Mar 31, 2014

In the Spotlight with Zayne Michaels!


GAMES WE PLAY
Hard Habits
Available From:


Entering the small bar on the side of the highway, Remy didn’t harbor high expectations for the night, not until he notices the most gorgeous man in the place checking him out from across the room. Casual hookups in dark alleys aren’t his style, but he knows he’d be a fool to pass up such an opportunity.
From the moment the blond beauty stepped into the room, Colt had to have him, even if just for the night. Their parking lot tryst gets off to a sizzling start, especially when Colt realizes the barfly enjoys a firmer hand. It’s just a one night stand, though. What does it matter if he can’t remember the man’s name?
Unfortunately for him, it matters a lot to Remy, and Colt’s one-time fling is about to become much more than he expected.


 EXCERPT

Unfortunately, before he could reach the door, his toe caught on the leg of a barstool, and he stumbled a couple of steps before finding his balance. If that hadn’t been embarrassing enough, his misstep didn’t go unnoticed, either. Before he could make his getaway, the man he’d been drooling over for half an hour appeared in front of him, smirking as though he knew a secret but wouldn’t share.

“Whoa, easy.” He placed his massive hand in the center of Remy’s chest to stop him. “Do you have a ride? ’Cause I think you’ve had a little too much to drink.”

“No, I’m fine. I only had a beer, half a second one, and some foo-foo drink.” His heart beat too fast, and he felt a little lightheaded, but it didn’t have anything to do with the alcohol he’d consumed. “I’m okay, really. Thank you.”

“Maybe I should drive you home, just in case.”

“No, no, thank you.” He tried to sidestep, but the guy moved with him, cutting off his exit. “I promise I’m not drunk.”

“I believe you.” The cocky grin that stretched his lips only made Remy’s heart beat faster and his dick throb to the point of pain. “Maybe I just wanted to get you on your knees in the back of my truck.”

His eyes rounded, and the air whooshed out of his lungs in a sharp gasp. “I…I…” Remy didn’t know what to say, so he snapped his lips closed to stop his stammering.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Stepping closer, crowding against him, the guy insinuated a hand between them and cupped Remy’s erection through his jeans. “I’ll take this as a firm yes.”

Remy’s heart crawled up into his throat, cutting off any reply he might have offered. Those deep, dark eyes mesmerized him, holding him captive to his own lust. Still unable to form intelligible words, he licked his lips and nodded toward the exit. He didn’t typically engage in one night stands or clandestine encounters in the back alley, and while they’d flirted some, he honestly hadn’t thought the guy was that interested.

Opportunities like this didn’t present themselves often, though, not in Remy’s experience, and he’d be an idiot to pretend he didn’t want it. So he said nothing as he was led by the elbow to the exit.

“I…” he croaked. Then he cleared his throat and added some bass to his voice in an attempt to sound more confident than he felt. “I still don’t know your name.”

“Does it matter?”

Remy shrugged. “I guess not.” He’d likely never see the guy again, so no, it didn’t really matter.

Neither of them spoke again as they hurried across the litter-strewn asphalt to the shadowy recess in the back corner of the parking lot. Approaching the jacked up Ford 4x4, his mysterious bar hookup swung him around, pushing him roughly against the side of the truck and pinning him in place with his muscled body.

Large, callused hands slid beneath the hem of his shirt and scraped along the expanse of his stomach to the waistband of his jeans. “Colton,” the guy growled in his ear. “You can call me Colt.” Then his mouth crashed down on Remy’s with heat and hunger.

Remy’s body lit up like the Las Vegas strip, and he opened readily, allowing Colt to thrust his tongue between his parted lips. The man didn’t just kiss, he consumed, and each confident stroke of his tongue over Remy’s felt like a promise of things to come. When the top button of his jeans popped open and Colt reached inside the denim to grasp Remy’s rigid cock, his world tilted on its axis and started to spin.

“I’ve never done anything like this.”

“It’s easy,” Colt teased. “I’ll show you.”

“I meant hooking up in a parking lot.”

“I know.” He scraped his teeth down the side of Remy’s neck and licked a wet path back up to his earlobe. “You talk too much.”

In the next heartbeat, Remy found himself pushed to his knees on the hard asphalt, staring up at Colt while his heart pounded painfully against his sternum. Though he anticipated what would happen next, the hard set of Colt’s jaw and the dominance in his stance still sent a ripple of electricity down his spine.






Zayne Michaels is a small-town girl who grew up and ran off to the big city. She currently resides in the Midwest where she spends her days dreaming up dark, sexy adventures in between soccer games and the never-ending pile of laundry. 

Zayne's fascination with old and discarded treasures has always been a source of inspiration for her tales. From antique clocks to old, dilapidated houses, her imagination turns to the what ifs and what used to bes. 

Maybe this love for the abandoned is why she is a firm advocate of second chances, or perhaps she's just a little crazy. Whatever the reason, Zayne believes everyone chooses their own path, creates their own destiny, and is the author of their own story.





Mar 30, 2014

New Release from Honor James!


Patty’s Homecoming [Montana Wranglers – Book 1]

by Honor James

Buy Link: www.bookstrand.com/pattys-homecoming


Patricia Graymont knew Blake and Corbin all her life. They practically grew up on her daddy’s ranch after all. She had loved them for just as long. However, stubborn and unable to see what was right before her she ran off for New York City in the hopes of being able to fall out of love with the two men, too bad she fell into trouble instead.

For ten years Blake and Corbin waited for their Tishia to come home to them. Blake served time in the Military while Corbin worked the Ranch and received degrees. Both men knew that one day they would make Patricia Graymount theirs. They just didn’t realize what would bring her home.

Running home after being nearly beaten to death by a Mafia Boss’s crew because she dared to ‘turn him down’ she came back to the only place she had ever felt safe. But there they were. Like a kick in the gut it nearly killed her to see them, and know she would love them forever.

They didn’t let her dangle for long though. Blake and Corbin both ensured she knew that they were there for her and would always be there for her. They both began to show her the life that they could all have, together.

Just as their love began to really take hold, trouble struck like lightening and had Blake and Corbin running to find her before she was stolen from them forever.

Happily ever after, that’s what the trio wanted and needed… a Happily Ever After for them, and a continuation of their families happiness into the next generations. If they can just get there in time.

 

STORY EXCERPT


Prologue



Buried amongst the rolling hills and valleys of Montana lies the small town of Mission. Settled south of Great Falls, just north of the Lewis & Clark National Forest, this town of 800 plus souls live life off the land and a small, but profitable tourist trade.
Thirty miles due west is the Graymont ranch. Where, as his ancestors before him, Daniel Graymont carries on the tradition of nearly one hundred and sixty years and raises cattle and thoroughbred horses. The life isn’t for everyone, hot summers of hard work and frigid winters that rival even Siberia take their toll. Only the most hardy of souls dared to settle and remain in the rugged terrain. But, like his ancestors, Daniel is determined to uphold tradition.


* * * * *


May 12, 2013


The sound of a door slamming was closely followed by loud curses of a creative, if inaccurate, nature. Lifting his head up from the books he’d been semi-diligently going over Daniel peeked out the window. What he saw was one of his hands, half dressed, arguing with Constantine, his housekeeper.
Rolling his chair closer to the window he cracked it open. He didn’t need to, the whole house had air conditioning. Nope, he was being a nosy old man and cracked it to eavesdrop. Not that he was old. He was only sixty and still going strong. He’d had a great life, an even better to his beloved wife Charlotte, God rest her soul. She’d given him thirty-five years of marriage, love and the best sex of his life. She’d also given him every single one of his grey hairs, two sons and a daughter.
Connor worked the farm and, one day, would take over for him. Brendan was a lawyer in Great falls and handled all the legal matters for the farm, not that there were a lot, but it was a business. And his baby, Patricia, was in New York working for a interior designer and, one day God willing, would go out on her own. In the meantime she was living life, enjoying her career and called him every weekend to chat a mile a minute. Just like her mama used to do whenever she was excited, or pissed off. Chuckling he shook his head, that girl could talk the ear off of anyone and try the patience of even the Pope himself.
“I’ve told you a dozen times Constantine and, I’m sorry I have to apparently declare it to the whole damned world, but I’m not interested.” Blake, the half dressed hand said in a loud tone. Daniel’s attention was dragged back to the goings on outside the window.
“That’s not what Trevor said,” the woman shrieked. “Do you think I would be there if you hadn’t apparently been pining for me?”
“Pining!” Daniel winced. He hadn’t known that Blake’s voice could go that high, or that loud. “Woman, I have never nor will I ever pine for a woman. Especially you Constantine Delgado. You are a busybody and way too much maintenance. And if I ever, ever catch you trying to jump me while I’m in my rack sleeping again I will personally kick your ass out of Montana one step at a time.”
The woman shrieked at the top of her lungs, pure frustration there Daniel thought. His next thought was he would be needing a new housekeeper. And he was spot on with that assessment, especially given her next words. “Don’t fucking bother you degenerate! I quit!” she screamed. With that volume Daniel was pretty sure all of Montana knew she’d just quit.
“Good!” Blake sneered right back at her. “I pity the next fool that dares to take you on. I only pray that he’s got a wife that puts you in your fucking place.”
Another shriek and Constantine was storming towards the house. Eyes going wide Daniel shut the window and rolled his chair back into place just in time for the front door to smack the siding. Wincing he turned his attention to the books as she went to her room. More banging, door slamming and a lot of swearing.
One of the problems with having a single woman on the farm, the men tended to forget about her sex when they were working and let loose with some creative language. Not that he normally minded. The only time he enforced it with the hands was when Patricia came home to visit. Course, most of the lads thought of her as a baby sister, so that helped keep the cursing to a minimum. Not that he was fool enough to believe his baby girl couldn’t out swear them all, she could. He was just in denial and would remain so until the day he left his farm and went to meet up with his Charlotte in the hereafter.
His head came up as he realized that silence reigned in the house all of a sudden. Oops, thought it too soon. A door slammed and angry steps stomped towards his office. Pasting on a bland expression he looked up. “Constantine, uh, are you going somewhere?” he asked. Okay, an Academy Award was not in his future but she was too pissed off to notice.
“I’m sorry mister Graymont, I can’t work here any longer. I quit,” she said, slamming her suitcase to the floor.
“I’m sorry to hear that Constantine. May I ask why?” He tipped his head and hoped he looked confused and slightly curious.
“It’s got nothing to do with you sir. It’s,” she waved a hand viciously if vaguely about. “It’s them! Those no good, vile, men!” she hissed.
Fighting a chuckle he nodded slowly. “Well, I’m sad to see you go Constantine. But you have to do whatever is right for you dear.” He grabbed his checkbook and wrote her out a check for her last pay plus a little extra. Passing it to her he sighed, “If you need references you have them call me. You did great work while you were here and I’m going to make sure they know that.”
She folded the check, stuffed it into her purse and hefted her suitcase. “Thank you mister Graymont. I am sorry to leave you in the lurch like this.”
“Don’t even worry about it. We’ll make do,” he waved her off. “Drive safe now and if you need anything, let me know.”
A stiff nod was his only answer as she spun away. The door slammed behind her and he turned to watch her march to her car. The finger she threw towards the bunkhouse was telling, immature, but very telling. So was the spinning tires and gravel kicked up behind her as she tore up the drive towards the main road.
“Wow, that girl is mad,” he muttered reaching for the phone. Hitting a number on speed dial he grinned when his buddy at the Mission Post picked up. “Morty, how’s it going? Good, good. Nah, usual shit and lots of it given what I’ve got out in the north forty. Listen, I need you to run my ad for a housekeeper. Yup, she thought she’d get into one of the lads pants and he told her otherwise. I know, damn women are just too pushy. A little subtlety goes a hell of a lot further. Yup, sounds good. I’ll drop the check off tomorrow when I’m in getting supplies. What? Yeah,” he chuckled. “We can grab a beer. Let’s say around four if that works for you. Sounds good, see you then Mort.”


Chapter One



“God damn woman,” he muttered. Grabbing up his saddle and other tack, he headed for the stall where his horse was. Easing open the door he moved in slowly. “Morning Rusty,” he said to the large stallion.
The big head swung around and he got a nicker of hello. Smiling for the first time that morning he set everything aside. Moving to his head Blake scratch under the big reds chin. “Did you have a good night fella?” He got bumped in the chest, the horse was looking for his morning apple.
“Yeah, I got it here. So, did you hear that ruckus with Constantine? Woman is crazy,” he said holding out the apple in his palm. “She actually tried to crawl into my bed, naked no less. I have never once given her any hint that I wanted her in that way. Hell, I was only cordial to her because she could poison us at any time.”
Rusty crunched his apple and bobbed his head. Sometimes he thought the big guy actually understood him. Sighing he moved away and grabbed the blanket. Smoothing it over the big bay’s back he hefted the saddle. “But Trevor is in for it, fucker apparently told her I was pining away for her or some such shit.”
His horse shook his head, Blake took it to be in disbelief. “My thoughts exactly. That prick has been a thorn in my side since he got here.” Tightening the strap Blake flipped down the stirrup and sighed. Grabbing the halter he moved around the front and looked into the big brown eyes. Leaning his head to the horses he let out a breath. “Women are fucking confusing buddy. You have it easy. You see a lady horse you either get to mount her or you get a hoof to the head. Simple in comparison to the crap we mere mortals have to put up with.”
No answer from the horse. Figured. When he needed one he got nothing. “Thanks anyway buddy. At least you listen to me without a running commentary. Do you know how rare that is? Well, if you don’t, it’s very rare. You’re a good friend,” he patted Rusty’s neck. “Open up bud, let’s get this on you and go for a ride.”
Leading Rusty out of the stable ten minutes later he adjusted his hat and swung up into the saddle. Glancing around he let out a breath and turned Rusty’s head towards the trail. “Come on boy, let’s get a move on. We have a lot of fencing to check today.” And the day after and the day after that. Which is why he had food, water, his pack, extra clothing and food for Rusty in his saddlebags. He was going to be out for a time.
The plan was to meet up with Corbin, who had was out there already with a herd of cattle. He’d restock his friend, they’d check the fences and then head back in, four days down the line, to the main farm. They then had three days off before they’d have to be back to work.


* * * * *


Stretching slowly he scratched at his chest and yawned. Rolling his head around his shoulders he groaned. Four days with the herd that did nothing but eat, moo and poop was damned boring. And he was out there on his own. Normally he didn’t mind, but he didn’t even have Duke, the farms mascot dog, out there to talk to. Nope, he had cows who stood chewing their cud while he tried to chat them up.
Thank God Blake was coming out and they were doing fence sweeps. Blake didn’t talk much, but at least he listened. And actual human company for a few days would be a relief. Any human company would have been a relief right then. Blake’s was just a bonus.
Glancing up he shaded his dark green eyes from the morning light. Dust coming in, small plume, single rider. Blake, right on schedule. Moving then he gathered up his items, stashing them back into the saddle bags. Moving to his horse he started to get her ready, saddling her as he talked to her quietly. Not that Petunia cared, she was one of the more easy going horses around. Worked well with the cattle and didn’t spook easily, a huge plus when she was his only mode of transportation.
He was in the saddle, hat covering his dark red hair when Blake came up the last hill. Tipping his head Corbin moved up to join his friend and fellow cow hand. “Mornin’,” he greeted him.
Blake gave a grunt in reply and handed over a flask. Opening it Corbin nearly fell off his horse at the delightful scent. “Oh thank you God, real coffee.” Pouring a cup while on horseback took talent. One that he, thankfully, had. Sipping the strong brew he could have wept, it was that good.
Constantine quit,” Blake said into the silence, twenty minutes into their ride.
Looking over in surprise Corbin blinked. “What? When? Why?”
He got an irritated look for the rapid fire questions. “She quit, this morning, because I wouldn’t fuck her.”
Corbin nearly fell off his horse at that. “What?” he squawked. “What the hell bro? What are you talking about?”
“I was asleep, in my bunk, when she decided to molest me. Apparently on the advice of Trevor who told her I was pining for her. I didn’t get much more out of her before I lost my cool and basically unloaded on her.”
Whistling through his teeth he shot Blake a look. “Damn. What in the world did you ever do to that boy?”
“Nothing. Not a goddamn fucking thing. The little shit’s been a burr up my ass since he got here. But this, God Corbin,” he could hear Blake grinding his teeth. “If he’d been there I’d have whooped his ass and then done it all over again for that unwelcome wake up call. I can’t believe the gall of him.”
“Well, there has to be a story there. When we get back, we’ll just have to ask him.” Corbin shrugged at his friends look. “Real nice like of course,” he grinned. Yeah, they’d ask. Real nice like. With a right hook or a uppercut or two. One way or another they’d find out why Trevor was out to undermine Blake.
“Glad to hear you’re on the same page.”
“Always,” he nodded. “Course, God only knows what we’re going to end up with now for a housekeeper.”
“May she be older than Daniel and covered in warts. And we’ll sic her on the little shit in payback,” Blake growled.
Laughing at that Corbin shook his head. “Damn, that’s just mean. As long as she can cook and hold her own around the ranch, I don’t give two shits what she looks like. But pretty would be good.”
“You are a dog.”
“Yup,” he nodded happily. “I am at that,” he let out a howl that had even his sour faced friend laughing. It was quiet and subdued, but it was a laugh. His work was done, for the moment anyway.



)

Mar 27, 2014

In the Spotlight with Honor James!


Born in the mid-seventies Honor has always had a love for the written word. Whether she is reading a book from another author or writing a story of her own, she is always letting her mind expand and delve into possibilities. It all started off as scribbles for her, then a phase of poetry before she found her true calling in the erotic paranormal genre where her imagination is only limit.

Since beginning her journey as a published author in 2011 Honor says she has learned a great deal about herself and writing. She believes that it’s a never-ending journey, the mind always wanting to learn and to grow. With that comes a better skill and smoothness to her writing she’s discovered and begun to enjoy more with each story she creates.

Thankfully, as she puts it, she has a job that gives her plenty of opportunity to write whatever comes to mind with very few interruptions. Her biggest supporters are, as always, her family. Her two children and her husband are continuously providing her with laughter and joy, making the time she takes to write a little bit easier. Without them and their support she knows she wouldn't be half the author she is today.

Patty’s Homecoming
Montana Wranglers 1



Patricia Graymont knew Blake and Corbin all her life. They practically grew up on her daddy’s ranch after all. She had loved them for just as long. However, stubborn and unable to see what was right before her she ran off for New York City in the hopes of being able to fall out of love with the two men, too bad she fell into trouble instead. 

For ten years Blake and Corbin waited for their Tishia to come home to them. Blake served time in the Military while Corbin worked the Ranch and received degrees. Both men knew that one day they would make Patricia Graymount theirs. They just didn’t realize what would bring her home. 
Running home after being nearly beaten to death by a Mafia Boss’s crew because she dared to ‘turn him down’ she came back to the only place she had ever felt safe. But there they were. Like a kick in the gut it nearly killed her to see them, and know she would love them forever. 

They didn’t let her dangle for long though. Blake and Corbin both ensured she knew that they were there for her and would always be there for her. They both began to show her the life that they could all have, together. 
Just as their love began to really take hold, trouble struck like lightening and had Blake and Corbin running to find her before she was stolen from them forever. 

Happily ever after, that’s what the trio wanted and needed… a Happily Ever After for them, and a continuation of their families happiness into the next generations. If they can just get there in time

Excerpt

Prologue

Buried amongst the rolling hills and valleys of Montana lies the small town of Mission. Settled south of Great Falls, just north of the Lewis & Clark National Forest, this town of 800 plus souls live life off the land and a small, but profitable tourist trade.

Thirty miles due west is the Graymont ranch. Where, as his ancestors before him, Daniel Graymont carries on the tradition of nearly one hundred and sixty years and raises cattle and thoroughbred horses. The life isn’t for everyone, hot summers of hard work and frigid winters that rival even Siberia take their toll. Only the most hardy of souls dared to settle and remain in the rugged terrain. But, like his ancestors, Daniel is determined to uphold tradition.


* * * * *


May 12, 2013


The sound of a door slamming was closely followed by loud curses of a creative, if inaccurate, nature. Lifting his head up from the books he’d been semi-diligently going over Daniel peeked out the window. What he saw was one of his hands, half dressed, arguing with Constantine, his housekeeper.
Rolling his chair closer to the window he cracked it open. He didn’t need to, the whole house had air conditioning. Nope, he was being a nosy old man and cracked it to eavesdrop. Not that he was old. He was only sixty and still going strong. He’d had a great life, an even better to his beloved wife Charlotte, God rest her soul. She’d given him thirty-five years of marriage, love and the best sex of his life. She’d also given him every single one of his grey hairs, two sons and a daughter.

Connor worked the farm and, one day, would take over for him. Brendan was a lawyer in Great falls and handled all the legal matters for the farm, not that there were a lot, but it was a business. And his baby, Patricia, was in New York working for a interior designer and, one day God willing, would go out on her own. In the meantime she was living life, enjoying her career and called him every weekend to chat a mile a minute. Just like her mama used to do whenever she was excited, or pissed off. Chuckling he shook his head, that girl could talk the ear off of anyone and try the patience of even the Pope himself.

“I’ve told you a dozen times Constantine and, I’m sorry I have to apparently declare it to the whole damned world, but I’m not interested.” Blake, the half dressed hand said in a loud tone. Daniel’s attention was dragged back to the goings on outside the window.

“That’s not what Trevor said,” the woman shrieked. “Do you think I would be there if you hadn’t apparently been pining for me?”

“Pining!” Daniel winced. He hadn’t known that Blake’s voice could go that high, or that loud. “Woman, I have never nor will I ever pine for a woman. Especially you Constantine Delgado. You are a busybody and way too much maintenance. And if I ever, ever catch you trying to jump me while I’m in my rack sleeping again I will personally kick your ass out of Montana one step at a time.”

The woman shrieked at the top of her lungs, pure frustration there Daniel thought. His next thought was he would be needing a new housekeeper. 

And he was spot on with that assessment, especially given her next words. “Don’t fucking bother you degenerate! I quit!” she screamed. With that volume Daniel was pretty sure all of Montana knew she’d just quit.

“Good!” Blake sneered right back at her. “I pity the next fool that dares to take you on. I only pray that he’s got a wife that puts you in your fucking place.”

Another shriek and Constantine was storming towards the house. Eyes going wide Daniel shut the window and rolled his chair back into place just in time for the front door to smack the siding. Wincing he turned his attention to the books as she went to her room. More banging, door slamming and a lot of swearing.

One of the problems with having a single woman on the farm, the men tended to forget about her sex when they were working and let loose with some creative language. Not that he normally minded. The only time he enforced it with the hands was when Patricia came home to visit. Course, most of the lads thought of her as a baby sister, so that helped keep the cursing to a minimum. Not that he was fool enough to believe his baby girl couldn’t out swear them all, she could. He was just in denial and would remain so until the day he left his farm and went to meet up with his Charlotte in the hereafter.

His head came up as he realized that silence reigned in the house all of a sudden. Oops, thought it too soon. A door slammed and angry steps stomped towards his office. Pasting on a bland expression he looked up. 

“Constantine, uh, are you going somewhere?” he asked. Okay, an Academy Award was not in his future but she was too pissed off to notice.

“I’m sorry mister Graymont, I can’t work here any longer. I quit,” she said, slamming her suitcase to the floor.

“I’m sorry to hear that Constantine. May I ask why?” He tipped his head and hoped he looked confused and slightly curious.

“It’s got nothing to do with you sir. It’s,” she waved a hand viciously if vaguely about. “It’s them! Those no good, vile, men!” she hissed.

Fighting a chuckle he nodded slowly. “Well, I’m sad to see you go Constantine. But you have to do whatever is right for you dear.” He grabbed his checkbook and wrote her out a check for her last pay plus a little extra. Passing it to her he sighed, “If you need references you have them call me. You did great work while you were here and I’m going to make sure they know that.”

She folded the check, stuffed it into her purse and hefted her suitcase. 

“Thank you mister Graymont. I am sorry to leave you in the lurch like this.”

“Don’t even worry about it. We’ll make do,” he waved her off. “Drive safe now and if you need anything, let me know.”

A stiff nod was his only answer as she spun away. The door slammed behind her and he turned to watch her march to her car. The finger she threw towards the bunkhouse was telling, immature, but very telling. So was the spinning tires and gravel kicked up behind her as she tore up the drive towards the main road.

“Wow, that girl is mad,” he muttered reaching for the phone. Hitting a number on speed dial he grinned when his buddy at the Mission Post picked up. “Morty, how’s it going? Good, good. Nah, usual shit and lots of it given what I’ve got out in the north forty. Listen, I need you to run my ad for a housekeeper. Yup, she thought she’d get into one of the lads pants and he told her otherwise. I know, damn women are just too pushy. A little subtlety goes a hell of a lot further. Yup, sounds good. I’ll drop the check off tomorrow when I’m in getting supplies. What? Yeah,” he chuckled. “We can grab a beer. Let’s say around four if that works for you. Sounds good, see you then Mort.”

Behind the Scenes

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

There are things that I would have done differently. I would have approached it more as I am this new series, introducing a few people at a time instead of trying to put a great deal of information into a book at once to build a world. I guess I’m saying I would have built the world more slowly. J

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

Oh heaven’s yes. I’ve learned a great deal in the time that I’ve been writing. Important things.

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

I do not do well with deadlines at all. I seem to get twitchy and freeze up, unable to write which is really bad.

Is there a word or phrase you catch yourself overusing?

“That”

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

I never know until a fan tells me that they loved it. If even one person loved the book and wants more, to me it’s a success. I love my fans. J

How do you keep your characters and stories organized?

Honestly this is one of the things that I’ve learned along the way. A great friend of mine, Lori King, introduced me to a character spreadsheet and since then its been my pal.

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

Total Swooper

What is the one thing you must have to be able to write? Music. Must have music, and alone time.

No distractions from the family.

Did you have any bad habits when you began writing?

I would write and “head-hop” a lot. I wrote from POV to POV paragraph to paragraph. I wrote the story like it was in my mind, his POV, hers and so on. Horrid.

How did you correct those habits?

I don’t know if they are fully corrected but I have had some amazing advice from some people that’s helped me a great deal. Thankfully.

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

I’m always working on something new. I am working on Book 2 of the Montana Wranglers as well as the next books in the Beyond The Veil series and puttering on “Sleeping Beau” (my version of Sleeping Beauty)

Do you have any rituals, habits, or superstitions about your writing?

I always write in Google Documents / Drive because I’m terrified I would loose something if I didn’t have it in there.

What types of scenes are your favorite to write?

The “Coming to terms” scenes where the love is realized and reciprocated.

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

I’m going to try to get to Dittercon, but don’t hold me to that. J

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

There are tons of amazing books out there. Do I think its oversaturated? No. I think that we, as readers, have a chance to dive in and get just about anything we want.

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

Heavens I hate that term. I consider it to be escapism. Pure and simple.

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

Third person always, mostly because if I write in first person I feel as if I’m writing reports or what-not.

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

The first kiss

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

Are you kidding? I haven’t seen the driver’s seat in forever!

What is your least favorite part of the writing process?

Blurb, synopsis and cover sheets. Don’t know why but these tumble me every single time.



Contest: Enter to win an ecopy of Patty’s Homecoming. Leave a comment with a valid email address. Contest ends March 31st at Midnight. 

Mar 17, 2014

In the Spotlight with Diane Leyne!


I’ve always loved to read and like so many people, I always wanted to write but just couldn’t get started until last Christmas when I decided that it was time to stop dreaming and start doing.  My first book was published in February 2013.

I also love photography and travel and have visited more than 20 countries.

Uncovering Satisfaction
Satisfaction Texas 3



Micah Durrance and his best friend Sheriff Dace Lowe need an experienced investigator to find out who is trying to drive Micah’s BDSM club out of business.   Nicola “Nick” Marlow isn’t what they are expecting and when she decides to go undercover as their sub, she becomes a target too.

Excerpt

Micah watched as the woman accepted a bottle of beer from Trace and then thanked him before walking towards him and Dace. As she got closer, he could see that her eyes were a vivid green. They seemed to glow against her pale skin and were set off by her dark hair. She smiled, and before he could stand up and say or do anything, she had grabbed an empty chair from a nearby table and turned it so the back almost touched the side of the table between him and Dace. Then she placed her helmet and bottle of beer on the table, unzipped her jacket, straddled the chair, and turned to face him.

Dammit. She was a Domme. He’d considered the possibility with her clothing and attitude, but that move just seemed to seal the deal. She had to be with that kind of a move, but damned if he could get that through to his cock, which was still trying to stand at attention in his pants.

With her jacket undone, he could see the swells of her breasts over the top of her low-cut white tank top, with a low-cut black bra clearly visible through the thin material.. If his cock hadn’t been rock hard before, it was trying to burst out of his jeans now.

How could he have ever thought she was a man when she walked in? She was wonderfully, gloriously female, and his dick was ready to explode. He swallowed hard. She yawned and he saw the tiredness in her face, and maybe a little sadness that he had a sudden urge to kiss away, but then all thought fled again as she stretched and the tank pulled tight over her full tits, which threatened to escape confinement. He knew he was staring, but he couldn’t seem to force his eyes back to her face. They were perfect, and he yearned to see them naked, maybe with their nipples clamped or maybe her entire breasts bound for his pleasure.

He took a deep breath and looked up. The stranger was clearly amused as she raised her bottle to her lips and took a healthy swallow. A drop of condensation ran down the bottle and then her neck, and Micah had an almost overwhelming urge to lean over and lick it from her skin. He glanced briefly over to Dace and saw he was similarly affected. Their eyes met and locked. Then Dace took a swallow of his beer just as the woman set down her own bottle, licked her lips, and sighed with satisfaction.

Suddenly, Dace started choking, but Micah was too stunned by the woman in front of him to move, and so it was the stranger who leaned over and slapped Dace hard on the back a couple of times before heading back to Trace and getting a bottle of water.

Why didn’t I think of that? he thought sourly as Dace winked at him while they waited for her return.

“Feeling better?” she asked solicitously then uncapped the bottle. Her voice was low and sexy and caused ripples up and down his spine. She handed the bottle to Dace and then rubbed his back some more. “Sip the water slowly,” she counseled as she continued rubbing his back soothingly. Lucky bastard.

“Yes, ma’am.”

He was definitely a bastard, thought Micah. Dace was a Dom, same as Micah. What was with that meek yes, ma’am? Thank you, that’s what he should have said. Even thank you, miss would have been okay, but yes, ma’am? Asshole. They might be best friends, but two could play at that game.

Micah half stood and held his hand out to the newcomer. “I’m Micah Durrance and I own the Whips and Spurs. If I can do anything for you, anything at all, please let me know.”

She put her hand in his, with an amused glance at a clearly annoyed Dace. “I’m Nicola.”

Her hand was small and smooth and soft, and he could feel the light pulse fluttering in her wrist as he stroked it with his thumb. It seemed to jump, and he hoped that he was having an effect on her, but then he saw Dace move.

“Dace Lowe.” Dace stood and held out his hand.

Micah glared at his friend for interrupting and reluctantly released her hand so she could shake Dace’s. “Sheriff Dace Lowe. Pleased to meet you, Nicola.”

“Howdy, Sheriff. I’ve never met a real sheriff before.” She put on a clearly fake Western accent, and it was sweet and charming. She looked at Dace appraisingly and then grinned. “Want to arrest me? I’m been a bad girl!” She pouted and held out her wrists as if waiting for a set of cuffs or restraints to be placed over them.

Micah had an overwhelming urge to drag her into the back into a private playroom and cuff her to a bench before he fucked her brains out. He had to consciously get his breathing under control to stop from hyperventilating at the thought.

“Bad girls do need to be punished,” Dace teased back. “Maybe I should take you back to the station and give you a thorough spanking before I lock you up.”
  
And then she turned and grinned at him, and his hard-on was back and the sun came out again. Damn. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman affected him like this. He took a sip of beer while he composed himself.

“So, Micah, do you want to spank me, too?”

It was Micah’s turn to choke, but Dace reacted faster than he had and it was his friend who smacked him on the back instead of the sexy Nicola. Micah glared at him.

“You okay, buddy?”

“I’m fine, Dace. Thanks ever so much,” said Micah dryly.

“Any time!” Dace grinned, and Micah gave him a look of annoyance as he grabbed the half-finished bottle of water and chugged some down.
“You both okay now?”

“Yeah, we’re fine.” Micah laughed. “So, what about you? I don’t remember ever seeing you around here before in the Whips and Spurs, not here in the bar or back in the private club.. Visiting, passing through, or maybe thinking of moving to Satisfaction permanently?”

Nicola smiled, her eyes crinkling with genuine good humor. “Actually, I’m here on business. I was told that you were the man to see, Micah.”

“Really?”

“Yes, is there somewhere private we can go? Maybe you have an office in the back where we can talk?”

He felt a surge of triumph flow through him. She was probably just a travelling salesperson looking to sell him something he didn’t need, but he didn’t care. He was going to be alone with her. He grinned at Dace in victory. “Of course. Sorry, buddy. Will you excuse us?”

Nicola pushed her chair back and stood. Micah saw Dace’s dejected expression and had a childish urge to stick out his tongue, but he suppressed it in front of Nicola She’d find out about their little quirks soon enough if she stuck around.


Behind the Scenes

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

I hate deadlines, but I need them.  I’d dawdle forever if I didn’t have a firm time limit.  I release a new book every 4 weeks and have to get my first draft in to my publisher 8 weeks before my release date.  It can be tough sometimes, but I love the challenge.

Is there a word or phrase you catch yourself overusing? 

Yes, but it changes from book to book.  For the longest time, it was “feel”.  Now I’ll fall in love with a word or a phrase and use it several times in one paragraph and then move on to the next one.  Thank goodness for editors!

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

I edit as I go along.   When I’m done, I’m done.  I hate to go back and reread. 

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

My current series, Satisfaction, Texas, is the first where I’ve tried to incorporate intrigue.  I did it for the first time in “Taken by Wolves” and really liked it.  It can be challenging putting jeopardy in every book or readers will think that Satisfaction is the most dangerous town in the country, LOL!

What types of scenes are your favorite to write? 

I like dialogue.  I like the challenge of basically having a conversation with myself using two different points of view.  The words have to reflect the characters I’ve created and the reader should be able to tell who is speaking even without the dialogue tags.


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

Characters people care about.  I do love a good anti-hero, but they must be redeemable.  I also try to make my heroines strong people.  Sure they love the idea of a good man or men in their lives, but they are complete people without them.  Love is just a great big bonus. 



Contest: Enter to win one of three ecopies of the first book in the series, Finding Satisfaction. To enter, leave a comment with a VALID email address. Ends March 22nd at Midnight. 

Mar 10, 2014

In the Spotlight with Felicia Madura!




I have always carried a passion for all things horror and suspense.  As a child I was usually the one holding the flashlight, starting a spooky story at sleepovers.  I loved all the old horror flicks, watching them through my fingers, most of the time.  This passion followed me through my life.  As a teenager, I began reading Stephen King, and I was hooked.   I started writing my own simple stories, filling notebook after notebook.  (computers weren’t a big thing back then)  When I became an adult, the passion stayed with me, and the stories got better.  But, like so many others, life would get in the way, and the stories were abandoned.  Until one day, when an idea struck me, and I couldn’t shake it.  That was back in 2009.  I’ve been writing ever since.  It took a lot of hard work, finding time on lunch breaks at work, quiet time at home, and still trying to take care of a husband and a baby (at the time).  But I was determined, and the words flowed so freely.  In 2011, I was laid off from my job of 11 years.  After going through a roller coaster of emotions about it, the old adage kept coming back to me:  When one door closes, another one opens.  I took it as a big shiny, neon sign pointing at my writing, saying “Git-r-done!”  So I did.  I finished my first novel in 2012, and finally gathered up the courage to get it published in 2013.  Since then, I’ve been picking up momentum, and the ideas come faster than my fingers can keep up with.  It was a rough and treacherous road getting published, that got even bumpier before it smoothed out.  But I have met some wonderful people along the way, and continue to learn and grow each day.  I have a few stories brewing, but my main focus now is the second book in the trilogy of Crimson Cloak.  I am married to a wonderful man, who gave me the opportunity to follow my dream of becoming an author.  We have two wonderful children who keep me very, very busy.  Making time to write isn’t as easy as it used to be, but I make sure I write something every day.  I love helping other new authors, whenever I can, in the hopes that they don’t make the same mistakes, and also to show them, they aren’t alone in their confidence crashes, and their struggles.  Being an independent author is a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it when your readers fall in love with your characters, your story, the story that YOU wrote.  It’s a great feeling. 

Crimson Cloak: Born of Blood



When the beautiful, young Izzy Sabel stops by her parents' for a quiet family dinner, there are some uninvited guests that turn her world upside down, unlocking something that's been hiding inside her, something Izzy herself struggles to understand as she's forced to leave her old life behind and enter into a world of new realities she never thought existed. Vampires are something you find in movies, and books. They aren't real....or are they? Izzy finds herself asking these same questions, as she tries to come to terms with her thirst. Still questioning her own sanity, she begins to learn about who she truly is, and who she is meant to be. Izzy's head spins with truths she never would have believed before she was beaten and left for dead. But instead of death, it was a new hell that welcomed her, embraced her, no matter how hard she fought against it. The deeper she goes, the more she finds, and the more she's unsure of who she can trust. Despite her own self-loathing, she finds a new light that may bring her the peace she needs, a way to make things right, but at what costs? Determined to get the answers she's looking for, she hones her new skills, but she's not prepared for what she finds, or the greatness that's ahead of her.

Excerpt

“Mom!” I screamed, and instinctively lunged toward her.  The shortest of the four stepped in front of me, and with both hands, shoved me back.  Dad and Eli both tried to yell something, and help me, but were stopped.  I stumbled a few steps, and, again managed to stay on my feet.  He may have been shorter than the others, but he was strong.  Stubborn as I was, I started to take another step toward Mom when one of the taller men stepped in and slapped me hard across my face.  The pain brought stars to my eyes, and all I could see for a brief moment were flashes of white.  My cheek stung, and my jaw was throbbing, but thankfully, he hadn’t drawn blood.  I blinked a few times, to regain my vision, and the room came back into focus. I could hear Mom gasp, and try to scream, but it was muffled by the huge hand covering her mouth.  

“Knock that shit off,” the man who had just hit me said through his clenched teeth, close enough I could smell his rancid breath.  I turned my head away from him, and looked at Mom again.  Her eyes looked so scared and sad.  The blood was trickling down her neck, creating a bright red spot on her shirt.  My stomach started to churn, and my breath started coming is short gasps as the smell of blood wafted into my nose.  Look away, look away, I told myself.  Now was not the time to go all fainty.  I forced myself to look away from Mom, and her bleeding neck.  I turned to focus on Dad and Eli.  Two men were standing near them, watching them closely.  I could tell Dad and Eli both wanted to fight, but they feared what would happen to Mom if they did.  The madman holding her already demonstrated he’d have no problem slitting her throat, though the cut he did make was a small one, it was still a cut.  I thought about fighting again, then stopped.  Maybe they’ll just take what they want, and go away.  But something told me that was just wishful thinking.   

“Now the happy family is all together.  Ain’t it fuckin sweet” the guy holding Mom said as he shoved her across the kitchen towards the rest of us.  She lost her balance and fell at our feet instead.  The others chuckled. 
“Please” Mom pleaded, “Please, just tell us what you want….You can take whatever you want.  Just leave us alone!” Her voice cracked as she tried to control her panic.  It was no use, she started to sob.  Seeing Mom this way, my own eyes began filling with tears.  The reality of what was happening was slowly sinking in, as the shock of surprise wore off.

“Hey DC, look at that, we can have whatever we want” the one that grabbed me said, and they all laughed again.  I took note of the name, and tried to help Mom up.  But between having my hands bound, and the smell and look of blood being so close, I couldn’t.  My stomach lurched and I leaned back, trying to breathe through my mouth to avoid the smell. This only seemed to make it worse, as now, I could almost taste it.  My mouth started to water, and my stomach churned again.  I thought for sure I was going to puke.  I swallowed hard against it.  I needed my strength now.  
“Levi, get that clumsy bitch up” DC barked.  The short one walked over, and pulled Mom to her feet.  So far, I had three of the four names.  For as much as this DC person liked to talk, I figured I’d get the fourth.  I just wasn’t sure I’d be around to actually tell someone. 

“So we can have whatever we want, eh?” DC asked, slowly pacing back and forth.  “Hmmm, well, really, we don’t want anything.  I mean, since we’re here, and you got a lot of shit, then yeah, we might as well take a few things.  But see, we’re really here for these three young soldiers” he said, motioning to the three other men standing towards the back of the kitchen.  “This is all about them.  See, if they can get through this, then they can be part of our team, our army.  I guess you could say this is their initiation!”  He threw his head back and laughed.  The others chuckled with him.  His head snapped forward, and his laughter stopped abruptly.  The others followed suit.  I wondered how high or crazy or both this guy was.  Neither of which made it good for us.  You can’t reason with a crazy person.  DC eyed every member of my family, cautiously, stopping to stare into my eyes. 

"You aren't going to cause any more trouble, are you missy?" he asked me.  

"Not that I mind a whole lot.  All these boys need is the slightest excuse to rip you to shreds.  So, it's really your choice."  He leaned in closer with each word until our faces were close enough to kiss.  I cringed against his rotten breath.  I could feel the warmth of it swirl around me every time he spoke, and the smell was horrid.  Drug addicts, maybe, I thought.  I had met a few meth heads back in college, at a party one of my friends had.  I’d never forget their rancid breath.  They always wanted to be so close when they spoke to me, and it made me stick to my stomach when they did.  This smell was the same.  I swallowed back the urge to vomit again, and shook my head no.  He stepped away from me and walked back to where my brother and father stood. 

Then it began.  It all happened so fast, I could barely comprehend it.  Eli lunged for DC, his teeth bared, looking like an elk going into battle. 

Blog Post

I have always had an affinity towards vampires.  Watching Bela Lugosi as a kid, I was fascinated every time he would take his victims.  When I started writing Crimson Cloak, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t influenced by the many vampire movies and books I’d read/seen throughout my life.  But I was determined to come up with something new, something different.  Let’s face it, there are a LOT of vampire books out there, and I had a few people ask me if I really wanted to go that route when there are already so many on the market.  I thought about this long and hard, because they were right!  Was I really up to the task of creating something new from such an old foe?  You bet I was.  Of course, that’s not to say I didn’t have a few faux pas along the way.  When I first started writing Crimson Cloak, I was still working.  The main topic of many break time conversations was ideas and directions I wanted to take with the story.  One thing I remember the most, a friend of mine was in my office, chatting about the book.  She gave me a funny look when I mentioned one of the character’s names.  “That’s from Twilight” she told me.  “Really?” I’d asked her.  It was a total ‘damn’ moment, because I really thought I had a unique character name.   Then she told me which one it was, and I smacked myself in the forehead. 

Needless to say, I had to change some names around.  I was determined to make sure Crimson Cloak wasn’t like Twilight, or any other vampire novel out on the market.  Mainly, because I wasn’t interested in copying someone else’s story.  People had already read Twilight.  I wasn’t trying to be the next Stephanie Meyers, or anyone else.  I’m me, and that’s who I want people to know.

Behind the Scenes

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

Crimson Cloak is my first book, and there are a ton of things I would have done differently.  This has been an incredible journey, and an overwhelming learning experience.  My first mistake was falling for the ruse of a company willing to take my money and publish my book, with several promises of bells and whistles that never actually came my way.  I’ve since cancelled with them, and have published through Create Space.  I also would have done more research about beta readers, ARC reviews, and the like.  I was inexperienced, and very, very excited to get published, and let my better judgment get away from me. I have learned from my mistakes, so when it’s time to publish book two, it will be a lot smoother process. 
         
Are you a Swooper (write first, edit later,) a Basher (edit each sentence as you go,) or both?   

I have to admit, I’m a little of both.  Whenever I sit down to write, I go back, and read the last few paragraphs, which almost always prompts a mini editing session.  But when the words are flowing, I put editing on the back burner.  It works great for me, because whenever I edit as I go, I will inevitably find a better way to phrase something, describe something, etc.  In the back of my mind, I remember that I’ll still have to go back and re-edit the whole story when it’s done, but I keep telling myself that it won’t be as much work.  (HA!) 

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

I like to have it quiet when I write.  I know there are some people that listen to music, but even music distracts me.  I like the quiet, because I can hear the story better in my head.  And with two very active kids, quiet is hard to come by in my house.  So I cherish every bit I can get. 

What types of scenes are your favorite to write?  

I love writing action scenes.  It presents a challenge to keep finding new, and interesting ways to describe a fight, an attack, etc.  Generally, I can see the scene playing out in my head, and if I can put to words, how awesome I envision it, then I know I’m doing a good job.  If not, then we scratch the scene, and start over again. 

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

There are plenty of occasions where I let the characters lead the way.  I have run into that fork in the road where I think we should go left, but the characters want to go right.  I’ve learned to not fight them, and let them lead the way.  It makes for a much better story. 



Contest: Enter to win an ecopy of Crimson Cloak: Born of Blood (epub, mobi, or PDF). Leave a comment with a valid email address. Contest ends March 15th at Midnight.