Tuesday, May 31, 2011

SPOTLIGHT WEDNESDAY!

BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER by Maeve Greyson

The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. For six centuries his soul has been trapped in a crystal globe waiting for the only woman who can free him.  Can love prevail over the dark magic? 

Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press http://www.wildrosepress.us/maincatalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=beyond+a+highland+whisper&x=0&y=0

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Highland-Whisper-Maeve-Greyson/dp/1601548796/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306896957&sr=1-1

Thursday, May 26, 2011

FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY....Meet Author Laura Kaye !

We're lucky enough to continue our week with the talented Laura Kaye and her newest release, FOREVER FREED! (I am not-so-patiently waiting for my copy to arrive. LOL)

Laura is here today to answer a few questions about herself and she's brought some sexy, inspiring pictures of hero-worthy men:) Not to mention a 25% coupon for you!

You can learn more about Laura and all her wonderful stories at  http://www.LauraKayeAuthor.com
but then come on back here, grab a cup of coffee and visit with Laura.

Thanks so much for being here this week, Laura.



What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?

Without question, emotions are most difficult for me to write.  Or, rather, they’re the thing I’m most likely to leave out while writing the first draft.  I feel very confident in writing characters, setting, and plot, but one of the things I’ve learned about myself having now completed a number of projects is that I leave out the emotions first time through. So now I have as a regular revision agenda for every project going back through and adding that in, asking myself, how does the character feel here, and how can I show that feeling.

Do you have critique partners?

I do, and I’m so fortunate. My best friend is a YA author, and she’s been my longest critique partner. We pretty much learned this whole writing thing together, and that made it a great ride!  I’m also very fortunate to belong to a critique group that my state RWA chapter established almost a year ago.  There are twelve of us and we meet once a month for four hours to critique each other’s work.  It’s a great group and so supportive, and a lot of these ladies have now become my close friends.  One of the most satisfying parts of this whole writing enterprise has been the friendships I’ve formed out of it.  I think having other writers as critique partners is critical.  The reactions of friends, family, or readers are great and often very affirming, but they’re not the same as getting critical feedback from other writings who know the craft and the industry.


If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part?

Oh, I love this question!  Hands down, Lucien Demarco would be played by Alex O’Loughlin.  This image of Alex was the one I had hanging over my desk while I wrote Forever Freed (I know, a real hardship on the eyes, right??).  Everything about his look, his expression, the darkness—it’s all Lucien.  And the model the cover artist picked for the cover was a pretty good approximation of my vision.  *snap, snap*  Hey, pay attention to the words and ogling my boy Alex! LOL

If you could time travel would you go forward or backward?

Well, I’m a historian by education and occupation, so I would definitely go back in time.  *Which* time, though, would be the hard part.  While my area of expertise is in early American history, I’m really interested in a lot of periods:  the medieval period would be totally fascinating to go back to, Shakespeare’s era, the American Civil War era.  I should say that my interest would be in visiting, not staying there.  I like my indoor plumbing, personal hygiene, and clean drinking water, thank you very much!

What was the best advice you were given leading you to getting published?

The best advice I received was to write, write, and keep writing.  You can’t revise what you haven’t written.  You can’t submit what you haven’t written.  And, when you get rejections on one project, you can’t submit something else if you haven’t written it.  The second best advice would be to have patience, lots of it, which I’m not particularly good at, myself!

Tell us a little about your WIP.

I’m currently in the revision stage on two projects.  North of Need is the first in a four-book fantasy romance series I’ve sold to Entangled Publishing.  Based on the Anemoi, directional wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons, North of Need is set in the current day and focuses on the winter gods.  That’s set to release in early November.  The other project I’m editing is a WIP women’s fiction called The Fantasy Life of a Middle-Aged Wife about a woman’s efforts to salvage her flagging marriage.  It’s humorous and serious at the same time, and full of lots of heart and fun characters.  I’m hoping to begin submitting this novel this summer.

Forever Freed Blurb:

My heart may not beat, but that doesn’t mean it’s not broken.
After an isolated century mourning the murder of my long-ago family, I crave the irresistible scents of joy and love that radiate from my new neighbors, a single mother and her young daughter. I’m starved for their blood, and for the healing respite from my ancient grief that will accompany drinking down their life-giving emotions. Now to lure them in.
But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation—talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man in me. They lure me in.
Aw, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…


Excerpt:

Samantha was sprawled across the bed wearing 
nothing but dark red lace lingerie that sat off her 
shoulders and closed with satin ribbons. Her golden 
hair cascaded around her neck and splayed out on 
the hunter green comforter around her. Exquisite. 
Pure and decadent at the same time. She held one 
finger up and beckoned me to her. I crawled up her 
body and held myself above her. I had no idea how 
I was going to be able to resist her when she looked 
like this and looked at me like that. For months, the 
depth of her grief had put any progression of our 
physical relationship on hold. She’d never before 
tempted me like this.
“Merry Christmas, Lucien.”
“It is, because of you. Merry Christmas.”
She stroked her fingers from my cheeks, down my neck, and across my collar bones 
to my chest. Then she dropped her hands to her own chest and slowly untied the two 
satin ribbons that held the lace bodice together. The confidence she exuded was 
seductive, and the heat of her hunger coursed through my abdomen and groin. 
I rested my forehead against hers and closed my eyes. This is impossible.
“Lucien?”
I opened my eyes and met hers. “If I look at you when you look this incredible, dolcezza
I won’t be able to control myself.”
“That’s sorta the point. I don’t want you to control yourself. We’ve been about as 
controlled as two adults should be. I was aiming for a lack of control tonight.” She pulled 
the lace completely off the sides of her chest just to make her point. 
“You’re what I want for Christmas. Please? I want you so much.”
The way she offered herself to me was so appealing. She looked beyond beautiful, flushed 
with her desire and literally 
glowing. And I loved her more than my life.
I lowered my weight onto her and found her mouth with mine, then ran my left hand down 
her arm, along the side of her breast to her hip, and back up. I stroked her tongue with 
mine and relished her taste. When I licked and nipped down her neck, I paused to suck 
gently over her carotid artery. You’re safe with me, Samantha. And I knew it was true. 
Her existence was fundamental to my own. I could never do anything to harm her.
She rolled her hips up into mine, and we both groaned when she pressed herself against 
my erection. I slid down and kissed and licked between her breasts. She was so perfectly 
formed. I shifted to the side and licked over her nipple, then sucked it into my mouth. Her 
flesh pebbled harder as I kissed and tongued her.
“Oh, God,” she whimpered.
I caressed her other breast in my hand and rolled her nipple between my fingers. She 
moaned and arched herself up into my mouth. The smell of her arousal was intoxicating. 
I had to focus to keep my fangs retracted.
Dio, you’re beautiful. So beautiful.”
I moved my mouth to her other breast. She wound her fingers into my hair. Then I ran 
open-mouthed kisses down her stomach as she gasped and squirmed. Her skin was savory 
and sweet, pure and clean. I stroked my tongue down her side to her hip bone, where the 
thin red strap of her lace panties sat. She moaned as I licked my way across the edge 
of her panties from one hip bone to the other.
“Off, please, Lucien.” She raised her head and our eyes met.

Brief Bio:

A multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, Laura Kaye’s hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong.  Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with the supernatural.  Though an avid fiction writer as a teenager, a career as a historian took her in other directions until recently.  Now that Laura’s inner muse has awakened, she’s constantly creating new story ideas!  Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day. 

Find Laura on the interwebz:

Website: http://www.LauraKayeAuthor.com
Blog: http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/laurakayeauthor
Twitter: @laurakayeauthor
Publisher Website for paperback & ebook: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=800
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3703867
FOREVER FREED book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guWmcq3qSVs

COUPON:
5th Anniversary discount from http://thewildrosepress.com through May 31!  25% off all titles - use code 18b632d0b0 – including Laura’s Hearts in Darkness & Forever Freed!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

CARIBBEAN FRIDAY!

While it's true there might be some other Caribbean themed releases today (Love ya, Capt. Jack) I am honored to have award winning Kimberly Killion here with me for her newest release CARIBBEAN SCOT available TODAY! http://www.amazon.com/Caribbean-Scot-ebook/dp/B0050VQCH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305861307&sr=1-1


Thanks so much for sharing your release day with us, Kim. Here, have a glass of champagne and tell us all about you!


Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring jog over hot coals? The latter for sure. It took me 10 years to sign with a NY house, but I met some fabulous people along the way, including my soul sisters. I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything in the world. 
 Where is your favorite place to write? In my comfy recliner with my cat coiled around me feet. 
 What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions? Conflict for certain. I excel at writing love scene, battle scenes, and deep internal turmoil. It’s what I enjoy. I suppose I do write conflict. I just don’t realize it. 
 Do you have critique partners? I used to. A gazillion of them, but I don’t have time to reciprocate anymore. I credit my critique group and the individuals who swapped chapters with me to my publishing success. And those soul sisters I talked about earlier…those were critique partners. Love them! 
 What music are you listening to lately? Oddly enough, I’m really into Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and I’m really digging Rihanna’s newest tune, S & M. But my all time favorite group is Aerosmith. Love me some Steven Tyler!
 Classic Novel you would like to see turned into a movie? THE SECRET by Julie Garwood 
  If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part? Gerard Butler 
 Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes! 
 How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book? VERY likely! Especially if I don’t like them. I maim, torture, and kill A LOT of my characters. *vwg* 
 If you could time travel would you go forward or backward? Backward for certain. I would want to live in 15th century Scotland, but I would want to be wealthy because I would need my own bathhouse. :) 
What was the best advice you were given leading you to getting published? Persistence is key 
 If you could switch places with one of your characters would you? Abso-freakin-lutely! I would switch place with every heroine I’ve ever written!
 
 What is your favorite dessert/food? Chocolate anything. I’m also fond of cheesecake…so chocolate cheesecake. No wait, make that triple chocolate cheesecake with pecans and caramel. *sigh*
 
Favorite romance movie? Legends of the Fall 
 Favorite actor/actress/both? Gerard Butler, Gerard Butler, and ummm…who’s that hot actor with the accent? Oh, Gerard Butler! *Hmmm. Starting to see a trend with Gerard* ;)
 Favorite song/singer? Pour Some Sugar on Me is a classic. I’m also a fan of Dude Looks Like a Lady.
 
 What is your favorite writing conference to attend? I dig the M&M conference. Those women rock, but I’m looking forward to Lori Foster this year and RomCon and Romanticon and, of course, RWA in NY! 
 What is your favorite time of year? Spring when everything is new and starting over.
 Tropical or European vacation? European *And I bet if I asked who could be your guide you'd say. . .going out on a limb here . . .Gerard Butler?* LOL
 Tell us a little about your next release.
CARIBBEAN SCOT comes out May 20th. Here’s the blurb.

CARIBBEAN SCOT
GLENSTRAE, SCOTLAND -1614




RICHES...
Forced to flee Scotland and forfeit the chieftainship of his 
clan, renegade Reid MacGregor prospers as a fortune hunter 
in the rich waters of the Caribbean. But there are two treasures 
he has yet to claim—the lost library of an ancient Mayan 
priestess and the wild lass he left behind.
TEMPTATION...
Mary-Robena Wallace is a member of the rebellious MacGregor 
clan and a warrior in her own right. Desperate to free her clan 
from the cruelty of their king, she raids the borders alongside 
her kinsmen...until the devilishly handsome man from her past 
returns with an offer she’s hard-pressed to refuse.
SEDUCTION...
Reid promises gold in exchange for her expertise as a cave diver 
to locate a treasure in the Caribbean—but they both know he’s 
after something more. They strike a deal to save her clan, but 
the fruits of an exotic paradise and the sinful kiss of a traitorous 
rogue force her to choose between returning to Scotland, or 
surrendering to the Caribbean Scot.
"A sexy, suspenseful story with
great plotting
and lots of witty dialogue. A winner!"
—Toni LoTempio, Reviewer, Night Owl Reviews,
Author of Raven’s Kiss & 
No Rest for the Wicca

Check out all of Kimberly’s books at www.kimberlykillion.com


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

SPOTLIGHT ON. . ..

BRODIE'S BRIDE by Amie Louellen

Waking up married to a beautiful golden haired stranger isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to Brodie Harper. Casino heiress Savanna Morgan just wanted a way out of a marraige to a man she doesn't love. Disowned and flatbroke Savanna has to pretend to be Brodie's loving wife for the weekend. Monday, it can all be annulled, but the real problem may be keeping their hands off each other until then.

AVAILABLE JUNE 24 from THE WILD ROSE PRESS

Learn more NOW: http://www.amielouellen.com/

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Free For All Friday - Character Meet and Greet!

I've got something special for you today!! Today I'm doing my first character interview with CALEB and LILY from Lynne Roberts story, CREATIVE LICENSE!

Can I tell you how much I love this book?? It's a reunion story at it's best. I read it straight through and immediately wanted to re-read it!
The ending has the coolest twist and the love scenes are.......
Oh, shhhh. Caleb and Lily are coming in the door.

Welcome guys! Come on in and sit down. I'm so happy Lynne was able to arrange this interview.

We're glad to be here. 

Great! Are you ready to begin?

Yes. Ready as we'll ever be. (laughs) 

OK, *wiggles eyebrows* Lily, what is the naughtiest thing Caleb ever said to you? "Holy crap you don’t start out easy do you? Honestly, the naughtiest is probably what he’s going to say to me next."

Since you two had a quickie wedding in Vegas, where would you say
is the perfect honeymoon spot? Lily? Caleb?
(In unison) “Monterrey, California.” Lily laughs. “One day we’ll make it to Paris so we can visit the Louvre together, but honestly, any where, and every day with Caleb is a honeymoon.
Caleb kisses Lily on the head. “Oh, that’s so sweet, honey.” His eyes twinkle. “She’s saying I’m a horndog.”
(Lily playfully smacks Caleb on the stomach.)

Caleb, what first attracted you to Lily?
“Have you seen her?” Caleb chuckles. “Her eyes, hands down. There was something so deep in her eyes. I wanted to get to know it.
Lily, same question.
“He was funny.  Made me laugh. But no, if I’m going to be honest, I’d say there was this magnetic attraction. I was immediately comfortable with him. I could be myself. Scared the hell out of me.”
“Yeah. That, too,” Caleb agrees.
Come on now Caleb and fess up -- did you mistakenly file the divorce papers on purpose?“No I swear,” holds his hands up in mock surrender. “Lily was there, we signed them and handed them over to this little guy with glasses.”
Lily shrugs and smiles. “He’s right.”
 
Lily, what does Caleb give you no one ever has before. (not material things) Myself. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true.
Caleb, please answer the same question. Lily gives me a home. She’s the missing part of me.
Caleb, honestly now, how intimidated were you when you found out Lily was "from money"?
Did you think you even stood a whisper of a chance at a life with her?
I didn’t know she was from money until she started raving about what her family would thing. By that time I’d already fallen head over heels and we were married. I was more intimidated when I saw her again in San Francisco because I already knew she thought I wasn’t good enough for her. So the answer to that second question would be no.
 
Lily squeezes Caleb’s hand. “Everyone can be stupid from time to time, even me.”


Caleb, what do you find sexiest about Lily? Sweetheart, the question would be easier to answer if you asked what don’t I find sexy about Lily. But I will tell you this. I love the way she nibbles on her lip when she’s thinking.
Lily, please answer the same question.
Well, the answer changes from day to day, but I’d say his passion when he’s working. Makes me want to strip off his clothes and pull a Monique.”
“Well, what’s stopping you darlin’?” Caleb stares at Lily and raises a single eyebrow.
Caleb, during the story you mentioned wanting to paint Lily - have you? If so, please describe
the painting.
“Nope. She won’t let me.”
“It’s not that I won’t let him. I love the lily he painted. I don’t need another painting to show me how he feels.”
“Now she has let me use her as a canvass from time to time.”
“Caleb, that wasn’t the question,” Lily interrupts.
“Isn’t she cute when she blushes?”

Is there anything else the two of you would like to tell our readers?
Lily clears her throat. “Follow your heart. Friends and family love you, but they don’t always understand. I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life just being in the same room with man and I almost gave it up because of other people’s opinions.
“How do I follow that?” Caleb teases, but wraps his arm around Lily. “When you want something, go for it. Don’t let fear slow you down. A life of what if is no life at all.’

You guys are making me tear-up. I was cheering for you the entire time :) 
Please tell Lynne hello and again, thanks so much for stopping by today!

CREATIVE LICENSE
Available now!
www.store.samhainpublishing.com


HOOKING UP
www.thewilderoses.com


FIRST DATE
www.thewilderroses.com


AFTER HOURS
www.thewilderroses.com


CONTACT AUTHOR LYNNE ROBERTS
http://LynneRoberts.net




Tuesday, May 3, 2011

SPOTLIGHT ON.......


SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME by Caroline Clemmons

Federal Marshall Matt Petrov fell in love with Beth the first time he saw her. She was another man’s wife, so he kept his longing to himself. But when he and the lovely widow cross paths again, he intends to seize his chance at happiness.

BUY LINK :http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_109&products_id=4418

THE WINNER IS.........

Kellie Kamryn!  You've won an e-copy of Mary Campisi's TASTE OF SEDUCTION!
Congrats :)