….don’t know who that is?? Well, honey sit down and get yourself set up for a treat!
Here’s the link to my interview with hunky, handsome, heartthrob, RICK BANNERMAN from A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK.
Tag Archives: Character Interview
#LoveRomanceReads and an #Interview with Rick Bannerman
Filed under A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK
A new #DeerbourneInn addition from Tena Stetler
The next installment in the Deerbourne Inn series comes from Paranormal Romance Writing sistah TENA STETLER. She’s brought along a guest with her today. A very…unusual guest. Let’s go say Hi…
Hey Girl! Glad to welcome you back to the blog. I’m so excited to feature another Deerbourne writer.
Good Morning Peggy. Thanks for inviting us today. I didn’t think you’d mind if I brought the hero of Mystic Maples, Silvanus Forrest, with me. Unfortunately, Mercy Rose was up to her elbows in dirt with her new creation when we left, so she won’t be here.
That’s all right, I understand. Let’s start with Silvanus. Tells us about the real you— I own Mystic Maples, a sugar maple grove on the outskirts of Willow Springs, Vermont. It’s been in my family since 1754. I provide my special maple syrup to The Deerbourne Inn and several of the café’s in town. Several of the towns people stop by and pick up the syrup for their personal use too.
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed? A box of unread mysteries I picked up from the book store in town. A couple of Raga’s balls. She is always putting them under there and barking for me to get them out.<grin>
What makes you laugh out loud? People’s antics. You never know what to expect.
What makes you angry? Individuals that take advantage of others.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you? When my parents retired and left Mystic Maples to me. I’ve always loved the place and worked there since I was knee high to a grasshopper. My brother was extremely upset. He’s one of those people who takes advantage of others. He’s also allergic to hard work.
Those are harsh words for a family member.
I know, but you’ll understand after reading Mystic Maples.
What do you most value? Family and friends. Without them, there is no one to watch your back, and you are a drift in a lonely world.
What do you sleep in at night? In a bed of course. LOL If you are asking what I wear to bed, it depends on the situation. <wink>
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with? A woman that knows her own mind, what she wants, and goes after it.
What do you consider most important in life? Having a life partner that is willing to accept you as you are regardless of the good, bad and weird. LOL
What is your biggest secret? If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, now would it? But I’ll give you a hint. It resides in the original part of the barn at Mystic Maples.
Thank you for indulging me. Now let’s hear a little from the author about writing Mystic Maples, before I let you all get back at it.
Was it fun or difficult? It was a lot of fun. I love writing stories about small towns, and collaborations with other authors. The Deerbourne Inn series was the brainchild of The Wild Rose Press and its authors. If you haven’t read the series, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Do your characters always act as you expect? Absolutely not. I think they thrive in knocking me off my stride.
Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants (panster)? Oh, panster all the way. I couldn’t plot my way out of a paper bag. LOL
Hahah. Thanks to you both for taking time to visit with my readers and me. Good Luck with Mystic Maples.
Blurb:
Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose’s insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog.
Silvanus Forrest’s gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?
Excerpt:
In the middle of the vardo an old weathered chest was completely out of place. She leaned over.
“Don’t touch that,” he barked. It was too late.
Her fingers stroked the rusted padlock. It sprang open. Puffs of dried soil sprinkled the carpet around the chest. He placed a restraining hand on her arm just as she tentatively dug her fingers into the soil. “This isn’t from your land. It’s—.” A swirl of colors sucked them in and a feeling of weightlessness surrounded her. She grabbed hold of Sil’s arm. The dog yipped. Then suddenly they were back inside the wagon.
Only something was amiss, the silence, the earthy smell wasn’t right. She shivered. What have I done? Taking a deep breath, she whirled around to face Sil.
“What the hell just happened?”
He shrugged. “You promised not to touch a thing. Let’s get out of here.” Reaching for the vardo’s handle, he pushed down, and the door opened into a small barn. He strode to the door, tugging Mercy along with him. When he shoved it open moonlight spread across an open field casting silvery shadows through the bordering trees. Off in the distance stood a ramshackle cabin.
A warm breeze swept her hair across her face. She stared unblinking. Nothing about the landscape was familiar except the stands of young trees. She bent as if to touch the soil.
His arm flew out and prevented her from reaching the ground. “It’s true,” he murmured surveying the area. His lips set in a thin line, he rubbed his temples, and stared. Mocking her. “I won’t touch a thing. Well… you did and now…”
“Now what?” she whispered.
You can get your copy of Mystic Maples here:
Amazon // B&N // iTunes // Kobo //Google Play
A little about Tena Stetler
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Contact Information:
Website // Author’s Secret’s Blog // My Say What Blog // FB // Twitter //Goodreads // WRP // Amazon //Newsletter // Pinterest // Triberr //Bookbub // Instagram // BookGorilla //
And you can enjoy all the current DEERBOURNE INN ebooks here: (In order)
By Reservation Only by Barbara Edwards
Hope’s Dream by Peggy Jaeger
Freedom’s Path By Linda Carroll Bradd
Lyrical Embrace by Amber Daulton
Spirited Quest by Julie Howard
Soul of the Storm By Jean M. Grant
Lion Dancing for Love by Laura Boon
Forever In A Moment by Charlotte O’Shay
Witches’ Cliff by Peggy Chambers
Filed under Deerbourne Inn, WIld Rose Press AUthor
A sit-down interview with author Mary Morgan and Rory MacGregor
You all know by now that I lovelovelove when one of my Wild Rose Press sistahs comes for a visit. Today I have award winning author MARY MORGAN visiting and she’s brought along her hero in her newest book OATH OF A WARRIOR, Rory MacGregor with her for a little sit down tete-a-tete.
Let’s get right to it!
“Morning, Mary. ‘Morning, Rory.
Hello Peggy! Thanks for allowing us to visit your lovely blog. Rory MacGregor has graciously agreed to be here today. Though he can’t stay long (terms set forth from the Fae realm), I am confident he can share some insight into his story and the Fae realm.
Peggy: Since you’ve been on our earth for thousands of years, can you share with us how old you are?
Rory: (He arches an eyebrow in amusement) Old is a term for the weathered foliage in our kingdom. I am considered ancient by your standard of years.
Peggy: When Prince Conn sent you back in time to heal your wounds, were you prepared to do so, or did you have an alternate plan?
Rory: At the time, I was standing on the abyss of darkness. My soul was entering what we call the Realm of Shadows. It is a desolate, bleak, and tortured existence with no hope of returning. The prince was unwise in sending me back in time in my condition. Regardless, I am fortunate that the circumstances proved to be in our favor—mine and Erina’s. I will be forever grateful that the Fates granted us this second chance.
Peggy: Can you share what drew you to Erina?
Rory: (Leaning back, he smiles) Her soul called out to mine, and I accepted. Furthermore, it was her great love of the land and animals. Endearing qualities, I admire.
Peggy: What is one word that best describes you?
Rory: It would depend on whom ye asked. Since my brother, Liam, is not here to offer a protest, I would say honorable.
Peggy: Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Rory: Aye, she kens me well, and I am sorry for causing her so much angst in writing this tale.
Peggy: What is your greatest fear?
Rory: To speak a fear out loud is to encourage its existence. I’d rather not bring misfortune to our life.
Peggy: What is the perfect romantic date in the Fae realm?
Rory: Holding Erina in my arms spread out among the heather and foxglove on a warm summer night as we watch the stars near the Waterfall of Life.
Peggy: What is your favorite color?
Rory: The rose blush that begins on my lovely wife’s face, and then continues to deepen the more I trail kisses over her skin.
Peggy: What is your favorite drink?
Rory: Honeyed ambrosia, especially procured from the Fae Pleasure Gardens.
Peggy: What is your favorite dessert?
Rory: (A slow sensuous smile appears) My wife, Erina.
Peggy: Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Rory: Aye, ’tis a series. My brother, Liam’s story is next. ’Tis called, Trial of a Warrior. In addition, I believe the author is planning a fourth book on our mentor and one of the greatest Fenian Warriors in the Fae realm, Aidan Kerrigan. His story is called, Destiny of a Warrior.
Peggy: I’m in serious love right now, folks!!! Le Swoon!!!!!!! Thanks, Mary, for bringing the delicious Rory for a visit today!
Can a timeline be rewritten for love?
Blurb:
“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”
Fenian Warrior, Rory MacGregor’s love conquests are legendary, but he has never spoken of the one mortal female who captured his heart. After his dark secret is finally revealed, he is ordered to return and seal the wounds left open by her death. Yet, he finds the timeline altered and swears an oath to rewrite fate, even if it brings about his own death.
Erina MacIntyre is known for her healing herbs and love charms. Determined to aid others, she refuses to listen to the whispers that call her a witch. When a Highlander steps forth into her path, he ignites a thread of strange familiarity and sparks a flame of desire she is unable to control.
Can the destiny of two lovers find love once more among the ashes of death and betrayal? Or will history repeat itself, leaving a scorching path of destruction for both mortals and Fae alike?
Excerpt:
“Erina, mo ghrá,” he groaned, taking her mouth with savage intensity. She tasted of honey and spices, filling him completely and easing the torment that continually plagued him.
Breaking free, he placed his hands on either side of the door. Giving her all of him required something more from Erina. Without the assurance of accepting him for what he was, Rory would be a lost man.
“Are ye certain ye want to ken all of me? I want ye as sure as the sun rises and sets over the land each day, but ken this, Erina—there is more to me than a simple bedding. There are things about me that might frighten ye. What I’m about to share with ye may cause ye to question my existence, or worse, my sanity.”
Her laugh was seductive and soothing as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “From the moment ye stepped through those trees that first day, I realized ye were not like any man I had encountered. It was as if the trees parted and ye came forth from inside them.” She brushed her fingers along his brow. “For one, ye have the most mesmerizing eyes and they shift colors.”
“And the second?”
Her face turned a rosy glow, yet, she held his gaze. “I thought your body chiseled from the old Gods, especially with all the markings on your back and arms.”
His gaze swept over hers. “I am nae God, Erina, though some would call me a demon.”
She traced a finger down along his arm and shook her head. “Ye are not a monster, but I am nae fool. Ye are not like other men, Rory. I have seen the markings on your body elsewhere.” Her finger curved around his shoulder and he trembled. “They are similar to the ones on the standing stones carved by the ancients.”
Rory fought the tide of emotions sweeping through him. She had come to the conclusion all on her own. “And ye would not flee if I told ye I was one of those ancients? One where the bards wove tales of giants who lived thousands of years ago among your own people? Others would call the story incredulous and filled with heathen words.” He held his breath, fearing her reply.
The smile she gave him speared straight to his soul. “Nae. I would not flee.”
Buy Links: Amazon // Nook // iBooks // The Wild Rose Press //
A wee bit about Mary Morgan:
Award-winning Celtic paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to retur
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stori
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
You can connect with Mary here:
Website //Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Amazon // Pinterest // Instagram // BookBub
Filed under Romance, Romance Books, WIld Rose Press AUthor
#BookPromo and #CharacterInterview with Donna Simmonetta
You all know I love love love when a Wild Rose sistah comes to visit, and I especially love when that sistah beings one of her characters! Today, we’re visiting with author Donna Simonetta and Heather Braden, whom we first met in A Sweeter Spot, book one in the Rivers Bend trilogy, and get to know better in the new release, Love is Lovelier. She’s mixed up one of her signature cocktails for the interview, so let us pour you a Mai Tai, and hear what she has to say.
Heather, you’re from the tiny town of Rivers Bend, Virginia. Tell us what it is that draws you to live there.
(Smiles in a way that lights up the room) Well, it’s my hometown. I was born and raised there. But there are lots of things that keep me living there. The scenery is beautiful…rolling fields, the winding river wending its way through the town, the blue ridge mountains in the distance. It’s truly lovely. The best thing about the town though, has to be the people! For some reason, Rivers Bend seems to attract quirky, fun people. They might be in your business a little too much, but it’s done out of love, and frankly, it’s kind of nice living in a place where you know everyone has your back.
So you never considered living anywhere else?
After high school, I did move to Portland, Oregon to help my brother Jeff with his daughter after her mom died. And it was fun living there, but it never really felt like home, y’know?
You strike me as the kind of person who would have fun wherever you are living.
(Throws back her head and laughs) That’s probably true. Mick Evans would certainly say it about me.
Since you brought up Mick Evans, I have to ask…in A Sweeter Spot, you did not seem at all pleased to learn he was moving to Rivers Bend to be your boss at the Retreat. How are things going between you?
(Blushes to the roots of her sun-kissed brown hair) We’ve had our ups and downs. (Pauses, and takes a long sip of her fruity cocktail) You see, Mick and I have a bit of a history together. And those pesky feelings for each other don’t seem to want to stay in the past where they belong.
(Waits several beats, but Heather doesn’t seem inclined to continue) Okaaay…how about this question. You are known in Rivers Bend for creating signature cocktails for different events.
(Leans forward eagerly and nods, brushing her choppy bangs back off her face) I even have a tiki bar in my little apartment over my sister’s café, the Nosh Pit. I love to try to find the perfect creation to celebrate different events. For my mother’s annual Kentucky Derby party at her horse farm, I made frozen Mint Juleps this year, and they were quite a hit with everyone.
If you were going to have a drink that represents Mick, what would it be, and why?
(Screws up her mouth and narrows her eyes as she considers) An aged Scotch. Neat. Like Mick, it’s classic, elegant, smooth, but a single sip and I’m knocked off my feet!
That certainly doesn’t sound like your feelings are in the past. How does Mick feel?
(Shrugs) You’d have to ask him.
But Mick isn’t here with us today, so I’m asking you…are you two an item again?
We are drawn together––it’s the old cliché about opposites attracting. But, there are a lot of reasons…valid reasons, good reasons…for the two of us to remain just friends. So, that’s what we’re trying to do.
How’s that working for you?
(Grins and winks) You’ll have to read Love is Lovelier to find out!
Heather and Mick have a long history together, and Heather wants to leave it in the past where it belongs. Yet, here Mick is, very much in her present, thanks to her brother Jeff, who hired Mick to be her boss at the Retreat at Rivers Bend.
It wouldn’t be so bad, except Heather and Mick are still attracted to each other like metal to a magnet. Oh, and her brother is considering offering Mick a partnership in the Retreat, which by rights should be hers. And even if they act on their attraction, Heather is a small-town, country girl, and proud of it, whereas Mick can’t get far enough from his West Virginia coal-mining roots.
Will they be able to get a second chance at their first love and find their happy ending together in Rivers Bend?
Excerpt:
“Stick close. I’ll get you out of here.”
He used his broad shoulders as a wedge to propel himself through the crowd; Heather scurried to keep up with him so she could take advantage of the gap he created, not wanting to be so close that she could feel the warmth of his body through his elegant suit, but because she needed somehow to beat this crush of people to the Retreat to make sure that everything was in place for the post-christening party she’d planned for Bethanne – only perfection would do for her BFF.
She watched Mick’s back as she stuck close to him; he looked so strong and fit – it was hard to imagine him the way he was ten years ago, when he’d suffered his NFL career-ending injury, but the same business acumen that kept him with the Portland Pintos organization back then was the reason Jeff and Cisco hired him at the Retreat.
He’d be good for business – she’d just have to keep chanting those words in her head like a mantra, or else she’d do one of two things she’d regret – kill Mick, or kiss him, and she’d gone the kissing route with him before. It did not end well. And tempting as the killing option was at the moment, it probably wouldn’t end any better.
Buy Links:
Amazon // B&N // The Wild Rose Press // Amazon UK
A little about Donna :
My career has been a winding road. I worked in the business world for years, got my MLS and worked in a school library, and am now living my dream as an author. I love to read and write contemporary and fantasy romance. I live in Maryland, with my husband, who is my real-life romance hero. We both enjoy traveling to visit our far-flung family and friends, and spending time on the beach with an umbrella drink and a good book.
YOU can connect with Donna here:
Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Amazon // Book Bub
My review of LOVE IS LOVELIER can be found here: Goodreads
Filed under Uncategorized
An interview with a Vampire…and it’s not the one you think!
It’s always a fun day on my blog when Wild Rose Press sistah Tena Stetler comes for a visit. Hey, girl!
“Good Morning Peggy. Thanks for having me on your blog today talking about my upcoming release “A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.”
“Glad to have you, Tena my friend. Let’s start with what inspired A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance?”
“Several years ago I took a creative writing class to brush up my skills. Vampires had always intrigued me. Dark Shadows a 1966 TV show was a favorite of mine and Barnabas Collins was my dream. Yeah, I was a strange kid. Anyway, the assignment was to write about anything you wanted. Stefan, assassin to the Vampire Council was born. That summer we vacationed in Glacier National Park, I was struck by its beauty and possibilities as a setting for my vampire tale. I completed two-thirds of his story before I discovered another’s story, A Demon’s Witch, had to be told before I could finish Stefan’s. As it turned out there would be one more tale, A Warlock’s Secrets, before Stefan’s tale would be told. He became a secondary character in two of my paranormal romances before I finished his story. But it had to be an extraordinary vampire tale, so my vampire assassin transitioned to a midnight DJ in the small town of Whitefish, Montana.”
A solid knock on the door took me by surprise. “I’m not expecting anyone,”
“I invited Stefan to join us – I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not, I’ve always wanted to meet a tall, dark and dangerous vampire – up close.” Absently rubbing my neck, I sucked in a breath and swallowed hard. “Come in Stefan.”
He sticks his head in the door. “I’m not intruding, am I? Tena asked that I come by if I had a couple minutes. As luck would have it, I’ve got a bit of time before I meet Brandy for lunch.”
I blew out a breath drinking the tall, handsome vampire standing before me. “Of Course not. Stefan, have a seat and tell us about yourself.”
He eased down into the chair between us. “I became a vampire because I fell in love with the wrong woman. She was only toying with me, turned me and left on me on own. Unable to control my blood lust, I was a danger to myself and my tribe. My grandfather who raised me was the tribe’s shaman. Though it broke his heart, he asked me to leave the tribe, but not before he conjured a gold chain around my neck that allowed me to walk in the sunlight.”
“That’s powerful magic.”
“Yes, it was but didn’t keep me out of trouble. I was alone, rogue vampire who wandered into Lady Rose’s territory. Without a responsible sire, I was lucky Lady Rose didn’t terminate me immediately. After hearing my tale of being turned, she arranged for me to be mentored by one of her vampires, who happened to be the Vampire Council’s assassin.”
“So she offered you a vocation.”
“I guess so. I learned to live within the vampire rules and became proficient at my craft. When the kill orders became political, I was caught in the middle. To survive, I had to play both sides, but my allegiance remained with Lady Rose. A faction of the vampires broke off and tried a coup. Lady Rose quashed it and terminated those responsible. At that point I asked to be released from her service, something that a vampire rarely survives, but she allowed me to leave.”
“So what did you do next?”
I drifted around a while, careful not to interlope into another vampire’s territory. Settled in Whitefish, Montana, a little town located outside Glacier National Park. As it turned out the man I rented a cabin from was the manager of a local radio station. One of those over-friendly sorts. You know that type?
“I do.”
“He offered me the midnight DJ position and from there things got interesting. I met Brandy who had secrets of her own. A fated trip to Ireland reveals more than a family reunion at Christmas.” He glances at his watch. “Unfortunately, that’s all the time I have.” He stood bowed slightly, reached out and brought my hand to his lips. “It was a pleasure talking with you.”
I fan my face with the useless interview script. “The pleasure was all mine.” In a whisper of movement, he was gone – the door closed quietly. It took a couple of beats for me to gather my thoughts.
“Tell us a little more about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.”
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
It was nearly midnight when he cut across the Sun Road to another trailhead, so intent on his goal that he nearly collided with an attractive young woman. He skidded to a stop, spraying gravel, rocks, and small twigs down the road in front of him. A pinecone dislodged and bounced along the road past her. Tall and slender, she had miles of fiery-red hair that hung down her back in a cascade of curls. Intense emerald eyes stared back at him as he attempted to regain his composure, not to mention balance. What the hell was she doing here at this time of night?
“Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance is available for pre-order at Amazon , itunes and Barnes & Noble. Release date November 29, 2017. Just in time for Christmas. Reserve your copy today!
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. Her books spin the adventures of magical kick-ass women and the mystical alpha males that dare to love them.
Contact Information:
Website //Authors’ Secrets Blog // My Say What Blog //Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // The Wild Rose Press // Amazon // Newletter // Pinerest // Tribber // Book Bub
Filed under Author, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor
An interview with the Duke of Ravensmere and Sandra Masters
Today I’ve got a lovely treat. Wild Rose Press sistahs and author SANDRA MASTERS is visiting with one of the wonderful characters from her recent release, ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE. Sandra and His Grace, Raven, Tenth Duke of Ravensmere sat down for this little tete-a-tete recently and both agreed to let me ( and you!) listen in. Sit back and enjoy and stick around because Sandra is giving us all a present: An excerpt from ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE.
Setting: Regency England 1817, the industrial revolution, and returning soldiers with no employment set the scene for political turmoil.
His Grace, Raven, Tenth Duke of Ravensmere, reclusive, politically powerful, denies love after the tragic deaths of his duchess and baby son. Bound by a deathbed promise made ten years prior, he has vowed never to allow love to enter his heart again.
He meets Lady Samantha Winston, a young widow, who permits him to seek refuge in her carriage in a time of need, and what started out as a kiss in the name of safety, became pleasurable and not safe at all. In spite of every caution, his interest escalates into unexpected but welcomed desire.
Author: What is your main fear, Your Grace?
Answer: Being a mature and politically savvy peer, I feared to fall in love again passionately as I did with my late wife. The loss of her and our son paralyzed my every thought. To assuage the remorse, I delved more into all political events and devoted my efforts to my constituency and the tenants on my estate. England won the war against France but bankrupted the country. My goal was to propel my country back into the forefront of the financial world. My loveless life continued. And then by accident, I met Samantha Winston.
Author: Can you tell me about the incident?
Answer: You were the one who concocted the scene, but I’ll relive the events for our readers. After a meeting with the Prince Regent at his Carleton Townhouse, I chose to walk to the Townsend Ball a few blocks away. However, I encountered anarchists intent on doing me bodily harm simply because I was an aristocrat. The night darkened, and I cat-walked against walls, turned into an alley, and somehow avoided direct contact. Seven to one are not great odds for success. I saw a waiting carriage on the street with lit lanterns and raced to the door, pulled it open, expecting it to be empty. Instead, a lady sat on a seat, alarmed at my intrusion. The mob was now around us. The coachman bellowed for them to leave, but one lout climbed to peer through the window. Before I could speak to her, I went to her side and took her to me. All the thug could see was two presumed lovers in an ardent embrace and kissing. It must have amused him because he jumped down and chuckled moved the group down the street.
Author: Lady Winston allowed you, a stranger, to kiss her?
Answer: There was little time to speak, only to act. The lady kicked me in the shins, clouted me with her reticule until I uttered a sentence.
Author: Rather curious, Your Grace. What was the sentence?
Answer: Damnation, Madam. I asked her assistance since I was in dire straits…that I would explain and then I kissed her. It was when I said, “Please,” that she consented.
Author: Odd, that a duke of the realm would resort to such a word.
Answer: In dangerous times, a man would resort to any unusual actions. Now stop your falderal and let me continue.
Author: One kiss or two?
Answer: One long and pleasurable kiss. I remember thinking that a kiss in the name of safety was not safe at all. In the lantern light, I memorized her young face, but it was her verdant eyes that begged further inspection, not to mention her copper colored hair.
Author: And then what happened?
Answer: I apologized for my rash actions, made my explanation, and introduced myself. Other women would have fallen apart. Instead, she said, “It seems peculiar, Your Grace, to have introductions after our scandalous kisses. Perhaps it should have been the other way around?” Most of all, her sense of humor appealed to me. Her pleasant demeanor impressed and she chatted informally with me as if we were old friends. I offered to stay and wait for her relatives to explain my presence, but she asked for propriety’s sake that I leave.
Author: Did you?
Answer: Yes, after all, it was her request. I thanked her for her assistance. And that’s when she leaned forward and said, “Au revoir.” She whispered, “Until we meet again,” and touched my arm.
Author: Did you meet soon after?
Answer: You certainly know the entire story, but I avoided two dangers. One was the anarchists attempt to harm me. The second was the danger of a beautiful, high-spirited woman intent on flirtation or seduction. The latter intrigued me no end and represented a risk I would face with infinite pleasure. I determined that at another time, another place, I would find her again and demonstrate all the other things my lips and manly parts would do.
Author: Your Grace, I’m shocked that you would speak so.
Answer: I beg to differ with you, Mistress Masters. I can’t believe I did and said many of the things you wrote. You took great liberties with my persona in our book. You brought me out of the darkness of my personal life and gave me the desire to live and love again. There were those who never would believe me capable of such passionate utterings. They used to speak of me, under their breaths, as cold as ice with an even colder heart. The truth of the matter was that my heart needed resuscitation and my lady did an adequate job. Admittedly, you took a circuitous route, caused me great angst, pain, and suffering, but then I might not have appreciated Lady Samantha’s firebrand wit and courage. So I forgive you.
Author: For our readers’ sake, I’d like to say that you did reunite in Chapter Two. However, Lady Samantha Winston appeared to push all your ‘hot’ buttons much to your chagrin.
Answer: Yes, she did. I got the distinct impression you enjoyed every moment of my distress. We did meet at the ball later that evening, and I knew that my life would change forever because I saw the spitfire side of the lady and wanted to tame her indomitable spirit. I’ve always loved a challenge. Now, I suggest you go on to the next book because I want to savor the publication of our story. Feel free to join my lady and me in the library for a libation. I remember that you favor gin over brandy.
Author: Raven, you’re such a rogue. If I were to drink with you, I might have to write you in another book. You were one of the first dukes I created, but you gave me such a hard time because you were complicated in every way imaginable. Most of all, I liked your charming arrogance. I have created you out of the figment of my imagination. I hope I brought you justice. So, goodbye for now…oops, perhaps I should have said, “Au revoir. Until we meet again.”
Blurb: ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE
When a spirited woman disrupts the world of a duke who follows the rules, sparks fly, passions ignite and planets collide.
Reclusive, cold as ice, the politically powerful Raven, Duke of Ravensmere, denies love after the tragic deaths of his duchess and baby. He is bound by his vow never to allow love to enter his heart again. Samantha Winston permits him to seek refuge in her carriage in a time of need, and what started as a kiss in the name of safety, becomes something more pleasurable and not so safe after all. In spite of every caution, his interest escalates into unexpected desire.
Samantha, a young widow with a secret, irreverent and high-spirited, has constructed impenetrable walls against all men. When she and Raven meet again, strong wills clash. Political intrigues and a dreaded nemesis place his life at risk, and Samantha finds herself in a dire predicament. All the while, passion soars.
Can Samantha’s barriers fall with more kisses?
Can Raven be released from his deathbed vow?
Excerpt
“I do hope that none of the rakish kind will offer for my basket. Men do feel widows are fair game. I’m not sure how I would handle such rakes. I have insufficient experience, but I suppose I will have to learn.”
“My dear Samantha, do you expect me to believe that in these past three years, you haven’t encountered disreputable men?” He laughed, “I do believe you will have a sufficient amount of reputable young men who will bid on you and your picnic basket. After all, it’s for a good cause, isn’t it? But I do hope you will keep your conversation light, or you will suffer the young man to have indigestion or apoplexy.”
Impishly, she said, “I deserved that. I like your sense of humor. It’s also good to hear you laugh. We do battle well.” Perhaps he could be a man of consequence?
“Indeed, but I warn you, I have not started my retaliation. When one acquires an enemy, I don ‘t believe in keeping him or her closer; however, I might make an exception for you.”
“Oh, No, I’m not your enemy, Your Grace. Please don’t consider me as one.”
“Perhaps if you try hard, you can change my mind,” a small grin curled his lips.
“What would I have to do?” her large eyes implored.
“I leave that to your resourcefulness…and mine…under a starlit night with nothing but our naked imaginations.”
“Sweet heaven,” she muttered, cheeks crimson.
Buy Links: Amazon // Wild Rose Press // B&N // Kobo
A little about SANDRA MASTERS
From a humble beginning in Newark, New Jersey, a short stay at a convent in Morristown, NJ at the age of fourteen, retiring from a fantastic career for a play broadcasting company in Carlsbad, California, to the rural foothills of the Sierras of Yosemite National Park, Sandra traded in the Board Rooms for the Ballrooms of the Regency period and never looked back.
Sandra wrote her first book at the age of fifteen. Romance is at best a gift and her passion is the Regency period. Admittedly, she would prefer to be the sister of a duke or an earl…perhaps even a princess? Or the other endless possibilities of a widow. Hmmm.
As a lonely only child, she used to read fairy tales and now she writes them. She admits freely she’s an unapologetic story-teller.
Her debut novel was Once Upon a Duke, which received wide acceptance. She followed with Book Two, My Divinely Decadent Duke, a marriage-of-convenience story turned inconvenient when love and sensuality entered the equation.
Her third book, THORN, SON OF A DUKE, the prequel to her fourth book, THE DUKE’S MAGNIFICENT BASTARD is a 15,000-word teaser. She delineates Thorn’s younger days as a half-breed subject to the malice of rock throwing native boys. At the age of seventeen, his mother extracts a death-bed promise for him to sail the ocean to visit his father, the Duke of Althorn, who never knew of his existence. On the island of Barbados, it wasn’t the best of lives, but it was the only one he knew. Now, he was to face British aristocracy as the bastard son of a powerful, wealthy duke.
Book Four she lovingly calls “My Bastard” is a multi-cultural romance story of a young couple defeating all odds to have their love accepted.The gossamer thread of sensuality is woven through the tapestried story of their spicy, steamy romance. At times, the obstacles are daunting.
With Book Five in this series, ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE, she accomplished her life-long dream of publishing this story into a reality. What did it take? Cutting the too-long epic by 57,000 words was a prodigious task. She worked like a dervish so her Raven and Samantha could see the light of a publishing day. She gave them cameo appearances in each of her books so she wouldn’t forget that they begged to earn a place in the series. Seven years later, they made their long awaited debut.
For a new author, it’s been a whirlwind two years and it was nothing she expected, but everything she dreamed.
Book Six is a work-in-process and her writing takes a different path into a dark, brooding fantasy where supernatural powers assist in prolonging the adventures of The Blue-Eyed Black-Hearted Duke. What man could resist redemption from the beautiful ward of his, Miss Jaclyn? Possible release end of 2017.
Two months ago, Sandra broke her right dominant arm, so she is tested every day to manipulate fingers that used to fly across typewriter keys. Some days are good and others are not, but her grit and determination keep her going.
P.S. Sandra love bears of all sizes and shapes. However, she prefers to view the real life ones from afar.
You can find Sandra here:
AUTHOR: www.authorsandramasters.com
Amazon // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Website
Once in a while
In the middle of ordinary life
LOVE gives us a FAIRY TALE.
Peggy here: Sandra and Your Grace, it was an honor and a pleasure to visit with you today. Happy writing and travels!
Filed under Alpha Male, Author, Historical Romance, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor
Presenting…..#author Tena Stetler
One of my lovely and talented writing friends, TENA STETLER, has a new paranormal release — A WARLOCK’S SECRETS — and she’s visiting me today, along with one of her characters, Hannah Shaughnessy, to tell you a little about the book and how it came to be. I’ve got a few questions for these two, so sit back and let’s get to know them a little better. And stick around – Tena’s giving you a treat at the end…
Tena, tell us a little about writing this story. A Warlock’s Secrets was one of the hardest books to write. I write by the seat of my pants. Most characters come to me and boom, I know their name, and tell me their story. Tristian was a secondary character in A Demon’s Witch, and a difficult one at that. Who would ever imagine an enforcer/assassin would charm my readers and reviewers so much that they demand his story be written? Tristian taunted and tested me every step of the way. But I believe it’s one of my best novels yet. Hannah, aww… she gave him a run for his money, but it was worth every penny. LOL. The family and friends that surrounded them were the best. Looking back I had a lot of fun writing the story too.
But Hannah is here today to tell you a little bit about her.
Hannah Shaughnessy, meet Peggy Jaeger.
Hi Hannah, nice to meet you. How about telling us a little about the real you— I am a cyber security specialist. Came to the U.S., from Ireland to attend college, graduated early and was snapped up by a big cyber security firm. My family is close, and holds our guarded secret closer. I love my little cottage in Misty Harbor, Maine. On one of the worst days of my life, I stopped in a little diner and vented to the waitress I know there. This unbelievably hot man with intense blue-gray eyes, asked to join me. All I could do was nod, hoping the drool didn’t pool in the corners of my mouth. He was having a bad day too. We talked for hours. But his magic signature was disguised.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you? Being sucked into a world I didn’t know existed and danger that lurked there.
What was the hardest thing you ever had to do? Keep my relationship with Tristian a secret from my sister. She attended college over here too, she’s a park ranger and we’d always told each other everything. With Tristian, I couldn’t.
What do you most value? Family and trusted friends. I know it sounds cliché, but when danger finds you, family and friends are all you can trust to be there for you.
What type of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with? A confident man with a strong moral compass and a kind and compassionate heart.
What do you consider most important in life? Being true to yourself.
What is your biggest secret? Oh, now I can’t tell you that or it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. But I guarantee it’s a doozy. LOL
Who were the biggest role models in your life? My mom. She raised my sister and I, worked at the family pub, and knew when to let us try our wings at colleges in America. It was hard for her but she supported us and our dreams all the way.
What kind of man would you never choose? Until Tristian, I’d never fallen for a “bad boy type”. But… wow… did he fit that category.
What is your biggest fear? Losing someone close to me. Tristian’s profession is dangerous and can affect family and friends, though he does his best to protect us.
It was nice meeting you. But I gotta get going, I’m on my way to check out the new digs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the company I work for, Shadow Hawk Cyber.
A Warlock’s Secrets
Blurb:
Years ago, a sacred ceremony at the Dragon’s Moon Coven turned deadly. Son of the high priestess, Tristian Shandie’s life changed forever. With a price on his head and revenge in his heart, he has no choice but to follow in his father’s footsteps to a profession shrouded in secrets. Now his skills as an enforcer for the Demon Overlord are second to none. But dangerous secrets he harbors are a liability he can no longer afford.
A chance meeting with a woman he finds irresistible flips Tristian’s world upside down. Hannah is a cyber security specialist with secrets of her own. Bad boys never appealed to her until Tristian, who changes everything. In his darkest hours, she is dragged into his magical world.
If they survive, is she strong enough to heal his heart and tame the warlock? Or will their secrets destroy them?
Excerpt:
Inside the house, a shadow passed by the huge bay window. She held her breath. Am I really going to go through with this?
Walking up the steps to the house, she paused. Why would he leave such an expensive car sitting out when he had a four-car garage? She was stalling. Straightening her shoulder’s she used the brass doorknocker. There was no answer. She knocked again.
The heavy oak door creaked open. Tristian stood shirtless, his abs rippled as he raised one muscular arm to lean on the doorframe. The skintight blue jeans hung low on his hips and his hair tousled as if he’d not been awake long.
When he stared at her, with those huge blue-gray eyes, tingles careened up her spine. She covered her mouth in case drool pooled in the corners her mouth. He was one sexy male. She sucked in a breath and opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. A brow arched, he peered questioningly at her then twisted to glance backward into the house. The sunlight streaming through the doorway accentuated several scars across his chest, rib area and a healed slash across his back. Who gets those kinds of battle scars and lives to tell the tale? Not going to ask. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
The corner of his mouth curved up in an inviting sexy-as-hell grin. “Good morning, Hannah. What a surprise.”
Buy Links:
Amazon // Kobo // Barnes& Noble, // iTunes, / The Wild Rose Press
A little about Tena…
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle. Any 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. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them.
You can find Tena here:
Website // Author’s Secrets’ Blog // My Say What Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Amazon // Newsletter Signup // Pinterest // Tribber // BookBub // Instagram
Hannah and Tena, thanks so much for stopping by today. Much luck in all….your pursuits!
Filed under Alpha Hero, Alpha Male, Author, Romance, Romance Books, WIld Rose Press AUthor
A visit with Kat Doran and Keenan Rossi #CandyHeartsRomances
Today I am pleased to have fellow Candy Hearts author, Veronica Lynch, visiting. She’s brought Keenan Rossi, from For Keeps, with her. (By the way, For Keeps was recently awarded 5th place in the International Digital Awards contest out of Oklahoma Romance Writers. Placing 5th is a huge deal as the number of contest entries went into triple digits.)
Keenan Rossi. Yeah?
Sorry to interrupt your nap, Detective. We’d like to know a bit about For Keeps. Yeah, okay. I’m awake now and don’t mind talking about my Meggie [Meghan Muldoon], how we met and how, through events beyond my control, she decided to ‘keep me’.
What did you think the first time you saw Meg? It was at the beginning of the monthly Crime Stats meeting, where reps from all local law enforcement agencies meet to discuss crime trends and share information on like crimes. This tall, leggy redhead walked in and my tongue hit the floor—along with every other guy’s in the room. Then I dribbled hot coffee down the front of my shirt. Not a pretty picture.
What do you like most about her? She’s not intimidated by men who wield their power with a club—or other body parts located below their belt buckles. I don’t mean that she’s a ball buster, but she knows what she wants, how to get it and isn’t afraid to go for it.
Why do you think that is? She spent a lot of time with the US Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations. Not an easy road for a woman but she held her own among some pretty nasty situations.
How would you describe her? Smart, savvy and compassionate. With legs that go clear to her ear lobes.
How would Meghan describe you? Career-focused, intense, and if things don’t go my way I tend to get grouchy. Truth be told, I haven’t pouted in at least five days.
What made you choose law enforcement for a career? Like Meggie, I spent a few years with the military though I was a lowly MP. After I mustered out of the service, police work seemed like the natural course. I’ve never regretted the choice.
Who is your favorite fictional character and why? My current terrific three are Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, both written by John Sandford, and Walt Longmire, created by Craig Johnson. I like Davenport’s humor and wouldn’t mind having some of his money [he’s the richest cop in Minnesota]. I envy Virgil’s easy manner with women. And I appreciate Walt’s commitment to the community. Wish he’d find a woman though. Bad thing when a man spends his golden years alone because he’s too damn stubborn to do something about it.
Last question, Keenan: when you want to romance Meg, what do you do? That’s an easy one: I turn on “Heavenly”, her favorite Johnny Mathis CD, pour her a big glass of Merlot and drop a couple dozen yellow roses in her lap. Watch out.
What a softy. Anything else you’d care to add for our visitors? The powers that be at Wild Rose Press tell me For Keeps is on sale, 40% off, at the TWRP bookstore from now through Valentine’s Day. Be there, folks. This one’s got a pisser of an ending. Heh heh.
Now, we have a few questions for Veronica. What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? As a teenager I read Mila 18 by Leon Uris and was so touched, I checked Exodus out of the school library. In my adult years, Mr. Uris continued to affect me with QB VII, Trinity and Redemption. They knocked my socks off.
As for movies, I have an eclectic list: Miracle; Steel Magnolias; The Official Story [this is about the consequences of Argentina’s Dirty War]; Defiance; The Stoning of Soraya M; Major League and Veronica Guerin. More recently, last year’s Oscar winner, Spotlight, kept me riveted.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the story? For more years than I can count I was closely involved with our local rape advocacy program. Forming effective, positive working relationships with police officers was often like patrolling the DMZ, watching my back and keeping an eye out for land mines. It was. . . the best of times—but for many reasons, not the most healthy for me personally. The phone call between Keenan and Meg early on in the story really happened, minus the sexual innuendos. I still get a smile on my face when I think about the cop who scared himself.
Tell us a bit about your publisher. I have been associated with The Wild Rose Press almost since its inception. I was previously published by Wings Press. After I saw the way editors at TWRP operate, I obtained the rights to the books I had with Wings and brought them over to TWRP. I’ve never regretted the move. I have a great editor, Nicole D’Arienzo, who knows the ins and outs of good editing. I appreciate her insight and ideas for making my writing stronger.
What project[s] are you working on now? Writing as Kat Henry Doran, I was honored to be part of the Maine Romance Writers anthology, Welcome to Serenity Harbor with my romantic novella It Had To Be You. I hope to be involved with the second edition. The first line is already committed to paper: “I’m pregnant.”
What are you reading right now? Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine n Mayhem at America’s Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky. It’s fascinating.
What’s up next for you? Writing as Kat Henry Doran, I’m working with six indie authors on an anthology of stories set in and around a resort-casino in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls New York area. This is going to be a lot of fun to pull off.
Blurb:
Meghan Muldoon is at a cross-roads in her life: struggling to balance the demands of a high stress vocation as an advocate for victims of violence with her feelings for Keenan Rossi, a man who wants to make their relationship permanent.
On Valentine’s Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually—or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.
Which one is For Keeps?
EXCERPT
“Crime Victim Services. How may I help you?”
The caller’s voice was low, husky, and exquisitely male. “Do you know the difference between a barracuda and a victim advocate?”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Lip gloss.”
“Well damn,” Kee muttered. “You already heard it.”
“An oldie but a goodie, pal.”
“Aren’t we all. How you doin’ on this gorgeous February day, gorgeous?”
Bringing his handsome face to mind took no great effort. They had worked together for more years than either cared to count. When the relationship progressed beyond professional Meg felt they should keep things under the radar. At first Keenan agreed, claiming he wasn’t in the mood tor any crap from his peers about exploring his feminine side. But after a while he began to push for something more permanent. And she wasn’t so sure she was ready for that, especially marriage. Meg liked being able to come and go as she pleased, responsible only to herself, and for herself.
Even though she heard the tease in his voice now, she was still smarting from last night so proceeded with caution. “Not too bad. How’s by you?”
“Lemme tell you, cara. If I was any better, I’d scare myself.”
To learn more about Veronica Lynch and Kat Henry Doran and the stories they create, go to:
www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com
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To purchase For Keeps, [on sale] go to:
Peggy Jaeger, Author 