Sky Purington's Blog, page 29

A Werewolf, One-Night Stand and Unexpected Consequences. One Night with the Shifter by Theresa Meyers.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Theresa Meyers, author of One Night with the Shifter, Book Four in the Sons of Midnight Series, a Paranormal Romance. Chatting vampires and werewolves, sit back and relax while we interview!
Publisher: Harlequin  Nocturne Date of Publication:  February 2014
ISBN: 978-0-373-88590-9
ASIN: B00EFPXT7W
Number of pages: 304 pages
Harlequin Amazon BNBooks A Million

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GIVEAWAY! Four prize packs- What better way to read a book than with killer fudge and amazing truffles? Win $25 in your choice of decadent sweets from The Candy Shoppe LLC in Port Orchard, WA and an autographed copy of One Night with the Shifter from author Theresa Meyers. Open to US Shipping. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post!

Book Description
A one-night stand with a werewolf has unexpected consequences in Theresa Meyers's latest romance in the Sons of Midnight series.
After he is exiled from his pack, Tyee Grayson must learn to make it on his own. But one night with a beautiful stranger who has luminous blue eyes changes everything…. Especially when his instincts shout that she is the one. 
All elementary school teacher Jessica Brierly wanted was a night on the wild side, but when she finds herself pregnant, all the rules change. Not only does her lover have more secrets than she ever imagined, but suddenly they're both fighting off vampires. 
When vampires attack the town she dearly loves, Ty must work with his old pack to save them from a ruthless enemy who could kill not only his mate and his unborn child—but the entire human race.
Let's Interview!
SKY:  What inspired you to write this book?
THERESA:  Sometimes a character will inspire me, and sometimes a place. In One Night with the Shifter it was a little bit of both. To be honest, what started it was the hero. I felt so bad for Tyee Grayson as the beta werewolf of the Wenatchee Were pack getting kicked out of his position in the pack as the next alpha at the end of The Half-Blood Vampire that he practically screamed in my head for his own story.  I wanted to tell what happened after he had to start over, creating a new pack of his own. The second inspiration came from my own small home town of Port Orchard, WA. There’s this bar in town, the Bethel Tavern. I’ve been to it twice with friends who grew up around here. It’s not a place you go to alone and certainly not if you aren’t ready for something a little rough around the edges. I tried to describe it faithfully as the bar where they get into the bar fight with the vampires. The house the heroine and her brothers live in is known around here as the Cedar Cove Inn, and you can look online for pictures of it. It’s a fantastic little bed and breakfast. 
SKY:  How did you come up with the title?
THERESA:  LOL. You know it wasn’t supposed to be the title. I always tend to come up with titles first and that’s what the story is in my head even if the title changes. Originally I had named it Her Big, Bad Wolf, because it was my first book in the Sons of Midnight mini-series featuring a werewolf hero rather than a vampire, but my editor asked me for alternatives and at about the third round of suggestions she decided she liked One Night with the Shifter.
SKY:  Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details. 
THERESA:  I’m always working on more than one project. Right now I’m finishing a vampire novella that will be part of an anthology with several other vampire authors that’s due out this spring. I’m also working on crafting a new paranormal mini-series for Harlequin Nocturne as well as writing on my next Shadow Sisters book, Shadow Hunter set in the dark fae world I write for Entangled. Later this year I’ll be writing on a New Adult book and a YA book. So there’s plenty of projects in the works.
SKY:  What sort of personality does your hero have?
THERESA:  Tyee Grayson is a lone wolf—literally. He’s left his pack because he can’t get along with the new alpha werewolf.  He’s trying to start over, keeping his paranormal side undercover as he teaches an outdoor survival skills school to members of the military. Underneath it all Ty wants to belong and have a family. He misses his pack, but he’s too proud to go back or ask for help until something matters more to him than his own ego. He’s protective, fierce and loyal, just like you’d expect from wolves that mate for life. I always create a soundtrack to each book I write that I play while I’m writing.  Ty’s song was “All-American Nightmare” by Hinder and my favorite lines out of the song were “nice guys are last, ‘cause I’m always first. I’m a freak show sucker for how it feels, turn the girl next door into hell on heels.” I thought it captured his bad boy persona just right.
SKY:  What sort of personality does your heroine have?
THERESA:  Ahhh, Jessica Brierly. She’s your all-American small-town girl with too many brothers who all think they know what’s good for her even though she’s an adult. As an elementary teacher, she knows all too well that her behavior matters, but after a lifetime in the same small town where everyone knows everyone, she wants a fling with someone that’s totally unrelated to life in Sinclair. Part of that has to do with growing up with her brothers in charge and as the only girl in the family. Jess isn’t rash, but she is independent and doesn’t always see things the way her brothers do. She’s fiercely loyal, in fact you could say in some ways that’s her biggest fault. One of the most things about writing Jess was taking the fear that’s so natural when you find out your pregnant for the first time and wondering if you are doing everything right, and compounding it by having her realize there was no rule book for being pregnant with a were for a mate. All those insecurities are amped up but at the same time are exactly what make her so perfect to be Ty’s alpha female. Jess would do anything to put her family first—just like him. She was also fun to write because all my life I’ve been surrounded by teachers, and I’ve had the opportunity to be a substitute teacher myself for a number of years, so I understand what she’s thinking as a teacher.
SKY:  Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.
THERESA:  I don’t always get the luxury of choosing where I write. I write anywhere I can, whenever I can: in the car in a cheap spiral notebook in the car while waiting for my teens to get out of practice, on the desktop computer in my turret office, and even sometimes I’ll text stuff on my phone to my email just so I capture it. If I do get to pick, I like to be in my office, or curled up on the couch in my living room with the sunshine spilling over my shoulder.
SKY:  What sources do you use for research?
THERESA:  I use the Internet a lot, but also my research librarian at my local library and the host of books in my office that range on topics from everything to herbal remedies and Feng Shui to art history books and Greek mythology. When you are writing paranormal romance, you draw from a number of sources to make what you are creating as authentic as possible and grounded in something real whether it’s history, herbology, or ancient societies.
SKY:  How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?
THERESA:  That’s kind of a trick question when it comes to me. I started having my writing published nationally when I was 17 and got a short story piece published in Merlin’s Pen as part of an extra credit English assignment in high school. I wrote for newspapers for years and magazines, but in fiction I’ve been writing far, far longer than I’ve been published. I started writing my first romance novel when I was seventeen as a self-created elective my senior year along with a few friends. As long as we produced written pages and showed progress in our chosen writing projects, we were given an A for the class. My first novel was published by Harlequin in 2009 and since then I’ve been thrilled to have several more. One Night with the Shifter will be my sixteenth published book, but probably the twentieth I’ve written. 
SKY:  Do you prefer to write short stories, novellas or novels? Why?
THERESA:  You know, that’s a really good question. For me I prefer writing full-length novels. A novella takes just as much planning for me as a novel because it’s a full story just in a very short package. That means I don’t have time to do as many layers in the story because I have to keep everything tight and condense to the storyline of the two main characters. 
SKY:  Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon. 
THERESA:  Yes, I write several series! Thanks for asking. When writing my brain tends to come up with entire complex worlds filled with lots of different characters who all deserve a story of their own. One Night with the Shifter is part of my Sons of Midnight series featuring vampires and werewolves in the Seattle area. My Legend Chronicles are paranormal steampunk romances that are best described as what would happen if you took the television series Supernatural and mashed it together with the movie Wild Wild West (even though I started writing my three brothers named after guns who are supernatural hunters YEARS before there ever was a Supernatural television show.) I also have a contemporary romance series I’m working on that will start with The Geek Billionaire Makeover that comes out in April from Entangled and I’m working on a new paranormal world that hopefully will debut in the next year. I also am writing on the Shadow Sisters series for Entangled which features the four O’Connell sisters who can see dark fae and get caught up in their plans to retake our world that started with the novella Shadowlander. Readers can always find what I’m working on next by following me on Twitter @Theresa_Meyers liking my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheresaMeyersAuthor or my going to my website www.theresameyers.com
Thanks so much for having me visit today, it’s been a lot of fun talking with you!
SKY:  My pleasure, Theresa. Great interview!
Excerpt
The air was clean and cold outside. Ty’s head cleared, his senses grew sharper. The cool evening breeze, heavy with the salty scent of nearby Puget Sound, ruffled Jess’s hair, sticking honey-colored wisps to her full, rosy lips.
“You okay?” he asked as he gently tucked the strands back behind her ear.
Jess blinked, and stared up at him, a mixture of curiosity and disbelief in her eyes. “What just happened in there?”
He tried to give her a lopsided grin, but it turned into a wince when he found his jaw was tender from the hits the vampire had landed. He rubbed the soreness. The night air chilled the dribble of blood from the cut on his cheek, making it wet and cold, but there was no scent of vampire. The third one must have been smart enough to ditch his buddies. His body ached from the fight, but it would heal fast enough. “A bar fight with strangers.”
“You didn’t know those guys?” she asked, looking around her nervously. “They seemed pretty intent on messing with you.” She grazed the corner of his mouth with her fingertips. “You’re hurt.”
The light touch was enough to send a powerful surge of awareness pounding through him that wiped away any of the ache that remained. Damn. There was no doubt in his mind there was a strong Mesmer forming with this woman.
He gently moved her fingers away from his mouth, keeping them folded in his. Her hands were fine boned and slender and feminine. “No big deal.”
Her full lips tipped up into a soft smile, making him crave to kiss her. “Tough guy, huh?” She pulled a car remote from her pocket and pushed it, making the lights flash on a silver pickup on the edge of the dirt-and-gravel parking area beside the bar.
“Sounds like you’ve been around a few.”
She opened the driver’s door to the pickup and turned, standing in the gap, staring at him, her head tilted. “A few. But they’re nothing like you.”
Ty closed the gap between them, putting one hand on the door frame, shielding her from view of the parking lot but maintaining space between them. He knew better than to get close enough to be swamped by temptation. The Mesmer might be working on him, but that didn’t mean she’d understand if he came on too strong. Especially not after the fight.
“If you want to head home, I understand. I’ll stay here awhile and make sure those guys don’t follow you home.”
She reached out and grabbed fistfuls of his T-shirt near his collarbones, pulling him close until he was chest to chest with her. The soft swells of her breasts pressed against him and the minty scent of her hair, and hint of lilac on her skin teased his sensitive sense of smell. Everything within him went silent and still, fixated on the lush curve of her mouth so damn close to his he could feel the warmth of her breath.
“What I want is for you to come home with me.” Jess stood on her tiptoes and looked up into his face, the dark fringe of lashes around her eyes making the blue luminous. Her rapid pulse beat against his chest, taking over the rhythm until his matched the pace she set. For a second the world tilted sideways.
Ty’s gaze dropped to the silky, damp edge of her lips and he was lost. He dipped down and kissed her. Her lips were soft and willing, tasting of peppermint. She tasted so damn sweet, hot and spicy all at once. A warm, viscous heat flowed through his veins, coating and drowning out every other sensation until he was hot and hard at the same time.
Ty gripped the edge of the truck’s door frame, nearly denting the sheet metal with his fingertips. But he was determined to keep his hands to himself, even though they itched to touch her. Heat seeped through his shirt, the temperature difference amplified by the chill in the air. The kiss turned deeper, slicker, the tip of her tongue brushing against his. The spicy fragrance of female that spiked the air left no doubt she was aroused. When they broke apart, both of them were breathing hard, their breath creating misty white clouds.
“You sure about this?” He could control his body, but not the rough edge of his voice as he struggled to maintain composure. “I could follow you.”
Jess looked up at him, her dark lashes dropping a fraction, giving her a sultry look. “Hop in.”
He was smart enough not to argue with her, but that didn’t mean that the little voice of human reason in the back of his head wasn’t screaming loudly that this was stupid and rash. He should take his own vehicle so he didn’t get stuck who knew where. He didn’t know a damn thing about her. Couldn’t read her mind and certainly hadn’t asked enough questions. But this was a Mesmer, the wild Were instinct side of him shouted back. No one, Were especially, could blame him for responding so quickly and profoundly to her. And hell, he could always follow his nose and walk back if he needed to.
“Anything you say,” he answered. He waited until she climbed up into the cab, admiring the way the dark denim jeans hugged the curve of her ass, then closed the truck door and walked around the back of the pickup. An uneasy sensation raised the hairs on his skin. He glanced over his shoulder one last time to make sure they weren’t being followed.
About the Author

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car.
They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, two horses, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd, a rabbit, parakeet and an out-of-control herb garden. 
You can find her online at her website www.theresameyers.com or frequently on Twitter @Theresa_Meyers

Visit Theresa Meyers
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"Love Can Begin With Reverie..." Interview with Alexander of In Her Dreams.

Welcome to day two of A Writer’s Mind’s, End of Week Character Blowout! Yesterday, I interviewed Evangeline, the heroine from Katherine Givens', In Her Dreams. Today, I’ll be chatting with her hero, Alexander. So sit back, relax and read on. But before we begin, let's learn a bit more about this novella...
Her heart belongs to an alluring, golden-haired gentleman, perfect in every way...except one: he doesn’t exist.
Angela Vernon is everything a proper, well-brought-up woman should be. She knows her place and understands society’s expectations — which include not being jealous of her sister and not coveting her sister’s suitor. But how can she bear the heartache of watching the only man she loves marry not only her sister, but a woman who doesn’t see past his exterior to the man he is beneath?
On to the Interview!
SKY:  Alexander, tell us a little bit about you.
ALEXANDER: What is there to tell? I am guarded. Sometimes prone to bouts of loneliness, but I am a man like any other. 
SKY:   Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Evangeline, what thoughts come to mind?
ALEXANDER: Evangeline, the first person to breech my solitude for years. I was utterly enchanted by her, for I had never seen a woman with such fire. Such zeal. Her chin was stubbornly set. Her eyes wide with amazement. She was beautiful.
SKY:   She has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? Hands down, she appreciates one of your traits…what do you think that is?
ALEXANDER: Knowing Evangeline, she is proud of the fact she is the remedy to my one vulnerability. My loneliness. Despite her stubbornness and hotheadedness, Evangeline has one of the kindest hearts. She is willing to do anything for the ones she loves, which I absolutely respect and admire. 
SKY:  She has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? You figure there’s probably a trait she might want to change about you… care to share?
ALEXANDER: Her lack of faith in my assurances that one day we will be together in every respect. I swear it will happen if it is the last thing I do, for I know she loathes the one thing keeping us apart. My dream-like state. Our dream-like state. 
SKY:  Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you’ve done for her? 
ALEXANDER: Promising to be with her forever and always. 
SKY:  She has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? She can’t stare at you enough… but where is she staring? Now’s the time to gloat about your thick head of hair. *Sky sniggers* Truth! Do you think it’s your eyes? Chest? Etc.
ALEXANDER: Her lips. Her lips thin whenever she dwells on her worries. My first reaction is to try and kiss away her concern, her pain. As for me, I’d say it is my golden hair. She often compares my hair to the mane of a lion, the king of the pride. I am not certain if I should be flattered or offended by the comparison…
SKY:   How do you think (heroine’s name) would answer the following…  Our favorite thing to do together is…?
ALEXANDER: Exploring my library. I have a cache of books we poured over at the beginning of our relationship, but as of late we’ve abandoned the dusty tomes for talk of where our lives are heading… What did Evangeline say?
SKY:  You and Evangeline don’t see eye to eye on what issue?
ALEXANDER: One day being together beyond our dreams, the doubtful minx. 
SKY:   She said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it? 
ALEXANDER:  “I think I love you.” Ha! Evangeline has a knack for poetry, does she not? I am absolutely certain of my love for her, yet she is now coming to terms with her own sentiments for me… Pardon me, Sky, but I must be off. This chat was delightful, but I am in need of rest.
SKY: Wonderful interview! Thanks for joining me today.
Learn more about author Katherine Givens in A Writer's Mind's, Midweek Meet and Greet.
Visit Katherine Givens Website Blog Facebook

"He Came to Her in a Dream..." Interview with Angela Vernon of In Her Dreams.

Welcome! You’ve arrived just in time to enjoy an End of the Week Character Blowout. Today and tomorrow, I’ll be interviewing the hero and heroine from Katherine Givens, In Your Dreams. It’s always interesting to see how well the couples from some of your favorite books really know one another. Today, we’ll chat with Evangeline Vernon, then tomorrow, the object of her affections, Alexander. Before we get started, let's learn a bit more about this Regency Romance Novella...
Her heart belongs to an alluring, golden-haired gentleman, perfect in every way...except one: he doesn’t exist.
Angela Vernon is everything a proper, well-brought-up woman should be. She knows her place and understands society’s expectations — which include not being jealous of her sister and not coveting her sister’s suitor. But how can she bear the heartache of watching the only man she loves marry not only her sister, but a woman who doesn’t see past his exterior to the man he is beneath?

Time to Interview!
SKY:  Evangeline, Tell us a little bit about you.
EVANGELINE: Oh, where do I begin? My family is pressing me to encourage the Duke of Manchester, the most boring gentleman to ever grace the ton, in what I consider to be a mockery of a courtship. I am nearing spinsterhood, you see. Snagging myself a duke would be impressive for a woman of my status, but I suspect my dearest sister is in love with Manchester! I haven’t a clue how to act. And, besides… my own heart belongs to another.
SKY:   Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Alexander, what thoughts come to mind?
EVANGELINE: Alexander? He was the most tempting creature I’d ever beheld. His eyes were the most remarkable shade of green, his gaze searing my skin. As striking as he was, I sensed an aura of loneliness about him. He was…melancholy, and a part of me wanted to discover why. But, I told myself, I was only dreaming.
SKY:   He has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? You know without doubt he appreciates one of your traits. Share what you think that is.
EVANGELINE: I adore his rigid composure isn’t so fallible. A part of him is vulnerable…to me. And I think he adores I am aware of this vulnerability.
SKY:  He has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? Oh yeah, there’s a trait you know he’d change about you…fess up!
EVANGELINE: Alexander would prefer I wasn’t so elusive. The trait I’d change is his nonexistence! Lord, sometimes I wish my dreams were not more enticing than reality. *Sigh* Sorry for my little outburst there. It is only… Never mind. I do not wish to burden you with my life’s complications… You were saying?
SKY:  Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he’s done for you?
EVANGELINE: Alexander once swooped me into his arms and promised to find me. He would never quit trying to carry our love outside the realm of dreams and into reality. The greatest gift he could ever give me is himself. I only hope he comes through, even if I am skeptical.  
SKY:  He has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? His eye constantly roams to a particular part of your person. Tell, tell!
EVANGELINE: Ooh. I do love this question. His feature I adore is, as I said previously, his lonely, green eyes. Alexander’s gaze is always attracted to my lips, for I think he cannot last too long without a kiss!
SKY:   How do you think Alexander would answer the following…  Our favorite thing to do together is…?
EVANGELINE: Lord, I am blushing. I think our favorite pastime is typical of any blossoming couple. How do I put this delicately? Exploring one another’s…persons?
SKY:  You and Alexander just don’t see eye to eye on what issue?
EVANGELINE: Ever being united with one another. He has a knack for hope. I, on the other hand, might only maintain hope if I have a plan to enact, and I am currently unaware of his.
SKY:   He said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?
EVANGELINE:  Simple. He once said to me, “You have been vital to my life, my dreams, for these past few months. Without you I fear I would not know how to live.” Goodness. (Evangeline fans herself.) I think I need to lie down and take a nap. Thank you for the wonderful chat, but I need to become lost in my dreams.
SKY: Great interview! It’s been a pleasure having you over.
Learn more about author Katherine Givens in her Midweek Meet and Greet.
Be sure to swing back in tomorrow to check out Alexander’s interview!
Visit Katherine Givens Website Blog Facebook

Cover Reveal! Blood Reunited by Amber Belldene.

Just revealed! Today I’m pleased to be among the first to show off the never-before-seen cover for Blood Reunited, Book Three in Amber Belldene’s, Blood Vine Series.
Genre: paranormal romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Date of Publication: January 28, 2014
ISBN:9781623420956
Book Description
Book Three in the Blood Vine Series.
Brooding vampire halfling and biologist Bel Maras is determined to create a cure for the wasting disease that plagues his vampire family. His work becomes essential as the Hunters intensify their global and bloody campaign. When Bel's cure fails, only his ancient and estranged godmother Uta Ilirije can help. But seeing the ice-cold Uta reveals something shocking--she is his bonded mate.
She may be a dangerous warrior, but Uta feels her failures acutely. She has been unable to protect her kind from Hunters, and vampires are dying out. Worse, she tied Bel to her long ago in an accident of blood, then abandoned him for his own good--a choice he has never forgiven. Many days, she is convinced Bel and the vampires would be better off if she just walked into the sun.
Biology has fated them to be mates. Now these old enemies must overcome their past to save the vampires and come to peace with the bond they never chose.
Blood Entangled  Blood Vine Series Book Two


Genre: paranormal romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
ISBN: 9781623420437ASIN:B00E3ER9KI
Number of pages: 318
Amazon
Book Description
KOS MARAS’s orderly life is in shambles—he must distribute Blood Vine to a population of ailing vampires, but Hunters block him at every turn. To make matters worse, each night he watches over a temptingly beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. He is convinced love cannot last a vampire-long lifetime and an entanglement will only cause them grief, but he doesn’t have the heart to send her away.
From a long line of blood servants, LENA ISAAKSON is destined to serve a vampire, but a string of humiliating rejections thwarts her pleasure. When Kos shows her kindness, she hopes he will claim her. Instead he proves himself a coward in the face of love and sends her to serve another.
Will the dark seduction of a rakish new vampire finally bring Lena the pleasure she desires or deliver her into the hands of Hunters who want to destroy everything the Maras family has worked for?
Book Trailer


Blood Vine Blood Vine Series Book One

Genre: paranormal romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Date of Publication: January 6, 2013
ISBN:9781623420048ASIN: B00AXREPM4
Number of pages: 206
Amazon 
Book Description
In Blood Vine, bites are an inconvenient bliss, exiled vampires are wasting away, and the fate of their kind depends on the perfect PR campaign.
When public relations pro Zoey Porter arrives at an enchanting California winery, she discovers her sexy new client is the almost one-night stand she can't forget. After her husband's suicide, Zoey has vowed never to risk her heart again. But can she walk away from the intriguing winemaker a second time?
Driven from Croatia by his ancient foes, vampire Andre Maras has finally made a blood-like wine to cure his fellow refugees. Now he needs Zoey's PR expertise to reach them. After his wife's death, Andre has a vow of his own—never to risk another painful blood bond. And one taste of the tempting Zoey would bind him to her eternally.
His secrets stall her PR plans. Her jealousy is stoked by the blissed-out beauties leaving his bedroom. At every turn, he utterly fails to resist her. When she discovers he is a vampire, will she be lost to the golden-eyed Hunters, or lose herself to the emptiness in her heart, before she can help him save his kind?
Book Trailer


About the Author
Amber Belldene grew up on the Florida panhandle, swimming with alligators, climbing oak trees and diving for scallops…when she could pull herself away from a book.  As a child, she hid her Nancy Drew novels inside the church bulletin and read mysteries during sermons—an irony that is not lost on her when she preaches these days. 
Amber is an Episcopal Priest and student of religion.  She believes stories are the best way to explore human truths.  Some people think it is strange for a minister to write romance, but it is perfectly natural to her, because the human desire for love is at the heart of every romance novel and God made people with that desire. She lives with her husband and two children in San Francisco. 
Visit Amber's Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads
Twitter: @amberbelldene

Writing: A Discipline or an Art. Begotten by Giovanna Lagana.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over author Giovanna Lagana, author of Begotten, Book One in The Forsaken Prophecies. So grab your favorite cuppa, relax and not only learn more about this fascinating book but read about Giovanna's thoughts on writing.
Genre: Paranormal romantic suspenseMystery/Thriller
ASIN: B00H0M7PLI 
Number of pages: 324Word Count: 78280
Cover Artist: Ghislain Mallet
Amazon    Amazon.ca   Amazon.co.uk

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Book Description
In the blink of an eye Megan Johnson’s perfect life turns into a nightmare. Her beloved husband mysteriously dies in a car crash and her fourteen-year-old son, Tristan, runs away with a diabolical cult leader named Vincent Hellion. Her world is spiraling to destruction. She leans on her husband’s best friend, Rhett Foster, for support and help. But when feelings she thought she never had for Rhett begin to surface and unknown psychic powers possess her, she becomes more confused than ever. She tries to push her feelings for Rhett aside and focus on her visions to save her son before it’s too late.
Rhett Foster has loved Megan for so long. But he never confessed his feelings to her because his best friend was her husband. Now that her husband is dead, he struggles with his conscience. Should he tell Megan how he really feels or should he honor his best friend's memory?
Megan's desperate quest to find and free her son sets them both on a path of love, danger, and renewal. If they return, their lives will be changed forever.

Writing: A Discipline or an Art
Do you see writing as an art or a discipline? I’d say it’s both. But for each author one aspect is more dominant than the other. Once you’ve determined which it is, then you can focus on that and move forward. For me when I was starting out, I saw writing only as an art, not a discipline. It was a means of release for my thoughts and emotions; an escape from all the stress. My stories or poems were my canvases. My mediums weren’t pastels or oil paints, but my imagination and my mind’s eye.

But as I grew as an author, my writing turned into a discipline. I no longer wrote for the sole purpose of creative release. I wanted to make a career out of it. Unfortunately when you as a writer come to a crossroad in your life and take the route of making writing a discipline that means you need to devote most of your day to it. Which also means that you need to write prolifically and can’t afford to get writer’s block.

Getting writer’s block is an author’s nightmare. I suffer from it often, especially with new stories I’m working on. I’ve tried almost anything to get rid of it, but end up just putting the story aside and starting a new one and if it takes off, I’m ecstatic. If it doesn’t, I get cranky. I put it aside and start another hoping this time it’ll get written.

I have so many stories I started and stopped stored in my junk Word folder, I’m too scared to count. It’ll only stress me, because I loved each and every one of those premises and the artist in me wants to see what started in my imagination and in my mind’s eye transported to my canvas and into a completed story. But I try not to harp on those canvases stuck in limbo or I’ll stress myself out. Are other authors like me? Are you?

I guess every author feels like I do. He/she wants to see every one of their premises turned into a completed story. Some writers have gone to great lengths to keep writer’s block at bay. For instance, Honoré de Balzac would wake up at 1:00 in the morning and work until 8:00 a.m., take a short nap and start writing again until 4:00 p.m. John Milton had the Bible read to him daily for inspiration. And Dan Brown works in hourly intervals doing push ups in-between to recharge.

I haven’t gone to these great lengths to avoid writer’s block. Maybe if I did, then perhaps more if not all of my past stories would have been written. My New Year’s resolution is to zap writer’s block once and for all. I know, it’s a harrowing feat, but maybe this time, I’ll get it right. My plan is to hide in a no Wi-Fi distraction zone, once I’m fully awake and caffeinated. I’m going to actually write my detailed outlines and each chapter on paper, like I used to do years ago before I turned writing into a discipline. Then once each chapter is completed on paper, I’ll type it out in the afternoon or early evening. I hope this will be the ultimate remedy for me. Please wish me luck. I’ll need it. :)

How about you? What writing habits have you or will you incorporate in your daily ritual as a disciplined writer in order to be inspired and more productive?
Excerpt
Megan closed the door and leaned on it. She began to cry. Fatigue and the doctor’s words took their toll on her.
Rhett hugged her and caressed her long hair. “You heard what the doctor said? Tristan is going to be all right.”
She sniffled. “But what if he gets worse? Mark and he were so close. He lost his whole world a few days ago.”
“He still has you,” Rhett said.
“Yeah, but what if he doesn’t let me in? What if he won’t let me help him and support him? He’s a teenager now, Rhett. At his age, who knows how he will react.”
Rhett stared into her eyes, which she knew were watery, red, and puffy. “Then I’m here. Granted, my relationship with Tristan isn’t anywhere as close as his relationship had been with his dad, but we are still close. If he won’t confide in you, then I’ll try. The kid is tough. You and Mark hit the jackpot with him. He’ll be okay.”
“I hope you’re right, Rhett.”
He pulled out a compact pouch of tissues from his suit pocket. “Here you go.”
She smiled, wiped her teary eyes, and jokingly said, “Thanks, do you have any mascara in there, too?”
He put his hand in his pocket to check. “No, just a small lint remover. Care to use it?”
They both laughed at his joke. Then Megan felt a twinge of guilt for experiencing a happy emotion when she buried her husband just a few hours before. She turned serious. “Why is it that you always know what to say or do? It’s like you can read my mind.”
He smiled as he raised his left eyebrow. “That’s because we’ve known each other almost all our lives.”
“That’s true. There’s nothing we don’t know about each other. We have no secrets. You’re like the big brother I always wanted.”
Looking up into the air, he nodded. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I know. You always say that.”
“But it’s true. You’ve always been there for me, and for Mark.” A yawn escaped her lips. “What am I thinking right now?”
Rhett winked as he spoke. “Okay, okay, I get the hint. I’ll go now.” With genuine concern, he continued, “Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes, I think I’ll go to bed early.”
He opened the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow from work. Bye.” He kissed her cheek and left.
* * * *
As Rhett closed the door behind him, he rubbed his nose. Megan’s soft locks had tickled his cheek. He could still smell her strawberry scented shampoo. He thought about what she had just said as he stood on her porch. “We have no secrets,” she’d uttered. She was wrong.
He had a secret that he kept from her all of these years. He wondered if he should ever tell her the truth. Their friendship would be at great risk if he did.
Rhett got into his car, put on the radio, and tuned it to his favorite station. The Wind Beneath My Wings was playing. He had a flashback of when he and Megan had been seventeen. They were dancing to this song at their prom.
Since they didn’t have any dates, they decided to go with each other. A smile formed on his face as he remembered how they both had two left feet. A spectacle they had made of themselves on the dance floor. Ah, the fun times they had. Megan was certainly someone special. How boring his life would have been if she had never come into it.
He drove off, vowing to protect her and her son in these troubled times. He owed it to Mark and to himself.
About the Author

Giovanna Lagana is a freelance author. Some of her short stories and poems have been featured in magazines like Tales of the Talisman, Short-Story. Me, Static Movement, and Fear and Trembling Magazine, etc.
To learn more about Giovanna and her writing, please check her website at: www.giovannalagana.com
Website: www.giovannalagana.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/G_Lagana
Blog: http://giovannalaganablog.wordpress.com
Blog: http://jjgiovanna.bravejournal.com/
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Fears Faced. Lives Lost then Found. A Year to Remember!

Welcome! Thanks so much for joining me as we welcome in 2014. May she be wholesome and productive for all. As I reflect upon 2013, it’s with a soft smile on my face.
The bumps in my year were of course worth noting. Again, I say goodbye to my mother’s beloved Lhasa Apso, Fletcher, who passed away in early spring. Immortalized in Destiny's Denial, he will never be forgotten. May he forever rest in peace. Miss you so very much, buddy. I also faced a small medical scare in the spring but can now safely say I’m cancer free. Always, I remain an avid Breast Cancer Awareness advocate and my experience in 2013 will only make me more pro-active in the years to come.
On a lighter note, I welcomed home some new family members just a few months ago and they’ve been keeping me very busy. I’m now the proud doggy mama of two nearly four month old Shepard/Husky mixes. I’ve shared a picture. Like most of my animals, expect these two cuties to make an appearance in my books over the years.
I also spent a great deal of time in 2013 doing what I love best, writing. The MacLomain Series- Early Years saw three new books and a story foundation I never saw coming. All three books hit the best-seller list in time-travel romance, Highland Defiance and Highland Persuasion grabbing #1 spots. In addition, The Victorian Lure (Calum’s Curse: Book One) was refreshed and re-released, adding a new spark to the series.
To top off the good news, I’m thrilled to announce that both The MacLomain Series- Early Years and the Calum’s Curse Series are now available at ‘let’s-start-it-out-right’ New Year prices. Details for both are below.
I won’t keep you long but wanted to take this moment to wish all my readers and anyone popping in for the first time a very Happy and Healthy New Year. May you and yours prosper always!
Much love,S. Purington
2014 Here I Come! Just Released Boxed Sets.
The MacLomain Series- Early Years Boxed Set
HIGHLAND DEFIANCE- Mildred, a young woman living in New England during the onset of World War II, worries about her family. What is to come? Little does she anticipate change is to come not from war, but from an unexpected trip back in time to medieval Scotland. Laird Adlin MacLomain will never forget the moment he lays eyes on her. Mildred redefines the man he thought he was. Her quick wit and perseverance humble his natural arrogance. Her sensuality cripples his defenses. The maddened determination of a rival chieftain threatens their very existence. Caught together in time, they must find a way to evade the mighty MacLeods and keep peace in the Highlands. 
HIGHLAND PERSUASION- Iosbail MacLomain will do whatever it takes to bring Laird Alexander Sinclair to his knees. Even if it means she has to travel through time to eleventh century Scotland and manipulate a king into marrying her off to the enemy. What she doesn't anticipate is a bitter rivalry between King Edgar and Alexander Sinclair. It seems the man she just married is by birthright a threat to the throne. Their lives on the line, Alexander and Iosbail are forced to flee across the country. Fraught with risk, adventure and wild, unexpected desire they struggle against overwhelming odds. 
HIGHLAND MYSTIC- Alan Stewart loves the lasses. Beautiful all, he's never been one to settle. Until, that is, Caitriona appears. Shy yet alluring, her unexpected and rare gift gains his respect. But Caitriona is not who she seems. Her fate was foreseen long before birth and so important it will impact all future MacLomains. When dreams of Alan begin, she knows the time has come. But how to convince a Highland laird from another century that he must die for her? Especially when it soon becomes apparent that she couldn't bear his death. When their paths cross with Stephen and Arianna of the Broun clan, a powerful prophecy begins to unravel. 
Purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and many online bookstores.
Calum’s Curse Series Boxed Set
It all began hundreds of years ago when Calum O’Donnell dabbled in dark magic. Seemingly betrayed, his newfound coven cursed him by sending three creatures of the night into the world to destroy his descendants. Yet Calum was both powerful and clever, trapping the creatures in various New England homes. Centuries later, Calum’s descendants, Leathan, Devin and Seth, find themselves at the heart of this unraveling age old curse. 
THE VICTORIAN LURE- When Dakota Allerton’s dream home becomes a house of horrors that is holding her hostage, her only hope is a Scotsman who investigates the paranormal. The supernatural is nothing Leathan Stewart can't handle. Until he walks into Dakota’s cursed Victorian. Trapped together in the time-warping home, passion soon flares between them. Yet he shares his desire for her with the dark domination that possesses the house. A presence that will not let go until it gets what it wants. Even as their attraction grows, Dakota and Leathan must fight against unknown enemies, discover the secrets of Calum's Curse and defeat a vampire bent on finishing the legacy it began. 
THE GEORGIAN EMBRACE- Devin O'Rourke is drawn to Isabel the moment he sees her ghostly image in a picture. While searching for proof of her existence, Devin soon finds himself pulled back in time. Eighteenth century, Isabel Savol, is on the run. Good fortune finds her sheltered and managing the construction of a house. When a handsome Irishman claiming to be from the future appears on her Georgian's worksite one day, everything she thought she understood about reality vanishes. Smoldering desire ignites between Devin and Isabel as they struggle to stay one step ahead of the time-warping house caught in Calum's Curse and the werewolf determined to finish the legacy it began. 
THE TUDOR REVIVAL- Ghost hunter and dare-devil, Seth, is flung into the afterlife. His one draw to reality? Alana. He died. She lived. But he can't let go. There is something more than friendship between them and he can't say goodbye. The last thing Alana expects to encounter when she inherits her grandmom's Tudor Revival is the spirit of her deceased best friend and crush, Seth. But everything is not what it appears to be. He is determined to live again. When his investigative team, The Worldwide Paranormal Society shows up at her door, Alana soon learns that she's in for a wild ride. Calum's curse visits one more house. Things get hotter and more paranormal than ever before. Love, as always, struggles to overcome the odds. Time is limited though and the creature set to destroy Seth and Alana is the most cunning of all. 
Purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and many online bookstores.

How the Celts Cast Light on Current American Christmas Traditions.

Happy Winter Solstice and 'Nollaig Shona Duit! You’ve arrived just in time to enjoy my contribution to the Casting Light Upon the Darkness Blog Hop. Much thanks to wonderfully talented author, Helen Hollick for putting this together. Brilliant! Visitors, please be sure to visit the list of participating authors after this post. Tons of giveaways!
Of course, I’ll be hosting a festive contest. The fabulous prize? None other than, The Celtic Woman Home For Christmas Special Deluxe Package CD-DVD. How to enter to win? Super easy. Leave a comment listing your favorite Celt influenced holiday tradition as mentioned in this post OR add a Celtic derived tradition that you know of. It’s all about having fun and learning new things folks!
As always, my fascination with the Celts is at the forefront. So what better topic to cover than their influence on current American holiday traditions? The tidbits I’ve pulled up both surprised and thrilled. You might be amazed by how much these ancient people contributed to modern day Christmas in the States.
But before I begin allow me to first share a bit about the Celtic people. It requires a delicate balance penning of such an old and revered society as actual records are always disputable. As you might suspect, there’s a wealth of information out there that argue the origins of the Celtic tribes. Some say the original Celts were out of Greece, others say Austria and Switzerland. I claim no degree in history but intend this article to focus on the Celts for which I am most familiar, the people who were once native to Ireland, Scotland and Wales, perhaps even England. Hence, as I continue it will be with reference to some of these countries.
Before the coming of Christianity the Celtic people didn’t celebrate Christmas but the Winter Solstice. Fascinatingly enough, they felt that the sun stood still between Christmas Eve and January 6’th. This particular date is carried forward and can be supported by Ireland’s modern day tradition of Feast Of Epiphany which is on the 6th of January, also celebrated as Women's Christmas (Nollaig na mBan). At this time, the men in the family are supposed to carry on household chores such as cooking and cleaning. Women have a chance to rest, after working hard over the Christmas period. All I could think of after discovering these dates were that they totaled twelve days between. Do we not now have the Twelve Days of Christmasin western society?

So time passed and though the Celts faded away, their ancestors lived on and eventually many immigrated to America. It is here in my homeland that I reflect upon what such a revered and truly special people handed down through time. Yes, many of the following could be disputed by Christian scholars but…aren’t they interesting to say the least?
Did you know that long ago, to celebrate the Winter Solstice, gifts were exchanged between chieftains and clans as a means to renew ties and friendships? Centuries later, we exchange presents from beneath the Christmas tree.
What of the infamous yule log on the fire? Well, the Scots believe a raging fire keeps the elves from coming down the chimney. In fact, to this day they light a bonfire on Christmas Day and dance to lively bagpipes while munching on Oatmeal cakes. That same fire was lit by the pre-Christians on Winter Solstice to worship their goddess and remains a tradition on Christmas day for many Irish families.
What of hanging a wreath on your front door? In pre-Christian times it was a means to ward off evil spirits. Then there is the decorating of the Christmas tree. Though the concept of a Christmas tree first came out of Germany the roots of decorating the pine can be traced back further. Originally a pagan Irish celebration, decorations celebrated the three deities, the sun, moon and star and some decorations represented the souls of those who had died.
This one made me smile softly as I just recently put the lights in my windows. How modernized we’ve really become. Anyways, it’s nice to know the reason behind the Christmas tradition. Leaving a candle in the window of the house is to guide Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem to give birth. This, so it seems, was inspired by an old Celtic ritual of lighting a way for the spirits to pass peacefully.
And what of the infamous holiday minced pie? As it turns out, these tasty staples were baked in medieval times in oblong casings to represent Jesus' crib, and it was important to add three spices (cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) for the three gifts given to the Christ child by the Magi. The pies were not very large, and it was thought lucky to eat one mince pie on each of the twelve days of Christmas (ending with Epiphany, the 6th of January).
Last, and certainly not least, is my absolute favorite. The mistletoe! This Druid/Celt tradition was a symbol of male fertility. *grins* It was hung in the house and the man had the right to kiss any girl that stood under it. This tradition, thankfully, continues to make us all very happy during the holidays.
I’d like to thank you all for spending a little time with me this holiday season. May the New Year find you and yours healthy and happy. Please don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win The Celtic Woman Home For Christmas Special Deluxe Package CD-DVD. Contest ends Christmas Eve at 9 PM EST. Winner to be announced shortly after Christmas day. Open to International shipping.
Fondest Regards Always,Sky 

Visit these other interesting authors!
1.      Helen Hollick : A little light relief concerning those dark reviews! Plus a Giveaway Prize2.      Prue Batten  : Casting Light....3.      Alison Morton  ‎  Shedding light on the Roman dusk. Plus a Giveaway Prize!4.      Anna Belfrage   Let there be light!5.      Beth Elliott  : Steering by the Stars. Stratford Canning in Constantinople, 1810/126.      Melanie Spiller  : Lux Aeterna, the chant of eternal light7.      Janet Reedman    The Winter Solstice Monuments8.      Petrea Burchard   : Darkness - how did people of the past cope with the dark? Plus a Giveaway Prize!9.      Richard Denning   : The Darkest Years of the Dark Ages: what do we really know? Plus a Giveaway Prize! 10.  Pauline Barclay   : Shedding Light on a Traditional Pie11.  David Ebsworth  : Propaganda in the Spanish Civil War12.  David Pilling   :  Greek Fire. Plus a Giveaway Prize!13. 

Regency Romance. Midweek Meet & Greet with Katherine Givens.

Greetings! Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author Katherine Givens for a Midweek Meet & Greet. Published with Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing and Red Sage Publishing, Katherine will be dishing out about her latest release and sharing other fascinating tidbits. So relax, cozy in and read on!

If you would like a chance to win a free, digital copy of In Her Dreams, please comment below. The winner of the digital copy of Tearing the Shroud will be chosen by the author, Katherine Givens, at random from those who comment on this interview. The author, Katherine Givens, will be responsible for sending a digital copy to the selected winner. The chosen winner will be announced on her blog on December 12th, 2013. That winner must privately email the author, Katherine Givens at katherinegivens880@gmail.com to receive their copy via her publisher. The giveaway is open internationally.

Let's Interview!
SKY: Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Did you always want to be an author? When did you first start writing? What have you published?

KATHERINE: I am a museum employee with a secret. Few know the truth of my greatest passion, but those closest to me know I love to write historical romances… Alright, maybe more than a few people know I am a writer. Anyone who will listen to me can glean this from a conversation.

So, I am a museum employee who wishes I had a devilish secret or a jaw-dropping double life, but the characters in her manuscripts often do. From the withdrawn duke mesmerized by his quiet maid or the savage viking eager to ravish a Christian girl, her heroes are always bound to have a secret or two. It is often up to the headstrong heroine to unravel the mysteries surrounding the man that has captured her heart.

I’ve always wanted to be an author. Yeah, I am one of those people who have been dreaming about this since childhood. Can you blame me? Writing is fun! I just didn’t figure out what exact genre I wanted to write in until four years ago. I have two novellas out right now.  In Her Dreams (Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing) was released October 1, 2013. Love Amidst the Egyptian Sands (Red Sage Publishing) will be released in January 2015. My short stories and poetry have been published in various magazines, including The Copperfield Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, Nazar Look, and WestWard Quarterly.

SKY: I like to write at night. Inspires me. Where and when do you like to write? Why?

KATHERINE: I’m a night owl. My most creative hours are from 7PM to 2AM. Sometimes I stay up even later than that. The words just start flowing, and I cannot stop until the images in my head are put onto paper.

SKY: You know you’ll always pen a particular genre. What genre and why? You might also dabble in other genres. Care to share what those are and why?

KATHERINE: Historical romances are my true love. *WINKS.* To be more specific, I adore Regency and Victorian England. There is something attractive about a time period riddled with rules about morality, etiquette, and how to appear in society. There are opportune moments for scandalous and clandestine affairs to take place, which always makes for a great love story.

I don’t ever intend to wander away from historical romances, nor do I plan on dabbling in a different genre anytime soon. If I was to do so, I would want to write fantasies. Something about George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series (a.k.a. Game of Thrones) makes me want to build my own world based on different histories.

SKY: We writers are often urged to write what we know. Have you? Perhaps implemented a scene from your life or somewhere you’ve traveled. Tell, tell!

KATHERINE: For starters, I do hours and hours of research before I sit down to write a new novel. I need the details in my historical romances to be accurate. So, after pouring over books in my local library and scouring the internet for information, the facts end up stuck in my head. In that instance, I write what I know.

I also draw on my personal experiences. I’ve never been ravished by a handsome duke or anything like that. Although, who wouldn’t? Nor will you find any details of my boring life integrated into my writing, but more of my emotions. I tap into different experiences to exude the mood of my writing. If I am writing a scene where my hero and heroine are arguing, I think back on a time where I was angry myself. I use my own anger to produce the anger of my characters. If I am writing a scene where my heroine is, say, mourning the death of her father, I think back on my own experiences to create her sadness.

SKY:  Let’s get down and dirty. Writers typically love to read. You especially enjoy certain authors for a good reason. Why? Their use of prose, voice, characterization, etc. You’ve got pet peeves as well. What are they?

KATHERINE: Oh, boy. My favorite authors range from the classics, to modern romance writers, to anyone in between. I admire Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Alexandre Dumas, and Charles Dickens above all. However, I love the following historical romance writers: Liz Carlyle, Connie Brockway, Sabrina Jeffries, and Jane Feather. I also love George R.R. Martin, Khaled Hosseini, Elizabeth Kostova, and several others. Each writer holds something I enjoy, such as Jane Austen’s wit or Charles Dicken’s melancholy. Khaled Hosseini is profound while Connie Brockway is very original. Each writer has something special to share with readers.

My pet peeves usually have to do with characters and plot. Quirks in the plot that just don’t make sense will make me close a book and never pick it up again. Characters I can’t invest myself into just alienate me. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this at some point, even with the most prolific of writers.

SKY: You’re writing or have written the book that will always hold a special place in your heart. What is it and why?

KATHERINE: In Her Dreams, my book with Harlequin Australia’s imprint Escape Publishing, will always hold a place in my heart. A novel I recently finished writing and self-editing will always be a part of me, and the novel I am now working on is the dearest thing. All my books have a special place in my heart, so I could never choose. It is like asking a mother which child she loves most. My books are all equal in my eyes.

SKY:  We’re all guilty. Though we like variety, we tend to adore a certain type of hero and heroine. What does your perfect hero look like? Tell us about his personality. Same goes for the heroine.

KATHERINE: My perfect hero has ebony hair and piercing, blue eyes. He is tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His muscles ripple underneath his breeches and linen shirt, which hints at wicked delights. (Yes, I am thinking of a regency man. *SMILES.*) He embodies sin and temptation, but has a kind heart. Confidence is key in a hero, but he must be gentle and loving. Also, he needs some intelligence and a love for books. I recently finished writing a book with just that hero, and it will be difficult to top him in future manuscripts. However, I think I can in my current project.

The heroine… Hmm, I think she has dusky hair that cascades down her back when it is unpinned from her coiffure. Her eyes are the shade of a cloudy day, the outer rim of her pupils tinted green. She isn’t the skinniest of women. Slender, but with meat on her bones. She has a pert nose, lush mouth, high cheekbones, and a heart-shaped face. She is timid and demure, but she loves deeply and greatly. She might only seem like a slip of a girl, but she has dreams and ambitions she means to fulfill. And that is the heroine from my current project!

SKY:  What’s next for you? What are you currently writing?

KATHERINE: I am focusing on writing over the next couple of months. In Her Dreams is my debut novella, but I am currently hell-bent on producing novels. Stories that have been lingering in my head, details of the plot mulling over and over. Now, I am prepared to write each and every one.

SKY: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten?

KATHERINE: Five years from now I see myself with several published books under my belt. Ten years from now I see myself cemented in traditional publishing. And, yeah, I aspire to be a bestseller, but I am very happy just to share my work with willing readers! Let me say thank you to those who have taken a chance on my, or followed my journey from the start via my blog! I’m so grateful.

SKY: Here goes. The grand finale. Share with us one thing you think readers would be surprised to know about you.

KATHERINE: I am dying to share this one detail about myself, but I just can’t. Not right now, at least. I intend to reveal the surprise in a few years when I am more grounded in my career as an author. Until then, I am what you see!

SKY:   Great interview. Thanks so much for sharing!

KATHERINE: Thanks for having me, Sky! I loved stopping by.

Visit Katherine Givens
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Don't forget to comment!

If you would like a chance to win a free, digital copy of In Her Dreams, please comment below. The winner of the digital copy of Tearing the Shroud will be chosen by the author, Katherine Givens, at random from those who comment on this interview. The author, Katherine Givens, will be responsible for sending a digital copy to the selected winner. The chosen winner will be announced on her blog on December 12th, 2013. That winner must privately email the author, Katherine Givens at katherinegivens880@gmail.com to receive their copy via her publisher. The giveaway is open internationally.

Sky here. Please check back soon as Katherine Givens will be joining me for an End of  the Week Character Blowout!

The Most Tattooed Male Romance Cover Model in the World. Q&A with John Quinlan.

Happy Holidays everyone! Today I've got a super special treat for you. Make welcome cover model John Quinlan. Best known as ‘The Most Tattooed Male Romance Cover Model in the World,’ John joins me for a one-of-a-kind festive interview. So as always, feet up, relax and read on!

SKY:  Glad to have you over, John! Tell us, what made you decide to become a romance cover model?

JOHN:  Many people told me I had the look for it.

SKY:  Everyone should stay healthy and work-out. Why?

JOHN:  To try and live as long as they can to see their children grow up and be active in their lives without any issues. Yes, I am speaking as a proud parent here Sky. :)

SKY:  Time to pose for the cameras (book cover time), what outfit are you most uncomfortable in?

JOHN:  I am fine with all outfits although if I had to choose one that I might like a bit more than the rest I would have to say the classic leather jacket. Guess I feel comfortable as a bad guy.

SKY:  You’re the most tattooed cover model. Tell us more about that. Did someone or something inspire each tattoo?

JOHN:  I am honored to be the most tattooed male romance cover model in the world. Each tattoo that I have has personal meaning to it of course. Some I hold secret although my nautical stars symbolize reaching for my dreams and the oriental inscription inside my left wrist is the ‘family’ symbol which represents my 3 children.

SKY:  Oh, love it! So sweet. Getting into the spirit of the season, you could choose one color to decorate your house at Christmas. What would it be?

JOHN:  Red

SKY:  Holiday time. Throw some rum in my drink. Yes or no?

JOHN:  Yes, lots! That’s why we make the most of the holidays; they only come around so often.

SKY:  Are you passive or aggressive?

JOHN:  Depends on what it is. My career, aggressive. Fans, passive & respectful.

SKY:  What is your favorite holiday scent?

JOHN:  Sugar Cookie

SKY:  You’ve lived, loved, then some. Advice?

JOHN:  Take everything day by day as you never know what’s going to happen when you least expect it.

SKY:  You’re an old man looking back on your life. Did you do the right thing at the right time? Share.

JOHN:  I could write a book on this question alone but I think to answer this question Sky to the best of my ability I can sum it up in one simple sentence. “I did the best I could with what God gave me.”

SKY:  Deep down inside your love life is ultimately a sweet tale or an erotica? *grins*

JOHN:  erotica

SKY:  Time to hit the grocery store; need to grab a few essentials. You’re alone. What are you wearing?

JOHN:  T-shirt and jeans, LOL! You said grocery store Sky. If you said the bedroom or another place similar I would be wearing something different, maybe nothing at all who knows. :)

SKY:  You’re trapped on a desert island. Do you want a beautiful woman by your side or an old man who knows how to fish?

JOHN:  Beautiful woman hands down. I have lived on twigs and berries so I will get by on food but no woman on a desert island that is just cruel!

SKY:  One Christmas song truly means the holidays have arrived. What is it?

JOHN:  Jingle Bells, it is the all-time classic!

SKY:  The bloody faucet’s broken again. Are you the guy who crawls under to fix it or calls the plumber?

JOHN:  Calls a friend of mine who can do plumbing so I save money and because I can’t fix anything in the house. I am good at other things which make up for it *wink*

SKY:  You have one big regret, what is it?

JOHN:  Not doing this interview sooner, you are a great author Sky and it is my pleasure to be here with you today.

SKY:  Awe, thanks, John! You need to reach someone right away. Email, text, call or social network?

JOHN:  Call of course

SKY:  Time for bed. What are you wearing? *winks*

JOHN:  Nothing

SKY:  Boots on. Are you mountain climbing or trudging through snow?

JOHN:  Mountain climbing, love nature.

SKY:  You just played the lottery. Won 4.3 million. Then it was all taken away. How would you handle that?

JOHN:  I would see it as “the glass is half full rather than half empty, I never had it to begin with so I would just keep living my life like I had been.”

SKY:  Loved the interview, John! Thanks again for joining me today. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season.

Where can everybody learn more about & find John Quinlan, “The Most Tattooed Male Romance Cover Model in the World?” Here are a few links:

Brief Bio
I have been an image model for dozens of apparel brands over the years along with appearing in television documentaries, commercials, art gallery print work and having my likeness used on children’s literature book covers. I have been a spokes model for apparel brands as far away as Japan and Asia just to name a few. I am also a former NPC Physique competitor and a current Romance Novel Cover model as well along with being a multiple supplement company image model. I am the most tattooed male romance cover model in the
world.

Complete Bio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quinlan_(wrestler)
Some Honors & Awards

Mr. USA Next Man Model of The Year, 2011 HUF Magazine January Male Fashion Model of The Month, 2011 Toot Apparel Image Model, Brand Ambassador and Spokes Model to Japan & Asia via United States, 2011 Diego Barberi Apparel Image Model & Brand Ambassador to Switzerland via United States, 2011 Official Image Model of the Year for No Limits Brand Underwear, 2012 Nutrabolics Supplement Company Image Model & Brand Ambassador, 2012 Athletic Xtreme Supplement Company Image Model, Brand Ambassador & Sponsored Athlete, 2012-2013 Official Alpha Male Underwear Image Model, 2013 Romanticon Convention Romance Cover Model Billboard, 2013Most Tattooed Male Romance Cover Model in The World
LinksWebsite: http://www.johnjosephquinlan.com/Some Additional Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/therealjohnquinlanhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Quinlan/109918015779005https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Quinlan/111697608848774https://www.facebook.com/John.Quinlans.Fan.Pagehttp://twitter.com/#!/JohnJQuinlanhttp://www.modelmayhem.com/1627814https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnJosephQuinlanhttps://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferquinlan

Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin.

Today it’s my pleasure to interview Rebecca Raisin, author of Christmas at the Gingerbread Café, a Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Carina UK (Harlequin)Date of Publication:  November 12th 2013ASIN: B00GBZ3YD8Number of pages: 52Word Count: 17, 750Cover Artist: Carina UK
Amazon US     Amazon UK   
Book Description
Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!
Interview Time!
SKY:  What inspired you to write this book?
REBECCA:  I saw a submission call for Christmas themed stories and an idea sprang to mind. At midnight of course! I pictured the characters immediately, and the small town they lived in. The opening scene played out in mind in such a detailed way that I immediately typed notes into my phone, and couldn’t wait to get up the next day to begin writing it. That night I dreamed about Christmas food, and decided that the story would be set in a café. So with the backdrop of food, the next thing was the relationships in the story. Lil, the main character, turns to CeeCee a no-nonsense Southern woman who tells it like it is, for advice, and I must admit I miss them now I’m finished. 
SKY:  If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
REBECCA:  I’d have to choose CeeCee. I’d pour out all my troubles to her while we baked pies together. She’d make me a gingerbread coffee and we’d sit near the fire and just talk. She’s got a way with words, but doesn’t suffer fools. OK, I’ll tell you a secret, she’s my favourite!
SKY:  If you had to sell your book based on one run of dialogue (start quote to end quote), which would it be? 
REBECCA:  OK, this snippet is when Lil decides she’s going to compete with the new guy in town, who is stealing her customers. It’s a small town, so every sale lost is a problem for Lil. 
With a sly grin on my face, I jog back out to the front, yelling, “That fool won’t know what hit him,” only to run straight into the damn fool.
“Who are you talking about?” Damon asks, rubbing his chin where my head has just connected.
“Ouch! Who creeps up like that? If you want me to feel the earth move, that isn’t the way to go about it,” I say, sure I’m going to be sporting a big lump on my head any minute now.
“Which fool are you talking about?”
I make a show of wincing, while I try and think of an answer. CeeCee’s no help, standing there as a half-dressed Santa, her lips quivering as she tries to hold in laughter. I know she’s going to lose it, and then the whole sorry story will come tumbling out of her mouth.
“Excuse me, mister, who said you could come in here and spy on us?”
His forehead creases, and that same sexy smile creeps back on his face. “Who said I was spying?”
“That smile might work on other girls, but it sure doesn’t work on me. I said you’re spying. Now get on out of here. Shoo.” I wave my hand towards the door.
“Shoo? Not until you tell me who the fool is.”
“You’re as dumb as a bucket of rocks if you think I’m telling you anything.”
“I see.” He scratches his chin, which has a red mark from our collision. “I think you’re cooking up another plan to steal my customers.”
“Of all the…I think you’re forgetting who was here first. You’re stealing my customers—let’s be clear on that.” I try hard not to poke my tongue out at him. He brings out the worst in me, this newcomer. He’s wearing those same tight jeans, and under his open jacket he’s wearing another of those checker shirts, but has yet another button undone. I can see right down to his belly button and I happen to notice he’s got quite the six-pack going on. The girls round here are going to swoon over him.
SKY:  Great excerpt! Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details. 
REBECCA:  I’m working on another book set in New York. A romantic comedy set in a dating agency, which has been a lot of fun to write. It will be available around February. And then I have another three books lined up, but I can’t share the secret just yet! I hope to come back soon and give you the details … 
SKY:  What sort of personality does your hero have?
REBECCA:  He’s a really sweet guy. Gorgeous, tough, but sensitive. He’s had heartbreak in the past, but has moved on, as much as he can. Did I mention he cooks? He’s a keeper! He’s also a bit of a joker when it comes to Lil, and manages to lighten the mood and not take things too seriously. 
SKY:  What sort of personality does your heroine have?
REBECCA:  Lil comes across as quite feisty when her business is threatened, but she’s really an emotional girl. Amazing Grace makes her blubber, and she is very family and friend oriented. She’s been heartbroken, but still believes in true love. The Gingerbread café is everything to her for how hard she’s had to work at keeping it.
SKY:  Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.
REBECCA:  I think the opening scene. It sets up the tone of the rest of the book, and shows exactly how Lil and Cee relate to each other. And it’s kind of funny! Cee stumbles in on Lil with her hand shoved up a turkeys behind (because she’s stuffing them to sell) Lil is having a blubber-fest to Amazing Grace, and Cee just loses it. 
SKY:  Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.
REBECCA:  I write at the dining room table every day. It’s so boring, and the table is probably a bit high – after a day of writing I have grooves in my arms from the wooden edge, but it’s where I am least distracted. Except of course by the fridge, the Nutella, and the lounge which are too convenient sometimes!
Thanks for having me.
SKY:  Super interview, Rebecca! Thanks for joining me today.
About the Author

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. 
This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been widely published in various short story anthologies, and in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous men who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly, believe in true love.
https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor
http://rebeccaraisin.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

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