D.V. Stone's Blog, page 40

A Peek Through Helen C. Johannes Window

​WHO – I’m Helen C. Johannes, author of fantasy romance for The Wild Rose Press: THE PRINCE OF VAL-FEYRIDGE and LORD OF DRUEMARWIN in the Crown of Tolem series; and BLOODSTONE, inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Upcoming is a children’s fantasy chapter book shortly to be self-published: FREDERICK FLY-CATCHER.
INTERESTS – A former English teacher, I love all things medieval, having traveled multiple times to the UK and Germany to soak up history and legends. My favorite reading material is a romantic suspense in any time period or fantasy world, but I’m also a fan of Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter, or any such excellent adventure with a band of intrepid friends out to save the world.
NETWORK – I belong to WisRWA and RWA and Wild Rose Press Authors group. Within WisRWA my best buddies are my small area group who connect online almost daily to critique and share.
DESK – I work at the kitchen table most often; that’s where the snacks, tea, and best light are. That means I share space with whatever else is on the table, usually whichever book I’m reading, plus the newspaper, day’s mail, tissue box, and hand sanitizer. My regular companion is a little yellow plastic ‘man’ with open arms meant to hold a cell phone, but I use him to prop up my book or Kindle as I read. I thank author Jade Lee for handing them out at a readers’ convention.
OUTRAGEOUS – My friends and family would probably say my dry humor; I do have a tendency to drop a one-liner and break up a room. Others might say I’m a brainstorming machine; I can easily provide all sorts of ideas to unstick anyone but myself.
WINDOW – My kitchen window looks out to a weathered basswood tree and our bird feeder, which is attracting woodpeckers, nuthatches, goldfinches, purple finches, etc. Geese are flying overhead and I can hear them. Through the leafless trees, I can see and hear the trains passing a few blocks away. Most of the snow is gone, and everything looks dingy, but our rhubarb is coming up, a sure sign of spring.
Thank you for hosting me on this creative blog. ​LORD OF DRUEMARWIN - PAGES FROM THE HEART Winner in Fantasy Romance, #2 Crown of Tolem series

 In a world of lies and betrayal, can they trust each other?
 
Lady Raell can fight, ride, and argue politics as well as her brothers. Only being mistress of her father's household keeps her in skirts. In Naed, the new Lord of Druemarwin, she has found devotion, a kindred spirit, and a marriage promise. But when a forgotten and unwanted betrothal comes to light, she has no choice but to run.
Amidst sweeping revolution, Naed must rally his people, fend off assassination attempts, and fight against claims he's a traitor. Then he discovers everything about his lineage and family is a lie. And his beloved belongs to another.With lives and a kingdom at stake, Raell and Naed must find a way to protect the innocent and save their love.
 
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helen.c.johannes@gmail.com

Take a look and see what I'm watching

Who and what I spend time watching is important. I don't watch much television but when I do you can bet Bravo's Top Chef is in the mix. This is probably my favorite show.
Interesting and entertaining I also learn some tricks I use in my own kitchen. I'm certainly no Top Chef but if they had a regular person version of Chopped I might make the cut. I'm pretty good at seeing whats in the pantry and refrigerator then creating a dish. 
Now what you need is to have this properly stocked with basics. Things that when company shows up, or church calls and needs a meal for someone, you can riffle through and make something great. 
Don't know what the basics are? Well I always have meat and  veggies in the freezer. Usually I have homemade stock from boiling down the leftovers of a rotisserie chicken. Some canned tomatoes in the on the shelf along with soups and pasta or rice. Eggs, flour, kosher salt and assorted spices. My favorite is Montreal Steak Seasoning. Aromatics like onion, carrots, garlic, celery, and bell peppers. In my window I have herbs in pots. parsley, basil, rosemary, oregano. 
One pot meals are my favorite. I love building flavors.
What does all this have to do with the fellers in the window above. I was thinking about my character Aden House when I watched Top Chef last week. Any of these handsome men could be the character. Aden is a celebrity chef and restaurateur like these guys. Who wouldn't want to have any of them serve you a meal. #wsite-video-container-828911780327967519{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/81573318-373... } #video-iframe-828911780327967519{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-828911780327967519, #video-iframe-828911780327967519{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-828911780327967519{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } Amazon           Barnes & Noble          iBook’s
​ ​“Easy, you’re going to be okay.” A soft voice eased through the chaos around him. The owner of the voice grabbed his arms and held them in a firm but gentle grip. “I’m right here with you. You are not alone.” “Can hardly m-move.” His voice slurred. “C-can’t see anything.” “You’ve been in an accident. I’m an EMT with the ambulance squad,” the velvety voice calmly explained. “You can’t see well because we’re under a tarp. Hold still, okay?” “‘K.” A small light flickered at the edge of his vision. It shone into a bag next to him. Penlight. “You’re restrained to a board. It’s to keep your head from moving and causing more injury.” She continued to talk to him. The voice reached down somewhere inside him, calming and peaceful, so he focused on it. A glow from spotlights on the outside lit whatever covered them. The shadow gave the woman the appearance of a halo—like an angel.

A Peek Through Colleen Donnelly's Window

Who – Hi, my name is Colleen L Donnelly and I am a scientist-turned-author with one independently published book and six traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press, all historical fiction. The most recent is “Letters and Lies” which will be released May 25, 2020, the humorous jaunt of a spinster who sets out to find and marry the man who jilted her.

Interests – Walking. Particularly in the woods, and every day. I have dabbled in bowling leagues the past year or two, but at this point there are no races to my door to enlist me on a team.

Network – A Historical Fiction Critique group I couldn’t live without.

Desk – I have a beautiful antique writing desk with an equally old swivel chair, but where do I write? My lap. Laptop on two pillows on top my legs.

Outrageous – I know this isn’t politically correct anymore, but I’m a crack shot with a rifle. I grew up on a farm…we all learned to shoot, drive a tractor, dig for worms…need I say more? The outrageous part is that at my age, I still can hit the bulls-eye.  

Window – Outside my window is nothing but yard then overgrown pastureland. It’s where I sit and stare when I’m plotting my books.  

Louise Archer boards a westbound train in St. Louis to find the Kansas homesteader who wooed and proposed to her by correspondence, then jilted her by telegram – Don't come, I can't marry you. Giving a false name to hide her humiliation, her lie backfires when a marshal interferes and offers her his seat.
Marshal Everett McCloud intends to verify the woman coming to marry his homesteading friend is suitable. At the St. Louis train station, his plan detours when he offers his seat to a captivating woman whose name thankfully isn't Louise Archer. 
Everett's plans thwart hers, until he begins to resemble the man she came west to find, and she the woman meant to marry his friend.

To find out more about Colleen please visit
http://www.colleenldonnelly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ColleenLDonnelly
https://twitter.com/ColleenLDonnell

A Peek Through Darlene Fredette's Window

Who - My name is Darlene and I reside on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, I loved to develop the many stories coming to life in my head. I write contemporary romances with happy-ever-afters. 

Interests - When not working on my next book, I can be found with my husband, daughter, and yellow Labrador. My favourite pastime is taking summer day-trips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.

Network - I publish a digital magazine (writing and reading related), I’m a member of a four team beta group, and I host a Facebook author/writer/reader group: The Highway Cafe.

Desk - Always organized and neat. Everything in its place, unless I am busy with a magazine issue or a new book, then there will be a lot of papers and notes scattered about.

Outrageous – I believe in a possible past life (if they exist) that I may have been aboard the Titanic. I am obsessed with the history of this disaster and have probably watched every documentary, and of course the movie.

Window - Outside my window, there is currently snow falling. I thought it was spring, but then again, I do live where the winters are too long. ​Kissed By Winter By Darlene Fredette  A Redford Falls Novel Book 2
 It’s snowing in Redford Falls and nothing thaws the chill faster than a warm winter kiss.
A woman who knows what she wants and a man who knows what he needs.
She’s been on a flight from hell for over eight hours, lost four hours of daylight, and arrived in temperatures twenty degrees lower than accustomed to. Disliking winter for a reason she refuses to discuss, Danielle Lerato would rather be anywhere than in Redford Falls. She needs to get the job done and return home before getting caught up in the small town’s charm—and the arms of the handsome, brown-eyed restaurant owner. 
Andrew Bailey’s first encounter with the buttery blonde didn’t go so well, and he well-remembers the chill of the glass of water she dumped over his head. Now, nine months later, a raging storm drops Danielle back into his life. She’s determined to leave, but he’ll do whatever it takes to convince her to fall in love with Redford Falls…and him.
 
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A Peek Through My Window with D. V. Stone

What's new. Since I've been furloughed from my day job in a medical office, I'm finding it difficult to maintain the structure of my daily writing. The get up and go to work  stopped suddenly almost two weeks ago.  It's amazing how routine is ingrained in me. Here I thought I was flexible. I was, I was flexible in my own box. Now I'm in a box created by circumstances.

Intervention. So my intervention in this matter was to create a new office. I set up the space in my camper where I'll be, Lord willing, working after retirement and we take it on the road.

Necessity. Of course I need things like my laptop and internet service and I started out with these things but everything still felt out of sorts. 

Domain. To solve this, I grabbed some of my stuff and moved it down here. Some of my owl collection is a must. The white board with upcoming blog visits. A paper mache fish. The books I've published and been published in, as well as some of my writing helps. The Thesaurus of  Emotion and Chicago Manual of Style.
 
Observation. As I've made this room my own, I find myself settling in and not experiencing the lost and confused emotions.  

Well, what does this mean? So many of us are tossed  into unfamiliar ground during this difficult time. We have our family all around us in our space. Or maybe, you are alone now for long periods of time. My recommendation is to attempt normalize what you have now. If you find yourself crowded, carve out a time and place where you can get away for a little while and refresh your spirit. Take a bubble bath. Sit on your steps outside. Go to your room. Insist those around you to respect that time. Even if you have children. When my son was young he knew unless there was an emergency, mom was in time out. She would be back involved soon. If you are alone, try to remember the telephone is not only for texting. I video chatted with my son's family. Find solace in your online community. And my final recommendation for both isolation and crowding- turn off the news for a while. Turn up the tunes and dance like no one is watching.  Pre-Order your copy here

I’m happy to report Rock House Grill which is available for pre-order, received another 5 Star review. 
~Rock House Grill is an incredibly uplifting story about slowing down, savoring the little miracles in life and taking a chance on love. It’s what I would call an inspirational romance but it’s so much more than that.~ 
Full Review from N. N. Light's Book Heaven
 
 And for a peek inside Rock House’s window, here’s a scene about Olivia, Aden’s twin sister. She experienced great loss in her life and though surrounded by people, often suffers from profound loneliness and isolation.
 
“Liv.” David stood as she approached the table, and he kissed her cheek.
“Hi, I’m glad you called.” Her cheek tingled where his lips touched. “This is a great start to my day.”
When she sat down, the waitress approached the booth. “Good morning, are you folks ready to order?”
“Mmm, I’ll have a spinach, tomato, and basil omelet with a cup of Sumatra.” Olivia answered without looking at the menu.
David ordered the same, and they made small talk over their coffee until the food arrived a few minutes later.
They were finished and sitting back when he asked, “Will you go to the hospital benefit dinner with me next month?”
No one knew they were seeing each other. They kept a low profile as a couple. Was she ready to out their relationship? Olivia twisted her napkin. “I don’t know, David. I kind of like the way we are. I’m not sure I’m ready to let others know about us.”
“Are you ashamed of me?” David placed his napkin on the table.
“No! Of course not.” Her heart began to pound. “It’s just there’s so much going on. And you’re Aden’s doctor…”
“Those are all excuses.” He sat back in his chair. “Tell me the real reason.”
An hour later they were still sitting at the table, and she’d told him all about Manny. “I loved him so much. At his funeral, it felt like a piece of me was buried with him, not the rose I’d laid on his coffin.”
“I’m so sorry.” David reached across the table and took her hand. “I know what it’s like to lose someone.”
 Olivia couldn’t meet his eyes. Before she chickened out and ruined any chance with him, she said, “I don’t know if I could live through losing someone again. I’m afraid to love like that a second time. And David, I think I could love you that way.”
David took her hand, lifted it to his lips, and pressed a kiss to it. “Olivia House, we’ve only known each other a couple of months, but I already love you.”
Her mouth fell open, and her head dropped. Several emotions ran through her. Panic, followed by fear, danced together before both were chased away by hope. Hope that what he said was true. Hope that she wouldn’t grow old alone and bitter, but instead with this handsome and loving man beside her.
“I know it’s all new, but I don’t want to hide us anymore.” David reached over, and with his index finger he lifted her chin. “I want to introduce you to my friends and family. I don’t want to have to avoid Aden or tap dance around the truth. Will you think about it?”
Still speechless, Olivia nodded.
David stuffed some bills into the black folder on the table. Glancing at his watch, he rose. “I don’t want to leave, but I’ve got to go. Let me walk you to your car.”
He helped her into her jacket and placed his hand low on her back.
Stepping outside of the cafe, Olivia smiled, amazed to see snow flurries though it was early November. They walked in quiet contemplation to her sedan.
“David…” She broke the silence.
“No, don’t say anything yet.”
He slipped his arms around her and kissed her like she hadn’t been kissed in years.
Cars drove by, beeping at them.
“Get a room,” someone yelled, laughing.
When he pulled back, both were flushed and out of breath. “I’ll call you later, after the surgery.” Reaching behind her, he opened the car door.
She plopped into the seat, then lowered the window, and David leaned in with an adorable, smug smile on his face.
“You okay?”
“Uh-huh.” She didn’t trust her voice.
“I’ve got to go. Drive safe.”
Starting the car, Olivia glanced at the rear-view mirror and watched him walk back toward the hospital. She touched her lips, and a huge grin erupted on her face. When David disappeared around the corner, she put the car in drive and pulled out.

A Peek through Sadira Stone's Window

​Who- Hi, my name is Sadira Stone, no relation to our hostess. After leaving my teaching career in Germany, I now live in Tacoma, Washington, where I write steamy contemporary Romance. My Book Nirvana Series, published by The Wild Rose Press, is set in an indie bookshop in Eugene, Oregon. I hope you’ll come visit Book Nirvana’s quirky staff and friendly shop cat, Lulu.
Interests- Well, self-imposed quarantine has narrowed the possibilities! Hubs and I love to play darts with our friends at AmVets, an organization that supports veterans. Lately, we just play against each other. We also play guitar together, and I play ukulele as well. No gym these days, so we take walks, work in the yard, and connect with friends and family. Thank goodness for social media and video chats! Of course, I read tons, mostly romance. When the quarantine finally lifts, I look forward to exploring the Pacific Northwest and listening to live music again—mostly blues.
Network– I’m a member of RWA, WFWA, the Wild Rose Press authors’ group, and active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Desk– Always messy, but I know where everything is. Post-its galore! You’ll usually find a cooling cup of coffee or tea, Triscuit crumbs, a box of Kleenex, because it’s springtime, and several pads of paper—also the finger-less gloves my sis-in-law knitted. For some weird reason, my mouse hand always gets cold. Oh—and a stand-up/sit-down desk topper, plus a cushy mat tucked beneath my desk.
Outrageous– I’m quite good at belly dancing. I once performed with a sword balanced on my head—and I didn’t cheat by using a padded turban, thank you very much! Also, I’ve lived outside the U.S. (in Germany) longer than I’ve lived inside it.
Window– Outside my window, I see the neighbor’s house, alas. Good thing they’re nice people. Right now, I see raindrops. Occasionally, a crazed squirrel jumps from the fence to my windowsill and scolds me. 
Fierce passion or long-cherished dreams...she can't hang onto both.
Chasing a big-city art gallery job, Laurel detours to Eugene, Oregon to help her spitfire great aunt into assisted living. While on a run, she’s harassed by a group of teens until a tall, broad-shouldered hottie rescues her by pretending to be her boyfriend--with a kiss that makes her wish it were true. But she's only passing through.
Their fierce chemistry burns up the sheets—and the couch, the shower, the woods...but falling in love could cost Laurel more than she’s willing to sacrifice. She can't stay in Eugene, and he can’t leave. His only hope is to convince her those big-city lights have nothing on her inner sparkle.
​
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Rosalie Redd, Welcome to the Campfire.

I have to tell you, I'm excited. Today's guest and I go way back in our writing careers. Rosalie and I met through the RWA author critique program. We hit it off and then began not only  became regular critique partners but pen-pals. She lives on one coast and I on the other, but virtually we're only an internet connection away. I can't wait for you all to meet her. So, let's set the mood. Grab a cuppa something delicious. Light a candle or use the ambient noise app on your phone to dial up a campfire. Take a deep breath. Let your worries go for a few moments. It's all okay at the campfire. This is what camping is all about. Connecting on a different level. Now, doesn't that feel better?
This is campfire is going to be a little different. Today I’m welcoming a special character Beaumont Laroche as well as Author, Rosalie, to the Campfire. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine? 
Beaumont leans forward in the chair, places his elbows on his knees, and smiles. A lock of his dark hair caresses his chin and the fire reflects in his deep brown eyes. “A good, dark cup of coffee, the hotter the better.”
Rosalie clears her throat then holds up her mug. “I prefer herbal tea and an occasional glass of red wine.”

Both beverages coming up. Now, I know Rosalie is a camper. How about you Beaumont? Ever spend the night outside for fun?
“Camping?” Beaumont wipes his palm over the stubble on his chin and leans back in his chair. His gaze tracks to the fire, and lines form in his handsome features. “I live at the University of Chicago. As a Gargoyle Night Guardian, I don’t have time for camping. My days are spent locked away in my stone form atop Stuart Hall. At night,” his gaze flicks to Donna, “I roam the streets, protecting humans from dark fae.”
A smile curls his lip, and a soft chuckle eases from him. “But, I remember many a time from my youth, back in the twelfth century, when my brother and I would sneak out of the castle at night to lay in the open grass and stare at the stars. Is that close enough?”
“Twelfth century… Uh, about that.” Rosalie glances at Donna, a chagrinned smile on her face. “Beaumont has a questionable soul and Rhiannon, a goddess of the Otherworld, thought he deserved a second chance. So upon his death, she threw his soul into a gargoyle. He’s one of her warriors and a fine one at that, I might add.”
Beaumont sits up, his shoulders straight, a gleam in his dark eyes. “I have the best fae kill record around. Ask any of my partners.”
“Well, as far as camping goes,” Rosalie takes a sip of tea. “I love to camp. A trailer is a must because I need a comfy bed at night. I’ve spent a lot of nights camping in the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Love the large evergreens, but even more so, the waterfalls. There’s just something about the beautiful cascade, the roar of the water, and the cool spray on your skin. If you haven’t been there, yet, Donna, come out and visit me sometime.”
 
I have a retirement countdown in my phone. In a little over a year and two months. Our plan is to do a coast to coast. Don't be surprised if I show up on your doorstep. Tell us about your story. What’s the title and genre?
Beaumont’s story is titled Heart Bandit, book 1 in the Gargoyle Night Guardians series. It’s a steamy paranormal romance featuring a crafty and swift pickpocket who steals Beaumont’s spirit stone, sending them on an epic journey of life and death.

Sounds so intriguing. I can't wait to read it.  Do you have a tagline?
Never steal from a gargoyle…or challenge him to seduce you.

I'll make a note of that. What not to do. Rosalie, where did you get the idea for Heart Bandit?
“Good question, Donna.” Rosalie laughs. “The idea came to me about writing a gargoyle book because I wanted to create a series with a different kind of mythology. One that’s a bit unique and different. After some research, the story evolved into an enemies to lovers story featuring a tough gargoyle and a feisty pickpocket. Needless to say, the sparks flew from the moment they met.”
 
Beaumont, did you evolve from Rosalie’s initial plan? How did you reveal yourself.
Beaumont rubs his chin, a delightful smile playing on his lips. “I spoke to her in French. Seems she has a thing for French men. After that, she claimed me as her first hero, and I’m ever so happy she did.”
 
Tell us about the first reactions to the lead counterpart. Rosalie, where did he/she come from? Is it a previous character that needed a story?
Rosalie shakes her head. “Sadie is a streetwise thief who learned from the best mentor ever—need. She came from a broken family and ended up on the streets in her teens. She’s a new character that just kind of pushed her way into the story. Sassy and full of spunk, she’s tough to handle, as Beaumont can attest.”
Beaumont nods. “Qui, Sadie is spunky and a whole lot more.”
 
Beaumont what was you first impression of Sadie?
Beaumont exhales long and slow. “Zut Alors. From the moment I saw her traipse down the alley, she caught my eye. The light played along her short, silken hair, the color of the midnight sky without stars, painting them with a touch of fire. My hand twitched with the desire to run my fingers through the soft tresses, feel the silkiness between my fingertips.”
Rosalie slaps her palm to her forehead. “Forgive him, Donna. He can be a bit dramatic at times.”

Il est français. LOL.  Tell us, do either of you believe in Soul Mates?
Beaumont glances at Rosalie. Both shrug. Neither offer up an answer, but the glimmer in Beaumont’s eyes and the smile on Rosalie’s face is explanation enough.
Are there any mentors, authors, or books, other than yours, you would like to give a shout-out to?
Rosalie nods. “Ooh, so many, I’m not sure where to start. Some of my favorite authors include Laura Thalassa, Tasha Black, C.P. Ryder, Anna Lowe, Michelle Fox, and a whole lot more!”
 
Success means different things to different people and characters. What does it mean to both of you?
Beaumont lifts his palm to Rosalie. “Please, Rosalie, you first.”
Rosalie rolls her eyes. “All right, Beaumont, if you insist. To me, success means sharing my stories of hope with other readers. Maybe even wrenching a tear or two from them. Since I write romance, the books are all about happily ever afters. What’s not to like about that? Okay, Beaumont, your turn.”
A wide smile blooms on Beaumont’s face, accentuating the dimple in his chin. “Killing fae, oh, and winning Sadie’s heart.”

Now the fun questions Since this is a dual interview I’d like to see you both answer.If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? Beaumont – Muscles of steel. Jason Momoa. Rosalie – Wheels Keep on Running – Julia Roberts (ha, in my dreams)Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? Beaumont – My spark stone because it houses my spirit. Rosalie – My wedding ring, because, well, it’s my wedding ring. JWhat is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with graphic or Meme? Okay, I get it. Rosalie your's is the Messy Bun. I've seen pictures of your very long hair. And Beaumont? Ahh, forget about it. 4.   Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours? Beaumont – When Sadie agreed to become my wife. Rosalie – When I saw my daughter for the first time.
5.  Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author. Beaumont – It’s been eight hundred years. Sorry, got nothing for you. Rosalie – Tolkien.
6.  If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be? Beaumont – Bad to the Bone. Rosalie – Roam by the B-52s.
7.  What weird talent do you have? Beaumont – I can turn my skin to stone. Rosalie – I can make up characters that can turn their skin to stone.
Hah, you guys crack me up. Thanks for being part of the Campfire. Please leave us information about where we can find out more about you both. 

Heart Bandit 
Never steal from a gargoyle…or challenge him to seduce you.
 
Beaumont prides himself on his stellar fae kill record, but his life is upended when a feisty, human female challenges him to seduce her and steals his spirit-embedded stone. He’s on a quest to save his soul, yet this woman makes him harder than a rock, and for a guy who spends his days encased in granite, that’s saying something.
 
Crafty and swift, Sadie learned to pickpocket from the best mentor ever—need. After she runs across a tall, sexy gargoyle and steals his most valuable possession, she’s up against more than can she handle. As he hunts her down to retrieve his precious stone, he stirs a passion she didn’t know existed…and can’t resist.
 
Gargoyle Night Guardians protect human souls from the evil clutches of dark fae. Be careful, though, gargoyles aren’t your average hero for within each guardian rests a questionable soul, one ripe for redemption and eager to become worthy of what we all crave—love.
 
Excerpt:
“Quiet now. I won’t hurt you.” The man’s whispered words caressed the back of her ear, the deep timbre all too familiar. He was the gargoyle from last night, the one she’d stolen from.
Sadie raked her nails down his arm, scoring the flesh.
“Stop struggling. You’ll only injure yourself.”
Adrenaline gave her that extra shot of energy, and she continued kicking, scratching, and fighting until she couldn’t catch her breath. Unable to keep up the fight any longer, the tension drained from her like a weak battery. She stilled against him.
“That’s better. Like I said, I’m not going to hurt you.”
True to his word, he hadn’t harmed her. Her back was pressed against his muscular chest, and his powerful arms held her in his firm embrace.
“We need to talk about what you stole from me. If I release you, do you promise not to scream?” The rumble in his voice tracked from her sensitive ear all the way down her spine to her bottom, tickling her.
Fat chance, Mr. Muscles. She nodded in agreement.
He removed his hand from her mouth.
On a quick inhale, she started to scream.
Only to have him clamp his palm over her lips and muffle it. With a quick flick of his wrist, he turned her around, pinning one of her arms behind her back, the other trapped between their chests. If she wanted to, she could reach the scrub on his chin.
Hand still pressed to her mouth, he glared at her. “Merde. Somehow, I knew you wouldn’t cooperate. You really are a feisty little thing, aren’t you?”
Those dark brown eyes of his glowed with an eerie green iridescence. She was drawn to their unnatural beauty. He raised one eyebrow, the scar at the edge pulling taut, and when he smiled and revealed his dimples, she just about melted. He was a gorgeous, glorious, good-looking gargoyle, and she hated him for it.
Give him half a chance, he’d use her and abandon her. Forget that. She’d never let him get that close. Helpless in his grasp, she hated the control he had over her. If she could spit in his face, she would.
“Okay, we’re going for round two, pickpocket. When I remove my hand, don’t scream. You won’t like me much if you try that again.” He slowly removed his hand.
She held her tongue for all of two seconds. “I don’t like you much now, and did you cuss at me in French?”
“Oui.” He chuckled, the sound rumbled from his chest into hers.
Against her will, her body responded to him. His nose flared, and the brown of his eyes darkened. With a quick flick, his gaze travelled to her lips.
Oh God, it was if he sensed her arousal.
She drew her tongue over her bottom lip, moistening it.
A needful groan erupted from him, and his grip tightened, tugging her even closer.

To find out more about Rosalie, Beaumont and her other wonderful stories here are the links.
Buy links:
https://www.rosalieredd.com/heart-bandit.html

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/heart-bandit/id1488649143
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-bandit-rosalie-redd/1135030405
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heart-bandit
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081S85H9D
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081S85H9D
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B081S85H9D
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B081S85H9D
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=VhW_DwAAQBAJ
 
Contact links:
Facebook author: https://www.facebook.com/rosaliereddauthor
Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/RosalieRedd
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/rosalieredd
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosalie-redd
Website:  http://www.rosalieredd.com

Welcome to the Campfire, Claire Corvey.

​Happy Saturday and welcome to the campfire. Despite the issues going on around us, let's take a few minutes away from all the craziness and relax. That's what a campfire is for. Turn off the news, silence your phone for a few minutes and step into my world. Grab a beverage of choice. Light a candle and pretend it's your own campfire. Take a deep breath and imagine yourself in the woods. There's a stream bubbling nearby. Smell the smoke and maybe something cooking over the fire. Hear the birds calling to each other. Are you there yet? Good. Now, lift your cup, mug, or glass and help me welcome today's guest, fellow Wild Rose Press author ​Claire Corvey. Hi Claire, welcome and thank you for joining us today. What’s your preference coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine? 
In the morning, I love coffee, made over the campfire, of course. Evening is for wine!

You're my kind of girl. The coffee is always on at the Campfire. Tell us have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp?
I’ve camped so many times and have such great memories. Almost always in a tent. I’ve camped with my family in the mountains of Wyoming, Colorado, Montana…and there are bears there! One of my favorite memories is an afternoon in the Snowy Range outside Laramie, Wyoming. I hiked with my children and our dog along a river, not another person in sight. So beautiful. Until the kids pushed each other in the freezing cold water. Let’s just say glamping is starting to look very attractive to me!

Ha! I'll bet it is. Heat and hot showers can never be oversold to me. Now, tell us about your latest project. What’s the title and genre?
I’m working on the second installment of my “High School is Hell” trilogy. It’s a young adult contemporary, with a dollop of romance and a side order of the paranormal.

How long did it take you from conception to publication?
With High School is Hell it was about a year and a half between when I started the first draft and when I was accepted for publication by the Wild Rose Press.

Not bad. It takes me a bit longer to have a finished product. I also have a myriad of projects at various stages of development, how about you? Anything you’re itching to get to?
I always have way too many ideas, and I find it’s more fun to start a project than to slog all the way through! But currently, I’m also working on a collection of my short stories, as well as my novel. And I’ve started a third project, a post-apocalypse story, and I have no idea what that is going to end up being. A novella? A novel? Who knows?

I agree! Starting and meeting new characters and places is exciting. Are there any mentors, authors, or books,  you would like to give a shout-out to?
One of my critique partners, Liz Roadifer (and the whole gang at CAWG—our secret acronym), has been a great mentor and helped my writing grow. And there are so many authors I love…I find Nora Roberts and Stephen King, inspiring. They both put their butts in the chair and write and tell great stories while doing it. Charlaine Harris has an amazing imagination and a way with her words. Kurt Vonnegut has made me a better person. And my secret vice—or pleasure—is poetry. Nizar Qabbani, Rilke. Such beautiful words and images.

Tsk, I'm jealous.  I want to belong to a secret society, too. They are amazing authors. I'm a Stephen King fan.  Claire, tell us, what does literary success look like to you?
Wow—that’s a hard one. I think every author wants respect for one’s body of work, but really, I think success is having someone tell me that my stories have entertained them or brought them the happiness I’ve found in books.

You nailed it. I think most artists hope for the same thing. Now the fun questions, Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author.    I loved Little Women, The Secret Garden, The Little Princess, Going on Sixteen, all the Nancy Drew I could get my hands on. Reading was and is the best.If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?  The intro to “Born to Run.” Or “Even the Losers” by Tom Petty. That might be more appropriate.If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?  High dollar cheese. As the French say, “Smells like the feet of angels.”Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?  THE TICKETS!!!Did you ever win something? What?  I’ve actually been bizarrely lucky at winning things. I once won $700 at the racetrack when I bet on the wrong horse. You crack me up. Smelly angel feet? I never heard that. Before you go can you tell us where we can learn more about you and your book?

​Seventeen-year-old Lauren Baker is in a bind. In addition to trying out her cleavage-enhancing bra for the first time, she has to figure out how to expose the new high school principal as evil incarnate. ​




Lauren has enough on her hands. Her best friend is being bullied, she's the newly installed editor of the school newspaper, and to top it all off, she has a secret, massive crush on an older boy. Yet all of this seems like small potatoes when mutilated animals, vandalism, and Lauren's bizarrely realistic dreams indicate something—or someone—is rotten in Rushton.
When Lauren connects the dots between the new principal and the freakish occurrences, she has to act...before she and everyone she loves fall victim to a centuries-old evil.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F96SNNX/
https://clairecorveybooks.wordpress.com/
Recommended Movies base on High School and Horror.
Of course, you knew it had to be here...
Carrie by Stephen King 1976. I recently watched this one. It hasn't lost a bit in the years.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1992
This weeks recipe is courtesy of Claire's Blog. I bet it would work over the fire on a backing sheet as well. I've done this in a non-stick pan on the stove as well.
​
Did you know that if one places cheese on parchment paper and microwaves it for one minute, delicious cheese crisps result?
​

Through My Window

Who- Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. I host Welcome to the Campfire, a weekly blog. I am also a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Rock House Grill, a contemporary romance, is available for preorder on April 6th by Wild Rose Press.Interests- My favorite activity is Glamping. That means camping in a 5th Wheel trailer with all the amenities and sitting around a fire with friends and family. Taking my dog Hali for walks. And of course, reading.Network– I’m a member of NJRWA, RWA, Savvy Authors, Contracted with Wild Rose Press, Participant with the Romance Critique Group.Desk– Sometimes messy. Sometimes neat. Never without Post-its. Usually with a cup of tea or cranberry seltzer. The Emotion Thesaurus and a quick guide Chicago Manual of writing poster. Also a white-board calendar.Outrageous– I can make weird animal noises, including an elephant and a dog fighting with a cat.Window– Outside my window, I can see birds, some snow at the moment, and the neighbors trampoline though with no kids at the time. Since there aren’t any leaves on the trees, I can also see the lake near my house.


One man’s choices—One woman’s impact 
Rock House Grill 
Available April 6th, 2020
 


​Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.
 
Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.
 
Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?
 
  Excerpt
 
“Easy, you’re going to be okay.” A soft voice eased through the chaos around him. The owner of the voice grabbed his arms and held them in a firm but gentle grip. “I’m right here with you. You are not alone.” “Can hardly m-move.” His voice slurred. “C-can’t see anything.” “You’ve been in an accident. I’m an EMT with the ambulance squad,” the velvety voice calmly explained. “You can’t see well because we’re under a tarp. Hold still, okay?” “‘K.” A small light flickered at the edge of his vision. It shone into a bag next to him. Penlight. “You’re restrained to a board. It’s to keep your head from moving and causing more injury.” She continued to talk to him. The voice reached down somewhere inside him, calming and peaceful, so he focused on it. A glow from spotlights on the outside lit whatever covered them. The shadow gave the woman the appearance of a halo—like an angel. 
Buy Links
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Find out more about D. V.
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Welcome to the Campfire Blog          Amazon Author Page

Twists, Turns, and Almost Dead Ends (5 year journey)

Writing books is like raising children. You birth them, nurture them, and try to mold them. One day you look at your labor and say, "It's time. Go out into the world." Then, as you approach the door, you wonder if they are ready. Nodding inwardly, you smile and open the door.  D.V. Stone Saturday morning, I opened a box containing copies of Rock House Grill. For a moment I stood and stared down into it. Then a breath hitched in my chest and then I cried like a baby. Rock House is not my first release. It’s not even the second or third. When I received Felice in the mail, I cried too. She’s my eldest and turned three this past January. But the emotion didn’t run as deep as. I wondered why? Thinking about it led me to want to share the story. Oh, some of you know bits and pieces, but, Rock House Grill followed a different path then Felice and even Agent Sam Carter.

As I’m typing this the Theme from Love Story drifts through my mind. 

Where do I begin
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea

Because, I think, for an author, each of their books is a love story. Sometimes a dysfunctional one. So, let’s start with Rock House’s birth. 
During October 2015, Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake was my focused project. I knew I needed to complete the it by November 1st. That’s when National Novel Writing Month began. 30 days. 50,000 words. 
I’d been thinking about what to write for a couple of weeks. At the time, I’d thought of myself as a Fantasy author. With that in mind, I’d jotted down some notes for a novel about dragons. Nothing meshed. With such a limited time the words Write what you know kept nagging at me. I thought I knew fantasy because that’s mostly what I read. But I realized, I knew a lot about real life too. Instead of forcing the fantasy book, I listened to my inner muse, and the concept was born for a divorced woman rebuilding her life. Been there and done that - no free t-shirt. 
Wonder of wonders I reached November 30th and had a bit over 50,000 words. I received my certificate and brushed off the dust from immersion in my office for a month. Like many writers, I have a folder for manuscripts in different stages of development—everything from full unedited works—to a couple of lines of an idea. Then I returned to fantasy. Kingdom at a Crossroad is a huge epic fantasy with a completed story-line, but a massive editing nightmare.  
Fast forward to 2017. I pushed the self-publish button on Felice. A few months later, I launched Agent Carter. Crossroad was giving me fits, so, taking a step back from Kingdom, I went to my sort-of-finished folder. 
Rock House sat there with a complete story. Moving it to the desktop, I began to go through the manuscript. RHG went out for editing and a cover into development. Everything seemed to be moving forward. Beta readers liked the story. The recommended edits didn’t appear daunting. Notice I said seemed?
While working toward self-publishing, I thought I would send out some queries to publishers and editors. Somethings are meant to be. Making a mistake doesn’t mean doom and despair. In May of 2017, I sent a few more out queries. Not hearing anything, I went to check on my emails, and here is what happened. 0h, let me preface this by saying it was my birthday weekend.
May 27, 2017 11:53 a.m.
Hi Avon Impulse,
My name is Donna Van Stone, and I write as D.V. Stone.
The Rock House Grill is the first book in the Impact Series.
May 29, 2017 11:14 am
A few days later...OMG!!!
The Wild Rose Press. The Wild Rose Press. I’m so sorry I sent the wrong query to you I know it’s Wild Rose Press. Remove greeting to Avon Impulse and insert The Wild Rose Press...
Sorry, sorry, sorry...
D.V. Stone
May 29th, 2017 2:32 pm
Welcome to the Garden.
The review of your query will begin XXX will be in contact with you soon to provide you with more information and a review timeline.
After that day, it was still touching and go. The editing I mentioned that seemed not daunting? Yeah, it got me almost kicked out of the Rose Garden. Poor Elf, my WRP editor, must have wanted to pull her hair out at times. Commas, POV issues, and Plot holes just to mention a few not daunting problems.
Fast forward to Saturday, March 7th, 2020.
I opened the box holding Rock House Grill and bawled my eyes out. Not once. Twice. 
Why do I want to share this with you? If you read my bio, you know all my books are about hope. But behind the hope, there has to be perseverance and often thick skin. My advice is to keep plugging away. If you have a story, believe in it, but also trust the professionals. 
I’m happy to say through Wild Rose Press, I have a short story in the Australia Burns books. Rainbow Sprinkles is contracted for a Summer release. In the next few months, Elf will hopefully not be pulling her hair when I submit Jazz House.
Good luck in whatever your endeavor. Don't take no for an answer and at the same time roll up your shirtsleeves and do the work. It's worth it.


​My happy Saturday.