Xmas thoughts and gifts for you

Xmas blogging and free books!

What a great time of year to blog!.So much wonderful atmosphere surrounding everything you see and do. No matter your faith or your beliefs, the carols and joyous aura of the season can’t help but lift your spirits. It’s the only time of the year I miss the snow we had when we lived in the east. But not enough to want to go back, but not enough to go back.

I’m interested in your Xmas traditions. Xmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate. Love’em all.I have one I follow without exception, and will continue as long as I can find the proper Xmas candles. I’ve blogged about my amazing grandmother before and I honor her in a small way at Xmas. As she always did, I burn a bayberry candle on Xmas eve. The saying she taught me was “A bayberry candle burned to the socket, brings health to the home and wealth to the pocket” Once you light it you must let it burn completely down to make the verse come true. Now it’s getting harder. Not only are bayberry candle difficult to find, at least in California, but we’ve gone for years to a friend’s house on Xmas eve. I scrounge around as much as I need to find a bayberry candle, and then light it and put it in the sink to burn to the socket You’ve gotta burn it clear down, so you’re left with nothing but a little wax in the saucer the next morning.

My children think it’s a charming custom, so I find candles for them too. Not easy, believe me, at least on the west coast. I imagine easterners don’t have this much trouble.

Here’s a little Xmas present for you, especially if you hate cooking the way I do. For a great appetizer, put a slab of cream cheese on a plate and pour cranberry relish over it. Wonderful with crackers or pita chips.

And for another present… I want to hear your traditions for the holidays. I’ll pick the two top ones and give them my choice of e-books, any of them. Druids, Mages, or historical. All are listed on my website or Amazon, and you can make your choice.

And to all of you, truly one and all, a happy holiday season.

Interview of Author Carolyn Matkowsky/Cara Marsi

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Carolyn Matowsky/Cara Marsi.

Latest Book: Murder Mi Amore
Buy Link:http://www.thewildrosepress.com/murder-mi-amore-p-4345.html
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarolynMat2

BIO:
When I was a corporate drone and cubicle dweller living in a fabric-covered cage, the creative energy of writing romance allowed my mind to escape the reality of my everyday world, at least for a while. No longer a corporate drone, I still need to give voice to the characters who inhabit my head.

For as long as I can remember I've made up stories in my head. Most were love stories. The Thirties and Forties romantic comedies that played on late-night TV when I was growing up helped shape my love of romance.

I’d always dreamed of being a published author. I worked in the corporate world all my adult life, but the dream of seeing my name on a book wouldn't die. One day in 1992 my friend Gwen and I, heavily into reading Harlequin romances, looked at each other and said, “We can write these." Hah! We soon learned it takes lots of talent and hard work to write an emotional and satisfying story. I write the stories I want to read. I love reunion stories and redemption stories, tales of second chances, and I like to throw in suspense, maybe even a little murder. I've discovered a love of short stories, and have been successful in selling them to the confession magazines.

My husband and I love to travel and I love writing about the places we’ve visited. We share our home with a fat, black cat named Killer.

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: I came home from work to find an email from the editor at Avalon. She’d tried to reach me by phone, but couldn’t. Would I please call her right away. I began shaking all over. It wasn’t quite five o’clock, so I called her. When she offered a contract, I shook harder and couldn’t talk. When we hung up, I ran outside and hugged my husband who was mowing the lawn. I excitedly told him my news and his face fell and he said, “I guess this means you won’t stop writing.”

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The very beginning because I’ve already written it countless times in my mind.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroines? Tell us about your heroine.
A: A young Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock. My character, Lexie, is plucky and determined and while she might stumble, she keeps her upbeat attitude and has faith in herself.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your hero? Tell us about your hero.
A: An Italian Matthew Fox who played Jack in “Lost.” My Dominic is a sexy Italian Interpol agent who is strong, harsh at times, but with a very protective instinct toward women. He believes in Lexie when no one else does.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I love to write sensual tension.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: “Green Darkness” by Anya Seton because it has everything: suspense, redemption, romance, reincarnation.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Website: http://www.caramarsi.com
http://www.thewildrosepress.com
http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/carolynmatkowsky
http://twitter.com/caramarsi

BLURB:
Lexie Cortese is in Rome to forget. The last thing she expects is to meet a sexy Interpol agent who suspects her of being part of a terrorist plot involving a stolen diamond. Suddenly thrust into a world of murders, muggings, and kidnappings, Lexie doesn’t know what to think—or who to believe.

Dominic Brioni’s assignment is simple. Befriend the American and bring her to justice. Only Lexie seems like the most unlikely terrorist Dominic has ever met. Sweet, determined, and direct, she faces life with courage and fire, a fire that sparks his protective instincts and a longing for something more—something he allowed himself to hope for only once before.

But that woman betrayed him, and his boss isn’t about to let him forget it. With his career on the line and Lexie in danger, will Dominic learn to trust his heart before they both get killed?

EXCERPT:
Dominic sprang up and flew at the mugger, knocking him to the ground. The two men grappled, rolling together on the cobbled street. Lexie, her heart thumping wildly, looked for an opening to bean the mugger again, to give Dominic a better chance at overcoming him.

“Stop it! Stop it! Leave him alone!” The mugger ended up on top, and she whaled away with her bag, getting in any shot she could.

Shouts and the slap of running feet vibrated through the alley. The mugger swore, jumped up, and raced away, a few men giving chase. Several others helped Dominic to stand, yelling in excited voices, and gesturing toward where their attacker had disappeared.

Dominic winced in pain. Lexie looked down at his ripped, blood-soaked pant leg. “Dominic, you’ve got to get to the hospital. You’re bleeding.”

“I’m okay,” he said. “It is nothing.” Brushing dirt off his jacket, he turned to the men and said something in rapid Italian. With nods, they strode away.

Breathing heavily, Lexie disagreed. “You’re not okay. We’ll get a cab and take you to the hospital.”

He cupped her shoulders. “I’ve been through worse. I’m fine. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“No. I’m…” The full impact of what had happened hit her. The adrenaline that had given her strength suddenly dissipated and she began to tremble. “I’m not okay.”

“Lexie.” Dominic moved forward to take her into his arms. She held on for dear life, needing his strength. He rubbed his hand along her back. “It’s okay, Lexie. We’re both okay. You’re safe with me.”

She clung to him. It wasn’t her imagination. Strange things were happening. She had nothing anyone could want. She didn’t know who to trust. Dominic said she was safe with him. But was she really?

Anything else you’d like to add?
My book, “Murder, Mi Amore,” is a romantic suspense novella set almost entirely in Italy. I also write short stories for True Love, True Romance, and True Experience. I love to hear from readers. Please visit my website. I hope you buy my book and that you’ll let me know how you like it.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I LOVE Christmas!

In fact, I usually start humming carols around the middle of July.  I love the season itself...the warmth...the smiles...the hectic busy life.  I love giving gifts!  On more than one Christmas morning, I awoke to find only gifts that I had bought and wrapped under the tree. LOL!  And you know what?  It didn't bother me. Much. :P

I think that my family has finally gotten the picture...no more thousands of dollars spent on holiday gifts.  Mom is gonna buy us something small and good.  So don't get your hopes up for that Mazzerati.   (Did I spell that right?)  Hmmm.  Gotta brush up on my Italian.

My favorite Christmas was the one where I awoke to a beautiful Marx Western Town Set (1953)...and the obligatory girlie toy...a Betsy Wetsy doll.  Poor Betsy never stood a chance. I was a horsewoman all the way!  I was always looking for the horse that I wrote to Santa for, but never did find one under that damn tree. LOL!

This Christmas, I spent under $600.  I give gifts that will NOT be returned to the store.  Gourmet cookies and candies, collectible vintage items, and birth-year Proof Sets from the United States Mint.  Nobody is gonna return those babies.  (And this was for ten people...)

How do you go about doing the "gift" thingy?  Tell me your holiday shopping secrets.  Oh...and for the most interesting comment, I will give the winner a gift...Woman on Fire.  So give it your best.

Hugs and a happy holiday season!

Fran Lee

http://www.franleeromance.com

 

Patience

When my children were little I tried to instill patience in them, especially around Christmas time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to open “just one present” before Christmas day. I understand how exciting this time of the year is for them. So it’s hard to get upset about being badgered. :o)
I wish I could exercise some of my own teachings. Not in the holiday sense. You could put twenty gifts under the tree with my name on it and I won’t have the urge to open them until Christmas morning. No, my lack of patience is in my writing life.
You’d think by now I’d understand the waiting the game. Well, I do understand it. I just don’t like it. Recently, I subbed to one of the larger publishing houses. Their guidelines were specific, along with their response time. So why is it I find myself checking my email throughout the day hoping for an email from them? It’s only been 10 days. They said it could take up to four months to hear back from them.
FOUR MONTHS? Am I crazy? The wait time to hear from any of my current editors isn’t a fraction of the time.
As I bite my nails and check my email a zillion times waiting for some type of response, I hope you’re enjoying your holiday season!
This is Amber Skyze wishing you and your loved ones a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Snowed In?

Well, we just had the first big snow of the season, which always makes me want to snuggle up under a blanket by the Christmas tree and read--preferably a holiday romance. Even a weekend full of things like a 48-hour internet outage, breaking one of my mother's antique ornaments, and my son losing his job don't change that. If anything, I want even more to reach for that warm, fuzzy feeling I get from the combination of romance and the holidays.

I don't know why it is, but around this time of the year, I LOVE seasonal romances. There's just something about a good holiday love story that makes me feel all warm and cuddly--which may explain why my very first published book was a Christmas one, The Cowboy's Christmas Bride, from The Wild Rose Press, which was a CAPA nominee here at The Romance Studio. Last year's Yuletide Enchantment from Ellora's Cave is a current finalist in the EPIC awards for erotic fantasy romance.  Anyway, here are a few seasonal stories to warm up your long winter nights.

The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride

Love at the Crazy H, book 1

Available for download and in print from The Wild Rose Press

Running from a wedding gone wrong, Allison finds herself snowbound with a sexy rancher.  CJ has been left at the altar once, so he’s leery of getting involved with a runaway bride, while Allison is afraid to love at all.  Can the magic of the holidays, and CJ’s big crazy family, help them overcome the past, and make this the best Christmas ever?

* * * *

Whispers of Magic

Book 3 of the series Mistletoe Magic

Available as an ebook from Ellora’s Cave

or as part of the Mistletoe Magic print anthology

Hoping to get back in Santa’s good graces, Sparkle the elf takes on a difficult assignment—arrange a merry Christmas for photo-journalist Jenna Woodward. Jenna has just lost her parents, her job, and her cheating “fiancé”. Rancher Mitch Sterling doesn’t want his face on a book, but he does want Jenna back in his life. He offers a deal—he’ll sign off, if she agrees to be at his mercy for one day. Jenna left him once because she was afraid of his Dominant lifestyle. Now, with help from a magical snowstorm, Mitch has twenty-four hours of tempestuous passion to convince her that she’ll love being his sub.

* * * *

Yuletide Enchantment

Available for download from Ellora’s Cave

Finalist in 2010 EPIC awards

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss’s gorgeous son Noel Holiday. Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he’s trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby, he knows it’s time to start breaking the rules.

While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what’s Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby’s crazy about Noel, she’s sure he’ll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby. Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

* * * *

And finally, here’s something a little different—a New Year’s story to start the year off right:

Djinni and the Geek

Geek Love #2

Available in ebook and print from Ellora’s Cave:

Professor David Garvaglia is nobody’s idea of a hero. Is he? When David opens an antique box and finds a sexy Djinni in his bed, his desire for her is almost as powerful as his determination to set her free.  Anissa has spent centuries as a prisoner of the box and has dreamed of the day some handsome master would release her. The scruffy computer geek isn’t what she expected, but everything about him turns her on.

While David and Anissa explore their explosive passion, he helps her adjust to the twenty-first century. Complicating things is an evil wizard who wants Anissa for his own. Between scorching sex in his faculty office and hacking government computers, David does everything he can to keep her safe—and satisfied.

* * * *

I also have a free holiday story that you can read on my website, just as my gift to you. Click here to check it out.

* * * *

So is anyone else a sucker for holiday romance? I'd love to hear some of your favorites, be they books, movies, or even TV specials. Leave a note and I'll pick one random commenter to win a free download of one of the above stories. (I do the drawing Wed. morning, so you have plenty of time.)

Many warm holiday wishes to you and yours. May all your dreams of romance come true!

~ Cindy Spencer Pape

   http://www.cindyspencerpape.com

Naming Characters

I wanted to read this story a few days back, right.

Loved the author, was intrigued by the blurb, sucked in by the excerpt, but I just couldn't do it. The hero's name was the same as one of my brothers (I have four brothers and four brothers-in-law, so I knew this was bound to happen eventually). This was an erotic romance. I just couldn't read the story because I knew I'd picture his face, and when one of those steamy, yummy sex scenes cropped up, I just knew I'd picture...well, you know.

Couldn't do it.

Am I strange or does anyone else have problems with the names of some characters?

When my sister was about to have a baby girl and was thinking up names for her, she loved the name Megan, but knew a Megan from school that she really didn't care for, so she had to name the child something else.

When I write a story, I usually come up with the oddest names because I don't know anyone by that name and can't be biased by it. I have heroes with names like Boston, Braxton, Cameron, Grady, Raith, Reed, or Cooper.

Do character names help or hurt the stories you read and write?

Interview of Author Frances Pauli

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Frances Pauli.

Latest Book: Lords of Oak and Holly

http://www.devinedestinies.com/shopdevine

BIO:
Frances Pauli was born and raised in Washington State. She grew up with a love of reading and storytelling, and was introduced to Science Fiction and Fantasy at an early age through the books kept and read by her father.

Her original love of Speculative fiction combined with her covert excursions into the Romance section led her into the realms of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, where she finds herself quite comfortable. Her fascination with Science Fiction and a growing passion for the NASA channel divert her happily into tales of the far future, alternate dimensions, and the wonders of space, usually with at least a touch of romance.
Her short fiction has appeared in Alternative Coordinates and Bewildering Stories magazines. Her first novel, Roarke, is available through Devine Destinies e-books. More information on Frances and her writing can be found at: http://francespauli.com and http://www.francespauli.blogspot.com

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: Well, I didn’t pass out, but it was close. I practically went into cardiac arrest. I jumped. I spun. I squealed. Then I told anyone and everyone who would listen.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: While I love both my heroine and hero, I have a huge soft spot for quirky side characters. In Dimensional Shift, I’m torn between Doreen, the alien abductee girl next door, and Ian, the invisible best friend. Both managed to earn their way into book two.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Definitely not. I picture each character as a distinct individual. There may be similarities—hair color, build, etc—but most of my heroines and heroes have some feature that makes them unique. They all look different in my noggin too.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: Wasabi peas. I gobble them during novel writing. They’re super hot and unbelievably addictive. If you haven’t tried them, go grab a can. Really.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: The Year of the Unicorn, by Andre Norton. It’s technically romantic Science Fiction, but will always be a romance in my book.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I am a blog junkie. I write several, read some, post occasionally on others. The idea of instant publication for all fascinates me as does the effect blogging has had on our popular culture, politics, and media.
Facebook would count as a close second, but there’s always the danger lurking of those tempting app games. My current time waster is Galaxy Legion, and it steals far too many hours that could be spent writing.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!

My home page is: http://francespauli.com
Main blog: http://francespauli.blogspot.com
Free Serial: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frances-Pauli/112884745408149

TAGLINE: Maris always loved winter, but she never dreamed she'd actually meet him...

BLURB:


When her interpretation of a traditional holiday scene loses Maris the annual ice sculpting competition, her favorite season takes a turn toward dismal. The rent is due, and her landlady won’t accept a fourth place ribbon. So when the enigmatic, Lord Brayce, arrives with a last minute commission, Maris jumps at the chance.

And as her host’s icy exterior begins to melt away, Maris finds there is far more to him than meets the eye, and his attentions leave her wishing this particular job could last forever.

But when Brayce’s family arrives for the holiday, Maris is plunged head over heels into a world of secrets and an age old conflict between brothers.

Can an ordinary girl survive at the center of a battle straight out of myth? And if her impossible suspicions are correct, what are the odds that Maris can win her prince?

EXCERPT:

A throat cleared nearby. Maris started, opened her eyes and nearly slapped the hand away on reflex. A man stood opposite her, and his long fingers stroked the sculpture she’d spent so many hours shaping. She clenched her jaw against the urge to chastise. He might be a judge, or a potential patron, but he had a lot to learn about ice.

She followed the hand with her eyes, willed it to lift away from the lines she prayed didn’t blur at his attention. The heat from a finger—Maris cringed—could ruin her efforts in mere seconds.

“The epic battle.” His voice held no hint of his opinion on the piece. It stated fact only.

Maris tore her gaze from his disobedient hand. She followed a tailored, indigo suit sleeve to the man’s face, and found her words frozen in her throat. He had eyes that pinned you in place, clear blue, backed by an unnamed authority. She sensed little amusement when he smiled at her. His expression simply cracked.

He nodded toward the sculpture, and his finger pointed to the apex. Night black hair danced around his angular face with the gesture. “If I’m not mistaken,” he continued. “You’ve veered slightly from the
traditional formula.”

“A small, artistic license.” Maris’ spine stiffened. As intimidating as the stranger looked, she felt compelled to defend her work. Years of school may have prepared her for criticism, but exposure hadn’t lessoned the sting of it. “The Summer Prince would typically be ascendant.” She pointed to indicate the sculpture’s deviance. “I’ve chosen to feature his adversary, in honor of the season.”

“Delightful.”

“Pardon?” She had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. This time the smile held at least a trace of humor at the corners. His eyes flashed and held hers captive, frozen in a field of ice blue.

“I like it.” His smile cracked wider, one end curling as he nodded again. “Wonderful.”


Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m also on Goodreads.com and love interacting there. Look me up and say hi!

Keep on Writing

This has been a month of ups and downs on the writing side of life. On the up side, I finished the edits of my new novel for Captiva Press (Crystal Keys: The Emerald Key) and two new short erotics (prequel and sequel to The Chosen). I also finished my next story in the Aces and Eights universe - one more to go there for the anthology. I'm really excited about these new stories and can't wait for them to come out.

On the down side, I learned that I'm getting my rights back to two of my Cerridwen Press novels (Prime Time and Akashan'te) and they will no longer be available after Dec. 31st. While this kind of bums me out, it is also an opportunity to rewrite and make them even better, and possibly sell them elsewhere.

In retrospect, all good things and a great way to start off the new year. :)

I hope you're all participating in the Kris Kringle Kontest! So many good prizes out there. Good luck to all and Merry Christmas.

Interview of Author Karenna Colcroft

Today I'm presenting an interview of Romance Author Karenna Colcroft!

Latest Book: Eternal Love
Buy Link: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=113

BIO: Karenna Colcroft is the alter ego of a quiet former school teacher. She started writing when she was five, and wrote her first erotic romance story thirty years later. Karenna lives in the northeastern United States with her two daughters, her real-life romance hero husband, and two cats.

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The middle is the easiest. Once I have the story started, the plot and characters are set and the writing seems to flow very well. Sometimes the story takes a turn I don’t expect. Once in a while that’s a bad thing and I end up having to scrap quite a bit of the story, but most of the time that unexpected turn gives me a better story than what I’d been planning to write.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: The hardest part for me is the ending. I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want to start a story, and as I mentioned above the middle is pretty easy for me. But even when I know what I want to have happen at the end of a story, it’s often difficult for me to figure out what words to use to actually end it. I have a few things that end with one or more characters falling asleep, and that’s because I just don’t know what else to do with them.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: In my most recent release, Eternal Love, my favorite character is Gwen. She’s been through a lot, but she’s strong and a survivor.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Even though I’m mostly a visual thinker, I don’t really have a mental image of my heroes or heroines as I write or plan stories. Sometimes I have absolutely no clue what they look like, which kind of stumps me if the story’s accepted and I have to fill out a cover art form.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I would say characterization. Some of the reviews I’ve gotten have complimented me on how well I’ve done my characters, and when I read something of mine after putting it aside for a while, I’m usually surprised by how real the characters seem. Of course, while I’m writing I often feel like the narrator is dictating the story to me, so that might be why.

Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: Ask the man to make sure the computer is set up properly, sit down, and start writing. Unless the handsome man is my husband, in which case I’d probably drag him off to take advantage of being alone.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
My website: http://karennacolcroft.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenna.colcroft Publisher pages:
Noble Romance: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=79 Siren Publishing: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/karennacolcroft/ Pink Petal Books: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=13&zenid=e22773cf83558c54bcf91defca349669
BLURB:
For over 900 years, immortal Rhys Trevellian has been in love with the soul of the same woman—his childhood love Gwen. Unfortunately, Gwen is mortal, and Rhys is unable to keep her with him. When he meets Gwen Davies in a coffee shop in his newest hometown, he immediately recognizes his lost love.

Gwen Davies has had a rough life, most recently having to run from her hometown to a small town in Maine to escape her abusive ex. In Rhys Trevellian, she recognizes something that strikes a chord in her. Although she has no memory of the lifetimes he claims she’s shared with him, she knows he’s her true match.

To remain together forever, Rhys and Gwen must escape those who seek to murder Gwen before Rhys can transmute her to immortality, and those who seek to execute Rhys for crimes he didn’t commit.
EXCERPT:
“Gwen, we need to leave.” Rhys opened the passenger door of the car. “Get in. I’ll tell you where we’re going on the way.”

She obeyed. As he closed her door, a flash came to her mind. A black car with four men inside. Danger.

Rhys opened his door and started to enter the car. As though Gwen’s vision had summoned it, the black car appeared down the street. “We’re too late,” she wailed.

“Go,” Marco said. “We’ll take care of it.”

“I can’t let you--” Rhys protested.

“Go!”

Marco pushed Rhys into the driver’s seat and slammed the car door shut. Rhys started the car and pulled out of the driveway only a few hundred yards ahead of the black car. “They’re going to catch us!” Gwen cried.

Behind them, Marco stepped into the road. The other car squealed to a stop just short of him. “He’s a fool,” Rhys muttered. “We should have stayed. I shouldn’t let him do this.”

He hit the brakes, but then started driving again. “He’s giving us time.” He seemed to address himself more than Gwen. “I shouldn’t let him take on the Purists but I shouldn’t dishonor him by going back, either.”

“Dishonor?” Gwen asked.

“He means it as a gift.” Rhys took a deep breath. “Marco is a warrior. He’s one of the original race, and honor means a great deal to them. If one refuses a gift, it dishonors the giver.”

Another flash prevented Gwen from answering. Two men jumped out of the car. One confronted Marco, and Marco fought back. The other came up behind him, a weapon in his hand.

Gwen opened her mouth to call out a warning, though of course she wouldn’t be heard. She could do nothing as the weapon-bearer brought the blade into Marco’s upper back.

Marco crumpled to the ground. In Gwen’s mind, she heard Julius scream.

In reality, she answered the scream with her own.

Interview of Author Missy Martine

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Missy Martine. Her journey to becoming an author included struggling with health issues, but she's an example of how courage and determination can help you succeed no matter what life throws at you!

Latest Book - Denying His Wolfen Heritage - A Wolfen Heritage 2
Buy Link - http://www.bookstrand.com/node/808369
Video Link -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvA5Pp0yaB4

BIO:
I was born, and raised in the great southern state of Tennessee. In my youth, I studied nursing, and spent several happy years working in the hospitals there until I branched out into medical management in 1980.

In 1998 I was managing a medical supply house in Chattanooga, when I met the love of my life. The only problem facing me then, he lived way out in Oklahoma. You see, we had met in a chat room!

He romanced me daily with love letters, flowers and phone calls. It wasn’t long before I uprooted myself, and moved west to join him. We married in 1999, and then continued our fantasy romance all over the world. Together we have traveled in almost all of the Continental United States, and taken trips to Canada and China.

We moved to Minnesota in 2003, where my life was changed forever by a series of small strokes. For someone who had owned her own business, and worked twelve hours a day, being incapacitated was pure torture. The strokes damaged a part of my brain that helps controls speech, and for a long time I couldn’t communicate what was in my mind, to my lips. I could read however, and I became an avid reader of romance novels.

Strange as it sounds, the strokes did not keep me from voicing my opinions. I discovered that I could type my thoughts, almost as fast as I once spoke them. It was then that I started writing long, lengthy newsletters to my family and friends. I got all kinds of compliments on my amusing tales of our everyday life.

It wasn’t long before my husband was encouraging me to find some kind of outlet to occupy my time, something that was challenging, and rewarding. I was already obsessed with reading about romance, and I began to think I could probably write a good, romantic story. My husband heartily agreed with me. With that encouragement, I began writing my first book. I wasn’t really convinced that anyone else would find it interesting, but he pressed me to take a chance and send it in to a publisher. To my surprise, it was accepted, and now I’m able to share it with readers everywhere who like a “happily ever after” story.

Now, I’m living in California with my, still romantic, husband of twelve years, and our boys. Our boys consist of Beau, Midnight, and Bubba, three male cats that allow us to live with them and serve them at their leisure. I continue to write almost daily, hoping that someone, somewhere will get the same enjoyment from reading my stories, that I get from writing them.

Q: What's the first thing you did when you received word you'd sold a book?
A: I squealed so loud I scared my cats, and then promptly called my husband at work. He'd goaded me into writing my first book as a sort of therapy when I was forced into early retirement due to illness. I'm not sure either of us really believed anybody would be interested enough to actually publish it. That night he took me out to a celebratory dinner. It was very romantic and something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you to write? Why?
A: That would definitely be the love scenes. I had a series of strokes back in 2002 that left me with short-term memory problems. I had to develop a system of using an Excel sheet to keep track of the different loves scenes in each book to make sure I didn't repeat positions, or phrases for various body parts or sexual acts that would make the book repetitious. I have two monitors attached to my laptop so I can leave up my romance cheat sheet, as well as an Excel file with all my characters outlined, and not have to worry about getting confused.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: This particular book is part of a trilogy. My favorite character in the trilogy is Maddie. She starts out as a naïve, young, innocent girl and literally grows up in the course of the three books. You're right there with her as she learns about her heritage, finds love for the first time, and develops the strength of character to stand up to family members as well as a deadly enemy to her race. You can't help but grow to love her.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you "head write"?
A: Absolutely not! I start each of my new stories by creating the characters for the main plot. This involves setting up an Excel file with each main character. I give them physical descriptions, a brief history including where they live, and what they do for a living, and tie in any relationships between them. I do this for each main, and many of the secondary characters as well. I also give brief descriptions of what their personalities are like. I found that this helps me a great deal with writing dialog. If I've already decided that David is a no-nonsense, uptight lawyer with no sense of humor it's pretty easy to imagine what he'd say to Rebecca who's a free-thinking, hippie type that loves to play practical jokes. Being able to picture the character in my head, and think of them like an old friend, helps me make them real.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when you're not writing?
A: I'm an amateur photographer! My husband and I love taking our Jeep to Wyoming to go off-road to photograph wild animals. I've even submitted pictures to Wyoming Wildlife magazine. My pictures include buffalo, long horn sheep, coyote, fox, deer, antelope, prairie dogs, bald eagles, bears and about 500 different kinds of duck and birds. It's something we both enjoy. Our second favorite thing is traveling. Together we've been all over the world including England, France, Wales, Japan, Hong Kong, and a month in China. Hubby is from England (we met in a chat room) and has relatives just about anywhere you can imagine.

Q: What is your favorite romance book you've read?
A: That would be Leah Brooke's "Desire for Three" in her "Desire, OK" Series. It was the first erotic, ménage book I read and it practically single-handedly brought romance back into my stale life. Her books are romantic, erotic, suspenseful, humorous and just plain good. They're a delight to read, each and every one. It was this one book in particular that encouraged me to make my first book a ménage.

Tell us where to find you:
My website - http://www.missymartine.com/fr_home.cfm
Publisher's Author Page - http://www.sirenpublishing.com/missymartine Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000107833768
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Missy_Martine
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/missymartine2009
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Missy-Martine/e/B00328055M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

BLURB:
Michael spent his adulthood taking care of his baby sister, pretty much putting his own desires on hold. Then Maddie fell in love and married, freeing Michael to have a life of his own.

He doesn’t think things can get any better. He’s a single, successful architect with his own firm, living and playing in downtown Houston. What more could he want out of life?

Just when he believes everything is perfect, Maddie shatters his illusions by revealing their family’s furry secret. Now his sister is growling and running around on four legs while trying to convince him he has an inner wolf of his own. And if that’s not bad enough, he’s falling in love with a woman who occasionally has more hair on her legs than he does.

So,what’s Michael’s response to all the changes in his life? He denies everything!


EXCERPT:
The woman standing at the door looked familiar to Michael, but he couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her before. Intrigued, he watched as a flush ran up her neck and into her cheeks, giving her a rosy, pink color. He allowed his eyes to travel down her body and back up, amazed to see the points of her hardened nipples stabbing out from her thin shirt. Realizing she still hadn’t said anything, he smiled at her before speaking. “Can I help you?”

“Um, well, I brought you this pie to welcome you to the area.”

Michael looked down as she thrust the wrapped plate toward him. Reaching to take it from her, he allowed his fingers to brush over her own. He couldn’t help but notice her own hands were trembling when she pulled them away.

“Well, thank you very much. My name’s Michael Barrows. What’s your name, and how did you know I was here visiting?” Michael was amazed. He didn’t think her cheeks could get any redder, but they did.

“I’m Ariane Blue Hills, and I’m a friend of your sister.”

Michael smiled at her in pleasure. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ariane. Won’t you come in for a moment?”

Michael stepped back and allowed her to cross in front of him into the cabin. She seemed nervous as she walked a few feet into the room and then turned to look at him. He’d closed the door once she was inside and then leaned against it, still holding onto the pie. “Of course, that’s where I remember you from. You were coming to take Maddie shopping after the fire at the cabin. I passed you coming up the drive as I was leaving.”

She looked shocked at his words. “Wow, that’s some good memory you have. I didn’t think you even looked at me that day.”

“Oh, I looked at you.” He grinned at her. “I looked very closely at you.” Michael crossed the room in front of her and sat the pie down on the kitchen table. He turned back to his guest, amused to see that her blushes seemed to be taking over her whole body. Her breathing had quickened, and her nipples were even more prominent, pushing through her top.

Maybe he could find more ways to relax on this trip than he thought. What harm could there be in having a little fling while he supervised the building of Maddie’s house? This little lady piqued his interest, with her long blond hair and green eyes the likes of which he’d never seen before. She was small and petite, but still curvy, just the way he liked his women. Plus, she was clearly attracted to him. Smiling wickedly at her, he stalked toward her slowly. She backed up a pace for every step he took until her back pressed up against the front door to the cabin. Michael kept moving forward until their bodies were almost touching.

“Thank you very much for the pie, Ariane. I’m sure it’ll be delicious. Perhaps you’d like to come back later and share it with me?”

Ariane turned her face away and stared down at the floor when she answered him. “Oh, I couldn’t do that, but I do hope you enjoy it.”

She fumbled with her hand behind her for the doorknob. “I guess I need to be going now. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here while you visit your sister.”

When Ariane failed to grasp the doorknob behind her, Michael stepped closer and put his arm around her, turning the knob himself. He smiled when he realized that she held her breath when he got close. “Well, Ariane, I hope to see a lot more of you while I’m here.”

She raised startled eyes to his gaze. “Umm, well, maybe. We’ll have to see what happens. I really have to go now.”

Looking embarrassed, Ariane ducked under his arm and scampered through the open door and down the porch steps. He chuckled quietly as she made her escape.

Smiling, Michael watched as she disappeared into the woods. Sighing, he couldn’t help thinking that maybe he should leave that alone. She seemed awfully young and naïve. He wouldn’t want to overwhelm her into doing something she might not otherwise do, and he certainly didn’t want to do anything that would embarrass Maddie and Remus. Besides, it’s not like he could offer her anything but a brief fling. She sure as hell wouldn’t fit into his life in Texas. He reached down to adjust the jeans that had become too tight. Still, there was something about her that made him want to go running after her and bring her back.

Regretfully, he put her out of his thoughts and headed for the Jeep to make the drive to Maddie’s house. Sure, he could have walked through the woods, but it would be dark by the time he headed back to the cabin and nothing could make him trek through the woods in the dark. Daniel Boone he was not.

I'd like to thank you for giving me the chance to tell people a little bit about myself. I hope that you'll take the time to stop by my website and leave me a note on my guestbook.