place and his mortal feelings for Essie, will Cam learn the true meaning of the word sacrifice?

A short excerpt:

Whoa, Essie, he’s an angel and a lot younger than you.

His feathers rustled as he unbuckled the fastenings under his arms and bent to place the armor on the floor. What did his ass, hidden by sleek white wings, look like? My, my, he was just too much for a girl to resist. She gave in to temptation, stroked the shiny, soft feathers. He backed into the caress, and a long sigh escaped him.

“That feels incredible.” His voice came husky, and butterflies hatched in her stomach.

It had been a long time since she’d felt belly tugs or the fire of passion licking through her, but when she touched him, the world as she’d known it ceased to exist. He untied the leather tunic and stepped out of it. His wings drooped. He swayed on his feet. She felt guilty as hell, lusting after an angel too weak to stand.

Shakily, he turned to face her. Ginger hair spattered his chest, drew a thin line down his stomach, disappearing in the V-neck of the robe he wore beneath his armor. The loose shirt was thigh-length. The fabric appeared to be linen but with a subtle sheen.

“I’m afraid I can’t remove this.” He lifted a fold of the toga, giving her a tempting glimpse of his upper thigh, very near his cock. “I’m wearing nothing beneath.”

Do you have anything in the works? I’m working on another fallen angel story, this one called I, Lucifer, told in first person from his POV.

What is your favorite season? Spring. Summers in Houston are far too hot and humid. I’m a sports car nut and love to drive top down, so Spring it is.

A sports car nut? If you could have any car, which would it be? An Aston Martin Vanquish S convertible – black on black!

Classy! Who is your favorite actor? Johnny Depp, I guess.

You guess? o_O Sorry. Johnny Depp fan. ; ) Who is your favorite actress? Michelle Pfeiffer

What is a movie you could watch over and over? Tombstone, The Phantom of the Opera and The Libertine

Let's put the Libertine on while I make us a drink. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Either a Cosmopolitan or Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic.

Last question. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I’d love to live on The Battery in Charleston, South Carolina. I love the history of Charleston and the beautiful houses that face the Atlantic on The Battery. So buy LOTS of books. The price tag is in the millions.

You heard her! Go check out Bianca’s books and help a writer live her dream. : )

Where can we find you? My blog or my web site. You can follow Linda Nightingale (the real me!) on Facebook, MySpace or on Twitter. I also blog frequently at The Pink Fuzzy Slippers Writers.

Thank you so much for guesting today, Bianca!

Under the Covers with Mimi Barbour

2011-05-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

Please help me welcome Mimi Barbour to Under the Covers!

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Since I’m a romance writer, I’d love to say satin—but—one time I bought some just to try them and see how they worked, and my husband slid off the bed and so did our blankets – all night long. Decided to go back to our good old percale cotton ones, which are always cool and always feel so smooth. No balls – I hate bally sheets. Notice I used the word as an adjective!!

I always tell my husband that inventing adjective is a writer’s prerogative. (We also know how not to use them) ; ) It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

As long as there’s CC and coke, it’ll be something salty – probably popcorn. If it’s a non-alcoholic kinda do, then I’m most likely to be guiltily gobbling down anything that’s a sweet – cookies, cakes, donuts, I’m not at all picky!

One of my favorite snacks is popcorn and M&M’s. The warmth of the popcorn melts the chocolate just right! Okay, when playing Truth or Dare, which are you most likely to chose?

Since I tend to like acting silly sometimes, I’d probably take a dare.

Okay! That makes sense. It takes a bit of daring to try and make it as a writer. Besides that, what’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

One time when we were in Vegas, I got dared to run up the moving sidewalk at the Bellagio like the six-million-dollar man – in slow motion. It was a hoot! Next thing I knew there were others running along with me. We looked like a bunch of alien zombies or maybe like drunken idiots!! Probably the latter. Thing is, we hadn’t drank anything – yet!!

Oh wow! I wish I’d been there! So… truth: Tell us something not very many people know.

I’m a bit of a grouch in the mornings. Most of my friends think I smile all the time because, I usually do. Not so much if it’s really early. I guess you could say I’m more of a night person. Funny, if I write late at night, I don’t normally have to edit too much. If for some strange reason I write in the early hours, it’s pretty well all dribble and the bitchiness comes through real clear.

What are you usually wearing early in the morning?

PJ’s and earplugs!

How would you describe your writing style?

I would say that my writing style is:

(a.) Humorous - I love adding the element of humor in my stories because in my world, we always try and have a chuckle and a laugh over most things. If I spend a great amount of time with someone who is terribly serious, I do get bored. But, if I’m with a friend who likes to have a bit of a giggle, I always find I’ve been much more entertained and more likely want to be with that person again.

(b.) Shoot from the hip as far as the plotting goes - Although I always have my beginning and ending figured out in my mind before I start the story.

(c.) Strong character development – Ever since I started reading as a child, I have to admit to being drawn to the characters in the story. It goes without saying that I like there to be conflicts and good story telling, but once I’ve connect with the heroine and hero, I’ll always finish the book. Can’t help myself. I just have to make sure they get their happy ending.

(d.) I must admit that as I write more books, my ability to write stronger conflicts has grown. Or it just might be that the first three stories I published were novellas and now I’m writing full-length. Gives the author more time to build the tensions and interweave more intrigue.

What’s your typical writing day like?

About eight am I start my day either on my treadmill or walking the seawall close to our house in Qualicum Beach. Then I tidy the house a bit and ready myself for the day. I eat breakfast in my office while I have my first game of spider (my bad!!). Then I check my e-mails and waste a bunch more time writing notes and checking Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc, etc. I call that my promo time so I don’t feel too guilty.

Then I cuss once I’ve seen that the morning has flown and I haven’t written a word. I quickly grab lunch and have my second game of spider. (my real bad!!) Then I open my manuscript and lose myself for at least three or four hours. On a good day I can write 2,500 to 3,500 words.

If I’m under the gun, I start writing first thing in the morning and go for it all day. I guess that’s how I got my latest book written and edited in two months and contracted with Wild Rose Press. It’ll be a Christmas release called “Together for Christmas” #5 in the Vicarage Bench series.

I’m a Spider addict too! Usually I allow one game of Spider and another of Solotaire. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

I was going to say some far-out writer no one’s ever heard of but the truth is Nora Roberts would be my choice. She’s consistently produced books that I love to read and never regret buying. I know when I start one of her stories, I will be entertained, and invariable, she’ll make me smile, chuckle, or even laugh out-loud a few times between the beginning and the end. I’d love to be able to question her about her journey to get where she is now, and most important how she grew as a writer. The aspects of the craft she would consider to be the most important and how best to work on them. And, since she’s a best-selling millionaire, I bet she’d even pick up the tab!

You’re probably right! What would you consider a romantic date?

Humm, I don’t think romance has too much to do with where you are, but more about who you’re with. Now I remember a night with my husband when we were dancing under the stars on a balcony of a wonderful hotel. It was in a northern city of Chile called Antofagasta where we lived for seven years. The ocean waves rippled within a few feet of the dance floor, and the moon’s radiance turned the water into a luminous breathtaking wonder. Above, the stars twinkled as if someone had set off a trillion fireworks explosions all at once. Romance pulsed in the flowered-scented air around us as the warm breeze…

Okay – I’d better stop now or I’ll have to go and attack him, and he’s busy making dinner. Sigh – never thought my stomach would override my libido!!

And you left us all wanting more! What is your favorite season?

My favorite season is spring, especially if it’s been a long winter. It feels great to get rid of the constricting winter clothes and bring out the t-shirts and short pants and best of all flip-flops. There’s a joy in knowing the weather will keep getting warmer until the summer months give us the long, sunny days. (And can’t forget the hockey playoffs start in April.) Plus, I look forward to getting into my yard. I enjoy gardening and can’t make up my mind if I like the work it takes to get the yard looking beautiful, or if I just like to benefit from the fruits of my labor by sitting on the balcony with my laptop, gazing at all the blooming flowers and baskets.

To be honest, I have to admit to liking winter also, cause Christmas falls in December, and I’m a real suckie for Santa Claus.

Do you have a favorite actor?

My favorite actor of all time was Cary Grant. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a part where he isn’t somewhat humorous, but still had the air of a man’s man who couldn’t be intimidated or duped. I guess I also liked the accent and his suave manner. Hugh Grant has played those types of roles from time to time and so does George Clooney. (He reminds me of my father when he was younger so I guess he’d have to be my favorite for today.) As for the younger guys, Johnny Depp is a doll.

What is a movie you could watch over and over?

You’re probably going to laugh, but I have to admit to watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart every Christmas since I was a kid. I have it on video, and it comes out with my holiday CD’s. Nostalgia and memories of days gone would be my biggest reason for loving this movie, but do I admit that over the years it’s become my habit to watch it while I wrap my family’s presents, drink Baileys, and eat Xmas cookies.

A more recent movie I really loved that sticks in my mind is Grand Torino. I do like to laugh, and if I get to cry too during the same film, then I figure I’ve gotten my money’s worth. And there’s just something about the character that Clint Eastwood portrayed. What a lovable old curmudgeon!

For the best-made movie (10/10) I’ve ever seen would be Avatar in 3D—fantastic cinematography and special effects.

I loved It’s a Wonderful Life too! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d love to live six months in every major city in the world like London, Rome, Paris, New York, etc. Of course, if we were dreaming, I’d have to demand it be in swank apartments right in the heart of each city. That way I could really soak up the different atmospheres and learn about their cultures, cuisine, hotspots and most interesting sights. Unless one actually lives in a place rather than stays for a few weeks, I believe one never really gets to understand the heart of the place or the people. Of course a monthly stipend of huge dollars would be part of the dream!

LOL Yup, I don’t like to play tourist, I want to know about the culture, the lifestyles. Tell us about your newest release.

My newest release is called “Together Again”. It is a lovely, romantic story about a young, pregnant girl who spirit travels forward in time and invades the body of a handsome reporter, who is after a story about a heroine from a bank holdup. While together, they have some incredible and humorous experiences, and they fall in love only to have to separate. His wait to be reunited is one week. Hers is ten years. When the time finally arrives for their reunion, she finds the biggest threat to her seducing him is his faithfulness to her younger self. The question that plagues her is—can he love the woman she is today.

I love the premise!!! Do you have anything in the works?

As I mentioned above, I did recently get a contract for a Christmas story for this series and to tell you the truth, I almost believe there was an angel or some unworldly spirit that fed me the words—they flowed that easily. I started writing it on Jan 4th and had it edited and to my editor for the deadline March 1st. I’ve never been able to write so fast. I’m a bit scared to see the first corrections from my editor…gulp!

This story follows the same as the others in the Vicarage Bench series where an adorable but conniving heroine, whose habit is to takes on everyone’s problems, spirit-travels into the body of our hero, a cranky but gorgeous workaholic. He’s recently inherited his widowed mother and has agreed to move to a town of her choice and open a new accounting office. Between the two females, they make his life crazy with lonely elders, orphaned kids, a stray mongrel, and more holiday festivities that he’s ever wanted to be involved in. But of course it’s Christmas, and who better than someone lurking inside him to realize he’s not nearly as heard-hearted as he tries to make out. Love grows between them as they search for the way to put her back in her own body. Their romance is anything but smooth, and obstacles that stand in their way make them strive all the harder for their happy ending.

Where can we find you?

You can contact me through my website address at http://www.mimibarbour.com and please believe me when I tell you how much I love to get messages from the readers. After all, it gives me another excuse to stall getting back to work!! Also, you can find me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-Barbour-Fan-Page/203964072966134

And twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/Mimibarb

It’s been a pleasure spending time with you and your readers Lynne. Please visit me on my website: http://www.mimibarbour.com and sign up for my newsletter as we give away a free copy of my newest book every month – your choice of e-book or paperback. And I promise – the newsletter only comes out when I have news! Important news! Like a new contract or a book release or if I win a contest or the lotto or…

Thank you so much Mimi!

Mimi Barbour lives on the beautiful west coast on Vancouver Island and writes her paranormal romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. Asked why she prefers paranormal, she answers - chuckling.

“Because it’s fun! Imagination can be a lot more interesting than what happens in real life to so-called normal people. I love my characters, and my goal is to make the readers love them also. To care about what happens to them while the story unfolds. If I can steal my booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”

On Vacation

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Well, not really vacation. I'm on my honeymoon! Monday Pick-Me-Ups will continue on May 30th and Under the Cover with Lynne returns on June 4th!

Hope this tides you over!

You are invited

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to an impromptu online bridal shower at Sandra Sookoo's. Please stop by and give me your best marriage related advice. : )

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-05-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

Under the Covers with Cherie Le Clare

2011-05-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne or I should say welcome back! It's nice to see you again. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Silk sheets sound sexy, though I confess I’ve never tried them.

Oh, then let's try some! You can tell me what you think later. ; ) It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

Chocolate and coconut marshmallows and salted cashews.

Oh, I’m up for chocolate any time! When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare?

Truth

Okay truth then. Tell us something not very many people know.

I hate wearing pyjamas.

Oh, I see. ; ) What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?

A nightie.

Let's get down to business. How would you describe your writing style?

That’s a good question. I’d love to know how my readers describe it. Anyone willing to answer this for me?

You heard the woman, if you've read an Ms. Le Clare's books. How would you describe her style? I'd say provocative but sweet. Cherie, what surprised you the most about the publishing process?

The length of time it took to publish my first novel FRENCH KISS. I was under the impression that epublishing was much quicker than print, but it still took almost 2 years. Perhaps that was because it is published in both print and digital. KIWI KISS, published only in digital, has been a much quicker process.

A lot of writing is hurry up and wait. Who is your favorite character in your novels?

I identify with both the heroines and the heroes. I love them all, and hope the readers will, too.

What’s your typical writing day like?

A bit messy at present. I’m very undisciplined and will have to give myself a serious talking-to very soon. It’s on my ever-growing list of things-to-do. LOL

LOL I know the feeling. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

Nicholas Evans, because ‘The Horse Whisperer’ is one of my favorite novels. I identified with his character, Grace, as I had a serious accident at about the same age. I’d like to tell him what an authentic job he did with portraying Grace. Connecting with a reader’s emotions is what writing is all about, and he did this for me. I’d like the chance to thank him. The movie was wonderful, too.

What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

I get to fall in love as many times as I wish without hurting my husband’s feelings.

Oh, that is a benefit! Least favorite?

Like many other jobs it’s darn hard work at times. And getting rejected is the absolute pits.

I agree! As a romance writer, you’re thinking about romance more than the average person. What would you consider a romantic date?

An al fresco picnic with good food and adoring company.

If you could take that date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

On a tropical, private beach.

Sounds ideal! What is your favorite season?

Autumn = Cool nights and sun-mellow days.

What is a movie you could watch over and over?

Chocolat

I love that movie! What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

Gin and tonic

That's one I've never tried before. We'll have to make some while we watch Chocolat! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d like to live anywhere that’s closer to my soon-to-be born grandson, so I could give him heaps of cuddles every day.

Oh, that's sweet. Okay, back down to business. Tell us about your newest release.

KIWI KISS is the second book in the series set in World War Two. Mac MacDonald arrives in New Zealand on a US battleship and meets Ruby Miller, a runaway bride! Both are wary of further emotional entanglements until tragedy draws them closer.

Excerpt: Temptation. Her mouth dried. She twisted her hands together in her lap. Why had no-one mentioned the other word for craving what you shouldn’t?

Torture.

Ruby’s heart thumped as she stared unseeingly at the screen, clenching and unclenching her hands, breathing in Mac’s masculine scent, sensing his touch in every pore of her skin.

A gun fired on-screen, startling her. Mac glanced across, but she daren’t meet his eyes. He may be able to cope with casual, friendly, demonstrations of affection, but she could not. Each kiss, and every touch, was like an appetizer, enticing her taste buds to sample the main course.

He draped an arm around her shoulder, to comfort her perhaps, as a roaring battle played out on the screen. She suppressed a groan of despair, her hollowed core aching to experience the pleasure of a hearty meal.

The lights blazed for the interval, and she blinked, shifting in her seat as other patrons stirred restlessly around them.

A boy, dressed in a white overall and matching hat, paused in the aisle. His tray, supported by a strap around his neck, displayed a tempting array of chocolate-dipped ice creams, bags of boiled sweets, and candy bars.

“Hungry?” Mac glanced at Ruby, withdrawing his arm to find his wallet.

She met his gaze. “It’s hard to resist something sweet.”

“What would you like?” Mac drew out some change.

What I can’t have.

###

Excellent excerpt! Do you have anything in the works?

I’m working on a third historical in the vintage era.

Great! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Where can readers find you and your books?

http://www.cherieleclare.com/

WOO HOO!!!

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I just found the most awesome review for Creative License and thought I'd share!

Monday Pick Me Up

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Today I'm blogging...

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over at Lia Slater's where I'm giving away a copy of my newest release, HOOKING UP. Stop by and show some love, please!

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-04-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

So what do you think he's thinking?

Under the Covers with Laura Kaye

2011-04-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable.

Hi, Lynne! Ooh, this is very comfortable! Thanks so much for having me here!

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

I gotta go with cotton. I totally love the feel of sliding into soft, cool cotton sheets at the end of a long day. I love how they’re both light and warm. Yep, I’m a cotton sheet kinda girl.

Me too! And not an ultra high thread count. They’re a little too stiff. ; ) So it’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

OMG I’m a total chip nut. Actually, if it has salt on it, I’m all over it, particularly if you can pair it with a dip. So, put out some chips and French onion dip or tortilla chips and salsa or, oh!, warm queso, and you best watch your fingers!

LOL I’ll be sure to watch them. Luckily, I’m pretty fast at the stealth dip. I just happen to have some French onion dip and no one else likes it around here. I’d love to share! When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare?

Oh, jeez, well, let’s see, the last time I played truth or dare was in a whole other century…but as I recall, I was all about the dares.

Oh good! What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Within the confines of the game or in life? There are about 187 ways to answer that! LOL One summer while still in college, I lived in a co-ed dorm as part of a summer program, and while I was taking a shower, this guy who I knew liked me but hadn’t made a move stole my clothes and towel from outside the shower. When I realized it, I unhooked the clear plastic shower curtain, wrapped it around myself, and proceeded to march dripping and sheer the entire length of the building to his room, reclaim my clothes, and return to the bathroom, all while walking a gauntlet of onlookers hanging out of their dorm room doors. (They laughed on my way to his room, applauded on the way back!) I thought that was pretty daring. Then again, it doesn’t compare to the enormous-pile-of-daring getting married or bringing children into the world entails. And I’ve done those several times over—the children thing, not the married thing, just once there! ;)

Wow! I am so impressed. That’s so good it should wind up in one of your books! ; )
What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?

A t-shirt and pajama pants—not glamorous but true!

LOL Me too. Come to think of it, sometimes I’m wearing that at noon too! Such is the benefits of being a freelance writer.
Romance is frequently on the mind of a romance author. If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I am totally in love with the city of London. It wouldn’t even matter what we did, as long as we could walk those streets and soak in the feel of the place. The open-air markets, the historical fabric of the city, the theaters....it all appeals to me. In fact, I love it so much, I hope to live there for a while some day.

I hope you get your chance! What is your favorite season?

I love summer. As a college professor, summer represents freedom! But I also love the sun and the warmth and the lighter clothes and the beach. When I was younger, I worked a lot of summers outside doing archaeology in the Tidewater Virginia area, and I think my very fond memories of that work contribute to my feeling about the season. Summer is when I recharge, and that is a central part of why I love it so, and always have.

Summer and I have a love hate relationship. There’s less structure because the kids are home, and there’s less structure because the kids are home. ; ) If you could have any car, which would it be?

A Jeep Wrangler. I’ve always wanted one. I love the idea of roadtripping with the sides and top open, air blowing in, music blaring out, and just free to go (says the middle-aged wife and mother with the minivan…). It’s the car I gave Caden Grayson in HEARTS IN DARKNESS, just a little nugget of how I make my way into my books.

I love it! I’ve done that too! What is a movie you could watch over and over?

I have a real sweet spot for the movie Ever After, starring Drew Barrymore in a Cinderella retelling. I love the idea of such an iconic story having been based on a real person (according to the lore in the movie) and that person having been so much more than the modern version of the fairy tale recounts. Another watch-it-over-and-over favorite would be Dead Poet’s Society.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Second to London, it would be northern Italy. Hands down. My husband lived there for a year before we were married, and I’ve traveled there several times. I love the lifestyle, the ambiance of the place, the food, the people. Being in Italy gives me the feeling that life is being breathed into my soul. I couldn’t go back too soon.

So let’s get down to business. How would you describe your writing style?

I’m a complete pantser, but luckily I tend to write fast and clean. One thing I’ve learned is that on the first draft I often skip over the needed depth of emotion a story needs to really have heart. So a regular part of my revision process is going back through the manuscript and always asking, where can this go deeper? I’m also a very visual writer—I see scenes play out in my head as I’m writing, which makes staging and choreographing a scene flow when I set it to words. Again, though, this relates to part of my revision process, because in those first drafts I tend to err on the side of laying all that choreography out, when the reader doesn’t need every step of it!

Revision is a writer’s best friend. What surprised you the most about the publishing process?

That it’s as hard to break in as they say it is. Maybe this is stupid, but, while I knew it would be hard—of course I’d read all the relevant writing books and blogs and interviews, that was worlds different from experiencing just how hard it is. You write a story, you love it, you believe in it, you risk your lunch by sharing it with others to critique and they love it too (well, mostly). And then your most-hoped-for agent blogs she wants *this* story, and it’s exactly what you’ve written, and….it’s a rejection. For me, the keys to weathering these challenges are 1) having a great support network of other authors who know what it’s like—and this has been one of the biggest and most rewarding surprises of being a romance writer to me, the supportive nature of the communities I’ve found, 2) remembering there are a lot of reasons why you get rejected that have nothing to do with the merits of your story or your writing—which means there’s always hope the next person will love it, 3) always having other projects in the pipeline to work on or to share with someone who might be interested, 4) copious amounts of internet procrastination, 5) chocolate.

It doesn’t sound stupid at all! Even multi-published authors get rejected and it really doesn’t get any easier. I agree. Chocolate helps. What’s your typical writing day like

Hmm…there’s no such thing for me! I have a full-time job teaching college history and am a wife and mom of two young daughters. So writing time tends to be whatever chunks of time I can snatch away from my work or family—or, most often, sleep. I do some of my writing either on my non-teaching days when I can, but most of it ends up happening after about 9 p.m. once I’ve gotten the girls down for the night. When I’m in the throes of writing, it’s not unusual for me to pull a lot of late-nighters, particularly since I prefer to write in larger windows of time. I have a harder time getting back into a piece if I only have 15 or 30 minutes here or there. Once I get those larger windows, though, I tend to crank, and can often write 5,000 or more words on a good day. Oddly, I have a very difficult time walking away from my computer if I’m mid-scene or mid-chapter. It will literally bug me to know I left something unfinished… ;)

You are a busy woman! Tell us about your newest release.

My debut novella released Wednesday from The Wild Rose Press. Hearts in Darkness is a contemporary romance about two strangers who find acceptance and dare to find love while trapped in a pitch-black elevator. I’m totally in love with this story and these characters!

Tagline: 2 Strangers. 4 Hours. 1 Pitch-Black Elevator

Quote: Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;

and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.

~William Shakespeare

Blurb: Makenna James thinks her day can’t get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he’s terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he’s trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

Sounds great and I love the cover! Do you have anything in the works?

About a million things, truth be told! My debut novel, FOREVER FREED, releases May 20 from The Wild Rose Press. But the most exciting thing in the works recently is I just sold my second novel-length book to Entangled Publishing! SNOW’S MAN is a Christmas paranormal romance involving a long-exiled snow god and a widowed woman struggling to let go of her guilt and grief. This story was so unexpected—its depth, its worldbuilding, the speed with which I wrote it (4 weeks)—all took me by surprise. It will be the first in a series involving other gods of nature and the seasons (which I now need to write post haste!).

A snow god? That sounds intriguing! I’ll be looking for it! Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.laurakayeauthor.com/

Blog: http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/laurakayeauthor

Twitter: @laurakayeauthor

Publisher Website: Wild Rose Press

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3703867

Thank you so much Laura! it was wonderful to get to know you better!

Today I'm blogging...

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over at Emma's blog. Stop by to find out all sorts of juicy tidbits about me and my writing! By the way, my editor tells me I use ellipses too much. She's right! ; ) They're just so handy!

A little Wednesday levity.

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I'm sorry

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I know I've neglected this blog. No Monday pick me up, no reviews, no Under the Covers with Lynne.. pretty much nothing since early April. So what have I been doing? I just finished edits on a fantasy novel. I'm planning a wedding and Easter and trying not to fall behind, well too far behind in everything else.

So, I'm happy to announce that Under the Covers with Lynne returns this Friday, April 22 with the talented Laura Kaye. Please stop by and get to know her and her work a little better!

Until then, I leave you with compensation for my lack of Monday pick me ups.

Wouldn't you like to go play with him?

Have an awesome day and I'll see you Friday!

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-04-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie!

Curious about Caleb?

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Want some juicy details not found in the book? Robin Badillo has graciously interviewed Caleb from Creative License. Stop by and find out why he makes even his writer swoon. ; )

Today...

2011-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am all over the place!

Please join me at Robin Badillo's blog where she has me in the hot seat! (and we're talking cookies cakes and pies)

It's getting steamy in Michele Zurlo's Steam Room where a comment may win you a gift certificate from Samhain Publishing.

And things are getting spicy, and I'm revealing how I set the mood for my erotic scenes, at Emma Lai's Spicier Side blog.

I'd love to see you there! : )

Don't forget

2011-03-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

You can still comment of the Fool for Romance blog tour for a chance to win a huge prize including Tickle n Taste powder from yours truly. Visit Crystal Rain Love's blog to see which author's blog is featured today!

Monday Pick Me Up and news!

2011-03-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Now that's a happy trail!

This week I'm over at the Steam Room! Stop by and say hi for a chance to win a gift certificate from Samhain.

Congratulations! We have a winner

2011-03-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is proof-positive why it's important to check things like pre-scheduled blog posts!

Congratulations Joanne Stewart! You've been select by the infallible child picking a name out of a basket method. You won the gift certificate for commenting on the HOOKING UP blog post!

On the move...

2011-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at the extremely patient and talented Tina Donahue's blog talking about what makes a character unforgetable. Please stop by and show some love.

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-03-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

So you think that's Play or Ply as in pliable? ; )

RELEASE DAY!

2011-03-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

Today I’m celebrating the release of HOOKING UP, my newest short from The Wilder Rose Press. I am so excited about this book. I followed my heart with this storyline knowing it reduced the chance of publication. But thanks to my awesome editor and the staff at Wilder Rose Press, I'm lucky enough to share this story with you.

I have to admit this is one of my favorite covers ever! To wet your appetite, here's a blurb:

Trisha is tired of tame, tired of predictable. After years of playing the supporting role, she longs for one night of unrestrained sensuality, a night of passion to reawaken the woman she once was. Can she step out of her comfort zone and into the arms of a stranger for a single taste of erotic abandon?

To celebrate this release, leave a comment on blog with your email address and on Tuesday March 23nd, I'll randomly pick a name to win a $5 gift certificate from The Wilder Rose Press.

Want a greater chance to win?

In the comments, let me know if you tweeted this contest, mentioned it on facebook or on your blog. For each location, you'll get one entry. So if you tweet, facebook, blog and comment, you'll get four entries.

Easy enough?

Good luck!

CREATIVE LICENSE is in a contest

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And I'd really like this cover to win. I mean it's awesome. Not that I'm competetive or anything. ; )

If you have the time, please stop by Still Moments Magazine and vote for your favorite cover. I know some authors who would really appreciate it, me included!

Thanks.

PS: CREATIVE LICENSE is number 30... : )

Contests: Love them or leave them?

2011-03-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have a question for all of you. Do you like contests? I’m not asking if you like winning stuff, because who doesn’t? But do you enjoy entering contests?

I’m asking because I’ve held a few contests that fell flat. I didn’t make it complicated, you know, a comment enters you…but um… nada. I suppose it could be that I don’t promo enough… but I don’t want to be seen as… pushy. yeah I know... I need to get more pushy, aka market savvy and assertive. ; )

I have this awesome prize to give away and I’m SO excited to do so, but I’m not sure which kind of contest to host. To make things a little more complicated, due to regulations, I can’t host a contest in which those who have purchased my book have a greater chance of winning then those who haven’t… hmmm.

Any suggestions? What are your favorite kinds of contests? What would you do to win a Kama Sutra set of chocolate body paints?

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-03-14T04:47:00.000-07:00

And with abs like that, I'm sure it will be!

Fool for Romance

2011-03-09T04:24:00.000-08:00

First a disclaimer. I’m typing this on my itty bitty computer with the itty bitty International keyboard which means some of the keys are not where they should be and I can’t find them. Please ignore punctuation… I did the best I could.

Today is my day to host the Fool for Romance blog. As I considered what I should write about, I dismissed straight up promotion because well, you all know Creative License is available at Samhain and my shorts can be found at The Wild Rose Press, it says so to the right. Then I considered writing a blog about promotion. How much is too much, how much is not enough? But I really didn’t want to go there. So I finally settled on writing about romance. I mean, that’s what I do, right. What is it about romance that lures us in?

I read my first romance as a preteen. I loved reading the stories of man finds girl, woos girls and finally marries girl. Happy sigh. I wanted that. Wanted a man who loved me completely. Skip way ahead. We’re skipping past the tragic wrong man love story. For many years, as a single mother, I shamelessly lived through the heroine of the story and then the heroines of my stories because although my love story hadn’t worked out, I believed in happily ever after … for other people. Now that I have my own second¬-chance-at-love story, you’d think I wouldn’t be drawn to romance so much… I mean I’m living a romance with all the fireworks, chemistry I try to put in my stories. You’d be wrong. I love romance. There is just something about two people overcoming obstacles, finding each other, learning from past mistakes and falling in love that draws me in.

There are all types of love stories: Right man wrong time, Right man right time, Friends to lovers, Reunion, Cougar, and many more. I'm not sure what my favorites are... but FIRST DATE is something of a reunion story as is CREATIVE LICENSE. AFTER HOURS is a cougar love story. I’m currently working on a friends to lovers story that I just love.

I write romance because I love it. I will be the first to admit I’m in love with love.

So, what are your favorite kinds of romance stories and/or why do you read romance?

Remember, commenting on this blog enters you in a contest to not only win Tickle n Taste powder, but in enters you in a contest to win a KINDLE. Yup, a kindle. But you must leave your two cents below.

For more information, visit Crystal Rain Love's blog.

And tomorrow, visit Debra St. John on Facebook and friend her.

Are you a Fool for Romance?

2011-03-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

I know I am!

This month, being a fool for romance can really pay off. Thanks to the talented, and organized, Crystal Rain Love, 27 romance authors (including myself) have gathered together to create an amazing prizes including signed books, bath and body sets, candles, bookmarks, gift cards (I'm giving away Tickle n Taste body powder) ; ) Also this year, we will be giving away a Kindle. Yes, you read that right. What better way to read your favorite romance authors!

So, I bet you're asking what you have to do. Visit any of the authors blogs and do what's asked. For instance, tomorrow I'll be posting a blog and a comment puts you in the running for the grand prize!

A comment for a huge grand prize and a Kindle... I'm wishing I could play. ; )

For more information, visit Crystal's blog and tune in tomorrow right here!

My biggest challenge

2011-03-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

*knock knock*

At least I think you're out there. *hello?*

I've had to step away from the blog for a bit. I know, not a good idea right after a new release but kinda necessary.

I know all of you are busy... who isn't any more? But recently, I just haven't been able to juggle like I used to. There have been some wonderful additions in my life that I wouldn't give up for the world, namely my awesome boyfriend and his equally awesome son, but they take time.

When you're juggling at your limit, not even coffee will keep you from dropping a few balls. Mine have been raining like Niagra.

So this is it. A confession. I'm a writer, that's what I do. But in the past 2 months, (not counting my nonfiction day job) you know how many words I've written? (Oh I hope my editor doesn't read this) A big fat zero.

I've been attempting to promote CREATIVE LICENSE and HOOKING UP (which comes out in 11 days!)<--see, promo.: ) I've been writing blog posts (but that's doesn't count toward wordcount... right?)Trying to keep up with emails... (I took an internet vacation this weekend to clean house and I still haven't built up the courage to check my email... On Friday, I left it with over 200, I expect over 800) And I still don't feel like I'm promoting enough!

For instance, I have an awesome contest lined up... only I haven't written the blog post to announce it... I have chocolate body paint as a prize... if you've read CREATIVE LICENSE, you'll know why that's cool. ; ) <-- more shameless promo.

Realistically, I have an hour, maybe two to work on my fiction each day. Lately, that time has been spent on emails and blogs. Any time added is taken away from kids, house, boyfriend or yardwork. (Oh, you should see the weeds--maybe not)

Did I mention Lynne is my pen name? I'm having the same problem with my 'real' name too. 4 emails, 2 blogs, 2 twitter, 2 facebook... etc.

So, I know I'm not alone out here. I know other writers have kids, husbands or significant others, houses, jobs, family obligations, church, etc. HOW DO YOU MANAGE???

This is not one of those questions posed to get you to comment. This is a plea for advice.

Sooo, anyone have any?

Thanks,

Lynne

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-03-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

As an homage to my awesome boyfriend, who loves wrestling. ; ) And because my 5 yo thinks he's awesome. (and I can't argue)

Here's John Cena to pick you up on this cloudy (here anyway)Monday!

You gotta love a man who fills out a t-shirt like that.

Yup, he's the champ. ; )

Valentines Blog Tour Winners

2011-03-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our Week Four winner was Rebecca Booth, who won a $15 AND a $20 gift card from The Wild Rose Press.

And our Grand Prize Winner was Maria Yerton! Maria won a $15 AND a $25 gift card from The Wild Rose Press, PLUS a full size Shower Gel and Body Lotion from The Bath and Body Works in Night-Blooming Jasmine! Congratulations, Maria!

I hope this was as much fun for all of you as it was for me!

Stay tuned. I will be announcing a new contest next Tuesday and, from my lips to God's ears, writing a blog post filling you in on what's been going on in my world!

Valentines Blog Tour featuring Amy Corwin

2011-02-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day in the Valentine's Day Blog Tour. I am so glad I participated. Not only did I get to read some pretty interesting, and informative, blog posts, I met some terrific and talented women. If you haven't stopped at any of the posts, you're missing out. Trust me.

And if the fabulous posts weren't enough, and they are, commenting on any of the posts enters you in a drawing to win $40 in gift certificates and a chance to win the GRAND prize (it's so big I had to use all caps) worth $50.

Today, I have Amy Corwin on my blog talking about how to Develop unique characters. Amy is an award-winning author who published her first historical mystery, I Bid One American, in 2008 and has since published two more historical mysteries featuring the Archer family. In 2012, Amy’s first cozy contemporary mystery, Whacked, will be released. She writes for The Wild Rose Press and Five Star/Gale.

Without further ado, (love that word) here's Amy!

Developing Unique Characters

There is nothing easy about writing and one of the hardest things is developing characters that resonate with readers. The people who populate our fiction need to be memorable, larger than life, and real.

When I was first starting out, there was a lot of advice for creating unique characters circulating around the Internet that basically consisted of one or more of the following:

• Write up a biography or life history of your characters, including their past traumas, aspirations, and goals;

• Make him/her one of the standard archetypes like “optimistic cheerleader” type or “Fearless Leader” type;

• Give him/her some unexpected hobby or trait, like the Fearless Leader has an entire basement devoted to O-scale model trains; and

• And if you have problems making him/her sympathetic, give him a pet.

It almost sounds easy, doesn’t it? A regular four step plan. Unfortunately, while I do take the time to write out a brief history of each character so I know ages, schools, physical description, etc, none of these things is ever really enough. Not to mention that I’ve seen the “unexpected hobby/trait” abused in uber-obvious attempts by authors to make their characters different. They often end up picking a hobby that just doesn’t really go with the basic character they’ve built so it winds up creating a patchwork/hodgepodge effect that doesn’t really work.

What works for me is just…writing. The first three chapters of every book I write are the “getting to know you phase”. I can detail characters, plot out the personality traits, hobbies, facts of their life, and even give them a pet schnauzer, but until those first three chapters are down on paper, the character remains an amorphous blob without a true identity or personality.

But once I start writing, well… The characters take over. They develop their own patterns of speech and behavior and often simply refuse to “play along” with the hobbies I’ve tried to give them. They toss them out and seek out their own forms of entertainment. Unfortunately for me, this usually means that I have to delete or completely rewrite the first three chapters of every book because they are my idea of who the characters should be, before they show me who they really are.

This is not to say, however, that there aren’t techniques I use because there are. Once I finish the first three chapters ad have a pretty good idea who the characters are and how they interact with each other, I stop to note their personality quirks. Each one has pet phrases or a turn of speech that is habitual, and I make sure I annotate my information to ensure I keep those peculiarities straight. Each character interacts and learns from the world around him/her in a different manner. Some are thinkers and need to intellectualize events to learn. Others are more physical and need to “work through” things in a physical way. And those sensory patterns are often reflected in their speech. For example, someone who needs to work physically with something in order to learn about it, may use physically-oriented figures of speech, e.g. “I just can’t seem to get a grip today.” Someone who relies more on learning and interacting through their auditory senses may say, “I hear you.”

I could go on, but I don’t want to bore you. Suffice to say, building characters is a process of layering details that combined with create a character who readers can sympathize with and yet who stands out in some way that makes her stand out in a way that makes her worthy of the title: heroine.

Here is a blurb for Amy's book, THE BRICKLAYER'S HELPER

What would you do if you were a young girl, orphaned during the early years of the 19th century? Without a family and references, you’d find pitifully few jobs for women, leaving you to face a desperate life of thievery or prostitution.

Sarah faces this terrible situation in The Bricklayer’s Helper.

Her story was based on the actual life of Catherine Wilson, who was orphaned at fourteen and faced a bleak future. Catherine refused to accept the social restrictions of her day and donned her deceased brother’s clothes to find work under the name of John Thomson.

Just like Catherine, Sarah finds herself orphaned and alone when a suspicious fire burns down her home with her family trapped inside. All she can remember about the horrific event is the warning to “run and hide,” and hide she does. Sarah cuts her hair and dons the garb of a young boy, hoping to survive on her own. In this disguise, she’s obtains a job as a bricklayer’s helper and remains safe for thirteen years.

When work takes her to London, a man from her past recognizes her and arranges a meeting, only to be murdered before they can speak. Desperate that she may be vulnerable, Sarah hires an inquiry agent from the Second Sons Inquiry Agency.

However, the inquiry agent, William Trenchard, is far too frippery for Sarah’s taste. In her experience, attractive men can rarely do more than fumble their way beneath a lady’s skirt, but she fears he may be her last chance. And William is so sick of being labeled a “Bedroom Bantam” that the look of disdain in Sarah’s eyes drives him to prove his worth.

Unfortunately, their decisions may prove to be dangerous to their hearts…if not downright fatal.

"This first novel by Ms. Corwin revealed her abilities to grip the reader’s attention…” – The Romance Studio

Visit Amy Corwin on the web at http://www.amycorwin.com/ or amycorwin.blogspot.com.

And don't forget the other stops in the Valentine's Tour!

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/ (that's me!)

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

LAST CHANCE!!!!!

2011-02-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

The final week of the month-long blog tour. Commenters this week are up for a weekly prize worth $40 and/or a Grand Prize worth over $50! Topic this week - Developing Unique Characters

Tomorrow, February 23th:

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

Looking for a hero?

2011-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, the erotic, and romance for that matter, industry goes hand and hand with images of hunky heroes. We like to look at sculpted arms, toned shoulders, rippling abdomons... okay, you get the idea. As diverse as heroes are, there is one thing they have in common. Even if they're hiding behind Clark Kent glasses and pencil protecters, heroes are overflowing with the sex appeal, especially for our heroine.

Helen Hardt, an oh-so-talented author, features hunky heroes on her blog weekly. You really don't want to miss her Hump-Day Hunk.

Today, she's featuring my favorite hero: Caleb from CREATIVE LICENSE. So stop on by Helen's blog and meet Caleb.

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-02-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

And he could assure one, couldn't he?

I'm on the road again.

2011-02-17T04:59:00.000-08:00

Today I'm over in Romance Alley talking about my inspiration for CREATIVE LICENSE! Don't leave me lonely. : )

Please don't forget, a comment on the Valentine Day Blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $30 gift certificate! Don't miss the awesome true romance stories!

Valentine's Blog Tour Week Three featuring Linda Kage

2011-02-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

To be honest with all of you, this is the week of the blog tour I've been looking forward to the most! Why? I guess it's no suprise, that as a romance writer, I'm in love with love and love stories. This week, the members of this blog tour will tell the story of how they met their significant other. I'm so excited to visit all the blogs and read!
Don't forget, commenting on a blog enters you in a contest where you can win $30 in gift certificates and a chance to win the grand prize valued at $50!

Today I have the talented Linda Kage telling the story of how she met her significant other. Linda is a contemporary romance writer from the Midwestern USA, where she lives with her wonderful husband, daughter, and their nine cuckoo clocks. The eighth and final child of dairy farmers, she was forced into having a vivid imagination if she ever wanted to do something one of her siblings hadn't already tried.

I watched vh1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s on TV a while back and heard a line I loved.

"Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls came in number 39 and someone on the show made the comment that this was a good couples song. They said, "Couples who came together with Goo, stuck together." I was like, "Oh, yeah! Rock on," because of course that was me and my man's song back in 1998 when we met and, yep, we're still together.

So we digress way back to November of 1998, my freshman year of college. I came home for Thanksgiving break and made plans to meet my school friend Susan (hi Susan!) and get together to do... something. She made some comments beforehand about me meeting this guy friend of hers, but I didn't think too much of it at the time. I was more excited about getting to see Susan again.

The night of our reunion came. We, plus another friend of ours, piled into my 1990 Nissan Sentra and headed toward a honky tonk bar not too far away called Twisters. There, this guy friend of Susan's had already arrived and was playing pool with a group of his buddies. Susan introduced us, we all played pool for a couple of rounds, and then he asked me to dance.

I couldn't tell you what that first song was. It was probably some country tune. But after that, Garth Brooks "To Make You Feel My Love" came on and I oohed and awed over it because I'd just seen the movie Hope Floats with my sister. Graciously, he asked if I wanted to dance again. After that, he hurried to Susan and told he he'd like to go out with me sometime. Susan relayed the information to me, and instead of giving her an answer back, I walked over to him and felt obliged to tease him for being unable to ask me out himself. He blushed, I told him I’d be delighted to go out with him, and the rest is history. We went on our first date.

The next afternoon, before I had to drive back to college, we caught a movie at the local theatre, watching Will Smith in Enemy of the State, and then we went to Sonic Drive-In for a fountain drink. Since that day, Sonic has become "our special place". We usually go there every Valentine's Day to celebrate.

Six days ago, our daughter had her first birthday. And in July, we’ll celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary. Who knows what we'll do next year, but I'm certain we'll do it together. Because we've been stuck together by Goo and our romance is one of those "for the long haul" doozies.

I think I’m such a romance junkie because I love hearing about, reading about, and watching movie about that first moment a couple meets. So of course I simple must—oh, yes, I must!—share the meet-scene from my young adult romance, The Stillburrow Crush:

The opposing team shuffled onto their bus with their heads lowered. And here came the champs. Braying like a bunch of coon dogs, they looked pumped and riled. The ground rumbled under my feet as the stampede approached.

Still huddled together in one lumped mass, they came, charging toward the side door of the gym that led to their locker room. Cleats click-clacked on the asphalt parking lot, reminding me of my Great Aunt Kay’s dog, Chigger, who liked to run across her linoleum floor, creating as much clatter as possible. The team blew by me, smelling of musty earth, sports cream and sweat.

I couldn’t spot Coach Newell, but there he was, trailing at the end, grinning with the rest of the idiots: quarterback Luke Carter.

I rose onto my toes and waved my hand. “Luke,” I called, and quickly dropped my fingers when I realized I probably looked like some overeager groupie.

The chanting was too loud, though. One player did glance my way, but moved on without speaking. All he saw of me was a long brown trench coat with a mop of fuzzy blond hair sticking out the top. Nothing worth pausing over, I’m sure.

“Carter!” I put a little more gut into the call and finally caught his attention.

In his red jersey smeared brown, he faltered a step, his head swiveling my way. Then with a quick sidestep, he slipped from the group and came toward me. The streetlights played the shadows like a puppeteer, dangling darkness over his torso and down. When he emerged from the shadows, I sucked in a breath. The football pads made his shoulders seem wider and his chest twice as broad, while thigh pads made his waistline look especially slim. He moved like he was full of cardboard, stiff and ambling.

He towered over me, a looming six feet two inches tall (according to the football roster) to my five feet seven. His helmet was off, hanging at his side, and he’d wrapped his fingers around the face guard. A cut across his right eyebrow sliced toward the corner of his eye. Tiny etches of blood filled the cracks and defined the spot where he’d have a healthy showing of crow’s feet someday. His wet black hair curled slightly down his forehead and around his ears. And his eyes were a blue so clear that if they’d been a lake, I could’ve seen right to their rocky bottoms.

Finally, he smiled…and I wanted to kick him.

He had a row of bright white teeth with a bit of an overbite, and a dimple I could’ve fallen into. I hated him for that grin. I mean, how dare he look at me with those blue orbs and display such a genuine smile? I didn’t want it. I didn’t want to step into line behind every other girl in school whose heart went into double-thump for this boy. He had no right to give me that busted-ice feeling.

Yeah, busted ice. It’s like making instant gelatin the fast way with ice instead of cold water. When the ice cubes drop into the boiling gelatin they crack and sometimes bust into a hundred pieces. Well, my stomach was full of a dozen of those cubes, busting and cracking all over inside me because Luke Carter was a vision.

“Yeah?” he asked, resting his helmet against his hip.

“Carrie Paxton,” I said, sticking my hand in the space of air between us. I tried to keep it professional despite my irritation over the busted ice in my gut. “Editor of The Central Record.”

“I know.” He took my hand. Compared to his, my fingers were small and weak. “You’re in my Trig class."

His handshake was cold and slightly damp. He squeezed my palm before letting go. My mouth dropped open.

He wasn’t supposed to know that about me.

I’m sorry. But no girl, despite how much that girl doesn’t care about popularity and all that junk, can remain calm when someone like Luke Carter shakes her hand and actually knows her name. OK, I admit he should’ve known my name. We’d gone to the same school since kindergarten. But noticing me enough to realize we shared a class? No way.

“Oh,” I said. If I’d had any air left in my lungs, I might’ve been able to continue, but I did a fairly decent job of making a fool out of myself as it was. “Well. I…I…I mean, is it OK to talk to you, er, ask you a few questions about the game? For the paper, that is.”

“Sure.” A bead of muddy sweat trickled out of his hairline and down his temple, mixing with blood before moving on. Fascinated, I watched it drool a crooked path down his cheek and neck and then into the collar of his jersey.

As if catching my entranced stare, he lifted the hand that held his helmet and wiped the sweat away with the back of his palm. “What do you want to know?”

I cleared my throat and dropped my eyes. “Umm, well…” I yanked a notebook from the inside pocket of my trench coat. The wind caught a few sheets, making the lined pages flail and thrash like they were drowning in the ocean or something. I tried to get a hold of them and rein them in but only succeeded in wrinkling most of the pad.

“Sorry,” I muttered, and dug deep into my outer pocket, frantically searching for my pen. I couldn’t find the irritating thing there, and switched hands on the notebook to search the other pocket. I didn’t dare look up. I could feel him watching and it made my cheeks hot.

He coughed, trying to get my attention, and my head flew up—long bangs falling into my eyes. He motioned toward my right ear with his index finger. I frowned, wondering if there was a twig or something in my hair and reached up, patting the area. And the pen, which had been securely tucked behind my ear, stabbed me.
Ouch!”

What are some of your favorite meet scenes you’ve read, watched or heard about?

Don't forget to stop by the other blog stops today for more real-life romance!

Linda can be found at:

Linda Kage Blog Page - weekly - http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Romance Books "R" Us - on the 12th of every month - http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com/

Climbing Roses of the Wild Rose Press - on the 12th of every month - http://twrpclimbingrose.blogspot.com//

The Writers Vineyard - Every Fourth Wednesday - http://thewritersvineyard.com/

Today's blog interary:

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com//blog

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

And I'm at Lilly's http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

Pre-release Blog Tour for CREATIVE LICENSE Winner!!!

2011-02-15T22:27:00.000-08:00

After going through all the comments and writing each name down then assigning a number have having baby girl pick a random number (she can count to 100, so it was fair).... drum roll please!

Emma Lai, you're the winner of the $10 gift certificate to Samhain!

Congratulations!

Special guest blogger: CARI QUINN

2011-02-15T04:40:00.000-08:00

If you've read any of my recent interviews, you'll know that when anyone ask me about a must-read author, Cari Quinn is high on my list. This writer creates such fabulous characters with absolutely amazing chemistry that I stand in awe... or rather sit as I'm busy devouring the story!

Cari and I share something in common besides our love for coffee: A release day! Today INSATIABLE releases from Loose Id. and Cari has graciously offered to switch blogs with me!

Without further rambling from me, here's Cari:

Friends to lovers rock my world!

Thanks so much to Lynne for having me here today! I love, love, love her writing and her Samhain release today, Creative License, is one of my favorite books. That Caleb...YUM!

Now it's confession time. I have a secret. It's not much of one, granted, since anyone who knows me knows how much I love this particular trope. But I have a favorite kind of story...take two friends, add in some sexual tension, some angst, a few stolen moments...and voila! My favorite storyline ever.

Why do I love those stories so much? The history, for one. There's something so sexy about being with a guy who knows all about you, which can eliminate a lot of the awkwardness. But then there's the potential weirdness of doing the naked limbo with a guy who's seen you in your rattiest pajamas, though for me as a writer that's a goldmine for conflict. I just love it when two characters start to see each other in a whole new light - and hopefully, start to see each other in the darkness too. ;)

Here's the tentative blurb for Insatiable, my friends to lovers story due out Tuesday 2/15 from Loose Id. The story of how I started writing this story back during, ahem, the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school is on my blog if you're interested.

Having all of her is the only thing that will satisfy him...

Shawn Griffin and Rachel Cooper have been best friends practically since birth, thanks to their families’ close relationship. But for the past few years, Shawn has been fantasizing about getting his best pal in his bed. When she announces she’s taking a trip to reconnect with an old lover, Shawn knows the time has come to put up or shut up. If she wants to go to New York City, fine. But he’s coming with her.

Rachel doesn’t know what to think of Shawn’s sudden interest. Determined to live life on her own terms, she refuses to fall right in line with her wealthy family’s wish that they get married and have perfect little babies. She just didn’t count on how determined her seemingly laid back -- and extremely sexy -- best friend would become after setting his sights on what he wants. Her, over and over again.

But when tragedy strikes, Rachel begins to wonder if she’ll lose not only her lover but her best friend too.

Thank you, Cari.

Here's where you can learn more about Cari and her work. Her blog is absolutely gorgeous, by the way... and honestly, I wouldn't steer you wrong, pick up any of her books and you won't be able to put it down. ; )

Website: http://www.cariquinn.com/

Valentine's Day Blog

2011-02-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Who better to spend Valentine's Day with than a group of romance writers? Well, okay.. ; ) Today I'm joining with several other authors at Selena Robin's blog to celebrate! Stop by and learn what our significant others have to say about us!

This is the last day in my pre-release blog tour, so comment for a chance to win a $10 Samhain gift certificate!

WEEK TWO WINNER!!!

2011-02-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Week 2 Winner: Sherry Cahill!

Sherry won 2 TWRP gift cards worth $25! Sherry not only won Week 2's prizes, but she's also entered twice for the Grand Prize at the end of the month! Other grand prize entrants from Week 2 are: Darlene Fredette (also entered twice!), Judy, Michelle Miller, S. Denson, Zequeatta Jaques, Jennifer Shirk and Ciara Knight.

Don't miss the awesome next installment of the Valentine Blog tour this Wednesday 02/16/11!

And.... 2 DAYS UNTIL THE RELEASE OF CREATIVE LICENSE!!!!!!!

That's the long and short of it.

2011-02-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm over at Long and Short Reviews. Stop on by!

Remember, each day until February 15th, RELEASE DAY for CREATIVE LICENSE!!!!, each comment on my pre-release blog tour enters you in a contest in which the winner recieves a $10 Samhain gift card. The winner will be announced on February 15th!

Pre-release Blog Tour for CREATIVE LICENSE

2011-02-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

Every day until February 15th, RELEASE DAY for CREATIVE LICENSE!!!!, each comment on my

Pre-release Blog tour enters you in a contest in which the winner recieves a $10 Samhain gift card. The winner will be announced on February 15th!

Today I am not at one place, but two! I've been interviewed by Crystal Posey of Everybody Needs A Little Romance (which is holding a secondary contest in which you can win one of my backlist and a $5 or $10 Samhain gift certificate) and at NL Gervasio's blog

I'll be at Long and Short Reviews on Feb 11th.

On Feb 14th, I'll be over at Selena Robin's blog where my Significant Other gets his say!

Don't forget to visit me at Linda Kage's blog as a part of the TWRP Valentine's Blog Tour where your comment puts you in the running for gift certificates totalling $30 and makes you eligible for the GRAND PRIZE. This is a great bunch of talented and charming ladies. You won't want to miss it! Caroline Clemmons writes about where her creative ideas come from below!

Where Do Creative Ideas Come From featuring Caroline Clemmons

2011-02-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

On our second week of the Valentines Day Blog tour, I am lucky enough to have contemporary, paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons writing about where ideas come from. Take it away, Caroline!

Authors are frequently asked where they get their ideas. My friend, Bobbye Terry/Daryn Cross, tells people she orders her ideas from a small factory in Ohio. I love that answer!

Ideas pop into my head, whether I want them to or not. This is good and bad. The bad thing is that I’ll have to live to be at least two hundred to write all the ideas spinning in my brain right now. The good thing is I always have a story idea. The bad thing is my ideas use a large part of my concentration and I have to consciously focus in order to shut them out. The good thing is my characters are talking to me, waiting for me to write their story so they can shut up. Hey, I hear you saying writers are crazy. So what’s your point?

One of my favorite quotes is by author Meg Chittenden: “Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.”

My greatest sources are the questions “what if?” and “wouldn’t it be a better story if?” While doing research on one project, I come across items--totally unrelated--and an idea pops into my head, “Hey, wouldn’t that make a great story if....” Listening to the evening news on TV, I think, “That would make a much better story if....” Same with reading a magazine or newspaper.

On a trip, I see an old house and start wondering about the family who built it and weaving stories about the family who lived there. In a museum, the same happens with historic items: who used it, what kind of person was he/she, how far has it traveled?

One of the more pleasant ways to get story ideas is a nice trip. That’s where I received the idea for the hero and heroine in my current release, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Actually, this book was from two trips. Many years ago, my family spent a few days at a guest ranch (sounds better than “dude ranch,” doesn’t it?) near Bandera, the Mayan Ranch. I fell in love with that part of Texas and have set several books there. In 1998, my husband and I took our first trip to Ireland. The country and its history fascinated me, hence more “what ifs” arose to devil my mind.

Where do ideas come from? Everywhere!

To purchase my recent releases, the western historical THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE and the modern time travel OUT OF THE BLUE, in print and e-download please go to www.thewildrosepress.com/caroline-clemmons-m-638.html and other online stores including Amazon and Digi-Books. For my backlist of contemporaries, SNOWFIRES and BE MY GUEST, and linked historicals, THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE and THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, please check Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/36055?ref=CarolineClemmons. They will soon be available in download from other online sources.

Thanks, Lynne, for letting me guest on your blog today.

It's been my pleasure, Caronine. Here is a sneak peak at THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, a western historical romance set in 1885:

Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas McClintock, but she agrees to wed handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams.

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s wagon to be tended. He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything. Ah, but what is he to do with a wife and her wild Irish family?

Excerpt: G rated from THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE:

Dallas raised his gaze where Aoife directed. Four girls danced, but only one drew his attention. Shoulders straight and feet flying, Cenora met his glance, then broke away from the other dancers to perform only a few yards from him.

Catcalls sounded nearby. She ignored them but gave a toss of her head. Her hair had come unbound, and her act sent her fiery hair awhirl. Light from the blazing campfire cast an aura-like radiance around her. Lantern glow overhead reflected her eyes sparked with merriment, challenge, and something mysterious he couldn’t name.

No longer the delicate china doll, her wild beauty called to him, mesmerized him. He visualized her brilliant tresses spread across a pillow, her milky skin bared only for him. His body responded, and savage desire shot through him. Surprised at the depth of his reaction, he wondered if her performance in bed would parallel the unbridled nature of her dance.

Good Lord, could this glorious woman truly be his wife? And if so, heaven help him, what on earth was he to do with her?

Stop by and visit the other authors on the blog tour. Don't forget to comment for a chance to win a weekly prize. The more comments you make, the greater your chance of winning!

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA and adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/blog

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

And I will be at Linda's! http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

WEEK ONE WINNER

2011-02-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

We have a Week 1 Winner of the Valentine Blog Tour – drum roll, please!

*******************
The winner of a $15 gift certificate to TWRP and a $5 gift certificate to Samhain is…..Marci!!!

Thank you for your comment, Marci!

Next week's prizes are gift certificates valued at $25! Continue to comment to enter the weekly prizes and the Grand Prize!

Valentines Blog Tour: The Significance of First Lines featuring Amie Louellen

2011-02-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

Please join me in welcoming Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance as she talks about the significance of first lines!

“The great fish moved silently through the night water, propelled by short sweeps of its crescent tail.”

When anyone says first lines, this immediately comes to mind. This is the first line from Jaws.

Jaws terrified me.

It stunted my growth.

It scarred me for life.

An effective first line sets the tone for the entire book. This line says DANGER.

First lines are no less important to the romance genre. In fact, every word of the romance is crucial. We already know the hero and heroine are going to get together, it’s the journey we’re after. What the author does with the first line tells us what to expect from this journey. Will it have murder? Mystery? Mayhem? (Sorry, couldn’t help myself!) My books are funny—no great fish, no night waters, no danger. My first lines are chosen to set that tone—light hearted, fun, and whimsical.

“Must be a dream, Savanna Morgan thought lazily. And what a remarkable dream he was. ” (from Brodie’s Bride. WARNING—shameless bit of self-promotion ahead… Brodie’s Bride available soon from the Wild Rose Press.) (And yes, I know this is two sentences, but it’s my blog and my book. So hey…whadayagonnado?)

Ahem…that’s not to say all books start off perfectly—if that’s even possible. But I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been deceived by a first line. I’ve also lost count of how many of these I didn’t finish—most probably all of them. A first line that doesn’t set the book’s tone is like false advertising. It cheats the author as well as the reader.

Going back to Jaws. This first line illustrates a wealth of information. There’s the villain—the shark. She’s big, and she has stealth. This is her domain, and no one is safe. And the most clever part? All of this information comes from seventeen words. Consider—“The shark swam through the water.” Has the same basic information. And yet it doesn’t give me goosebumps. (well, okay… it does. But that’s my phobia and has nothing to do with good writing.) When compared to Benchley’s work, it pales in comparison.

Not every first line will be as memorable as “Call me Ishmael.” (from Moby Dick) But its job isn’t necessarily to be quotable. The first line should be captivating. It should pull you into the story and evoke some level of emotion (even crippling fear, as is the case with me and sharks). It should make you ask questions and intrigue you keep reading until you find the answers.

So when I say first lines, what comes to your mind? Leave a comment and get entered into a drawing featuring great prizes (Woooo…). What’s your favorite first line and why?

DISCLAIMER—for those of you who are interested, this is NOT my favorite first line. In fact it gives me the heebie-jeebies. (Did I mention the growth-stunting?) No, my favorite first line is “Kenny Traveler was lazy.” From Lady Be Good by the incomparable Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Or at least that’s my favorite today…)

Here's a sneak peak at Amie Louellen's Brodie's Bride

Blurb--

Waking up next to a beautiful golden-haired stranger isn’t the worst thing that has ever happened to Brodie Harper, but staying in a fake marriage in order to gain a new construction contract could very well be.

Savanna Morgan just wanted a way out of an engagement to a man she didn’t love. Marrying Brodie seemed liked the perfect answer at the time. Less perfect the next morning when she finds herself disowned by her father and flat broke. Now she must make it through the weekend. Monday they can get it all annulled and forget it ever happened.

The real problem may be keeping their hands off each other until then.

Excerpt--

“Married,” the official supplied with a happy nod.

For the first time since the blonde had screamed and set off the pounding in his head, Brodie noticed the band that circled the fourth finger of his left hand. Married. Images of a scarlet chapel and gold rings flitted through his mind. Lost in the fog of straight shots of tequila, the whole ordeal seemed liked a dream. But if what the man said was true...

Holy heaven. The last time Brodie had gotten drunk had been the day his grandfather died. Then, he’d only acquired a tattoo, but this time... Married? And to a hooker? A gorgeous hooker. An expensive hooker by the depleted state of his wallet, but a hooker none-the-less.

“Where’s my dress?”

Brodie half-turned as his hooker-bride stumped down the stairs, her naked glory covered by the rumpled satin sheet. One red, high-rise pump was missing.

“I wouldn’t know,” he replied, his headache tripling.

“You took it off. You find it.” She punched him hard in the chest with one red lacquered fingernail.

“You want it. You find it,” he countered.

“That dress was an Armani. And you—”

Brodie leaned away from the blonde and closer to the man behind the counter. “Are you sure we’re married?”

“Quite certain.”

“Married?” she squeaked.

“One hundred percent sure?” Brodie added.

“It was a lovely ceremony.”

“Married?”

Damn, Brodie thought. He was too nice of a guy, but he couldn’t stand the panic he heard in her voice. He faced her and took her left hand in his own, turning them both so she could see their identical rings. “Seems we tied the knot last night, sunshine.”

Amie Louellen loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and shoes. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list. When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings she enjoys going to little league baseball games and boy scout meetings. Born and bred in Mississippi, Amie is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, a spoiled cat, and one very hyper beagle.

She'd love to hear from you. Contact her on her website, blog, or find her on FaceBook.

Don't forget, comment for a chance to win a great prize and don't miss these other great author blogs!

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet contemporary, paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/blog

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com

Valentines Blog Tour!

2011-01-31T15:35:00.000-08:00

Please join us in the a multi-author Valentines Blog Tour starting this Wednesday 02/02/11!

Eleven TWRP authors have tag-teamed up for a blog tour of themes from the heart of writing. Meet some of the authors from TWRP and discover how their personal stories influenced their writing. Leave a comment on any of the blogs to enter to win a weekly prize. One commenter will be chosen from each blog each week. One random winner will be chosen from these 11 for a weekly double-or-nothing prize. Weekly chosen commenters who don't win the weekly prize will automatically be entered for a triple-or-nothing grand prize at the end of the tour. Winners will be posted on all the blogs. The more blogs you comment on, the better your chances of winning because you could be chosen more than once each week!

Because of this tour, I'm putting Under the Covers with Lynne on the back burner. It will return the first Friday in March!

Blog Tour Itinerary

Wednesday, February 2nd - Blog Topic - The Significance of First Lines

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet contemporary, paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/blog

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, February 9th - Blog Topic - Where Creative Ideas Come From

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA and adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/blog

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 16th - Blog Topic - Meeting Your Significant Other

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com//

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com//blog

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 23rd - Blog Topic - Developing Unique Characters

Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/

Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/

Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrite.com/blog

Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/

Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-01-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

And I'm thinking he could! Hope your Monday is the best it can be!

Under the Covers with Victoria Gray

2011-01-28T04:52:00.000-08:00

LR: Please welcome Victoria Gray to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

VG: Silk…I love the way it feels against my skin.

LR: It’s a slumber party so calories don’t count. What snacks would you like to munch on while we talk?

VG: Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.

LR: Oh, a woman after my own heart! So let’s get comfortable. What do you usually wear to bed?

VG: My husband’s Steelers T-shirt and panties.

LR: As long as you don’t mind my 49’er T-shirt, we’re set. So let’s play Truth or Dare.

VG: Truth

LR: Tell us something not very many people know.

VG: I am terrified of heights.

LR: Oh, I am too! Let me ask some safer questions. What is your favorite color?

VG: Pink

LR: What is your favorite time of day?

VG: Night – I’m quite a night owl

LR: Do you have a favorite flower?

VG: Roses

LR: How about a favorite season?

VG: Summer

LR: Ah, when the roses bloom. That makes sense. If you could have any car, which would it be?

VG: A ’66 Ford Mustang

LR: You’re kidding! My uncle has a blue ’66 Mustang that I’ve been drooling over for years! Who is your favorite actor?

VG: Russell Crowe

LR: Who is your favorite actress?

VG: Meryl Streep

LR: Do you have a favorite band or singer?

VG: The Beatles

LR: What is a movie you could watch over and over?

VG: Romancing the Stone

LR: I just watched that a few weeks ago. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

VG: Diet Coke

LR: Coming right up and for after the interview, can I get you an adult beverage?

VG: Margarita

LR: If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

VG: Teresa Medeiros

LR: What would you consider a romantic date?

VG: A quiet dinner and a nice bottle of wine with my husband.

LR: If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

VG: London

LR: What is the best piece of advice on writing you’ve ever received?

VG: Write the book of your heart

LR: That’s good advice. Do you listen to music while you write?

VG: Yes, I enjoy classical music when I’m writing. I have to admit I adore the classic composers…their music is so grand and passionate, and there are no lyrics to distract me.

LR: Where were you when you heard your first book was contracted. What did you do?

VG: After I finished hyperventilating, I called my husband. That night, we shared a nice bottle of wine I’d been saving for just that occasion.

LR: What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

VG: The wonderful feeling I get when I read a scene I’ve written and it moves me…especially when I go back after some time has passed and the emotions in the scene seem very new.

LR: Least favorite?

VG: Editing!

LR: *Groan* I hear you. Tell us about your newest release.

VG: Angel in My Arms is the story of Amanda Emerson, a Union spy undercover in Richmond, and Union officer Steve Dunham, the man she enlists in the daring rescue of a double agent from a Confederate prison and imminent execution. As the danger surrounding them thickens, every moment he’s with her jeopardizes their lives, but they discover a passion that’s worth the risk.

LR: Do you have anything in the works?

VG: I’ve just finished a sequel to Angel in my Arms entitled Against All Odds. I fell in love with two of the characters in Angel, Will and Kate, and had to give them their own story. They become enmeshed in a net of treachery and vengeance even as their love deepens. I’m also finishing up a historical romantic suspense.

Blurb:

Amanda Emerson must break her cousin, a notorious double agent, out of a Confederate prison before his imminent execution. She’s a skilled Union operative, but for this mission, she needs a man. Even a man who looks and acts like a Viking warrior.

Caught with Rebel battle plans and set for a hanging, Union spy Steve Dunham isn’t about to refuse the assistance of the sable-haired beauty who shows up at the jail and slips him the keys to his cell. Of course, she’s there for a reason besides saving his neck - he’s the key to her plan.

He may be trading one noose for another, but he won’t forsake her. The spoils of his victory will be her surrender. And the terms of surrender will be sweet.

Excerpt:

Amanda closed her eyes and savored his possession. How could anything feel as good as his lips against hers? With his arms wrapped tight

around her, she felt as though nothing could penetrate the tender shield of his embrace.

Wanting him was wrong. He was little more than a stranger. A man she’d teamed with for a mission. He was supposed to be nothing more.

But he’d filled her heart.

His handsome face captivated her all the more for its tiny imperfections. A small scar on his chin. The small bump at the bridge of his nose that told the tale of a long-ago break. Another scar, much more recent, on his jaw that looked to be the result of a man’s ring connecting with his flesh and bone.

He was a warrior. Her warrior. Fierce. Tender. Courageous. Protective.

“You’re so beautiful, Mandy.” His lips trailed the column of her throat.

She nestled against his broad chest. He smelled like bay rum and pine and leather. She’d never realized how tantalizing the scents could be. Mingled with his natural essence, the blend of aromas touched something deep and primal within her. She couldn’t resist the scent. Or him.

He took her hands in his. A sly smile curved his mouth as he studied her. “Such sweet temptation. The question is where to begin.”

She’d wasn’t an innocent, but she’d never experienced the heat of a man’s gaze drinking her in as though she were a fine wine to be savored. When Steve looked at her, she felt wanted.

Desired.

Loved.

Ridiculous. He couldn’t possibly love her.

But he hungered for her touch. That would have to be enough. After all, she didn’t love him.

Keep telling yourself that, Mandy.

She couldn’t love a man she barely knew.

Even if she longed for his scent. For his touch. For the moment when he’d claim her.

Even if she prayed he’d come to his senses and leave her before the rebels captured him and dragged him away to prison. Or a noose.

LR: Awesome excerpt! You can find out more about Victoria Gray and her work at her website. ANGEL IN MY ARMS is available at The Wild Rose Press

What are you doing in March?

2011-01-25T05:42:00.000-08:00

You ever hear that saying it never rains, it pours? After so long without a new release. I have two in back to back months. I am so proud to reveal the cover for Hooking Up. Release date March 18!

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-01-24T05:40:00.000-08:00

Just two more buttons... please?

Under the Covers with Caroline Clemmons

2011-01-21T04:46:00.000-08:00

LR: Please welcome Caroline Clemmons to Under the Covers with Lynne. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

CC: High thread count permanent pressed cotton. I love the smooth feel of the cotton against my skin.

LR: Sometimes it’s almost better than silk! Okay, now that we have that out of the way. What snacks would you like? It’s a party, calories don’t count.

CC: Chips, salsa, guacamole, chocolate. Maybe some of Braum’s Bordeaux Cherry Amaretto frozen yogurt. Oops, did I just gain a pound? That’s how easily I gain—just thinking about yummy treats packs it on.

LR: You and me both, but I must say you look ravishing. Let’s play red carpet and tell the readers what you’re wearing.

CC: A nightie. I prefer luxurious satin tricot with satin trim in a knee length with low neck and sleeveless. It will be either blue or lavender.

LR: When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare?

CC: I’m not fond of games and don’t think I’d be playing truth or dare, but if I were it would be truth. That doesn’t mean I’d actually answer truthfully, you know.

LR: Fair enough. : ) What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

CC: The most daring thing I’ve ever done was laugh when I received a bomb threat over the phone. Maybe that was stupid rather than daring. I thought I recognized the voice of the caller, knew he was angry over legislation a group I was in was spearheading, but didn’t think he’d actually carry out the threat. It was all just so surreal and ridiculous, I laughed at the poor man. When I saw him at a meeting a few days later, I stared then smiled at him and he had the grace to blush. I don’t think real bombers blush, do you?

LR: No, I don’t… but you’re more daring than I am! Will you tell us something not very many people know?

CC: I figure the above is something most people don’t know. Other truth, hmm, I drove on Germany’s Autobahn before the speed limit was instituted, but I only went 85, which I believe is now the speed limit. Fast enough for me!

LR: Very cool! Okay, how about some personal questions? What would you consider a romantic date?

CC: You’ll be so disappointed in me, but I like dinner out and then back home to watch a nice movie.

LR: That’s not disappointing. I love dinner and a movie. If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

CC: Ireland!

LR: What is your favorite thing to eat?

CC: TexMex any time of day.

LR: What is your favorite color?

CC: A sort of lavender blue I call periwinkle.

LR: I had a bird named Periwinkle. ; ) What is your favorite time of day?

CC: I am so not a morning person, and I like evening best.

LR: You and me both! What is your favorite flower?

CC: A pink rose.

LR: What is your favorite season?

CC: Fall because the weather is nice and we are looking forward to the holidays, and summer’s horrid heat is over.

LR: If you could have any car, which would it be?

CC:Probably a Toyota Highlander hybrid. Or one of the new completely electric cars. Surprised? I drive a Lincoln town car now, which I love and which gets good mileage, but think we need to become more green.

LR: With the price of gas? No not surprised. ;) Who is your favorite actress?

CC: Meryl Streep—the woman can play anyone and do so very well.

LR: What is a movie you could watch over and over?

CC: I love romantic comedies and watch my favorites over and over. Two of my favorites are “Dave” and “French Kiss.” New favorites are “Leap Year” and “Miss Pettigrew Has Her Day.”

LR: What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

CC: Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper

LR: What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

CC: Margarita, blended, especially if served with chips, salsa and/or TexMex food.

LR: Great! I’ll mix up some Margaritas to drink with our chips and salsa! What inspired you to start writing?

CC: I’ve always made up stories, but a journalism teacher inspired me to write. I loved reading, but my mother-in-law inspired me to turn my loves of writing and reading in to a book. My dad had encouraged me early on. My husband has always been very supportive of my writing.

LR: How did your friends/relatives react when you told them you wanted to be a writer?

CC: My family and friends were supportive. I was sorry I’d mentioned I was writing a book to anyone but my husband and daughters. People don’t understand that writers are not like the celebrities that have a book on the stands three weeks after they’ve been in a famous trial (a la O. J. Simpson). An ordinary writer doesn’t write, sell, and have released a book in a few weeks. When I told my mom I’d sold and when my book would be released, she thought I was teasing. She said, “No, really, when will it be out?”

LR: Or they wonder when you’re going to buy the Mercedes. ; ) What is the best piece of advice on writing you’ve ever received?

CC: Don’t give up! I like to quote Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.” I also like Calvin Coolidge’s quote about perseverance: “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded Genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent.”

LR: Very good advice. What kind of goals to you set for yourself when writing? Word count? Page count?

CC: Generally, I set page goals rather than word count goals. If I’m on a deadline, I divide the page numbers I need by the time I have left to write so I know how many pages a day I need to complete to reach the deadline and have time to edit. If I’m on my own time, I like to do five or more pages a day. Life usually interferes, however, so some days I exceed the goal while others I don’t get anything written.

LR: Do you listen to music while you write?

CC: Yes, I listen to classical music when I write, usually Mozart. I like Don Campbell’s Mozart Effect theory. Listening to classical music while I write really does stimulate my creativity and help the rhythm of my typing.

LR: Do you have a favorite song? The favorite depends on my mood. It might be Rascal Flatt’s “Movin’ On” or one by Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart, Sting, or Mary Chapin Carpenter. Yes, I am a moody person.

LR: Where were you when you heard your first book was contracted. What did you do?

CC: I was in the kitchen. I could hardly wait to tell my husband.

LR: Tell us about your newest release.

CC: THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is a western historical set in 1885 Texas. In it, horse breeder and rancher Dallas McClintock saves Cenora Rose O’Neill from kidnappers and is shot by them before he kills them. He’s taken to Cenora’s family to have his wounds tended and is trapped into marrying her by her wily father, Sean O’Neill. Not only that, but Dallas inherits Cenora’s eccentric family and the additional crises they create.

LR: Sounds interesting! Do you have anything in the works?

CC: I always have something else in the works! LOL I’m working on a time travel romance with one critique group and a cozy mystery with another critique group.

LR: Do you write full time or part time?

CC: I write full time when—as I said above—life doesn’t interfere.

LR: Who is your favorite character in your novels?

CC: My favorite characters are always the latest ones. However, I have to say Dallas McClintock from THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is closest to a hero I would want, which means closest to my husband’s traits—honor, loyalty, stability, handsome, tall, loving. Can you tell I’m happily married?

LR: If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

CC: Probably Nora Roberts. She inspired me to write, and I believe she has inspired thousands. Also, I know she’s done some really kind things without taking credit for them or making a big deal out of her good works. She is a consistently prolific writer.

LR: She has inspired many! What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

CC: I get to work at home in my old clothes, no makeup, and create worlds. I get to be a goddess and bring characters to life. I travel to different time periods and live vicariously through the people in my head and never have to leave home. What could be better?

LR: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

CC: If I had lots of cash (how would that feel?) I would spend spring around Austin TX, summer in Estes Park, Colorado, winter where I live now, and spend fall in Ireland.

LR: Fall in Ireland sounds wonderful! Where can we find you?

Website http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

Blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/ with regular appearances on http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/, http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/, and http://www.blogger.com/goog_1887866637

Twitter @CarolinClemmons, Facebook, Goodreads and others

You can find Caroline's books here.

Blurb:

Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams.

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s wagon to be tended. He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything—even when her eccentric family drives him to distraction.

This excerpt is from their first night home on Dallas’s ranch after their marriage several weeks before. Everyone else in the house has turned in and now it’s their turn:

Dallas tugged Cenora behind him as he raced up the stairs.

“You’re fair dragging me, man. Show a care o’ me leg bones, will you?”

“I have plans for those lovely, long leg bones,” he promised, but slowed his stride.

“Thank you,” she said, fanning her face with her fingers. Then she tugged on his hand. “Saints preserve us, right now all me thoughts of legs are of winding me own around you.”

“How can you expect me to walk slow when you talk like that?” He blew out the candle and scooped her up.

She nestled against him and her sigh fanned her sweet breath against his neck as he hurried to their room.

When they were inside he kicked the door shut behind them and set her on the bed. He closed the curtains and lit the bedside lamp. Soft light played across her perfect features.

“At last we have privacy without cracks the next morning about our creaking wagon.”

“And tonight when we sleep ‘twill be in a bed that fits yourself with room for me as well.”

“That’s the best part, Cenora, you’ll be beside me.”

He meant it and the thought hit him hard. He’d been plenty mad at their forced union. Still was, in fact, no matter how much he enjoyed their couplings. Considering himself a loner, he hated having a crowd around. But he hadn’t realized how comforting sharing his life with a woman might be.

The right woman, that is. Dang, he hoped Cenora was the right one. Like it or not, and whether or not those vows were legally binding, he was honor bound stuck with her now. It looked as if he had her family as well.

“I didn’t know to bring me night clothes,” she said with a coquettish glance and slid off the bed to meet him.

After he kicked off his boots and socks, he caught her hands in his. “You won’t need a thing.”

She giggled again and he pulled her to him. His blood boiled when she returned his kiss. He’d been horny as Xavier’s goat since the first minute he thought of Cenora in his bed. No longer a shy miss, she met his tongue with her own. When he thought his head would explode from the skyrockets her mouth ignited, he broke the kiss.

Her rose scent filled him and he thought he would never tire of it. She fumbled with his shirt buttons then pushed it from his shoulders.

“Yours is a very broad chest.”

Her fingers skimmed across him and his need for her magnified. When she traced the whorls of his nipple he thought his knees might give way. He stilled her hand.

“There’s something I want from you, have wanted since we met.”

Fear sprang into her widened emerald eyes and she paled. Dang, he cursed himself for frightening her and her for not trusting him.

Her voice trembled. “Wh--What would you be asking?”

“Dance for me.” He knew it sounded crazy, but he’d imagined this for days.

She looked askance. “Here? But ‘tis your bedroom, and not a note ‘o music playing.”

“Our bedroom, and you can sing or hear the music in your head to keep time.”

“But—“

“Please? Not for coins or where others can see, but only for me.”

A slow smile spread across her face and she cocked her head to one side. “Aye, I see now. If ‘tis for your pleasure, then ‘twill be mine.”

After she took off her shoes and stockings, she spun away. But not in the regimented dance he’d seen when other women accompanied her. This time she took the red scarf from her waist and used it as an instrument meant to entice a man.

Her man.

Him.

She twirled as if to a measured rhythm only she heard. Her green skirt and white petticoats billowed out to reveal long, perfect legs. Legs he wanted around him. She slid the scarf in imitation of a caress along her slender arms. Then she moved the red silk along her body.

Dang, he was hot as a gunslinger’s pistol and just as hard. His manhood strained against his britches until he thought he’d pop through the fabric. He loosened the buttons and stepped from his clothes, never taking his gaze from her. Reaching behind him, he turned back the bed and sat on the sheet.

Before his heat warmed the cool fabric, she pulled him to the middle of the room and circled around him. He pivoted, naked as a newborn, and watched her every move. Dipping, fluttering, and arching her lithe frame, she lured him with each sinuous flow of her body.

Flush with the throbbing pulsating through him, he pictured himself plunging into her again and again as she wound around him. Her erotic gyrations set his already heated blood at a boil, but he stood mesmerized by her and the dance.

Her flaming hair streamed around her in a fiery cloud. She looped the scarf over his head and the red silk left a tingling trail across his shoulders and down his right arm. Then she threaded it around her own shoulders and sawed it while she shrugged first one shoulder up and then the other one. Fabric of her blouse pulled taut against her full breasts and pushed the peaked nipples into view.

Dang, he couldn’t take much more of this or he’d explode like fireworks on the Fourth of July. On and on she whirled and kicked, first coming near to brush against him, then moving back with a captivating smile. Teasing him with the piece of silk as she pulled it across his body, she seared him with her touch and made him part of her beguiling ritual.

When he could stand it no longer, he said, “Come here, let’s dance together in bed.” To his ears, his voice rasped hoarse with the need that burned inside him.

She approached slowly, seductively, with fluid grace. As she moved, she drew off her remaining clothes. Twining the scarf around his wrists, she pulled his arms high until she slid under them, imprisoning him and herself in their circle.

“Now we are truly bound together,” she said, her voice breathy from her exotic dance.

“Am I your prisoner, then?” he asked, amused at her tempting play even as her touch fueled his need.

“Yes, and I am yours.” She met his gaze, but her jewel eyes held uncertainty. “Did I please you then, or was I too forward with meself?”

“You are beautiful and graceful and your dance was even more special than I’d hoped.”

She breathed a big sigh. “Then you approve and will be taking me to bed now?”

“I suppose I must do as you say, since I’m your prisoner.” He nibbled at her neck and she released the scarf binding him. The silk fell from his skin as her arms slid around his shoulders.

Their lips met and he delved his tongue to sample her nectar. She responded with fervor. He rejoiced that if he must be tied to this woman, at least she shared his apparently boundless passion. He pulled her with him across the bed, then scooted her until she lay cushioned in the center of the thick mattress.

“Finally, I can see and taste all of you.”

“I’m hoping ‘tis all right for us to act so heathen.”

He lay propped on an elbow beside her, content for a moment to look his fill of her. “It isn’t heathen for a husband and wife to enjoy one another. Doesn’t it feel right?”

In the golden lamplight, her skin gleamed like ivory.

“Aye, it feels more than right. It’s as if being with you is where I was meant to be.”

He smoothed her auburn hair across the pillow. It looked even more glorious there than he had dreamed. Desire darkened her emerald eyes and the pink of exertion tinged her cheeks.

“No woman will ever be more beautiful than you are right now.”

“If you think that then we’re well matched, for never lived a more handsome man than you are.”

He took her graceful hand in his and brought it to his lips. After he pressed a kiss to her palm, he suckled each fingertip.

She pulled away and put her hands under her. “You’ll be driving me mad with wanting. Hurry.”

He smiled down at her and shook his head. “Nope. I’ve thought about this night since we wed. Reckon we might not get much sleep, for I intend to take my time.”

“But ‘tis torture waiting.” She reached for his manhood.

He twisted away. “Let me give you something to think about, then.” Starting with her beautiful eyes, he rained kisses on her face, her neck, and her shoulders. He cradled one of her ample breasts while his mouth suckled the other.

She moaned and clutched him to her.

In spite of his throbbing need, he restrained his own urgency and slowly trailed kisses down her ribs, her stomach, to her mound of curls. He slid a finger inside her moist heat.

“Now, Dallas, now. I can’t wait another second.”

Desire won and he stretched himself over her. “Nor can I,” he said and slid into her. “Let’s begin our own dance.”

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-01-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

I hope this Monday Pick Me Up tickles your funny bone. ; )

Under the Covers with Amber Leigh Williams

2011-01-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

Please join me in welcoming the talented and stunning, Amber Leigh Williams to Under the Covers with Lynne. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* I promise not to bite, well, unless you ask nicely.

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

ALW: Oh, definitely the flannel! I used to think silk but there is something hot about flannel. Doesn’t it just bring to mind sexy lumberjacks? No, just me? All right, but that’s my final answer ;)

LR: There’s something about flannel that invites you in to cuddle. So I see you’re a Saint’s fan based on the football jersey. Is that what you usually wear to bed?

ALW: Yes

LR: Calories don’t count at a slumber party. What snacks would you like?

ALW: No slumber party is complete without popcorn and twizzlers. That way you get the calories and the sugar rush all rolled into one.

LR: I love twizzlers! Bring on the calories and the sugar rush. Okay. Truth or dare?

ALW: Truth. Yes, I’m chicken and have nothing to hide

LR: Tell us something not very many people know.

ALW: Twizzlers aside, I’m not all that into sweets. Pass the Doritos!

LR: Doritos! You’d get alone fine at my house. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

ALW: I think I climbed onto the roof of my friend’s two-story house once. Hence, my fear of heights.

LR: Yeah, me and heights don’t see eye to eye either. ; ) Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What would you consider a romantic date?

ALW: The most romantic date I’ve ever been on was the third date with my husband. We ate out at a really nice seafood restaurant and then sat on a moonlit beach for an hour talking and listening to the waves roll onshore. I think I could have told him anything in that setting. It’s no wonder that was the night we both brought up the big L.O.V.E.

LR: Ah, sounds lovely! If you could take a date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

ALW: Paris. On top of the Eiffel Tower. We’d have a table for two and would do nothing but drink wine and eat cheese all night. Cue the Parisian theme!

LR: What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work?

ALW: “How do you like your eggs in the morning?” It didn’t work, but it made me laugh!

LR: Well, gotta give him kudos for making you laugh! What is your favorite season?

ALW: Spring here on the Gulf Coast is absolutely beautiful, but autumn at the lakehouse is spectacular so it depends on where I am.

LR: If you could have any car, which would it be?

ALW: That would be one of the new Chevy Camaros in green. I’d call her Elphie (from Wicked).

LR: My boyfriend is a big Camaro fan! Who is your favorite actor?

ALW: I think Nathan Fillion is fabulous! I’m a fan of both Castle and Firefly. He’s also a sci-fi geek, which is a passion we share. You don’t get much hotter than Gerard Butler and Alan Rickman, though, in my opinion.

LR: Who is your favorite actress?

ALW: It’s a tie between Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan. They are both fantastic actresses who have done some great creative work at a young age. I think they’ve got really exciting careers ahead of them.

LR: What is a movie you could watch over and over?

ALW: The Holiday. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz are adorable, Jude Law is hot, and I loved Jack Black’s turn as a romantic hero—unexpected and fresh. The whole movie is so charming and gives me a feel-good feeling.

LR: I love that movie! It's up there with Love Actually in my all-time favorites! What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

ALW: I love a good margarita!

LR: Great, I’ll queue up The Holiday and we’ll sip margaritas while you answer more questions. How would you describe your writing style?

ALW: All over the place? I wish I could be one of those people who say that there’s some rhyme or rhythm to how I work, but I would be lying. I’m somewhere in between plotter and pantser. I have very little in the way of organizational process. My muse thrives in chaos. Which is perhaps why I write so many different sub-genres….

LR: Tell us about your newest release.

ALW: I’m happy to announce that my western romance trilogy was chosen to be published as an audio book collection, which launched last month at AudioLark! These books are really special to me. They’ve been so well-received and the characters have stayed with me since I completed work on them. Blackest Heart was the 1st Place More Than Magic Novella in 2009 and features silent cowboy, Judd Black—whom I adore! The sequel, Bluest Heart, is the bestselling book in the trilogy to date and features the sexiest beta hero I’ve had the pleasure to write. Bet It On My Heart is the final installment, which I’m thrilled to say is the story of the quintessential cowboy, Keefe Ridge. Readers voted his book Book of the Week at LASR! All three are available now in ebook at The Wild Rose Press and in audio at AudioLark http://www.audiolark.com/books/tag/amber-leigh-williams/

LR: Congratulations! Do you have anything in the works?

ALW: A year or so ago, I decided to try my hand at the paranormal romance genre and had so much fun doing so that I decided to write a five-part series. The first book in that series has been contracted by a literary agent and we’re looking for a published home for it while I complete work on the final books in the saga. I’m working on a contemporary revision as well as a Regency historical and planning to start work on another western romance trilogy within the next year!

LR: Wow, you’re a busy woman. Who is your favorite character in your novels?

ALW: That would probably have to be Judd Black. The readers really embraced Judd and, as a mute protagonist, he was a challenge to write. His emotions and nuances had to be filtered through descriptive detail rather than dialogue. If ever there was a mute alpha, look no further. I’m so glad Blackest Heart was chosen for audio publication because it allowed me to spend even more time with him and his heroine, Stella!

LR: If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

ALW: Wow, awesome question! I would love to sit down with Nora Roberts and talk about her process. It’s so organic. I also think J.R. Ward’s writing process is fascinating! I’d give anything to pick their creative minds!

LR: Two of my favorites too! What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

ALW: I seem to get along much better with the people in my head rather than real people. I also have a really great excuse to comb the web for eye candy. I love my job as well. It’s such a pleasure and a privilege to be able to craft someone’s HEA.

LR: Least favorite?

ALW: I may love my job but it is that: a job. I put in the same amount of work as I did when I had a day job. I don’t mind that, but there are those who don’t think writers work as hard at home as they do outside the home everyday. Which just isn’t the case. Writing takes just as much of a work ethic and discipline as any other job and it’s unfortunate how many people don’t realize that.

LR: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

ALW: My family has a lakehouse in northern Alabama and it is probably the most tranquil and creative atmosphere in the world. My muse thrives in chaos, but I thrive in a soothing environment. I would really like to retire there one day.

LR: Where can we find you now?

Readers can learn more about my books and my writing journey at my website: http://www.amberleighwilliams.com./ I update my blog, The Cozy Page, weekly: http://amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com./ Readers can network with me on Twitter and Facebook!

And now here's a blurb from BLACKEST HEART:

America’s Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family’s ranch.

The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

Excerpt: Here’s a hot one!

He needed a drink.

Pulling a glass down from the cabinet, he dropped a few chunks of ice into it then found the bottle of whiskey he kept in the liquor cabinet. The door shut behind him, but he didn’t look up. Safer not to look at her while he was working to tether the humming beast in his blood.

Her heels clacked across the wood floor. He smelled her a moment before she propped a hip against the counter next to him. He sipped his whiskey, careful not to look at her.

Stella reached for the whiskey bottle. Before he could get her a glass, she tipped it up to her mouth and drank it straight, glowing green eyes on his. He waited until she set the bottle down. When she raised her hand to wipe her mouth, he latched onto it, holding it away. Before he could tell himself it was crazy, before he could convince himself it wasn’t a smart move, his mouth was on hers, devouring her.

Her taste was devastating. Whiskey and champagne and the underlying thrill of Stella. He couldn’t believe he was doing it. Arm wrapped around her waist, he pulled her hard against him. His tongue scraped over hers, hands roaming over her long, slim back. A hum sounded deep in her throat. The boil in his loins turned to fire. The flames ignited his blood, turning reason to ash. He had only one clear thought.

She was his. Stella Ridge was his.

She melted into the kiss, letting it come like she’d expected it, wanted it, waited for it. He pushed her back against the counter, pressing his body against hers. Fingers dived into the taut knot on the back of her head, prying it apart until her hair spilled into his palm, free. Her arms wound around his neck, bringing him close, though he couldn’t get any closer. There wasn’t room for breath between them. His heart raged against hers, pumping like a mad machine.

He thought of taking her here in the kitchen. On the bar. On the floor. The closest flat surface. He opened his eyes to see hers. Her dreamy green irises were hooded, half-closed. Looking into their languid depths, he knew it couldn’t be that way. It would be hot. It would be fast. But he’d be damned if it was going to be nothing but a thoughtless romp on his kitchen counter.

Cover art for Creative License

2011-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting with bated breath to show this to you!

Isn't it GORGEOUS???

Kudos to Kendra Egert for bringing Caleb and Lily to life! Check out the blurb and an excerpt at Samhain.

Monday Pick Me Up

2011-01-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

In honor of the first Monday Pick Me Up of the New Year!

I hope your year is full of smiles and that all your dreams come true!

Under the Covers with Suzan Safi

2011-01-07T03:29:00.000-08:00

Please join me in welcoming Suzan Safi to Under the Covers with Lynne.

Hi Suzan, thank you so much for coming on over. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

SS: Silk!!!! Love it…why? The material can easily slide…hmmm lol

Let’s get comfortable. What are you wearing?

SS: Silk “smiley”

LOL It’s going to be a slippery time here tonight. Silk on silk is like… well, you can imagine.

Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

SS: Someone’s neck lol, no really, chocolate.

So… chocolate covered necks would be ideal? ; ) Truth or dare?

SS: Ah, hmmm, I think dare.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

SS: Oh, crap, I feared you would ask lol. Writing erotic romance!

Writing erotic romance is pretty daring. How would you describe your writing style?

SS: Fast-paced and exotic. One of my editors described my writing as a roller-coaster-ride; you don’t know when a surprise will pop up, or what you will find next. I write a mix of sub-genres within the romance genre. You can find contemporary, paranormal, a hint of historical, thriller, suspense and horror. I mix everything in my romances.

A roller coaster ride sounds awesome. What inspired you to start writing?

SS: Something I might have seen, heard, dreamt about anything and everything creates a story. One time a writing instructor challenged me with three words to see what I will come up with, the three words are: beach, pasta, home. The result was a horror romance story in the making. Don’t ask me how I came up with the story with the three words she gave me but poof – the story formed lol.

Beach, pasta, home… that sounds interesting!

Okay, now truth! What is the best pick-up line someone has ever tried on you? Did it work?

SS: “Will you marry me” and I did marry him lol

Oh, there’s a romantic story in there! How did your friends/relatives react when you told them you wanted to be a writer?

SS: They were surprised, then proud. I am published with four publishing companies.

Four publishing houses? Impressive. What is the best piece of advice on writing you’ve ever received?

SS: Don’t give up. Write because it makes you happy.

Good advice! What kind of goals do you set for yourself when writing? Word count? Page count?

SS: My only goal is to write the stories that nag at me, the story leads me. The characters are worse, they nag!

Do you listen to music while you write?

SS: Always. Love music, it inspires me.

Where were you when you heard your first book was contracted. What did you do?

SS: I was checking my email for the thousandth times lol, I danced the salsa on my sofa and my husband looked at me as if I had four heads lol.

Sounds like fun to me! Tell us about your newest release.

SS: Well, my short story actually I published it on my own, wanting to try it out on my own. ‘Adrenaline Rush – Rule Breaker’ an erotic short story.

Do you have anything in the works?

SS: Do I lol…always. I have three in the making right now, and a series God knows when I will finish the four books. Let me tell ya, it will be my last series lol.

That’s a lot in the works! Do you write full time or part time?

SS: Part time, if I do it full time I will reach lala land with no return lol

LOL/ What is your favorite color?

SS: Black and red

What is your favorite time of day?

SS: At night, late night.

What is a movie you could watch over and over?

SS: ‘The Outsider’ A western love story revolving around the forbidden love between a young widow from a quaker-like religious group and a cold-blooded gunslinger whom she takes into her home after he is wounded. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/31/2006 Starring: Timothy Daly Keith Carradine Director: Randa Haines

Sounds good! Who is your favorite character in your novels?

SS: Hmmm, very hard question. All of them have a special place in my heart, please if I picked a character; one will nag at my brain with a question, “what about me!!!”

If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

SS: Lisa Kleypas and Kresley Cole.

I love Kresley Cole! What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

SS: Living the stories I create, experiencing what my characters experience.

Least favorite?

SS: To me even the hard work I face as an author, still after all the sweat and blood I shed lol, I’m happy with what I do. We ‘authors’ are blessed actually.

We are blessed! There is no better job in the world! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

SS: On an island, it’s exotic and maybe I can find a hunk to seduce…just kidding. I love exotic places.

Where can we find you now?

Website: http://www.suzannahsafi.com/

Blog: http://suzannahsafi.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Just find Suzannah Safi

Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzannahsafi

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Suzannah-Safi/e/B002C4P494/ref=sr_tc_img_2_0?qid=1282508923&sr=1-2-ent

Blurb:

Antwan's talents extend to breaking every rule known to women. Now, Celia is finding the simple thrill of vanilla isn't enough to satisfy—and she doesn't mean ice cream!

Excerpt:

Her heart raced and waves of excitement traveled through her veins and hit her down deep into her core. That small nub throbbed in frenzy ready to be pleased. The son-of-a-gun invented a new way to please her. She never imagined he had this type of fantasy under his sleeve. This one topped all of his fantasies, a fantasy of abduction.

Together they enjoyed many fantasies with couples, traveled the Caribbean, and met with couples who liked to play sexual games, but abductions of being strapped to a bed helpless not knowing what was going on was a first. The idea made her vagina boil with anticipation and she couldn’t wait to experience what would happen next. Her liquids streamed along her lower lips, tickled by her bikini panties, her insides contracting while losing patience and control.

A door squeaked open, and booted footsteps clapping against the hard floor reached her ears. She turned her head to the left and saw a shadow of a man coming closer into the light.

“Well hello.” The stranger’s voice, thick and full of are-you-ready-to-play teasing, was music to her ears.

“My name is Antwan.” He smiled and stepped forward. His long blond hair hid half of his face. This stranger was not the normal type of men they played games with. Hot damn, Aden chose a man as beautiful as he was—the difference being Aden had black short hair and less muscles, while this one looked like he just jumped out of a wrestling magazine. Still both were the same height six feet tall. She moaned her hello since she couldn’t speak.

“Yeah…you can scream my name while I…do you.” Antwan winked at her as he advanced toward the bed.

For anyone that leaves a comment and would like a free copy of my erotic romance short story, please send me or leave your email with your request and I will email you your Free PDF.

I'm back

2011-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

And it always feels kinda strange being back after an extended vacation... but here I am!

Of course the "I'm on vacation" post never, well, posted, but I hope you got the idea when I didn't, um post. ; )

I had an awesome Christmas and New Years and I hope you did too. This year is looking to be pretty darn good. I have a new releases in February: Creative License from Samhain. Hooking Up from The Wilder Rose Press should be released in (possibly, maybe, estimating) April. I'll be editing Tiffany's story (from First Date) and subbing it ASAP--fingers crossed--and I have a new pretty brewing about in my head.

I have a ton of promotion ideas and this time, there will be yummy give aways and more contests. : ) Stay tuned!

And best of all!!!! on a personal note, I'm starting the year with an awesome boyfriend. <3 <3 <3 *happy sigh*

This Friday, Under the Covers is back and next Monday, I'll start your week right with a Monday Pick Me Up... until then, please, let me know how you've been doing and how you spent your holidays!

Monday Pick Me Up

2010-12-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

And a Merry Christmas to all of you!!!!

Under the Covers with Cherie Le Claire

2010-12-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

Please welcome Cherie Le Clare to Under the Covers with Lynne.

Hi Cherie, I’ve been looking forward to this! First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

CS: Cotton. Love the natural fibre.

Cotton it is! It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks would you like?

CS: Dark chocolate and salty crisps

Oh, a woman after my own heart!

So… for our curious readers, what are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning. What are you wearing?

CS: Can’t see - I’m fast asleep!

LOL I love a little mystery. Attempting a career as a writer is a daring thing, what’s the second most daring thing you’ve ever done?

CS: Swam naked at a public beach in daylight.

Wow! I’m impressed. I thought it was daring to swim naked at night in a public pool. Kudos to you! So how daring are you? Have you ever had a one-night stand?

CS: Yep

You go, girl. What is the craziest or most unusual place you’ve had sex?

CS: Crushed onto the backseat of a Mini.

Sounds interesting. What would you consider a romantic date?

CS: Preferably located somewhere private and luxurious, with food, drink and meaningful conversation.

If you could take that date anywhere in the world, where would it be? A picnic on a yacht.

Oh, nice! I have some random questions so our readers can get to know you better. What is your favorite thing to eat?

CS: Strawberries and cream

What is your favorite color?

CS: Peacock blue

What is your favorite flower?

CS: Daisy

What is your favorite season?

CS: Autumn

If you could have any car, which would it be?

CS: VW Beetle

Who is your favorite actor?

CS: Johnny Depp

Oh, me too! Who is your favorite actress?

CS: Julie Walters

Do you have a favorite band or singer?

CS: Michael Bublé

What is your favorite song?

CS: Blackbird by The Beatles

What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

CS: Coffee

Oh, mine too, but it’s a special occasion so what’s your favorite alcoholic drink? CS: Rosé wine

Nice. I’ll pour us a glass of Rose wine and queue up Finding Neverland, but first, a little businesss. How would you describe your writing style?

CS: Short on description, long on emotion.

I like that. What inspired you to start writing?

CS : A correspondence writing course.

Really? That’s interesting. How did your friends/relatives react when you told them you wanted to be a writer?

CS: When can we read your book? and Remember us when you’re rich and famous.

LOL I had to explain to several members of my family that published didn’t automatically transfer into buying a Mercedes. What is the best piece of advice on writing you’ve ever received?

CS: Keep the readers turning the pages by foreshadowing, and then rewarding with ‘surprise information’ or a twist in the tale near the end.

Good advice! What kind of goals to you set for yourself when writing? Word count? Page count?

CS: Word and page count goals don’t motivate me. I prefer to just go with the flow and take each day as it comes – some days I write a lot, other days very little.

Do you listen to music while you write?

CS: Sometimes, but I usually prefer silence.

Silence is golden. Where were you when you heard your first book was contracted. What did you do?

CS: I switched on my computer. And stared. Wow!! A contract offer. I phoned my husband, and phoned or emailed friends and family, bubbling with excitement.

Do you have anything in the works?

CS: Yes. I have recently sold my second romance set in World War Two. This story takes place in New Zealand.

Congratulations! Do you write full time or part time?

CS: Full time.

Who is your favorite character in your novels?

CS: The hero – each and every one of them!

If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

CS: Lee Child.

What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

CS: It’s fun and flirty and sometimes downright dirty

*grin* Least favorite?

CS: Suffering put-downs by ‘literary snobs.’

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

CS: I’m very happy here in New Zealand, but my very own Pacific or Caribbean island ala Ian Fleming style could tempt me!

Ah, the Caribbean. Where can we find you now?

CS: Please visit me at http://www.cherieleclare.com/

So tell us about your newest release.

CS: FRENCH KISS, published by The Wild Rose Press in their Vintage Rose category, is set in France during the Second World War. I’ve long been interested in the courageous and daring men and women involved in the French Resistance movement, and this is what prompted me to tell my heroine’s story. The hero was inspired by my Uncle who received a medal for bravery as a Spitfire pilot with the Royal Air Force.

Sounds good!

Here is the blurb:

When Louisa, undercover agent for the British Secret Service, parachutes into war-torn France in 1944, she doesn’t expect to fall, literally, into the arms of fugitive Royal Air force pilot, Joseph Fisher. Seeking a safe sanctuary, Louisa and Joe battle constant danger from enemy forces and soon form a strong friendship. Joe, quickly realizing he can’t bear to leave France without her, rejects an opportunity to be smuggled onto the escape line, thus forcing Louisa to find the courage to face her biggest fear. What will it take for her to risk falling in love?

Excerpt:

Twisting her head to one side, she looked down to see how far she was from the ground. She would have to jump.

Suddenly, both shoes slid away, her tenuous hold gone. Cursing as her hands parted company with the rough bark, she fell heavily on top of a solid mound.

The mound moved.

And groaned.

Before she had time to react she was forcefully ejected and pitched onto her side. A heavy weight then knocked her flat on her back, one large hand covering her mouth.

“What the devil…?” The deep voice rumbled in her ears. The man looming over her appeared to be wearing a uniform. Pine needles were stuck to his collar. His face was close enough for her to feel his breath and the dark pools of his eyes glared into hers.

Stealthily, Louisa’s hand crept towards her pocket.

He gave a grunt of astonishment. “A woman?”

She made to whip out a revolver, but he was too quick for her. He clamped a hand on each of her wrists. She was no match for his strength.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded. His grip tightened when she didn’t answer. “Who are you?”

Under the Covers--Rachel Brimble

2010-12-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Please join me in welcoming Rachel Brimble to Under the Covers!

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

RB: Cotton – Freshly washed, crisp and cool against my skin, yum!

That’s my favorite too! Good! *pats mattress* Make yourself comfortable, I’ll get us something to eat. It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What sounds good?

RB: Tortilla chips with a mixed selection of dips, salsa, sour cream & chive and guacamole

Oh, yum! Totally worth the crumbs. ; ) Let’s play a little game. Truth or Dare?

RB: Truth

Okay, tell us something not many people know.

RB: In June this year, I was caught up in the floods in Cote D’Azur….and was forced to pee in the flood water along with five hundred other stranded victims. Shame! Shame! Shame!

LOL There’s no shame in that! And wow! What an experience! Another truth. What do you usually wear to bed?

RB: Always pajamas! Much to my husband’s chagrin but they change according to the seasons – high summer they are silk, deep winter they are thick and fleecy and covered in cartoon teddy bears, LOL! Very sexy!

The pajamas are just the wrapping and I bet your husband finds those cartoon teddy bears pretty damn sexy. ; ) How did your friends/relatives react when you told them you wanted to be a writer?

RB: At the beginning, it was referred to as ‘my hobby’ but that was partly my fault for not showing them my commitment to my success by sitting on my backside in front of the computer every day – that was seven years ago. Today, now I am published and writing at every available opportunity, my friends and family are excited and talk of ‘when I make it big’ a lot! LOL!

I hear that a lot too! “Big” is subjective for a writer. ; ) What is the best piece of advice on writing you’ve ever received?

RB: “Give yourself permission to write a ‘dirty draft’ that can be revisited and edited” – Julie Cohen, UK romance author

Oh, I love that! What kind of goals to you set for yourself when writing? Word count? Page count?

RB: Nowadays I set myself the achievable goal of at least 500 words a day – but in reality, I write much nearer to 1,000 every day, seven days a week. The goal used to be a 1,000 a day but if I failed to do that, I drove myself and my husband insane so 500 keeps the peace in the Brimble household!

I think that’s smart (and not just because that’s my wordcount goal too) A smaller goal makes you feel awesome on those days when you do reach 1K. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

RB: Nora Roberts – I have loved and studied her books for years but still haven’t discovered how she manages to write such fantastic plotlines so prolifically. I would love for her to sit with me and explain how she plots out of the sub-plots, the deep characterization, the character and romance arcs…yep, she’s a genius!

Queen Nora! One of my best friends maintains that Nora is better than chocolate. Speaking of which, I’m hungry, what is your favorite thing to eat?

RB: Ooh, so many! I adore scallops. I adore mash potato with a veg mashed in…leek mash and parsnip mash are my particular favorites! I adore the jam doughnuts that our local bakery makes. I adore….ok, I’ll stop now.

LOL. I love parsnips mashed with carrots. I’ve never met anyone, outside my immediate family, that liked parsnips. : ) The readers out there want to get to know you a little better, so tell me, what is your favorite color?

RB: Red – Passion, fire, heat…it represents it all!

Yes, it does! What is your favorite time of day?

RB: Whenever I am writing – but I particularly like returning home after dropping the kids at school and my husband has left for work. Ah, the peace!

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my family so much – but after the chaos of the early morning, that nine o’clock silence is heavenly…

You don't have to explain... I have five kids. Silence is golden! What is your favorite season?

RB: Autumn – Love bringing out the boots and coats, colorful scarves and gloves and then taking long walks with my family and black Lab, Max through the miles and miles of countryside I have surrounding where I live in South West England.

Sounds beautiful! What is a movie you could watch over and over?

RB: When a Man Loves a Woman or Message in a Bottle – both great romantic films!

Confession: I’ve never seen either of those movies. I know what the next movies in my Netflix queue will be. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

RB: Latte

YUM! That's my drink of choice. I'll whip some up now. What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

RB: White wine – preferably Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Thank you so much Rachel, now please tell us about your newest release.

RB: My newest release is my first downloadable novella as opposed to the full-length novels I usually write – It is part of the Wild Rose Press Class of ’85 series.

Set in the fictional town of Summerville, the series is based around the Summerville High School reunion and the rule of thumb is that one or both of the main protagonists have to be a part of the Class of ’85.

In my story, Transatlantic Loving, the hero is an American now working at the school as a coach and the heroine is a visiting Brit, dragged to the reunion by her enthusiastic friend. But when these two meet? Phew-wee, they are off and running!

Sounds interesting!Where can we find you?

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/

Here is a blurb for Rachel's newest release, Transatlantic Loving

In a desperate bid to escape the bitter reality of her children accepting her ex-husband’s new – and younger – fiancée, Lisa Cavendish travels from the UK to accompany her friend to a high school reunion. Forced to dress as Madonna in her hey day, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the school’s coach, who seems to hold as much regard for his child as her ex did when he walked out…

Aaron Taylor can’t believe his eyes or ears when he is introduced to Lisa – sexy and funny, she has no idea how her accent enhances the heartbreaking wait he endures waiting for his daughter to call him back to the UK. But after spending just three short weeks with Lisa, he sees the answer to his pain in the eyes of the most phenomenal British lady he has ever met.

Excerpt:

The sharp shrill blow of a whistle made Lisa jump to attention. She snatched her chin up from her palm and stared wide-eyed at the beauty of male perfection who emerged from within the circle of boys on the field. He’d been there all along. Had he seen her?

Worry dissolved as Lisa took in the pure, delicious sight of him while her nipples promptly leaped to high alert. “Oh, good lord. That is so not fair.”

Dressed in a pair of black shorts and a crisp white T-shirt, Aaron’s body would do a man of thirty-two proud, let alone forty-two. The muscular curve of his biceps and the bulge of his thighs were clearly visible despite the meters of distance between the bleachers and the soccer field. Lisa’s mouth drained of saliva. She was in serious trouble if the strange and alien pulsing between her legs was anything to go by.

And in that moment, sexy Coach Taylor turned as if he felt her lecherous gaze on his butt. He raised his hand to his forehead, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked at her. The chatter and whooping of the boys faded into silence when Lisa stopped breathing. The silent moment stretched until his face erupted into the most welcoming and heart-turning smile. He lifted a hand, she waved back. He broke eye contact and said something to the group of boys that sent them all scattering toward a white-washed building Lisa presumed was the communal showers.

And then he came toward her.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-07T03:17:00.000-08:00

Sandra Sooko is hosting the second annual 12 Days of Christmas blog event. You won't want to miss it!

Monday Pick Me Up

2010-12-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

And boy could he... pick you up I mean. ; )

Happy M-word everyone!

Under the Covers with K.M. Daughters

2010-12-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne. Today we have two lovely authors under the covers. K.M. Daughters is the pen name for two women who write romance. So come on ladies, don’t be shy. First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

K.M. Daughters: High thread-count cotton is luxurious to stretch out on: crisp, fresh, cool, and smooth against your skin. You instantaneously let your body go lax with soft cotton sheets beneath you…so a lover’s touch might overtake you.

Flannel provides a haven to burrow into: toasty, warm, sheltered and safe, like the circle of a lover’s arms around you.

Oh, I like the way you think! It’s three o’clock in the morning, what are you wearing?

K.M. Daughters: It depends on the night before.

Sounds mysterious. Unfortunately, it's just us tonight and since it’s a slumber party, calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

K.M. Daughters: Bite sized Mounds bars, pizza, toasted cheddar cheese cubes, M&M’s, Cadbury mini-eggs and a big box of Fannie May candy, assorted. And, one Daughters delights in caviar with toast points. Major stomach aches!

Oh, I don’t know where to start! Maybe the toasted cheddar cheese cubes, that wounds perfect on a cool fall night, and I know fall is your favorite season.

Let's play a game: Truth or Dare?

K.M. Daughters: Truth. Mom, the “K” in K.M. Daughters, insisted on the whole truth raising us, so it’s ingrained.

That a sign of a good mom. Tell us something not very many people know.

K.M. Daughters: I could have dated a prince, but I met him just after I was engaged to marry my husband.

A prince? That sounds like a plot waiting to happen.

After we finish all these snacks, I'll order out. What is your favorite thing to eat?

K.M. Daughters Lou Malnati, Chicago Pan Pizza

I've never had it, but it does sound good. I think a favorite flower says a lot about a person, what’s yours?

K.M. Daughters: Rose.

Ah, classic and romantic. So what do you say we watch a Twilight marathon while we finish this pizza? And let’s take a look under your covers.

How would you describe your writing style?

K.M. Daughters: Our style is flowing, fast-paced, character-driven and emotional. Romantic elements comprise about sixty percent of the plots in our romantic suspense novels. Unpredictable suspense aspects elevate the tension and heighten conflicts.

Sounds good. Tell us about your newest release.

K.M. Daughters: ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND LAW, Book 4, The Sullivan Boys Series, releases December 10th.

A preview reviewer says, “In one word, this book is Awesome!” Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection.

We’re thrilled with her reaction and excited to present this installment to Readers, because we believe it’s the most dynamic Sullivan Boys book yet. Patrick Sullivan, the youngest living sibling in the family, assumes command as CPD Captain and wrestles with department cutbacks while working the inherited Garbage Man Killer case. Hotshot defense attorney, Charlie Demarco, seems determined to undermine Patrick’s quest to imprison criminals. Wildly attracted to each other, both Charlie and Patrick are entrenched on opposite sides of the law. A brutal serial killer forces them to unite forces with everything they care about at stake.

Wow. That’s intense. Do you have anything in the works?

K.M. Daughters: The release date for the fifth, and final, installment in The Sullivan Boys Series is pending – probably in late 2011. We recently received the awesome cover art for this book entitled, IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Kay Sullivan Lynch, the only sister in the family, returns to active duty as a homicide detective. Paired with district profiler, Flynn Dowd, Kay pursues the Santa Slayer, a killer so cunning, three sidewalk Santas die before forensics point to homicide. How does Flynn profile a criminal who repeatedly kills Santa Claus and is capable of saying, “Hurry up kid, or your list won’t be read. Santa can’t read it, if Santa is dead.”?

Who is your favorite character in your novels?

K.M. Daughters: It’s a toss-up between Bobbie Sullivan (Leighton) and Joe Sullivan.

What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

K.M. Daughters: It is a blessing to immerse in worlds populated with people we’ve come to love and to share in their happily-ever-afters.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live your happily-ever after and why?

K.M. Daughters: Outer Banks, North Carolina. Because it’s heaven on earth to walk the beach; discover treasures like starfish, conch shells, sand dollars and shells; gaze at the ever-changing sea and write on the sand with my toe.

K.M. Daughters: Tuscany, Italy. Because it’s heaven on earth to stroll ancient cobble-stoned paths; watch the sun set behind spires on hilltops; drink in vistas of fields of sunflowers; savor the tastes of sweet tomatoes, perfect melons, crunchy bread dipped in olive oil, and aromatic espresso while seated at a table for two on a breezy patio; and sip wine with each delicious dinner course, al fresco under a star-strewn sky.

Oh, sounds like heaven. Until then, were can we find you?

K.M. Daughters: Friend us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kmDaughters. And please visit our author website: We have family photos to share, and you may read excerpts of our books, sign up for our newsletter, learn more about our journey to publication, download our press kit, sample recipes and enter contests we run. You can contact us by email through our website, also. We LOVE to hear from Readers, and we answer each letter personally.

Update

2010-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Happy December! (Can you believe it's already December?) I've been a little absent lately and I'm sorry.
: ( I've missed all of you. This is a crazy-busy time of year with the kids, etc and I've had back to back edits on upcoming releases. The good news? I have two upcoming releases! ; ) I have the cover for CREATIVE LICENSE that will be released by Samhain in early February and let me tell you it's GORGEOUS! I can't wait to show it to you.

I'm also in edits for HOOKING UP, a steamy short that will be released by The Wilder Rose Press early next year.

My fingers are itching to start an erotic short that has been on my mind for a while now but first things first. There is only so much time in the day (and night)

Now a lot of you have been lurking, but I'm really interested to hear what's going on in your lives, so please, comment. ; ) Any plans for Christmas? How was your Thanksgiving? What would you most like for Christmas? Don't be shy. : )

Oh, and don't miss the blog tomorrow. I will have the awesome KM Daughters under the covers. : )

Monday.. er Tuesday Pick Me Up

2010-11-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, not only were all the kids sick, I got the ick too and I have edits due this week. Yup, it's a busy time in the Roberts household. But I do realize that's no excuse. To make it up to you, here's a few of my favorite Monday hotties.

Smokin!