Melody Snow Monroe!

Unlike most other authors, I started writing late in life. Writing stories in high school and college was not for me. Only after I graduated did I fall in love with romance novels. For the next twenty years, I read voraciously. It got to a point where my book buying habits cost as much as my groceries. At that point, my husband suggested I write a book. Hey, it looked easy, right? All the stories started in the same spot (hero and heroine at odds) and ended the same way (happily ever after). Only it was anything but easy. Eleven years and fifteen completed romantic suspenses later, I finally published. I never would have gotten that far had it not been for two local chapters whose generous members shared their amazing wealth of knowledge.

Q: Describe a typical writing day.

A: I think I do most of my work at night while I’m trying to fall asleep. The sexy dreams just won’t stop. As soon as I wake, I get up and start writing. I’m lucky enough to overlook the North Carolina Mountains and am able sit by a running stream while I work. Now that’s heaven.


Q: How many stories do you have at any given time?

A: I write one at a time but am always thinking about the next story. I really love connected series as I like to revisit the same wonderful characters and setting for several stories.


Q: Where do you get your ideas? 

A: Everywhere. It could be from a person’s comment, from reading, from the world around me. Now that I write sexy stories, it’s easy to lie in bed and dream.


Q: How real are your characters while you write them?

A: As much as I hate to admit it, a bit of me is in each of my characters. As the story grows, I fall in love with the hero and must admire the heroine. I try to have each of them learn a lesson, which might be a lesson I, too, need to learn.


Q: What are your future plans for your writing?

A: I mostly plan on writing ménages, as the interplay between multiple men and one woman fascinates me, but I might slip in a few classics every now and then.


Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

A: The most important thing is perseverance. Write every day and give yourself permission to write bad stuff. A very wise teacher once told me you can’t edit a blank page. Lastly, join a writer’s group for support and to learn for others and then to help others.

In the Spotlight - Denyse Bridger

Welcome This Week's Featured Author

http://denysebridger.com/Contact.php

WEBSITE | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | FANTASY PAGES | BOUND BY PASSION

NEWSGROUP | NEWSLETTER | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE | MYSPACE | SENSUAL TREATS MAGAZINE 

CONTEST: Comment below for a chance to win: Zip file of two books, winner’s choice: http://www.denysebridger.com/booksV2.php

ABOUT

Canadian born and bred, Denysé has been signed with over a dozen publishing houses in the past nine years. Recently winning the prestigious title of Best Author of 2012 from the Predators and Editors site, the best-selling author has been nominated for and won numerous awards. Never confined to one genre, she writes in many and has garnered a loyal audience of readers over the past decade.

RECKLESS ASSIGNATION

A haunted and abandoned hotel on Halloween is the setting for a very private party between two lovers, one of them a world-class, sophisticated intelligence operative who’s trying to teach his young and innocent lady that curiosity can sometimes take you places you’d be better not to go. Amid elaborate trappings meant to scare and entice, Rick’s seduction takes some unexpected but wickedly wonderful twists. But, Rick also has a lesson to learn, when his past collides with his present, and almost destroys everything he cherishes most.

EXCERPT

Rick drew away from his seductive tormenting and looked up into eyes that had gone soft and drowsy, matching the breathless whisper of Cinthya’s voice. He saw the change in her, the tantalizing intrigue she was feeling, and he smiled indolently. He caught her soft lips with his and was rewarded with the eager thrust of Cinthya’s tongue plunging into his mouth. After long minutes, he eased back and watched as her chest heaved. The steady rising and falling motion spilled her lush breasts farther out of the bra, inviting him to slip the clasp and let the garment fall away from her.

Cinthya had barely recovered her breath when Rick leaned into her again, his lips finding the sensitive curve of her neck. He could feel the tension building in her shoulders as his tongue traced the hard ridge of her collarbone, then stopped to play over the curve of her throat when she tilted her head back in silent request.

Her hands knotted into fists as she strained against the restriction, betraying her desire to touch him. She arched closer, encouraging his caresses as her entire body flushed with familiar passion, shuddering when his large, gentle hands dropped to her hips and eased her toward him. She slid forward as much as her position would allow, her breath fluttering in what he recognized as anticipation of his touch.

Rick stared into her face, enjoying the softness that always came into her smooth features when they made love. The faint blush of longing that colored her pale skin was evident even in the shadowy candlelight. She shivered, her body caught up in the tide of desire. He settled back on his heels and waited for her huge blue eyes to focus on him.

“You seem a little breathless, sweetheart.”

She tried to glare at him, but the expression was more like a plea than a wordless retort. Her body shook from the excitement that clearly coursed through her.

“Untie me?” she implored.

Rick considered the request. He could feel responsive ripples of passion in his own body but he was far from ready to allow her to see it. Still, after a reflective silence, he nodded. Going down on his knees in front of her, he tugged at the scarves he’d used to tie her ankles.

She surprised him when she hooked a leg around his waist and pulled him forward. He complied with the demand, a soft chuckle escaping before he captured her eager mouth another time. He let his hands slide down her sides then traced the denim waistband of her skirt to the front and gave the snap a tug. The zipper slid down and her hips moved toward his hand.

“Getting a bit anxious, Cindi?” he teased, his tongue moving to trace the curve of her ear.

“Rick, please.”

The tremor in her voice become more pronounced as Rick’s lips brushed soft kisses over her face.

“Relax,” he murmured, sliding his hands into the waist of her skirt. He moved her hips forward so she was hardly touching the chair, then eased the denim off, hooking his fingers into her underwear and taking them too.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Thinking back on your first book, is there anything you would have done differently?

I think I would probably have taken more time and care in the crafting of the story, but I was on a 48 hour deadline when I began writing, so it was a bit of a blur. I think for me, the thing I mostly would have done differently was to have written a longer story.

Has your perspective on the writing process changed since you became published?

Very much so. While the actual writing part remains challenging and something I love, the “business” of writing is something I’ve become very jaded about on a lot of levels. But, I find now, after almost ten years of professional writing that I can write more freely and whenever and wherever I find time and opportunity. I used to think I needed to be in the mood to write, but I realize now it’s like any job, when you get good at it, you can do it easily and naturally.

Do you work best on a deadline, or do you need freedom from time constraints?

A deadline helps me structure my time and my goals with a book. If I know it has to be done by a certain date, it is done, no exceptions. I set internal deadlines for myself all the time, even with promotional things like this. It’s a discipline, like all creative jobs, and you have to be dedicated to your professionalism at all times.

How do you know you’ve written a good book?

The truth is, I never know, and rarely believe I have written a good book. There are very rare exceptions, and those occur when I have created something quickly and with a genuine passion for the words and story. Oddly, it’s often the books I love most, and feel are among my best work, that sell less than those I personally dislike. It’s quite confusing at times! *lol*

How do you keep your characters and stories organized?

I recently bought an excellent writing program called Write Way Pro, and it’s the most amazing piece of software. You can create note cards, storyboards, character sketches, etc., even your research–and keep it all at the bottom of your screen as you write–anything you may need to double-check is right there for you. When you’re done, you have the option of creating your own eBook, or exporting as an MSWord document file. But the ease of having all your notes at hand to look at is great! (http://www.writewaypro.com)

Did you have any bad habits when you began writing? How did you correct those habits?

I was notorious for head-hopping, and it took a long time and a lot of work with good editors to break the habit. I used to write from the point of view of the director, zeroing in on the important view point of whatever character was “reacting” to a point, it took awhile to realize I needed to write from the perspective of the principle “actor” in the scene and thing and see through his/her eyes and mind.

What are you currently working on? How is it different from other books you’ve written?

The book I’m working on finishing at the moment is my first full novel in awhile, plus it’s non-erotic. It’s a mainstream romance, very sensual and romantic, set in Italy. I think it’s different in some ways because the focus in this is the building of a forever relationship between very different kinds of people.

What types of scenes are your favorite to write?

I love writing dark, atmospheric nightmares for some reason. But I also love to write internal dialogue that evokes emotional connections for the reader. Sex scenes always hang me up because they’re tedious.

When and where can readers look forward to seeing you this year?

Noble Romance will be releasing my first title with them in over three years, and it’s an historical Western, highly erotic and romantic, and very naughty! I’ve also got my first genie story set to go soon, and the prequel to my Ellora’s Cave debut, Hide and Secret. So it will be a busy year!

Do you feel there is anything the market is oversaturated with right now?

Honestly, too much of this kinky billionaire crap that is nothing more than cashing in on the Fifty Shades craze. If I have to read one more book about some fucked up, abusive bastard with issues that require a good shrink, not a submissive idiot heroine, I may retire and hide in a cave somewhere.

How do you feel about the term “Mommy Porn”?

Like all media terms, it’s just a catch phrase, and it means nothing. I know there are some authors who really find it offensive. I just find it amusing. It’s a label, in a world where people allow the media to create labels to compartmentalize things. It means nothing, just a catchy way to say “Erotica” as if it’s something dirty and shameful.

Do you prefer to write 1^st or 3^rd Person POV? Why?

Third person mostly. I know some people believe that first person creates more intimacy with the POV character, but I find it limiting, big time. You can only see one view, and hear one reaction. Relationships are about two people, so in order to understand and feel for both people, you have to know them, and not just how they relate to the POV character.

What do you feel are the most important aspects to a good romance?

You need strong, passionate characters who are confident and have lives outside of each other. Unbalanced relationships are no fun to read about, and less engaging to write about, really. Your hero and your heroine have to balance each other, each will possess unique strengths that the other doesn’t, so a perfect harmony comes from uniting those strengths and weakness and making them complement each other. When you achieve that, you’ve created characters people will genuinely care about when they read their struggles, adventures, and the reader will fall in love along with the characters in your story.

CONTEST: Comment below for a chance to win: Zip file of two books, winner’s choice: http://www.denysebridger.com/booksV2.php

In the Spotlight - Lisa Carlisle

Welcome This Week's Featured Author!

lisacarlislebooks@gmail.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

CONTEST: Comment below and include your email address for a chance to win an eBook copy of Rock Me Tonight by Lisa Carlisle. 

Contest ends June 29th at Midnight.

ABOUT

Lisa Carlisle loves to read and write stories with dark, brooding, isolated characters (think Heathcliff, Dracula, Darth Vader, and Severus Snape) and tough, independent, caring heroines. For much of her professional career, she has written non-fiction, although she’s recently discovered writing romance is much more fun. ;)

Life took a strange turn when she was younger and she ended up enlisting in the Marines, serving in Parris Island, the California desert, and Okinawa, Japan. Then she backpacked alone through Europe,  and lived in Paris, France for little while. These experiences have provided her enough settings and characters for a lifetime of writing. Currently, she lives in New England with my fantastic husband and kids.

UNDERGROUND ENCOUNTERS 4: BLOODLUST AND METAL

ELLORA'S CAVE | AMAZON | B&N | ARe

On the run from a master vampire, young vampire Layla Black flees London to reinvent herself as the singer of an Eighties cover band in Boston. Devon St. Clair is the bounty hunter hired to track her down. As a shapeshifter with extraordinary skills, his reputation is known throughout the supernatural world. Capturing Layla should be an easy gig that will net a nice profit.

The situation doesn’t go as Devon plans. He wants Layla in his bed, but shapeshifters and vampires don’t mix. They should hate each other, but instead they’re keeping the sheets steamy. When circumstances force them on the run together, their preconceived notions are challenged. If they can evade those hunting them and convince his fellow shapeshifters to help her even though she’s a vampire, they just might have a chance to explore where all that hot, sweaty sex can take them.

EXCERPT

Devon

On the flight from London, I studied a road map to drive from Boston up to the nightclub Vamps where Bloodlust Diamond was playing. Vamps was hidden in the warehouse district in Caterina’s Cove, a little coastal village on the coast north of Boston. A brochure advertising condos described it as a quiet seaside setting, the perfect place to have access to the ocean without the typical tourist crowd that attacked most of the other beaches on the North Shore.

The brochure conveniently left out how Cat’s Cove, as it was called, was also home to an underground/Goth club that attracted “freaks and weirdoes” as one regular had described it online. In my word-of-mouth research, I discovered it also attracted a small, but growing crowd of supernatural beings. Rumor spread it was once owned by a vampire. After an explosion took out a good chunk of the club, it was bought and rebuilt by the current owner. Employees described him as tall, dark and utterly mysterious; some speculated whether he is a vampire as well.

Vampires. I hated them. Always have. Cold, dead creatures stalking the Earth and sucking sustenance out of humans.

Pathetic.

When I got the call from a vampire named Stefano, one part of me cringed. I loathed dealing with these blood-lusting walking corpses. Since this one was willing to pay a large fee and it sounded like an easy gig, I swallowed my revulsion and took the job. All I had to do was hunt down a female vampire who stole from him and ran away. If he disposed of her, even better. One less vampire in the world.

After we landed in the U.S. and waited at the long lines at Customs, I found the car rentals. Earlier I had requested a black car with tinted windows and plenty of space in the back seat and trunk, either which might serve as a temporary abode for Miss Costa. Of course, I told the rental agent I had a lot of luggage. I smirked at the visual of having that bloody vampire bound in the car. Then I drove north to Cat’s Cove.

Stefano knew better than to hire a human to find Layla. They relied on paper trails and online transactions, both of which vampires kept to a minimum, especially considering their extended life periods. He needed someone like me, with abilities beyond a typical human’s. With those and the skills I’d learned in the British military, I had established a lucrative career as a bounty hunter. A job I enjoyed more than I like to admit.

Most of my targets were scumbags. They deserved to be caught and brought to justice. Not all, though. On a few occasions, I suspected the person whom I was hired to bring in might be innocent. But I had to stay objective. It wasn’t my job to judge a person’s guilt or innocence. It was my job to track them down and bring them to whomever hired me. This time, it was the thieving little vampire, Layla Costa.

Tracking her down wasn’t that difficult, but it did take longer than I had expected. I caught her scent all over Stefano’s place. It was rather sweet, reminding me of herbs and flowers, and not the smell of the dead I’d associated with most vampires. This distinctive scent helped me track where she’d went next. With her photograph in hand and scent imprinted in my mind, I asked about her at each location. One location led me to another. And eventually I discovered that Layla Costa was now portraying herself as Angelica Blackwell, a singer for a heavy metal cover band called Bloodlust Diamond. She changed her appearance dramatically, but I could still discern the same features.

She was quite striking, I noted. Both as the dark-haired vampire Layla Costa and the wild heavy metal singer with teased multi-colored hair Angelica.

What did her looks matter, I corrected myself. She was just another job. I would simply grab her, take her to Stefano and collect my money.

Layla

I teased my variegated black and blonde hair to get into character for the show. After all these years as a brunette, it was strange seeing myself with blonde. The hair stylist I paid big money to “reinvent me” insisted this is the look to capture attention as the new singer of an Eighties hair band.

“Heavy metal,” I’d corrected.

He’d snickered. “Okay, princess.”

What did he know about music anyway?

He’d bleached one side of my hair a platinum blonde and dyed the other side black. Then he added a few streaks of black amid the blond and white amid the black.

If I turned one way in the mirror, my reflection showed a raven-haired woman. When I turned the other way, my reflection showed the blonde. Amazing how the hair color made me look like two different women. Then I looked at my reflection dead on from the front. Whoever was looking at me would focus on my wild hair, which commanded attention, rather than my face. Money well spent. The better I disguised myself as Angelica, rock singer, the less I resembled Layla Costa. Which would make it harder for Stefano to find me.

I accentuated my eyes with black eyeliner, extending them slightly beyond my lash line to give me a cat’s eye style. Then I added two coats of black mascara. It was too easy for features to wash out under the stage lights. With some blush and a dark maroon lipstick, I made sure it wouldn’t happen tonight.

I put on red stiletto boots over the tight black vinyl pants and readjusted my tank top in the full-length mirror. Then I took a nip of the blood from my flask. Just a little bit to take off the edge. Immediately after drinking blood, I felt almost drunk so I tried not to overdo it before going onstage. But a little sip was my ritual to fortify me for the energy I’d expend tonight.

“Here we go again,” I said to my reflection. Then I drove to the rehearsal space to meet up with the rest of Bloodlust Diamond, the band I’d joined six weeks ago. Their lead singer had quit to enter drug and alcohol rehab. I was looking for a new opportunity after running away from Stefano. What would be more fun than reinventing myself as a sexy rock star for a fun metal band?

 Buy now at Ellora’s Cave

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Q.  Do you work best on a deadline, or do you need freedom from time constraints?

I work much better on a deadline. Something about the pressure keeps me focused. It’s too easy to procrastinate or rewrite without one. It’s one of the reasons I love National Novel Writing Month in November.

Q.  How do you know you’ve written a good book?

When I feel the emotions and heartbreak of a character as if they are real people I know, that’s when I know I’m on to something good. For instance, in Fiery Nights, I put my characters through so much anguish that when I reread it, I was almost in tears going through what they were experiencing. Then I thought, wait a minute, I’m the one who wrote this—I know what’s going to happen!

Q.  Are you a Swooper (write first, edit later,) a Basher (edit each sentence as you go,) or both?

Funny, I’ve never heard these terms. But I’m definitely a Swooper. My first drafts are filled with question marks, nameless characters, and other notes to myself to take care of when I review what I’ve written.

Q. What is the one thing you must have to be able to write?

I like to have a drink nearby, even if I’m too caught up in the story to take a sip. Tea or coffee in the morning and wine or Amaretto in the evening are all good choices.

Q. What are you currently working on? How is it different from other books you’ve written?

I’m writing a quickie gargoyle erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave right now. Quickies are 7-15k words so the story has to be compact. I’m hoping I can keep it in the word count. It’s tough, though—once I start writing, I discover more about my characters and want to keep going.

Q. When and where can readers look forward to seeing you this year?

I will be at Romanticon, Ellora’s Cave’s conference in Romanticon this October. Plus, I’ll be presenting on a panel there with other authors in the On the Hunt series (stories with bounty hunters). It will be a blast and I can’t wait to go.

Q. How do you feel about the term “Mommy Porn”?

I’m a mom and I write erotic romance. It’s not porn, it’s romance. I write love stories between two consensual adults. But I don’t think about the term too much. No point in getting worked up over other people’s labels.

Q. Do you prefer to write 1st or 3rd Person POV? Why?

I love first person. Almost every time, I start a story in third and end up switching to first. Somewhere along the line, I get so caught up in what my character is experiencing, I start to write scenes through his or her eyes. But I’m trying to stay in third for the stories I’m working on now because there are some stories where they work better.

CONTEST: Comment below and include your email address for a chance to win an eBook copy of Rock Me Tonight by Lisa Carlisle. 

Contest ends June 29th at Midnight.

Superstar Sunday with Tricia Andersen!

tricia@triciaandersen.com

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

ABOUT

Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations.  Along with writing (which she loves to do), Tricia coaches and participates in track and field, does kickboxing, reads, sews and is involved in many of her children's activities.
Tricia is a member of the Romance Writers of America and RWA Chapter 177 From the Heart Romance Writers.

Queen of Savon

Cassandra is brought to the palace by her grandfather, the sorcerer Malicar, after her parents are brutally
murdered.  After being presented to King Thomas she is raised alongside two boys – Thomas’s son, Matthew and Victor, the young man chosen to be Matthew’s commander of the army.

However her life in the royal palace comes at a price. She is vowed into a life of servitude Matthew’s advisor, forfeiting the dream of having a husband and children of her own.

As they mature into adults, childhood curiosities turn to jealousy and burning desire. Cassandra finds herself caught between the two men and forced to make a decision – to throw away her vows for the life she dreamt about with a man she does not love or to stay shackled to the promises she made as a child to be with the man she wants with her heart, body and soul but cannot have.

EXCERPT

Cassandra firmly capped the bottle of herbs with a cork and slipped the container in her bag. She marked her books, stacking one on top of the other. Glancing out the window, she watched as Matthew gently kissed Stephana before helping her into the carriage.

Sighing, she pulled herself away from the window to gather more herbs. She picked up her books and the bag of bottles. Then, she hobbled to the door and struggled to open it with her one free hand.

Cassandra jumped back, startled, as she discovered Matthew standing in the doorway. He clung to the doorframe as he stared at her.

“How may I serve, my lord?” she greeted as she awkwardly bowed to him.

“Where are you going?” he asked, barely audible.

“Home. I have much to do before I return in the morning and you leave for battle.”

Matthew paused. “I did not propose to Stephana.”

Cassandra set her items on a table nearby. “That was unwise, my lord.”

Matthew stared at her as he dug his fingernails into the wood of the frame. “Cassa, do not leave me like this.”

Cassandra swallowed as she heard the urgency in his voice. “Like what, my lord?”

“Like this—the formal address, the subservient nature. This.” Matthew stood up straight, taking a step to grip her arms in his hands.

“Tell me her name,” Matthew demanded.

“There is no one.”

“Tell me her name,” Matthew begged. “Tell me, and I will give her my heart and make her my bride. I swear this.”

Cassandra stared at him, tears filling her eyes. “What if she belongs to another man?” She looked away as the words she spoke seemed to crush him. He closed his eyes, fighting to defeat the truth, the truth he already must know. Capitalizing on his weakness, Cassandra pulled away. “I told you there is no one.”

He grasped her hand, pressing it to his heart. “No, my lady, I will win her. I will fight, and I will not stop until she is cradled in my arms. This I promise you. Do you hear me? This I promise you.”

Her tears burst their floodgates as she slipped her fingers from his. “I must go,” she stumbled out. “I have much to do. I must go.”

Cassandra scooped up her books then swept by Matthew and ran down the stairs. She cringed as she heard him call her name, his voice betraying his pain.

Cassandra could not sleep. She lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling of her room as the night passed by. As dawn brushed the sky, she pulled herself from her covers, dressed, and trudged her return to the palace.

In no time, she stood in the courtyard, the soldiers around her completely oblivious to her presence. She glanced up as Victor rode next to her. “Lock yourself in the tower. I will see you when I get back,” he instructed as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Stay safe,” she murmured.

Cassandra looked to the ground as Victor’s horse trotted away. Then, she raised her head as she heard hoof steps approach. Matthew wandered across the courtyard, leading his stallion behind him. His eyes, yearning and desperate, locked on her.

She shuddered as he approached, his stride determined as he wove his way around the soldiers scattered around the courtyard. He stopped, dropping the reins of his horse, when he reached her.

Without warning or care for decency, Matthew cupped Cassandra’s face in his hands drawing her lips to his and parting them in a soul-wrenching kiss. She clung to his arms as he tasted her, clearly searching for confession, answers—her love for him. As he pulled away, he whispered, “Lock yourself in. I could not live another day if anything happened to you.”

Matthew’s fingers caressed Cassandra’s skin once more before they slipped away to grasp his horse's reins. He glanced at her over his shoulder before he disappeared behind the wall. Cassandra hugged herself tightly, her limbs shaking in uncertainty.

Collecting herself as much as possible, she wound her way to her tower blindly. Her thoughts were incoherent. Matthew? Victor? She rubbed her fingertips against her swollen lips. Both had made their feelings for her abundantly clear. And both were riding out to battle. Above all, the vows she had taken as a child dictated she could have neither of them.

Tears filled her eyes as she collapsed onto her cushion. The only thing she knew with clarity was that she needed to get her thoughts together. It wouldn’t be long before she would be joining them on the battlefield.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Q: What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

A:  I would love it if readers did two things for every author they read and love.  First – write a review saying just how much you loved it.  And second – tell your friends about the book.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A:  I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was very little.  I used to write unassigned reports when I was in the third and fourth grade just so my teacher would read them.  I made my friends read the stories I wrote.  I still make my friends read what I write.  I have very patient friends.

Q: How long does it take you to write a book?

A:  A book typically takes me 6-8 weeks to write depending what’s happening in my life at the time.  Right now I am working on two books at the same time so it’s taking me a little longer.

Q: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

A:  I write about 700-1000 words then I have to stop and watch TV or check social media for a little while.  It’s like I have to resort my thoughts before I can start again.

Q: What does your family think of your writing?

A:  My family has been so supportive.  They talk about my books to just about everyone from friends to co-workers to teachers.  They leave me alone in my “fortress of solitude” (the loveseat in our living room) so I can write.  They tell me all the time how proud they are of me.  I couldn’t do this without them.

Q: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

A:  Currently I have written four.  I feel, like my children, I should say they are all my favorite.  But the truth is Black Irish is my favorite.  I reread that one a lot.

Q: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

A:  Being a new author I haven’t heard too much from my readers (so feel free to tell me hi!).  But I’ve heard several of those who have talked to me say they couldn’t put the book down and that my heroes have very strong character.

In the Spotlight - Kalista Kyle

WELCOME THIS WEEK'S FEATURED AUTHOR!

authorkalistakyle@gmail.com

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

CONTEST: Comment below for a chance to win an eBook copy of Out of the Shadows! Don't forget your email address! 

Contest ends Saturday, June 15th at Midnight.

ABOUT

Kalista Kyle lives in Maine with her husband, two children, and a zoo of animals. When she's not busy with the evil day job, you can find her at her desk with a cup of cocoa, creating imaginative worlds with unique characters, all fighting to secure their happily ever afters. 

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Now Available From Amazon!

After kicking his abusive boyfriend to the curb, Joshua Perry wants nothing more than to focus on his career. He might be drawn to powerful, dominant men, but he's tired of these guys thinking they own him. Then his new boss comes strolling into the office, looking good enough to lick, and the well-dressed alpha tests Joshua's new resolve.

Caleb isn't oblivious to Joshua's interest, but something isn't right. Joshua is distracted, and every time he looks at his phone, Caleb fears his new assistant might pass out right where he stands. He's trying not to push, but every instinct tells him Joshua needs his help. Now, if he can just convince the fiercely independent blond of this, things would be just fine.

Kicking his lover out on the street wasn't the road to freedom Joshua had expected it to be. The Enforcer won't take no for an answer, and he'll go to any lengths to get Joshua back into his bed, no matter how violent. Can Caleb convince Joshua to accept his help before it's too late? Or will Joshua's desire to stand on his own two feet cost him everything in the end?

EXCERPT

Josh was busy getting the boardroom ready for everyone. Making sure all the copies were done and everyone had what they needed, he was bustling about the room when his cell phone went off. He ignored the vibrating phone and kept working, barely keeping his nerves in check at the thought of Reed making contact again. 

Josh knew his job. He had to make sure this meeting went smoothly, and Caleb Reese knew he could be trusted to do his job. He set up his usual place off to the side to take notes as people started filtering into the room. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking of his new boss.

Josh tried not to stare as Caleb entered through the door. The man easily took control of the room like he had always been a part of the company. He talked to everyone, politely introducing himself, and listened intently to what they all had to say. The only frustrating thing was Caleb seemed to be ignoring him.  Josh’s wolf hated that they were being ignored. He felt his canine’s try to come down more than once.  His wolf wanted Caleb to look at him, be centered on him and him alone.

Caleb never glanced at him, not once during the hour-long meeting. Josh had to concentrate more than usual to make sure he got his notes right between the vibrating phone and the electricity whenever he was near Caleb. Combined, it all had him feeling frazzled and confused. The man was just too distracting for his own good. Working for him was going to be a challenge. Luckily, challenges were things he embraced. Josh never met one he didn’t take.

“Joshua, I’ll need these notes within the hour.” Caleb started gathering his papers up to leave the room.

“Yes, sir.” Josh gathered up his stuff and was getting ready to leave the room as well. He felt eyes on his ass as he left. He didn’t dare look back to see if Caleb was actually staring at his ass or not, but it sure felt like he was. He put an extra shake into his hips just in case. Hey, a man could dream right?

The rest of the day was a dull blur of number crunching and filing for Josh. The highlight of the day was finding as many opportunities as possible to see Caleb.

As Josh got ready to leave he was still thinking of his sinfully hot boss, wondering what he had under that conservative Armani suit. Maybe he wore silk boxers. Ooh, red silk would look so damn good on him. Maybe he could convince Caleb to wear them while Josh was tied to the man’s bed. That image caused him to get so hard he thought he would come right there at the office. He wanted Caleb to tie him down and dominate him. His wrists tingled at the thought, and his cock was hard and throbbing. Josh was struggling to think of anything other than how much he wanted to jump Caleb right then.

 “Time to go home, Joshua. I do not expect you to live at the office,” Caleb said, coming over to his desk and jostling him out of his sexy daydream in a rush.

Blushing at being caught in a day dream, Josh tried to cover it by typing faster. He had to learn to get this under control. His body went haywire whenever he thought of Caleb, one whiff of the man and suddenly all that Josh could think about was sex.

“I have one more sentence, and then I can save and leave, sir. I just want to be sure this gets off to Mr. Abriel today. I know we’re on a deadline with it.”

Josh hit send on the computer and started powering down. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Caleb wasn’t moving. He was still standing there waiting patiently. He tried to ignore his presence in hopes his cock would behave before he stood up and showed his aroused state to his new boss.

“Did you need something?” Josh asked while he gathered his things, trying not to look at Caleb and concentrating on anything but the man standing next to him. It was a monumental effort not to look at him. 

He wasn’t used to someone staring at him for so long, and it was making him feel like his clothes were on wrong or something. He made sure his jacket was draped over his arm in front of him as he stood up. It might not be subtle, but he didn’t have to advertise he was hard for the guy. After all, today was the first day he’d ever met him. He didn’t want to lose this job. He needed it.

Then understanding dawned. He suddenly knew why he couldn’t take his eyes off Caleb, why he had to be near him, make him happy, why his wolf wanted all the attention on him. Oh, my God, he’s my mate. No, I can’t have a mate right now. No…

Josh’s heart raced, and his palms dampened. He wanted to shift and run as far away as possible.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Ø  Thinking back on your first book, is there anything you would have done differently?

This is my first release in over a year. So it is like my first release ever. I grow each time.  I have learned so much about editing, and the importance of a great editor and beta who is honest with me.  I have also learned a lot about pushing myself even when I feel uncomfortable.

Ø  Has your perspective on the writing process changed since you became published?

No, I really knew it was work before and I have done a lot of things inside the industry so I had a pretty good understanding of what pool I was jumping into.

Ø  Do you work best on a deadline, or do you need freedom from time constraints?

Deadline. Charts, and lists.  I have to stay on task if I didn’t have those I would be all over the place.

Ø  Is there a word or phrase you catch yourself overusing?

Was, that, and you can ask my editor she would tell you I am banned from the word was.

Ø  How do you know you’ve written a good book?

I think any book is good if you love it when you are done.  No one else will love a book you do not love yourself.

Ø  How do you keep your characters and stories organized?

Charts, lists, and notes.  Lots of each.

Ø  Are you a Swooper (write first, edit later,) a Basher (edit each sentence as you go,) or both?  Swooper.

Stories flow for me like movies in my head. I write then worry about edits later.

Ø  What is the one thing you must have to be able to write?

My soda or water, a quiet place and my computer. Wait that was more than one thing… the should be one thing I need them all.

Ø  Did you have any bad habits when you began writing? How did you correct those habits?

Yes, did I mention the word was….huge bad habit. Going back and reworking my phrases has helped me.

Ø  What are you currently working on? How is it different from other books you’ve written?

I am currently working on a vampire story. The vampires are a little different from what you might expect.

Ø  Is there anything you haven’t written that you would like to try some day? Why have you avoided it in the past?

Contemporary with no paranormal. It is really hard for me. I love my paranormals. I think one without that would be my challenge to see if I could do it.

Ø  What types of scenes are your favorite to write?

Action scenes. I love action in books and they are the easiest for me to write.

Ø  When and where can readers look forward to seeing you this year?

Well you will meet my other author name soon. I will be writing M/F under her name. I should have two releases as her this year.  My next MM will be next year with Tyler’s story.

Ø  Do you feel there is anything the market is oversaturated with right now?

No, I think as a writer you make your own niche. If your ideas are truly meant to sell, they will.

Ø  Do you prefer to write 1st or 3rd Person POV? Why?

3rd. I am not fond of first person books even to read them. I like being someone else and seeing how their mind works

Ø  What do you feel are the most important aspects to a good romance?

Connection and love. If you cannot connect with them you can never be in love with them and then the readers will see that.  Being able to really make your readers sink in and love them as much as you do is a gift.

Ø  Are you always in the driver’s seat? Or do your characters drag you along for the ride?

My characters drag me along. Josh dragged me in this story. He is a persistent character!

Ø  What is your least favorite part of the writing process?

Edits…ugh hate them, and they are never done!

CONTEST: Comment below for a chance to win an eBook copy of Out of the Shadows! Don't forget your email address! 

Contest ends Saturday, June 15th at Midnight.

Welcome Jana Downs!

Jana Downs

jddowns07@yahoo.com

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

Jana Downs lives in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina with three cats, one dog, several dozen fish, and a very understanding partner-in-crime who hates to read but makes exceptions for her stories.

You can usually find her either watching bad reality TV, buying way too many books on Amazon, or dreaming up another man or two to occupy her time because life is good but several drop-dead gorgeous nonexistent men is just better.

Ravyn’s Temptation  [Ravyn Warriors 6]

Adult Excerpt

“Want you,” Tony said in that gravel-filled way of his. Apparently anger and arousal produced the same sound in him.

“You, too,” Theron gasped. He was feeling alive for the first time in a long time, and he didn’t want to stop feeling this way for a second. “Fuck me.” He was surprised he managed to make the request. It sounded odd to his ears, guttural and somehow much more confident than he usually was when confronted with a person he was attracted to. It would take very little effort to be naked since they’d taken away his clothes.

Tony kissed down the side of his neck and continued to play with his body like it was an instrument for his pleasure alone. He wanted it. He massaged his cock through his underwear, and starbursts erupted behind his eyelids. Good. So good. Yes. Tony reared back and looked down on him, the serious expression he often wore on his face but something else as well. His eyes were on fire and drowning with lust.

“Fuck me,” Theron repeated, panting lightly. He pushed his underwear down his hips, freeing his dick from the confining material, but he couldn’t push them down much further with Tony between his legs.

“You want me to make you feel good, boy?”

Theron shuddered at the almost angry note in his voice.

“Answer me. Do you want me to make you feel good?”

“Yes,” Theron murmured. The sound of rending fabric filled the air as Tony took his underwear in his hands and ripped them right off. Tony threw the shreds aside before he slid down Theron’s taut body and took his prick into the back of his throat.

Theron screamed. He couldn’t help it. He’d never felt anything like it before. The warm, wet haven of his mouth was unreal. His hips moved of their own accord, pushing upward into Tony’s mouth as Tony sucked and licked his hard dick until Theron’s eyes crossed. He babbled without knowing what he was saying, begging Tony for something he couldn’t name. The Ravyn seemed pleased by the words though because he growled around his cock.

“Gonna… gonna—gods, Tony!” He came before he could get the warning out of his mouth, shooting his seed between Tony’s willing lips. The Ravyn didn’t miss a beat. He continued to suck him until his body went limp and he started to soften between Tony’s lips.

“Gods,” Theron whispered as he started coming down from the high of his orgasm. “That was amazing.”

“Good,” Tony said, smirking. Gone was the hesitancy and awkwardness of before. Whatever his flaws at courtship, Tony had no such qualms about sex apparently. “You ready for the next level?”

Theron swallowed as fear rose in the place of his mind-splitting arousal. It wasn’t that he was afraid of Tony hurting him. He was just afraid of the unknown. “I—” He cut himself off. He didn’t want to be selfish. Suddenly he became perfectly aware of his nakedness. A blush infused his face as the heat of embarrassment rose. He stared up at Tony’s shirtless torso and blushed harder. The man was thicker than his brothers, all heavy muscles with just the light sprinkling of hair on his chest and down his six-pack. The decidedly large bulge at the front of his black pants told him that every aspect of his body was to scale. He was gorgeous.

“You don’t have to,” Tony murmured, cupping his cheek. “You can make me feel just as good without the fucking.”

What a gentleman you are underneath all that warrior. “I want to make you feel good,” Theron said. He may have been afraid to let Tony fuck him, but he was more than ready to touch him anywhere the warrior wanted him to.

Tony popped the button on his pants and carefully lowered the zipper. His cock all but leapt out of its confinement, eager and darkened with its own unique flush. Theron’s mouth watered for a taste of the thick, long, cock with its pre-cum-decorated tip. Tony’s eyes darkened as he stared at his prick. “Want a taste, boy?”

“Yeah,” Theron said breathlessly. Tony reached down and stroked himself from base to tip, and Theron groaned. “Hell yes.”