Friday, May 31, 2013

The Tree of Jesse

Today's special guest is J.R. Mattison, who started her career in Chicago appearing on television and radio.    She founded founded Cheshire Smile Productions, bringing to life and penning her first feature film FISH WITHOUT A BICYCLE, a festival winning coming of age comedy which was directed by Brian Austin Green.   “Fish” is now available on Netflix. Mattison also wrote Cheshire’s second release THE THIRD WISH now available at Blockbuster and distributed by the Hallmark Channel.

Lionsgate’s FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, based on a true story of Jewish gangsters set in the 1970’s starring James Caan, Paul Sorvino, Edward Furlong and Jeffrey Tambor was also produced and written by Mattison. 

Most recently Jenna has written a TV movie called COMMITTED, which wrapped production this spring to premiere on television this fall. Her novel The Tree Of Jesse is a romantic religious thriller and will be released this spring, available worldwide. Mattison wrote the book while recovering from a traumatic injury and says that the novel, “wrote itself”, with historical facts just begging to be included. “I didn’t write this…it came from somewhere else. Somewhere good. Somewhere pure.”


ABOUT THE BOOK

On a lonely strip of Death Valley a failing musician awakens to an intriguing new life. One filled with ancient languages, a hidden identity, and the woman who holds the key to his destiny...his connection to the lost pages of the Dead Sea Scrolls. But there are those who want to keep the secrets buried...and will stop at nothing to keep the prophecy from unfolding.



AN EXCERPT

The full moon never ceases to amaze me no matter how many times I see it. Lately I feel more connected to it. Like its force is pulling me towards something.

Towards a life that I’ve lived before.

Deja vu.

I stand awed by it’s glow as she turns into her long gravel drive way; I’m surprised that old Jeep makes it up the mountain. Never understood why they call this place Lone Pine. There are pine trees everywhere.

As she dips her boot clad foot out the car door I realize that the way she moves has grown familiar to me. That her essence has become tattooed on the recesses of my mind in ways I couldn’t have imagined possible. And that I can’t imagine a day without seeing her run those long fingers thru her hair or watch her light up one of those thin brown cigarettes. And just then I suddenly see myself clearly. I’ve become the kind of man that watches what he can never have. That lingers too long in alleyways waiting to catch a glimpse.

Someone frightening and grotesque.

I’ve become less than good for nothing, just like my father always said I would. I’ve become a monster who stalks in the night.

I have to stop this.

I turn on my heel and race into the woods as fast as my legs will take me, never looking back.



LEAVE A COMMENT - AND WIN A PRIZE!

J.R. will be awarding one digital copy of The Tree of Jesse to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:








Thursday, May 30, 2013

Daddy's Girl

Today's special guest is J.M. Kelley. Three years ago, native Pennsylvanian J.M. packed her bags and moved south. Now, the wannabe Carolina Girl can’t speak a single sentence without adding the word y’all at the end of it, and regards a blast of snow flurries as a doomsday-level event.  When the day job allows, and when she can pull herself away from George Takei’s Facebook fanpage, she likes to go on writing jaunts to her favorite lake, or a local coffee shop with delicious shakes and questionable Wi-Fi connections.

J.M. Kelley is a proud recipient of a Carrie McCray Memorial Literary award, and is a member of The South Carolina Writers Workshop and Romance Writers of America (PAN). Readers interested in more information may visit her website at www.jmkelleywrites.com.


AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

How did you get the idea for Daddy's Girl?

The plot for Daddy’s Girl was very much inspired by real life: I lost my own father to cancer in 2007, and after I began writing again, I knew I wanted to pay my respects to him, somehow. I could never use the actual journey we went on as a family dealing with his illness, but it certainly served as a foundation on which to build a fictional story. Joe McGee certainly bears a trait or two in common with my own Daddy.

Was the character of David Harris inspired by someone you know in real life?

David is a mish-mash of several men I’ve known in my life, but he isn’t based on any one person. I picked a trait from this person, a habit from that person, and mixed it all together until I created the perfect (at least, in my mind) geeky hero.

Was it difficult to straddle the line between a burgeoning romance and the illness of Joe McGee? How did you get in the right frame of mind for a scene that was romantic versus the sadness of a loved one dying?

It was absolutely a difficult task, balancing the two extremes. The most important thing, in my mind, was to ensure that David and Janie’s feelings were true, despite the strained environment in which those feelings were born. Joe’s situation is an eye-opener, and a strong reminder of the fragility and shortness of life. It creates purity, a rawness, to their emotional connection.

It was tough getting into the right frame of mind for any scene in this story involving Joe. Naturally, because of my own father, so much of it hit close to home that I often had to step away and breathe. It was necessary, though, to focus on striking a proper balance in themes. The story isn’t really about death. It’s about family and friendship, and finding hope and love in even the bleakest situations.

What inspires you?

Everything around me. A person’s way of speaking may appeal to me and I’ll make a mental note. The way people carry themselves, expressions on their faces, an oddball situation taking place in public…everything is inspiration and potential fodder for future writing.

What types of books do you read?

I could never narrow down my tastes to a few sentences. I think, regardless of genre, if it’s a truly well-written and engaging story, I will enjoy reading it. I try not to discriminate, because I could miss something fabulous, otherwise.

What's next for you and your writing?

I am putting the finishing touches on a paranormal romance, Almost Magic, due out in June, from Turquoise Morning Press, and I am working on a contemporary romance that is scheduled for release in May of 2014, also from TMP. Other idea nuggets are lurking in my brain, so I should be quite busy for the foreseeable future.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes, returning home isn’t about confronting your past; it’s about discovering your future.

Janie McGee, the black sheep of her family, is free-spirited, uninhibited, and never one to stay in the same place for too long. When Janie learns her father, Joe, is gravely ill, she reluctantly returns home to rural Pennsylvania to care for him. Joe’s neighbor, David Harris, sports a pocket protector, collects coins, and is addicted to Antiques Roadshow. Everything about him rubs Janie the wrong way, from his nerdy wardrobe to his enviable friendship with Joe. And to make matters worse, her father thinks they’re perfect for each other, proof positive of how little Joe knows his own daughter…or so Janie thinks.

A shared devotion to the elder McGee begins to close the gulf between Janie and David, but a burgeoning romance opens the door to new problems and unexpected consequences neither could foresee. Joe, however, remains steadfast in his resolve to show Janie that Daddy knows what’s best for his little girl. Can Janie finally open her heart to David while watching the first man she ever truly loved fade away?
 

AN EXCERPT

Before he even opened the door, David knew something was off. Late night visitors, in his experience, rarely brought good news. When the visitor turned out to be Janie, his heart leapt into his throat. “Janie,” he said when he threw open the door. “What’s wrong? Is Joe okay?”

“Yeah. He’s fine.” Relief hit him so hard he took a step back and leaned against the doorjamb.

“You scared me.”

“I didn’t mean to.” Janie rubbed her hands up and down her arms and looked over her shoulder. “It’s cold out here. Mind if I come in?”

“Oh. Right.” David gestured for Janie to enter. “Come inside.” He followed when she slid past him and walked into the living room.

“It’s late.” As if she needed to tell him. The atomic clock on the wall, a Christmas gift from his mother, showed the time at almost two in the morning. Janie stood in the middle of the room and focused her gaze on the bookcase in the corner. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“I was reading. A little too wired to sleep, I guess.” David moved up behind her and raised a tentative hand to her shoulder. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”

The sound of his voice jolted her out of her thoughts and she jerked her head toward him. Her movements were stunted. Wooden. “Ever have one of those moments when you’re convinced you may float away, and no matter what you do, you can’t keep yourself grounded? And you need to hang on tight to something until the sensation passes?”

Whatever was going on, he thought, she was not in a good place. David gently spun Janie toward him and gazed at her. “Tell me what you need from me.”

Janie closed her eyes and lowered her forehead to David’s shoulder. “Ground me, David,” she whispered and laid her hand on his chest.


LEAVE A COMMENT - AND WIN A PRIZE!


J.M. will be awarding a gift basket of some of the author's favorite things, including a $25 gift card from Amazon and a signed copy of the Foreign Affairs anthology from Turquoise Morning Press to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-tour-daddys-girl-by-jm.html


Daddy’s Girl purchase links:

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Perfect Duke

Today's special guest is Dawn Ireland. “Once Upon a Time” are four of Dawn’s favorite words. Her love of story became a love of romance when she read Georgette Heyer’s, Devil’s Cub. It inspired her to write stories with strong characters that discover love is never easy, but always worthwhile. Dawn’s written several award-winning novels set in Georgian England – an era filled with rules and intrigue. Her characters often defy “Society” as they pursue love, run away, pursue, run away – well, you get the idea.  

Then again, she might write romance in order to do the research. What other profession encourages you to sit in the audience at Harlequin’s Male Model search, and take notes, or just sigh?

Dawn lives in a Victorian home in Upstate New York with her husband and very independent cats. When she’s not writing, she’s singing, gardening, learning to play the harp or wood carving. If you’d like to learn more about Dawn and her novels, go to her website at www.dawn-ireland.com.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke.  Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important.

Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart, that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder? 

 
AN EXCERPT

Cara noted the tightening around the duke’s mouth and thought she may have gone too far. “I’m sure your behavior is exemplary. For a duke.”

“But?” He tilted his head slightly, one winged brow raised.

“If you expect your niece to like you, then stop treating her as if she doesn’t exist, or worse yet is a servant in this house.” She moved to within a foot of him. “Do you know anything about her?”

The duke’s gaze darkened with an emotion she didn’t recognize. He lifted his hand in slow increments until he cupped her cheek, as if compelled by a force beyond his control. His thumb rubbed feathery strokes at the corner of her mouth. “I admit to a certain amount of ignorance.” His voice dropped to silky persuasion. “Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

She couldn’t breathe. His voice washed over her like dark velvet. Her heart pounded and she had the absurd impulse to step forward, eliminating the space between them. What would he think of her boldness?

Instead, she closed her eyes and turned her face into the warmth of his hand. The moment felt magical, as if his touch awakened her.

When she dared a glance at him, he shook his head as if he didn’t understand what had just happened, then dropped his hand. The moment faded, leaving her empty and confused. What she wouldn’t give to be able to disappear like the fairies in her stories.


LEAVE A COMMENT - AND WIN A PRIZE!

One randomly chosen commenter will receive a $20 Amazon gift card from Dawn Ireland.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/super-book-blast-perfect-duke-by-dawn.html

LINKS:

facebook

The Perfect Duke
ASIN: B00BT0NGOC

Monday, May 27, 2013

How I Got Him to Marry Me

Today's special guest is Cherise Kelley. Here's an interesting fact about herself in her own words:


When Scott asked me to be his girlfriend, I surprised him by saying, "No." We were on the phone, as we were every night. I could tell he was hurt, but since we were on the phone and not together in person, we had to talk, and that was a good thing.

I explained, "I'm 30 years old. I've already had the last boyfriend I am ever going to have. In the future, I am going to have a husband, not a boyfriend."

He surprised me by taking this in stride. "I understand," he said. "You do realize I am in the Navy and all that entails?"

"I was born in the Navy!" This was true. My dad was in the Navy.

Four months later, he took me on a date to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle.

He passed me a little black velvet box under the table, and whispered:

"Babe, will you marry me?"

"Do you mean it?"

Yes, that's what I said. Not very romantic, was I?


ABOUT THE BOOK

He likes it. Now get him to put a ring on it!

Learn from these 50 stories of women who have been there!

Sandy's boyfriend Jack wouldn't even bring up the 'm word'. She started leaving her things in his apartment, including some tampons in his bathroom. It worked! Too off guard to make excuses like "Living together is just as good as being married," Jack said, "People will start to think you're my wife!" "Well, how about it?" Sandy asked Jack.

Crystal got Paul to skip just living together by refusing to move across the country until she had a marriage license, signed and dated.

Read these full stories plus 48 more, ranging from the heartwarming to the hilarious!

You don't have to interview 50 married women to find out how they managed to get that ring on their finger. The author has done that for you. All 50 were married after 1990, so this is modern information for our changing times. Read and find out how you can get him to marry you and not just live together!



AN EXCERPT

"He was smart, too: a mechanical engineering major who got straight A's almost effortlessly. But what really attracted me to him was his sweet personality. You haven't lived until a boy a year older than you constantly refers to you as "Ma'am." The poor country boy was so nervous around women; he had no idea what a prize specimen he was.

Anyway, I never thought that this shy, sweet hunk would ever ask me out. But that certainly wasn't going to prevent me from flirting with him. What can I say? I was seventeen and single, and he was eighteen and hot. I always arrived early to our first-period English class just so we would have a few minutes to talk.

Unbeknownst to me, he thought I was a nice, sweet girl and wanted to ask me to go with him to a college event. But by midterms, he still hadn't mustered up the courage.

There was nothing I could do to make him ask me out. I was old-fashioned, and if we were meant to be, I wanted the man to be the one to ask. Since I am married to the man, you know that he eventually did. Three weeks before the end of the semester, he practically knocked me off my chair by asking me to go with him to the Thanksgiving play that the school put on every year.

Our relationship moved pretty slow for the next few years. We were still young, and in college, so neither of us was in a big hurry.

At first."


CONTACT THE AUTHOR - AND WIN A PRIZE!

Cherise will be awarding a $25 Amazon or BN.com gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-tour-how-i-got-him-to.html

LINKS:

Amazon.com      

Barnes and Noble        

Kobo


Cherise Kelley's Goodreads Profile


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Spirit of the Revolution

Today's special guest is Debbie Peterson. Debbie has always had a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. Stories of love and make believe filled her head for as long as she can remember. However, it was her beloved husband who encouraged, cajoled and inspired her to take up a pen and write some of them down.

Her journey to published author could fill quite a few pages, but in June of 2010, she submitted her debut novel, Spirit of the Rebellion to her wonderful, patient editor at The Wild Rose Press. A few short months after Rebellion’s release, her second novel, Shadow of the Witte Wieven was published through InkSpell Publishing. Her third novel, Spirit of the Revolution will be released May 31, 2013, through The Wild Rose Press.

When she’s not busy conjuring her latest novel, Debbie spends time with the members of her very large family. She also pursues her interests in family history, mythology, and all things ancient and historic.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Only divine intervention could have guided Jolena Leigh Michaelsson to the doorstep of a ramshackle manor in Pennsylvania, bringing her face-to-face with the man she has waited her whole life to find. There is just one problem. Mathias McGregor died two centuries ago…

Mathias, Revolutionary War ranger and spy, battles his conscience and his heart when he finds himself falling for the beautiful violinist invading his home. Jolena is mortal and deserves far more than what he as a spirit can offer her.

When Jolena’s family motto leads them to unearth a valuable coded message—the very message Mathias died trying to deliver to General Washington—Jolena vows to unravel the mystery surrounding the cryptic document. But someone else wants the message, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it, not even murder.

Divine intervention brought them together—will it also allow them to find forever?



AN EXCERPT

“I’ll call the exterminator, post haste, I promise. I love you and I’ll talk to you later. Bye for now.” Jo still wore a smile as she hung up the phone.

“You needn’t call anyone. There’s no vermin in the house.”

Jo looked up, yet remained quite still while her hand rested atop the phone. She couldn’t possibly have imagined the voice. Not this time. But where in the world did it come from? Once again, her gaze meandered around the room.

Just take a moment and think about the unexplained incidents you have observed. What about the celebration taking place in the parlor? You did witness part of that celebration, did you not? the voice inside her head whispered.

Flashes of memory swirled through her mind and she dismissed them at once. Perhaps she ate something disagreeable that night and it culminated in a most peculiar dream.

There’s more to consider, what about the dog—



LEAVE A COMMENT FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE!

Debbie will be awarding a custom made piece of jewelery to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. This necklace called "The Jolena" was designed especially for this giveaway by "Shandra Kay."

She will also award an Ebook copy of "Shadow of the Witte Wieven." The winner will have the choice of selecting a Mobi, epub or PDF copy of this book.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:


Connect with Debbie:






Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Cracked Slipper

Today's special guest is Stephanie Alexander. Stephanie grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, the oldest of three children. Drawing, writing stories, and harassing her parents for a pony consumed much of her childhood. After graduating from high school in 1995 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the College of Charleston, South Carolina. She returned to Washington, DC, where she followed a long-time fascination with sociopolitical structures and women’s issues to a Master of Arts in Sociology from the American University. She spent several years as a Policy Associate at the International Center for Research on Women, a think-tank focused on women’s health and economic advancement.

Stephanie embraced full-time motherhood after the birth of the first of her three children in 2003. After six wonderful years buried in diapers and picture books she returned to her childhood passion and wrote her own fairytale. Her family put down permanent southern roots in Charleston in 2011. Stephanie is an adjunct professor of Sociology at the College of Charleston.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Eleanor Brice unexpectedly wins the heart of Gregory Desmarais, Crown Prince of Cartheigh, she's sure she's found her happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, Prince Charming has a loose grip on his temper, a looser grip on his marriage vows, and a tight grip on the bottle.

Eight years of mistreatment, isolation and clandestine book learning hardly prepare Eleanor for life at Eclatant Palace, where women are seen, not heard. According to Eleanor's eavesdropping parrot, no one at court appreciates her unladylike tendency to voice her opinion. To make matter worse, her royal fiancƩ spends his last night of bachelorhood on a drunken whoring spree. Before the ink dries on her marriage proclamation Eleanor realizes that she loves her husband's best friend, former soldier Dorian Finley.

Eleanor can't resist Dorian's honesty, or his unusual admiration for her intelligence, and soon both are caught in a dangerous obsession. She drowns her confusion in charitable endeavors, but the people's love can't protect her from her feelings. When a magical crime endangers the bond between unicorns, dragons, and the royal family, a falsely accused Eleanor must clear her own name to save her life. The road toward vindication will force a choice between hard-won security and an impossible love.

The Cracked Slipper is a book club friendly fairytale retelling in the vein of Gregory Maguire, with a dash of romance. Set in a pseudo-renaissance, corset-and-petticoats enchanted kingdom, The Cracked Slipper brings a magical twist to women's fiction.

AN EXCERPT

Their host, Sir Robert Smithwick, rose and gave a toast to the health of his nephew. Other speeches followed, each more suggestive than the next. She laughed out loud when Dorian subtly mocked Brian’s inability to hold his liquor. Gregory spoke last, and gave a surprisingly thoughtful salute to his cousin. She patted his arm when he sat, and he gave her a tentative smile.

As everyone returned to their venison and cliff shrimp Eleanor's stepmother tapped her goblet. Mother Imogene rose and lifted the cup. “I must ask you to pause for just one more moment,” she said. “I have another announcement.”

“My darling,” she said to Sylvia. “We’ve all so enjoyed your hospitality this summer. But now my daughter must remember herself, and rest, for with the winter will arrive a future duke! Our dear Sylvia is expecting!”

The guests applauded, congratulating Imogene and Sylvia. Sylvia gazed demurely in her lap, as if embarrassed by the association with procreation. As for the expectant father, he was nowhere to be seen. His wife’s entertaining had proved too much for him, and the duke returned to Harveston for some peace.

Eleanor glanced down the table. Anne Iris retched into her cup, but it was Dorian’s calm face that inspired her. She stood and the room quieted. “My dear sister,” she said. “Let me extend my good wishes.”

Sylvia’s simpering went rigid.

“I will say, Sylvia always had a flair for the dramatic when we were children. Who knew you would entertain so many with your widely varied talents? While I have recently been ill, I’ve heard you neglect no one, from the loftiest lord to the most common stable hand. We are so fortunate there is one among us who gives so generously of herself to others. It’s no wonder His Grace, your husband, took his leave. It must be difficult to share you with so many.”

Imogene’s eyes bulged and her nostrils flared, while Sylvia gave an uncertain twitter. Eleanor looked at Dorian again. He winked.

“So I salute you, Your Grace,” she said.“May your child look just like you. Just as lovely.”

The guests applauded, all the while hiding their smirks and chuckles in their goblets and napkins. Eleanor sat down. This time Gregory touched her arm. “Well played,” he said.


LEAVE A COMMENT - AND WIN A PRIZE!

Stephanie will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:


LINKS:




twitter: @crackedslipper

Monday, May 20, 2013

Highlander's Hope

Today's special guest is Collette Cameron. A life-long Oregonian, Collette was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and going on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc.

Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading.


AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Thank you for joining us at Book 'Em North Carolina today, Collette!

Thanks you so much for hosting me today!

What draws you to the setting of the United Kingdom and the Highlands in your book?

Perhaps it’s because I’ve visited the United Kingdom, or maybe it’s my Scottish ancestry…I’ve always adored anything related to the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian eras as well as historicals set in the highlands.

To me there’s something intrinsically romantic about England and Scotland. I can tap into the history, culture, and customs of the early 1800s as if they occurred yesterday. The Regency era was tumultuous, as was Scotland history around that same period. It was a time of tremendous transition and change, and the historian and idealist in me finds that very appealing.

Romance has grown to encompass everything from leaving the reader at the bedroom door to erotica. How would you describe your style, and how did you determine how far to go in your romantic scenes?

Regency is typically sweet … Highlander’s not so much.  Highlander’s Hope” is mildly sensual (My auntie wouldn’t agree!). I have compared the heat level to a zesty salsa with jalapeƱos. There’s a bit of zip to enhance the reading experience and make it exciting, but it’s not as bland as a green pepper (sweet) or as hot as a habanera (erotica).

Originally, there were several more intimate scenes, and they were more explicit then those in the final version. With an eye geared toward the typical Regency era reader, I toned down the heat level. I know there are those that would argue that to be a true Regency, everything should be left at the bedroom door, but a traditional Regency typically only takes place in England too.

With half the story playing out in Scotland, I allowed myself a bit of leeway and upgraded the sensuality.

I love the cover of your book. Do you have any input as to the cover design, or does your publisher handle all those details and surprise you?

I love the cover too!

I completed a cover-art form that allowed me to make suggestions about what I would like to see on the cover and what I didn’t want to see on it. I wanted a castle if possible, and I wanted something royal or cobalt blue because my branding is Blue Rose Romance. I also was a stickler that the cover models had to look like my characters.

They absolutely do!

I give all the credit to my cover designer for so closely matching the models to the character descriptions I gave her.

What advice would you give to new authors?

Create your best possible story. If you don’t have critique partners, get some. Educate yourself about the industry. Read books on writing craft, and attend workshops and classes. Learn the jargon. Brush up on your grammar and convention skills.

Learn to glean what you can to strengthen your craft from all of the above, but don’t feel like you have to mold yourself into a cookie-cutter writer.  Sure, you need to know what publishers are looking for in your genre (Do some reading!) but keep your voice your own.

There are a myriad of writing and author groups on social media. Connect with some of them. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn.


What's next for you?

I just contracted the second book in this trilogy, “The Viscount’s Vow” and I’m working on the final book, “The Earl’s Enticement.”

The Viscount’s Vow” is story about a half-Romani noblewoman and a viscount. Evangline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton could love—an immoral wanton responsible for his father’s and brother’s deaths. Vangie thinks Lord Warrick is a foul-tempered blackguard who deliberately set out to cause her downfall, and found himself snared in his own trap. 

The Earl’s Enticement” features Adaira (Addy) Ferguson, an outspoken Scottish aristocrat who cares more for horses than she does society’s conventions. She wears breeches, swears, and mistaking him for his blackguard brother, abducts Roark (Rory) Marquardt, The Earl of Clarendon. Both characters have secrets they’d rather stay in the past.

After the trilogy is done, I’ve a single title I want to write, and then a six book highland saga based on characters in my Blue Rose Trilogy.

Thanks again, for allowing be to be a guest today. This has been so fun!

 
ABOUT THE BOOK

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, the Viscount Sethwick, hasn't dreamed of the beauty he danced with two years ago. He's determined to win her heart and make her his own. Heiress, Yvette Stapleton, is certain of one thing; marriage is risky and, therefore, to be avoided. At first, she doesn't recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London's docks, but Lord Sethwick's passionate kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, Ewan draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish law, declaring her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony. Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, "I do." Will Ewan's manipulation cost him her newfound love?   



AN EXCERPT

Ewan jolted awake. “Merde.”

He had fallen asleep with Yvette in his arms. Shooting a worried glance at the window, he recognized the first golden blush of daybreak sweeping across the hazy sky.

Sucking in a strangled breath, he grasped the inexperienced hand fondling him. Blast it. The towel had come loose while he slept, of course.

“Yvette,” he whispered as she showered kisses across his bare chest and neck. Grasping her roaming hands, he ensnared her in his embrace, and raised his voice. “Yvette, wake up.”

He gave her a gentle shake. Dark lashes trembled, rising to reveal drowsy eyes. A smile lit her face when her gaze met his. She lifted her hand, caressing his face, her fingers lingering on his scar before she raised herself up and kissed the mark. Caught up in the powerful spell, he almost forgot himself. He fought the urge to throw reason to the wind and kiss her with all the desire he was holding in check. “Yvette. . .”

Ewan knew the moment she awoke. He felt her stiffen in his arms and heard her small cry of shocked dismay. She pressed at his chest with both hands. He released her and watched her scramble across the bed. She stopped in the middle, facing him. Her hair swirled around her, settling in shimmering waves about her hips.

Dawn’s glow lit the room. He could see her expressions. Shock—followed by confusion, then complete horror as she realized the full scope of her situation.
 

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