C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 147

Where the Creativity Grows

Where does your creativity come from? Do you know or do you ever even think about it? Do you know what makes you an artist? Or perhaps many of you reading this blog never think of yourself as artists. I know when I first started writing it felt strange even terming myself a writer or an author. Instead, I just dabbled because God forbid I state I’m a writer or author and I write something terrible, something not worth showing to the public. If I just did it as a hobby or merely dabbled then nobody would really take it seriously anyway.

As an author and writer (because I’ve acquired the guts to term myself as both), I have to shake my head at my hesitation, especially as I feel so passionately about writing. I won’t say my prior position and thoughts were stupid as I feel they are necessary to the process of discovery. Very few people are born knowing they are creative and artistic and they are meant to be that way or if they are born that way, our society usually does a good job of quashing their excitement and filling them with fears. Still, in time, most of us learn to navigate the world and get past our fears to show our creativity.

The other day on NPR, I heard about an Oscar-winning documentary of young girl named Inocente who has spent much of her life homeless. Despite the difficulty of her life experiences she paints beautiful, colorful paintings. Inspired by local California artists, she lives for and depends on her art. In her interviews she comes off as shy and almost hesitant to call herself an artist, and yet anyone who sees her work wouldn’t think of her as anything else but an artist. In time, Inocente, like many artists will come to see herself as such but it all requires a process of discovery and growth.

It’s funny that when we hear music, look at art, read poems or books or watch movies, we don’t think about the people behind the art. They are artists, not too young or too old, too blind, too deaf. They aren’t too fat or too thin, too black or too white, too religious or not. When we find art we love, all that matters is that to us in that moment, everything about that creation is just right.

Happy writing this week and be sure to let your creativity grow.

Filed under: Emotions, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Fires of Inspiration

C.Margery Kempe’s post on Anais Nin last week made me think about inspiration. What is inspiration exactly and why do some of us have plenty of us, while others haven’t a clue?

The Oxford Dictionary defines inspiration as: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Others have waxed more poetic about inspiration. But I tend to agree with Jack London who said, ” You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”

Many people, including new writers, think that in order to write you must be inspired every  day. It doesn’t work like that. It’s fabulous when it happens. But writing daily is often an exercise that prepares you for inspiration. You have to work at finding it and to learn what best works for you.

Here are the top ten things I often turn to for inspiration:

1. Exercise. Okay, I can see some of your rolling your eyes and groaning. Seriously, this is the best way for me to get ideas churning in my brain. For example, I had no idea what I was going to do for this blog post until a bolt of inspiration hit me during Zumba class.

2. Good books. I’m an avid reader  and I read across the genres. But one of the writers that fuels my fire when it comes to sexy writing is DH Lawrence. My favorite? Lady Chatterley’s Lover.  I read it in college and several more times between then and now. Such beautiful , erotic use of imagery and language. And I love the idea that it was so controversial in its day.  I think it still is in certain parts of the country.

3. Music. I’ve written about this before here. But it’s almost as if each book I write has it’s own soundtrack. And what better way to get out of your brain, your own ego, than to listen to some incredible music.

4. Other writers.  I am blessed to have several good writer friends who never let jealousy or insecurities get in the way of our friendship. In fact they lift me, support me, in countless ways. As I hope I do for them.

5. Crafting, or doing something with my hands, like gardening. I’ve always had an herb garden and my husband and I have always had a veggie or two in the ground. I also enjoy scrapbooking and quilting. Just going to a fabric store can inspire me for days.

6. Research. I am one of those writers who loves research almost as much as writing. Often there will be a tiny little thing that sparks my imagination only found during my research. For example, as I wrote about last week, I really love those bee skeps. Yesterday I watched a movie call “The Vanishing Bee,” which was so good I couldn’t tear myself away. I really now have such a better sense of the bee as a creature, rather than an insect to be swatted away. This will definitely inform and inspire me as I write  the next book in my series.

7. History. I am passionate about history and, in fact, married a historian. (Grin.) Reading history never fails to inspire me. Attending museums often results in long journal entries for me, leading to stories later on.

8. Language. This related back to reading—but it doesn’t have to. It could be the way someone has used a word in conversation. It stays in my mind and rolls around, until I decide how to use it for myself.

9. Art. Of course. Like our own Elizabeth Shore, who loves the Renaissance, I love it too. But my all time favorites are the Pre-Raphaelites. John Waterhouse’s Lady of Shallot is my favorite. I’ve written poetry about it.

10. Food. I don’t need to go on, do I? You all know how I feel about food.

What inspires you?

Judging a Book by its Cover by Leia Shaw

The old saying, don’t judge a book by it’s cover, is a good philosophy to live by in some ways. Such as choosing friends, a spouse, etc.,
 but the fact is, people do judge books by their covers. And as an author, having an eye-catching, professional cover is one of the most important things you can get yourself.


If you’re published by a publishing house, you may not have much choice about the cover. Self-pubbers, like me, have all the control, which is nice in some ways, but it also means we have all the responsibility too. Sometimes it feels like having an industry professional telling you what’s best to do wouldn’t be such a bad thing — though I’ve seen some pretty terrible covers by big publishing houses too. But whether you hire someone to make yours, do your own, or hope your publishing house comes through, the fact remains the same. Covers sell books.


In my opinion, the point of a cover isn’t to tell the reader what the book is about. It’s to catch the reader’s eye so they read the blurb. And then it’s the blurbs job to reel them in from there. So a book cover should be attention-grabbing, good quality, and say something about the tone or genre. But just because your book is about a werewolf and a vampire that travel to outer space and encounter a robot that makes up their threesome, does not mean the cover has to include a werewolf, vampire, spaceship, and robot. I just pulled that example out of my idea book. It’s called Paranormal Menage in Space. Don’t steal my idea! That one’s a winner!


Anyway, I’d like to hear from you. As a reader, how important is a book cover? Do you buy books based on covers? Or do you pass them by if its got a bad cover?



For fun, I’m posting a few of the book covers I’ve made for either myself or other authors.


         

Filed under: romance

A Hero or a Zero? Finding Inspiration in Real Life Detectives

Real detectives don’t look like this.

Hidey-ho,  readers! Madeline here.  I’ve been doing research lately on my current WIP by studying real men who fight crime.  It started with grilling a cop who came by to investigate our car when it was broken into, and has continued with taking notes on news programs or real-life cop shows that go through a homicide case from soup to nuts.  Sometimes I feel like a sleuth myself tracking down a difficult-to-find source.  For instance, I knew about an out of print video of an FBI profiler but had to track it down in live streaming format when all other sources failed.

So far I’ve filled up three note pads with the details surrounding detectives–mainly the jargon they use.  There’s a certain way that these detectives use language in their reports, and they tend to fall back on this kind of nomenclature when talking to each other or when picking their words with care as they interact with civilians. Not bullet holes but defects.  Not people, but certain individuals.  Post-mortem abrasions vs. peri-mortem contusions.

While I’m soaking up the lingo, my mind is performing a casting call.  I need some heroes and some zeroes.

Picking my heroes is easy.  I spot them right away.  Picking the true zeros is much harder.

Hero or Zero? (Blue tooth earpiece not shown.)

I was surprised by how fast I identified the heroes.  Some are real diamonds in the rough.  I was watching one captain, for instance, who’s fast on his feet and relentless.  Sounds like a hero, right? Sure, except the guy sports a pervy little mustache and has a phone headset in his ear at all times.  Ish.  At the same time, whenever I watched him in action, for some reason I felt an inner thrill.  Yes, he was pouring through the garbage at an apartment complex in the middle of the night.  Yes, I know that doesn’t sound romantic or cool. When he came up with dumster-diving gold: a scorched t-shirt used in the shooting I wanted to clap. How did he know? How did he find it? The man is a genius. When it’s clear that the trial is going to be a slam dunk, I’m scrambling to finish up my notes while Captain ‘stache hands out all the credit to his men. Now that’s a hero.  I’ve resolved to give him a little make-over before he goes into my book.

The make-over.

The rest of the men I watch who aren’t heroes aren’t really zeroes either.  Mostly they’re  just normal.  Obviously they’re very hard working guys, I just wonder if they have insight into how criminals think? I’m not seeing it.  Can their mind remain agile when they’re tired after forty-eight hours without sleep?

I’ve found one spectacular zero.  He complains on camera about the heat and how overwhelmed he is.  Poor thing.  Yet he’s got five senior detectives on the scene with him.  They’re helping him keep up his paper work, they’re canvassing the neighborhood for him, and they’re all wearing long sleeved shirts and ties just like he is.  But while they are doing whatever they can to help him solve this case, he is wondering where he can find some water and wanders off camera saying he thinks he’s maybe going to pass out.

Excuses, excuses.  What I’ve learned by doing this research is that a zero feels entitled.  He is always pretending to be more than he seems.  In fact, he’s less.   The heroes, meanwhile, may not look like much to the eye at first, but they have hidden depths of fire and nerve.

Do you think women romance readers can enjoy a hero who’s not an Adonis with a strapping build?  I could.   Based on guys I’ve dated, I can confidently state I could get into a hero who’s a little ugly.  But, sorry Captain, even I draw the line at a hero with a pervy little mustache.

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

The melt is on in more ways than one.  Old ideas are melting making way for new ones this week.

While I’m not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.  In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Hell hounds have you cornered.  It’s time to think outside box.  Sing and they’ll sing along.

Taurus

Temple cats are preening.  Fashion Week was only the beginning for them.  You still have time to accessorize with style.

Gemini

Dragons like to plant in boxes and then transfer over once the soil warms.  Take a hint.  Plant something you enjoy.

Cancer

Like the fire roaring through a dragon, you have been energized to do a lot.  Go with it to get as much done as you can.

Leo

Vampires like to express their creative side.  Indulge in a hobby.  Enjoy the theater or an art show.

Virgo

When you’re tired, rest.  Mermaid music can soothe and melt worries away.

Libra

Shapeshifters know when it’s time to find new inspiration.  Visit a bookstore or craft store and indulge a whim.

Scorpio

Like Aslan the Lion, you will shine.  Others will notice the unique view to bring to your work.

Sagittarius

Gnomes love their homes.  Clean the clutter out of your life and start with the closets.

Capricorn

Werewolves sense a change.  You’ve been under the weather but the weather is getting brighter and so is your energy level.  It’s time to focus and tackle those demanding projects.

Aquarius

Elves are getting busy.  Clean, organize, and lighten your life.  This is the time to do it.

Pieces

Yetis know that loving yourself is the most important.  Do something special that makes you laugh this week.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

The Romance of Star Gazing

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

As the clouds clear away, I return to a favorite pasttime that I find very inspiring.  I watch the sky.   I had actually wanted to be an astronomer at one time.  Unfortunately when I went to college, the only professor teaching it said he was “stuck teaching astronomy” and demonstrated such feeling by teaching the most boring class on Earth.  I supposed I could have perservered and found another astronomy professor on another campus, but I was always meant to be a writer.  Writers can’t help themselves but write.

However my love for the stars (and a love for science fiction) has inspired me all my life.  I found this chart and even though we’ve missed some events, there are still plenty to enjoy.  I’ll tell you how.

Coming up next to the Comet Panstarrs from Mary 10-24.    Here are some whys you can enjoy the experience.

1) Type in the event into Google and you’ll find lots of websites talking about the upcoming event and in what part of the sky it can be seen.

2) View through your telescope.  Some people use binoculars.  I haven’t so I cannot attest to that experience.

3)  If you have a hot tub on your deck (which is facing the part of the sky you need), then enjoy hot tubbing and comet viewing.

4) Dine under the stars and comet.  A late meal but worthwhile.  Remember, lights out while viewing.

5) If it’s cold, bundle up the family on lawn chairs and set out comet treats such as popcorn, hot cocoa, any treat of your pleasing, etc.

6) If your back porch or deck is private, comet viewing is wonderful for romantic activities.

7) If you’re in the city, light pollution can often interfere with the experience, but you’re not left out.  You can make a country weekend of it, or contact your museum or a local college with a planetarium and they will give you viewing options–perhaps a park stargazing event or a planetarium show.

What will I do?  I will be on my deck with hot cocoa wrapped in a blanket and writing away.   That’s how much the stars inspire me.

By the way, Nights of Passion blog is going to have a surprise next Sunday!  Be sure to visit!

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: romance, Stargazing, Susan Hanniford Crowley

A Tribute to My Friend The Wombat also known as jan howard finder

There’s Wombat in his red corvette.  It’s a borrowed picture from one of his friends on Facebook.  I’ve been looking for my photo of him from the Worldcon (World Science Fiction Convention) several years back  in Glasgow, Scotland.  It’s hard to find the definitive Wombat photo.  If you don’t know me on Facebook, then you don’t know that jan (he preferred the lowercase) died on Tuesday. Today would have been his birthday!

Happy Birthday, Wombat!

Ever have a feeling that you should do something?  I don’t usually check my personal email during the day.  This feeling came over me and I went on my iphone and saw a notice from the science fiction organization up in Albany, NY.  The subject line said, “jan finder RIP”.  I didn’t want to open it but had to.  This took me back to when I found out that my editor Marion Zimmer Bradley had died–the subject line of an email.  I sat down and then began a day of inner silence and sadness and later a lot of crying.

Wombat had been one of the first people I met at a con.  He kissed my hand and said, “You must be ‘Ladyknight’.”  My fantasy novella ‘Ladyknight’ had cpme out that year in the anthology Spells of Wonder edited by Marion.   He introduced me to people and there began years of adventures, meetings at cons, phone calls and emails.

Seeing him at cons was always a highlight whether it was a chat in the dealer’s room or going to a meal or just hanging out.  At one con, he asked me to come outside to see his new car–the red corvette.   One day we were talking on the phone.  He was saying that he’d been ill and wondered if I would mind driving with him to Arisia (convention) in Boston.  I drove three hours to his house and then we traveled three more to Boston.  He was concerned that if he became ill, he would not have been able to drive back.  I didn’t end up driving the corvette, but it made me feel better that he knew that I would if necessary.

Wombat would encourage me when I was low, and most authors may not admit there are low times in the wild world of writing and publishing. He called me up one time because he was going to be an extra in a movie and had gotten permission from the director for me to be on the set.  It was an independent film called “Scenes in the Mind” and was about the Holocaust.  He stayed over at my house and got along great with my husband; the both of them clearly being hobbits.  He left the next day after his part of the film was done.  I wrote about the experience of being on set on my other blog–The Writing House  http://thewritinghouse.blogspot.com/2006/03/scenes-in-mind-movie-in-making.html   Look closely at the last photo and you’ll see jan.

Wombat was an editor, a writer, a masquerade judge, and honored Fan at many conventions.  He was a Tolkien devotee and chaired the Middle Earth Con. He did a special Middle Earth Tour of New Zealand.  He was immensely talented and enjoyed and did so many things.  Wombat was also a world famous flirt, gave talks on the art of flirting (which is not hitting on someone) and even came here and humorously shared his expertise and experiences with Nights of Passion  http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/surprise-the-art-of-flirting-with-world-famous-flirt-jan-howard-finder/

At another convention, he took me aside and told me he met a wonderful woman.  That was his dear Lin.  I’m sending love and hugs her way.

There’s a billion things I could say about jan but it wouldn’t be enough.  So I’m saying this.

Dear Wombat,

Thank you for everything, the fun and the friendship.  On Wednesday night I watched the Return of the King, and as Frodo went on the elven ship to go West, I imagined that you did too.  I always cry at the ending, but on Wednesday night I cried for another reason.  You were gone from the world of men.  Someday it will be my time.  I know there are still some elves left in the world, so there’s bound to be another elven ship.

Next time I see you there will be “white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise.”

Until then…

May the star shine brightly on the traveling hobbit!

Sue

Wombat and Wombat

Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

P.S. Friends of jan’s, please, feel free to post your remembrances.  Thanks.

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Wombat jan howard finder, Writer's Life

Setting the scene by Marian Lanouette

What I’m reading this week: J.D. Robb’s Calculated in Death

As I pondered what to post this week, it got me thinking about the towns and cities I use to set scenes in my books. Though we as authors write about fictional cities, there are some elements of real places we’ve visited or lived. You see as an author you take your life experiences and then create fictional places, characters and events and bring them to life. The best compliment an author can receive is from a reader, who tells you they were sad to see it end. The characters were so alive to them they didn’t want to leave them.

I’m sure this has happened to you with movies, books and even animated films. When I watch a Disney film the animated characters take on a life of their own and it warms my heart. How about you, can you think of a Disney film that has touched you and had you caring for the characters that seemed so real?

A story is enriched with settings. It’s important to lace them throughout your story and not dump them in there all at once. A little bit really does go a long  way here. Make your scenery as exciting as your characters and you’ll grab you reader attention and hold it.

Architectural designs grab my attention wherever I travel. I love buildings with personality. I’m sure I’m not alone. Tomorrow when you go to work, look around you and notice the detail on all the buildings. One design that always attracts me is what I call the angle buildings. Most cities have one. Check this one out:

Both pictures supplied by pics4.city.data.com

Let me know what type of building you love and post a photo here of your favorite building.

Filed under: romance

Tawny’s Top Ten Heroic Inspirations by Gerri Brousseau

Welcome, readers. I’m delighted to introduce you to author, Tawny Weber, who has a new release entitled, A SEAL’s Surrender. Without any further words from me … please help me welcome Tawny.

The reasons I love to write are but one of my absolute favorite reasons to write romance, and especially to read romance, comes down to the heroes.  I love heroes.  Sexy heroes, alpha heroes, cowboy heroes, cop heroes, beta heroes, military heroes, geeky heroes… oh yeah, there are so many many kinds of heroes, aren’t there?

And what’s a better way to get into the groove of writing these yummy heroes than to find a little heroic inspiration.  So here is a list of my absolute favorite heroic inspirations!

Richard Castle.  Cute and sweet, with ample charm and just as much talent.
Johnny Depp.  He’s quirky, he’s sexy, he’s oozing with talent.  He can inspire me any day!
Ryan Reynolds.  Those abs.  Need I say more?
Sean Connery as James Bond.  The original Mr. Suave and Sexy.
Robert Downy Jr.  The ultimate comeback kid, he’s the bad boy who turned it around.
Hugh Jackman.  That voice.  That body.  That smile.  Big sigh…
Jon Bon Jovi.  Ahhh, the hair bands hunkiest hero.  His smile is almost as great as his smile.
George Clooney.  His smile is as charming and clever as his wit.
Colin Firth.  I love his accent, and he’s got such a sweet smile.
Cary Grant.  A classic gentleman, that duded rocked a suit.

And here’s a peek at my latest favorite hero – Cade Sullivan from A SEAL’s Surrender - (they are all my favorite the month their book is released.  After that, I try not to play favorites and just love them all equally *ggg*)

“Do you spend a lot of time at the ocean?” Eden asked, wondering what he did when he living his real life.  Besides all the hero stuff, of course.  “I mean, Navy, ocean.  I know you probably see your fair share.  But for fun?”

Cade’s shrug was a lesson in delight, since it meant his chest did a subtle shift against the side of her breast.  Eden’s nipples perked up while desire stretched, like a waking cat, in her belly. 

“Not so much anymore,” he said.  “I used to.  A couple buddies and I spent a lot of time off at the beach.  Phil was from the Midwest, so the beach was his idea of a candy shop.”

There was something in his words she’d never heard before.  A heaviness.  Her heart ached, though she didn’t know why.

“Did he get tired of candy?” she teased as they reached the cliffs.  The ocean, pounding power in the night, was a study of black noise.  “Or did you just get tired of all the bikini wearing babes throwing themselves at you?”

She felt his silent laugh against her shoulder. 

“Does that ever get old?” he asked, sounding amused.  But that…  Something, pain?  She wasn’t sure what it was in his tone.  But she wanted to fix it.  To make it—and him—feel better. 

Since he hadn’t actually answered either of her questions, Eden waited.  Even though they were still now, she didn’t step out of his arms.   

“Other than work, I don’t go to the beach much these days,” he finally admitted, his words so low they were almost carried away by the ocean breeze.  Tension radiated from him, tight and edgy.  Like he wanted to explode, but knew the damage would be catastrophic.  Eden wondered what it was like, having that kind of control. 

She didn’t say anything.  Just waited.  But she did tighten her arm around his waist.  It wasn’t like she thought he needed her support.  But she didn’t mind offering it, just in case. 

“We lost Phil last year,” Cade finally said, his gaze locked on the churning waves.  “I guess you’d call it a routine mission, although they never really are.  He was taken out by shrapnel to the head.  Never felt a thing.”

No!  Horrified, Eden’s fingers tightened on his waist.  She knew Phil was one of his best friends.  He, a guy named Blake and Cade were in so many of the pictures Catherine loved to share of her grandson.  Once, about five years back, Cade had brought the two men home with him for the holidays.  Eden hadn’t met them, but had heard they were great guys.  And in the few, rare times Cade ever spoke of his SEAL work, he always mentioned Blake and Phil.

To lose one of his best friends?  He must be devastated. 

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. 

Beyond hurting for his loss, wondering how he was dealing with it, a fear she’d never felt took hold in Eden’s gut.  Cade was a hero.  A SEAL.  He went out and did the impossible, like superman.  To her, he’d always been invincible. 

The sudden realization that he wasn’t was terrifying. 

“Hey, it’s a risk of the job.  We all face it,” he said, shrugging and giving her that charming smile he was so good at.  A smile that pushed people away, she realized, her eyes widening in the dark.  That smile put up a wall so solid, most people wouldn’t even realize it was there. 

He acted like it was no big deal.  But she knew better.  She couldn’t imagine losing a best friend.  A comrade in arms.  One of Catherine’s favorite photos was of a young Cade just out of boot camp.  Eden was pretty sure one of the guys in that sterling framed picture was Phil.  To lose that? 

She took a deep breath.  And here she’d been worrying about getting a little fantasy nookie before her life fell apart.  What did that say about her?  

So that’s my list of my favorite ten heroic inspirations.  What are yours?  What heroes make you think Romance?  And how about hot, sexy romance? 

Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first Harlequin Blaze hit the shelves in 2007.  A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrapbooking and hanging out on Facebook. 

Readers can check out Tawny’s books at her website or join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, first chapter excerpts, recipes, insider story info and much more.  And for a limited time, she has a few open spots on her Street Team ! 

And if you just can’t wait to get yourhands on Tawny’s “officially hot” books … here are the links:

A SEAL’s Surrender:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Harlequin
Powells

 
A SEAL’s Seduction:


Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Harlequin
Powells
Audible



Filed under: romance

A Look at Surrendering to His Mrs. Right

Even the title intrigued me! Hi folks, I’m here this week giving a short review of a.c. Mason’s latest novella, Surrendering to His Mrs. Right. I’ve read a.c. Mason for a few years now and admit that from the start, her work has captivated me. I’ve read a lot of books and rarely find myself taken away with characters and plot the way I am when reading (and even afterward) Ms. Mason’s works. In fact, I’d never tell her this because I fear what any author would do with too much ego, but I think she’s a plotting genius (shh!).

Surrendering to His Mrs. Right was one of those short reads that had me engrossed from the first page and I fought to put this book down. This novella is actually the prequel to Surrendering to the Right Man, the first book in the Soul Food Diner series. Throughout this novella, a.c. Mason draws us in by spinning a web around three main characters, Indy Kent, Liam Boyd and Tim Boyd.

Brothers Tim and Liam Boyd have known Indy for years. After all, Indy is Liam’s best friend… who wants a little more than just a friendship… until now. Now the tables are turned. Liam has sowed his oats so to speak and realizes he may want a deeper relationship with Indy. Indy, however, is still licking her wounds and not quite ready to forgive his sleeping around and jerk-like ways. Unexpectedly, and to my glee, Tim Boyd steps onto the stage and creates a bit of a love triangle (you can check out their recent character interview here). Admittedly, Tim Boyd makes this story for me. At first, he comes across as your overachiever good guy, but as the story unravels, we learn more about this good guy and his intentions to win Indy’s heart (I’m a complete sucker for the underdogs in these stories). Indy is clearly torn between the two brothers as it seems one has her heart and the other her mind.

Surrendering to His Mrs. Right is a tease of a novella that bit by bit feeds us intrigue, steamy scenes and the start of a great series. I have only two words for a.c. Mason after reading Surrendering to His Mrs. Right and its sequel, Surrendering to the Right Man: more please!

Oh and for those of you interested in a.c. Mason’s Blurb for Surrendering to His Mrs. Right:

When Tim Boyd is asked to pick up Indy Kent a few days before Christmas, his interest in his brother Liam’s best friend is all tied up in knots. And for once in his life he’s unwilling to deny himself for the sake of his family.

Indy Kent comes home for the holidays heartbroken at the knowledge that her best friend, Liam, is finally serious about another woman. But she finds comfort and a spark with Tim.

To Tim’s surprise, Indy seems to welcome the chance to spend time with him. Soon, something more is brewing…that is, until Liam returns.

New Year’s sends Tim, Indy and Liam into a tailspin that will alter them forever, and their lives will hang in the balance…

Content Warning: This book contains voyeurism, masturbation, graphic sexual descriptions and profane language. M/F.

Smashwords| Amazon

For more information on a.c. Mason and her books, please check out: http://acmason.com/

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Characters, Interview, romance, Toni Kelly