Naylene Rondon's Blog: More Than Scribbles, page 7

Dead by Morning Book Review

DEAD BY MORNING
By Kayla Krantz

Though on Amazon and Goodreads I gave the book a 4/5 stars, I really give it a 4.5/5 stars.

Dead by Morning is a psychological horror book with some supernatual twists. It all starts with Luna and the most popular boy in school. Now a reminder, this is not a romance novel in any way. As the description says, it shows the dangers of obsession in the most unique way.

The story doesn’t bother to hide who the enemy is, because keeping that a mystery isn’t what the book is about. It’s about how no one really believes them and they’re afraid, especially when they find out

what kind of power the enemy has over them because

of a parellel world.

The characters most worth mentioning are Luna, Chance,

and Max. Luna is sarcastic and stubborn, but with excellent

intuition. Chance is Mr. Popular with a secret. Max is a living

source of knowledge and wit. There are other characters

involved as well, but none of them deserve as much credit

as these three. (Especially not David.)

I highly recommended this book, especially if you’re a fan of Stephen

King, H.P. Lovecraft, or even Edgar Allan Poe.

Author Interview – Kayla Krantz

Hey, it’s Monday and I have another Author Interview. This time with Kayla Krantz author of Dead by Morning. I have already read Dead by Morning and must say it is an incredible read if you like psychological murder stories with a twist. You can expect to see a full review here sometime this Wednesday.

For now, let’s do the interview. As I said Kayla Krantz is the author of Dead by Morning.  She is a big fan of thriller/suspense, paranormal, and ocult. So expect to see these elements in her books.

1. What are your favorite authors?

My favorite author is Stephen King. He was the inspiration for me to begin writing when I was little. I also like to read classic novels, mostly from Shakespeare.


2. What are your favorite genres to write?

When I started writing, I loved to write horror. However, I found that I actually have a knack for thriller/suspense so I ran with that genre and discovered it is more enjoyable for me.


3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting,etc.)

I love developing characters. It’s fun to create a person’s life and show it detail by detail throughout a story. I also love to brainstorm a list of plot points and have them all come together by the end of the book.


4. What time do you usually do most of your writing?

It varies. Usually I get my motivation at night, but sometimes I’ll write notes down throughout the day if I see or hear something that is inspiring.


5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?

My favorite snack for writing is a mango energy drink and a candy bar. I find it hard to write without having something to munch on during it.


6. Do you usually type or write your first draft?

I usually write my first draft. I have a fountain pen that makes writing the basic bones of my story seem more glamorous. I also have a typewriter that I use to do my edits.


7. How long does it take you to write a first draft?

Depending on the story, anywhere from 6 months to a year. If it is an installment to one of my series, I can craft it in less time because I already have the characters developed in my mind. Stories with brand new characters take me much longer.


8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish?If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?

Yes, I am a proud indie author. I tried the traditional pathway for years, but my writing was too dark for most publishers. I found that trying to find the perfect agent looking for the right genre at the right time was taking more time than taking charge of my own book.

    
9. What’s your most recent book?

Dead by Morning is my most recent book. It falls around the theme of obsession. It started as a harmless high school crush. Luna never imagined it would turn to an obsession resulting in the murders of those dear to her.


10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?

Dead by Morning was inspired by studying the motivations of people to see what makes them do the things that they do.

Author Interview – Maria

I promised another author interview. This time it’s with Maria Maxwell.

Maria was raised in rural Michigan on a farm. She attended Jordan College and obtained a degree in communications. After college she had a variety of jobs, retail, guitar teacher and radio DJ. Maria is currently helping with the family farm and working on completing many novels that she have started throughout the years.

Maria is promoting her book, 2039. She recently removed it from Kindle, however in case she ever changes her mind, here’s the blurb: It is a dystopian story set in the town of Margartville, Michigan. By the year 2039, extreme weather, economic disparity and fighting over resources plague America controlled by the plutocratic Halifax and the Alliance Corporation.


In the midst is the Barton family holding together through the storm of ignorance and want. The patriarch of the family, Art, works in a low wage factory job building cars for the few wanting a better life for his family. His wife of nineteen years Stephanie is a homemaker keeping up their small house and worrying about the future of their three children. The oldest child, the kind and easy going Ralph, dreams of being a rock star like his late Grandfather. The middle child the stubborn and opinionated Shelly experiences her first love that she must keep a secret. The youngest child the innocent and gentle Harold learns what is right and what is wrong.

The characters faces challenges, danger and tragedy. The story line concludes with the family making a difficult decision.


If you get the chance check out her blog.

Now, on with the interview.


1. What are your favorite authors? Jack Kerouac and Kurt Vonnegut

2. What are your favorite genres to write?  General Fiction, Scifi, Thrillers/Suspense

3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting,etc.) Dialogue and Plot.

4. What time do you usually do most of your writing? 5p-9p.

5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they? I listen to music while writing.

6. Do you usually type or write your first draft? I use to write the first draft. I have discovered it is more productive to type the first draft

7. How long does it take you to write a first draft? In case of 2039, it took me close to eight years. In total it took my eleven years to complete it.

8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish?If no, how was the process of finding a publisher? I have self published on kindle. The reason I decided to self publish because the agents and publishers I contacted were not interested in a dystopian story.

9. What’s your most recent book? 2039.

10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it? The movie Soylent Green and the environmental and political events of the past twelve years.

Quick Post

Sorry for the unproductivity. I’m currently working on the first draft of a new story and every spare second I get, I dedicate it to writing. However, I will be posting another Author Interview on Monday with Maria and her first novel 2039. Also, I’m hoping by the end of August, I’ll have a book trailer up for my debut novel, Native Foreigners.

To make up for my lack of productivity, I’ve give you an edited version of this mini story that I’ve posted on my twitter.

— — —

“I’m afraid you have to leave now,” he said. The candles blew out, the window shattered. Someone grabbed my leg and flew me out the window. All I saw was the night sky, blurred grass, and a harrowing darkness.

— — —

Well, I hoped you liked it. Like I said, look out for that author interview on Monday and more info about Maria’s book 2039.

Author Interviews – Kevin

Another author interview with Kevin Kraft.

Kevin M. Kraft has been an avid writer from early childhood, growing up in upstate New York. His short fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies. He is also a novelist and a multi-award winning screenwriter and CEO of T E K Productions, a motion picture production company, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he lives with his wife and children. His inspirational thriller, MOMO, is now available, in ebook (epub) format as well as print, along with his other titles at his official website at http://kevinmkraft.weebly.com/.

You can check out MOMO’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBwVeVjM8Vc and DOBORO’s here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd-73-Mcj1M

Or visit its website: http://kevinmkraft.wix.com/momo-site

There you can see the plans for the movie as well.

1. What are your favorite authors?

Michael Crichton, Robin Cook and Ray Bradbury

2. What are your favorite genres to write?

Where novels are concerned, science fiction.

3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting, etc.)

I love evoking an emotion investment for my readers, writing effectively so that they can leave the story.

4. What time do you usually do most of your writing?

The hours between 12am and 5am seem to be the most productive for me.

5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?

No real habits, I would say. One thing I do, as a matter of method, is to write novel chapters out of sequence, depending on what presses on my consciousness each day, and I try to write at least a chapter a day.

6. Do you usually type or write your first draft?

I think better at keyboard. I almost never ever write in longhand anymore.

7. How long does it take you to write a first draft?

It largely depends on whether or not some disaster has befallen the manuscript I’m working on, which seems a regular occurrence for me…the file will get deleted somehow or something. It’s happened, to some level or another, with every novel.

8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish? If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?

I am a self-published author. I do it because 1) I’m a big DIY proponent and like being self-sufficient. 2), It allows me to control my product and have the last say in every aspect of its creation and marking—which some would argue can also be the downside. 3) I keep more of the profits, if there are any to be had. I should say, though, that I go back and forth on whether or not I’d like a traditional publisher to take me in. They DO have better promotional budgets, which can make all the difference.

9. What’s your most recent book?

As far as published books, my latest is an “inspirational thriller” (I like to create subgenres!) called, MOMO. It’s a story about a father and son on a weekend trip to the family cabin and they’re locked into a fight for survival again a terrifying monster in the woods. It’s been getting outstanding reviews, so I’m really excited about that. If you mean very latest book, that would be my “heartwarming action drama,” DOBORO THE BOTTLENECKER… After an assassination attempt nearly kills a would-be witness for the prosecution, which seeks, with the FBI, to build a case against a Japanese crime lord, he returns seven years later as a blind blues street performer to protect the daughter he had presumed dead from the man who had nearly killed him. It’s the first of a trilogy and should be available in a couple months!

10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?

Where MOMO is concerned, my wife! It began as a screenplay, which won an award and accolades. We tried to crowdfund it as a movie project—twice. Our efforts were, shall we say, limited, probably because I’m no salesman. My wife, believing as I did, that it’s a great story, suggested I write the novel and “get it out there.” It’s a similar story with DOBORO in that it began as a screenplay and a movie proposal, although we never did try and crowdfund it, given the lackluster MOMO campaign. But, again, I knew DOBORO was a great story. So, after success in adapting MOMO, I quickly decided to novelize DOBORO as well.

John Starley Allen’s A Splash of Kindness Blog Tour Plus Bonus Author Interview

A Splash of Kindness is the perfect feel good book. Just as its blurb says This book celebrates the positive results of acts of kindness. A Splash of Kindness is a book for anyone who is looking for inspirational stories.

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It was written by John Starley Allen who is also the author of the holiday classic Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices. Just to top it off he is also a gold record award–winning songwriter. He has performed his music at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café and the Country Music Hall of Fame. You can actually listen to one of his songs here.

Click on the image of his book to get direct access to its Amazon page or just use this link.http://www.amazon.com/Splash-Kindness-Compassion-Courage-Character-ebook/dp/B00X0BSG16/

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Now, I said a bonus Author Interview, didn’t I? Well, here it is.

Questions:

1. What are your favorite authors?

F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite “overall” writer. For mystery/adventure: Leslie Charteris. For humor: P.G. Wodehouse. Inspirational: A tossup between C.S Lewis and Lloyd C. Douglas

2. What are your favorite genres to write?

Currently I am interested in writing inspirational stories—not necessarily religious stories, but stories designed to uplift and motivate. More than ever before, I think the world is in need of uplifting literature—stories that will encourage readers to be better, try harder, and look for ways to be of service. And while I want to inspire, I also endeavor to entertain.

3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting, etc.)

I enjoy creating a rhythm and flow to my writing. And I like the challenge of finding that elusive “right” word.”

In fiction, I really enjoy getting to “know” my characters, and sometimes even letting them “dictate” and even alter the direction of a story. In my current fiction project, one character is evolving unexpectedly and in turn taking the story in a different direction than I had originally planned.

When it comes to non-fiction I enjoy the challenge of getting the story “right,” making sure it is accurate, but also keeping it readable and entertaining.

4. What time do you usually do most of your writing?

I would like to say that I am very organized and have a “set” time for writing. But the truth is I write whenever I can–which means late at night, early morning, and when possible maybe a few hours in the middle of the day.

5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?

One habit of mine is to relentlessly re-write. I have respect for the readers, and therefore do not want to present anything to them that is not as polished as I can get it.

6. Do you usually type or write your first draft?

I scribble down notes to myself–sometimes on scraps of paper, envelopes, whatever is available. But I type my first draft.

7. How long does it take you to write a first draft?

It really depends. Sometimes a few months…but sometimes it can take years.

8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish? If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?

I self published my first book, Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices. It was later picked up by HCI Books, the publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. My current book is published by Plain Sight/Cedar Fort Publishing.

I find my publishers the old fashioned way: sending out numerous queries.

9. What’s your most recent book?

A Splash of Kindness: The Ripple Effect of Compassion, Courage & Character.

In my book I detail the remarkable nature of the ripple effect. “A wonderful set of stories that will cause you to examine the ripples you have caused.” —Richard M. Siddoway, New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Wish and The Cottage Park Puzzle

“It’s reassuring to be reminded of how simple expressions of character can influence lives for generations.” —Caralyn and Mark Buehner, New York Times bestselling creators of Fanny’s Dream and the Snowmen series

This book is designed to empower readers with the knowledge that they CAN make a positive difference. I’ve included some incredible, true stories about Philo Farnsworth, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jesse Owens, and more I talk about a remarkable woman who watched a news story about Romanian orphans and then and there committed to go there on a mission or mercy. She had no prior experience doing anything like this. But she forged ahead. She ran into bureaucratic red tape, but that didn’t stop her. I was very inspired by her story, and hope that readers will be, too.

10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?

My first book, Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices, dealt with the ripple effect. While it was fiction, a lot of it was based on real events. Ever since it was first written, I’ve churned over the idea of writing a collection of non-fiction stories concerning the ripple effect. A Splash of Kindness consists of personal stories, historical stories, and contemporary stories.

So much hinges on a few words of encouragement, saying and/or doing the right thing at the right time, or simply acting on an impression. For example, in one of my stories, a woman’s decision to move her family from a sharecropping cotton farm in Alabama to Cleveland, Ohio, had worldwide ramifications that she could have never foreseen. In another story, a young father mourns the loss of his infant son; but the tragic loss motivates him to pursue a course that ultimately results in him being saving many lives.

My hope is that everyone who reads the book will have an increased desire to make a positive change.

If your interested in learning more on John Starley Allen or his book A Splash of Kindness, go to his website: http://www.johnstarleyallen.com/ There you can see his other works as well.

Author Interviews – Leslie

Hey, I got an interview with Leslie Tall Manning here. She’s the author fo the book GAGA. She’s an adult and young adult author. She has a BA in theater, taught english in high school and college, and is now a private writing tutor. You can learn more about her on her website.

Now on with the questions.

What are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, Mitch Albom, and Lillian Hellman (playwright)

What are your favorite genres to write?

I write Young Adult and Adult Novels.  Although I do not fall into any category regarding genre, all of my stories carry a central theme of an ordinary character thrown into extraordinary circumstances.

What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting,etc.)

I will tell you what my LEAST favorite aspect of writing is: Setting! I often leave almost all setting by the curb, and then come back and pick it up once the rough draft is complete. Setting is hard for me. I don’t want to spend three pages discussing the color blue, or the mist-covered mountains. So I wait until the very last minute. Then I take my time with it, even if it doesn’t always show. I hope I am good at concealing this major weakness of mine!

What time do you usually do most of your writing?

Monday through Thursday, from 11-3. Period. I am very structured. I tutor in the evenings, and I take the weekends off to decompress. This has been my habit through my last six books.

Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?

Hmm…other than the Mon-Thurs thing, not really, unless you count hitting the gym every day before I write. This is a ritual. Oh, and a cup of coffee on the front porch with hubby before I start typing. Sort of a habitual springboard for me.

Do you usually type or write your first draft?

I type the first draft, though I do write notes for months prior to the first draft. I have dubbed myself “The Post-It Queen.”

How long does it take you to write a first draft?

Every book is different. One took me six months. Another took eighteen. All depends on depth and length of story, and the research involved. I tend to do a LOT of research. Probably overkill, but I want to get my facts straight before sharing my stories with my readers.

Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish? If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?

I am a self-published author, though I would ultimately like to become a hybrid. I have a wonderful literary agent, and after years of rejections with many novels (close but no cigar) I told him I was ready to take the self-publishing plunge. We decided together which book would be best to debut, and we chose an Adult novel that was most likely to gain the largest audience. I have a backlist of nine novels which I will slowly be self-pubbing, unless the stars align and a traditional publisher gives me a ring!

What’s your most recent book? My most recent book is titled GAGA, a contemporary romance/hen lit.

Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/Gaga-Leslie-Tall-Manning/dp/0996130624/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Website Link: www.leslietallmanning.com

On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?

Back in the eighties, I was sitting front row center at a concert, and the opening act was singer sensation Corey Hart (“I Wear My Sunglasses” fame). I was pulled onto the stage by one of the band members and sang a duet in front of 25,000 people. My date stealthily paid a photographer for a photo of Corey and me, microphone in my face, his arm around my shoulders, and that photo hangs in my office right over my desk. It is a constant reminder that life is too short to give in to your fears. The lead character in GAGA tosses her fears to the wind, but only after she comes to terms with a stagnant marriage and hum-drum life. She learns that bearing one’s soul, whether in front of thousands, or in front of one, isn’t always easy to do, but it can be the catalyst to having a more fulfilling life!

Author Interview – S. Marie

Here’s another Monday Author Interview. Today’s interview is with S. Marie Carlson.

S. Marie Carlson has always found herself lost in a vast fantasy land. S. Marie has been creating characters and worlds ever since she was a little girl. She also spent much time becoming spellbound by the books she read like Wind in the Willows, and Harry Potter, and Twilight, as well as the movies and TV shows she watched. Big Wolf on Campus, Xena: the Warrior Princess, Buffy, and Charmed; The Never Ending Story, Willow, Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal were favorites. (She’s a sucker for the 80s.) These fueled many of her earlier works of art. Besides the artwork in her own books she has also illustrated children’s books as well as many graphic design projects for small businesses.

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Armistice: Book One in the Sovereign Spell Chronicles releases Oct. 28, 2015 and will be available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, as well as my website www.smariecarlson.com where you can get a signed copy.

Now, here’s the questions.

1. Who are your favorite authors?

I am in love with J. K Rowling ( Harry Potter), Stephenie Meyer ( The Twilight Saga), Sara J. Maas ( Throne of Glass), and Marissa Meyer ( The Lunar Chronicles). But I also am finding my self obsessed with a few indie authors such as Kim Richardson ( The Soul Guardians Series), Amanda Hocking ( The Kanin Chronicles), Ashley R. Carlson ( The Charismatics), and Morgan Rice ( The Vampire Journals).

2. What are your favorite genres to write?

YA Fantasy, Middlegrade Fantasy, pretty much anything fantasy.

3. What time do you usually do most of your writing?

Some how I manage to find time… I have no idea how but it just happens, unfortunately it means time away from my family, friends and most of a social life. Luckily, I get whisked away in order to center my self, keep up relationships, and build my testimony of Jesus Christ.

4. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?

Yes, actually I do. I have a tendency to listen to music during the writing of the first draft, but it has to be music without words or I will end up typing whatever the lyrics are.

5. Do you usually type or write your first draft?

I type. I can type much faster than I can write.

6. How long does it take you to write a first draft?

It depends on the story. I guess I have never timed it. My first draft of Armistice took four years to complete. However, three of those years were spent on hold. I wasn’t really serious about writing at the time. Once I was able to really focus it took me about 6 months to pick up where I left off and finish draft one.

7. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish? If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?

Technically yes, I own a publishing company, Indigo Moon Press, and that is what my books are published through. Indigo Moon Press is also open to publishing other books, if they fit the genre.

8. What’s your most recent book?

My most recent book is Armistice, it is the first book in a YA fantasy series.

9. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?

Its kind of funny actually. I have been making miniatures for many years now, and I actually wanted to create this doll house that each room was the room of a different witch or magical creature. I read the first few chapters to my husband and his excitement plus encouragement from others helped to keep me motivated and the story finally unfolded into what is now Armistice.

Author Interviews – CD GORRI

Hey, I did another author interview with C.D. Gorri. C.D. earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Montclair State University. She also attended Catholic school from grades K-12 and is the youngest of six daughters. C.D. currently lives in her home state of New Jersey with her husband, children, and dog.

C.D. Gorri wrote the Grazi Kelly series- Wolf Moon, Hunter Moon, and Rebel Moon– can be found on Amazon. It’s also available on Smashwords, Itunes, Nook, and Kobo. C.D. also has another book called Casting Magic that will be released soon.

Now here goes the questions:

1. What are your favorite authors?
I have so many this is an almost impossible question to answer! Right now I am very into George RR Martin, JR Rain, Patricia Briggs and various indie authors I have had the privilege to meet online.

2. What are your favorite genres to write?
I write YA paranormal and am having a fabulous time doing it.

3. What are your favorite aspects of writing? (plot, characters, dialogue, setting,etc.)
I love the characters! Sometimes I outline character histories so i can better understand their motivations and speech patterns. It is thrilling to see the people in my head come to life on the page or screen rather!

4. What time do you usually do most of your writing?
In the morning or very late at night.

5. Do you have any writing habits? If so, what are they?
I like the quiet when I write, but I will take notes any time or any place.

6. Do you usually type or write your first draft?
Type. Notes are handwritten, drafts are typed.

7. How long does it take you to write a first draft?
A couple of months.

8. Are you a self-publisher? If yes, what made you decide to self-publish?If no, how was the process of finding a publisher?
I waited so long to begin my career I didn’t want to have to shop around for a publisher so I went the self-publishing route. I love the freedom it give me in my writing.

9. What’s your most recent book?
Rebel Moon is book 3 in my Grazi Kelly series. I released it a few weeks ago. My WIP is a spin off novella, Casting Magic that I will be releasing in a few weeks on Amazon.

10. On your recent book, what inspired you to write it?
It is a continuation of Wolf Moon and Hunter Moon. I have about 5 books in mind for the series, but many many more in the Grazi universe.


If you want to learn more about C.D. Gorri check out the links below.

http://cdgorri.com/

http://www.amazon.com/C.D.-Gorri/e/B00IS7820W

https://www.facebook.com/Cdgorribooks

Cover Reveal for Anne Conley’s New Book

COVER REVEAL!!

Anne Conley’s WIRE, Book #2 in her Pierce Securities series

Evan Rocco has been a hero to Paige Lawson for as long as she could remember.  So when she runs into him in a bar after a major professional coup, she’s feeling celebratory and reckless.  But it can’t go anywhere, because after all, he’s Evan Rocco.  When she finds her gaming company in trouble, there’s only one man she can turn to.

Evan can’t get the woman who disappeared after their one­night­stand six months ago out of his head.  He’d honestly thought there was more between them besides just sex—a connection he’d never felt before.  When PSL, his favorite game software company is the victim of sabotage, he jumps at the chance to help them solve the mystery behind The Crimson Lady, the fan­made character who’s taking credit for murder.  Maybe it will get his mind off the woman of his dreams.

When he realizes who the CEO of PSL actually is, he has to get over his own issues or else he’ll put the one woman in danger he never wanted to hurt.

This is book two in the Pierce Securities series, a stand­ alone story.  The first book, while not necessary to read, is Craze.

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Scheduled for release June 29th at all major re­tailers.  Stay tuned!

Scheduled for release June 29th at all major e­tailers.  Stay tuned! So, to whet your appetite, here’s a little excerpt…

As usual, her voice came out husky and choked when she tried to speak to him. “I’ll see you first thing Monday morning. Promise. But I can’t talk about this now.” She motioned to Emily, and Evan nodded but didn’t move. Jeez, he was so close.

They made small talk, and Paige actually found herself flirting with him a little, relaxing, while the line moved at a snail’s pace to the haunted house. She found out Travis was a neighbor whose parents traveled a lot. Evan also told her things she already knew: he had a brother in the Marines, his parents had retired to Montana to raise horses, lots of superficial stuff. She told him about her father taking her to haunted houses when she was a kid while her scaredy cat sister had stayed home with Mom. She mentioned her parents were dead, but didn’t give the details. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Dressed casually, he reminded her of the first time they’d met. He wore a black t­shirt and worn jeans along with the oldest pair of Converse she’d ever seen. His hair was mussed, as if he’d spent a long day at work, running his hands through it like a crazed man. With her constant avoidance of him, he probably had. A pang of remorse hit her hard. She hadn’t made this easy for him. It was time for her to step up and take responsibility. She’d hired him to do a job, and she needed to get over her school­girl crush and help him. But it was really hard with him staring at her like that.

She could always blame the teenagers for her inappropriate thoughts. They were walking, talking, flirting hormones on legs. By the time they’d made it to the door, Travis had Emily’s phone number and they’d already made a date and were holding hands. She was positive that if she and Evan hadn’t been there they’d be making out. The teenagers that is, not them. Even though she’d relaxed quite a bit, her heart was still letting her know he was standing awfully close to her. They went in like a train, with Travis volunteering to lead. Emily hung on to his belt loops followed by Paige. Bringing up the rear, one of Evan’s hands dropped protectively to her back. She ignored the warmth trickling through her t­shirt at the contact. Her heart pounded and her hands were clammy, but it wasn’t because of the fog, or the spooky lighting, or the clanging noises, or the zombies jumping out. It was all Evan Rocco, holding onto her.

As far as haunted houses went, this one was disappointing, or maybe she just couldn’t get into it with Evan’s breath on her neck, his hand at her waist, or his other hand snaking around her torso. The further inside they went, the closer they got. Travis was at the front of the line, jumping with every zombie clown that popped out, giving her ample warning of spooky things ahead. By the halfway point, Evan’s arms were around her torso, with her own hands clutching him while they walked in sync together, his hot breath on her neck warming her insides At one particularly dark corner, Evan yanked her backward into an alcove, pushing her into the darkness. He leaned his forehead on hers while his forearms leaned on the wall on either side of her head, caging her in, keeping her from bolting. “You have any idea how many times I’ve thought of this since April?” His body crowded her into the tiny, dark space while his minty breath sent her senses reeling. “Haunted houses?” she offered weakly before his mouth met hers.

It was suddenly as if the puzzle piece she lost six months ago had been put back into place, and she melted into him as his tongue triumphed over the recesses of her mouth. He growled, a predatory rumble emanating from his chest that reminded her of that night last April, and she whimpered against him as he hauled her into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly. His tongue danced with hers, twining around inside her mouth while his hands roamed her body, cupping her ass. She twirled her fingers in his hair, bringing his mouth closer, fusing it with hers, unwilling to break this kiss which was rapidly undoing her—mind, body, and soul. As her fingertips clutched desperately at his biceps, she marveled at how someone who was every bit as geeky as she was could be so fucking beautiful, because Evan Rocco was a seriously beautiful man. And this kiss was feral, something wild, causing her to throw caution to the wind and go with it for as long as it lasted. Evan broke the kiss, leaning his forehead on hers again, his dark brown eyes consuming her. “Paige,” he breathed out ragged gulps of air. “What the f*** is happening?”

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Book One in the Pierce Securities series, Craze, is available now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and most other online retailers.

When Krista catches her boss doing the unthinkable, the only thing she can do is run.  Straight into the arms of the eye­candy she’s been trying not to flirt with on her lunch break.  But whose side is he on?

Ryan’s security firm is having a hard time getting off the ground, and this may be just the job to help the company out.  But pseudo­bounty hunter isn’t really what Pierce Securities is trying to get a name for.  When he finds out their target is the classy lady from the park, all of Ryan’s senses go on high alert.  What do these men want with her?

Krista is forced into Ryan’s sanctuary in the woods, where she realizes just how wild he is, but she doesn’t want to tame him.  He may feel his methods of protection endangered her, but without Krista in his life, Ryan is crazed.

This is book #1 in the Pierce Securities, a Romantic Suspense series by Anne Conley, author of the Stories of Serendipity and The Four Winds.