The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Release Day for Passion's Flight! Want a Copy?

It's been almost a year since the first book released and finally the second book is out. I've heard from some of you through the year asking when it was due out. Well, the wait is over. You can get it right now for 15% off at Evernight Publishing's site.

Blurb:
Tegan Murin has his hands full these days. Feral attacks are increasing, targeting humans, and now he is ordered to find and destroy a deadly artifact known as Oman’s Seal, deal with his estranged step-father and find a missing archaeologist. He’s a bit irritable. Add into the mix a recurring dream of one sexy seductress leading him to his death… well, you get one very pissed off were-panther.
Kyra Navarone is more than what she seems. Escaping from the Ferals who captured her, she ends up running into a brooding, irritating man who makes her blood run hot just with one look. Her life depends on the betrayal of this compelling man, but how can she live with herself afterward?
More than their lives hang in the balance. In order to survive they must learn to trust one another before the world they know and the one hidden beneath the waves are destroyed forever.

For the next week I will be holding TWO contests for you to win a copy of Passion's Flight. To enter just leave me a comment on Pick Me Up Monday -Passion's Flight First Look
Also on Friday March 9th, celebrate my Birthday with me at The Romance Reviews Chat Forum
I will be chatting with readers, giving excerpts of my latest release and someone will walk away with a $15.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Good Luck and Happy Reading

Shannan

Monday, February 27, 2012

Pick Me Up Monday - First Peak at Passion's Flight


Happy Monday All

I sure would love to help the guy out here. Who has the soap?


Hope everyone had a great weekend, I've been busy, busy, busy! Finishing off the second story in the Knights of Excalibur series and starting on the third Dark Breed Novel along with working two other novels. I have lots planned this week first off I would like to congratulate the winner of the Naughty After Dark Blog Hop. Anne won a copy of Dark Passion Rising. Congratulations Anne and happy reading.
My Author Spotlight shines on Tracey Kitts this Thursday and starting March 1st I am on a month long promotion with The Romance Reviews 1st year Anniversary Party. It's a month filled with giveaways and I will be doing a live chat. So as soon as I have the date I'll let you all know so you can come by and visit with me, learn what my favorite food is, how Dark Breeds came about and little insides on the characters quirks, likes and dislikes.

After seven long grueling months and doing edits despite emergency surgery and recovery I am excited to bring you Passion's Flight. My second book in the Dark Breed series is releasing on February 29th through Evernight Publishing and as promised I am unveiling the first look at the book right here.
**Plus I will be giving away a copy of the book to one person who leaves me a comment my blog. The winner will be picked through Random Number. Org and will be picked on Wednesday March 7th.**

BLURB:
With Ferals attacking the human populace in greater numbers than ever before, Tegan Murin has his hands full these days. When he is ordered to find and destroy a deadly artifact known as Oman’s Seal, deal with his estranged step-father and find a missing archeologist. He’s a bit irritable. Add into the mix a recurring dream of one sexy seductress leading him to his death… well, you get one very pissed off were-panther.
Kyra Navarone is an archaeologist who is more than what she seems. Escaping from the ferals who captured her, she ends up running into the brooding, irritating man who makes her blood run hot just with one look. Her life depends on the betrayal of this compelling man, but how can she live with herself afterward?
With Ferals, An Atlantean Tracker and Lucien closing in on them, they are running out of time, Tegan and Kyra must learn to trust each other in order survive. More hangs in the balance than their lives. Their actions could very well spell the end of everything for not just their world, but the world hidden beneath the waves as well.
TEASER:
   His gaze caught once again on her face as she stopped at arm’s length away from him. Her eyes, he noted slanted up at an exotic angle enhancing a heart shaped face. Her nose was small, straight with a small upturn at the tip and her lips, Gods those lips were made for a man to kiss! Full and pale pink, he had the sudden urge to see if they were as soft and lush as they looked.
“You are different from the others,” she stated it as fact in a husky voice, filling his mind with all kinds of lecherous ideas.
“Yeah, I’ve been accused of that before,” he replied giving her a slow smile.
Her arched brows angled down in a frown. “No, I mean I think you are here for me.”
“Any other time, sweetheart, but this is hardly the place for a conversation. We need to get out of here fast before some real bad guys come back here.”
“Yes, it is not safe here. You must go,” she agreed turning to head back into the forest.
He quickly grabbed her arm turning her to face him. “Whoa there, no way am I leaving you alone, lady. Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
She pulled back from him. Her voice brushed over him like velvet, yet her words rang with steel. “I am quite capable of taking care of myself. Just get out of here now. I will not be the cause of more deaths.”
“I know how to handle myself, so don’t worry your pretty little head about it,” he purred, giving her his best seductive smile.
He watched those gorgeous eyes narrow with irritation at him. “My pretty little head? You just didn’t say that to me did you? Of course you didn’t. Because if you did that would mean I was dealing with a real imbecile. No, I take that back. I would be talking to a chauvinistic, egomaniacal jerk who had the IQ of a rock.”
“Wow, a rock huh?” His eyes narrowed, all thoughts sexual dissolving in an instant, “Who the hell are you, lady?” He felt his temper rise, never a good sign when his cat prowled just under his skin.. “I’ve been called worse things in my life, and though I would love to stand here and argue with you, I just don’t have that kind of time, so if you don’t mind, move your ass.”
“I have never met a more disagreeable person in all of my life,” she huffed.
“That life will be very short and painful if we don’t get the hell out of her. Now!”
“I just so happen to know this area very well and I don’t need to be saved,” she snapped back at his abruptness. Moving swiftly away from the burning bodies and out to the main path. They walked for some time in a strained silence stretching between them, tension thickening with every step until she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Are you always this… exasperating?”
“Baby, that’s my middle name,” he drawled. “Now get that pretty little ass moving.”
“Do you have to use such base language? Honestly, it shows a lack of intelligence.” she grumbled as he marched her out of the settlement to a small overgrown trail.
“Didn’t your mama ever tell you it’s dangerous to judge a book by its cover? It may just take your head off,” he advised dryly picking up the pace. “By the way, do you have a name or should I just call you pain in the ass?”
“Anyone ever tell you you’re a jerk?”
“Every minute of every day.” He chuckled. “Your name?”
She huffed out an irritated breath. “I am Doctor Navarone, Kyra to my friends, which by the way you are not.”

Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you.




Friday, February 24, 2012

FLIRTING WITH LOVE: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ROMANCE BLOG HOP TOUR



FLIRTING WITH LOVE: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ROMANCE BLOG HOP TOUR
FEBRUARY 24TH - 26TH





Valentine's Day may be over but love is still in the air all this month. For this blog hop I am giving away not one but TWO PDF copies of the following books:
Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel
Beloved Wizard: Knights of Excalibur One
To enter please leave a comment on my blog. Though not nessasary you can also like my Author page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.



Blurb:
Tambra Ellis has just had her world turned upside down! Surviving a bite from a Lycan, attracted to one hot vampire guy and now she has to look forward to turning into something from some bad werewolf movie.
          Marcus Valerian has enough on his plate without the added complication of Tambra Ellis. Fiery and independent? Sure. Beautiful with a body made for sin? Oh Yeh. And a human cop. Tambra is everything he needs to stay away from.
    As leader of the Tribunal’s enforcers it’s up to him to find out why the Dark Breeds are going feral and killing humans in ever increasing numbers. Tambra’s life is in the balance as the secrets of her past place her in the middle of old deceits and a betrayal that will change the world forever.
     Will Marcus and Tambra’s love survive or will it be too
late.




Blurb:
Arthur and his Knights are back and ready to kick ass!
Merci Tramaine is not happy to be called back into service by her old boss Arthur, especially when she is charged to find her missing ex lover. Drake Monroe is Merlin reincarnated, with his powers bound by the Goddess Nimue he has become a skilled fighter, but no match for Nimue who kidnapped him determined to destroy him forever.
The bloodline of Morgan Le Fey taints Merci keeping her on the edge between light and dark, the Goddess’s wicked trap springs shut leaving both Drake and Merci racing against the clock. Passions ignite once again, but are they too late to plan a future or will they be torn from each other?
This time for eternity.

                           
Have fun and good luck!



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Authors Spotlights CR Moss


I am so pleased to introduce you to the next talented author in my Author Spotlight series. Not only is the woman a gifted storyteller I am proud to call her one of my personal friends. So please get settled in and enjoy.

Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?
~ Sometimes I take a bath, light incense, read or listen to music. Sometimes I do a combination of those things depending upon how stuck I am or how deep into my writing I want to go.

 Which authors inspire your writing?
~ I’ve been heavily inspired by Stephen King, Anne Rice, Clive Barker, then Jude Deveraux. Now I’m enjoying books by Erin Kellison, KC Klein, Liz Crowe, amongst others.

What is your favorite book, character and why?
~ I’m working on an urban fantasy series (a re-do of a previously published line of books) and in the series there’s a character named Ash. He’s a debonair devil. Pretty charming. And, gorgeous to boot. Swoon worthy.

Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?
~ It depends what mood I’m in and what the story calls for. Or what I’ve written more of in a short period of time. If I’ve written a lot of erotic, then I lean toward preferring sweet. If on the sweeter side, it’s opposite.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
~ I’m on national bestseller lists, can find my books in brick and mortar stores along with the popular online bookstores and can support the lifestyle I want via my writing career. I’d love to be able to accomplish this in less than five years though. ;)

Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?
~ Like I said above, I’ve made it when I’m on national bestseller lists, can find my books in brick and mortar stores along with the popular online bookstores and can support the lifestyle I want via my writing career.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?
~ Learn the mechanics of the craft, especially grammar, and apply it to your stories. It’ll help when it comes to being accepted and when you go through the editing process. Also, learn the business side of writing and start marketing yourself early, before your story is accepted actually. That’s something I wish I had known.

What do you see yourself writing in the future?
~ I’m hoping to focus more on horror, thrillers and urban fantasy along with the contemporary and paranormal romance stories I write.

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
~ I’d want to fly. It would save lots of travel costs and I could skip the airports and germ infested tubes.

What time of the day are you at your best to write?
~ I’m finding that my muse likes to talk to me at night. Which is all right considering I’m normally suffering from insomnia anyway.

And now for something completely different…


What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?
~ Face, body then smile.

Explain your perfect day.
~ It’s a beautiful sunny day with only a few fluffy white clouds dotting the deep blue sky. I’m at a body of water, preferably at an empty beach but a pool will do, laying out, reading a great book, listening to some awesome music, and maybe doing some writing, too.

What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?
~ Haagen Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?
~ This paranormal, horror, romance writer loves October – the sights, the smells, the cool after summer’s horrid heat and all the fun horror movies and ghost stories that abound on television and in the theaters. Plus Halloween is right around the corner. I love Samhain (pronounced "sow-en" & refers to the daylight portion of the holiday), the Wiccan New Year (November 1st), my time for meditation and reflection. It’s a time to wrap up the old and prepare for the new in one’s life. It’s also a time to honor those who have passed. Plus, the air has grown crisp and cool, though here in Las Vegas it’s still warm enough that I can get away with wearing shorts for a little while longer. Certain trees are covered in glorious color. There are sections in some developments that are just beautiful to drive through. The stars and planets seem brighter in the night sky, while the harvest moon shines in brilliant orange.

What key words describe you best?
~ Funny; loyal; honest/blunt… Shannan, since you know me, would you like to add anything?
*Oh yeah, you forgot sensitive, loving and observant. :) Give me an opening and I'll take it every time. Lol!*

Where to find C.R. Moss
Website:
www.crmoss.net
Blog:
http://crmoss.blogspot.com/   
Blog:
http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/  
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/crmoss
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/CRMoss.author
Come see C.R. & others ~ 17 March 2012 - EPICon eFiesta - http://epicorg.com/epicon-2012.html * 2 June 2012 - Arizona's 2nd Annual Romance Reader Event! http://arizonadreamin.wordpress.com/ * 22-24 June 2012 – RomCon 2012 - http://www.romconinc.com

Latest Book ~ Sunset Desires
Blurb:
    A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She’ll be someone he can’t forget. He’ll fulfill her ultimate fantasy.
     Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it’s not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she’d like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus.
     Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen’s profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he’s the man who can make it come true.
     But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires?

 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Pick Me Up Monday

Good Morning Friends
What I would give to be his towel right now. Sigh, I love this pic. Hope you enjoy it too.
I have great news. Passions Flight will be out February 29th! Yep it's official. You will be able to grab your copy then.
I will be a guest on Lorraine Nelson's blog on the 21st and I will be holding a giveaway. Readers choice of either the first book Dark Passion Rising or the Second Passion's Flight. I will pick the winner on release day so be sure to comment on Lorraine's blog atLorraine Nelson's blog

It is still not too late to win a copy of Dark Passion Rising through Naughty After Dark Blog Hop which ends on Feb. 21st. I also have Chris Moss as my Author Spotlight this Thursday and look forward to sharing with you this remarkable talent.

In other news I'm getting close to finishing the second novella for the Knights of Excalibur series and hope to have a release date around April for this. I'm also busy working several novels and the third installment of both the Knights of Excalibur and Zeke's book in the Dark Breed Series. More coming your way on all of this so keep checking in with me.

Have an awesome week and we will chat next week.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Author Spotlight Special Tori Michaels



Get all settled in for a great day with Tory Michaels, fellow Evernight author and awesome talent. I am so excited to have her here with me today sharing her newest release. And she is offering you a chance to win her book Blood Rage PLUS a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card!
Entering is easy just leave a comment on my blog. Tory will be naming the winner in one week so you have plenty of time to tell all your friends. 

 BLURB:

For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.
The Bureau’s chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire’s Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling.
The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it. Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.

TEASER:
Chapter One
From the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs’ FAQ Page: Telepaths Question:
What should I do if I catch a telepath (species unimportant) using telepathy to read my mind and steal my personal information?
Answer: Call your local Bureau office immediately. The Privacy Act of 1974 makes it illegal for anyone to scan another person without a court order. Such orders may be granted to determine guilt or innocence of a crime, if requested by the accused.

“Do you have any idea what time it is?”
Dara rolled her eyes at her assistant’s lazy inquiry as she paced in front of the elevator. “About three hours later than it is here, which means you’re probably in the middle of a date, Ronnie, not in bed.”
A delicate giggle escaped the other woman before she said, “Who says I’m not in bed in the middle of my date, darlin’?”
“Spare me. Just swear to me, one last time, he’s not on the guest list.”
Her assistant groaned loudly, likely for effect on whoever the lucky man was to emphasize her put-upon status. “Dara, you’re calling me at nearly eleven at night to bug me about that man again?”
The elevator doors “swooshed” open in invitation. Unwilling to risk losing her connection because she suspected Ronnie would ignore any subsequent call, Dara shook her head at the car’s occupants and spun to stalk down the hall toward her suite door. “Please, just tell me he’s not going to be here!” She heard the whine in her voice. How could she be so pathetic? Two hundred years of life experience should give me more dignity than this.
She could practically see the other woman’s eyes roll as she said, “According to the Society’s president’s secretary when I talked to her three hours ago in anticipation of this discussion, no. Anthony Caldwell declined his invitation three weeks ago and has made no attempt to reverse that decision.”
Dara’s shoulders slumped in relief. Everything would be fine then. No known child-killers in attendance at the Society’s 80th Anniversary Bash made for a good evening. “All right, thanks,” she murmured in genuine appreciation.
“How’d the LeTourneau dress look when you put it on?”
She blinked at the abrupt change in topic, and her gaze dropped to her half-bared chest where fluorescent lights glinted off the pale, ropey scars that marred the surface. “I feel like an overstuffed sausage, Ronnie. I wore a corset when they were fashionable and hated them. I almost needed one today to get into this infernal outfit.” So she exaggerated, a little.
Ronnie snickered, and Dara heard a low male whisper in the background. “I don’t need my powers, or a picture, to know you’re lying to me. Sarah would never put you in anything that didn’t look spectacular. Go make your speech, darling. Tell me all about it when you get back to Tampa.”
Dara slowly pressed the disconnect button and wandered back toward the elevator with a sigh. Ronnie was right, knowing Dara’s insecurities about her appearance entirely too well. Sarah, the last descendant of her little sister, Caila, had exquisite fashion taste. The LeTourneau dress, the first and only one she’d ever bought from the exclusive werewolf designer, was a new purchase, bought specifically for this party.
Attending the Bash on behalf of the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs certainly hadn’t been Dara’s idea. But when invited as the honoree and keynote speaker, one must attend, especially when one’s boss said to go or be fired. Therefore, she’d allowed the Society to fly her out, put her up in the exclusive Bearings Hotel and Casino for three nights with Sarah, and had agreed to give a single speech and attend a ball afterward in exchange. Overall, it really was a good deal for her. The short, enforced vacation offered her an escape from the wet heat of Florida in late August.
She pressed the down-button on the elevator and tapped her foot with just the first hint of impatience. Less than thirty minutes remained before her speech. As the keynote speaker, she didn’t intend to show up until she had to, to avoid the inevitable attention that would be focused on her. At least Anthony’s absence was assured.

****
“Would you care for another drink, Mr. Caldwell?”
Anthony looked up from the blackjack table as the leggy blond waitress leaned over to ask her question. He gave her a lazy smile and finished the last of his blood and gin, noting the faint flush that spread across her cheeks. Another lifetime, perhaps he might have asked for her phone number, but not now. Not when his objective of so many years was almost at hand.
“No. Thank you just the same, madam.”
She flashed him a smile that revealed just a hint of fangs and sauntered off. He eyed the long legs for a moment more and repressed a scowl that he felt nothing at turning down what could have been a very pleasurable evening if he’d accepted the implied invitation. What was the world coming to?
“Ante up, gentlemen,” the dealer said. After a glance at the rose-gold, Atlas watch around his right wrist, Anthony shook his head. “I’m out. Duty calls.”
Duty didn’t call, not yet anyway, but the time was close enough at hand that his conscience didn’t prick him for the slight inaccuracy. If he intended to track down his quarry before they met in the ballroom, he needed to go. His senses, on constant alert in the crowded casino, had yet to detect her, but she couldn’t be much longer. Even she wouldn’t be late to a ceremony intended to honor her.
Then again, when has Athdara Genevieve ever been on time for anything? he thought with faint amusement.
He closed his eyes for a moment to filter through the hundreds of minds pressing in around him from around the casino. For a younger vampire, it would have taken much longer. After more than twelve hundred years of practice, it didn’t present that great a challenge, regardless of the population density.
About to give up the current search, he paused when he recognized her presence. Anthony turned. With little effort, thanks to his height, he looked across the main room to see her just exiting the elevator.
The breath he didn’t need to draw in caught in his throat. It had been sixty years since their paths had crossed, a deliberate move on his part out of respect for the hatred, however well-deserved, she held for him. Sixty long, boring years.
Athdara looked the same of course, eternally twenty-six as a vampire. Unfashionably curvy, lush, and perfect. She’d pulled her long red hair back in an ugly braid. The coiffure failed to detract from the fragile face. So many hours spent brushing that hair. She wore a long, black satin ball gown, Le Tourneau if he were any judge, that swished when she moved past a bank of bleeping and flashing slot machines.
Anthony allowed a trace of a smile to curve his mouth upward, and he turned toward the staircase leading to a landing that would give him an unimpeded view of the main room. Now to have some fun.

****
Dara spared a glance at the delicate diamond and emerald watch attached to her wrist. Twenty-six minutes, plenty of time for some blackjack before she went to the ballroom. Her best friend, Chris, who was attending with Sarah, would text if the speaker ahead of her moved more quickly than the program indicated. If nothing else, gambling would take her mind off the unpleasantness to come.
Her hand trembled a little as it fell back to her side, the first hint of nerves. God, why do I agree to these things? I detest public speaking.
As she approached the tables, something felt off. She saw nothing concrete, no sign of anyone acting out of place, but instinct guided her. After falling in love with a murderer, she always paid attention when she got that little tingle at the base of her neck. Other than a dapper human who seemed fascinated by the expansive view of her breasts that the low-cut gown offered, no one seemed to be looking in her direction.
Such realization didn’t alleviate the impression someone was watching.
The moment passed, and Dara shook her head in annoyance. “You’re paranoid, girl,” she said to herself. “Ronnie said he won’t be here.”
Her palms itched, and unease returned as she reached the tables. Her eyes narrowed warily. Someone was definitely watching her. But who? And from where?
She brushed her tongue against one of her razor-sharp fangs, took a deep breath, and brought her mental barriers down. Few other vampires her age would dare lower the protective barriers that blocked out the chaotic mishmash of thoughts from other beings when amongst a large gathering. She prided herself on her strength, the only gift from her unknown sire that she was grateful for.


Well, I for one am going to put this on my TBR pile!


Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?

Drink coffee, read blogs and feed demanding twins who like to get up for food in the wee hours of the morning (when it’s first thing in the morning, aka 3:30-4:00a) or drive in to the office (for my hour if I’m lucky pre-work writing session).



 Which authors inspire your writing?

Christine Feehan, Christina Dodd, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kim Harrison, Keri Arthur, and JD Robb. New, more recent favorites include Cherise Sinclair <blush>, Alyssa Fox, and Alyssa Day.



Oh, wait, you asked about inspiration – well, okay, some of those do inspire me, I have to say. The others are just in my “favorite authors” list (and it was not all-inclusive).



What is your favorite book, character and why?

I have to pick just ONE?!  But, upon obtaining clarification of the question (biggest impact/impression on me), I’ve got a surprising answer to it. The book character that scared me the MOST, because he was so well written (at least in the first book, and at times in later books) was Nicolae, from the Left Behind series. Specifically, in the scene at the end of Left Behind (book one in the LB series), where he’s at the UN. 



Let’s just say I didn’t sleep well that night. Read the entire series because of the strength of that one book (later books were not nearly as good, though there were a few that were pretty good).



Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?

Pure sweet – no, but I’m definitely on the lower end of the sweet to erotic spectrum.



Which famous person, living or dead,  are you drawn to?

Hrmm, I don’t really feel connected or drawn to almost anyone famous. Sorry, I wish I had a better answer. Maybe Akhenaton (fascinating pharaoh in ancient Egypt), or Lady Jane Grey (as based in the movie of the same name – I find the idea of a 9-day queen fascinating).



Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still in Jacksonville, I hope. On the writing side of things, hopefully with a nice following and at least 10 books published.



Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?

When I see my books on the shelf at either Barnes & Noble or Walmart.



What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Be patient. Don’t query or submit too soon. I’ve done both, and while in one case it still worked out, most of the time it doesn’t.



What do you see yourself writing in the future?

Probably continuing to stay with the urban fantasy and/or paranormal romance, though probably with a futuristic bent in some of them. I might try a fantasy series too. I doubt I could ever do just straight contemporary romance. It just doesn’t hold my attention, either to read or write (Harlequin Presents doesn’t count).



If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

Super speed or the ability to freeze time (I could get a LOT more done).



What time of the day are you at your best to write?

Morning. I’m too tired by the time the day winds up and the spawn are all in bed.



And now for something completely different…





What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?

The smile is part of the face. Followed by a total package check (no, not that package, people).



Explain your perfect day.

It starts with sleeping a straight 8-10 hours, no crying babies. An elaborate breakfast with perfect, well-mannered children (after which I wonder what aliens possessed them), a chance to spend happy play time with them, followed by a nice quiet writing sessions, a pleasant dinner and then, um, lights-out time. <cough> With hubby.



What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?

Chocolate lava cake.



Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?

I’m not a holiday girl. I s’pose at this point it’s Halloween. Valentine’s is up there in appreciation, given I met the hubby on the day before V-Day.



What key words describe you best?

Punctual. Restless.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Author Spotlights Ginger Simpson



Welcome to my corner of the internet Ginger, so glad to have you here with us today. Ginger has been very busy and has just released her newest book Embezzled Love, which I'm tickled to tell you all is FREE today on Amazon!


Blurb
They advertise on television—“find your true love; we’ll match you with the person of your dreams.” Their irritating spam clogs your computer inbox—"free tonight? Let’s chat.” You can turn the channel or hit the ‘trash’ button, but the promises still linger in your mind. Is it any wonder divorced and lonely, Cassie Fremont, signed up for an on-line dating service? What later shocked her was cost of the ticket for a ride on the roller coaster from hell.


ExcerptThe elevator opened and whisked them to their floor. They found their room, and Evan slid the key card in the lock. He opened the door. His extended arm blocked her path. She eyed him curiously. “Well, let me in.”

“You know, we could go get married first, and then I could carry you over the threshold.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Surely he wasn’t serious. “Not tonight, I have a headache,” she joked.

“I guess that’s a no.” The dejected look on his face told her his proposal had been serious.

“Oh, Evan, when and if we get married, I don’t want it to be some cheap chapel in Las Vegas. I want my family…”

The rift! Pain tugged at her heart and she narrowed her attendance list. “My mom would kill me if I got married and she wasn’t there.”

Evan seemed to recover quickly. “Then let’s drop these bags and go get rich.”

A wave of relief swept over Cassie. She’d gotten out of that predicament easier than she expected. Standing in the middle of the posh but overdone room, she announced. “I’m ready when you are.”

On the ride back down in the elevator Cassie stifled a giggle. Suddenly she felt like a little kid going to Disneyland. Maybe it was because of the different environment, or just feeling free for the moment. Whatever it was, she intended to enjoy it.

When the doors parted, Evan made a beeline for a bank of dollar slots. Cassie glanced down at her still-extended hand, surprised he hadn’t taken hold of it. Maybe he felt the same excitement she experienced. She followed behind and stood at his shoulder, watching. He had already deposited money and was eagerly pulling the handle. The reels spun wildly, blurring the images of cherries, plums and the elusive sevens. When the tumblers stopped, a loud bell sounded, and Evan turned and smiled, pointing at the three bars that had aligned perfectly across the screen. “Look at that, I’m a winner.”

Cassie quickly scanned the colorful pay schedule looking for Evan’s reward. “Wow, five hundred dollars! Baby, you’re pretty lucky at this.”

Evan pulled out his wallet and handed Cassie several bills—big ones. “Here, take this and find a paying machine.” He stuffed his billfold back in his pocket and immediately grasped the slot handle.

She pulled out the stool next to him. “This one looks good.” She sat.

The crease in his forehead showed his displeasure. “No, I meant go somewhere else. I don’t like people watching me when I gamble.”

Shocked, Cassie stood. She was speechless.

Evan raised up just high enough to graze her cheek with a kiss. “You understand, don’t you, baby girl? It’s an anxiety performance thing.”

No, she didn’t understand, but she wasn’t going to hang around where she wasn’t wanted. Clutching the bills he’d given her, she ambled off in search of another place to sit. Somehow her excitement had waned. Just a little while ago he’d wanted to marry her and now he didn’t even want her sitting next to him. She let go of the hurt. She’d turned down his offer of marriage, so now they were even.

She eyed the dollar slots but decided she wasn’t ready for that denomination just yet. Quarters, would do. She unrolled the wad, looking for something smaller than a hundred but all five were the same. Cassie summoned a roving attendant and got change, then inserted twenty into her machine. She tucked the remaining bills in her pocket. It wasn’t long before she was lost in the hypnotic spinning of the reels—unfortunately there were no bells sounding for her and she had lost far more than she planned.

Her eyes grew tired from the never ending blur of whirling fruit. Dare she go back and check on Evan? It had been hours and he hadn’t come looking for her. Surely he wouldn’t mind if she checked in. She’d forgotten her watch but was sure it was close to 3:00 a.m. Why didn’t they put clocks in casinos? Even without knowing the true hour, it had been a long day and she was ready for bed.

The machine where Evan had sat earlier was empty. Cassie eagerly scanned the casino for him. In comparison to the earlier crowded room, only a handful of late-night gamblers remained. Cass walked up and down each bank of slot machines and perused each table, but Evan was no where to be found. Her heart rate increased with panic. Where could he be? Maybe he went upstairs.

She traced the outline of the room card in her pant’s pocket, and headed for the elevator. On the way up, she pondered why Evan didn’t come find her. Her heart beat hard against her chest.

At the room, she struggled to get the key into the narrow slit, and when she walked inside, her heart sank. Evan wasn’t there. Driven by feelings of disappointment and frustration, Cass expelled a large whoosh of air and plopped on the king-sized bed. She sorted through her options, enveloped by a feeling of helplessness. Where would she start to look? Should she report him missing? Maybe just wait. The latter choice was her least favorite but the most logical. There were dozens of casinos—hundreds maybe—and she had no idea where to search. If she wasn’t so worried she might really be pissed. She stretched out on the bed and stared hopelessly at the ceiling. The acoustical dots ran together, creating crazy patterns, and finally, blurred.

Extraordinary brightness attempted to creep beneath Cassie’s closed lids—she turned over and sleepily opened her eyes. She wrinkled her nose at the offensive light and realized it was morning. The room-darkening draperies only worked if someone closed them. The bright ascending sun spread fiery fingers across the sky and penetrated the hotel room’s drape-less window. Still half-asleep, Cassie checked for evidence that Evan had returned—still no sign of him. Her stomach knotted as she glanced at the clock on the nightstand—7:00 a.m. Surely something awful had happened to him. There was no way he would let her worry for this long.




Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?



My characters are my inspiration.  I count on them to be ‘in the zone,’ or I’m dead in the water.  As long as they talk, I’m listening, and typing.



 Which authors inspire your writing?

I always give credit to Laura Ingalls Wilder for inspiring my love of the historical genre, and it’s because of reading all her books, that I have the drive to recreate the old west for my readers.  As I grew older, I migrated to the works of Cassie Edwards and Maddy Baker, who continued to inspire me with more adult-related material, and although they may not know it, they have both been valuable mentors.



What is your favorite book, character and why?

I’m assuming you mean one of my own, and although it’s hard to choose because I love them all, I think I’ll select Sarah’s Journey.  My heroine possesses all the traits I aspire to have, and has the strength and fairness I hope people see in me.  We all put  a little of ourselves in our heroines, combining our best with our shortcomings to create the perfect person.



Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?

I’m a closed door kinda gal when it comes to bedroom scenes.  Although I have written one Erotic offering under a pen name, Searchers, was undoubtedly the most difficult book I’ve written.  Some of my books may contain a spicy scene or two, but for the most part, I write only sweet romance.  If you ask why, I’d have to say that I’ve never had the confidence in myself as a sexual being, and I think that’s pretty key to writing from an intimate perspective.



Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to?

You know, I sat and stared at this question for the longest time and finally decided I’m not really drawn to anyone.  I have friends with admirable traits, and I also respect and envy many people who have passed on.  I’ve never been one impressed by fame because I truly believe that achieving that status comes from being in the right place at the right time or knowing the right person.  There are many authors today who deserve the same notoriety of those published by mainstream, but haven’t had the same good fortune as others.  I live by a saying that has helped me tremendously, “life is an attitude, have a good one.”  I try to get through each day as it comes and pray I serve as an example to others.  Kinda deep, I know, but true.





Where do you see yourself in five years?  Hopefully alive and healthy.  If you’d ask me that twenty-five years ago, I might have had a different answer, but since I just turned sixty-six, I find myself valuing each day more and more.



Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?

In my mind, I’ve already “made it.”  I never expected to sign one, let along twenty-six contracts, so although my name may not be bandied around in the same circles with Nora Roberts, I’m very proud of my accomplishments.  Not bad for an  old broad.



What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Listen, learn, and toughen up.  Believe in yourself, and when you take suggestions, use only those which don’t change your voice.  We are all unique in our own way.



What do you see yourself writing in the future?

Whatever my characters dictate.  I rely totally on the voices in my head to guide me.  So far, they haven’t steered me wrong.



If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

I answered this same question yesterday on another interview so I’m sticking with that answer.  I’d like to be invisible so I can see what my daughter-in-law does all day instead of housework.  J



What time of the day are you at your best to write?

I do my best work late at night.  I’ve always been a night owl and I enjoy the freedom that comes with being alone.





And now for something completely different…





What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?

Totally a butt person.  Isn’t that weird?  There was a bumper sticker a few years back I believe someone created for me.  “Wrangler Butts Drive Me Nuts!”



Explain your perfect day.

I have one every day.  When you live past an age you expected never to see, every day is special.  A good friend says, “any day on this side of the grass is a good one,” and that’s so true.  Now that my children are grown and I’ve retired, I can do pretty much whatever I want. I have a wonderful husband, a nice home, good health, and a Good Lord who watches over me.  What could be better than that? 



What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?

I absolutely love Pig Pickin’ Cake.  I’m usually a “salt” person, but that cake gets me every time.



Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?

Christmas is and has always been my favorite holiday.  I believe it’s special because of all the memories I share from childhood, especially ones where my father always declared we’d wait until morning to open our gifts, then started the landslide of wrapping paper on Christmas Eve with his “we’ll just open one.”  God, I miss him.



What key words describe you best?

Trustworthy, funny, compassionate, loving.



Thank you, Shannon, for allowing me time and space on your blog.  I enjoyed your interview questions, and I hope you’ll invite me back sometime.

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