Sky Purington's Blog, page 37

Things Take a Dangerous Turn in Sonata. Interview with Blair McDowell.

Today it’s my pleasure to interview Blair McDowell, author of Sonata, a romantic mystery. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win an eCopy of Sonata. Five winners drawn!
Publisher: Rebel Ink PressISBN: 9781937265670Number of pages: 258
Word Count:  56,500 Book Trailer Purchase Sonata  HERE Book DescriptionA jewel heist…

When renowned concert artist, Sayuri McAllister, returns to the west coast of Canada after an absence of five years, she discovers her family home has been a broken into and jewelry worth two million dollars is missing. Michael Donovan, Sayuri’s old high school flame, now a detective with the Vancouver Police Department, is the officer in charge of the case.

What chance can he have…

Michael takes one look at Sayuri and falls in love with her all over again. But they parted in anger years ago and Sayuri is no longer the innocent girl he once knew. What chance can there be for a Vancouver cop with someone as famous as Sayuri McAllister?  Especially when that cop is investigating her family and friends?

An unexpected marriage…

Then Sayuri’s widowed father, Sean, marries Alyssa James, a woman Sayuri has never even met. The three live uneasily together in the Point Grey mansion until the unexpected arrival of Alyssa’s brother, Hugh James, a devastatingly handsome, charming Irishman who immediately begins a campaign to bed and wed the delicious and wealthy Sayuri.

Things take a dangerous turn…

Accidents begin to happen. Or are they accidents?  Nothing is as it seems. Michael distrusts Hugh James and fears that Sayuri’s life may be in danger.

Interview
SKY:   How did you come up with the title?

BLAIR:   My heroine is a world class concert artist, a cellist and her repertory is classical music. She plays among other things, a particular SONATA that the hero loves. At one point in the story he refers to that Sonata and tells her that she needs to work on other areas of her life as seriously as she works on preparing a sonata. I looked at other musical forms before choosing SONATA, but you can’t imagine how many musical terms have already been used as titles for books! I always do a title search before giving my books their title. No one wants to compete with another book of the same name. For example, my original title for my earlier novel, The Memory of Roses, was The Scent of Roses. Someone beat me to print with that one by about two months. My  puv5blisher suggested The Memory of Roses. As it turned out, Memory was a better fit for that book than “Scent”.

SKY:   What made you choose the main setting for your book?

BLAIR:   I live on the west coast of Canada, in the small fishing village of Gibson’s Landing, on the Sunshine Coast. I look out my windows at the sea, and from the road on the other side of my house I can see the snowcapped peaks of the coastal range. We are surrounded by majestic cedars, pines and firs, some of them hundreds of years old.

Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada is a forty minute ferry ride away. Our area (the Sunshine Coast) is not accessible by land—only by boat— and yet we are less than an hour from a beautiful, vibrant multicultural city.  We have the best of both worlds.

I’ve always wanted to place a book in this setting, but until SONATA, I just hadn’t found the right characters and story. I believe SONATA could only happen in this setting.

SKY:   If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

BLAIR:   Sean McAllister, the father of my heroine, Sayuri McAllister (think Sean Connery a couple of decades younger). I’ve always had a weakness for older men. He’s sensitive, experienced and worldly. He’s comfortable in his own skin, never uncertain in the way younger men so often are. At fifty-five or so and a widower for some eighteen years, he’s ripe for the plucking. And that he’s incredibly rich and good-looking doesn’t hurt.

SKY:   Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story.

BLAIR:   Sayuri McAllister is a concert artist. From the age of five she’s known nothing but lessons and classes and endless hours of practice daily. At twenty-eight she has won major competitions and is in demand by orchestras all over the world. She has it made, professionally. But her personal life is non-existent.  She had a boy-friend, Michael Donovan, briefly in high school, but there has been no one of any importance since.

She’s tired of the constant stresses of a concert career and has come home to Vancouver to rethink her life as the story opens.

SKY:   What sort of personality does your hero have?

BLAIR:   Sayuri describes Michael Donovan to her father as “solid and reliable.” He is, but that’s not even half the story. A  Police Detective in the Assault, Arson, Robbery Division of the Vancouver Police, Michael is intelligent, resourceful and quietly powerful. But he has some hang-ups concerning Sayuri. First, how can a mere cop hope to compete in the milieu of a world-class concert artist, especially when that concert artist comes from a wealthy family? And second, how can he approach Sayuri while investigating her family for a robbery that has all the appearance of an inside job?

SKY:   What sort of personality does your heroine have?

BLAIR:   Sayuri McAllister is driven to excel. She’s hardworking, compulsive and career-driven. She’s also the product of two very different cultures. Her mother was Japanese, her father, Canadian. She has spent time with her Japanese grandparents and is as comfortable in that environment as in her Canadian home. But there are contradictions and clashes between the two cultures and these play a part in her conflict as she approaches her thirtieth birthday. She has had essentially no life beyond music. Is this what she wants for the rest of her life?

SKY:   Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

BLAIR:   I thoroughly enjoyed writing the scene in which Michael, after finally successfully getting Sayuri as far as his apartment, takes his dog, Buttercup (a huge malamute-wolf cross) out for a quick pee before returning to Sayuri and what he hopes will be an eventful evening. It’s just a short scene, but I think it says something about both the man and his dog.

As they went down in the elevator and across to the park, Michael spoke to the dog, “So far so good. We’ve got her in my apartment. I expect your full cooperation tonight. Whatever happens you are not to climb on the bed, should I get so lucky, or slobber all over Sayuri. If there’s any slobbering to be done, I’ll do it. Got it, buddy?”

 Buttercup wagged her tail furiously, nearly knocking over a passing pedestrian.

“Sorry, mam.”

Michael thought about how Sayuri had looked when she answered the door. So cool and composed. Delectable. Good enough to eat. Down boy, he reminded himself. Don’t blow it now. You’ve got her this far.

Taking a deep breath he muttered, “Keep it cool.” Then he looked at his dog. “Okay, Buttercup, do your thing so we can get back up there.”

SKY:   What sources do you use for research?

BLAIR:   SONATA involved a real and active police force, the Vancouver Police Department. It was imperative that I have my facts right; that I not write anything that might reflect less than accurately about this very real corps of dedicated men and women. I was in frequent communication with their public relations officer regarding such things as which branch handled what, how men and women proceed through the ranks, who is able to make “detective”, and how a case might unfold. I needed to know what happened when both the Vancouver Police and the RCMP, (the national police force) were involved, and under what circumstances international cooperation might be sought. I could not have written this book without the cooperation and assistance of the VPD.

Beyond that, I always research the settings of my books first hand. I know Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast well because I live there. But for my other books I spent significant time in the settings. Google is fine, but it’s no substitute for visiting Corfu and Venice and the Caribbean, and talking with the local people as I did for The Memory of Roses and Delighting In Your Company.

SKY:   Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details.

BLAIR:   I’m working on the third and (I hope) final draft of ROMANTIC ROAD, a novel of intrigue and romance, set in Europe. It begins on Germany’s Romantische Strasse, the winding country road south of Frankfurt that connects several medieval walled towns. My heroine, a young widow, Lacy Telchev, is pursued through these, then south to Austria and finally to Hungary and a shattering climax at Lake Balaton in Hungary. Along the way she is saved more than once by the handsome and mysterious Max Petersen.

SKY:   How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?6

BLAIR:   I think I’ve been writing as long as I’ve been able to hold a pencil. If an article in a national professional journal counts, I’ve been published for forty years. I have six professional books in print, all published by one of the biggest publishers in the field, all still selling well. They help support my fiction habit. SONATA is my third published novel.

SKY:   Thanks for joining me today, Blaire. Wishing you much success!

Short Excerpt: The following excerpt takes place the first time that Sayuri goes to Michael’s apartment.

She heard the key in the lock and a moment later man and dog were back in the room. Buttercup trotted over to Sayuri and leaned against her, looking up at her adoringly with one blue and one brown eye.

“That was quick,” Sayuri commented as she scratched the dog behind her ears.

“She was anxious to get back to you. We don’t often have visitors. Actually, I’m surprised at her reaction to you. She usually hides under the bed when there’s anyone she doesn’t know in the apartment.”

“Under the bed? I can’t believe she can get all that bulk under a bed. Just what kind of dog is she? I’ve never seen anything like her. She’s huge. And those eyes are amazing.”

Sayuri moved to the armchair and sat down. Buttercup followed her and put her massive head in Sayuri’s lap.

“Clearly she’s fallen in love with you. The vet thought she was probably half Malamute and half Newfoundland, but I’m pretty sure there’s some wolf in the mixture. And the two different color eyes are unusual, but they do happen, particularly in those breeds.”

“Did you say wolf?”

“Watch.” Michael came over to the dog, knelt down beside her and put his arm around her. He lifted his head back and started to howl. The dog threw her head straight back and joined him. The sound was at one and the same time musical and eerie.

“Wow.” Sayuri stared at the dog. “I haven’t heard anything like that since I was twelve years old and went on a canoeing trip up Desolation Sound with my father. We could hear the wolves from our campsite every night. I loved the sound.”

“Don’t let her howl give you any ideas about Buttercup’s personality. Her wolf genes begin and end with her howl. She’s a complete wimp.”

“She’s a big dog for an apartment dweller.”

“Yes, well, I didn’t exactly choose her. She just sort of happened.” Michael paused. You see, I’m in the R.A.A. Unit.”

“R.A.A.?”

“Robbery, Assault, Arson. We got an anonymous call that there was a break and enter in progress at an apartment house on the east side. When my partner and I answered the call, we didn’t find a robbery in progress. What we found was found a room full of people cutting and bagging cocaine. We called immediately for backup, but before it could come, gun fire was exchanged and people got hurt. It wasn’t supposed to have happened that way.”

Michael paused and frowned. Sayuri wondered if he was going to say anything more.

Then he sighed. “When it was all sorted out, as we were to leaving the scene I heard whimpering. I pulled this small scrawny shivering mass of matted fur out from under the bed. I was supposed to take her to the SPCA, but I didn’t. I took her home with me. She couldn’t have been more than two months old and she was half starved and filthy. I fed her and bathed her and the next day I took her to the vet for a checkup. He said there was nothing wrong with her that food and love wouldn’t cure.”

“So you had a dog.”

“I had a dog. I had no idea at the time she was going to grow into a giant hairy mammoth.” This was spoken with obvious affection as he ruffled the dog’s head.

“But her name?”

“Just look at her.”

Sayuri studied the dog. She had fur as thick as a bear’s, only longer. Her underbelly was white and everywhere else she was brown and black and white in large splotches. “I don’t get it.”

“Look under her chin.”

Sayuri laughed. “Of course.” There was a large spot of bright yellow there.

The dog, tired of being the object of so much attention, moved to the fireplace, circled three times and plopped down in front of it.

 About the Author
I started to write soon after I found my first pencil. But I began to write for publication about 30 years ago -- professional books. I wrote six of them, all still in print and still in use. Only lately have I turned to fiction. I'd have done it a lot sooner if I'd had any idea how much fun it was!

I’ve lived in many different places. The US -- Certain cities call to me. I love San Francisco and Seattle and the wonderful Oregon Coast. Australia -- among the most open welcoming people in the world, and a wide open young country with incredible land and sea scapes, with amazing animal and bird life right out of science fiction. Canada -- HOME. The place where I belong.

I travel a lot. I usually spend the month of October in Europe, Greece or Italy, and the winter in a little house I built many years ago on a small non-touristy Caribbean Island. I have worked and studied in many places -- Hungary, Australia the US and Canada, and have spoken in most of the States and Provinces as well as Taiwan and various cities in Europe.  I enjoy being surrounded by cultures other than my own. I enjoy my own as well -- but variety is indeed the spice of my life.

I keep busy -- and I love my life. I love meeting the people who come here to the west coast of Canada and stay in my B&B. I love traveling after the tourist season is over. And I love writing. My interests?? Music, especially opera, reading everything in print, and Writing.  And walking on the beach and swimming. At one point I had hoped to swim in every major sea and ocean. I've realized that may not be possible in one lifetime -- but trying has been fun!

Website:    http://www.blairmcdowell.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BlairMcDowellWriter Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/111235595606875813906/posts Blog:            http://blairmcdowellauthor.blogspot.ca/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807790.Blair_McDowell http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f187/"

100% Amazing. I Love How You Love!

What a mind-blowing month. Like smack-down perfect.

A Writer’s Mind  wrapped up its third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE event with a whopping 7,900 entries in the main contest. In addition, it celebrated one of its best years ever when it came not only to the number of participants but ‘unique visitors’ to the blog.

Sky does the happy dance. Can't help myself. *winks*

Yep, it was THAT good.

Thank you so much to everyone who swung by this month and joined in. You know that you completely freakin’ brought it this year, right?

I feel both proud and blessed, not to mention totally stoked. In fact, I’m already rubbing my hands in anticipation of next year’s event. *grins* Think I might even put together a few mega events in between.

As we all know Christmas is over and it’s well past time that I announce some holiday winners.

Do I think you should grab your favorite cuppa for this? You bet! So let’s get to it…

THREE winners were drawn.

Each will receive two autographed print novels, a $30 Amazon gift card AND several Ebooks.

Drum roll please…

Yadira Alonzo yadkny@hotmail.com
Elizabeth Haney lovelybbw898@aol.com
Viki Sloboda vsloboda@gmail.com

Wait a second!!!

There’s a second drawing nobody knew about. Three more names were drawn! (Blame it on my seven year old. He liked the 'hat full of names' game) The prize? A fifteen dollar gift certificate to Amazon and two stories from my backlist!

Second prize winners…

Jessica Bueno maingurl3079999@live.com
Mary Preston marypres@gmail.com
Natalie Duvall natt444@hotmail.com

I'd like to thank not only those who entered into the contest but the amazing authors, editor and cover model who truly made this event what it was. So many giveaways and wonderful prizes along the way. You're all so amazing!

Winners, I will contact you within the next seven biz days. If you don't hear from my by Tuesday, January 8th, please contact me at Sky@SkyPurington.com.

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year!

God Bless,
Sky

Christmas with Cover Model, Jimmy Thomas. What You Never Knew about this Amazing Man!

Merry Christmas!!! Welcome to the final day of A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE EVENT. It’s been a wonderful event this year and I’m so thankful to all the authors and editor that joined me this holiday season. Looking for something new to read? I encourage you to browse through previous posts to discover some amazing talent.

This year I thought the event deserved to go out with a bang. What better way to do that than offer women not something BUT someone they’d probably love to get under their Christmas tree this year. *winks*

Please make welcome cover model, Jimmy Thomas! Now these aren’t your average interview questions. Who wants that on Christmas? No, these are fun, spiritual, sensual, one-of-a-kind questions. So what do you say? Ready to relax with your favorite cuppa and read what Jimmy has to say?

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

JIMMY:    Yes, in my egg nog :-)

SKY:   A woman’s toenails and fingernails. Painted or not? 

JIMMY:   Not. I prefer natural nails or French manicure, but not Jersey-long ;)

SKY:   You could choose one color to decorate your house at Christmas. What would it be?

JIMMY:   Gold.

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

JIMMY:   To have more energy, more self-esteem, release stress, and live longer.

SKY:   Are you passive or aggressive?

JIMMY:    Passive personally, aggressive business-wise ;)

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

JIMMY:   I don’t regret anything and never will. Everything happens for a “GOOD” reason, not just “a” reason. We learn and grow from every life experience. It’s how you handle and respond to the experiences that keep you happy or miserable ;)

SKY:   What is your favorite holiday scent?

JIMMY:   Pumpkin.

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

JIMMY:   Trust that everything happens for a GOOD reason; nothing is bad, even if it may seem bad. You have to open your mind and allow yourself to see why that seemingly bad thing happened, as it always has a good reason whether you end up seeing it or not. Back in 2004 I ascended and left my body. I didn’t try to, it just happened while I was lying down. I went to where we all are; the universe, the bright light. When I returned shortly after I was speechless for many minutes, I couldn’t even get one word out as I was so glorified by where I just was; a place for which words literally can’t even come close to describe. However, to enlighten everyone else as I was, we are all that bright light; energy. Our energy never dies, only our vessels (bodies) do as they are not perfect. I love using analogies for people to relate and understand things better. The best analogy I can give to you for having my ascending experience confirm my thoughts I’ve had my whole life, is comparing the universe and our human form to a power plant and appliances in our homes. When appliances break, the energy doesn’t die, it is still there, waiting for another appliance to be plugged in, to then enter that appliance and power it until it fails, and so on. The difference is that the universe uses our human form to learn and improve ourselves, so it is always wanting the best for us, as the universe is us, always causing things to happen in our lives (tests) to see how we react to them, much like how we do our own self-research with ‘cause and effect’ tests to see how we respond to stressful or physical situations. So those signs you get to stop doing something, to do something, a bad feeling you get (intuition), is the universe (us) sending you a very subtle, slight nudge to lead you to the correct path (you overhear your significant other speaking overly-nice, almost flirtatious, on the phone with someone of the opposite sex). If you don’t follow that nudge, the universe sends you a bit bigger nudge, (a week later you smell perfume/cologne on your significant other’s clothes after coming home later than usual). If you still don’t follow that nudge, it sends you a larger nudge (weeks later you find very flirtatious emails/texts from your significant other to someone). If you still don’t follow that nudge, the universe throws it in your face (weeks later you catch your significant other cheating on you). This seemingly bad thing happened because this person was not right for you, you could’ve married him/her, had children and then they cheated on you, making the situation FAR worse to end. The universe saw this early-on when you just met this person. Once the universe started to see you grow more found of him/her you were very slightly nudged to try to get you to see it for yourself (thinking to yourself “I don’t really care for that about him/her, but maybe they will change, or I can change them”). Our decision making control and recognition of ill things are always being tested to work on improving ourselves and our thought processing.

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

JIMMY:   Yes. In all my life’s situations, I was in my level of self-learning each time, and reacted as I thought I should while learning from each one.

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

JIMMY:   Both, depending on the moment ;)

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

JIMMY:  Jeans and a t-shirt.

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

JIMMY:   Just underwear ;)

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? 

JIMMY:   Um, I already know how to fish, and even if I didn’t, I’d figure it out. So what do you think? ;)

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

JIMMY:   Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” Click HERE to listen.

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

JIMMY:   I’ve designed and built houses from the ground up and I love fixing things or problems, so it’s all me ;)

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

JIMMY:   Text! Some don’t check their email that often, a call always leads to “So what’s new Jimmy?” or “So last week I…” and leads to an hour long conversation when I only needed to say or ask something real quick ;)

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

JIMMY:   Underwear or nothing.

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

JIMMY:    Either, I love them both.

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

JIMMY:   Why would it be all taken away? Lol. I would first be upset, but then realize it was taken away for a good reason, like because I have the means, the know-how and the ambition to earn that kind of money.

SKY:  Great interview. I’m sure some of your answers had the ladies blushing. Thanks for joining me this holiday, Jimmy! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Learn more about Jimmy Thomas at his Website .

Readers, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below to win all sorts of great prizes!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Looking For a Great Editor with Phenomenal Rates?

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope everyone is ready for tomorrow. Once more, welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over my fabulous editor, Cathy McElhaney, to share a lovely holiday story with us. When Cathy agreed to contribute to this event I was amazed and humbled. Thank you so very much, Cathy.

Cathy is graciously giving away a Christmas Dream Catcher Ornament to one lucky commenter!

An experienced editor with over twenty years under her 'belt', Cathy is currently taking on new clients. Professional and easy to work with, I highly recommend her services. Did I mention her rates are phenomenal? (You'd be hard pressed to find an editor with better rates) If interested please contact Cathy at clm_77@verizon.net

Learn more about Cathy McElhaney and her services at her Website .

Let’s hear from Cathy

Dad’s Christmas Story

When my dad was a child during the depression money was tight. He was 6 or 7 years old and his mother told him that Santa would have to skip them that year. There were too many children and he just couldn’t get to everyone, so they would be skipped. My dad was a very bright little boy and knew then the truth about Santa Clause. He knew they were poor.

Christmas Eve of that year was depressing and the kids went to bed knowing that the next day was going to be Christmas, with no presents. When my grandmother woke them up, they were slow to get dressed and head downstairs to breakfast.

As they descended the stairs to the scent of roasting turkey, my dad wondered what was going on. Upon entering the living room they were greeted by a fully decorated tree, presents galore and an electric train running underneath! That was unheard of in the late 30’s…only the wealthy people had them. There was the turkey and all the trimmings for a grand Christmas dinner and there was no way you could have convinced my dad that there was no Santa Clause!

My dad told us that story often and when we were old enough, he told us the rest of the story. His Godmother worked for Cornelius D. Scully, the Mayor of Pittsburgh. She was at the company Christmas party and was sad because her Godson and his family were not going to have a Christmas that year. The mayor asked why she was so sad and she told him. He went into action and supplied the family with everything they needed for the best Christmas they ever had. One that has had lasting effects on generations!

We try to help one needy family every year because I too, had to tell my children that Santa might not show up and it wasn’t because they were bad. The ‘hero’ in my story was my step dad who gave me $100 to buy gifts for my kids, waiting until Christmas Eve yielded us a free tree and of course the family dinners provided the food. I have believed in ‘paying it forward’ since long before it became popular, and that is what I have always asked of the people we have helped…to pay it forward.

Another thing I started with my kids that my son and daughter in law have continued is the 3 gifts. Baby Jesus got 3 gifts and so what makes my kids more special? It keeps the material part to a minimum and brings back the ‘Reason for the Season’!

Merry Christmas!

Sky here. What a wonderful holiday memory, Cathy! It truly warmed my heart. And what a fantastic holiday tradition you started with your children. It's always important to remember the true reason for Christmas. Thank you so much for joining me this holiday. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Readers, don’t forget to comment for a chance to win Cathy’s giveaway.  Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

The Twelve Days of Not-Apocalypse by Tara West!

We can officially say, “The day after tomorrow is Christmas!” Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Tara West, to share a little holiday humor with us. Tara will graciously be giving away an eCopy of The Apocalypse Collection to one lucky commenter

Let’s hear from Tara… sounds like she’s singing!

THE TWELVE DAYS OF NOT-APOCALYPSE BY TARA WEST

Dec 23

On the first day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Some dried food for emergencies!

On the second day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the third day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the fourth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the fifth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the sixth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the seventh day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the eighth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Eight…concealed handguns!
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the ninth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Nine…iodine tablets!
Eight…concealed handguns!
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the tenth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Ten…economy-sized pump water purifiers!
Nine…iodine tablets!
Eight…concealed handguns!
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the eleventh day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Eleven…packs of organic seeds!
Ten…economy-sized pump water purifiers!
Nine…iodine tablets!
Eight…concealed handguns!
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the twelfth day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Twelve…cases of ammo!
Eleven…packs of organic seeds!
Ten…economy-sized pump water purifiers!
Nine…iodine tablets!
Eight…concealed handguns!
Seven…Chinese semi-automatic rifles!
Six… brand new goggles!
Five…thrift store compasses!
Four…unused gas masks!
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food plus whatever was left of my dignity!

Sky here. Too funny, Tara! Loved it. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

The Apocalypse Collection by The Eclective:

It's the end of the world as we know it, and the Eclective feels fine.

The Shifting Sands by Tara West: When a jealous goddess threatens to destroy all of humanity, a young woman and her family must overcome impossible odds to survive.

Light by Emma Jameson: In the zombie apocalypse, the hope for humanity's survival is pinned on Daniel. Unfortunately, Daniel is an android. And humanity may be past all hope...

Alien Butt Plugs by PJ Jones: The aliens are coming! And Jeb's first line of defense may be worse than the anal probe he fears.

Seeds by M. Edward McNally: For Meats and his fellow Guns, life was simple. Keep your respirator clear, your weapon ready, and an eye on your neighbors. Until one day Meats found some seeds, and everything got complicated.

Cleavers by Heather Marie Adkins: Creatures such as the Cleavers should never exist. But in Tora's world, they're real, and death is more likely than survival.

The Last Christmas by Alan Nayes: On the verge of the Apocalypse, a young couple wish to spend one last Christmas together.

Combustion by RG Porter: Kate wakes to find her world scorched and survivors in short supply. She needs to unravel the cause before time runs out.

Purchase HERE .

Tara West bio:

A former Texas high school teacher, Tara enjoyed coaching her writing team and even the hectic deadlines that came with running the school publications. After taking a break to raise her baby girl, Tara now works from home as a cover artist.

In her spare time, Tara loves to read, exercise and spend time with her family and friends. She contributes the cover art for her Whispers novels and has designed covers for over 500 other books.
Tara is currently co-writing book four in the Whispers series with Heather Marie Adkins. She also recently released her first YA fantasy, Curse of the Ice Dragon.

Visit Tara at her Website , Blog and Facebook .

Smashword's coupon for my new fantasy Curse of the Ice Dragon for ALL of your readers now through December 25: AY56Y

Curse of the Ice Dragon- Smashword's Page

Readers, don't forget to comment for a chance to win Tara's prize. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/ 

Christmas in New Zealand with Shelley Munro.

Only three days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Shelley Munro to share a little bit of her holiday with us. Shelley is graciously giving away the first book of each of her series Talking Dogs, Fancy Free and Middlemarch Mates to one lucky commenter. All you need to do to enter the contest is answer her question.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Let’s hear from Shelley…

Christmas in New Zealand

Hi! My name is Shelley Munro. Christmas falls during summer where I live in New Zealand. While I was growing up I always heard about New Zealanders who spend Christmas day at the beach. Not true in our family!

Christmas to me means:

1. Warm days, sometimes with rain since we live in a subtropical zone.
2. The pohutukawa trees come out in bloom with their bright scarlet pom-pom flowers.
3. Our daylight saving is in full swing so the days are long to make the most of the good weather.
4. All our local towns and suburbs hold their Christmas parades.
5. Christmas carols start playing in the shops and malls.
6. The towns and malls bring out their Christmas decorations.
7. We have a family discussion about who will host lunch on Christmas day.
8. The kids all break up for Christmas holiday – about 6 weeks off school.
9. Office parties!
10. Shopping for presents.
11. Filling up the pantry and freezer with Christmas treats.
12. Fresh strawberries and asparagus. Pavlova!
13. Family.
14. Excited and tired children.
15. Christmas trees and the decorations we add to every year.
16. Christmas stockings.
17. Shortbread.
18. A glass of Pimms with fruit and mint garnish.
19. Smoked salmon sandwiches.
20. Homemade truffles.
21. An advent calendar.
22. My husband and his brother go to purchase fresh oysters.
23. Barbecues!
24. Staying up late to walk around our neighborhood to view the Christmas lights.
25. Watching our neighbor take two weeks to put up his Christmas lights.

What does Christmas mean to you?

CONTEST – I have three series. I’ll giveaway the first book of each of my series Talking Dogs, Fancy Free and Middlemarch Mates to one reader. All you need to do to enter the contest is answer my question and you’re in the draw.

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand with her husband and a rambunctious puppy. She writes spicy romance for Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. To learn more about Shelley and her books visit her at her Website . 

Sky here. Great post, Shelley! Fantastic Christmas list. In fact, one of those smoked Salmon sandwiches sounds scrumptious! Thanks so much for joining us today. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

Christmas is Coming, Fancy Free 2

Christmas is coming. Give your lover the gift of pleasure…

Gaby Montgomery works for Fancy Free as a condom designer. Recently she’s been designing sex toys and testing her inventions with fellow designer Marc, but they’ve parted ways. The timing couldn’t be worse because she’s stuck without a willing test subject for her sexy products.

Gaby’s roommates Liam Richardson and Fletch Darcy both want a serious relationship with Gaby, and now that she’s free, it’s time to make a move. But how do they decide which one will date Gaby? Fletch finally suggests they share her. Liam is skeptical but agrees the scheme might work, which allows Fletch to move on to step two of his romance plan. Fletch doesn’t just want Gaby, he wants Liam as well.

The loving is hot, their days full of fun product testing, exquisite pleasure and laughter. Everything is perfect until the outside world intrudes, putting their budding relationship under stress. This time their love and friendship might not stand the pressure.

http://www.shelleymunro.com/books/christmas-is-coming/

Don't forget to answer Shelley's question in a comment for a chance to win her giveaway! Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Authors, I Invite You To Share!

Happy Winter solstice! If you're reading this then the world did not end on December 21, 2012. Phew! *Grins* Today I’m taking a ‘one day’ intermission from A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

Instead, sit back and enjoy a one day ‘BUG-IN PROMO FEST’. If you’ve been following along this month then you know I posted on December 5th some survival tips that included how to tap maple syrup. I encourage you to click HERE to read it whenever you can. Chock full of great info! To read the final post in the Bug-in blog hop, head over to Skhye Moncrief's blog.

Meanwhile, several authors from the ‘BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG HOP’ have come together today to promo with one another. And though I intend to chat more about my upcoming release later this month I thought today a great time to start sharing. (Bug-in authors- If you did up a blog post today please leave the URL in a comment)

IN ADDITION, I'd also like to invite all authors to share. After all, it's the holiday's and what better gift to give readers than a taste of all the talent that's 'out there.' I encourage you to leave a BLURB, SHORT EXCERPT and BUY LINKS for one of your titles in a comment after this post!

So here goes. My latest… (I’d love to hear your thoughts in a comment!)

THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- EARLY YEARS

“Come with courage. Come for love. Or don’t come at all.”

When true love exists, it resonates through time.

From the best-selling, award-winning MacLomain Series comes the first of those stories never told.

The many stories from the MacLomain Series-Early Years will rip from you both tears and joy. After all, love is merciless. Brave the Scottish Highlands in a time of peril and sacrifice. Brave the Highlands in a time when love was forged despite all odds.

HIGHLAND DEFIANCE (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) due to be released January of 2013!

BLURB:

Mildred, a young woman living in New England during the onset of World War II, worries about family and friends. What changes are to come? How will life change? Little does she expect change to come not from war, but an unexpected trip back in time to medieval Scotland.

Adlin, Chieftain of the MacLomain clan, will never forget the moment he lays eyes on Mildred. A powerful ruler of both tribe and magi, she 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. But lust, rage and potential war simmer on the edge of their every move.

Will Mildred and Adlin find true love despite the odds? Find out in Highland Defiance.

NEVER-BEFORE-READ EXCERPT (unedited)….

I can handle this. I have to handle this! A dream is a dream after all; no matter if she thought she was going to work. No matter if she wondered at her sanity. So she decided to crack one eye open at a time.

Piece by piece, the man in front of her appeared.

He grinned. “Quite handsome, aren’t I?”

Her eyes popped open. Handsome? Extremely! His black hair was tousled, his startling pale blue eyes merry, his chiseled face astounding.

“No,” she said automatically and buried her head again.

“Oh.” He plunked down beside her. “’Tis a thing sometimes, the shock of my good appearance.”

Mildred breathed deeply and hid her grin. Arrogant. But she couldn’t help but enjoy this dream. It was the first of its kind. She peeked out from beneath her arm and said, “You’re awfully full of yourself.”

“Nay.” He looked ahead and shook his head. “I stopped being that way years ago.”

Still from beneath her arm. “Being full of yourself?”

“Aye.” He leaned back and stretched out his legs. “Turns out the lassies dinnae like it.”

Mildred lifted her head slightly. “Why not? I find it rather becoming.”

“You would.”

“I would?”

“Of course.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’re arrogant too.”

She sat up straighter. “Am not.”

“Are too.” He titled back his head. “Do you feel that?”

“What?” But she already did. A cool wind blew through the forest and brushed her cheek. For the first time since she’d arrived, Mildred looked around. There existed no steel mill looming in the distance waiting for her to make plane parts to aid in war. There existed no stream of people trudging into a plant determined to do their job.

Her friends and siblings had vanished.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Her eyes darted to the man beside her then back at the forest. “Yes, but I don’t understand.”

“Cannae you be happy with what is in front of you?”

She heard his accent, saw the forest and shook her head. “No, I can’t.”

“Too bad.” He jumped to his feet and held down his hand. “M’lady.”

Mildred looked up, still barely familiar with everything and shook her head. “No.”

He ignored her and pulled her to her feet. Stunned, she looked up…and up. It was then that she truly realized the stature of the man talking to her. With shoulders easily twice as wide as hers, a height at least eight inches taller and a muscular frame rippled with muscles, he was overwhelming.

Her eyes drifted over his face. That face. One she’d dreamed of since she’d been a little girl. Perfectly proportioned, with a straight nose, square chin, and straight brows, it’d always been overly alluring.

And those eyes...like the clearest blue sky sharpened by sunlight.

“Well, what about my attire?”

Her eyes rounded. Yes, his attire was… amazing.

“You’re wearing a…” She glanced away and cinched her lips before looking at him again, brows up. "You’re wearing a skirt.” Mildred paused a minute to get her bearings in front of such a good looking fellow. But things must be said so she gathered her courage, looked him dead in the eye and said, “Are you aware that you wear a skirt?”

With a shocked expression, he peered down and said, “It appears that I am!”

Mildred breathed deeply through her nostrils and nodded solemnly. “So I’m the first to tell you.”

He looked to the sky for guidance then into her eyes. “It seems you are.”

“Well, I’m sorry about that but honestly it’ll get you in trouble, especially in my dreams.”

Sky here. Hope you enjoyed! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

Authors, don't forget to leave a BLURB, SHORT EXCERPT and BUY LINKS in comment!
 

Remembering Author Sharon Donovan this Christmas. Please Help Spread the Word with Hywela Lyn!

It's hard to believe that there are only four days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer's Mind's, third annual, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today I'm thrilled to welcome back friend and talented author, Hywela Lyn, who will be sharing a little holiday cheer with us. In addition, Lyn will be sharing a 'just released' story by Sharon Donovan, a beloved author lost to us.

Lyn is graciously giving away a READER'S CHOICE of any title from her backlist to one lucky commenter.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

My favourite Christmas Things


I love Christmas. If we're lucky, we'll have some snow. Despite all the inconvenience and problems it causes, for me, snow really makes Christmas seem – well, more like Christmas! (This is a picture of the old windmill near where I live and where I enjoy walking my dog on Christmas day.) I love all the preparations, from baking the Christmas cake and making the special sherry trifle, to decorating the house and Christmas tree.  I don’t like starting Christmas preparations too early, but once I start I find it really exciting.  

My husband and I enjoy a pre-Christmas visit to the local Garden Centre, at the end of November. As well as Christmas trees and poinsettias, cyclamen and other winter flowering pants, the garden centre also sells loads of Christmas decorations and gifts.

It is prettily decorated at this special time of year, with little alcoves featuring polar bears and penguins - and even Father Christmas himself, with shelves and shelves of Christmas trimmings, stars, angels, penguins, bears, squirrels and reindeer.

I usually manage to pick up a few more decorations for the tree (I’m amazed I manage to fit them all on the tree as I tend to buy one or two more from the Christmas tree farm as well.) in addition to choosing some gifts for friends, some chocolate teddy bears and snowmen, and, of course, my favourite bottle of Christmas mead! There are so many lovely things on show. If I ever came into money I think I’d buy the lot! 

It’s too early to buy holly and mistletoe yet, we’ll get that from the Christmas tree farm, the other place which is becoming a traditional trip for us, where we’ll pick out our own Christmas tree from the hundreds available, grown specially on the farm, and brought in from the fields by Shire horses. As you’ll have gathered, not for me the supermarket for our Christmas decorations, I love the atmosphere of the garden centre, and the Christmas tree farm.  We’ll probably pop into our local farm shop as well, for their delicious cranberry jelly, mincemeat, and some other home produced delicacies.

As I said at the beginning, I love snow, and the lovely Christmas atmosphere it imparts.  I haven’t written any full length Christmas stories so far, the nearest I’ve got is the snow and ice covered planet Niflheim, which features in ‘Starquest’ and ‘Children Of The Mist’. I must mention one very special Christmas release this year though.

As many of you  know, the wonderfully talented Sharon Donovan, passed away in April this year, after a long battle with diabetes.  When Mary and I visited her family in May, we were thrilled to find a more or less complete, unpublished manuscript on her computer.  Her editor, Lori Graham, has worked really hard to get this edited and ready to publish.  It came out as an E-book from The Wild Rose press on 5th December. It’s called ‘Kiss Of Death’ and is set in Louisianna, at Christmas, and features Sharon’s fantastic hunky character ‘Oliver’.  It’s a wonderful ‘edge-of-your-seat suspense and would make a wonderful  Christmas present for a friend’s E-reader, or for your own.

Here’s the blurb:

KISS OF DEATH

Santa Must Die. The words in Camille Lafayette's dream are a chilling prelude of events to come. She sees herself as the killer, and when the murder is actually committed, she becomes the prime suspect.

When handsome Detective Oliver Sharone turns up at her New Orleans family home, he is searching for answers. The evidence against her seems damning. An image captured on the victim's camera resembles Camille, and the red feather mask worn by the murderer came from her shop.The instant chemistry between Camille and Oliver is an added complication, which grows deeper as they work together to discover the truth. It becomes a race against time to find the real murderer before he not only loses his heart completely, but the killer strikes again. And this time the victim could be Camille herself.

You can purchase ‘Kiss of Death’ HERE .

Sky here. Lyn, thank you for sharing a little bit of your Christmas with me again this year. More than that, thank you so much for not only finding but helping to spread the word about this story by Sharon. (made me tear up) She was such a lovely person and is so very missed. God bless.

Visit Lyn's, Website , Blog , Amazon Page (US) and Amazon Page (UK)

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win Lyn's giveaway! Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more.  
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A New Twist on Eggnog with Alisha Paige and Ruby Vines!

Only six days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer's Mind's, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it's my pleasure to welcome over friend and talented author, Alisha Paige (AKA- Ruby Vines) to share some delicious holiday recipes with us. Alisha is graciously giving away READER'S CHOICE of any of her books to one lucky reader and that includes her new release, MY LITTLE TEXAS TORNADO! Leave comments and email addresses below to be entered!

Let's hear from Alisha...

Thank you, Sky for having me over for your fun Christmas Blog Event! Big hugs, sweetie!I like to try Christmas traditions from other cultures and I was excited to find this yummy recipe for Coquito which is Latin eggnog! And boy, let me tell you, it is YUMMY!

Coquito is traditionally served in Puerto Rico; made with rum, eggs, coconut milk, coconut cream, sweet condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
YOU NEED:2 cans coconut cream1 can sweetened condensed milk1 can evaporated milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/2 cups of rum1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon ground nutmeg(MAKE WITHOUT RUM FOR THE KIDS AND IN CASE YOU'RE OUT CAROLING IN THE SNOW..CAUSE YOU WILL GET LOST IF YOU'RE DRINKING THIS STUFF!!!)

(HOW WE MAKE EGGNOG ON MY FARM IN TEXAS!!!)

Blend it all in a blender on high and serve with ice! This is very strong but so yummy so be careful! TIP: SIP THIS BY THE FIRE AND CUDDLE WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE!! And what better to go with Coquito than Eggnog Fudge? My kids love to help me make this! YOU NEED:1/8 cup REAL butter2 3/4 cups white sugar1 cup WHOLE FAT eggnog6 oz. white chocolate chips1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows1 cup chopped almonds1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1 pinch nutmeg Directions:~ Line a 9x9-inch pan with aluminum foil; set aside.~ In a heavy bottomed saucepan, add eggnog and sugar, bring to a rolling boil over medium to med-high heat (watch that mixture does not boil over the pot, if boiling to hard, turn down heat slightly, but continue a rapid boil), stirring constantly; boil for 2 minutes (this must be timed for exactly 2 minutes).~ Remove from heat; stir in the marshmallows, cinnamon and pinch of nutmeg~ Put saucepan back on stove; bring back to a rolling boil for another 6 minutes, stirring constantly, again, turn down the heat if mixture is boiling to hard.~ NOTE: The mixture will start to turn a brown color, which is normal.~ After boiling for the full 6 minutes; remove from heat; add the butter, vanilla chips and nuts.~ Stir rapidly, until mixture has a glossy appearance, and the chips and butter are well mixed.~ Pour the mixture into the prepared foil-lined pan.~ Cool at room temperature.~ Remove from pan lifting up sides of foil.~ Remove the foil from the fudge; cut in small squares.I hope you enjoy these yummy recipes with your family! MY LITTLE TEXAS TORNADO's release day is right around the corner! COMING CHRISTMAS 2012! BLURB:

Colt Daniels is a Texas rancher, known for his award winning steaks. The king rancher has known his good neighbor and vintner, Mr. Moon for years. In fact, he recommends the Moon Wines as the ideal label paired with his mouth watering steaks. When Mr. Moon dies and leaves the vineyard to his long lost niece, Savannah Moon, Colt offers to show her the ropes since the California girl is clueless, not only about Texas but about wine. Even his Southern Charm is lost on the snob who doesn't even have the decency to thank him for saving her life her first day in town.  Thing is, he ain't cut out to train someone he can't stand, even if Mr. Moon was like a grandfather to him. But there's no denying it, the Moons know how to grow 'em...wine and women. Savannah isn't a woman he can easily forget. Bitchy or not, he finds reasons to teach her about grapes, among other things. And while he's finding reasons to stomp the grapes with his new neighbor, a plan is brewing to bring the wine heiress down.Visit me on my website HERE and my blog HERE. Tweet with me on Twitter @Alishawriter!I'm giving away READER'S CHOICE of any of my books to one lucky reader and that includes my new release, MY LITTLE TEXAS TORNADO! Leave comments and email addresses below to be entered! DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN FABULOUS BOOKS AND PRIZES!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! ~ Alisha Paige/Ruby Vines

Sky here. OMG, Alisha, I'm not sure what recipe sounds better!!! DELICIOUS! I think I'll probably start with the Coquito. Ha! Might not be able to make the fudge afterward though. LOL. Better start with the fudge. And the way you make it down in Texas is SO my style! Thanks so much for sharing, sweetie. Wishing you and yours an absolutely fabulous holiday! xo

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Christmas Down Under with Skhye Moncrief. Warm Cheery Rum Fudge!

Only eight days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Minds, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome back friend and author, Skhye Moncrief, who will be sharing a little holiday cheer with us. Skhye is graciously giving away win an autographed paperback AND a carved bone Eagle feather pendant sporting a Wolf paw print to one lucky commenter that answers her question below.

Let’s hear from Skhye…

Well, it’s beginning to somewhat look a lot like Christmas Down Under.  Seriously, it’s hot here. You know, Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Right? *wink* So, it’s summer and there are Christmas trees in the shops. I’ve been worried about finding a Christmas tree.  I didn’t ship my Christmas things to Australia. We’re on a short-term assignment (that could extend up to 4 years) and we were only allowed a small air shipment. So, I had to triage. Well, we’re making these bells I saw Martha Stewart make…And some Poinsettia tissue-paper flowers to put on the tree. My daughter has made both before. So, why not! She’s into making things. But I will be making my signature holiday fudge as always…And thought I’d share!

Warm Cheery Rum Fudge

3 cups semi-sweet choc. chips (you can substitute ½ with milk choc. chips)
1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
A dash of salt
1 teaspoon fresh grated orange zest
Handful of walnuts
A greased loaf pan
1. Melt 3 cups of choc. chips with the sweetened-condensed milk and dash of salt over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and quickly add rum extract, orange zest, and walnuts. Mix fast.
3. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Cool.

How the Earth Was Won!

No you didn’t miss it. The saga unfolds right now. You still have time to see what the werewolves are doing to save Earth from alien invasion…The WERESCAPE is where all the romance and revelation occurs. What? You haven’t heard about the Werescape? Where men are men and men are werewolves…

CONTEST ALERT:

Here’s your chance to win an autographed paperback AND a carved bone Eagle feather pendant sporting a Wolf paw print. All you need to do to enter to win is tell me what you would do if the planet were attacked by extraterrestrials. I can think of a million answers so I won’t leave any examples. Just comment here.

The winner will be announced as soon as my spot in the limelight has ended. Until then, here’s a little excerpt to help you peer into the ‘Scape.

Sky here. Ohhhh, this fudge sounds scrumptious! I'm going to have to try out this recipe. I love how creative you're getting decorating. What a fantastic idea to make Poinsettia tissue-paper flowers for your tree! *smiles* Thanks so much for joining us, Skhye. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday.

Blurb:

Consumed by their raw attraction, they misread what stalks them in the wilderness.

Post-apocalyptic Earth: after alien invasion, AEI, 2064 AD, The Wild

With her beloved Shifter mate two days in Oregon’s ground, Sierra must choose to live or die. She has two options—join a Shifter clan by choosing a mate or live alone. Life is dangerous for a woman, AEI. Women choose protection in a group or are sold into slavery, even to the aliens. She opts for the protection of the clan, him.

He’s glorious. Empathetic. And resolved to mark her. He will not lose her. Jackal, the powerful right-hand Shifter of the clan’s leader, her brother-in-law, is determined she will be taken care of properly as mates aren’t easily come by. Especially in The Wild. But they just met, and she fights mating in her early stages of mourning. Honor-bound with a vow made over his brother’s death bed to see her safe, he internally swears to win her love. Whatever it takes.

But she harbors a dangerous secret. Born a Cougar, she dares not risk revealing she’s a Shifter, or bounty hunters will descend upon the remote mountain village to capture her for extraterrestrials. Villagers would die in the attacks. However, her Cougar rises up to claim Jackal for its mate. Shifter meets Cougar. Cougar claims her mate. Never-ending fireworks mark their raw attraction. But when the post-apocalyptic world is determined to tear them apart, will Normals, Shifters, or aliens win? Bet your money on COUGAR.

Rating: Carnal (Heroine has sex with hero in his Wolfskin.)

Excerpt:

Jackal shoved one side of his shirt behind him, withdrawing a massive shoulder and arm.

Gods the musculature molding his shoulder into existence.

Then the other arm.

Fur erupting from his smooth skin.

Hell, the thought of my touch was making him metamorphose into a distorted werewolf.

He shot me another sideways glance and let his shirt disappear into shadow behind him.

Fine. I’d gotten myself into this mess. I’d deal with cleaning up the debris. Appear tough. Intelligent.

 “Here.” I pulled on his furred firm bicep, leaning his unyielding torso toward my lap, and patted on my thighs. “Come on. We don’t have all day.”

Redundant point when all we had was all day.

He watched me with hesitation in those wary Wolf eyes.

The man obviously feared what he might do. To me. Worried he couldn’t control himself. Thank the stars for his telltale eyes. I’d misjudged my stupidity. Helping him was the best thing I could do.

Really. It was. “Come on, Jackal.” I pulled his firm arm until he gave, leaning, settling upon his side atop my lap.

Nothing even close to sexual emanated from his rigid body. He laid so damned stiff that he looked like he feared moving as if he’d roll into glass shards or a cactus.

Or something equally horrible.

He had to be at least thirty. And how could a Shifter built like him housing a handy dose of intelligence not have used a female’s touch to bring him down from a shifting high yet? If anything, he had been mated for years by now. He wouldn’t rape me. No, he’d try to protect me. Like the good Guardian he is. I could even see that in his resolve not to hurt me now.

And, it’s not like I planned to spread my legs for him in front of the other Guardians. Certainly he realized that much. Even more so, he probably hated my touch because I wasn’t his mate. I’d show him I had as much self-respect as he had. “Just relax. This is all about calming down.” I draped a palm over his shoulder and ran my fingertips down his arm, scratching through his coarse fur.

His thick wiry hair hid the sculpted muscle I knew to be there.

Maybe it was better I couldn’t touch it?

I used to think I was cursed with unnatural sexual desires. But the problem had to lie in my inner Cougar. The monster inside me. I could harbor need like what Jackal struggled to control. Just like that. So, the Shifter gene had to be at fault. Especially when there were so many similarities between Wolf and Cougar Shifters.

But Cougars held a different genetic alteration. Why?

Nobody understood the other differences between Shifter sexes though. Like why the males turned into terrifying monsters and females became beautiful sleek golden cats. Probably because the extraterrestrials who instigated the mutations through all the strange scientific procedures they did on their spacecraft hadn’t bothered informing us.

We were the dredges of life in the universe to them.

We were nothing more than slaves.

No more than livestock they used for whatever mysterious purposes they concealed from us.

And every day I had to deal with that perplexing alien mystery.

 "One seriously talented author!" Werescape: Cougar ~Reader Pearl G., posted at NCP

"One of the best sci-fi romances I have had the pleasure to read." Feral Fascinations ~Regina, CoffeeTime Romance"A wild ride on the sexual rollercoaster!" Feral Fallout ~Julianne, Two Lips ReviewsVisit www.skhyemoncrief.com to find where stories are sold.Readers, don’t forget to leave a comment answering Skhye’s question for a chance to win. Contest ends Wednesday, December 19th, 12 AM, EST.

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