Nothing. I’m sitting here at almost 9 am in my nightgown, sipping Diet Mountain Dew, staring out my home office window and the 20 mile an hour winds with the drifting snow flying off the trees.
And I’m trying to write…something…anything!
Ahhh…the life of a solitary writer.
Today’s featured Candy Hearts releases are from authors Charlotte Copper and Katie O’Sullivan, and Desiree Holt: REAL LOVE, SAY YES, and TWEET ME. And don’t forget to enter The WIld Rose Press rafflecopter at the end of the release data below, for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE.
REAL LOVE (Charlotte Copper)
Blurb:
As a young girl, Monda was placed into the tutelage of Mistress Teevac. Trained to use her empathic skills and educated in the ways to please a man, Monda is on her way to her new mate and master when her spaceship crashes. Rescued by a handsome space lieutenant, who literally makes her heart race, Monda’s eyes and heart are opened to new possibilities.
When Lieutenant Patrick Lancaster looks at the exotic Monda, he sees beautiful not alien. With an instinct to protect her and the desire to have her, he’d be honored t call her his own, but the starts have something else in mind. Or do they?
Excerpt:
Her face more angular than most. Her lips, thick. A constant pout, like she waited to be kissed. When he looked at her big blue eyes and long blue eyelashes, he thought exotic, not alien.
“Monda.” He reached to wipe the tear. No, it was not his place. He shoved his hand into his pocket. “I didn’t mean you. I don’t think of you as alien. I meant other aliens, like the green guys from Salvador. Have you seen them? About a meter high with pointed teeth. You can’t tell the males from the females except when they have their armor off.” He wanted to pull her into a hug. To comfort her and show her how sorry he felt. But she was promised to another, and while he might be an idiot, his mother also raised him as a gentleman. “Really, Monda, I’m sorry.”
“I know,” she whispered.
“What I mean is you’re an alien but not an alien. You don’t look like an alien. Of course any guy would be honored to have a girlfriend like you.”
“Any guy, but you.”
Buy Links:
About the Author:
Charlotte Copper lives in Stouffville, Ontario – that’s in Canada, eh. When she isn’t working at her full-time job, Charlotte likes to craft, read, go to movies, and, of course, write. Charlotte hopes to have all of her stories published some day because, as a romance writer, she believes in happy endings.
Find Charlotte Here:
Website: Facebook Page: Twitter::
Say Yes (Katie O’Sullivan)
Blurb:
Darby Malone has trouble saying no. Hosting a children’s Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything. That is, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?
Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. His life has been empty since his wife died four years ago, his paintings the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?
Excerpt:
Every muscle in her body tensed at his proximity. Her mouth went dry and her brain clicked into hyperdrive, suddenly aware of every last detail of the six-foot god standing far too close. The shadow of scruff along his chiseled jawline, the salty ocean smell wafting off his leather jacket, the weathered tan along his cheeks and nose giving him the look of someone who spent all his time outdoors wearing sunglasses. His dark blond hair, tossed every which way by the February wind, looked like he’d just rolled out of bed. Darby wondered what it would be like to be in that bed with him, tousling the unruly mop with her hands, tugging him closer to taste those sculpted lips…
She blinked hard, reining in her fantasy. This was strictly business. Ben Phillips was kind of a big deal in the Cape Cod art community; it would be a coup for her little gallery to handle some of his paintings. She’d been surprised when he responded to her mass mailing with a request for this meeting.
He cleared his throat, looking hesitant, maybe even a little unsure of himself. “Maybe this is a bad time. I should come back in the morning as originally scheduled.”
“No, no,” she said, regaining control of her voice. “You just caught me by surprise. I guess I expected you to be…different.”
Buy Links:
About the Author:
Katie O’Sullivan lives on Cape Cod, drinking way too much coffee and inventing new excuses not to dust. Living next to the Atlantic influences everything she writes, from her YA series about mermaids to her contemporary romances for The Wild Rose Press. A recovering English major, she earned her degree at Colgate University and now writes romance and adventure for young adults, and something steamier for the young at heart.
You can visit with Katie here:
Twitter: Goodreads: Amazon Author Page:
TWEET ME (Desiree Holt)
Blurb:
Don’t call. Don’t text. Tweet me…
Married to her work, event planner Avery Kurtz runs her life and her business on a private message feed. She has no time to waste on emails or a love life, and Valentines Day means just more parties to plan. But when Tanner Voss, best man in Avery’s best friends wedding, is assigned to help finalize plans, her world is turned heart-side up. The hotshot attorney might be a player he’s hit on her before and she avoided that mistake but he’s also surprisingly cooperative, focused on making the perfect choices for their friends, and even on board with her messaging preference. Between the erotic dreams about the sexy litigator and her body urging her to forget caution, Avery is wondering if she was wrong about Tanner and wants him to do more than tweet me.”
Excerpt:
“Thanks for agreeing to dinner.” He indicated the booth. “Have a seat. Please.”
“No problem.” She slid in across the butter soft leather, settled her purse beside her and blew out a gentle sigh. “I’d say it wasn’t necessary to pick such a high end place but right now I need their relaxing atmosphere.”
“Tough day?” he asked, trying to keep his gaze from the way the soft material of her blouse draped against her breasts. Involuntarily his hands closed as if cupping those mouthwatering mounds and he had to give himself a mental kick. This dinner wasn’t to seduce her, at least not yet, despite the fact he was seized with a need to peel her clothes of and run his tongue over every inch if her body,
She gave him a wry look. “You’re kidding, right?” The waiter materialized asking for her drink order. “Margarita, please. Rocks, no salt.”
“That ought to smooth out the wrinkles.” He smiled at her. “So are you referring to the Will and Janice bombshell or did other things turn your day upside down?”
Her laugh had a touch of hysteria in it. “Oh, every day is nuts for me, but yes, Will and Janice managed to top everything else. Can you believe it? They want to get married in three weeks? And they want me—well, with your help—to take care of everything? Like I can just make it magically happen with all the pieces in place.”
“From what I hear about your business, if anyone can do it, you can.”
“Well, thank you. I guess we’re going to find out.” The waiter placed her drink in front of her and she took a healthy swallow before setting the glass back down on the table. “Okay, that helps.”
“I know the feeling. Hey, before we get into the wedding, it’s my turn this year to take care of the firm’s Christmas party. I wondered if I could have my admin call you and set up a meeting.”
Avery burst out laughing. “Tanner, Christmas isn’t for eleven months yet.”
He grinned. “I know. Just getting a jump on things. So can I?”
“If you want. Have her tweet me and we’ll set something up.”
He looked at her curiously. “Not a phone call? Don’t you talk on the phone?”
“When I absolutely have to. My tweets come in on a steady stream. I can just answer them without going back and forth, in and out like I have to with emails or texts. And phone calls use usually unsatisfactory.”
“Well, here’s to successful tweeting.” He lifted his glass to her and took a sip.
Buy Links:
Author bio
Known as the oldest living author of erotic romance, Desiree Holt has produced more than two hundred titles in nearly every subgenre of romance fiction. Her stories are enriched by her personal experiences, her characters by the people she meets. After fifteen ears in the great state of Texas she relocated back to Florida to be closer to members of her family and a large collection of friends. Her favorite pastimes are watching football, reading, and researching her stories.
Learn more about her and read her novels here:
Website Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest:
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Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Candy Hearts author Desiree Holt, author of TWEET ME, a timely, fun, and sexy addition to the Candy Hearts Series. Read about her journey in the writing realm, and don’t forget to enter the RAFFLECOPTER at the end of this blog for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE donated by The Wild Rose Press. And you can read my review of TWEET ME here
A Writer’s Journey
I think that I wanted to be a writer for my entire life. When my children were young I loved making up stories for them. I could hardly wait for the opportunity to put those words down on paper and create something of substance. Unfortunately life got in the way, and beyond work and raising a family my dream got stuffed in the closet until I finally retired. Even then it too four more years before I was able to actually begin to write.
Now, you’d think since I’d been dreaming about this for so long that the writing would be easy, right? Wrong! Oh, I even had an outline for my story, a murder mystery. No, not a romance. Not then. Why? Because growing up, my mother and my sister only read mysteries while I was growing up so I sort of followed in their footsteps. I enjoyed reading, them, really, and could hardly wait until I had the time to write one of my own.
That didn’t happen until both my late husband and myself retired. Then I was so excited to begin. I even had a complete plot and my list of characters all worked out. But a funny thing happened on the way to writing that book. After three months I still had only three chapters written. Now anyone who knows me knows that I can really crank out the words so it wasn’t hard to figure out that something was wrong.
Then one day I read a romantic suspense, fell in love with the plot and the genre and thought to myself, Okay, this is for me. Overnight it seemed a plot crystalized in my brain and I began writing. I loved that book. Just loved it. Of course, I had no idea what to do with it. I found the local romance authors group, almost by accident, and joined. I realized before the first meeting was over exactly how much I had to learn about writing a book. What a sock! You mean have to do all those things? Follow a plan? Etc etc etc.
At least I discovered where and how to submit my book, and so began the next part of my journey. One hundred and thirty seven rejections later the book still had not found a home, all though It took me five years to get that first book polished enough to finally make the sale.
In the meantime, however, I wasn’t getting any younger and I saw my shiny career disappearing into the dust of the future. But writing was in my blood and the ideas kept churning around in my brain so each day I was back at the computer, pounding away.
And guess what? I finally made my first sale. First I was numb. Then I opened a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and we had a drink to celebrate. Good thing I didn’t drink too much because the lessons on how tow rite a book that sells were just beginning. I’ll bet you thought all you had to do was sit down at the computer and start pounding away.
Wrong!
I learned things like “the hero’s journey” and “Big Black Moment” and “backstory” and…and…and… I was exhausted just looking at all the rules and regulations. But after I got over the shock I realized they were there for a reason and really did make for a better book. In all the hundreds of books I’ve read since then, it’s been easy to spot the books that break the rules. And trust me, they aren’t as good as the ones that don’t. A good story still needs to be told well.
Over the years I have worked hard to grow my talent and create stories people would love. I discovered early on that I write character-driven stories. To me, the character is the essence of a story. Create your characters, play the What If game with them and the stories will almost create themselves. I also learned that very often the finished product bears very little resemblance to what I began with. Again, it’s the characters. They live in my head and talk to me if they don’t like what I’m doing. I’ve learned I’d better listen to them.
Once I began writing romance I realized it as the best of all possible worlds. Under the romance banner I could—and have—written many subgenres—suspense, thriller, paranormal, to name just a few. I love living with my characters and telling their stories.
I’ve had so many funny things happen to em when people meet me and realize I fit well into the Senior Citizen category. I guess they think if you’re over forty-five you don’t know what romance is. I tell them that’s when it just begins. I’m even writing a series for couples fifty-five and over. It’s never to late to write and it’s never too late to love.
I have learned that if you really work hard at your craft you can succeed. I love writing so I don’t ever see myself not doing this. My characters and their love stories are my gift to my readers of all ages, who I truly love, and I plan to keep creating them for a very long time.
If you have the urge, it’s never too late to start.
About Desiree
Desiree Holt has produced more than two hundred titles in nearly every subgenre of romance fiction. She has won the EPIC Award for action/adventure, the Authors After Dark Award for Author of he Year, The Holt Medallion and been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The (London) Daily Mail, The Daily Beast, The Village Voice, US News and World Report and The Huffington Post, to name a few. Her stories are enriched by her personal experiences, her characters by the people she meets. After fifteen ears in the great state of Texas she relocated back to Florida to be closer to members of her family and a large collection of friends. Her favorite pastimes are watching football, reading, and researching her stories.
Learn more about her and read her novels here:
Website/ Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
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Filed under Candy Hearts, Romance, Romance Books, WIld Rose Press AUthor
I’d like you to meet CandyHearts Romance author Kayden Claremont, author or RED HOT. I wanted to get to know her a little better and she answered a few questions for me today. You can read an excerpt of her new Candy Hearts release RED HOT below, and remember to enter the WILD ROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER at the end of this blog for a chance at a KINDLE FIRE.
Here’s Kayden:
What drives you to write?
The characters. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. Since I was a kid characters haunted my brain. They won’t leave me alone until their story is finished. Then there are more characters wanting me to tell their story. Even when I decide to quit, and we all do, within hours I’m typing again.
What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why?
I write Paranormal Erotic Romance. Paranormal because that’s the geek in me. I’m labeled erotic because the characters like having sex, and romance because I believe everyone and thing deserves to be in love.
How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP?
Red Hot is set in a western theme park. The family went to Arizona and we took a day trip to Tombstone. I fell in love with the idea of spending my day reenacting the Old West. I wanted to pack up and move there, but my husband and the kids didn’t like the idea. This story just blossomed in my mind while I was walking around this fascinating town.
RED HOT
Blurb:
Treena Stanton, artistic coordinator of Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park, wants to exact revenge on Clayton Wagner. She had a crush on him in school, but he never acknowledged her existence. Revenge is sweet but not as sweet as the pleasure of his touch.
Strategic accounts manager, Clayton Wagner lost a bet and has to work the next twenty-four hours at his buddy’s theme park. But when his “boss for the day” with mouth-watering curves demands he wear a cowboy costume, all he can think about is finding out what’s under her petticoat. But when the truth is revealed about their past, will the sparks of passion fizzle or burst into Red Hot flames?
Excerpt: Treena smiled at him. How could she not smile at that head of thick, black hair and those mahogany-colored eyes that had driven all the girls wild in school?
Clayton had been the captain of the football team and Treena had been–well, totally invisible to him.
She stood, straightened her shoulders to make her C-cups seem bigger, moved her hand down her navy skirt to accentuate her hips, and pointed to the costume. “No. I’m not kidding.” She took a step closer, tucking her long, red hair behind her ear as his spicy aftershave enticed her. “You applied for a job at Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park and you’re confused about working as a character?” Darting her tongue across her bottom lip, she waited for her words to pierce his pride. “What kind of work did you think you’d be doing here?”
He tensed, as every fiber in his masculine body screamed not this. Satisfaction danced deep inside her. Even in his Italian suit, she could see that he was still athletic, with muscular arms and thighs. Clay still made her pulse race.
By the way he looked at her, she could tell she still had no effect on him at all. He stood inches away from her, looking her right in the eye, and hadn’t recognized her. Should she wave? Chant the school’s victory song?
Buy LInks:
About the Author:
Kayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps. When she is not crafting erotic romantic stories, she can be found crocheting or making jewelry.
Kayden is a member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writing Community of Durham Region.
She hopes you enjoy her other books, Hell’s Bounty, and Timeless Passion, all published by The Wild Rose Press.
Kayden loves to hear from her readers. You can find her here:
Website/ Blog/ Twitter/ facebook
Enter to win a KINDLE FIRE courtesy of THE WILD ROSE PRESS clinck the http://link
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Filed under Candy Hearts, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, Uncategorized, WIld Rose Press AUthor
Today I’m featuring the next authors being showcased today for The Candy Hearts Series, Kayden Claremont, Willa Blair, and Monique DeVere. And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE. (Details at the end of the release data below)
Red Hot (Kayden Claremont)
Blurb:
Treena Stanton, artistic coordinator of Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park, wants to exact revenge on Clayton Wagner. She had a crush on him in school, but he never acknowledged her existence. Revenge is sweet but not as sweet as the pleasure of his touch.
Strategic accounts manager, Clayton Wagner lost a bet and has to work the next twenty-four hours at his buddy’s theme park. But when his “boss for the day” with mouth-watering curves demands he wear a cowboy costume, all he can think about is finding out what’s under her petticoat. But when the truth is revealed about their past, will the sparks of passion fizzle or burst into Red Hot flames?
Excerpt:
Treena smiled at him. How could she not smile at that head of thick, black hair and those mahogany-colored eyes that had driven all the girls wild in school?
Clayton had been the captain of the football team and Treena had been–well, totally invisible to him.
She stood, straightened her shoulders to make her C-cups seem bigger, moved her hand down her navy skirt to accentuate her hips, and pointed to the costume. “No. I’m not kidding.” She took a step closer, tucking her long, red hair behind her ear as his spicy aftershave enticed her. “You applied for a job at Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park and you’re confused about working as a character?” Darting her tongue across her bottom lip, she waited for her words to pierce his pride. “What kind of work did you think you’d be doing here?”
He tensed, as every fiber in his masculine body screamed not this. Satisfaction danced deep inside her. Even in his Italian suit, she could see that he was still athletic, with muscular arms and thighs. Clay still made her pulse race.
By the way he looked at her, she could tell she still had no effect on him at all. He stood inches away from her, looking her right in the eye, and hadn’t recognized her. Should she wave? Chant the school’s victory song?
Buy Links:
About the Author:
Kayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps. When she is not crafting erotic romantic stories, she can be found crocheting or making jewelry.
Kayden is a member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writing Community of Durham Region.
She hopes you enjoy her other books, Hell’s Bounty, and Timeless Passion, all published by The Wild Rose Press.
Kayden loves to hear from her readers. Get in touch with her here:
website: Blog: Twitter: FaceBook:
Kiss Me Again (Monique DeVere)
Blurb:
What can be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day wedding?
A Valentine’s Day wedding on a Caribbean beach!
The last thing Riley Flynn wants is to be present at her ex-fiancé’s wedding—which should have been hers—but she refuses to give him the satisfaction, despite the nosedive her life has recently taken. Now, if she can only find a plus one to prove she isn’t a complete failure.
All Sam Rutherford wants is a peaceful life, but his zany neighbor is making it impossible. The woman is a menace to herself, and anyone in her path—he has the dent in his car to prove it. But when she raises those big amber eyes and confides in him, how can he say no to anything she wants? Soon she’s invading his life and bungling her way… into his heart.
Excerpt:
“I’d have to kiss you first before I can kiss you again.” The low intimate timbre of his tone sent a prickle over her, tightened her skin.
To disguise the sudden wired sensation in the pit of her stomach, Riley popped the sweet into her mouth, smiled then shrugged. “Well, there’s that.”
Even from the distance of his desk that separated them, Riley noticed the way his gaze dipped to her mouth then darkened as she crunched the chalky sweet.
“C’mere.” His voice, richer, darker, and sexier caressed her.
Riley gulped against the tension constricting her throat; her heart pounded in anticipation as she swallowed the chewed candy. “I don’t think that would be wise, Sam.”
“I’m not asking you to be wise, Riley. I’m asking you to come over here.”
“Why? Do you need me to look at something in that file you were reading?” She kept a playful smile in place as she thought of a way to ease out of yet another potentially awkward moment she’d created with Sam. She was pretty sure she’d make a fool of herself if she closed the space between them.
“Riley.” Her insides liquefied whenever he said her name with such command. “Come here.” With that rusty edge to his usually smooth voice, she couldn’t help but obey.
She slowly pushed to her feet and, on shaky legs, she moved around the desk toward him. “Sam?”
He stood, closed the remaining space between them. “Say my name again.”
“Sam…” This time it came out breathy and needy.
Buy Links:
Author Bio
Monique DeVere is a full-time author of Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Romance. She also writes Christian Supernatural Suspense movie scripts. She was born on the beautiful island of Barbados, where she grew up on a large plantation with enough wide-open space to let the imagination run free. She moved to the UK as a teen and shortly after met and fell instantly, and irrevocably, in love with her very own strong-silent-type hero. When Monique isn’t writing or spending quality time with her family, she likes to armchair travel to distant and exciting parts of the world and considers herself to have the best job on earth.
You can visit her at moniquedevere.com where she invites you to join her exclusive Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Readers Club packed full of goodies for her members. Monique loves to hear from her readers, do contact her at monique@moniquedevere.com.
Find Monique here:
Website: Blog: Mailing List: Amazon Author Page:
Twitter: Goodreads: Facebook Fanpage:
Sweetie Pie (Willa Blair)
Blurb:
Makenna Stewart flees Scotland for the Big Island of Hawaii intent on making real a cherished dream—a bakery of her own. Hard work and long hours leave Makenna craving some fun in her life. Her best customer, Greek-god sexy surfer Tom may be just what she needs, but she suspects there’s more to him than board shorts and a devastating smile.
Retired professional surfer and real-estate multi-millionaire Tom Bensford, is there when she opens every morning, but he’s not craving her Morning Glory muffins. Fascinated by the dark-haired, blue-eyed wahine with the creamy Celtic skin and devastating Scottish accent, he’s never met a woman like her. Too bad he’s about to destroy her dreams.
To him, it’s just business. To her, it’s the kind of betrayal she fled Scotland to escape. Can the island magic in Makenna’s heritage save her dream and their romance, or will his secret tear them apart?
Excerpt:
She met his gaze. “I…”
The waitress saved her from answering by arriving with their first course, crudités and a tasty selection of dips. The wine with dinner came from a winery on Maui. The ono, a local firm white fish, prepared three ways, each more delicious than the last, made Makenna wish for the recipes. And the passionfruit meringue rivaled her own. Replete, Makenna leaned back to savor the sense of utter contentment suffusing her. “This has been an incredible meal. Thank you.”
Tom took her hand and gently feathered the inside of her wrist with his thumb. “We can’t leave yet. The sun will set in a few minutes. You don’t want to miss the view from here. We might even see the green flash.”
“I read about that. It’s rare, isn’t it?”
“Rare and lucky.” Tom gave her an evil grin. “Would you like some extra luck tonight?”
Makenna cocked an eyebrow his way. “It depends on what use you plan to put it to.” She fought back a grin, knowing full well what he meant. The promise he’d made before dinner at the ranch when she’d reached for his zipper and he’d stopped her by kissing her hand. That’s for some other time. He hadn’t pushed, but she knew he wanted her. Was she ready for this relationship to go to the next level? Aye, she was.
Tom just smiled. “Look, the sun is touching the water. It won’t be long now.”
He scooted their chairs together to face the sunset and draped an arm across her shoulders. The breeze picked up, as if the wind was being drawn into the water with the drowning sun. Makenna could barely keep her attention on the display as Tom’s fingers gently stroked her shoulder, then traced up the side of her throat to tangle in her hair.
“So lovely,” he murmured, his breath warming her ear.
Makenna turned to face him, letting her lips meet his, gently at first, then more firmly. “People can see us,” she warned when they broke apart.
“I don’t care.”
He kissed her again, and she lifted a hand to his face, liking the rough scratch of his whiskers on her fingertips. A change in the light told her the sun had gone down. “We’ve missed it.”
“We don’t need it,” he answered and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go.”
“The bill…”
“Already taken care of. Your place or mine? Mine’s closer.”
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
Willa Blair is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble #1 Bestselling and an Award-Winning author of Scottish historical paranormal romance. She has been featured on and contributes to USAToday’s Happy Ever After romance blog, Savvy Authors, Romance University, and more.
Her books have won numerous honors, including Reader’s Crown finalist, NightOwl Reviews Top Pick, Marlene, Merritt, Crowned Heart, and Historical Romance finalist and Honorable Mention in InD’Tale Magazine’s prestigious RONE Award honoring the very best books in the Indie and Small publishing industries.
Find Willa here:
Amazon Author Page: The Wild Rose Press
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Today I’ve got a little interview with Monique DeVere, Candy Hearts author of KISS ME AGAIN, available tomorrow.
Here’s a glimpse into Monique’s writing life. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this blog for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE, courtesy of the Wild Rose press.
Monique: I can’t NOT write, or create something. I write because I love people, because I love LOVE, and the idea that God created two people especially for each other. I love happy-ever-afters, and enjoy writing about people who finds theirs with laughter, and sometimes tears, along the way.
Monique: I write Romantic Comedy and Romantic Comedy/Mystery/Suspense.
Monique: I enjoy reading Romantic Suspense, Category Romance, and of course Romantic Comedy, but my thirst for knowledge leads me to read more nonfiction.
Monique: Early morning is my ultimate writing time, and I try to get my words in early. However, this doesn’t always work out because, more often than I care to admit, I let doubts and negative reviews stop me from writing. This type of funk can last for weeks! I’ve promised myself to do better in 2016! First stop…read NO reviews.
Monique: I have a study where I can thankfully close the door and write. I very much doubt I would ever get a word written otherwise.
Monique: I only wish I had tunnel vision. It takes no effort at all for me to come up with story ideas, so the slightest distraction can trip my imagination on a new story path, even in the middle of a full-on writing flow. Needless to say: this is my gift, and my curse.
Monique: Sadly no, I can’t listen to music while I write. I need total silence in order to focus on creating a story, to visualize every scene with enough clarity to translate it to the written word. I’m easily distracted, so I tend not to allow any type of distractions. I’ll listen to music before and after writing, but never during.
KISS ME AGAIN will be released tomorrow. Here’s a little snippet about it and then… a little snippet of it!
What can be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day wedding?
A Valentine’s Day wedding on a Caribbean beach!
The last thing Riley Flynn wants is to be present at her ex-fiancé’s wedding—which should have been hers—but she refuses to give him the satisfaction, despite the nosedive her life has recently taken. Now, if she can only find a plus one to prove she isn’t a complete failure.
All Sam Rutherford wants is a peaceful life, but his zany neighbor is making it impossible. The woman is a menace to herself, and anyone in her path—he has the dent in his car to prove it. But when she raises those big amber eyes and confides in him, how can he say no to anything she wants? Soon she’s invading his life and bungling her way… into his heart.
Excerpt
“I’d have to kiss you first before I can kiss you again.” The low intimate timbre of his tone sent a prickle over her, tightened her skin.
To disguise the sudden wired sensation in the pit of her stomach, Riley popped the sweet into her mouth, smiled then shrugged. “Well, there’s that.”
Even from the distance of his desk that separated them, Riley noticed the way his gaze dipped to her mouth then darkened as she crunched the chalky sweet.
“C’mere.” His voice, richer, darker, and sexier caressed her.
Riley gulped against the tension constricting her throat; her heart pounded in anticipation as she swallowed the chewed candy. “I don’t think that would be wise, Sam.”
“I’m not asking you to be wise, Riley. I’m asking you to come over here.”
“Why? Do you need me to look at something in that file you were reading?” She kept a playful smile in place as she thought of a way to ease out of yet another potentially awkward moment she’d created with Sam. She was pretty sure she’d make a fool of herself if she closed the space between them.
“Riley.” Her insides liquefied whenever he said her name with such command. “Come here.” With that rusty edge to his usually smooth voice, she couldn’t help but obey.
She slowly pushed to her feet and, on shaky legs, she moved around the desk toward him. “Sam?”
He stood, closed the remaining space between them. “Say my name again.”
“Sam…” This time it came out breathy and needy.
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Author Bio
Monique DeVere is a full-time author of Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Romance. She also writes Christian Supernatural Suspense movie scripts. She was born on the beautiful island of Barbados, where she grew up on a large plantation with enough wide-open space to let the imagination run free. She moved to the UK as a teen and shortly after met and fell instantly, and irrevocably, in love with her very own strong-silent-type hero. When Monique isn’t writing or spending quality time with her family, she likes to armchair travel to distant and exciting parts of the world and considers herself to have the best job on earth.
You can visit her at moniquedevere.com where she invites you to join her exclusive Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Readers Club packed full of goodies for her members. Monique loves to hear from her readers, do contact her at monique@moniquedevere.com.
Where to Find Monique:
Website | Blog | Mailing List | Amazon Author Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Fanpage | LinkedIn | Wattpad | Pinterest |
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Week 2 in the Wild Rose Press Candy Hearts Series starts with BE MINE by April Hollingworth, and YOU + ME by Stephanie Kepke, and You’re Tops By Sydney St. Clare And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE from the Wild Rose Press ( details at the end of the release data below)
Be Mine(April Hollingworth)
Blurb:
Beth has always loved Mark. He was the boy of her dreams even though she was nothing more than his little sister’s best friend. Now he’s back from the military and looking at her differently. Though that could be the plate of lasagna she dropped in his lap.
A series of mishaps gives Mark opportunity to spend time with her. He is sure that he is the man for her but experience has taught Beth not all men can be trusted. Can he convince her that he wants her to be his for Valentine’s Day and ever after?
Excerpt:
Exiting my car, I spot Mark’s, a couple of parking spaces away. Hurrying into the building, I can’t wait to see him. When I do, I come to a screeching stop, tripping over my own feet; I stumble forwards only to be caught in his strong arms.
“You okay?” He asks steadying me.
“I’m fine, thanks to you,” I reply, looking him up and down, I ask the question slamming around my brain, “So why are you dressed in only shorts?”
A laugh escapes him, as he traces my jaw line. “I was training,” he explains.
A second later, the door opens to the gym area; Jonathan appears also dressed in loose shorts, similar to Mark’s.
“Hey Beth, are you early or am I running late?” he inquires while wiping the sweat from his muscular torso.
“Both,” I reply, for lack of anything better to say.
“Okay, I’ll be back in a second,” he replies, walking past us and into the men’s changing rooms.
“I best get ready too,” Mark informs me, releasing me slowly, before heading into the changing rooms.
I can’t help turning around and watching his fantastic back disappear.
Just before the door closes, he pops his head out, and with a wicked grin on his face asks, “Did you enjoy the view?”
“Oh yes,” the words fly from my mouth before I can think about stopping them. Heat enters his eyes burning brightly into mine, before he retreats behind the closing door.
“Damn.” I mutter, before finally moving into the ladies room to get ready for class.
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
Born in Dublin I moved to England finally we came back home to Ireland. I now live in West Cork but want to move to America.
When I was a child I fell in love with books, amazing stories filled with mystery and intrigue, danger and fantasy this love has progressed into a passion with me. I also like photography and cemeteries the older the better.
I self-published a book of poetry called “Different Kinds of Emotions” also.
My first novel Double Magick in the Falls (The Candi Reynolds Series #1) is published through The Wild Rose Press.
I’ve signed the contract for the second book in the series, The Prophecy and it will be coming soon.
My short novella Be Mine is part of a multi author series A Candy Hearts Romance due out on January 11th 2016.
I’m currently writing The Protectors (The Candi Reynolds Series #3) the final book in the series.
My next two projects are:
Reborn by Water (Celtic Trinity #1)
The Dark Goddess (Mystic Soulmates book #1)
~ Where everything is possible ~
You can find April in the following places:
Amazon Author Page: Pinterest:
Goodreads Author Page: Tsu: Google+:
My Facebook Author Page: My website:
You & Me(Stephanie Kepke)
Blurb:
Forty year old Alex Spencer has given up on love. Having escaped five years earlier from the verbally abusive and two decades older, Trent Peterson, her life revolves around her daughter, sixteen-year-old Josie, even if Josie wants nothing to do with her.
But with Valentine’s Day looming, Alex’s high school sweetheart, Billy Leibowitz, whom she kicked out of her life twenty years earlier thanks to Trent’s demands, has been invading her thoughts. Alex searches for Billy in vain—it seems as if he’s simply disappeared. Suddenly, Candy Hearts, which Billy sent to Alex every Valentine’s Day, start arriving in the mail. Is Billy sending the Candy Hearts? Will this finally be her chance at happily ever after?
Buy Links:
Excerpt:
She belonged in blossom pink or cerulean blue, sage green mixed with crisp white. But, all she wore was black or occasionally charcoal gray. On my single mom budget, I bought her skinny jeans at Target and cute cotton tops at Kohl’s. Still, she wore her baggy sweatpants and that black hoodie that hid her figure. Not that I wanted her to flaunt it, but I wanted her to own her beauty. Her glossy, raven hair was kept in a messy topknot at all times. Her stormy gray eyes, just like her father’s, almost blue, but not quite, were ringed in thick black liner. She was hiding. Better not to be noticed.
I was the complete opposite at sixteen. I wore tight, faded jeans: bleached and frayed, the denim almost white; and fuzzy angora sweaters that hugged my curves. My hair was in wild curls, just as inky black as Josie’s, but never pulled into a bun. The higher my curls were, the better and I went through a bottle of hair spray a month. I may have hit my peak back then.
My boyfriend, Billy, was crazy about me and we were kind of like a verse in a song, a song about longing and perfect love and innocence. We dated from the time we were fifteen until we were almost twenty. We were born three days apart and as we planned our yearly joint birthday party on the beach, I suddenly felt suffocated. I had celebrated my birthday the same way with the same people for four birthdays in a row and I just couldn’t do a fifth. I needed to break away and see what else was out in the world. But, I always wished I didn’t break Billy’s heart in the process. The song ended as I turned out of the parking lot and left me wondering what ever happened to Billy Leibowitz.
About the Author: An award winning writer and blogger, Stephanie’s second grade teacher told her she should be a writer and she hasn’t wavered in her path since. In her past life – before kids – Stephanie was an arts reporter and music journalist. She spent her twenties listening to loud rock bands (including her drummer husband’s) in bars all around Boston and New England. She lives in New York on Long Island with her husband, three boys and two slightly crazy rescue dogs (one of whom is three-legged). She lives in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound and loves to her toes in the sand.
Find Stephanie here:
Blog: Amazon Author Page: The Wild Rose Press:
You’re Tops(Sydney St. Claire)
Blurb
When her husband ran off with a perky, much younger woman, Regina Cox got the house, a decrepit car, and her freedom. Divorced, she plans to remain man-free and focus on her career as a writer. Trouble is, the skinny boy next door who used to tease her about her braces is now a handsome hunk and features as the hero in her latest romance novel.
Tucker Owen is a Dom with his eye on the new divorcee next door. His fantasies center around draping Regina over his spanking bench. Too bad she’s a strong woman and not submissive in the least. But when he learns she writes erotica romance and is having trouble getting the research right, he offers a week-long tutorial that’s bound to teach them both a few things.
Regina can’t refuse all the research she could ask for and no strings sex on top. And with the sassy sub, Tucker soon discovers the pleasure that comes when the topper is topped.
Excerpt
“Trust me, Gina.”
Tuckers voice crawled through her veins like warmed honey. She didn’t dare admit she didn’t trust herself to be alone with him. Still, she was curious as to what he wanted to show her. “Fine. But if you’re trying to trick me into your bed, I know basic self-defense.”
“I promise to keep my hands to myself.” He headed down a long hallway.
She hesitated when he started up the stairs. “Maybe you should tell me what you’re going to show me.” Sighing, he retraced his steps.
“Don’t trust easily, do you, Gina.”
She tipped her chin. “No.” Men are pigs. Except this man was one hell of a sexy jungle cat, and if he did take her into his bedroom, she might beg him to tame her–. She nearly choked. Good heavens. Now she was throbbing in earnest.
He laughed low in his throat. “I’d love to know what just went through your mind. Care to share?”
“Hell no.” She couldn’t meet his gaze.
“Knowing your active imagination, I can guess. Look at me.” He waited until she sighed and obeyed. “I’m a Dom. You said you needed some research, so I thought you might like to see a playroom firsthand, see the equipment, and I can answer any questions you might have.”
Of all the things she’d expected, his confession came as a complete surprise. The spit in her mouth dried even as her heart did a couple of hard thumps behind her breast. “You’re a Dom. For real?” Holy cow.
He smiled gently. “Yes, for real. You know enough to know that a D/s relationship is built on trust and mutual agreement. As much as I might like to see you on my spanking bench, I’m not going to ask you to do anything you don’t want.” He let his gaze travel over her from the tip of her head to her tingling toes. “And if you want a demonstration, well, I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
“Yeah, I bet.” The idea of him giving her a demonstration sent heat zinging through her. Her mouth was dry as a desert. She had dozens of butterflies fluttering inside her stomach. When he indicated she should go up the stairs, she went, hyper-aware of him following close behind.
“To the right, second door.” He leaned past her, opened the door, and flipped on a light switch.
Regina stepped inside, and her jaw dropped. God, not only was Tucker her hero, but he was a Dom as well. She stared at the king sized bed with four posts stretching toward the ceiling. And she gulped as she recalled the scene she’d written, her heroine tied to the bedpost with a silk scarf, foot raised and resting on the bed while the hero— Heat seared her neck and rose into her face, burning her cheeks. Thank god, Tucker hadn’t read that little naughty bit.
Behind her, his hands closed over her shoulders. He leaned close, whispered in her ear. “What are you thinking about, pet?” His voice was silky smooth, low and amused. He trailed a finger along her cheek. “Your blush is very becoming.”
“Blushing is a curse,” she barely managed. She did not need her overactive mind running away with her or fantasies centered around her childhood nemesis clouding her mind. Research, she reminded herself as she glanced away from the bed and nearly groaned aloud when she spotted the spanking bench against the far wall.
“Ah, here we go.” He strode over, pulled it toward the center of the room. He lifted a brow when she remained just inside the door. “You are here to check it out, are you not?”
Buy Links
BIO
Sydney St. Claire is the pseudonym of Susan Edwards, author of 14 Historical Native American/Western/Paranormal romances and the author of the popular “White” Series.
Sydney loves writing and sharing stories of love, happiness and dreams come true with her readers. She credits her mother for her writing success. Encouraged to read as a child, she always preferred happy endings which meant romances were her favorite genre. Sydney takes her readers into the world of erotica romance where her characters come together in explosive passion as they solve life’s problems and find true love along with the best sex our hero and heroine have ever experienced.
Sydney’s office is quite crowded with three dogs at her feet and five cats to keep her company while she writes. Three cats always insist on beds on her desk, barely leaving enough room for her monitor and keyboard. Life gets fun when all five insist on supervising…
When not writing, she enjoys crafts of all sorts including quilting, sewing, cross-stitch and knitting. She and her husband of 30 + years are avid gardeners. He takes care of the veggies, and Susan is in charge of the ‘pretties’. Her medicine wheel garden is in a contact state of war: flowers vs. weeds. Sadly, right now the weeds are wining…
While writing, she listens to a wide variety of music. Her current favorites are Blackmore’s Night and David Lanz.
Get in touch with Sydney here:
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Blog:
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Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Jana Richards, author of CHILL OUT (A Candy Hearts Romance.) I love a story with an animal as one of the characters. Jana is sharing what her inspiration for her hero’s dog, Spike was.
Don’t forget to enter the WILDROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER at the end of this blog for a chance at a KINDLE FIRE.
Here’s Jana:
My Inspiration for Spike
In my contemporary romance, CHILL OUT, my hero Noah arrives at his friend’s cottage with his dog Spike in tow. Spike is a rather large dog, to say the least. He’s an English Mastiff, and according to Dog Breed Info, the male of this breed averages 30 inches (76 cm) in height, and about 160 pounds (72 kg), though a male Mastiff can exceed 200 pounds. That’s a lot of dog!
Fortunately, English Mastiffs are not aggressive and are known as Gentle Giants. But that doesn’t mean they’re pushovers. They’re natural guard dogs and are fiercely loyal to their families. They rarely bark, but if an intruder were to break into the house, he might find himself cornered by a two hundred pound Mastiff, or possibly being sat on by one!
Just how big is an English Mastiff? Check out this link to dozens of pictures of the breed. I’m especially fond of ones that show the dog with a pony – they’re the same size!
The inspiration for Spike came from my colleague Michelle’s dog Indigo, Indy for short. Indy comes to work with Michelle almost every day, and spends her day greeting staff, drooling and sleeping, not necessarily in that order. While not nearly as big as some Mastiffs can get, Indy is a powerful girl. Fortunately, she’s a well-behaved girl, and can be bribed with doggie treats to go wherever Michelle wants her to go.
I borrowed a lot from real life for this story. Michelle rescued Indy from a shelter, and in my story Noah also rescued Spike when nobody else wanted him because of his size. He says he looked into Spikes eyes and saw a kindred spirit, which is what Michelle says about Indy. And the fact that Spike likes to sleep in his human’s bed, under the covers? That also comes from Michelle and Indy.
I decided I wanted an English Mastiff in my story because I wanted a dog that was hard to ignore. And let’s face it, that face just makes you smile, doesn’t it?
My only problem now is that the other dogs in my office – Huey, the poodle cross, Aero the pure-bred Standard poodle, and Abby the Pomeranian – want their own stories, too!
Are you a dog/pet lover? Tell me about your pet. Would you ever want a dog as big as Spike? What’s the biggest pet you’ve ever owned?
CHILL OUT
Blurb:
Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.
Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.
As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?
Excerpt:
Dylan wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend, and in some ways, he was like a father. When our mother died, he petitioned the court to make him my legal guardian so I wouldn’t have to go into care. He made sure I studied, pushed me to apply to med school, helped me with expenses.”
“He sounds like a wonderful big brother.”
His lips curved in a sad smile and Renata’s heart ached for him. “He was, and I know he’s going to be an amazing father. I want this animosity between us to end. I want my brother back.” His voice cracked. “But I’m not sure he feels the same way. I said some ugly things…”
“Perhaps, with the baby coming, he wants to mend the rift between you as much as you do.” She hoped she was right.
“Maybe. I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m going to phone Dylan and try to arrange a meeting.”
“It’ll work out. You’ll see.”
He leaned toward her, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with his smile. “I appreciate the pep rally.”
“Well, I was a cheerleader in high school. Rah, Rah.”
He laughed softly, then cupped her face with his hand, his thumb idly stroking her cheek. Her breath hitched at his tender touch. “Thank you for making this easier for me, Renata.”
He leaned in and her heart pounded in anticipation of his kiss. When his lips touched hers, a firestorm of longing ignited inside her. She strained toward him, needing his kiss, needing to heal his pain. His lips parted against hers, and she opened her mouth eagerly, reveling in his taste as his tongue danced with hers. The world faded away, and nothing existed for her except this man and all the tenderness she felt for him. It felt so right to kiss him, so perfectly, completely right.
Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press Amazon US:
Author Bio:
When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.
In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Social Media Links:
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I haven’t been able to post this piece this week because of the beginning round of Candy Hearts releases that have hit like a giant wave. Reviews are coming in all over the place and it seems everyone loves the series, so yea!
Late December I had a kind of epiphany. Since my retirement, I’ve basically been a hermit in my own home, writing 8-10 hrs most days and seeing no one for days at a time except for my husband. I’ve said “No” to lunches with friends, dinner dates with my husband, and shopping trips. I told two boards of directors “No” when they asked me to join their organizations, and I canceled two writing conference trips because I just didn’t want to leave home. I didn’t even decorate for Christmas this year because we were going to be out of town for the holiday.
Hermit, much?
In December, I realized I was isolating myself and although this may be good for me the writer, it wasn’t good for me the person.
So.
I made myself a promise. Instead of knee-jerking “no” to everything when asked, I would make 2016 the year of “yes.” Yes I can, Yes I will, Yes I do.
Now, I’ve had a few people tell me this is dangerous because you need to know where to draw the line at saying yes. Don’t worry. I’m not saying yes to anything harmful, dangerous, illegal or immoral! I am saying yes to opportunities, friendships, and to helping others.
By saying “Yes” I’ve become my New Hampshire’s RWA chapter secretary this year.
By saying “Yes” I’ve volunteered to be a judge at this year’s Dancing with the Keene Stars in April. ( I was a contestant last year)
By saying “Yes” I joined a gym and am now working out and talking to actual, live people instead of my characters, 5 days per week.
By saying “Yes” I feel as if a giant weight has been lifted from my body. I’m smiling more, and I genuinely feel happier.
It’s amazing what a three letter word can do for, and to, a person.
Happy New Year, and here’s to 2016, the year of “YES…I do, I can, I will.”
And I hope you say “YES” to my new release, 3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance) when it is released on 2/8/16. It’s up for preorder now, and here’s the link.
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.
Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, love, NHRWA, Romance, Romance Books, RWA, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor
Today, I’m having a visit from a character in yesterday’s release of CHARM ME (A Candy Hearts Romance) by Tena Stetler. And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE from the Wild Rose Press ( details at the end of the interview)
Since Tena did the actual interview, I’m giving her the virtual floor. Take it away, Tena!
Good Morning Everyone.
I’d like to introduce Summer Dawn Riley. She is the heroine of my Candy Hearts Romance, Charm Me
Summer, won’t you tell us a little about yourself?
“Happy to. I was raised in a small eastern seaboard town. An unfortunate incident there had me rethinking my life and magic. Yoga brought balance and peace to my existence. So when I saw an ad in a local newspaper for a Yoga instructor in Colorado Springs, I felt it was a sign. A chance to leave everything behind, start fresh where no one knew me.
When I first arrived, everything was great. Then the owner of the business left suddenly, selling Earthbound Yoga to me for a song and I took over payments on the turn of the century home turned into a yoga Studio. Not at all what I had planned.”
So where did you meet Devlin Sawyer, the story’s hero?
“Spending long hours and late at night at the studio, I felt the need for protection. Though I have Piper, my chow dog for companionship, she is also a darn good guard dog. So when I saw an ad for a women’s gun class at Moon Ridge Gun Club, I decided to pay them a visit. When I walked into the club there was this ruggedly handsome man standing behind the counter. I am afraid I was a little awe struck, his deep voice was like warm honey and the thoughts I had – well — had me blushing. But he didn’t mention it. Just signed me up for the gun class and …”
So was it love at first sight?
“My first… No… or maybe yes, I had no intention of starting a relationship or even… Well, I felt it better to keep other people at arm’s length after the incident in my home town. But Devlin just wouldn’t take a hint. He showed up early one snowy morning, my favorite latte in hand, as he strolled into Earthbound, I was just opening the studio. He scared the bejeebers out of me. I was sure he saw me… um… light the fireplace in an unconventional manner. After that it was dinner at a public place, then dinner at his apartment – And I guess you’d say Valentine magic took over from there.” She looked up and smiled wide.
I (Tena, here!) turned to see what brightened her expression as a man, well over six feet tall, with thick black hair, big brown eyes, full lips and a muscular build strode through the door. “Oh, hello Devlin… I didn’t know you were stopping by. Have a seat.”
A warm grin spread across his face as his gaze took in Summer. It was almost as if I didn’t exist.
“How’s my li’l witch? Ready to go? We have an appointment in 15 minutes across town. Sorry Tena, didn’t mean to ignore you. I really don’t have time to talk, maybe another day?”
Sure, Devlin. We’ll set it up. Summer, I don’ t remember you mentioning you were a witch?”
Summer pursed her lips and glared at Devlin. “I didn’t. But since he has such a big mouth. I’ll admit, to being an elemental witch, a rare talent as I can control earth, water, fire and wind. Some possess the power, but only control one or two elements. With that being said, I do really need to leave. It has been nice talking with you and Peggy. I guess if anyone needs to know more about me or Devlin and his magic, they’ll just have to read Charm Me.
Devlin frowned for a beat, then his lips twitched as if hiding a grin.
“Touche. One secret for another.”
He offered Summer his hand as she stood. Placed an arm around her waist, lingered over a kiss, then Devlin and Summer turned and waved as they left.
“I guess the interview is over, Peggy. Thanks for having us. It was a blast. Maybe we can wrangle Devlin into an interview at a later date. I’ll leave the blurb and excerpt for Charm Me with you.” Author Tena Stetler gets to her feet, follows her characters out the door.
Peggy here: Wasn’t that a great interview? I actually got to read CHARM ME before it was released and you can read my review here:
Blurb:
Summer Dawn Riley’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.
Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?
Excerpt:
Getting to her feet, she brushed the dust from her black yoga pants, tugged at the bottom of her bright orange tunic, and flipped the light switch on. A soft glow of florescent lighting flooded the large room, soothing Summer’s nerves. Guess she would never be the same carefree individual she was before the incident. Oh, shake it off. You’re safe and it’s time to get on with life. “Come on Pip, let’s get this place open.”
A massive stone fireplace towered in the corner. She picked up an arm full of wood and flung it in the general direction. Logs landed in the fire pit and neatly arranged themselves in a tepee shape. With a magic flick of her finger toward the hearth, flames raced up the aspen logs. “That’s better.”
She raised her arms, about to send the yoga mats back to their proper place when the heavy wooden front door creaked open. Piper rushed toward the door, teeth bared and a growl rumbled in her throat. Summer whirled around and yelped as Devlin ambled into the room, black hair tousled and glistening with melting snowflakes. His nonchalance at the dog’s approach surprised her as he slowed to a stop. Piper sniffed around him, backed up a few inches, then stood at alert in front of Devlin.
“You scared the bejeebers out of me.” Summer held her hand to her chest as her heart thundered.
“What are you doing here?”
“Call your guard dog off and I’ll tell you.” The corners of Devlin’s mouth curved up into a smile, a faint light twinkled in the depths of his dark eyes.
“Piper, leave it…come.” The dog gave Devlin a last sideways glance, trotted back to Summer and sat at her side.
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About TENA STETLER
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of twelve, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.
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