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Man Candy by Jewel Quinlan and Author Interview

1/13/2015

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BOOK BLURB:

Commercial real estate agent, Ava Baldassari, is done with being a good girl. Recently having revamped her self-image, home and wardrobe she finds there is one thing left that needs updating; her sex life. She runs into her friend and running partner, Cole, one night when she is out with a friend. A bit drunk she flirts with him and is surprised by the enthusiastic response he gives back. Things reach a point where she has to make a decision whether or not to cross a line she never has before. Ava is forty and Cole is twenty-five, is she really ready to become a cougar?

BOOK EXCERPT:

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a while,” he whispered in my ear, still pressed against me as he unzipped my dress.

Me too, I wanted to say. But I didn’t. I was adrift in the onslaught of sensation as he slid the fabric from me, trailing kisses down my back as it went. Making me aware as I never had been of how sensitive the skin there could be. When he reached the small of my back, he lingered, kneading my skin with his tongue and teeth. His hands ran down my legs and then back up to my breasts, and I savored the feel of his fingers. My breaths came heavier. I had been needing this for too long.

He rose and turned me toward him, towering over me. His cap was gone and his dark hair was askew, as though he had run his fingers through it, giving him that sexy just-woke-up look. I slid my fingers from the waist of his jeans, underneath his shirt, to his muscled back. The ridges of strength there were too tempting beneath my fingertips. How did he find the time to work out that much? I had to see with my own eyes. Fisting the hem of his shirt in my hands, I pulled his t-shirt up to remove it. Why should I be the only one standing here naked? With a chuckle, he complied, lifting the shirt over his head and flinging it away in the casual manner of an underwear model on TV.

Sure, I had imagined what he looked like with his shirt off, but the reality was ten times better. He had a runner build, but that was filled out with muscle. The planes of his chest were topped by strong shoulders and arms, which seemed to blossom over the lean ridges of his abdominals, creating a definite contrast. I couldn’t help reaching out and touching him. I ran my hands over his skin, tracing my way upward to the light coating of black hair on his pectorals. He leaned his pelvis into me, forehead on mine, his erection pressing into me, making me shiver with anticipation.

We were on the brink of something oh-so-good, and I was dying to plunge ahead. Yet, I hesitated. Questions burned in my mind. I tried to hold them back, knowing serious talk would ruin the moment. That lasted about two seconds before I gave in.

“Um…” I said.

He lifted his head from mine and looked at me.

I cocked my head at him. “Did you just say you’ve been wanting to do this for a while?” Had he been scoping me out all this time, as I had him?

He nodded. “Who wouldn’t? Look at you. You’re gorgeous.”

I glanced down at myself. My ample buxom looked perfect in the black, lace push-up bra I wore, and the matching thong sat just right, low on my hips. I still had on my red heels, which added a lady-killer effect.

Then I glanced at him. The smoldering look he gave me trumped anything I observed on the physical plane. The messages coming from him on a subliminal level promised pleasure that made me squirm with heat.

“You know it’s going to be good between us, Ava,” Cole said.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | All Romance e-Books | Barnes and Noble | BookStrand | Apple iBooks | Sony or add it to your shelf on Goodreads



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BIO:

From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels.  She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her dog Penny.


Author Interview:

How long have you been an author?

Officially, it’s been a little over a year. I began to take myself seriously around then, lol. Prior to that I dabbled on and off with writing since I was a kid. When I was young my father said that I should never throw away anything I have written and I still have most of it. It’s fun to look back at it all, scribbled on scraps of paper or typewritten… Yes, this is in the days before everyone had PCs.

Have there been any surprises along the way?

I’m surprised by how much easier it has gotten to bring a manuscript to completion after I finished my first one, which was a full-length. I guess that first one really showed me what I was capable of. After that it was like, hey, you did it before, come on and finish this on up now slacker.

Why this story? What was your inspiration to write it?

This was one of those stories that I just had to tell and I’m really glad it found a home with Evernight Publishing. Women who are “cougars” seem to be such an everyday phenomenon now. But, I thought, there has to be more behind it than just a crazy need for sex. For women there are so many emotions tied in to intimacy. I wondered what it must have been like for these older women the first time they ventured into having sex with a younger man (which is the basic theme of this book).

What was your favorite part of the book to write?

I loved the parts where I was showing how difficult it was for Ava Baldassari (the heroine) to arrive at this point in her life, all the emotions and decisions behind the physical act. She was crossing several unspoken lines at the point when she decided to go ahead and have sex with Cole (the hero).

Is there a message you want your readers to take away from this book?

I have a very basic “mission statement” for myself as an author. My overall goal with all of the books I have written is to take the readers away from their everyday life and experience something new. If I have succeeded in doing that, then I am happy with the job I’ve done.

Do you have any other upcoming releases or projects you would like to talk about?

Man Candy is book one of The Cougar Journals so I am already hard at work on the book two and have notes for more after that. I find Ava to be a fascinating character, we will see where her journey as a cougar takes her.

Aside from that I just finished up a story for Decadent Publishing’s Beyond Fairytales line. It’s tentatively titled Eternal Oath and is based on the fairytale Fundevogel, which is a story I am sure would fall in the suspense category these days I am sure. I am waiting to see if Decadent accepts it.

I am also waiting to hear back from Hot Ink Press on a short story I wrote for an anthology they have coming out called Lurking in the Deep. That one I tentatively titled Beneath Chesapeake Bay and it is a story about a human woman meeting a merman.

Where can readers find you?

For more information about Jewel Quinlan

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads | Amazon| Instagram

I would also like the readers to know that I will be attending RomCon 2015. They can get a ticket to have lunch with me at the following link: http://www.romcon.com/about-reader-weekend

I would love to meet them!

Fun Questions:

Who is on your "to be read" shelf?

At the moment I have two books from Gary Vaynerchuk on social media. Oh, and I’m still waiting for The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead to come out. I love her books!

What are you reading now?

I am listening to the audio version of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. And, don’t laugh, I have some children’s books in German from the Kokosnuss series by Ingo Siegner. They help me learn the language and are very entertaining I have to say.

If you could only pick one book from your childhood to preserve for others to read, what would it be?

The Muffin Muncher by Stephen Cosgrove. I still have my copy! Cutest story ever about a muffin-munching dragon.

How do you find your muse?

She is always with me and shows up at the strangest times. I think she finds me best when I am living my life to the fullest and experiencing new things. Then she speaks to me at the most random times, like watching the previews in a movie theater or riding the car with my parents on the way back from dinner. Then she pokes her head out with random inspiration and I have learned to take notes on my iPhone right away so I won’t lose the thought. When my days are blurry copies of each other, she is not amused.

Where is your favorite spot to write?

I write at my kitchen table most of the time. But for me it’s not really a place but more of a time. Early morning or between 8 and 10 in the evening work best for me for some reason. I think it’s because those are times when my dog likes to sleep and I can write in peace. Lol.

What book do you think should be made into a movie?

I would love to see Stealing Cupid’s Bow as a movie. That was the first book I ever wrote and it came from my soul for sure. Every scene in it was made with a film in mind. I think it would be cool to see in a movie what happens when Cupid’s bow gets stolen. Who’s with me?



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Author Interview with Jewel Quinlan

4/27/2014

0 Comments

 
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BIO:

Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and a
strong desire to write novels from a young age. She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance but also writes contemporary as well. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using
as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative
and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and
Penny.



For more information about Jewel Quinlan


Website |Facebook |Twitter  | Tumblr | Goodreads| Amazon


Welcome Jewel.

How long have you been an author? 


Writing has been in my blood since I was very young but I didn’t published my first book until October 2013 (Rock Star Ex). Since then I have had three other books come out (Stealing Cupid’s Bow, Extreme Heat and Surrender Sweet Succubus) and have several more in progress that are scheduled for publication in 2014. All of my books are being produced into audiobooks as well.
Rock Star Ex is currently available as an audiobook on Audible, iTunes and Amazon and the other three are currently in production.


Have there been any surprises along the way?


Oh yes! Writing the story is only about one-fifth of being an author. Once the first one comes out you are then up to your eye-balls in learning how to market it. And marketing includes things like setting up a website, blog, Facebook Page, Twitter account, sending the book out for reviews, begging people to put it up on their blog, paying for advertising and making swag. (takes a deep breath) It’s been a pretty steep learning curve. And I am the least tech-savvy person in the world! But I’m glad to say that I’ve tackled it all and am now able to relax…just a little bit…until the next challenge comes up.


Why this story? What was your inspiration to write it?


This story was originally written for an anthology called the Bad Boys of Summer. Unfortunately, due to changes in the royalty structure, I decided not to include it in the anthology and publish it as a stand alone. So, as you can imagine from the anthology title, I had to think of where I might find my bad boy. Where would it be hot and what would he be doing?

For work I often drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. Along the way the freeway goes by a kiteboarding beach in Ventura and you can see the kites from the freeway. I have always been fascinated by that sport. Heck, I’m fascinated by any career that is not an office job. So I put my bad boy together with that and love of traveling and Extreme Heat was the result.


What was your favorite part of the book to write?


The opening scene by far. Kai was competing in a kiteboarding event in the first chapter.  I really
enjoyed researching kiteboarding. There are some amazing videos on YouTube. After you watch them you can feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins and it makes you want to try it. Kiteboarding is officially on my bucket list.


Is there a message you want your readers to take away from this book? 
 


It’s never too late for a new beginning.


Do you have any other upcoming releases or projects you would like to talk about? 
 


Yes, I am always up to something! I recently did a live reading at Lady Jane’s Salon OC from my book Stealing Cupid’s Bow which came out in February of this year. It was recorded for podcast and will soon be available on iTunes. I also recently self-published one of my stories titled Surrender Sweet Succubus. The release date was April 11th. It is currently available wherever ebooks are sold and is in production to become an audiobook. In September I will be attending the Hot 
Mojave Knights Reader Event in Las Vegas NV as a featured author and will be doing book signings there. My website www.jewelquinlan.com has more information on these and other things coming up.


Where can readers find you?


Here are my links. Stop by and say hi!


Website |Facebook |Twitter  | Tumblr | Goodreads| Amazon


Fun Questions:


Who is on your "to be read" shelf?


Had to pull up my Goodreads list for this one, lol. Next up for me are The Prince by Kiera Cass (Book 3 of The Selection) and Once a Mistress by Debra Mullins.


What are you reading now?


I am exploring previously untasted territory with Cinda’s Fella and Ridin’ Red by Nikki Prince. Woo! She is a red-hot writer!


If you could only pick one book from your childhood to preserve for others to read,
what would it be?



The Island Stallion by Walter Farley. I was completely horse crazy for many years.


How do you find your muse?


She is always with me, whispering from the shadows, but sometimes need coaxing with a good glass of wine.


Where is your favorite spot to write?


Most of my writing gets done at my dining room table. Once in a while at a Peet’s coffee shop. I love their Uzuri African Blend!


What book do you think should be made into a movie?


If we are talking about my books, Stealing Cupid’s Bow for sure. I constantly had film in mind when I wrote each and every chapter. Not sure who I would get to play Cupid. Who could possibly fill the shoes of the god of love?


If we are talking about other people’s books I think The Wallflower Series by Lisa Kleypas would be awesome!

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BOOK BLURB:

When photographer Chloe Gaige gets assigned to
cover the Pro Kiteboarding finals in Morocco she never expects to run into her childhood crush. Back then, their age difference is what caused her to pull away. Would he resent her for how she treated him back then?

Fully grown, pro kiteboarder Kai Shephard is a tough competitor used to going after what he wants…and getting it. When he catches sight of Chloe in the crowd with her camera, nothing can stop him from trying to be with her again. Except Chloe, that is. Would she see him for the
man he is now?



BOOK EXCERPT:


“I’m glad you’re here, Chloe.”


“You are?”


He turned his head toward her and looked into her eyes, his hands pressed into her back, drawing her closer.“Because I’ve thought of that night hundreds of times.” His words
were loaded with meaning.


Chloe skimmed her eyes over his handsome face. He was positively smoldering with emotion. She swallowed hard. This was the moment, the one she would never forget. Her eyes
locked on his and her mind churned over the different signals and sensations her
body was picking up.


“Have you?” he whispered.


They were so close. His lips were right there, and he could kiss her any second. His deep, dark eyes were drawing her in.


She nodded.


He lay still, waiting, but she said nothing more. “You have to give me more than that,” he
said. “I still don’t know what happened. I thought you liked it when I kissed you.”


Anxiety filled her.  It was time to come clean. What would he think of her reasons? How would he see her after she admitted what a weak person she was? “I did,” she said blurted.
“It was just….”


His clasp on her back remained firm and he turned his body to face hers so their fronts were
pressed together. “Just what?”


Chloe could feel her face filling with the heat of embarrassment. Did he really want to talk about
it?“It was just…school and my friends and….” She stopped and buried her face in his chest, not wanting to say anything more. He smelled so good. The warm scent of athletic male and ocean breeze.


He grasped her chin with his hand and lifted her face. “What else?”


Looked like she wasn’t going to be able to get out of explaining. He had that earnest look in
his eyes again, the one she remembered from long ago.


“I need to know,” he said.


She couldn’t deny him. “Our age difference,” she said with a wince.


“Seriously?” His breath whooshed out with his surprise. “I mean, I know you’ve made comments
about it before, but that was the reason you wouldn’t talk to me anymore?”


“Yes. No. Sort of,” she said in a rush. “Couldn’t you see how strange it would have
been?”


“No.”


She sighed. “Of course not. You are such a male. If you were a teenage girl you would
understand.”


“What is there to understand?”


She pulled away from him and lay on her back once again. “All the pressure,” she said. “To fit in, to be cool, to be part of the group.”


“And you and me would have been a problem?” he asked, sounding hurt.


The tone in his voice caused her long-held guilt to well up. “Not a problem, exactly. Just…not
usual. I don’t think the guys in the senior class we always hung out with would have accepted you even if some of my friends had,” she explained. “Come on, Kai. I’m sure you remember what it was like being a teenager.”


He ran a hand through his hair and stared up at the stars. “I do but what I don’t remember is
ever having problems fitting in.” After a moment he gave a great exhale. “Okay, sure. I guess I can understand. Not that I’ve ever lived my life caring about that stuff, but…I get it. I don’t like it, but I get it.” Using the arm still cushioning her head and shoulders, he turned her to face him again. “But you did like me then?” he asked.


She nodded.


He smiled. “And what about now?”


She felt shy and squirmy under his gaze but admitted with hesitation, “Yes.” 
 

He beamed at her response. “And does our age difference still bother you? I’m twenty-one and
you’re twenty-three. We’re always going to be a couple of years apart.”


She looked away from him feeling very shy and hating it. He still liked her? Was it possible after
she’d rejected him? A small thrill shot through her stomach. “No. Why should it bother me?” she said, with a small shrug. Chloe was sure she looked braver than she felt.


“Because I want to be with you, Chloe. I want what was lost to us before.” He searched her face
with his eyes and then added in a low voice, “And because I’m going to kiss you.”



BUY  LINKS:


Evernight Publishing | Amazon| All Romance e-Books | Barnes and Noble | BookStrand | Apple iBooks | Sony or add it to your shelf on Goodreads

0 Comments

Author Interview with Catherine Castle

1/31/2014

26 Comments

 
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Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. Besides writing, Catherine
loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a“Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. 

 
Her debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from  Soul Mate Publishing was an ACFW Genesis Finalist and is a 2013 EPIC
finalist.





QUESTIONS

How long have you been an author?


If you count the first book I ever wrote as making me an author I have to answer since I was a teen and wrote a longhand, sappy teen-idol based romance. If you mean as an adult, I freelanced as a non-fiction writer for about 10 years. During that time I began to write fiction and submit my books to publishers. It took another 10 years after writing
The Nun and the Narc to get it published. It’s been a long road for me to publication.


Have there been any surprises along the way?


The purchase of
The Nun and the Narc was a surprise since it had been turned down by a number of agents and editors who thought it outside the norm for an inspirational romance. I had decided that if I hadn’t sold it by the end of the year, I was going to self publish. Then I pitched to Debby Gilbert at a conference over breakfast and she asked for the book, even though I said it had been a hard sell for me since it didn’t fit conventional guidelines.


Why this story? What was your inspiration to write it?


Honestly, this story started as a contest entry because I wanted to see if I could write
an inspirational romance that wasn’t preachy. It didn’t work at first, because the heroine wasn’t who she needed to be. I kept getting stalled until one of my critique partners suggested I make the heroine a nun. I liked the idea, and I changed Margaret to Sister Margaret Mary, a slightly misfit-for-religious-order novice who is about to take her vows when she returns home from her Mexico mission trip. After the good sister came on the scene, the story took off. It
was magical the way the book practically wrote itself. 
 

What was your favorite part of the book to write?


I rather like the car chase in the Mexican marketplace and the scenes where Sister Margaret Mary uses unconventional methods to escape her captors.


Is there a message you want your readers to take away from this book? 
 

I’d like the readers to see that you can serve God in many ways, and what’s a calling for someone may not be your calling. Sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to do what everyone else is doing, but we are individuals with different talents and strengths. We should
use what we do best to serve God and others.


Do you have any other upcoming releases or projects you would like to talk about? 
 

I’m in the middle of deciding which of my partially written books I’m going to tackle next for submission. I have a sweet romantic comedy, an inspirational historical, and a couple of ideas for sweet romances with an inspirational element. Right now I’m leaning toward the sweet romantic comedy. I’m also working on a gardening devotional that I’m considering for self publishing. I tend to work on multiple projects at a time. I think it keeps things fresh.


Where can readers find you?

I have a website where I blog and I’m also on Twitter, FB, and Goodreads. I also guest blog on a regular basis at Stitches Thru Time:
http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/ and SMP authors blog site:   http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/




Fun Questions:


Who is on your "to be read" shelf?


There isn’t enough room to list all my TBR books. I’d say some of the top of the pile choices are Iced Chiffon and Killer in Crinolines, cozy mysteries by Duffy Brown and Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger. The hubby put
The Killing of Jesus – A History, by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard on the pile recently, and I have Best of Covered Wagon Women by Kenneth L. Holmes and Mama, I am Still Alive – A Composite Diary of 1861 in the Confederacy edited by Jeff Toalson, a couple of non-fiction reads for research on book ideas.


What are you reading now?


When I opened my Kindle
The Salty Carmel Christmas by Barbara Lohr came up. I believe it’s a YA book by a fellow  Ohio Valley Romance Author member. Another open book on the Kindle is Effie’s  Outlaw by Karen Lopp, a fellow Soul Mate author. I’m sure there are others
open in the Kindle, but those two are at the top of the list right now.


If you could only pick one book from your childhood to preserve for others to read, what would it be?


Any book that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote, I loved her books as a child and we read them to our daughter when she was little. Actually, her father read them to her. Her books made me want to go back to the 1800s and live in that era.  


How do you find your muse?


In the chores of life. I’m not one to sit at the computer and stare at a blank page. I tend to avoid the office and think about what I’m going to write until I have everything ordered in my mind, or at least outlined. Then, when I can’t avoid it any longer—and trust me, I do mundane things like cleaning the toilets to avoid the computer—I’ll sit down and the words just flow.



Where is your favorite spot to write?


My office. I’ve got my desk chair adjusted just so, my little electric fireplace to keep me warm, and all my stuff cluttered around me. When I shut the door I’m in my own little world. I have to have no distractions when I write.



What book do you think should be made into a movie?


Oh, wow. How to answer this one. There are so many good books out there that I don’t think I could choose. Some of the best ones have already made it to the big screen, like
The Narnia
Chronicles
, the
Lord of the Rings books, Harry Potter series, Unsafe Haven and The Help, to mention just a few. I think I’ll leave the answer to this question to Hollywood.

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Where novice Sister Margaret Mary goes, trouble follows. When she
barges into a drug deal the local Mexican drug lord captures her. To escape she must depend on undercover DEA agent Jed Bond. Jed’s attitude toward her is exasperating, but when she finds herself inexplicable attracted to him he becomes more dangerous than the men who have captured them, because he is making her doubt her decision to take her final vows. Escape back to the nunnery is imperative, but life at the convent, if she can still take her final vows, willnever be the same.

Nuns shouldn’t look, talk, act, or kiss like Sister Margaret Mary
O’Connor—at least that’s what
 
Jed Bond thinks. She hampers his escape plans with her compulsiveness
and compassion and in the process makes Jed question his own beliefs. After years of walling up his emotions in an attempt to become the best agent possible, Sister Margaret is crumbling Jed’s defenses and opening his heart. To lure her away from the church would be unforgivable—to lose her unbearable. 





Excerpt One:



Another row of pottery shattered, sending fragments into the car like tiny projectile rockets. Sending up a quick prayer, she covered her head.



Slamming the door shut as he passed, the man leapt over the trunk. He jerked open the driver’s door then jumped behind the wheel. Jamming the car into gear, he roared out into the market street. Shoppers and vendors screamed, leaping out of the car’s path.



Margaret scrambled into the passenger seat. “Stop this car immediately!”



“Keep down,” he ordered, “unless you want to get shot.”



The rear window glass erupted into the car’s interior, punctuating his words. The man fired at the attackers through the shattered back window.



“Shot?” Her voice rose an octave. “Oh, dear Lord in Heaven, what have I gotten into?”



“Trouble, Lady.” He fired off another round. “Big trouble.”



Margaret slid deeper into the front passenger seat, grabbing the door handle as the car careened around a corner. 
 


I’m going to die. In a car crash. With a strange man. Heart pumping madly, she let go of the door handle just long enough to cross herself then grabbed it again as the car swerved. A guardian angel would be good here, Lord. And make it Dale Earnhardt! They swerved around another
corner and she held on for dear life.



Oh, Mother Superior, maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m not good nun material after all. Who else in the convent could get themselves into a mess like this?


Buy links & Author links:



http://www.amazon.com/The-Nun-Narc-ebook/dp/B00CHU9DH2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368652543&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Nun+and+the+Narc




Print version:



http://www.amazon.com/Nun-Narc-Catherine-Castle/dp/1619352966/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380639013&sr=1-1&keywords=the+nun+and+the+narc




http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-nun-and-the-narc-catherine-castle/1116942061?ean=9781619352964




Catherine’s website:
http://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com




Catherine’s blog:
http://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/




Catherine’s Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/catherinecastle




Catherine’s Goodreads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085414.Catherine_Castle




Twitter: @AuthorCCastle



Facebook:
http://facebook.com/catherinecastleauthor


GIVEAWAY:

Catherine will  be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter between this tour and her Name Before the Masses tour. So leave your comment, and follow the tour and comment for more chances to win.

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26 Comments

Author Interview with Laurie Roma

1/27/2014

0 Comments

 
BIO: 
  
Laurie Roma lives in Chicago and is the author of the IAD, Arcadian and 3013 series. She has always loved immersing herself in a good book and now enjoys the pleasure of creating her own. She can usually be found tapping away on her keyboard, creating worlds for her
characters while she listens to music. Of course her playlist depends on her
mood…but then again, so does her writing.

 
An avid reader of the romance genre, nothing bothers her more than annoying characters. Seriously, who wants a happy ending for someone that pisses you off? She loves tough alpha-male heroes and strong heroines that have brains as well as beauty. Her novels are filled with both passionate romance and down and dirty lust-driven interludes, as she believes both are essential to a good love story. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached
at laurieromabooks@gmail.com.



Questions:


How long have you been an author?
 


My first published novel as Laurie Roma came out in October of 2012. It’s only been a year and change, but it feels like so much longer.


Have there been any surprises along the way?


As an author, I find new surprises about the industry every day. Starting out, everything was new and exciting, but with every book I write I see there is so much more I need to learn.



Why this story? What was your inspiration to write it?



I love building new worlds and the 3013 Series gives me the opportunity to create an interesting
platform for romance to flourish. 3013: MATED gave me a chance to combine several of my favorite things; the future, dragons, ménage, sci-fi, technology, magic and everlasting love. For this book, the main characters are aliens from another planet who are looking for their mate. When the four Dragon Warriors land on Earth they instantly know that Liaison Officer Alexis Donovan is the female they have been searching for who will complete their souls.





What was your favorite part of the book to write?


My favorite part of the book was the world itself. Since I am sharing the 3013 world with a few other very talented authors, it was up to me to set the foundation for this new series. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but overall I was pleased with how this world has started to come to life.


Is there a message you want your readers to take away from this book?



I love characters that are flawed, who bring their own issues into a relationship because it makes them real. With that said, I’d like to think my message can resonate with everyone… No matter what happened in the past or how many obstacles life throws in anyone’s path, everyone deserves love and a chance to find their own
happily ever after.


Do you have any other upcoming releases or projects you would like to talk about?



Right now I’m working on an all new contemporary series that has a little bit of everything…bad boys, military men, MMA fighters, bikers and best of all – romance.  I am also working on my
next book in the 3013 Series, which is 3013: CLAIMED. For fans of my IAD and Arcadians series, have no fear; I’m planning on continuing both of those series and have no plans on stopping either any time soon.


Where can readers find you?


1.
http://laurieroma.blogspot.com/


2. http://3013theseries.blogspot.com/


3. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Roma/179017578902388


4. http://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Roma/e/B00APDXM98/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


5. https://twitter.com/laurieromabooks



Fun Questions:


Who is on your "to be read" shelf?
 


I have to say I will read anything by Nora Roberts written as herself or as JD Robb. I also have Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lynn Kurland, Lisa Marie Rice and Lori Foster on my TBR list.


What are you reading now?


Christine Feehan’s Dark Wolf


If you could only pick one book from your childhood to preserve for others to read, what would it be?


I’d have to say a book of fairy tales. Happily ever afters are universal, no matter what age you
are.


How do you find your muse?


LOL, you mean, how do I get her to leave me alone so I can sleep?


Where is your favorite spot to write?


 In my living room, sitting on my comfy chair or sofa.


What book do you think should be made into a movie?


Can I say any of mine without me sounding like an ass? *wink wink*

Picture
BOOK BLURB:


Alexis Donovan is a woman whose dream of falling in love with the perfect men has been dashed because of her infertile status. Still recovering from a war that almost destroyed the world, humans have fought to rebuild and have once again opened their shields to outside visitors. As a liaison officer for alien races that are visiting Earth, Alexis does her best to ignore
what she can never have, but when she is put in charge of four visiting alien warriors, her entire world changes...



Dragons Warriors from Arcadia, Xavier and Galan Tesera and their best friends Thorn and Brydan Volis, have been curious about Earth ever since they helped the humans defeat
their enemy years ago. As commanders of their own space vessel they travel the galaxies searching out the unknown, but in their hearts they know they will never truly be satisfied without a mate by their side.



When the four Dragon Warriors land on Earth they are instantly enamored with the sharp-tongued liaison who ignites a burning passion in their hearts, and know that she is the mate they have been searching for who will complete their souls. Will Alexis take a chance on four alien warriors or will the fear of leaving everything she has ever known destroy her
chance of finding true love?



BOOK EXCERPT: 


“Commander, sir! The Dragon Warrior visitors have arrived early and are waiting for permission to enter the shield.”


Jax heaved out a sigh. “Shit, they’re early. Ryans, open the shield and give them the coordinates over the Capital where they can enter our airspace. Have them land here in Dock C.”


“Right away, Commander Spartan.”


Officer Ryans relayed the information into his comms as he typed frantically on the tablet he held in his hand.


“Well, it looks like I’ll be acting as liaison after all,” Alexis said nervously. She’d thought she would
have a few days to sort out the assignment, but it didn’t seem like that was an option anymore. Even though she was a little worried, a part of her was excited to spend some time with visitors from Arcadia. She’d studied the Dragon Warriors, but had never actually met one in person.


Suck it up, she told herself. Shaking off her nerves, she straightened to her full height. She was a top-level officer for god’s sake.


She could…would handle this assignment.


Jax crossed his arms over his chest as his eyes narrowed. “I still don’t like this, Lex. I never thought Farris would be stupid enough to assign one of our female officers for this visit. You don’t have to take this assignment if you’re uncomfortable with it. I can order a replacement. Taking care of four men would be difficult for anyone.”


“I believe she will be more than capable.”


The deep voice that sounded out right behind her had Alexis spinning around, one hand on the hilt of the blaster at her hip. No one could have snuck up on both her and Jax without making a
sound, not with their training.


But someone had. 
 

Oh, my stars…


Her eyes widened at the sight of the four giant warriors that seemed to appear right out of one of her wildest, sex-starved fantasies. Standing at well over seven feet tall, far bigger than
any of the elite soldiers she was used to being around, the four men towered over her with their powerfully built frames.


They each wore black leather pants paired with matching soft leather vests that left their muscular arms bare, except for the dark gold and silver tribal-looking tattoos that started on
their shoulders and covered their skin down to their wrists. The marking were similar to the tattoos wore by the elite soldiers that had formed a bonding unit with a claimed woman, except the Dragon Warriors’ were more far more elaborate in detail.


Obviously two sets of brothers, the first pair of warriors had long black hair that flowed loose around their broad shoulders while the other two males had dark brown hair. Each of the males
had two small braids fashioned at the sides of their temples, framing strong, perfectly sculpted faces. They had powerful, chiseled jaws, high cheekbones, and lush, sensual lips that she couldn’t help but wonder how they would feel pressed against hers.


Alexis’ breath caught as four pairs of glowing eyes focused directly on her. The two warriors with black hair stared at her with eyes that glowed a bright silver, while the other two had
iridescent golden eyes. It was like looking at the sun and moon, and those glowing eyes seemed to pierce straight into her soul.


The alien warriors ignored the elite soldiers converged in a circle around them, and continued watching her with some sort of intense scrutiny she didn’t understand. It was a struggle, but
Alexis tore her gaze away from them, finally able to take a deep breath now that
she had broken the thrall they seemed to have over her.


She frowned as she looked around at the soldiers training their weapons on the newcomers. It wasn’t often that alien visitors had the ability to transport themselves right onto the Earth’s
surface, but when they did it made most soldiers nervous. Officer Ryans stared at the alien warriors in awe, as did many of the other soldiers. Hell, Alexis had to admit she was still staring at them herself.


They were truly an impressive sight.


She looked back up at the giant warriors and saw what could only be described as amusement on the face of the male with golden eyes standing on the far right, while the male with silver eyes on the far left surveyed the soldiers with narrowed eyes. No matter the relaxed stances the visitors had taken, Alexis could sense that they were prepared for anything. It was in their tightly coiled muscles and their watchful gazes.


The two warriors in the middle ignored their surroundings, never once looking away from her. Both of their gazes were like a physical caress over her skin and her body heated in response.
The intensity of their focus made her feel vital and alive. Christ, her reaction to them was completely inappropriate, but she couldn’t help but imagine seeing their impressive bodies without clothing, sliding against hers.


Focus, Donovan.


“Perhaps we should say we come in peace,” the golden-eyed brother on the right said with a sardonic smile.

BUY LINKS:


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HERWNZW


https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-3013mated-1375563-340.html


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/3013-laurie-roma/1117786041?ean=2940045530408


https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/389547


0 Comments

Author Interview with R. Brennan

12/5/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
AUTHOR BIO: 

R. Brennan is a subbie brat with a bitch streak, an IT geek for the state of New York, and
reformed gaming addict living in the rolling hills of Upstate NY. (You know, where it takes a ten minute drive to buy a gallon of milk, and the smell of cows lingers on the breeze.) when not writing, she spends as much time as she can outdoors, and in the summer you can find her lying in the hammock at Camp Tortuga (our little camper in the woods) with a rum drink in her hand.

She admits to a slight twitter addiction and enjoys talking with her readers. You can stalk her online in any of these places:


Blog:
http://bexbooknook.wordpress.com


Twitter: http://twitter.com/bexbrennan


Facebook: http://facebook.com/BexBookNook


Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rebelhart69


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/R_Brennan


Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/R.-Brennan/e/B004Z2KKSQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 


Questions:


How  long have you been an author?


I’ve been writing since high school, but I’ve been a published author since 2011 –
not long really. I’m still a bit of a newbie.



Have there been any surprises along the way?


Life, and writing, for that matter, is always full of surprises. If I am not being surprised by publishing houses and readers, I am being surprised by my muse, or my imagination. I thought many aspects of being a writer would be harder, and even more I thought would be easier. You definitely have to be adaptive in this business.


Why this story? What was your inspiration to write it?



This story was originally born as part of Evernight Publishing’s Vanilla-Free Christmas anthology. I wanted to write something that highlighted the romantic aspects of a BDSM relationship – hence Faith and Richard were born. Once their first story, Faith’s Gift released, I had a few requests from readers asking for more of Richard – the hunky Dom hero of the story. Never one to keep the ladies
from a good, demanding Dom, I wrote A LEAP OF FAITH as the second installment of
their tale, and the Roses and Thorns series was born. There is definitely more to come from Richard Halstead and his lovely submissive, Faith Daniels… not to mention some of their lifestyle friends…




What was your favorite part of the book to write?


My favorite part of the book is probably also the most controversial – the pet play scene. I have always had a weakness for this sort of BDSM play, so I really wanted to highlight some of that in this story. I found the whole thing incredibly erotic and romantic. But, being it is a different sort of BDSM play than many are used to reading about or experiencing, it may not work as well for some readers.


Is there a message you want your readers to take away from this book?



I think my big message in any of my stories (I write mostly BDSM erotic romance) is there is an innate romantic nature to a D/s relationship that so many miss. With the influx of BDSM themes tales of late, I really wanted to write something that was genuine to the lifestyle and highlighted just how
wonderfully romantic it can be – even if you are into “strange” fetishes or pain.



Do you have any other upcoming releases or projects you would like to talk about?



I am working on the next story in the Roses and Thorns series now and hope to have the next one released before March, and I also have a naughty little fairy tale I am working on rather heavily at the moment. But, one thing I have learned from my muse… anything can happen at any time. Who knows what this wicked imagination will come up with next.


Where can readers find you?


I left a ton of links below my Bio. As you can tell by the number of possible ways to get in touch, I can be a bit of an internet junkie.




Fun Questions:



Who is on your "to be read" shelf?


Not only do I write it, but I love reading erotic fiction. My TBR pile is HUGE, but I am hoping to jump into the latest releases of some of my “go to” authors – DC Stone, Sandra Bunino, Lila Shaw and Doris O’Connor (ironically all fellow Evernight Publishing authors)


What are you reading now?


I’m finishing up a review read -- the latest release of my friend, (and a fantastic author) Stephanie Lawton. Her latest, SHELF LIFE, released on December 3rd. Really enjoying it so far.


If you could only pick one book from your childhood to preserve for others to read, what would it be?


Such a  tough choice…. I guess it depends on the age… If I was still in Elementary school – Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak. If I were a bit older – The Lion, The Witch and The
Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Both just amazing authors and stories that shaped who I am today.



How do you find your muse?


Im not entirely sure. I think he found me in a gutter someplace and felt sorry for me.


Where is your favorite spot to write?


Favorite spot is most definitely the hammock at camp. It’s only open in the summers, so the weather is perfect for lounging, there are plenty of trees for shade, and most of the time I can find a bit of quiet as well.


What book do you think should be made into a movie?


Most of the ones I thought should be movies are… but I’d love to see Jocelyn Adam’s Lila Gray series turned into movies. It is a 3 book series, so it would probably need more than one movie to do the story justice. If you haven’t read them and enjoy Urban Fantasy, I’d highly recommend.



BOOK BLURB FROM A LEAP OF FAITH:

New submissive, Faith Daniels, is completely infatuated with her amazing Dominant, Richard Halstead. So when he sends her a summons via text message a full day before they had plans to meet, she can barely contain her excitement.


But, Richard didn’t just invite her over for a play date. Not this time. He has a proposition for Faith. One that could change the rest of her life.



BOOK EXCERPT:


Faith woke to find herself still nestled tightly against Richard’s warm body and bright, early morning sunshine streaming through the gauzy gray curtains of his bedroom. Not quite ready to face the realities of dawn, she snuggled deeper into the covers, inhaled a lungful of his spicy scent, and pressed her eyes closed.


When she opened them again, her gaze locked with Richard, who sat reclined against the headboard. Had he been watching her sleep? She moved to sit up, cheeks heating.


Richard held her in place, a smile lighting his features. “Where do you think you’re going?”


“Sorry, I was just…”


“Just nothing. I’m not done admiring your beauty quite yet. The black leather collar suits you,
pet.”



A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but before she could thank him, Richard swiped the blankets away with a quick jerk, exposing her nudity, and letting all the trapped heat out
from under them.


Faith squealed, wrapped her arms around her bared breasts, and rolled into him. Burying her face against his chest, she gave an exaggerated shiver. “Too cold.”


“It’s like eighty degrees in here.”


She peeked up at him.“It was until you let all the heat out of the covers.”


He reached between her arms and tweaked a nipple. “Don’t worry. You’ll warm up while you’re making the coffee. You know where everything is, yes?”


She shivered and glanced across the room at the bedroom door. “It’s so far away.”


His laughter warmed her some. “You’ll survive. I like mine black, one sugar.” He gave her behind a pinch. “Hop to it. The sooner it’s done, the sooner you can return to the warm covers.” A teasing light danced in his eyes. “And, more importantly, me.”


Faith bowed her lips into a pretty pout. “May I have a kiss to keep me warm during my journey to the harsh and frozen realm of ceramic kitchen tiles?”


“How can I refuse you when you ask so nicely, fair maiden?” He gripped her chin, his sweet mouth descending towards hers. A hair’s breath from reaching her parted lips, Richard hesitated. “What do
you say?”


“Please?” she begged.


He captured her mouth with his, heating Faith to her toes in the space of an instant, and scattering her
thoughts like autumn leaves in a brisk wind.



She melted against him, whimpering when his tongue invaded and teased hers, taunting it to join in his erotic dance. Her hands slid up his toned pectorals on their way to encircle his neck.


Richard captured her wrists, stopping her timid advance in its tracks. He drew his hot lips away, leaving her breathless. “Oh, no you don’t. Nice try, little minx. Coffee first. Your reward
comes afterward.”

BUY INKS:



Evernight Publishing | Amazon | Barnes and Noble 
Bookstrand | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

  

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