Sky Purington's Blog, page 56

MONDAY COVERS IT. The 'story' behind FOREVER FREED'S book cover. Last Chance to WIN BIG!!!

*Wide Stretch* Grab a cup of tea and relax. Here at A Writer's Mind we ease into Monday mornings. How so? Well, we like to enjoy a good book cover and today it's all about Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED.

If you're joining us for the first time this morn, let me catch you up. Laura Kaye has been visiting this blog for quite a few days. Last week her characters, Samantha and Lucien visited and participated in what's called the END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Translation? It was kind of like The Newlywed Game. These fabulous characters, hero and heroine, popped over and answered similar questions. Through these questions we learned how well they REALLY knew one another. It was SO much fun!! If you have a sec, check out LUCIEN'S INTERVIEW. From there you can read Samantha's.

After that we all took a BOOK TRAILER BREATHER Saturday and crawled inside the world of Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED via a fantastic book trailer. Click HERE to check it out.

Now it's time to start the work week out right by learning more about the 'story' behind FOREVER FREED's cover. Oh, wait! Before we do, Laura would like to once more remind everyone that a contest is running!

Here's the scoop…

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my blog (http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com/). Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify following.

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

Sky here. Very cool contest, Laura. Thanks! Alright, time to learn more about this cover. From Laura's lips to this blog…

"Forever Freed has offered me a lot of writing firsts: first novel completed, first novel sold, first cover, first book trailer. The Wild Rose Press uses a cover information form to solicit copious details about the book to inspire the cover artist's work. Cover artist Angela Anderson gave me a lot of what I wanted—she used the Detroit skyline, she used the darkish color scheme I envisioned, she found a model pretty closely mirroring vampire hero Lucien Demarco's physical traits. It makes sense for Lucien to be featured on the cover because it really is his story. The romance is central, don't get me wrong, but Lucien's the character who undergoes the biggest transformation, which is also why the book's told in his first person point of view. His expression on the cover creates the perfect dark feel, gothic even, and I love it!"

Sky again. I must say, LOVE that this story is from Lucien's point of view. I come across so few stories told that way. I can't wait to read this. I already know it's going to be one of my favorites!

Laura, it was such a pleasure having you visit. I wish you much success in all that you do!

Before we say goodbye let's take one last look at what FOREVER FREED is all about…

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation—talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…

What the critics are saying…

Marissa, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5/5 Hearts!: "Forever Freed has something a little different....packed with memorable characters...very distinctive and well written....Laura Kaye pulls out all the stops to torment the characters before the ending and does it well enough that I really got into it. Don't know about you, but I love it when the author can get me into a story or character enough to fully feel their emotions. Boy, did I this time....more than just a paranormal story, you get exceptional entertainment!"

Tishia, Paranormal Opinion, 5/5 Stars!: "Really loved this book! I definitely connected with these characters....Forever Freed has everything I could want in a book all combined nicely in a pretty little package. It's about love, passion, family, forgiveness... It's a heartwarming story that will have you feeling just about every emotion there is. I laughed and I cried, which I don't do often."

Garnet, Words That Sparkle, 4.5/5 Sparkles!: "This story is not just another vampire love story, its a journey of hope between a man who stopped living, and a woman who taught him to love....It was both believable and fresh, which says a lot considering the genre of this tale. I'd never read a book by Laura Kaye before, but I can say with utmost certainty that I'll be looking for more in the future....Ms. Kaye is phenomenal at writing characters...."

BUY FOREVER FREED.

Laura Kaye's Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter: @laurakayeauthor

Be sure to pop in tomorrow as I welcome author M. Kate Quinn to A Writer's Mind, MIDWEEK MEET AND GREET!

Have a sec? Want to meet another great author? Pop over to The Write Life now!

~Sky

Stephanie Nielson. Plane crash victim. A story of survival. If we could all be like her.

Welcome. Every once in a while I have a day to myself here at A Writer's Mind. I debated whether I should share this or not but in the end I thought, my readers NEED to know about this. So here's the story…

Have you heard of STEPHANIE NIELSON, mother of four and PLANE CRASH SURVIVOR? I hadn't heard of her until I watched Glenn Beck. Yep, I'm a fan. But moreover, who he talked about during one of his programs this past week REALLY touched me. Made all of my problems seem so very small… almost non-existent.

SHE became my hero. Who is she? Stephanie Nielson. A woman who has persevered through so much. A woman who got in a plane with her husband and should have died when the plane crashed. But she didn't. Instead, she was burned on over 80% of her body...

Christian and Stepanie Nielson. The romance. Before the accident…



Trouble viewing this? Click HERE.

The first two interviews with them after the accident are shown below and how she looks now. I watched all of the program. Was simply amazed at this woman's endurance… how much she truly 'survived'. How peaceful and happy she looks. Could I do that? Could I be that strong? Sighs. I highly doubt it. Could you?

At this point they grow lumps on her back to use her own skin to replace what they can. After all, our bodies will only accept our own skin so they had to grow hers...on her. Now, can you even imagine what's she's gone through thus far?





Have a spare sec? Check out her blog Nie Nie Dialogues Blogspot. A good blog to keep an eye on. I've already bookmarked it.

I do hope a few of you head over and check out Stephanie's blog. Truth told, I'd like to think I can sit here and say I'd be half as courageous as her, as top-notch. But I don't know. She is one very amazing woman.

God bless, Stephanie.
~Sky

BOOK TRAILER BREATHER. Kick back time! Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED. Win Twice!!!!

Phew! The weekend's finally here! I hope everyone had a great work week. Now it's time to kick back, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a good book trailer.

If you've popped in the past few days than you've had the pleasure of reading Samantha and Lucien's interviews. These superb characters are straight out of Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED. If you've heard of The Newlywed Game, you HAVE to check out these interviews as they were designed to see how well Samantha and Lucien really know one another. Too curious how it went? Then check out LUCIEN'S INTERVIEW now! From there you can read Samantha's.

ALSO, there's a contest running hosted by Laura. Here's what she has to say about it...

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my blog (http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com/). Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify following.

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

So are you ready to learn more about the trailer for FOREVER FREED? Good! I'm going to hand it over to Laura Kaye again so that she can share a little about the creation behind this beautiful trailer.

From Laura's lips to my blog…

"Forever Freed is about a reclusive, empathic vampire who falls in love with a woman he planned to kill and her young daughter, then must fight his ancient guilt, bloodlust, lie by omission, and an old vampire rival who threatens everything he holds dear. I made the trailer for Forever Freed after taking a book trailer workshop through the PRO section of the RWA. I was really psyched to try my hand at it, and fortunate that the model featured on the book's cover had other stock images available, so I could show my hero, Lucien Demarco, in different ways in the trailer. As soon as I heard the music, I knew it was right for this story. Not only is the music moody and yearning, but the violin in it couldn't be more perfect as Lucien plays the violin, and his music and instrument are a really important part of his characterization. I was thrilled with how it came together! So thrilled, in fact, I wrote an extensive how-to post on my blog detailing everything I'd learned about how to make book trailers."


 
Have trouble viewing this trailer? Click HERE.
 
Sky here. Fantastic book trailer, Laura. I loved the music! Well done.
 
A bit more about FOREVER FREED...
 
A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation—talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…

What's being said about FOREVER FREED...

Marissa, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5/5 Hearts!: "Forever Freed has something a little different....packed with memorable characters...very distinctive and well written....Laura Kaye pulls out all the stops to torment the characters before the ending and does it well enough that I really got into it. Don't know about you, but I love it when the author can get me into a story or character enough to fully feel their emotions. Boy, did I this time....more than just a paranormal story, you get exceptional entertainment!"

Tishia, Paranormal Opinion, 5/5 Stars!: "Really loved this book! I definitely connected with these characters....Forever Freed has everything I could want in a book all combined nicely in a pretty little package. It's about love, passion, family, forgiveness... It's a heartwarming story that will have you feeling just about every emotion there is. I laughed and I cried, which I don't do often."

BUY FOREVER FREED.

Laura Kaye's Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter: @laurakayeauthor

Forever Freed's trailer is up for Best Book Trailer starting tomorrow, June 5 at YOU GOTTA READ VIDEOS. - FOREVER FREED is entry #5 and voting is June 21-26!
 
Be sure to pop in Monday as Laura chats about the 'story' behind FOREVER FREED'S book cover in A Writer's Mind's MONDAY COVERS IT feature.
 
Best Regards,
~Sky

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. His Turn! Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED. Win Big!!!

Welcome back! It's DAY TWO of A Writer's Mind's END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT. For those of you joining me for the first time, here's the run-down. Every Thursday and Friday an author−better yet the characters from their latest story−visit this blog to be interviewed. Thursday, we grill the heroine. Friday, the hero. It's all about seeing how well the characters know one another. Ever heard of The Newlywed Game? Well this event is a lot like that!

This week it's my pleasure to welcome over Samantha Sutton and Lucien Demarco from Laura Kaye's latest release, FOREVER FREED. Yesterday, I interviewed Samantha. Today, Lucien. Because this event is still fairly new, I've added snippets from Samantha's answers and posted them alongside Lucien's. It's TOO much fun comparing their responses! Remember, Samantha's responses are merely portions of her full answers. To  get a sense of who she really is, I highly recommend that you check out SAMANTHA'S INTERVIEW.

Before we get started, Laura would like everyone to know about the following…

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my BLOG. Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify following.

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

Let's learn a bit about FOREVER FREED…

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation—talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…

Okay, it's time to have some fun! Let's begin…

SKY: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Lucien.

LUCIEN: I… *shifts uncomfortably, straightens* I am a husband and a father. I…I'm sorry, I'm not very used to talking to people, or talking about myself.

(Samantha's response…. mom to a beautiful little girl. I'm a nurse. Or, I was. I'm not working right now since the move to New York. But maybe someday I'll go back again….)

SKY: Not a problem, Lucien! I don't bite. *Grins* Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Samantha Sutton, what thoughts come to mind?

LUCIEN: *deep breath* I was completely enthralled the first time I saw Samantha. With her beauty and her joy. I wanted her from the first, and not in ways I'm at all proud of. Next question, please.

(Samantha's response… Lucien was…he was just gorgeous. Tall. The best hair—still! And so attentive. He always has made me feel like the only person in the room when I talk. *blushes* I remember stumbling a bit the first time we touched. I was just lost in his eyes….)

SKY: Samantha 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?

LUCIEN: Samantha is everything sweet in the world. Her beautiful smiles every morning, her warmth wrapped around me, the sweetness of her emotions within me. I can't separate those traits in my mind. She's a package deal. One of my traits…she tells me she loves my eyes. *runs hands through hair* And that I'm good with Ollie.

(Samantha's response… I don't know how to pick just one! Okay, physical trait would be his eyes...
…... In terms of character trait, I adore how completely he loves me and Ollie. … I would say Lucien most likes that I'm happy most of the time, because he can feel it, and I know he hasn't much felt it in his life.)

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?

LUCIEN: I'd make her immortal, so she would always be safe. But that's her choice. And I love her more than my life, just as she is. *slow smiles* She probably wishes I could eat with her, though she's long past the point of feeling self-conscious about eating in front of me.
(Samantha's response… I would make him human, but only because he so desperately wants it. I love him just the way he is, and frankly find his immortal side completely thrilling. Hmm…that's probably something he'd change. In flirting with the vampire in him, he says I play a little too much with fire, but I want to sustain him in every way I can, and he never takes too much. He's going to die when he sees this! *grins* Well, not really…)

SKY: I can understand that, Lucien. Food is definitely one of the more enjoyable parts of being mortal! Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you've done for her?

LUCIEN: *tugs hair off face* I, uh, *shrugs* I don't know. I don't know if it's romantic or not, but in building her a house, I'm trying to build her the life she deserves surrounded by a family that loves her.

(Samantha's response…. Again, it's hard to pick just one thing! Lucien came of age in the nineteenth century, when things like courting and wooing happened… Single most romanatic thing? Jeez. It's a tie between surprising me with a road trip to see my favorite Broadway show and surprising me with the plans to our new house.)

SKY: That sounds incredibly romantic! Samantha 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.

LUCIEN: I love her face. She's very expressive and her eyes…well, they're heaven in a stare. I could look at her face and see the love there, even if I couldn't feel it. Sky, you know men don't talk about this stuff, right? She says she loves my eyes. *runs hand through hair* And my hair.

(Samantha's response… His eyes. Whether gray or red, they enthrall me, even when he's not trying. *laughs* Lucien definitely has some preferences, but I'm not telling you what they are...)

SKY: *Chuckles* I love to try to pull the 'mushy' stuff from men, Lucien! How do you think Samantha would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

LUCIEN: *relaxes* That one's easy. Be together with Ollie, as a family.

(Samantha's response… I think Lucien would say, and I would agree, that our favorite thing is being together as a family, the three of us...)

SKY: You and Samantha don't see eye to eye on what issue?

LUCIEN: Whether she should become like me, but I'd rather not say anymore about that. I don't want her to feel pressured about it.

(Samantha's response… *deep breath* On whether I should become like him….)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you'll never forget. What was it?

LUCIEN: She said yes.

(Samantha's response… He told me my loved helped him forgive himself, that it gave him a sense of absolution he'd searched for his whole life. To know you've impacted another person that way, well… *clears throat* I just love him….)

SKY: You two sound like a perfect match! It was really great having you and Samantha over to visit. You're welcome back to A Writer's Mind anytime!

BUY FOREVER FREED.

Laura Kaye's Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter: @laurakayeauthor

Contact Laura at laurakayeauthor@gmail.com

Don't forget that there's a CONTEST running!!!

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my BLOG. Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify following.

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

Be sure to swing in tomorrow as I welcome back Laura Kaye for A Writer's Mind's BOOK TRAILER BREATHER! You're going to love the trailer for FOREVER FREED!

~Sky

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Heroine Interview. Laura Kaye's, FOREVER FREED. Chance to Win!!!

Welcome! It's finally that time. A Writer's Mind's END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT has arrived. Here's the scoop on what to expect every Thursday and Friday. An author−better yet the characters from their latest story−will be visiting this blog to be interviewed. Thursday, we'll grill the heroine. Friday, the hero. It's all about seeing how well the characters know one another. Ever heard of The Newlywed Game? Well this event is sort of like that!

This week it's my pleasure to welcome over Samantha Sutton and Lucien Demarco from Laura Kaye's latest release, FOREVER FREED. Before I begin interviewing Samantha, Laura would like everyone to know about the following…

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my BLOG. Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify the following.

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

Sky here. What a fantastic giveaway, Laura! Thanks so much! Before we start the interview let's take a moment to read a bit about FOREVER FREED…

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation—talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…

Oooh, sounds fabulous! Alright, I'd say it's time we get to know Samantha Sutton from FOREVER FREED. Here goes…

SKY: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Samantha.

SAMANTHA: Uh, hi, Sky. Well, I'm a mom to a beautiful little girl. I'm a nurse. Or, I was. I'm not working right now since the move to New York. But maybe someday I'll go back again. Right now, I'm just enjoying getting to know this big, new family I've moved in with, something that's totally new for me.

SKY: Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Lucien Demarco, what thoughts come to mind?

SAMANTHA: *slow grins* Well, Lucien was…he was just gorgeous. Tall. The best hair—still! And so attentive. He always has made me feel like the only person in the room when I talk. *blushes* I remember stumbling a bit the first time we touched. I was just lost in his eyes.

SKY: He sounds delicious, Samantha! Lucien 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.

SAMANTHA: I don't know how to pick just one! Okay, physical trait would be his eyes, especially now that I know more about them. But even before I saw his vampiric side, I was mesmerized by his gray eyes. For him, they truly are the window to his soul. And, yes, I do believe he has one. In terms of character trait, I adore how completely he loves me and Ollie.

Um, I would say Lucien most likes that I'm happy most of the time, because he can feel it, and I know he hasn't much felt it in his life.

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!

SAMANTHA: I would make him human, but only because he so desperately wants it. I love him just the way he is, and frankly find his immortal side completely thrilling. Hmm…that's probably something he'd change. In flirting with the vampire in him, he says I play a little too much with fire, but I want to sustain him in every way I can, and he never takes too much. He's going to die when he sees this! *grins* Well, not really…

SKY: Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he's done for you?

SAMANTHA: Again, it's hard to pick just one thing! Lucien came of age in the nineteenth century, when things like courting and wooing happened. He is fundamentally a romantic person, and he showers me in that. Single most romanatic thing? Jeez. It's a tie between surprising me with a road trip to see my favorite Broadway show and surprising me with the plans to our new house.

SKY: I must agree that there's something to be said for a man from a different era. So incredibly romantic! Lucien 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!

SAMANTHA: His eyes. Whether gray or red, they enthrall me, even when he's not trying. *laughs* Lucien definitely has some preferences, but I'm not telling you what they are.

SKY: Ha! No fair. Guess I'll have to buy the book to find out! *Grins* How do you think Lucien would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

SAMANTHA: I think Lucien would say, and I would agree, that our favorite thing is being together as a family, the three of us. It's something neither of us has really had before or, at least, not in a very long time.

SKY: You and Lucien just don't see eye to eye on what issue?

SAMANTHA: *deep breath* On whether I should become like him. Some day. I don't really want to say more about that right now, though.

SKY: I understand. Sounds like a tough decision. Lucien said one thing to you that you'll never forget. What was it?

SAMANTHA: He told me my love helped him forgive himself, that it gave him a sense of absolution he'd searched for his whole life. To know you've impacted another person that way, well… *clears throat* I just love him.

SKY: It certainly sounds like you two are a perfect match. I can't wait to have Lucien over tomorrow! (Have SUCH a thing for vampires. *wicked grin*) Samantha, it was wonderful having you over. I can't wait to start reading FOREVER FREED!

BUY FOREVER FREED.

Laura Kaye's Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter: @laurakayeauthor

Contact Luara at laurakayeauthor@gmail.com

Don't forget that there's a contest running. Here's a rundown of the details one more time…

FOREVER FREED GIVEAWAY: At the end of my four-day appearance, I will give away one pdf format ebook and one signed print book of Forever Freed. To enter to win, you must do all of the following:

1) comment on one or more of my posts at A Writer's Mind (1 comment per day counts for an entry, but you can comment on the different days for a total of 4 entries)

2) follow me on twitter (@laurakayeauthor)

3) follow my BLOG. Leave your twitter name in your comments so I can verify the following. 

Current twitter AND blog followers are eligible to win and can enter by leaving your twitter name in your comments AND tweeting at least one of my A Writer's Mind posts (be sure to @ me so I see it!). Winner to be announced on June 7!

Be sure to pop back in tomorrow as I welcome vampire Lucien Demarco over to A Writer's Mind!

~Sky

MONDAY COVERS IT. AJ Nuest's, Jezebel's Wish. Absolutely Stunning. Chance to Win!!!

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks so much for joining me at A Writer's Mind. Today it's all about MONDAY COVERS IT. What does that mean? Well, we're checking out some of the best book covers out there.
Today I'd like to welcome author AJ Nuest. Though I only recently 'met' AJ, I can tell already her stories are winners. Pure talent. New York Times Best Selling author someday soon. Mark my words. In fact, she's already on the roster for my end of the year, "What Every Woman Wants beneath Her Christmas Tree" blog event. But chatting about that is for another day.
AJ would like to host a contest. One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of JEZEBEL'S WISH!
I'm SO loving the cover for Jezebel's Wish. How beautiful! Okay, I've rattled on enough. Time to hand things over to AJ.
From her lips to my blog…

"At this point in my career, I think I'm safe in assuming I have a pretty good handle on visualizing stories and getting them down on paper. So, imagine my surprise when I recently discovered I am NOT good at visualizing covers – a fascinating lesson which became blatantly apparent during the cover design of Jezebel's Wish. When The Wild Rose Press first asked I share the details of what I envisioned for my cover, I spent several hours filling out the paperwork, describing in detail the exact picture in my head. True to their word, the cover artist took my description and designed a cover based on my specifications. It was…for lack of a better word, ugly. Really ugly. And very boring. But I couldn't blame the artist. She had done exactly as I instructed. A bit disappointed and shocked by my overall lack of design prowess, I contacted my editor and pleaded, whined and cajoled until she agreed to approach the art department and ask if they would take another stab at it. Thankfully, The Wild Rose Press has an outstanding cover reputation, because once my cover was reviewed by other members of the staff, we all agreed. AJ's idea wasn't so hot. Much to my delight a redesign was granted, and brilliantly (on their part) AJ and her ineptitude were left far outside the mix. I wish I could say I envisioned that breathtaking winter sky and the beautiful black stallion running through a bank of fluffy white snow. But alas, I did not. That was all the outstanding artists at The Wild Rose Press. The first time I saw the cover for Jezebel's Wish I wept buckets. They had somehow reached inside my heart and whisked out The Reverend, bringing him to life for my cover. Now I know. Leave the covers to the design experts. I'm happily content with words.
The cover of Jezebel's Wish placed as one of the top five finalists in the Dunes and Dreams Picture Perfect Cover Contest, 2011."

Sky here. Congratulations, AJ! Seriously, this is one stunning cover. Breathtaking! Ooooh, I'd cry too! In fact I did for one of my covers so you're not alone. Those WRP cover artists are a cut above the rest. If it makes you feel any better, I went through a similar experience many years ago with Fate's Monolith. I clearly envisioned a four foot tall rock in the forest. Um…huh? Monolith! Thank God, Tamra Westberry got a hold of mine and created a cover that more clearly depicted what I envisioned… whether I knew it or not. Been with her since! She knows my mind. You find a great cover artist that 'gets' you, grab on with both hands and hold tight.

Let's learn a bit more about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he's completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.

Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

What they're saying about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

"Get the Tissue Box out for This Story!

Boy, did I bawl my eyes out on this one! A very heart-wrenching story about a woman who is emotionally recovering from the death of her fiancée. To try and sort out her feelings and give herself some space, Jezebel (or Jezzy) stays with her mother and sister on their ranch in the country - quite a break and change of scenery from her city life in Chicago. Because of the dark secrets she holds about the accident that killed her fiancée, she puts up a wall of negativity and anger. However, the local vet Matthias (or Matty) is used to caring and healing those who hurt but can't talk about their pain. Enlisting the gentle nature of a stallion named The Reverend, Matty helps Jezzy recover from her ordeal and their relationship blossoms.

Matty is a strong and loving hero any woman would dream of having in her life, with a gentle nature who gives as good as he gets and deals with the heroine's caustic nature with good humor...just what she needs to bring those walls down.

Jezzy is a very much like a wounded animal that lashes out at anyone trying to help, but she's doing it to protect those she loves and it's less about protecting herself. The guilt she has weighing her spirit down is understandable and her transition toward healing is a joyful experience."

Highly recommended read!"

Read an Excerpt for Jezebel's Wish.

Eager to purchase? Buy Jezebel's Wish through The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

AJ on the Web…

AJ's Blog ~ Tattered Pages

Join AJ on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter.

Don't forget!  One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of Jezebel's Wish!

Have a spare sec? Pop over to The Write Life now to meet another author, perhaps win a prize!

~Sky

BOOK TRAILER BREATHER. Time to kick back! Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY.

We've arrived! It's finally the weekend. A very HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND to all!

Saturdays are lazy, relaxed days at A Writer's Mind. I hope you're kickin' back, slippers on, with a cup of whatever your device firmly tucked in your hand because it's all about watching a good trailer today. Aye, you've arrived at this blog's BOOK TRAILER BREATHER.

If you're joining me for the first time, allow me to catch you up on things. I've had the extreme pleasure of welcoming over best selling author Alisha Paige this past week. On Monday, she dished out about the 'story' behind her cover for CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. Heck, this cover's worth drooling over. Click HERE to check it out. At the end of the week I welcomed over Zoe O'Brian and Axl Wolfdorn. The fabulous hero and heroine from Circle City. We all enjoyed two days worth of interviews done in The Newlywed Game style. We had SO much fun! Click HERE to check out Axl's interview. From there you can view Zoe's. Naturally, there's a CONTEST running. Read the end of this post to find out the details.

I loved every minute of having Alisha visit. Not only is she a wonderfully talented author but someone I consider a dear friend. One of those people I just know is a 'keeper.' You might think to yourself that I rave about Alisha's work simply because she's a friend. Nope. She was writing best sellers long before we met! You'll see. Proof's in the pudding when it comes to her stories.

Well, I've stolen the floor long enough. Sorry, I get chatty over coffee. *Winks* Time to hear from Alisha. Here goes…

"Hey, Sky! Thank you so much for having me all week! I've had a blast chatting with you, fellow writers and readers. Well, as I write this it is 3 am. I forgot how much of a pain it is to create a book video but it really can be a lot of fun once you choose all the photos, write your script and choose the music. Book videos really do make your story come to life in a big way. I haven't made a book video in two years. Luckily the software has improved, making it easier. I had fun choosing the pictures and listening for a couple of hours to different music. I hope you and everyone else will enjoy the book video for Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. Hugs!"

Sky here. Alisha, I so 'hear' you. Book trailers are a lot of work. I plan at least four hours when I create one. Tiring but well worth it I think. LOVE the music in your trailer. Kevin McLeod rocks! As does this trailer. Alisha did a fantastic job. Check it out!



Having trouble viewing this video? Click HERE.

Lord of the Wolfen is the first book in the wild, passionate Circle City series about a secret clan of Wolf people living on the edge of the Yukon Flats. Dark, edgy, sexy and adventurous, Lord of the Wolfen is about an underground world where the Wolfen reign in remote Alaska. Their enemies, the Kontar, people of the dog, ignite a war when a Wolfen princess marries a Kontar man and a widow living nearby in the woods is caught up in the middle by saving a baby Wolfen from sure death.

5 Stars! ~ Reviewed by Evie Seo of Bookish Blog in Vancouver:

"Lord of the Wolfen by Alisha Paige is the first book in the wildly sexy series, Circle City. It's a delightful, spicy and very sensual read, with very likeable and well developed characters. It's a perfect book for chilly spring evenings, it will most definitely keep you warm!…Alisha Paige has written an unbelievably fascinating and captivating paranormal romance. She created an amazing, mesmerizing world, filled with beautiful, sexy creatures, burning desires and steamy fantasies. This book is erotic, fast paced and enthralling. Paige brings the reader into a fantasy world of Wolves and Dogs, a world of passion and eye-popping rituals."

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.





Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Alisha's Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

CONTEST! One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Be sure to start your Monday out right here at A Writer's Mind as I welcome author AJ Nuest over to chat about the 'story' behind the cover for Jezebel's Wish. For all of you horse lovers like me, this cover is a 'must see!'

Enjoy your weekend!

~Sky

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Day Two. Hottie, Axl Dishes Out. Chance to win BIG!!!

Welcome back! You've arrived just in time. Why you ask? It's day two of A Writer's Mind's, End of week CHARACTER BLOWOUT. In case you're new to this blog, this particular event draws a strong parallel to The Newlywed Game. On Thursdays, I interview the heroine from some of your favorite tales. On Friday, the hero. Before it's all said and done, we get to see how well these characters really know one another. So far this event has been crazy fun. Well, hang on tight. This interviews about blow your mind!
Because this event is so brand spanking new, I'm adding snippets from the heroine's interview alongside the hero's responses today.

This week I'm exceedingly thrilled to have over Zoe O'Brian and Axl Wolfdorn from Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. I highly recommend that you take a peek at ZOE'S FULL INTERVIEW. Her 'voice' really shines through. She's one heck of a gal! And aren't you curious what she looks like?
Today, it's all about too-hot-for-words, Axl. Totally lovin' this interview.

As a reminder, there is a contest running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Before we continue I'd like to give you brief idea of what CIRCLE CITY is all about.

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

Alrighty. Sky rubs hands together in anticipation. Are you ready to talk to Axl? I know I am! Here we go…

SKY: Axl, tell us a little bit about you.

AXL: Hey, ladies. Wow. There's a lot of girls out there. How ya doing? I'm Axl. Axl Wolfdorn, future Lord of the Wolfen. But hey, keep it on the down low. No one but the Kontar knows we exist. I'm next in line to be king. We live in Circle City, Alaska, aka the boonies. And yeah, it IS cold enough there to freeze the balls off a pool table. Yeah, I know, bad joke but I heard it from a human so blame him. We like it cold. Cold enough that most sane people stay far away. There's only about a hundred humans living in Circle City. We're able to hide our underground caverns even from those close by. Well, a few have found out but we can easily erase their memory. We've lived in the caverns for 1500 years, surviving by sheer will and determination. The gold rush of the 1800's provided us with a boatload of cash so we've been living high on the hog for a while. Until now. We had to experiment with some new businesses and I think we've found our niche. I grew up fast. Literally. Wolfen pups grow to adulthood very quickly. Our schooling is only a few months. As short as my childhood was, it was filled with heartache after the loss of my mother and all my siblings. Life is good now though. Now that I have Zoe.

(Zoe's response… I've had a hard life. I was married to the man of my dreams with a precious two year old son. My life changed one tragic night when our car wrecked, falling off the side of a bridge. I survived but sometimes I wish I was dead too. My husband was found downstream. Dead. I never saw my son again…)

SKY: Great to 'meet' you, Axl. Sounds like you've had a rough time. I'm so glad you found Zoe. Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on her, what thoughts come to mind?



AXL: The very first time I saw her was when she rescued me. I had fallen into a frozen pond and nearly drowned, running from my crazed mother. Zoe came in after me, pulled me from the water and took me to her cabin. I remember her wrapping me in a quilt and cuddling me beside a warm fire. That is my first memory of her. All love, tenderness and warmth for a total stranger.

Now, the first time I saw her when I was an adult was more exciting than I ever imagined. She was held captive and caged. I had no idea she was being kept in a cage. Don't get me started. It still angers me to no end! Anyhow, when I found out my grandfather had ordered she be locked in a cage, I went to her. I wanted to save her like she saved me. She was being punished for saving me! That first time I held her, I just wanted to carry her off. Leave all the Wolfen behind and go far, far away from all that mess. But of course I could not. I had my grandfather to contend with and he's very old fashioned. I figured out a way to save her life AND satisfy the old wolf. Holding her in my arms for that short time reminded me of how kind she was to me. Hey, listen, I fell in love with her as a kid. But as a man, I was smitten. Completely and totally ridiculously in love with her. And to know that I was the cause of her imprisonment just killed me. Seeing her for that first time as a grown man forced me to focus on what I needed to do. That little boy was gone. Seeing the love of your life caged will stir emotions you didn't know you had.

(Zoe's response… I thought, oh my goodness, I have to save that sweet baby wolf!...

Oh…you probably want to know what it was like when I first saw him as a man, right? Gotcha. My heart races just thinking about it. I'd been held captive by the Wolfen for so long, I had no idea what day it was. He had no idea I was kept in solitary but the day he found out, he forced a servant to take him to me, rushed inside and held me to him….

…he fell in love with me long ago and seeing him in the flesh…well, let's just say that if a dead woman could come back to life, that did it. I was alive again, even though I was sentenced to die….)

SKY: Axl, you're such a romantic alpha male! *Sky swoons* Recipe for perfection. Zoe 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?

AXL: Oh. That's easy. Her forgiving nature and her open mind. I mean, come on, how many women could you imprison and then force to marry you in a ritual that would shock most humans? Wolves live in packs. They also love in packs and there's a reason for that. She's my Moonswan, my wife, my soulmate but a wolve's sex drive is off the charts. There's a reason the Wolfen have a haremlik. And Zoe has never been bothered by this. She has blended into our world perfectly, a magical world she never knew existed. A world with many, many public rituals that in her world would probably be illegal. Pretty sure they are. She adapted well and she thrived in our world, even surprising herself. Not many humans would understand our world. She always tried to understand me and more than that..she never tried to change me. If anything, she adapted herself to my world, to please me. If that isn't true love, I don't know what is. She's an amazing woman, my Moonswan.

What trait of mine does she appreciate? She can deny it all she wants and she does to her girlfriends but she loves that I'm the alpha. She likes being told what to do and yeah, hey, don't get all bent out of shape. I know she's my equal and deserves all the respect in the world. I guess it's all about role playing. She likes to be taken care of even though she is really the nurturer. She loves a man in charge. You should ask her what naughty word she likes me to call her sometimes. (Axl chuckles.) Most of you would probably be shocked. (Axl looks at Sky as she stares him down. He clears his throat.) Nevermind. She can tell you if she wants. Put it this way, she likes a man being in charge. She told me so.

(Axl leans over and whispers to Sky. "That wasn't too arrogant was it?" Sky's eyes widen as she shakes her head and continues.)

(Zoe's response… His heart. He's always worried about me. If I'm comfortable, if I'm happy, if I'm hungry. He's a sweetheart. He treats me like a princess….)

SKY: Arrogant? *Snickers* Add that to the recipe for perfection. To a degree of course. But it sounds like Zoe's got you all figured out, Axl. Dear Lord, I want to know what the naughty word she calls you is!!! You SO left us hanging! *Shakes head* Really need to read CIRCLE CITY! Now, Zoe 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?

AXL: That's a tough one. There's isn't much I'd change about Zoe. I lied. There isn't a thing I'd change about her. She's almost too perfect. Just a very easy going, loving, free spirit. I love that about her. All calm and serenity. She's my peaceful place. If I had to try to nitpick, I'd guess I'd say that she could have been a tiny bit jealous of the haremlik. Now I'm sure if she was super jealous, that would have gotten old real fast. Insecurity sucks, especially when you're in love like we are but yeah, she could have whined a little more and begged me to bed her instead but seriously….(Axl coughs, looks down, runs a hand through his hair)…the poor woman was just too exhausted to protest. Like I said, THERE IS A REASON FOR THE HAREMLIK and it has nothing to do with my love for another woman or my desire for anyone but her. She is my elixir.

What would she change about me? (Axl rubs his chin, squints his eyes.) Maybe I'm over confident. That happens with alphas. So I hear. Hell, I know I can be a bastard. I almost lost her. I can be a stupid jerk. She's very forgiving. I try not to take her for granted now. I really do.

(Zoe's response… he tends to be a tad stubborn. When the man's mind is made up, there's really no talking to him…)

SKY: I agree insecurity in a partner sucks. Then again, the wrong man can all but breed it in a woman. I'm thinking you're the RIGHT sort of man, Axl. Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you've done for her?

AXL: Forcing her into marriage in order to save her life. She tells me it was beyond sexy, even though she was in total shock. I had to choose a Moonswan at my Unleashing. Everyone thought I'd choose Dori. Dori had been groomed for royalty but I was never in love with her. Arranged marriages usually never work out. We were more like best school friends. We grew up together. Zoe had saved my life. I fell in love with her that very day. Even as a kid, I knew I'd always love her even if I never saw her again. When the idea came to me, a huge weight was lifted. It was as if the Creator instructed me on how to save her life and it was the perfect decision for everyone. There was no way in hell I would consider killing this woman to avenge my mother's death. I would have rescued her and taken her away if I had to. By forcing her into marriage, my grandfather's death warrant was cancelled. Hey, listen, I can choose whoever I want to marry. Most Wolfen don't choose their Moonswan at the Unleashing but I did. And for good reason. I know I sound like a caveman, forcing her into marriage but that really was the only way. I wasn't sure she felt the same way about me as I did about her. I'd have helped her escape after the wedding if that was what she wanted but this incredible woman loves me too. I had no idea. I just knew she'd hate all the Wolfen after being thrown in prison for saving a wolf. Who wouldn't, right? It had to have been a Halloween nightmare come to life for her. People who live underground and shift into wolves? (Axl laughs.) Maybe she was just in total shock. Who knows? I know I'm just lucky as hell that I forced her to marry me. And even luckier that she stayed and loved me back.

(Zoe's response… Well…that's a bittersweet memory. He wanted to surprise me by taking me back to my old cabin, surrounding me with all my old stuff for a romantic evening. I was so touched. We would have had a great time but someone crashed our party….)

SKY: Oh, you really are utterly romantic, Axl. I think any woman reading your responses would completely agree. And oh yeah, I'll bet we'd all be just fine being forced to marry you! *Winks* Zoe 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.

AXL: Her best feature? God! Her lips!! She has the most incredible lips. I get shivers just thinking about her kisses. She has the face of an angel and the lips of a godess. (Axl closes his eyes and smiles.)

What does she stare at? Well..uh…I think I know the REAL answer but I'll keep this G rated or PG at least. I know she loves my eyes. I was born with one brown eye and one blue eye. She says they're hypnotic. (Axl glares at Sky.) What do you think? (He tosses his hair over his shoulder.) Good thing I looked her in the eye when I told her she'd have to do as I told if she wanted to keep living. Still can't believe I practically guaranteed her death if she didn't obey me and she thought it was hot. (Axl shrugs.) Women are goofy like that.

(Zoe's response… I really love the entire package! But if I had to pick one feature, it would be those big guns of his…sigh…nothing like being wrapped up in his rock solid arms. And his eyes…wow…he has one blue eye and one brown eye. I get lost….

… Where do his eyes roam? To my lips. Always. He says they taste like candy. The man will suck on them…okay, this might be TMI but we're all girls here, right? ***giggle*** He sucks on my lower lip and oh my…..(deep sigh)…he'll linger there forever, just nibbling, licking…)

SKY: You can get Rated R with us all you like, Axl. Totally allowed! (Sky looks around. Yep, Zoe's standing just off stage shaking her head) Heavy swallow. Good that you kept it PG, Axl! Back to the interview. How do you think Zoe would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?


AXL: Easiest answer in the world. Our favorite thing to do is shut out the entire world, wait until the kids are asleep, open the roof during a full moon and chase each other into the woods. Nothing like a good Chase. The real prize is when I catch her. And no, she never chases me. I ALWAYS chase her. I like it that way and so does she. (Axl folds his arms over his massive chest and grins.)

(Zoe's response… (Clears throat and tosses hair over her shoulder) I'm pretty sure I'll get this right. If he were to answer this question he'd say our favorite thing to do together is to relive the Chase…

…For those of you who don't know, the Chase follows the Unleashing of male Wolfen and ends in the Feral Consummation. Let me put it in lay terms for you. He chases me into the woods until he catches me and once he does, he…uh…well, I'll let you take a guess…)

SKY: Don't you love how they both toss their hair over their shoulder? *Wide smile* You and Zoe don't see eye to eye on what issue?

AXL: Political junk. She's one of those bleeding heart whatever you call them in the human world. If someone or something crosses into our territory, I don't like it. Not one bit. We don't have illegal aliens in our neck of the woods. Well, I guess that's wrong..there a few Kontar who live in Circle City but they're all female dogs who came seeking refuge from that bastard Scar, king of the dogs. And there are a few Kontar who married Wolfen, pretty much for the same reason, to escape Scar, searching for a better way of life.

(Zoe's response… On war. I'm all peace and love…)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you'll never forget. What was it?

AXL: I love you, my Moonswore. There was a point in our marriage when I thought I'd lost her completely. And I sure as hell deserved it. When I heard those words, I thought I'd died and gone to the Woodlands.

(Zoe's response… He called me his Moonswan. That is the most lovely word in the world. Becoming his wife was a dream come true and to hear that word leave his lips and use it to refer to me was one of the happiest moments of my life.)

SKY: Axl, it was FANTASTIC having you visit. There is no doubt in my mind that you've found the love of your life. Wishing you many, many chases together throughout the years!

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Reviewers rave endlessly about Alisha Paige's work. Click HERE to read the latest!





Alisha's Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Contact Alisha at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com

You aren't leaving without commenting are you? There's a contest running! One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Too curious about the 'story' behind CIRCLE CITY's cover? Click HERE to read what Alisha had to say.

The weekend's nearly here. Whoo Hooo! Be sure to swing in tomorrow as Alisha debuts the trailer for CIRCLE CITY in A Writer's Mind BOOK TRAILER BREATHER feature. I've already watched it. Simply outstanding!

~Sky

CHARACTER BLOWOUT. Heroine's Interview. Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY. Win, win, win!!!

It's that super fun time of the week again! A Writer's Mind's, End of the Week CHARACTER BLOWOUT. For those of you joining me for the first time, this event is all about the heroines and heroes from some of your favorite stories. Thursday, I interview the heroine. Friday, the hero. Ever heard of The Newlywed Game? Well, this event is kind of like that. We get to see how well the characters really know one another. It's a total blast!

This week I'm beyond thrilled to welcome over Zoe O'Brian and Axl Wolfdorn from Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I.  Alisha and I were part of the fabulous team of authors in The Song of the Muses Anthology years ago and I can assure you, she's one extremely talented writer. Just wait and see how dynamic her characters are! While she's visiting I'd like to give Alisha a HUGE round of applause and congrat's for becoming a BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Doesn't surprise me in the least. You go girl!

Before we continue I'd like to remind everyone that a contest is running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format.

A bit about CIRCLE CITY…

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

Okay, who's ready to have some fun??? Time to interview Zoe!

SKY: Zoe, tell us a little bit about you.

ZOE: I've had a hard life. I was married to the man of my dreams with a precious two year old son. My life changed one tragic night when our car wrecked, falling off the side of a bridge. I survived but sometimes I wish I was dead too. My husband was found down stream. Dead. I never saw my son again. Grief is so hard to live with. It nags at me night and day. I became a hermit, rarely leaving my rustic cabin in the woods. Well..until one day…and then my life changed again….

SKY: So sorry to hear about your son. I can't even imagine. *Sighs* But I see you're a survivor and I know Axl coming into your life helped a lot. Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on him, what thoughts come to mind?

ZOE: **giggle** Okay, this isn't going to be your normal response but here goes. I thought, oh my goodness, I have to save that sweet baby wolf! He was so furry, so tiny, so cute. He was the first thing I cared about since losing my family. He gave me hope. A reason to live.

Oh…you probably want to know what it was like when I first saw him as a man, right? Gotcha. My heart races just thinking about it. I'd been held captive by the Wolfen for so long, I had no idea what day it was. He had no idea I was kept in solitary but the day he found out, he forced a servant to take him to me, rushed inside and held me to him. It wasn't really his fault. He had no idea I'd start a friggin war. And I had no idea he was part human. I mean, seriously…okay, I know the Wolfen don't call themselves werewolves but people who can shift into wolves at will…that's a freakin werewolf! I hadn't been touched by another human in God knows when and all of a sudden, this very tall, very muscular man with all this fragrant blond hair is breathing me in. Uh..yeah…he was breathing me in, telling me he was sorry, comforting me. (The Wolfen are big on sniffing their females.) Not only was it the first time I'd seen him as a man but the first time I'd touched him as a man. We were both stuck in a situation we didn't know how to get out of. I had saved his life from sure death but I'd killed his crazy mother in the process. Can you spell R-A-B-I-D? Yeah..it was bad. So I shot her to save him from the same fate his brothers and sisters had suffered. Now I was in Wolfen prison and his grandfather ordered it "his duty" to kill me to avenge his mother's death. Problem was, he fell in love with me long ago and seeing him in the flesh…well, let's just say that if a dead woman could come back to life, that did it. I was alive again, even though I was sentenced to die.

SKY: Wow! Intense! Axl 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.

ZOE: His heart. He's always worried about me. If I'm comfortable, if I'm happy, if I'm hungry. He's a sweetheart. He treats me like a princess. Oh yeah, now I am one..**snicker**. Catherine isn't the only commoner to become a royal. So hard to believe this wonderful man loves me so much. I'm a lucky girl.

SKY: Sounds it! WTG Axl! 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!

ZOE: Hmmm…..well, he tends to be a tad stubborn. When the man's mind is made up, there's really no talking to him. I really wish he'd be less of an alpha when it comes to opening up his mind to other thoughts and ideas unlike his own. That's really his biggest flaw. He closes his mind sometimes and it really gets under my skin. I DO know how to punish him when he does that though.

SKY: Would love to know how you punish him. *Wink and a chuckle* Guess I'll find out in CIRCLE CITY. Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he's done for you?

ZOE: Well…that's a bittersweet memory. He wanted to surprise me by taking me back to my old cabin, surrounding me with all my old stuff for a romantic evening. I was so touched. We would have had a great time but someone crashed our party. We'll have to go back soon for a redo.

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!

ZOE: That's a hard one! I really love the entire package! But if I had to pick one feature, it would be those big guns of his…sigh…nothing like being wrapped up in his rock solid arms. And his eyes…wow…he has one blue eye and one brown eye. I get lost. I really do. Okay, that was two things. Well, I did narrow it down.

Where do his eyes roam? To my lips. Always. He says they taste like candy. The man will suck on them…okay, this might be TMI but we're all girls here, right? ***giggle*** He sucks on my lower lip and oh my…..(deep sigh)…he'll linger there forever, just nibbling, licking and the sexy sounds he makes..okay, next question…I'm getting all fidgety just thinking about his warm, sweet kisses…mmmm! (Zoe's eyes snap open.) Okay, I'm good. Refocusing. Hit me, Sky!

SKY: *Thwack!* Hope that didn't hurt. Damn, woman, you're getting us all hot and bothered. We'll never survive the interview with Axl tomorrow if you keep this up! Alright, back to business. How do you think Axl would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?


ZOE: (Clears throat and tosses hair over her shoulder) I'm pretty sure I'll get this right. If he were to answer this question he'd say our favorite thing to do together is to relive the Chase. For those of you who don't know, the Chase follows the Unleashing of male Wolfen and ends in the Feral Consummation. Let me put it in lay terms for you. He chases me into the woods until he catches me and once he does, he…uh…well, I'll let you take a guess. Nothing will get me running faster into the woods than those multi-colored eyes staring me down. He's all business when he orders me to run. Oh yeah, I have to say, The Chase is probably his favorite thing in the world when it comes to sharing time with me. And if the Aurora Borealis are glowing, even better! It only adds to the romance.

SKY: Woot! Not sure I'd run all that fast. This chase sounds like my cuppa tea. Holy steamy! You and Axl just don't see eye to eye on what issue?

ZOE: On war. I'm all peace and love. Work it out with your enemies. Don't hold grudges. But not Axl. He's ultra territorial. Even though there are some Kontar who have meshed well into our society, including his own father, he detests most people of the dog. I think we should all try to get along.

SKY: Yep, he definitely sounds ALL alpha! Axl said one thing to you that you'll never forget. What was it?

ZOE: He called me his Moonswan. That is the most lovely word in the world. Becoming his wife was a dream come true and to hear that word leave his lips and use it to refer to me was one of the happiest moments of my life.

SKY: Awe, soooo sweet! Zoe, it was a pleasure having you over. You certainly set the stage for Axl tomorrow. I'd imagine any hot blooded woman reading this interview is counting down the minutes. But no worries… we all know he's yours! :-)

Read an Excerpt from CIRCLE CITY.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Reviewers rave endlessly about Alisha Paige's work. Click HERE to read the latest!





Alisha's Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook
Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Contact Alisha at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com

Don't forget there's a contest running. One lucky commenter will win an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. Contest ends 12 AM EST, Sunday, May 29th.

Be sure to return tomorrow as I welcome so-sexy-it-hurts, Axl Wolfdorn to A Writer's Mind. Ladies, this is one interview you DON'T want to miss!!!

Have a sec or two? Click HERE to learn the 'story' behind the creation of CIRCLE CITY's cover.

Interested in meeting another talented author? Head over to The Write Life now!

C'ya tomorrow!

~Sky

MONDAY COVER IT. Alisha Paige's, CIRCLE CITY. It's all about the EYE CANDY ladies!

Can you believe it's already a new week? The weekend flies by way too fast. Not sure about you but I'm all about easing into the work week with a hot cup of java and some start-me-out-right eye candy. That's precisely what's in store for today's Monday Covers It feature.
Please make welcome author Alisha Paige as she chats about the 'story' behind the cover for her latest release, Circle City (Lord of the Wolfen: Book I).
Ooooh, looks like Alisha would like to host a contest! Here's what she had to say… "I'd love to give away an ebook of CIRCLE CITY to one lucky commenter, drawn at random by Sky! The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format."

Thanks so much, Alisha!

Alright, time to learn more about this delicious book cover. The floor's yours, Alisha…

"I was looking for a great photo of a blond haired guy to portray my hero, Axl Wolfdorn, future Lord of the Wolfen. In my mind I knew exactly what he looked like. Tall, muscular, long hair but with a face to die for. My fabulous cover artist, Tamra Westberry, suggested I look through Dreamstime's photos. I found a black and white one that I loved and was bummed because I really wanted this guy in color! Tamra did some searching herself and found the exact photo in "sexy as all get out" color! I had no idea who the guy was but Tamra found out he's a bodybuilder in real life and TV's Gladiator, Atlas!! He's an Englishman named Sam Bond. And boy is he classy!!! I found his website and emailed him, telling him that I chose him to be the cover of my book. He was very nice and told me he'd feature my book on his website! Talk about thrilled! Here is his website gallery where he included the cover. Notice that a few other romance authors have also picked him as their cover model too. ;)

Visit Sam Bond's Gallery .

Note the green sky in the cover. That's the Aurora Borealis, often seen in the Alaskan skies. Circle City is set in the town of the same name. And that idea was totally my cover artist's idea! Talk about adding great detail to a book cover. I've received more feedback from this cover than any other. Sam = Serious Eye Candy!

And there's one more tiny detail that I love. Axl has one blue eye and one brown eye. Tamra made sure she transferred that to the cover as well.

My cover artist rocks!! Check out her other covers at Tarawest.com!

Thanks for having me, Sky! Hugs!!"

Sky here. Very cool info., Alisha. LOVE this cover. Yep, Sam's a hottie. Renee Vincent had him over to her Past the Print Blogspot a few months ago. He sounds super nice. Lord, you should've seen some of the pictures. *Sky fans herself* And Tamra… well she's just beyond fabulous. We all know that! In fact, I featured Tamra Westberry here last month.

Thanks so much for joining me today, Alisha. Looking forward to having CIRCLE CITY's hero and heroine over on Thursday and Friday. Should be a blast!

Let's learn a bit more about CIRCLE CITY…

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation. When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne. Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears. Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

What they're saying…

5 Stars! ~ Reviewed by Evie Seo of Bookish Blog in Vancouver:

Lord of the Wolfen by Alisha Paige is the first book in the wildly sexy series, Circle City. It's a delightful, spicy and very sensual read, with very likeable and well developed characters. It's a perfect book for chilly spring evenings, it will most definitely keep you warm!…Alisha Paige has written an unbelievably fascinating and captivating paranormal romance. She created an amazing, mesmerizing world, filled with beautiful, sexy creatures, burning desires and steamy fantasies. This book is erotic, fast paced and enthralling. Paige brings the reader into a fantasy world of Wolves and Dogs, a world of passion and eye-popping rituals.

Read an Excerpt HERE.

Book Profile Page with BUY Links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Alisha's Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Follow Alisha on Twitter @Alishawriter

Don't forget about the contest! One lucky commenter wins an ebook of CIRCLE CITY. The winner will receive a coupon from Smashwords for a free book, available in any ebook format. This contest will run through the week and apply not only to this post but Thursday and Friday's as well. Contest ends Saturday, May 28th, 12 AM EST.
 
Be sure to swing back in at the end of the week as I welcome CIRCLE CITY's, Zoe O'Brien and Axl Wolfdorn. I can't wait to interview these two. It's bound to be remarkably sinful!
 
Cheers,
~Sky