Nancee Cain's Blog, page 12

ACED by Jennifer Lane (Blocked #2)

Title: ACED

Series: Blocked #2

Author: Jennifer Lane

Release Date: December 2, 2015

Genre: New Adult Sports Romance 

Length: 80,000 words

Cover Artist: Coreen Montagna 

Synopsis:

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.

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Reviews for Aced

“Jennifer’s characters always interact with each other in a very comfortable pattern of easy and witty banter. She is exceedingly good at dialogue. Aced is a very brave book. Like Blocked, it is not simply a fluffy, sweet and cozy romance.”

~Teresa from Goodreads

“Lord forgive me for I have sinned and lusted over the hottie known as ALEJANDRO. Yup, dibs he’s all mine, chicas.”

~Nelly from Romance Bytes

“The plot is so well paced, I was reading until the wee hours of the morning.”

~Karie Deegan from My Reading Reality

“Blocked captivated my attention from start to finish and Aced does not disappoint. Hotheaded Alejandro meets his match in stubborn and confident Maddie.”

~Aaliyah from Goodreads

Giveaways

1) Join us for the Facebook party 12-2-15 HERE. Over 25 Authors with prizes!

2) Leave a review on Amazon on 12-2-15 for a chance to win $25 gift card.

3) And enter the Rafflecopter Release Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About

the Author

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more fun.

Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances. Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in the Blocked series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. Aced launches in December 2015.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances as well: Streamline, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior.

Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Project Purse Dump with Paula Tiberius

I never used to carry a purse. While my high school, then university compadres mooned over their new Coach bags and fished around for keys for half an hour, I always had cash in my front right pocket, one slim key in my left back pocket, and whatever lipstick I had on when I left the house was good enough for the night.

Now?

My wallet – a freakin’ wallet, people. I’m a grown-up.
Sunscreen. I live in Los Angeles and my husband Richard has had five skin cancers removed so far. This is the only kind that doesn’t feel oily. If you’re reading this, Neutrogena, I am looking for sponsors on my blog.
Rice Krispies treat – this is “for Violet” (my 7 year old daughter) when “she” gets cranky in the car.
Two pens stolen from my credit union, an over-sized My-Pal pencil (because sometimes you just don’t want the finality of a pen), a Sharpie (because sometimes things can’t be indelible enough),one pen from The Pleasure Chest (because I cover sex seminars there for Sexpert.com), and a pen from an Australian hotel – that’s right, I went to Australia. I’m a grown up with a purse.
TWO travel tissue packs, because one would leave me quite insecure.
A GO train receipt from my visit to Toronto in June. It’s now September.
A red button. Thinking, thinking….it’ll come to me.
A metal mesh turtle pendant without a chain. Don’t you have one in your purse?
Migraine meds. I used to leave them at home thinking that it was bad juju to carry headache medicine when you don’t have a headache. But then I kept getting headaches while out in the world with my giant purse that had no medication in it.
A one-time-use-only toothbrush. I know I’m married with a kid, but I might still have a one-night-stand at some point. You never know. Actually I stole it from a spa in Palm Springs last weekend.
Two plastic stencil sheets. I picked them out from a counter full of crap to redeem points at an arcade. My daughter Violet was dead set against them, but I remain certain that she will change her mind. Stencils rock.
A green feather from the boa Violet wore at her rock and roll camp performance this summer. She borrowed it from her father who wears it in our band Fame Whore. Yes, we’re setting an excellent example.
Ear buds. You can’t talk on the phone without them in your car, and I’m always in my car.
Red lip gloss that my friend Tara gave me about six months ago when I was feeling really, really shitty and broke, overworked and underpaid. She told me that it was the “lip gloss of abundance,” which seems to have worked, actually. Now I’m afraid to throw it out even though its fuzzy wand is drying up.
An Always mini-pad. I pay extra for the black box kind because I like to have stylish cardboard in my bathroom cabinet.
A tester tube of double-helix water cream, given to me by a medical intuitive who channels angels. He is awesome and so is this cream. I’m putting it on my C-section scar to see if it helps it disappear.
Matches. I don’t smoke, but my husband does. Also, I used to be a pyromaniac.
A packet of salt. Don’t listen to people who say salt is bad for you. It makes everything better.
Pink and red paper clips tied together in a chain. I grabbed them for a parent teacher board meeting and did not use them.
Orange bauble hair tie. I used to hate this kind when I was a kid. I wonder if Violet hates them too? I should ask her.
Big black hair clip. That’s the shit you want.
A coupon for a free cupcake at Barnes & Noble – now expired.

Award-winning writer/director Paula Tiberius entertains at www.paulatiberius.com

She’s also an editor at Sexpert.com, a site which offers education and entertainment about sex and relationships.

Facebook

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A Thank You Letter

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love getting together with family and sharing a meal without the stress of gift giving.  Not to mention, pumpkin pie! Yum!

This year I have a lot to be thankful for besides my family and friends. This is the year my dream came true. I published my first book, Saving Evangeline. And it ended up on the shelf at my local Barnes and Noble, The Summit in Birmingham, AL.

I’m thankful to Victoria Lea of the Aponte Literary Agency for being there with me on this roller coaster ride. She’s held my hand and fought for me when needed. I’m thankful to Omnific Publishing for taking a chance on an unknown author.

I’m  lucky to have Jill Odom as a critique partner. She knows when to push, what to correct, and how to take my dark humor. And she doesn’t spank me too hard when I overuse prepositional phrases.

I’m fortunate to belong to amazing RWA chapters (Southern Magic, Heart of Dixie and Georgia Romance Writers.) I learn something from every conference and meeting I attend. True friendships have been formed through these organizations. They provide more than continuing education, and I urge all aspiring romance writers to join.

Most of all I’m grateful to my family and friends for their love and support. They’ve seen (and endured) the black moments of despair and cheered the successes. The devoted hubby never complains about the time I spend at the computer. He takes care of me and always has. My daughter is not only my pride and joy, she’s my number one fan girl and cheerleader. I’m a lucky mom.

I am truly blessed by the friendships I’ve made through social media. Too many authors and bloggers to name have guided me though this crazy, sometimes overwhelming journey. Words will never be adequate to express my gratitude to them.

Last, but by no means least, my readers…I am still amazed by the outpouring of love and support you have shown me. Thank you for taking a chance on my story and for all the reviews. You humble me. You’ll never know how many times you’ve picked me up when I was low. Especially my Cain Raisers. You are quite simply the best street team ever. I love all of you.

xoxox

Nancee

Project Purse Dump, Terri L. Austin’s Sugar de la Tarte

Terri L. Austin visits today for Project Purse Dump.

Her character, Sugar de la Tarte  dumps her purse and I have to say, I love it!

Take it away, Sugar.

*******

Hey, everybody! I’m Sugar de la Tarte. As a retro pin up girl and burlesque performer, I keep a few essentials in my bag at all times. I never know when someone might recognize me, so I like to look my best!

Here’s my favorite bag. Doesn’t this just scream Sugar?

Since I love my deep red lips, I wouldn’t be caught dead without a tube of Mac Red.

 

 

 

 

So what else do I keep in my sweet little cosmetic bag?

 

My compact, natch. Who wants to walk around with a shiny nose?

Not me, honey.

And of course I can’t leave home without my pasties.Believe me, carrying these around along with my pastie glue has saved my bacon more than once.

 

Since I got inked—isn’t she lovely—I need to have a tube of sunscreen on hand. I don’t want this beauty to fade.

 

Last but not least, I carry my phone, but I had to bling out my case. In my world, presentation is everything!

 

**********

 

 

You can catch more of Sugar de la Tarte inDiner Knock Out—a Rose Strickland Mystery by Terri L. Austin at Amazon or Barnes .

 

And check out Terri’s newest book!

Monica Campbell may have a history as a wild child, but she’s changed her ways. She’s respectable, responsible-and, most importantly, she’s sworn off bad boys. That is, until Callum Hughes roars back into her life with his sexy British accent and killer smile.

Cal remembers every steamy moment he shared with Monica, but he barely recognizes the straight-laced woman she’s become. Determined to lure Monica into letting go of her inhibitions, Cal will use every trick he knows to fire her blood and tempt her body…reminding her

just how good it can feel to be bad-and his.

Beauty and the Brit:

His Every Need

His Kind of Trouble

His to Keep (Pre-order)

Project Purse Dump– My friend, Linda Joyce

I’m excited to welcome my friend, Linda Joyce, to Project Purse Dump. Linda  is an award-winning contemporary romance author and her Louisiana family’s roots run deep and intertwine with her Japanese heritage. Her vagabond childhood afforded her a variety of travel opportunities. Now she lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and fur babies. Take it away, Linda!

***********************

Hello. My name is Linda Joyce, and I’m a purse junkie. I have purses in different shapes and sizes. Purses made of different materials. If there’s a support group for purse junkies like me, one that provides inside tips about the best sales, then sign me up. But don’t think for a minute that I have any intention of kicking this habit.

I do want to clarify. While I am a purse junkie, I’m not a purse snob. I offer you a view of my Jam Bag as supporting evidence. It’s colorful. Has style. Notice the silver grommets and the black handles. And shows off my signature sign—Fleur de Lis. It’s ecofriendly, made from recycled bottles.

So what do I jam in my jam bag?

1) Japanese key chain with my key fob, reward cards, and red change purse carrying three, dollar coins inside.

2) Hairbrush – this is insurance. I carry it so I’ll never need it.

3) Turquoise wallet housing credit cards, stamps, miniature diploma from the University of Florida, and a few single dollar bills. It’s also big enough to hold my phone inside when I need to Grab-n-Go.

4) Leather case hiding an imported German fountain pen.

5) Pen—one of the first I got for SWAG

6) Lipstick – PÜR Moonlit Pearl

7) Business cards- name, address, rank, and no serial number.

8) Hand wipes from the casino in Biloxi. I came home $60 in the good and put it in the bank.

9) Kleenex

10) Mints – SWAG I carry around. Never know when I might meet a new reader.

11) Notebook—covert operations recorded to be used as secondary characters in a story.

12) Bookmarks for Her Heart’s Desire. On the flip side, the books in the Fleur de Lis series.

Links

Website: http://www.linda-joyce.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyceAuthor

Twitter: @LJWriter https://twitter.com/LJWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6950241.Linda_Joyce

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Joyce/e/B00BODDROS/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LindaJoyceWorld/boards/

Google+:   https://plus.google.com/+LindaJoyce/posts

Cover Reveal for Poughkeepsie Begins by Debra Anastasia

Pre-order for Poughkeepsie Begins is now LIVE!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV

Nook: http://bit.ly/1RKRA90

iTunes: http://apple.co/1Qrqg17

The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series is one of my all time favorites.

Don’t wait until 11/22/15 for this release. Read the entire series. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information on Debra and her amazing stories:

http://www.debraanastasia.com/

Project Purse Dump– The Artist Cherry Tucker via Larissa Reinhart

Today on Project Purse Dump, Larissa Reinhart gives us some insight into her character, Cherry Tucker.

***********

First off, I don’t carry a purse. I’ve got too much to haul around and generally if I’m not at an art gig, I carry beer money in my pocket, which is all I really need. I know I live in Georgia and most girls add a touch of lipstick before heading to the Piggly Wiggly or the Tru-Buy, but I’m not most girls. I might have a few smudges of oil or acrylics on my person anyway, so why dress that up with lipstick?

My name is Cherry Tucker and I live in Halo, Georgia. I like to think of myself as ten times tougher than I look. My height, blonde hair, and cornflower blue eyes don’t help me none. I’m a portrait artist, so where I’m not paying attention to how I look (except for my clothes, I do love to create my own outfits), I am paying attention to how you look. For example, what color would I mix to capture your eyes or what the contrast of light is doing to the angles of your cheekbones. And if you’re a guy, I’ll check out your muscle definition, if you have any. Purely for professional reasons, of course.

That’s why you can see I always carry a sketch book and pencils. And brushes. Sometimes paint, but generally I keep that in my tackle box. Measuring tape’s always handy. Duct tape, too. I’ve been hog tied and duct taped (don’t ask), so I like to carry my own. And they’ve got some colorful ones, now.

Band Aids and Motrin. More necessities of my lifestyle. Particularly if you do get hog tied and duct taped.

And if I do need to clean up, I’m ready with the lipstick and some jewelry. I’ve got a bullet ring and pistol earrings that are good for any occasion. Nail polish comes in handy for all sorts of things. For example, if you drive a rusty, old truck, when you see a new spot, just dab it with some polish. Works wonders for holding the truck together and you can fix your nails real quick, too.

Thanks for your interest! This was a great chance to clean out my bag. I found a lot of empty shot gun shells. Don’t know why I’ve been carrying them around, but now I’m thinking they could make Christmas ornaments.

*******************

A 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Best Mystery finalist, Larissa writes the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. The first in the series, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (2012), is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. The fifth mystery, THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE, releases December 2015. Her family and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit, now live in Nagoya, Japan, but still call Georgia home.

The fifth book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series, The Body in the Landscape, is available for preorder now. You can find Cherry Tucker here: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks.

LINKS:

http://larissareinhart.com/

http://www.facebook.com/RisWrites

http://www.twitter.com/RisWrites

http://instagram.com/larissareinhart

http://pinterest.com/LarissaReinhart/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5806614.Larissa_Reinhart

Project Purse Dump– Author Kristi Rose

I am excited to join Project Purse Dump!

Let’s see what author Kristi Rose has in her beautiful purse! I’m totally jealous of it.

–Nancee

***************************

Hey y’all. It’s my turn to share what I lug around in my giant purse. I don’t always carry such a monstrosity but after I had kids the size of my purse grew exponentially and has stayed that way :-).

First, I have to share that I scored such a good deal on this purse, like 80% off, and my daughter found the matching wallet which cost me $10. So wow- that never happens to me. I’ve never even had a purse and wallet that match so I feel like a girl who is definitely wearing her big girl panties.

Ok, let’s get to it. Starting at the top and going clockwise this is what you’re looking at.

Giant pink folder is my passion planner. I know. I know. We have smart phones but it’s just not the same as writing down everything in the moment. My passion planner tells me what to do and when to do it. For all things work, child and writing.

Sometimes, I swap this out for my laptop. I never carry both or my purse would weight 10 pounds.

Slim black case is my stun gun. Yep, I carry a stun gun. Sometimes two. And I’m not afraid to use it. Veronica Mars is my idol.


Brown case with rubber band is a wallet of sorts. I’m a couponer and this keeps me organized for that. I once bought a year’s worth of toiletries including razors for $34.28. No lie.


Matching wallet! Holla!


Gum- never leave home without out it. Yes, I chew it obnoxiously. Sorry.


Pens and pencils.


Chick-fil-a card to get a discount. Cuz I eats there a lot :-) (she says with an accent)


My author postcards and business cards but the truth is I’m always nervous about handing them out.


Packet of tea and honey sticks. I probably drink 4-5 cups of tea a day. Hot and cold.

CENTER MASS

Ear buds


Lipstick. I usually carry more but my purse tipped in my car so the rest are rolling around on the passenger seat floorboard. I only grabbed up my favorites.


Motrin, hand sanitizer, and lotion that smells like yummy cake.

That’s it. That’s me in a nut shell. Oh, Yes, I carry feminine products. I see here that I have forgot to reload on those. Whoops.

Thanks Tracey and Jessica for letting me be a part of this. I love having this insiders look at everyone’s purse:-).

About the author:

Kristi Rose was raised in central Florida on boiled peanuts and iced tea. She’s been lucky enough to travel the world but now, a wife and mother, she’s resigned to traveling to the grocery store. No matter where she is, she enjoys watching people and wondering about their story. That’s what Kristi likes to write. Stories about everyday people, the love that brings them together, and their journey getting there. Kristi is a member of RWA. Romance Writer’s Weekly and The KickAss Chicks.

Social Media:

Website/Blog: http://kristirose.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristi-Rose/364071883695814?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Krosewrites

Goodreads Author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8256034.Kristi_Rose

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krosewheeler/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103783595428165613010/posts

KickAss Chicks: http://kickasschicks.com

Romance Writers Weekly: https://romancewritersweekly.wordpress.com

 

Cover Reveal, Interview and Giveaway from Jennifer Lane

I’m excited to be part of the cover reveal for Jennifer Lane’s upcoming release, Aced, the second book in The Blocked Series.

Release Date: December 2, 2015

Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads!

Here’s the Blurb:

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.

*******

I managed to sneak a few questions in so we can get to know Jennifer better.

What inspired you to write this series?

Playing sports made college even more fun and rewarding, so I wanted to share that experience with readers. I’ve already written a book about swimming, Streamline, and naturally I turned to the other sport I played: volleyball. Intrigued by forbidden love and hate-to-love stories, I wanted to create diametrically opposed characters who somehow find common ground. In Blocked, Lucia and Dane have strong political differences. In Aced (Blocked #2), Maddie and Alejandro have racial differences.

If Aced were cast as a movie, who would be your Dream Cast? 


Gugu Mbatha-Raw would play Maddie Brooks, and Jay Hernandez would play Alejandro Ramirez in Aced .


Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer. You have been so supportive of me as a new writer and I thank you! I look forward to reading this book.



 Excerpt:

I’d only seen Alejandro on TV, but his presence seemed magnified in real life. He was Jaylon’s height but probably weighed thirty pounds less. He moved like a panther, sleek and long in a black suit “dressed down” with no tie. His short black hair shone in the arena lights, and he appeared freshly shaven. Hot damn! He sure looked more suave than any college boy I’d encountered. Was that the typical dress for medical school at Johns Hopkins? Probably not. Something told me Alex did things his own way.

As Alejandro approached, Lucia stood to hug him, shaking her head. “Hey, what’re you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

He smiled. “Could we go somewhere to talk?”

She glanced at me. “I don’t want to leave Maddie. I dragged her here, so it’d be rude to abandon her.”

“So this is the famous Maddie.” When Alejandro reached across to shake my hand, his dark eyes burned into me. “I’ve seen you play, but it’s good to finally meet. I’ve heard great things about you.” His handshake was firm, but his hand was soft and warm, zinging a surprising thrill right through me. I realized that for at least a few moments, I hadn’t thought about Jaylon. Alejandro let go all too quickly.

His expression sobered as he looked back at Lucia. “I want to talk to you about something in private.”

She folded her arms across her chest as they both sat. “I already said no, thank you. I can’t right now.”

He frowned and squared his shoulders. Then he leaned in to Lucia’s ear and spoke to her in Spanish. She bristled next to me.

“How dare you?” she hissed.

I leaned back. What had just changed my sweet Rez into a pissy hellcat?

*******

About Jennifer Lane

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more fun.

Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances. Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in the Blocked series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. Aced launches in December 2015.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances as well: Streamline, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior.

Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.

If you haven’t read Blocked, it’s on sale!

Books by Jennifer Lane



Blocked  New Adult Volleyball Romance…Top Seller in Volleyball Books

Streamline  New Adult Swimming Romance

Swim Recruit  New Adult Novella (free!)
 

With Good Behavior  (The Conduct Series #1) Romantic Suspense


Bad Behavior  (The Conduct Series #2) Romantic Suspense

On Best Behavior  (The Conduct Series #3) Romantic Suspense
The Conduct Series Box Set

CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $25 GIFT CARD

Where you can find out more about Jennifer Lane:

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

AMAZON

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

Mermaids, Rockers & Romance, An Interview and Giveaway with Author D. B. Sieders

Cover Art – Julie Schroeder Designs

I was lucky enough to meet and interview D.B. Sieders at the Moonlight & Magnolias Georgia Romance Writers Conference. We discussed her new release, Lorelei’s Siren. (Southern Elemental Guardians Book 1) 

BLURB

If Lorelei sings, someone will die.

Her beautiful voice once cost a life. Still, music is her passion. What’s a mermaid to do? Run off and live vicariously through mortal musicians!

Unfortunately, gorgeous rocker Vance Idol almost succumbs to her siren call after his show in Nashville. Not that Vance cares—not since his girlfriend’s fatal overdose left him with a supersized death wish. Lorelei makes it her mission to undo the damage and help this talented and charismatic man on the eve of his band’s big break.

But saving a mortal man is a dangerous proposition. Lorelei could far too easily lose her heart, and quite possibly her immortality, during her American holiday. Bad boy Vance might be worth the risk.

Can their love survive his attitude, her fins, and an evil Pixie with a grudge against them both?

I love this cover! What inspired you to write about mermaids?

I am such a sucker for mythology and legends. I find stories of larger-than-life immortal heroes, heroines, and how their struggles mirror universal human struggles so appealing! Greek and Norse myths have been done often and well, so I decided to explore some legends that hadn’t enjoyed the spotlight in recent literature. Mermaids fit the bill. They’re beautiful, alluring, yet dangerous creatures—on the one hand, they’re associated with music and healing. On the other, they’re portrayed as deadly creatures who lure unsuspecting mortals to their deaths. What a fascinating dichotomy!

So I imagined a mermaid cursed with a Siren call, one with the soul of a healer and a heartbreaking desire to sing. Who would be her ideal hero? Well, it would be a man who can sing and a man she can heal. Enter Vance Idol, recovering alcoholic with enough baggage to sink a luxury cruise liner.

She lives for song, but cannot sing without risking death for those who hear. He can sing, but his demons drive him to throw away his chance on the eve of his band’s big break. Can they survive all of this AND an evil air elemental force bent on destroying them both?

I’m a sucker for rocker romances and adding a mermaid is an interesting twist! If your book was made into a movie, who would be your dream cast for your hero and heroine?

Oh, what a fun question! Lorelei is lovely and lithe in her human form, with gorgeous raven hair and bright blue eyes. I could see the lovely and talented Liv Tyler in this role. Vance Idol is an Italian-American Rock God in the making, with dark hair, charisma, and sex appeal aplenty. British model David Gandy has the look, as does Adam Levine. And Adam Levine has the voice and stage presence, too!

Now here’s a little something extra from one of my ‘Mushroom Characters.’ The term, as defined by the incomparable Diana Gabaldon, is a character that pops up out of nowhere and steals any scene in which he/she appears.

Even though I keep reminding him that this isn’t his book (much to his dismay and disappointment, though he will be getting his own spotlight in Book 3), Bruce, a.k.a. Tianuwa, prince of the American sky elemental guardians (a.k.a. scene-stealing attention whore since he first came to life on the page) would be played by the handsome and charismatic Tom Hiddleston. He’s one hell of a ‘wingman’ for Vance and a true friend to Lorelei and her mermaid kin. He and Remi would definitely be best bros and get into all kinds of mischief together.

Please don’t encourage Remi! He doesn’t need any help in the mischief department. *grin* I can totally see Liv Tyler and Adam Levine in your movie.  So I have to ask, are you a fan of The Little Mermaid ?

Hahahahaha! I never read the Hans Christian Andersen version, but Ariel is my favorite Disney princess. She’s sassy and is a dreamer who goes after what she wants. She struggles with who she is and who she wants to be, and, like Lorelei, she saves her hero. That’s very cool!

A huge thanks to D. B. for stopping by for a quick visit. Happy release day!

Buy link: Available from Amazon in eBook and paperback formats.

****EXCERPT****

“I asked you nicely. Once. I won’t do it again.”

The woman didn’t flinch, but her gaze turned hard and held his without faltering. “You didn’t, Vance.”

“I didn’t what? By the way, what’s your name, sugar? Guess it must’ve slipped my mind since last night,” he added, smirking.

“I’m called Lorelei,” she said as she stood, forcing him to take a step back lest she knock him over. “And what you didn’t do was ask me nicely, but it doesn’t matter. You won’t find your phone, clothing, or the means to leave until I’m sure you’re fully healed.”

He maintained his glower but found himself at a bit of a loss. Though she was tall for a woman, he still outweighed her by at least fifty pounds of muscle. Most men he’d faced down during his time on the road would have cowered, but she clearly didn’t fear him.

Since he couldn’t persuade her by fear, he shifted tactics again, reverting to his preferred method of persuasion when faced with a difficult woman. It hadn’t failed him yet. He allowed his gaze to wander down her face to her full lips, and from there down along the slender column of her neck. Her audible swallow and the bob in her throat made him smirk with satisfaction. When his gaze fell to the swell of her breasts, he grew hard again and knew she’d read the heat in his gaze when it returned to her face.

He definitely saw heat in hers.

He moved past her, taking care to brush his skin against her bare arms, and sat down on the bed. He reclined and stretched his body, allowing the towel that covered his lower half to come loose. Plastering a smile on his face, one that charmed most women right out of their panties, he said, “Well if you really want to make sure I’m healed, Lorelei, I guess you’d best get on with your examination.”

***********

D.B. Sieders was born and raised in East Tennessee and spent her childhood hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, wading barefoot in creeks, and chasing salamanders, fish, and frogs. She and her family loved to tell stories while sitting around the campfire.

Those days of frog chasing sparked an interest in biology. She is a working scientist by day, but never lost her love of telling stories. Now, she’s a purveyor of unconventional fantasy romance featuring strong heroines and the heroes who strive to match them. Her heroes and heroines face a healthy dose of angst as they strive for redemption and a happily ever after, which everyone deserves.

D.B. Sieders lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, two children, two cats, and her very active imagination.

You can find D.B. Sieders on her Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

****GIVEAWAY****

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