Beth D. Carter's Blog, page 31

Historical Transgender Romance from Katherine Wyvern

Hello Katherine!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
I literally dreamed it. The first spark for the story was a dream I had one night, of a Victorian painter who was in love with his model, who also happened to be a prostitute (I do have weird dreams, I know). Of course the story grew in the telling, and borrowed some things from my own real life, and became a lot more complex, but the core remained almost unchanged.
Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?
Not exactly a series, but it is part of what I call a “loosely interconnected trilogy”. This is three books (duh! Wyvern can count to three!) all featuring transgender characters, more exactly MtoF crossdressers. The first two books (Woman as a Foreign Language and Spice &Vanilla) are contemporary, and have two characters in common, although they can perfectly be read as stand alones. The connection to the third book is more tenuous… and it’s a bit of a game I play with the readers, to find those thin threads, so I will say no more.

Spotlight on Candace Robinson's "Clouded by Envy"

Hi Candace! Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly! So tell me...
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
I knew I always wanted to do twins with the Yin Yang factor. Basically light to the dark, and although one is envious of his sister, he still loves her in his own way.
Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?
It’s part of a series but each book is a stand alone! The companion book will take place years down the line with a new cast of characters! I’m so excited for both of them!
Q) Can you give a fun or interesting fact about your book?
The MCs from Clouded by Envy are fairy-like creatures known as bats but not like our bats! They have bat wings and fangs and love peaches!
Q) What do you think is your strongest asset as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a writer?
My strongest asset is coming up with unique voices for characters. The hardest is world building! I have to think a lot on that one!
Q) Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
For me, originality is key, even if I’m doing a retelling! And hopefully the readers enjoy that journey!

Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
I have an idea of their personalities but doesn’t completely come out until I start writing it!
Q) Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I would like to have each one stand on its own, like be memorable a bit for the readers!

Q) What are your upcoming projects? 
I have a companion to Clouded by Envy titled, Veiled by Desire, which comes out in the fall! Then I’m also working on some secret projects!

Blurb
Brenik has always been envious of his twin sister, Bray. Growing up as fairy-like creatures, known as bats, everything came easier to Bray. While Brenik spent his time in her shadows, never feeling he was enough. After escaping their world of Laith, and living on Earth for ten years, Brenik attempts to strike a deal with the Stone of Desire to become human. Though true humanity is not an option, he will accept the curse that will alter him to get as close as he can.

Living in a tree trunk for the past year hasn’t been easy for Bray, more so after her brother disappears again. When a human boy and his brother, Wes, find her, a new friendship is struck. Through Wes, Bray learns there can be more to life than waiting within a tree. But worrying over where Brenik has vanished to always remains in the back of her mind.

When Bray reunites with Brenik, she realizes she must help him break the curse after she discovers the need for blood is beginning to overpower him. The curse not only damages those who get close to Brenik, but it could also destroy whatever is blooming between Bray and Wes. 
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37654382-clouded-by-envy?from_search=true#other_reviews
Purchase
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KRW6HFP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542901658&sr=8-1&keywords=clouded+by+envyBarnes: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clouded-by-envy-candace-robinson/1129836008?ean=2940156210145Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/clouded-by-envyiBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/clouded-by-envy/id1441653633?mt=11
Author Bio 


Candace Robinson spends her days consumed by words. When she’s not writing stories, she maintains a book review blog. Her life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, and living with her husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next.Social MediaWebsite: http://authorcandacerobinson.wordpress.com
Blog: http://literarydust.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/literarydust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literarydust/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literarydust
Also from Candace…

Welcome Sonia Stanizzo!

Hello Sonia!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…
Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?

Chasing Trouble can be read as a standalone but it’s book two of my Trouble series.
Q) Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I don’t write to what readers want. I write what I would want to read. Things change so much and so fast, I think it would be hard to keep up with the current trend.

Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

I have a general idea of what my characters are like, but they definitely develop as I write.  Sometimes so much so, I have to go back and change stuff I’ve written so it flows with the rest of the story I’ve created.
Q) What are your upcoming projects?
I’m editing book three in my Trouble series, working title, Trouble in Disguise.


Love is worth the chase, even if it means trouble.
When Ava Cardona returns home after being away for ten years, she plans to visit with her younger sister then get out of town fast. There are too many painful memories she’d rather not relive. But when a storm hits and she’s stranded on the side of the road, she has no choice but to accept help from the man who hurt her the most—Nick Williams.

Nick isn’t happy to see Ava either. She had been the love of his life, and she ran away without any explanation. Now he’s stuck with her on his family’s farm, and old feelings are racing to the surface. While the weather rages outside, the air is just as turbulent inside. But even though they both want to keep as far away from each other as possible, old attractions keep pulling them closer.

As the days pass, their icy dispositions begin to melt, and once they begin talking, they finally start to let go of past hurts. A relationship could even be in their future…or at the very least, a friendship with benefits.

But when Ava learns of a family secret that devastates her, and she discovers that Nick has known about it for years, she does what she does best…runs. Will Nick let Ava run from him again, or will he be strong enough to chase her and fight for her love?
Excerpt“I’ve never seen a car repaired by poking.” Ava whirled around and threw daggers with her gaze. Turning back to the engine, this time she rattled some hoses.

Nick shook his head.

Opening the Mercedes’s door, he slid onto the soft leather seats. She stomped over to him. “What the hell are you doing in my car?” She pushed a lank, wet strand of hair away from her face, streaking a smudge of grease across her cheek. “Oh my God! Water is all over the controls on the door!” She shrieked.
“If you keep standing there blocking me from closing it, it will only get wetter.”

She quickly slammed the door. There was no mistaking the word bastard on her lips. Why was he helping her again? He flicked the ignition a couple of times, and it made a cranking sound. It didn’t sound like a flat battery. Dammit, why couldn’t it be as simple as the battery? It needed to go to the workshop.

He got out of her car and threw her the keys. “Well?” she said shivering as the rain pelted them. “What’s wrong with my car?”

His gaze dropped to the raised peaks of her nipples. He pinched the bridge of his nose and trudged through the mud to his truck and away from the headlightshow. “I think it’s either the fuel pump or an electrical problem.”

Her voice rose. “You’re going to fix it, right?” “I can’t on the side of the road.”

“You’re not going to just leave it here?” “Yep, there’s no one who can tow it tonight.” He opened the truck door and paused, the words about to be spoken tasted like ash on his tongue. “Want a lift?”

Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she shut it in a firm line. “Get in…or don’t. I really don’t care. I’m getting in, my balls have just about disappeared.”

She straightened her shoulders, stuck her nose up in the air, and didn’t budge. 

“Suit yourself. Good luck getting a ride tonight.” He jumped in his ute, turned the ignition, and cranked on the heater. A crack of lightning lit up the sky, and Ava scrambled into his truck just as the thunder boomed and rattled the windows. Nick didn’t bother hiding his smirk. She was still scared of thunderstorms. He pulled back onto the road and navigated his way through the dark, stormy night.

After a moment, she said through gritted teeth, “I guess you’re going to gloat.” “No,” he replied.

She squeezed water from her hair. “I don’t believe you. I bet you’re dying to rub it in my face that I needed help and you came to my rescue.” “I would’ve stopped for an injured animal. Don’t think you’re anything special.”

She huffed. Another lightning strike illuminated the sky, and she covered her ears, preparing for the thunder soon to follow. When it did, she sprung so high she almost bumped her head on the roof of the truck.

“Still scared of a little storm? We’re not going parking like we used to, so I can distract you.” She whipped her head around and stared wide-eyed at him.

Crap, why did he have to say that? Shifting in his seat, he scrubbed a hand over his face. To change the subject, and because her shivering vibrated against the seat, he said, “There should be a jumper behind you.” She twisted around to reach behind the seat, and her breast brushed up against his arm. He ignored the rush of heat heading south.

“Where am I taking you?” “I have a room booked at a bed-and-breakfast. It’s called Greenhill House.” Then she glanced around the cabin of the truck and laughed with disbelief. “Is this the same truck you drove years ago?”

Nick drew in a deep breath, “Yes.” She ran a hand over the cracked vinyl seat. “It’s not very comfortable.”

“You never complained. You used to beg me to take you parking in it so we could fu—” “I did not!” she interrupted.

“Sorry it’s not as luxurious as your Merc.” Leaning forward, he squinted through the rain and pulled to a stop. “Shit…” Ava followed his gaze. “What?”

“The road into town is flooded. We can’t cross.” “Isn’t this a four-wheel drive?” she asked.

“Yes.” “Then what’s the problem?”

He gave a heavy sigh. “It’s too deep. We could get washed away.” Nick slammed his fist against the steering wheel. How did his day turn to shit? “You have two choices. I take you back to your car and hope it’s comfortable for you to sleep in or…” The next words clogged in his throat.Ava sounded reluctant to ask, “Or what?”

He cleared the lump. “You stay the night at my place.”

Purchase Links
Amazon:    http://smarturl.it/dh406c
ITunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/chasing-trouble/id1412452628?mt=11
KOBO:  https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/ebook/chasing-trouble-4Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-trouble-sonia-stanizzo/1129081691?ean=2940162142416
Bookstrand:  https://www.bookstrand.com/chasing-trouble
Newsletter subscribe: http://eepurl.com/cUWmv5



Sonia Stanizzo is a contemporary romance writer who lives in the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales with her childhood sweetheart/husband and their three children. When she’s not dreaming up stories about couples and their road to finding love, sometimes bumpy but always a lot of fun, she can be found taking pole dancing lessons (purely for the fun and exercise), reading, and writing.Website:  www.soniastanizzo.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/soniastanizzowriter/ 
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/soniastanizzowriter/ 
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com.au/soniastanizzo/boards/
Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/cUWmv5

Spotlight on Dania Voss's The Warrior's Whisper!

Blurb
He returned home from battle a changed man. Her love can make him whole again.

To the outside world, Heath appears healed and integrated back into civilian life just fine after being injured in Afghanistan. But even though the battles are over, the scars, guilt, demons, and insecurities remain.

Leah has loved Heath all her life. He’s known her since the day she was born, seeing as he’s ten years older and her brother Jake’s best friend. Although he’s always regarded her as “family”, she believes they are meant to be together.

Heath has always considered Leah off limits, a forbidden temptation he shouldn’t want and can never have. But when he sees her at Jake’s wedding ceremony, he’s so overwhelmed he makes a move against his better judgment. 

Still, his insecurities ultimately get the best of him. He believes she deserves more than a battle-weary Marine who suffers from combat nightmares. 

Leah has a secret that will change their lives forever, but can Heath conquer his demons so they can make a way forward together—or will he abandon her when she needs him the most?


Excerpt
Heath slid next to her as she admired the small bridal toss bouquet she’d caught. He took it and placed it beside her larger bridesmaid bouquet and small evening bag on the carpeted limousine floor. He couldn’t wait. He needed a taste of her. Now.

She squeaked when he lifted her off the seat and settled her on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he claimed her lips like a starving man. Which he was. He should have fucked her in the small banquet room after they’d finished talking. She eagerly opened her mouth, their tongues colliding in a ferocious dance.

He was so hard it hurt. He was certain she could feel his throbbing dick against her leg. He couldn’t wait much longer to sink inside her warm, waiting pussy.

Much to his disappointment, she broke their kiss, leaving them both panting. Shit. No one else had ever made him as hot or as hard as Leah did. He was so screwed.

Moving quickly before he could stop her, Leah hopped off his lap and positioned herself on the floor between his legs. The sexy gleam in her eyes had his painfully hard cock pulsing in anticipation.
She ran her hands unhurriedly up and down his thighs, the heat of her hands burning a trail. Heath stopped her when she reached for his zipper. “What do you think you’re doing, little girl?” He had a good idea, but wondered if she could verbalize it.

His heart raced in his chest when she smiled seductively at him. “What do you think? I’m going to take care of this big, hard dick for you.”

Damn. It was official. He was screwed. His little Leah was into dirty talk? His mind raced with all the other dirty, filthy things he’d introduce her to if they went past the weekend. Don’t get ahead of yourself, pal. One step at a time.

Acting more relaxed than he felt, he played along. He made himself comfortable in the limo seat and spread his legs a little further apart for her. He unbuttoned his pants and slowly unzipped them. She watched him with such a lust he considered laying her flat on the limousine floor and fucking her hard before they reached the Fairchild Hotel.

“So, you think you can wrap those luscious lips around my big fat cock, little girl?” Heath wasn’t small. He wanted to see how much of him she could handle.

Even in the dim interior of the car, he could see her dilated pupils. His Leah wanted to suck his dick. He would let her for a little bit. The first time he came inside her would be in her tight, little pussy, not her mouth.

She wasted no time and pulled on his boxer briefs, freeing his cock. The warmth of her delicate hand wrapped around his length nearly set him off. Where was his legendary control?

“Let’s find out,” she purred.

She licked the pre-cum from the tip of his dick, and he almost lost it. How did she do this to him? “Go on, suck me.”

He held on to Leah’s head, his fingers tangled in her thick, silky locks. She swallowed his cock as far as she could. The feel of her hot mouth engulfing his length was so fucking incredible he groaned and pushed himself deeper. To his surprise, she deep-throated him completely and hummed. The vibration practically had him coming right then and there.

Leah sucked him with enthusiasm, finding the perfect rhythm. He gripped her hair tighter, eliciting a groan from her. She liked a little pain? He could definitely work with that.

The base of his spine tingled. He needed to stop her, but her mouth felt too fucking good.

“Mr. Jackson, we’re near the Fairchild,” the chauffeur’s voice announced through the limo’s speakers.

Leah pulled off his throbbing dick with a pop, and he immediately missed her warm mouth. Shit, he was done for. He needed to get inside of her. Now.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to finish. I wanted to take care of you.” She frowned, collected her bouquets, evening bag and sat down beside him, snuggling close.

“It’s all right. I wanted to come buried deep inside you anyway,” Heath said as he tucked himself back inside his pants and zipped up. He grabbed the top hat that had fallen off while Leah was blowing him and put it back on.

The moment the limousine came to a complete stop at the Fairchild Hotel, he was out the door extending a hand to her. She emerged with her bouquets and evening bag in tow. Taking her bag in one hand, and then grasping her now free hand in the other, he escorted her past the smiling chauffer and into the hotel lobby.

“Have a good evening, Mr. Jackson,” the chauffer called out.

“I intend to.”


Purchase LinksBooks2read:  https://books2read.com/u/3nYQ5oEvernight:     https://bit.ly/2xfMTBmAmazon paperback:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/177339794X/Amazon(US): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9BVJY3Amazon(UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07H9BVJY3Amazon(AU): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07H9BVJY3Amazon(CA): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07H9BVJY3Nook: https://bit.ly/2xdWpoKSmashwords: https://bit.ly/2N7GhjoKobo: https://bit.ly/2Qp3zPIApple: https://apple.co/2OgVQlf




Dania Voss Bio
Born in Rome, Italy and settled in the Chicagoland area, Dania Voss became a romance junkie in her teens. After decades of voracious reading, she published her first romance novel On the Ropes, the prequel in her Windy City Nights series in March 2018. It was nominated as best Contemporary Romance in the 2018 Evernight Publishing Reader's Choice Awards.

The Windy City Nights series takes place in and around Chicago which means - baseball, men in uniform, sexy Italians and steamy nights...She writes contemporary, steamy romance but at their core, her stories are about love, commitment, family, and friendship. 

She's been seen on affiliates of NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX. She's been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Artist First Radio Network.

Dania loves to hear from readers. 

Keep up with her at: www.DaniaVoss.com

Visit her blog at: www.DaniaVoss.com/blog

Sign up for Dania's e-newsletter and download a free gift: bit.ly.com/DaniaNews

Social Media Sites
--------------------
Twitter: @dania_voss
Pinterest: @daniavoss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaniaVoss
Instagram: @daniavoss

Top 5 Things on my Bucket List

The Evernities have come up with an interesting challenge, mainly because I don't really believe in bucket lists. I've always believed you should never put off what you'd like to accomplish because you can walk out of your door tomorrow morning and get in a car accident. I've lived in Paris, France, and I've traveled through Europe. I took a ship from Stockholm Sweden to Finland, and got my hair cut in Helsinki. I've visited New Zealand and took a watched penguins come up shore in the evening on Phillips Island in Australia. I've attended the Primetime Emmy Awards and met all kinds of celebrities. Even went to a few Hollywood parties back in the early 2000s. I knew before I settled down and had a family that I needed to spread my wings, and I made sure I did as much as I could.

This is not bragging. This is me explaining why I don't really have a bucket list. At best, I'll say there are a few things I'd like to do at some point in my life:

1) Get married - although I am going to do this on May 4th, when I marry my best friend and love of my life, Mike. If you want to check out our adventures together, I've made a few videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSt6fvQJcg5qNm0x8bY5ow/videos
2) Visit Ireland - Both Mike and I have done our ancestry and have ancestors from Ireland. While his family has a traditional Irish name, Maguire, my family has a very odd surname, Cowsert. I would like to try to find more history on my family name.
3) Visit L'Aquila Italy - again, this has to do with my family ancestry. I have visited Italy, but never knew at the time where my family came from. It wasn't until I found my great-grandfather's entry on Ellis Island that I learned where he came from. I'd love to see if there are other Ciuffetelli's out there.
4) Visit Dawson City, Alaska - why? Because of it's history with gold hunting! 
5) Write a bestseller - this is a no-brainer, right? LOL!!!

Wednesday's Writers Block Bypass

 Got Writer’s Block?
Yeah, it happens to the best of us.  Life gets in the way and your brain is taken in another direction and before you know it, it’s been days or weeks since you last looked at that book you’re trying to write.  You’ve forgotten little details.  What eye color did you give your hero?  What town was your heroine born in?  Perhaps you need to jumpstart your creative mojo, and that's what this series is designed for. Not to explain writer's block, but to help you move in a different direction.

This is one of my favorite cards because I’ve always advocated that the bad guy should be complex and real. Why do readers love Snape (Harry Potter)? Or Loki (Thor)? Because they had emotions and real flaws. They weren’t perfect bad guys but believable ones. Their motivations drove them to commit bad things, but there was always a thread of goodness somewhere buried deep that made them redeemable. 
Villains should never be bad just for the sake of taking over the world. They should never be omnipotent. A one dimensional bad guy doesn’t engage the reader and heighten the stakes for the hero. Make the reader love the bad guy, knowing he has to fall, and his eventually defeat will be bittersweet. This is draw the reader in and make them pick up your next book, because the characters will stay with them.  

#6 Every Villain is a Heron
Your antagonist probably thinks he’s the good guy. Imagine the story from his perspective.

>Plot out what would happen if your hero never showed up. What would the villain/antagonist do? Would a different hero rise up? 
> What is your villain’s greatest fear? Who does he love? Can either of these cause him to take action in your story?

> Brainstorm three moment in which your villain could be surprisingly heroic.

What is the villain trying to do? Beyond the hero, what other obstacles are in his way?
Don’t stop at the villain’s motivation(e.g., revenge, greed, survival). Rather, look for what the journey is. We might only see a small part of it from the hero’s perspective, but knowing the whole arc gives us more to push against.
Let your villain struggle and win a few times along the way. After all, he doesn’t know he’s the bad guy.



Happy Writing!


  
***John August designed these cards to help writers fix plot holes, spice up stock characters and rethink your themes.  They, of course, do not guarantee you’ll get published or that you’ll become the next J.K. Rowling, and of course they are only a tool to help you think outside the box. I make no monetary gain with them nor do I expect anything in return.  I do not own the contents in these cards. If you're interested in them, here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Writer-Emergency-Pack/dp/B00R6ZLIOY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502046610&sr=8-2&keywords=john+august 

Dania Voss Talks About "On the Ropes"!

Hello Dania!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
I spent quite a bit of time in the Fall of 2017 planning and fleshing out my world of characters that will span several series that overlap. This group of family and friends will have a reach from Chicago to fictional towns in Texas to Milan, Italy, Sicily and beyond. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. I’m a computer nerd by trade so becoming a published romance author has been quite the adventure. It’s hard work, but I’m having the time of my life.
Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it?
Yes! The Windy City Nights Series takes place in and around Chicago – the Chicago Metro area, where I also live, work and play. We are a huge sports town, so part of the story line includes a major league baseball team, the Chicago Cobras and a hunky pitcher named Luke ‘strike ‘em out’ Stryker. It also includes men in uniform, sexy Italians and steamy nights.
The series also features Chicago’s newest BDSM club called Club Envidious, expanding from Texas and its kinky erotic book and ladies social club the Twisted Tea Society, where ladies discuss their favorite steamy romance novels while being served refreshments by male servers wearing only a bow tie and a smile.
Q) What do you think is your strongest asset as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a writer?
Since the series takes place in actual suburbs and the city of Chicago, I have wanted to showcase the best of the area. I’ve been as diligent and factual in what I’ve shared about the area as I can. It’s a great place to live and work and I hope that comes through in my writing.
As far as weaknesses, I do still have a day job which limits how much time I have to write and how quickly I can release new stories. Compared to others, and I know we’re not supposed to do that, I’m not the fastest of writers.
Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
Because my writing time is limited, I do work from character profiles and chapter outlines so I can make the most of my writing time. I am flexible though. Characters can take you in directions you might not have anticipated.
I hadn’t planned on featuring Club Envidious until I wrote the club owner’s story several stories from now. But, while writing The Warrior’s Whisper, Kyle Asher, Club Envidious’ owner had other ideas so the story ended up with a visit to the club and one of the private play rooms. As I writer, you have to be flexible.
Q) What are your upcoming projects?
I have the third installment of the Windy City Nights series releasing in March entitled Hannah’s Bliss and I’m so lucky to have Italian Int’l model Luca Pantini featured on the cover. A romance book cover will be a first for him.
Luca and I are working on a non-fiction project related to the photo shoot. A first for both of us. It won’t be completed until well after Hannah’s Bliss is published.
I have two other story ideas for Windy City Nights, one for the owner of Cucina Antonetti’s – Carlo and his long lost love Angel, who were introduced in my debut On the Ropes. Luca said he’d help me find another Italian for the cover of this book. What a sweetheart!
The other story is for secondary characters Tom Murphy, a Harley Davidson riding bad boy and computer geek and coffee shop owner Karla Collins who were also introduced in On the Ropes.


Blurb Ten years ago he let her get away. Does he have what it takes to make her his for good? 

By all accounts Luke “Strike ‘em Out” Stryker lives a charmed life. He’s won 4 World Series Championship rings and is the Chicago Cobras star pitcher. He’s gorgeous, wealthy and is dating one of Hollywood’s biggest A-list actresses.

But things aren’t always as they appear.

Abbey Jayne has been nursing a broken heart since Luke Stryker betrayed her ten years ago. She’s spent the last ten years focused on her career and education, trying to get over him.

Forced to see him again at her sister’s wedding, Abbey vows to not let Luke ruin her weekend. 

An accident days before the wedding has Luke re-evaluating the harsh realities of his life and future. A future that must include his one true love Abbey. 

A terrible misunderstanding drove them apart ten years ago, but Luke is determined to win Abbey back by the end of the wedding weekend. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her they belong together. Failure is not an option.
ExcerptHe held out a forkful of chocolate brownie with walnuts to her lips and raised a brow in challenge. Abbey’s heart galloped in her chest. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth. So this is a part of my reboot weekend? All right then, here we go.
It was one of the best brownies Abbey’d ever eaten. She moaned when the rich flavor of chocolate fudge hit her tongue. It was the perfect combination of cake and fudge with crunchy walnuts mixed in.
She watched, transfixed, as Luke took a bite himself and swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down in his throat. She couldn’t help but stare as his tongue licked chocolate frosting off his kissable lips.
Abbey remembered Luke’s talented tongue. He’d spent hours using it all over her. Kissing her senseless with just the right amount of firmness. Licking her nipples relentlessly until they ached so good. And when he used his tongue between her legs, it hadn’t taken many swipes against her throbbing clit to set her off like a rocket ship.
For the next few minutes, he continued to feed them from their dessert plate. Although Abbey enjoyed the delicious treats she was being fed, she enjoyed watching Luke’s mouth as he ate even more. She imagined his mouth, lips, and tongue on her, and by the time they’d had their fill of dessert, she was hot and aching. Her panties were damp and she desperately needed relief. The kind only Luke could provide.
She was practically vibrating in her chair, her breaths reduced to quick pants. Luke licked his lips and she couldn’t wait another minute to get a taste of him. She leaned in and he met her halfway.Abbey startled and quickly pulled away at the amplified sound of the DJ’s voice. “All right, everyone, we’re going to get the evening’s festivities underway. The photographers have set up in the corner next to the gift table for anyone who would like to have pictures taken. Jake and Cassie, come on up for your first dance as man and wife.”
Abbey shivered and tried to calm down. She looked over to Luke and saw him frowning. “Bad timing, DJ dude,” he mumbled.
She giggled at him as she joined the guests and applauded while Cassie and Jake went to the dance floor for their first dance. Luke reached over and held her hand, and they both watched, hand in hand, as the newlyweds danced to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett. From the way Jake was looking at Cassie—with love, lust, and contentment—it was the perfect song. Abbey teared up. Once upon a time, Luke had looked ather the same way.
She felt his warm fingers brush away a stray tear on her cheek. His simple touch made her insides sizzle. This is so unfair. He turned her head, so she faced him. “No tears, princess.”Luke leaned in and her eyes drifted shut. She should have pulled away but didn’t have the will left in her to do that. The soft, warm brush of Luke’s lips on hers left her reeling. The world around them fell away. She’d missed Luke so much. Missed everything Luke. Abbey’s head was swimming. She wanted him, needed him so badly.
Luke licked the seam of her lips, seeking entry, and Abbey opened her mouth, happy to let him inside. The first taste of him was a sweet mix of the delicious desserts they’d just shared—chocolate, tart apples, cheesecake, and more. His big warm hands cradled her face as their tongues tangled and danced. More decadent than any dessert.
Abbey lost herself in him. Her heart raced and her skin felt hot and tight. Her breasts were swollen and heavy and her panties were soaked. Luke moaned sexily and she was ready to toss him under the table and—
“If the bridal party and parents of the bride and groom would like to come to the dance floor now, please.”
  Purchase linksBooks2read:  https://books2read.com/u/4DlNXQEvernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/on-the-ropes-by-dania-vossAmazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQN46XJAmazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BQN46XJAmazon (AU): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07BQN46XJAmazon (CA): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BQN46XJBarnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128305873?ean=2940155189053Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/807854

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/on-the-ropes-7
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/on-the-ropes-mf
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39670491-on-the-ropes?from_search=true
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Dania_Voss_On_the_Ropes?id=RS1TDwAAQBAJ

Dania Voss Bio Born in Rome, Italy and settled in the Chicagoland area, Dania Voss became a romance junkie in her teens. After decades of voracious reading, she published her first romance novel On the Ropes, the prequel in her Windy City Nights series in March 2018. It was nominated as best Contemporary Romance in the 2018 Evernight Publishing Reader's Choice Awards.


The Windy City Nights series takes place in and around Chicago which means - baseball, men in uniform, sexy Italians and steamy nights...She writes contemporary, steamy romance but at their core, her stories are about love, commitment, family, and friendship. 

She's been seen on affiliates of NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX. She's been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Artist First Radio Network.

Dania loves to hear from readers. 

Keep up with her at: www.DaniaVoss.com

Visit her blog at: www.DaniaVoss.com/blog

Sign up for Dania's e-newsletter and download a free gift: bit.ly.com/DaniaNews

Social Media Sites
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Twitter: @dania_voss
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaniaVoss
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Q & A with Faye Hall!

Hello Faye!  Thank you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today!  It’s such a pleasure to chat with you.  So tell me…
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
The two main characters from Wrath & Mercy, Finley and Elina, were dreamed up from the struggle lovers went through when being torn from each other and moved to live in a new country.  The struggles they go through are heart wrenching and so very relatable.

Q) Is this book part of a series?  If so, can you tell us about it? 
It is!  This is book number 5 in the Sins of the Virtuous series.  My idea for this book was to concentrate on the seven deadly sins of wrath and the virtue of mercy and how they each affect people and their actions.
Q) Can you give a fun or interesting fact about your book?
When Finley comes to Australia, he takes ownership of a cattle station near Phillip’s Creek in Jarvisfield.  Such a cattle station actually exists and I used to live opposite it for a few years.
Q) What do you think is your strongest asset as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a writer? 
I like to think my strongest asset is my ability to put so much actual historical facts from North Queensland into my books.  My weakest factor is writing a synopsis – I’m hopeless at them.
Q) Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I hope I write what readers want to read, but I mainly write the kind of stories I wanted to read in my younger years.  I also try to involve storylines that are a bit more forbidden in the era they are set.
Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write? 
I only plan basic features like hair and eye color.  The actual personality of the characters develop as the story does.
Q) Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? 

Both.  Each book I write, even those in the Sins of the Virtuous series, are stand-alone books, but all of my books are linked together by area settings and minor characters.
Q) What are your upcoming projects?

I still have two books left in the Sins of the Virtuous series and then I want to try and self publish a couple of books containing some stuff I wrote in my younger years.

Blurb
            Would you show mercy to the lover who deserted you?
            Finley Helmer thought he had it all when Elina invited him into her bed.  He thought he found passion and love beyond compare.  Instead he was thrown into a life of smuggling black opals, drugs and aboriginal slaves.  When he was charged with murder, he fled town to escape the charges, vowing to return and ask his lover why she’d handed him over to the police.
Elina Clemence was ripped away from her home and the man she loved and brought to Australia to start her life anew.  Her father promised her beauty and opportunity.  What she found was a cruel and abusive business partner, and a step-daughter who wanted to destroy her.
Despite the constant accidents following her and threatening her life, Elina sets herself up as a profitable shipping tycoon, with control over most of the towns supply.  Despite her powerful position, her heart still ached for the man she once loved who disappeared from her life without a trace.
Finding themselves passionately reunited, Finley and Elina discover the cruelty that tore them from each other.  As they search for answers, they uncover the unrelenting wrath and vengeance of an opium addict who will stop at nothing until she has possession of the black opals she thinks they are hiding.
Will their love for each other allow them forgiveness, or will they fall victim to the horror that seems to be following them?

EXCERPT
Elina went quiet, watching Fin’s attention return to the papers on the desk. She knew now wasn’t the best time to bring up her own concerns. Still, he needed to know.
“My father told me we leave for Australia as soon as he has our affairs in order.”
Fin looked up at Elina. “He told me before the funeral that he thought it best to take you as far away from here as possible. He believes what is being said about Ewan, and he doesn’t want those he dealt with finding their way back to you.”
Elina lowered her gaze to her lap. “Will you be coming with us?”
Silence surrounded them. Lifting her gaze to him and seeing his stern expression, she felt her heart sink.
“Archie has instructed me to stay here in England a while longer to finalize the last few shipments. It will be at least a few months before I can get my own passage to Australia.”
His words stabbed at her heart. “I don’t want to leave you,” she uttered, her voice laced with tears.
Getting up from his seat, he walked around the desk. His hands going to her, he helped her to stand. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m able. I promise.”
Her gaze held his as fear filled her. What if this was the last time she’d ever see him? The mere thought pained her.
“This isn’t goodbye,” he told her, his hand going to her face, his fingers stroking her cheek. “I won’t allow it to be.”

Buy linkshttp://beachwalkpress.com/faye-hall/http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DPIMSMWhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/author/faye-hall/id1104960880?mt=11https://www.kobo.com/au/en/search?query=Faye%20Hall&fcsearchfield=Authorhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Faye%20Hall%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall
            Faye Hall spent her early years listening to stories about the families – including her own – who settled townships in and around her hometown in North Queensland, Australia.  The local townspeople, including her own parents, told her stories of corruption and slavery, along with family secrets and forbidden love.
           Desperate to remember what she’d been told, along with her already growing love of writing, Faye began to write about the history of her local area.  Never could she have imagined the history of her small home town in Australia would become a growing list of published books.
            Faye’s passionate stories combine controversial subjects and provocative encounters as her characters struggle to survive the lifestyle in early rural townships throughout Australia.  She explores slavery and abortion, drug addiction and murder, as well as forbidden love and passionate affairs of the heart.
            When she’d not writing, Faye enjoys sharing a bottle of wine with her husband in their ever-growing garden, and encouraging the varied interests of their combined family of nine children.
Explore the world of Faye Hall, Australian Historical Romance Author at her website below.
Social media links
website https://www.faye-hall.comblog http://www.faye-hall.infoFacebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Faye-Hall/174774709247649                 https://www.facebook.com/faye.hall.3363?ref=tn_tnmnTwitter https://twitter.com/FayeHall79Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6882637.Faye_HallTumblr http://fayehallauthor.tumblr.com/Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/fayehall79/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fayehallauthor/ Flipagram http://flipagram.com/fayehall79Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoS8vLrlO0XZT80xTuJnrkA/videos

Blast From the Past...Elizabeth Monvey's "Carried Away"

Jin-Pyoo is an Olympic Alpine skier who has been reared all his life to focus on winning a medal.  His father is harsh and demanding, but when he orders Jin to stop being friends with ski resort owner, Tolliver St. James, Jin has to decide if he should continue with his Olympic dream or follow his heart.



Tolliver St. James knows that Jin is the man for him.  They’ve been in a relationship for two years and he wants them to be publicly out, but Jin wants them to keep hiding in the shadows.  When Jin’s father forces Jin into an engagement to a woman, Tolliver is afraid of losing his lover forever.


But when Tolliver is caught in grips of an avalanche, Jin knows he can’t live his life without him and it’s a race against time to find the man he loves more than anything.


Q & A 
1.       What was your hardest scene to write in this book?
The avalanche scene. I had to do a lot of research to see how a person could survive one. I wanted to write it as authentically and as believable as possible. (read the book to find out how! ) LOL!!!!
2.       Did you hide any secrets or Easter Eggs?
Not really, but if there are any fans of Korean television shows, you’ll notice that the main character’s name is the same as the main character from the show “Boys Over Flowers”, which is from the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango”.
3.       Since the publication, what would you say has improved in your writing?
I think my grammar.


4.       Do you believe a book cover plays an important role in the selling process?
Absolutely! A cover artist has a difficult job in making a book marketable and I think this cover does a good job in letting the reader know what to expect when they start reading it.
EXCERPT
As he walked toward the elevators, Jin felt his world breaking apart although he didn’t blame Tolliver for breaking things off.  He’d been very clear about his position on their relationship from the beginning and he’d compromised his beliefs to accommodate Jin’s heritage.  But what could he do?  Just walk away from his family, and from his dream?
Christ, did he even want to be a skier anymore?
He was so afraid of making the wrong decision, and of regretting something, that he felt frozen inside.  He didn’t want to give Tolliver up, but maybe Tol was going to take that decision away from him.  Maybe he wouldn’t have anything else but skiing to take up the empty future without Tolliver’s presence.
And how would he feel when Tolliver eventually found someone else?
The elevator opened to the private penthouse floor and Jin felt like he was being delivered a death sentence.  He knocked on the door and it opened immediately and before he could say anything Tolliver grabbed his arm and pulled him into the room.
They stared at each other for a long moment and Jin couldn’t help but admire Tol’s suave sophistication.  His grey streaked black hair gave him an iron tough appearance and his blue eyes were sharp and missed nothing.  He was tall, with a massive chest and shoulders that had a fine dusting of hair.  Jin knew Tol worked out every morning, as well as skied on the weekends to give his body tone and definition.  He was what some people would call a bear man, and Jin never thought he’d be attracted to such bulk, but every time Tol touched him it was like fireworks exploding.
He opened his mouth to say something, anything to erase the distance in Tolliver’s eyes, but just as he opened his mouth, Tol reached out and pulled Jin into his arms.  The tension that had been building up inside Jin broke and his arms crept around Tolliver to hold on tightly.


WHERE TO BUY:


https://www.evernightpublishing.com/carried-away-by-elizabeth-monvey
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/468432
https://www.amazon.com/Carried-Away-Romance-Elizabeth-Monvey-ebook/dp/B00MOZXGIM/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1549754547&sr=8-16&keywords=elizabeth+monvey

Five Authors I'd like ot Meet

1) Judith Tarr
     She is a science-fiction and fantasy author and her book Avaryan Rising changed my writing life forever. I'd had a few fantasy authors I loved (Lynn Flewelling, Neil Gaiman) but if you haven't read a Tarr book then you are missing out. She brings a richness to her narrative that made me want to be a better writer and I devoured her books.

2) JK Rowling
     Seriously, what writer wouldn't want to meet her? Not because she's famous and wrote, perhaps the best series of books EVER, but because she's a fan-frickin'-tastic author! I would love to have a moment to sit with her and pick her brain on story development.

3) Lisa Kleypas
    In my humble opinion, this is the best historical romance writer on the market right now. Yes, she's written some contemporary romance books, but her book Devil in Winter is one of my favorite books ever. I hear that there is a new St. Vincent book coming out....

4) Julia Quinn
    Every book by Julia Quinn makes me laugh out loud. She is the Queen of Romantic Humor and I bet sitting down with her and talking would be one huge laugh fest.

5) Oscar Wilde
    Oscar Wilde died 1900 in Paris France, and I've visited his grave two times. I've also visited the home where he lived while in exile in Paris. Although he is known for writing various plays, he wrote one novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. It's one of my favorite books. I would love to be able to talk with him and let him know just how brilliant the literary world views his writing.

Please visit the others in the #evernighties series!

Katherine Wyvern:
https://katherinewyvern.blogspot.com/2019/02/five-authors-alive-or-dead-that-i-would.html?zx=9b3280c853f9fa0e&fbclid=IwAR35zhiwnSol_0c9g_DLTM_PuCMFpgquTPW5SOLsHdcz4MllV9_jkIqMsCQ