Man Candy Monday!!

It's Hawaii 5-0 tonight. So here's a treat for all you Alex O.  fans!! 
Enjoy

Friday Fun! Meet author Jocelyn Bell!

Thanks for being here, Jocelyn! Just gotta say how much I really loved this novella. Coop is a hero to die for! :) Best of luck and wishing you tons of sales!

*******

TGIF! First I would like to say thank you to Jennifer Jakes for hosting me on her blog today. I always have a good time when I am here and look forward to getting to know all of her great readers!

I thought I would talk a little about Pen Names, because I was always fascinated with them as a reader and as an aspiring writer, it didn’t make sense that someone would not want to take full credit for their work. Then as an author it suddenly came up and I found some pretty rational and maybe one, tiny little, less rational reason to use pen names! J Here is my quirky story on pen names.

Many authors have pen names and I am sure that everyone has their own special reason. I use them for three reasons. One, because I write more than one genre and I don't want anyone who is a fan of my Contemporary Romances (Kelly Rae) to be offended should they pick up one of my Adult Contemporary Romances (Jocelyn Bell), that includes my dad who only needs to know about the less steamy books!

Second, I chose not to use my married last name, because I didn't want my ex-husband to get a sliver of credit for my words, my work. It sounds less rational as I write it down, but it's the truth! So, I made a deal with my son to put his name all over the place in my Contemporary works, because at nine he was concerned that no one would know that I belonged to him. Super amazing kid, right? RIGHT! I wanted my novels to be all mine, so Kelly Rae it is!  

And thirdly (what an odd word, lol),  I chose to name my alter ego Jocelyn Bell, which is so far removed from my actual name, because she is really another whole side of me. As a writer I can be anything I want, write about anything I want, BE whomever I want. What power?

When I am writing books like, What If... I am the hopeless romantic, mushy, endless love sort of woman. But I cannot sustain this raw, sometimes overwhelming emotion all the time. There are days I am cynical or a real non-believer in happily-ever-after’s and more of a happy for now, sort of girl. On these days, I prefer to write about lust, not love. Or work on romances that are meant to be grand and wonderful, but short-lived.

Not every couple is meant for happily-ever- after. On those occasions Jocelyn Bell gets to come out and play and write novellas like the Voyeur Series, a three-part novella series about finding the person that fits for right now and doesn't focus so much on the forever and ever part. In the first novella Dare Me , a recently divorced Gina finds that her neighbor next door is the perfect escape from thinking about the loser husband who left her for a barista. In Want Me, which came out on December 18th, Angie is trying to avoid good-looking charming men and take her mother's advice to find a mediocre looking man, because they don't cheat. The only problem, her new roommate is fire and sweetness all rolled into one. What's a girl to do...beg him to leave or beg him to stay?

I love getting to be all the sides of myself as I write a new story. In my computer sit at least five different genres of started stories, on some I will write The End and others will just sit. But, either way for the moments that I spent writing a bit on each one, I got to be exactly who I am/was, in that moment. It's some pretty powerful stuff to get to express all of who you are in your work. Sometimes, the characters and stories are nothing of me or my life and all of my imagination, which is just as much fun. I think it must be why there are so many people who want to be actors in this world. It’s fun to be someone else for a while. The opportunity to be all that you are and nothing of who you are at the same time is very intoxicating!

Writing is simply the best!

For those of you who also enjoy a steamier read from time to time, Dare Me is currently available on Amazon, just click here to purchase, or preview if you like. If you stop by and grab a copy today, it’s FREE and there is an excerpt of novella number two, Want Me, in the back. This baby just got a new cover this month and I LOVE it!

       

If you have already read Dare Me and are ready to step into my next novella click here or on the cover above to preview or purchase Want Me!  Thanks for stopping in today, Happy New Year and New Books to all of you!

Xoxo

Jocelyn Bell

Friday Fun: Meet author Elke Feuer + Give*Away!

Hi, Jennifer. Thanks so much for having me as your guest today. I'll give away 1 eBook to a lucky commentator! Be sure to leave your email addy!

Thanks, Elke!! 

Tell us about your real life romance?

My husband and I met at the workplace during a training session. Luckily we didn’t work in the same department. He asked me out and the rest shall we say is history. We’ve been married almost four years.

What is your favorite writing conference to attend?

At the moment it’s RWA’s Regional Conference. I went for the first time two years ago, met amazing people, sat in informative sessions, and came back a new writer. I highly recommend it!

If you could time travel would you go forward or backward

Couldn’t I do both? I’d love to travel backward to see how people lived in the Victorian and Medieval times. Forward to see if they finally invent the device to combine my computer, phone, iPod, eReader into one tiny item that fit neatly in my handbag, right next to my car device like the one in Tron Legacy. Hey, a girl can dream can’t she?  

Tell us about your latest WIP

It’s called Deadly Bloodlines and what makes it exciting to write is that’s set in where I live in Grand Cayman and is about the daughter of a serial killer. I’m hopeful it will be the first of many set in Cayman. 

What is your favorite time of the year?

Without a doubt, Christmas. I get to spend more time with friends and family than any other time of the year and the weather is nicer in Grand Cayman where I live. The humidity drops and breezes blow cool enough that you can open your window.

How likely are people to end up in your next book?

Very likely. I’m a people watcher and a lot of times something about them jumps out at me and says “write me”. Who am I to say no?

Book Blurb

Restoration architect Josie Fagan takes on a project with lawyer and senator’s son, Patrick Pullman. It’s the perfect match. She needs his endorsement to save her business and he wants to restore his ancestral Chicago home. Love wasn’t part of her plan. Neither was being asked to stay at his home, haunted by ghosts, or discovering she has a claim to his home – which she adores. When she finds out his family may be responsible for her aunt’s disappearance fifty years ago, it’s a race to unearth the truth before she loses not only her business and her heart, but her life.

Patrick can’t deny his attraction to Josie and is willing to take a chance on love since his broken engagement a year earlier. Things become complicated when he learns of their family connection and her claim to the home he loves. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, or that his family is involved in her aunt’s disappearance, so insists they work together. But, when he starts seeing his uncle’s ghost, and threats are made on her life, he’s forced to confront the possibility his family could be responsible.

The ghosts of their aunt and uncle forge a connection through them, but is what they feel love or just the ghosts living out their unfinished lives?

Excerpt

Her breath stopped when she walked into his office.

At home, he’d been imposing with his broad shoulders and confident, arrogant air. In the courtroom, he was known as Calculating Pullman for the way he won cases. Seated behind his large mahogany desk he was a frightening force.

“Please have a seat.” He pointed to a chair in front of his desk.

Her heart dropped. She hoped he wasn’t going to give her a long speech like the ones his father gave. Just give me a straight yes or no, don’t sugar coat it. She sat calmly in the black leather chair, smiled through gritted teeth, and for a moment regretted her blatant confidence when they met.

His fingers played with the onyx paperweight on his desk. “Did you get new clients?”

Her heartbeat raced as she shook her head slowly.

“Good, I want you to do the restoration.” His eyes rose to meet hers.

Oh man! There was a catch, and she wasn’t going to like it.

“I want you stay at the house during the renovations and not take on any other jobs until mine is done.”

“What?” He couldn’t be serious. She searched his face. He was. “Why do I need to stay at the house?”

“I need this project finished on time and that will mean having you close to discuss designs and restoration changes. Living at the house is the best option and also eliminates the risk of theft.” He leaned back in his chair. “Room and board is free. You don’t want to waste money your business needs, do you?”

Damn, he knew about her finances and was going to play hardball. Well, she had no intention of letting him use it against her. She was the best candidate and they both knew it. If she wasn’t, he would’ve hired another company. “I want a flattering personal reference,” she countered.

A cocky grin curved his lips. “Then I want guarantees.”

She held his gaze.

“You’ll get your reference if you meet my six-month deadline, if I’m satisfied with the quality of the work, and if the job comes within budget.” He moved his chair back into the upright position.

“That will not include changes you make to my original estimate or if you select inferior products,” she added quickly.

His smile broadened and a boyish dimple winked at her.

Is he enjoying this?

Damn him, he is!

She didn’t like it one bit. He was taking away the control she wanted, needed, to have.

The excitement she’d felt when he agreed to hire her vanished. The masculine atmosphere that had floated in the air like cheap cologne when she arrived squeezed around her, making her uncomfortable.

“Do we have a deal?”

I love hearing from readers. They can contact with me at:

http://elkefeuer.com/

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Elke-Feuer/185367964831994

https://twitter.com/ElkeFeuer

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550227.Elke_Feuer

http://www.crimsonromance.com/elke-feuer/

Where to get the book

http://ibookstore.com/

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.ca

eBooks.com

Man Candy Monday!!

Continuing with my salute to the sexy men of Country Music, here's the talented Keith Urban!
What's your favorite Keith song ?

Enjoy!

Man Candy Monday!

Any Brad Paisley fans out there?? I think he's so cute in a guy-next-door kind of way!
Enjoy!

Friday Fun! Meet Lily DeWaruile !!

Marriage Laws of Celtic Britain

Cyfarchion! I am very pleased to be here with you today and want to thank Jennifer, first and foremost, for giving me this opportunity to share with you some tidbits about the history of marriage in Celtic times.

As some of you may know, I write Welsh Medieval Romance and have recently published the first of a five-book series, titled Pendyffryn: The Conquerors. In the first book, Invasion, I have used several of the forms of marriage to unite various characters in this book. These laws also play a significant role in my first novel, Traitor’s Daughter. Before I go into any details of my latest novel, here is a brief description of Welsh and Irish laws.

Depending on the country, there are nine laws that governed the marital status of a couple. Many of them are not allowed these days but were acceptable in the early Celtic civilizations. My sources for this information are Melville Richards’s Cyfreithiau Hywel Dda (Laws of Hywel Dda), Peter Berresford Ellis’s book, Celtic Women, and Henrietta Leyser’s Medieval Women. These nine forms are also to be found in the eight types of marriage in Hindu law.

Polygamy was a commonplace occurrence in the earliest, war-torn times: a practicality, to provide for the many widows who otherwise would have starved to death along with their children. A warrior with many wives served the social needs of his tribe by taking responsibility for the families of his dead soldiers. Though polygamy was not acceptable, the practice of marrying a brother’s widow was also common in Judaic society – for the same reasons.

The Celts were known for their vociferous sexual appetites. According to (at least) one Celtic woman, when chastised for her lack of chastity, “Why should we not enjoy the best of men. Roman women comingle with the worst.”

As necessity waned, polygamy in Celtic society disappeared and, with the conversion to Christianity in Celtic countries by the 6th-7th centuries, was no longer acceptable. In Cymru, some monastic Celtic Church clergy continued to marry until the late 12th century. In Ireland, polygamy continued for some time after the conversion to the Christian church.

Marriage in antiquity was predominately a contract merger of property for the establishment of a family and household. Marrying for love was not necessarily unknown, as you will see below.

Hywel Dda codified the marriage laws in Cymru (Wales).

The first degree of marriage was priodas (pree-O-das) – the partnership of a man and woman of equal financial position. This is how Heledd and Garmon are wed (eventually) in Traitor’s Daughter. In this form of marriage, a catalogue of goods is made and shared between the partners for the good of the household. I have also used this form in the marriage of minor characters in Invasion.

2^nd form is agwedi (aG-WED-ee). The woman brings a lesser amount or no property to the partnership.

3^rd form of marriage is caradas (car-A-das), from the word caru (cahr-ee) to love. In Cymru, this is when a man lives with a woman with her kin’s consent. In Ireland, the third form is when the man has nothing to offer to the wealth of the household. (She must love him very much!) As it happens, this is the foundation of Gwennan’s relationship to Jehan (Invasion).

4^th form of marriage in Cymru, deu lysuab (day lees-EE-ab), having no equivalent in Irish marriage law, is the union of two persons related only by the marriage of their respective parents, i.e., stepbrother and stepsister. The word llys (ll [an aspirated l] = llees) refers to a court of law; a legal relationship). In Ireland, the fourth form is lánamnas fir thathigthe (sorry, my limited Gaelic won’t help with this pronunciation) – a man is given permission to live with a woman with her kin’s consent. This is the same as the third form in Cymru.

5^th type of marital union is called llathlut goleu (llAHth-leet go-lay) means ‘open connection’ – two people chose to live together openly without the consent of the woman’s kin. Jehan confesses his ‘open connection’ to Gwennan to her father (Invasion).

6^th on the Celtic wedding hit parade is llathlut twyll (llATth-leet tOO-eell [aspirated l]). An independent-minded woman allows herself to be abducted by a man or is visited by a man in secret without the knowledge of her kin. (Wait for this one to appear in Redemption, one of the books in the forthcoming series, Pendyffryn: The Inheritors.)

7^th is beichogi twyll gwraig lwyn a pherth (bay-CHO[hard CH as in loch]-ee too-eell gur-eyeg loo-een ah phair-th), literally “to impregnate a woman between loins and hedge”. This is a double entendre as llwyn also means hedge and ‘hedge’ is a euphemism for a woman’s reproductive organs. This phrase can also be taken to mean “to make love in the hedgerows”.

8^th form, cynnywedi ar liw ac ar oleu (cun-ee-WED-ee ahr loo ahk ahr O-lay), rough literal translation: “to join by color and by light”, a union by abduction of a woman without her consent. (This is saved for Virtue in the forthcoming, Pendyffryn: The Inheritors.)

9^th form of marriage is twyll morwyn (tOO-eell MOR-ooeen), leading on from the eighth, a marriage by rape. In Ireland, there was a different ninth form: lánamnas genaige – a union of two insane people. Both the 8^th and 9^th degrees are employed in Traitor’s Daughter, in an attempt made by Heledd’s cousin.

As you can see, marriage is a fruitful area for background material for Celtic historical romance. My particular interest in Welsh history, language and culture has given me a wealth of ideas to develop and there is always more to find. For instance, did you know that a fundamental principle of Celtic Law was reparation, not punishment? This principle also makes an appearance in Invasion and the second book in this series, Salvation, to be published in January 2013. (Cover Sneak Preview - just for you.)

Once again, thank you for joining me today and especial appreciation to Jennifer for generously offering me a spot in her blogging calendar.

--Lily Dewaruile

FR*EE !

Spirited Miranda Chadwick, reared in the world of science and logic, sails toward the untamed New World, unprepared for her ship to be attacked by the infamous pirate, Gentleman Jack Blackstone. Later, when she discovers him in Charles Town she is determined to see the insufferable rogue brought to justice.

Captain Jack Blackstone doesn't wish to kidnap the daughter of his business partner in the profitable world of piracy, but he doesn't want a pirate's death at the end of a rope either. So kidnap her he does. It would only be a short fortnight till he could return to his quest of the man who killed his family. But he doesn't reckon with the complications of Miranda's father, his own pirate crew, and the lovely Miranda herself.

FREE ON WED. DECEMBER 5th
http://www.amazon.com/Fires-Blackstone-Charleston-Series-ebook/dp/B009QOG3U2/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354654639&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=seafires+christine+dorsey

Man Candy Monday!

 I'm using country music singer, Luke Bryan, as inspiration for my current hero, Sinclair Bradford. If you haven't heard Luke's latest song, you should! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5M_rT89kxY

Man Candy Monday!

It's Monday! Hawaii 5-0 tonight! :)
Enjoy!

Friday Fun : Meet Ashlyn Mathews!! + Give*Away!

Jennifer,

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I’d love to offer your readers a chance to win Shadow Watcher delivered to their Kindle or Nook. Also, I’m running a contest on my website, www.ashlynmathews.com, to win all three of my books. Good luck!

Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring jog over hot coals? My road to publication was easy. Sometimes so easy, I’m embarrassed to admit it. However, it’s the “after” that was the most challenging. For Shadow Watcher, I was asked by my editor to do a “wholesale rewrite.” What that meant was several subplots were cut, secondary characters were killed off, and my premise of the hero and heroine being soul mates was abandoned. I also went from a 75k manuscript to 55k. That happened in 3 weeks. I agonized and cried over the changes. However, in the end, I hunkered down and rewrote/revise, and I think my story is better for it.

What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions? Conveying emotion on paper is the hardest for me. Conflict I get. My characters I know from birth before I write their stories. But to convey emotion in a non-cliché manner is hard. I remember with Shadow Watcher, my editor was like, this is a romance. Readers expect your characters to show or tell us what they feel. I’m very action oriented so I try to convey my characters’ emotions through action. That may or may not be the right way to do it, but that’s what has worked for me. A character can only cry or smile in so many different ways, lol.

Do you have critique partners? I don’t have critique partners but I use two or three consistent beta readers who give me a general idea of what they like/dislike, any plot holes, and clarification points that need addressing. They don’t focus on grammar but the overall picture. I find this process more useful than a critique group or partner. When I have used critique partners or a group, I find that it takes me longer to finish a book because I’m constantly changing things based on that critique. Then I doubt myself and it becomes a spiraling free fall of constant rewrites and edits which I don’t have the patience for. I get really cranky, lol. I’m sure for some writers, a critique group is invaluable. I say do whatever works!

What music are you listening to lately? I like to listen to angsty, haunting music that represents my books. For Shadow Watcher, I suggest Skillet’s Awake and Alive. For If Only, it’s 3 Doors Down’s Here By Me. Right now, I’m listening to Richard Marx’s Hazard based off of a fellow author’s top 10 favorite tunes. Mostly, I like rock. But I enjoy all types of music. For my latest WIP, Echo UnMarked, it’s the Phantom of the Opera.

Tell us a little about your WIP. My next WIP is Echo UnMarked, a Shadow Watcher novel. I have some ideas of a plot but nothing concrete yet. Readers can find a blurb and excerpt on my website www.ashlynmathews.com.

Favorite romance movie? One of my favorite romance movies is House of Flying Daggers. The movie begs the question of “Is there such a thing as love at first sight?” It’s a tragic love story with a love triangle set in the forefront of an impending war. I’ve watched it several times and the ending still has me grabbing for my box of Kleenex.

Blurb for Shadow Watcher: Demon Hunter Sophie Sinclair and ex-Homicide Detective Ryan Campbell are pitted against one another, tested by mysterious forces in a dangerous game of secret identities, contracts for murder, and past betrayals.

Sophie Sinclair was presumed dead. When an enemy’s transmitter reveals her existence, she must return home to bargain for her ex-lover’s life and face the unanswered questions from her past.

Ryan Campbell is a reluctant fighter. Bitter since his father’s murder, he wants nothing to do with the paranormal world. When his act of betrayal is discovered, he must do the unthinkable to save his life.

Duty above love, duty above family, and to protect the weak from the strong. Sophie has always lived by her family’s motto. Will she choose to protect the ex-lover from her past or the reluctant fighter who could be her future? She can save only one man.

If Only (Available 12/3/12):  One night. One accident. A friendship torn. A chance at love lost.

Excerpt:

A funeral was the worst place for a reunion. Beneath her umbrella, Asa kept her head lowered. Otherwise, her eyes would be drawn to the man standing in front of the casket, his shoulders hunched beneath his suit, his gaze down cast as cold rain fell from the skies.

Rhys Miles. The man who had hurt her with an insensitive comment during one of the most memorable nights of her life, and a man she had hurt in return with her own painful words. The minister’s final prayer and the whispers of “Amen” from the handful of mourners pulled Asa out of her thoughts. Giving the casket one last glance, she hurried away, but wasn’t quick enough.

 “You weren’t invited, Asa.”

Rhys’s tone was harsh and filled with animosity. Asa dug her nails into her palm and gripped the umbrella’s handle tight. Yet, beneath his dislike of her was a grief she could relate with, and for his sadness, she stopped and faced the man who used to be one of her good friends.

“I loved your grandmother, and she cared about me. I have every right to be here.”

Unlike the other mourners, who came prepared with an umbrella in hand, Rhys appeared to enjoy the rain as he tilted his face to the sky. The ink of his hair appeared darker than her own strands of black, if that were possible, while his suit molded to his body like a woman offering him her comfort.

He was a tall guy. If things were different between them, she could share in his grief and settle her head on his chest, over the spot above his heart. She’d run her fingers across the straight brows over his intense hazel eyes then down the chiseled plane of his face before she would press her lips to his cheek.

But their situation remained the same for the past year. He avoided her. She tried to forget him. It hadn’t been easy. Asa waited for him to say something, anything. The rain continued to fall while his silence echoed in her ears.

Taking a deep breath, he redirected his attention back on her. “You might’ve been Jo’s neighbor, and yeah, she might’ve loved you like you were her own flesh and blood, but she damn well knows how I feel about you.”

How I feel about you. His last words whispered hot on her forehead. The umbrella, with its edges tipped upward, should’ve distanced them. Instead it concealed their exchange from curious stares as the others filtered to their cars leaving her alone with him.

Shoving her free hand inside her coat pocket, Asa mentally counted to ten. The simple task proved difficult. She hadn’t been this close to Rhys since they had slept together at a party almost a year ago.

He had loosened the tie around his neck, exposing tan skin she remembered flicking her tongue over, the salty taste of him from their lovemaking still embedded deep in her memory. Through the smell of wet rain, she caught a whiff of his deodorant. Old Spice. Sexy, familiar, and very much Rhys.

Friday Fun with Author Trish F. Leger + Give*away!

1. What is the most difficult part for me to write in a book?

I would have to say that it would be the characters, not necessarily the individual, but more like their interaction with others, or the dialogue. I've had to work on my dialogue skills lately, I still am, matter of fact. 

2. What music have I listened to lately?

Mostly it's dance or R&B, hip hop. But I enjoy any music, classical and country also. My latest favorites are Bruno Mars and Neon Trees.

3. What classic novel would you like turned into a movie?

This is scary to me because I've always loved WHITNEY MY LOVE by JUDITH MCNAUGHT, but I have a horrible feeling that they could never do it justice. The intricacy of Whitney & Clayton could never be conveyed correctly, in my opinion.

4. If I could pick a HERO for my book, which actor would it be?

For Traven (HER DRUID TEMPTATION) it would have to be Ian Somerhalder. He's a take charge, ALPHA kind of guy. For Drake (HER DRUID DESIRE) maybe Joe Manganiello from TRUE BLOOD. Drake's a big, muscular guy, so is Joe.

5. Favorite writing conference...

Well, I've only been to it once, but RWA was awesome!

6. Tropical or European vacation?

European--all that history makes me excited! ;)  I could seriously get lost over there!

*************

My links:

www.trishfleger.webs.com (website)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trish-F-Leger-author/160542203964448?ref=hl (author page on FB)

http://www.amazon.com/Trish-Leger/e/B008CU7MX8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1351038400&sr=1-2-ent (author page on amazon)

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Druid-Temptation-Amber-ebook/dp/B008C53PT8/ref=la_B008CU7MX8_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351038405&sr=1-1 (link for HER DRUID TEMPTATION--to purchase at Amazon).

**************

HER DRUID TEMPTATION--OUT NOW!!! (PREQUEL TO AMBER DRUID SERIES)

He’s always been her temptation…will she finally give in?

 

Liana Morgan is the consummate business woman, buttoned-up, strait-laced, and very in tune with every aspect of her restaurants. She is closed off from emotional entanglements of any kind, not letting a single distraction slip under her skin.

Now she’s in New Orleans, tying up the last few loose ends with a new restaurant, when her one temptation strolls, oh-so-casually, back into her life. Traven Campbell is an AMBER DRUID like her, and the one man she’s never been able to completely block from her mind. Every molecule of her ‘good girl’ persona wants him, and always has, but it’s not enough for her…or is it?

Traven Campbell is a player, and proud of it. He’s easy-going, laid-back, and an expert bachelor. But even womanizers have jobs. His latest is shadowing a target for the New Orleans P.D. But while on the watch, he’s shocked to see Liana, the one woman he’s never managed to coerce into bed, WITH his target.

Determined to find answers, Traven confronts Liana, and soon business and pleasure are mixing with the sultry heat of New Orleans. Will Liana finally give in? Will Traven be able to tempt her beyond her invisible moral line? Or will Traven’s target call the final shot?

HER DRUID DESIRE--COMING LATE FALL 2012

Blurb for HER DRUID DESIRE (BOOK ONE OF AMBER DRUID SERIES)

At the tender age of sixteen, Nadia Morales loses both of her parents in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Growing up as a ward of the state of Texas, she was shy and painfully introverted. Against all odds, Nadia became one of the youngest CEO’s in the state of Texas. She learned the hard way that putting her trust in the wrong man, an insider in the business world, sometimes gets you nothing but pain and heartache. But sometimes, karma has a way of straightening out those curves life throws at you.

Meet Drake Thompson-business owner, Wall Street guru, and good ole Texas playboy- he’s got  the requisite amount of ladies fawning over him to prove it. Since the death of Nadia’s parents, he’s watched out for her, and always kept a keen eye on her business proceedings. He’s never been more proud than when she was named President for the Browning Corporation. He believes his soft spot for her is purely innocent…as that of a family member…but is it?

But each of them is hiding something life altering from the other. Nadia…her obsessive love for a man that treats her like a kid sister, and Drake, well, he’s not wholly human. While their secrets marinate in mystery and denials, the pressure builds, culminating in a final revelation of barrier breaking truths.

Will Nadia finally be able to have the man of her dreams, or will Drake’s true nature destroy this couple’s chance at love?

********** LEAVE A COMMENT FOR YOU CHANCE TO WIN 1 eBook of either of Trish's books.

Excerpt from HER DRUID TEMPTATION--

 “God, I love this city.”

            Her sultry voice slammed into his ears, slapping him out of whatever trance he’d been in.

            “I do too. Could be why I’ve lived here for the past ten years.”

            Her gorgeous eyes landed on his face. Traven felt the oddest urge to cup her cheek and hold her close.

            What in the hell was happening to him?

            “Must be the constant partying that keeps you coming back for more, right?” She asked, as they stopped at a corner to let some other traffic go by.

            Traven trailed his hand from her waist to her arm, catching her hand in his, he asked, “Why do you always assume the worst of me?”

            She looked stunned that he’d even asked that question. Traven felt an emotion from her that he’d never expected her to show in his presence: embarrassment.

            Her mouth opened but nothing came out. She tried again. “It’s just that I’ve never known you to be anything other than a constant, 24/7 party.”

            Traven didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed her hand with renewed fervor and continued on to the restaurant where they were to have supper. It was his entire fault, of course. He’d always been the consummate player, the man who’d rather party and play around, then have a serious conversation. She’d never had the chance to see him in somber mode. For the past fifty years, in her eyes, he’d shown her a shell of the man he really was. He couldn’t blame her for thinking the worst of him.

            He let his thumb rub the softest skin he’d ever felt, and glanced down into her still stunned eyes.
“For tonight, don’t picture me as the man you’ve known for the past five decades. Imagine me as someone better.”

********

Friday Fun! Meet SABRINA GARIE :)

Thanks Jennifer for hosting me. I’m excited to be here. I will be giving away one free e-copy of my debut release Fires of Justice, a paranormal erotic romance full of witches and shifter.  Here’s

Where is your favorite place to write?

I love to write on the couch with my feet on the coffee table and the laptop on my lap.  I like the casual feel, it releases my creative spirit.  Since I am chained to a desk at work, I prefer a different arrangement at home.

What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions? The hardest thing for me to write is …description (houses, landscapes).  I’m so often lost in my own mind that I’m oblivious to my surroundings.  Even when I read, I tend to bleep over lengthy descriptions in my need for plot and character. When I write, I often have to go back and add the descriptions in, forcing myself to look at the fine grained details of the world.

If you could time travel would you go forward or backward?  Forward, no contest. The science fiction and technology geek in me wants to see all the new shiny things right around the corner and think about how that technology affects our lives and the world around us.  Looking forward reflects my attitude toward life—onward and upward.  I try to avoid looking back. For me that road seems the quickest route to insanity.

What is your favorite time of year?  Fall.  Not only can you wear boots without winter coats, but it’s spiced with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and apples and ushers in my favorite holiday of the year. Halloween turns me into a creative whirling dervish—haunted houses, spider cupcakes, spooky costumes and wicked stories.

Do you believe in love at first sight?  You know, I do.  I believe that instinct is your heart and soul seeing what your mind has not yet processed.  Love at first site is a kind of recognition of things on a deeper plane.

Do you believe in love at first sight?  Let me know what you think and your e-mail and one commenter will win a free copy of Fires of Justice (only ecopies available).

Ellora’s Cave   http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10340-fires-of-justice.aspx

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Fires-Justice-Hex-Appeal-ebook/dp/B008XZILDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348922492&sr=8-1&keywords=sabrina+garie

Barnes and Nobles   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fires-of-justice-sabrina-garie/1112582075?ean=9781419941542

Book Blurb

Always read the fine print when swearing an eternal oath to gods and guardians…

Beholden by the sacred vows of her coven, fire witch Calista Reid agrees to temporarily mate with shifter Cullen McMahan to fulfill a mission assigned by the guardians. When tall, dark and damaged arrives on her doorstep, generating enough heat to scorch a fire witch, Calista finds herself drawn to his battle-hardened body and broken soul. His pain speaks to her own deep-rooted isolation and the intensity of his hunger slakes her passion like no other.

Cullen, scarred by a past that left him an indentured soldier to the guardians, resents yet another hump-on-command assignment…until he encounters the compassionate, fearless, incendiary redhead who detonates his body and reawakens the emotions sacrifice and loss had suppressed. But Cullen harbors a terrible secret—one that reaches back into Calista’s troubled childhood and threatens the foundation of their growing bond.

Link to Excerpt: http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419941542.htm

Bio:

Sabrina Garie is on a journey to create the most kick-ass heroine romance fiction has ever known and the hero who can take her. A believer that big, audacious goals spice up life, she relies on coffee, red wine and laughter to make those goals (and her characters) come alive. When not at the computer, she wrangles vegetables and extra helpings of homework into her star-spangled, fashion-loving progeny, kowtows to a fat cat and reads, a lot. Since it is more fun to travel in packs, come along for the ride. I’d love to chat.
You can find me at:
Website/Blog: www.sabrinagarie.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SabrinaGarie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SabrinaGarieAuthor

I also blog at Darker Temptations (Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance Blog):  http://darkertemptations.wordpress.com/

Friday Fun- MYSTICAL PRESS is here!

Greetings and Salutations!

Many thanks to Jennifer for hosting us on her blog today! We’ve got some really exciting news to share with everyone so grab that cuppa and let the blogging begin!

September 1-15^th marks the official

Grand Opening of Mystical Press Services!!!

This means 50% Off all our classes

and services through September 15^th!

http://mysticalpress.com

In case you haven’t yet heard about our website, allow me to introduce you to a place where you just might find the fulfillment of your dreams. That’s right! The talented folks at Mystical Press want to help you reach your publishing goals!

How do we do that? I’m glad you asked!

 Mystical Press is the culmination of an idea that came from two authors and professionally trained editors—Arial Burnz and AJ Nuest—where we help authors bridge the gap between the form rejection letter and publication. In fact, we believe in this venture so passionately, our tagline is “Helping authors achieve their dreams.” 

At Mystical Press our primary goal is to help writers. As authors, we understand the frustration of not receiving constructive and useful feedback, the aggravation of navigating the murky depths of the publishing industry and that, sometimes, authors just need a place to vent. Well, we’re here to tell you, the insanity can end!

Like-minded individuals can gather online at Mystical Press to work one-on-one with professional editors who help authors prepare their manuscripts for submission. Whether you are looking for a Manuscript Evaluation, Submission Evaluation, or a full story edit, we will give you honest, encouraging feedback and work diligently with you on your story to make sure it’s ready to land on an editor’s desk. No project is too big or too small and all receive the same precise attention to detail.

 Perhaps your submission is ready but you need assistance with smaller editing projects like a query letter and synopsis? Have no fear! Mystical Press is here! We offer a full edit of query letters and synopses with comments and suggestions that come directly from AN EDITOR! TAH-DAH!

And don’t worry! If your goal is to write your very own dynamite synopsis, at Mystical Press we believe in “teaching a man to fish”. Our Power Class, How to Write a WINNING Synopsis, is designed to easily guide you through the process of crafting your very own synopsis! Yes, that’s right. I used “easily” and “synopsis” in the same sentence!

 The self-paced course curriculum at Mystical Press can assist in tackling those pesky problem areas as well (e.g., show vs. tell, POV shifts, realistic character and story development, etc.). If you’ve read books, articles and/or taken workshops and are still in search of that elusive contract offer, perhaps Mystical Press can help. Take one class or take a whole series—our online classes are designed to meet each writer’s individual needs.

 

 Is your next project of the self-publishing variety? Mystical Press has a selection of pre-made covers we guarantee will only be used once! No one will have the same cover! Or, if you’d like, we can design a cover specifically tailored to your vision—you will work one-on-one with our talented cover artists! We are also happy to edit your baby and can even format the document to meet the specifications of most popular self-publishing platforms. 

Remember to mention Mystical Press to all your friends and fellow writing pals – here’s why. Mystical Press offers a free Referral Program. Just register on the site and we will assign you a Referral ID. If anyone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a referral fee! Whether you choose cash or a credit for products or services on the site, consider this our thank you for helping us spread the word. 

 Oh! And before I forget…we offer a wide range of gift certificates designed specifically with the writer in mind. Tired of searching for the “write” present for your author pals? Maybe that next birthday calls for an eGift from Mystical Press!

So now that you know all about us, please tell us all about you! Head on over to Mystical Press and register free on the site. Everyone who does will be entered into our drawing for fabulous gifts and prizes! Join our celebration and together we will strive to get your voice heard!