Lilly Gayle's Blog

Author Roast and Toast

If you're looking for my blog, I am now posting at lillygayle.com/blog. But, you can also find me at http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/ every Friday. I am one of three new hostesses on the Author Roast and Toast. Stop by and join the fun!

New Blog Address

Hi,
If you've landed here and you're looking for Lilly Gayle's blog, then you have the old blog address. You can now find her blog on her website: http://lillygayle.com  Just click the link, go to the site, and open the blog tab.

Hope to see you there!
Lilly

ETD is on sale until June!

If you missed your chance to get a free copy of Embrace the Darkness from Amazon, it's not too late to get it at a discount. From now until its official release on June 21, 2013 Amazon is selling Embrace the Darkness
for only $2.99. After June 21, the price goes up to $5.99.


And while you're checking out ETD, why not pick up a copy of the first book in my Darkness Series? Out of the Darkness is on sale now for $2.99 as well. So check it out on Amazon and own the two book set. Hoping there's a third or even a fourth book in the future. :)

I Got Dibs on David Brenner!

So excited to be doing another Character Interview with another fictional character. I love doing these, and today's character is Dibs--David Brenner--from the novel She's Got Dibs by author AJ Nuest.

So, David, where were you born?

In Martha's Vineyard Hospital, right off the cape. My parents were just finishing out the season at their summer estate when I came a couple of weeks early.  I'm happy to say, I've been causing them grief ever since.

Mmm. Handsome and rich. lol!  Where do you live now and what do you do for a living?

I have a lakefront home in Chicago and am currently the CEO of The Brenner Foundation. We're a charitable organization that works with big money making firms to ensure they declare enough in write offs each year to off-set their taxable income -- sorta my way of giving back for the privileged life I was born into. This past year most of those funds went toward a new school the foundation is building in Botswana, South Africa. I'm pretty proud of what we've accomplished over there, so far. Even though the travel did take me away from another, more personal, goal of mine.

Okay, I'm about to swoon here. Rich, handsome, and generous? You sound too good to be true. But maybe not. So, tell me, what's going on in your life right now?

Pretty much the usual. Arguing with my dad over the direction my life has taken, fighting my mother's interference in my personal life. Status quo for those two, although I can't really blame them. It's what they were born into, so controlling the lives of their children is normal for them. I can't stand it, though. Never could. It's the reason we don't get along. I'm not really one for letting people tell me what to do.

I understand that. Family can drive you crazy if you let them. lol! But seriously, is there a special person in your life?

Why yes, there is. Tessa Adams. She's…well, she's unlike any woman I've ever met. Which is probably why she drives me so crazy--both in and out of the bedroom. She's my best friend, knows more about me than anyone else. But I guess the most important thing is the way she accepts me for who I am, regardless of the money. That's unusual for me. Most folks I know…it's hard to determine if their attempts at friendship are genuine. Tessa's the exact opposite. She's completely transparent and I love that about her. She couldn't care less if I'm impressed with her, and that right there impresses me more than any false attempts at trying to earn my attention.

How did you meet her?

*Dibs chuckles and glances around Lilly's living room* That's a funny story, actually. Our plane from New York to Chicago was grounded because of an ice storm that hit the Midwest. With a little devious interaction on my part, I made sure we were booked at the same hotel. What happened after that? Well, that's a little personal. I'm not sure Tessa would appreciate me sharing the details. Perhaps you should ask her. She's got carte blanche to explain what happened between us however she wants.

Hmm. I think I need to have a chat with Tessa. Sounds like y'all got to know each other pretty well that night. So, what's keeping you two apart?

As far as I'm concerned, nothing. I was fairly certain the moment I saw Tessa, she was the one for me. After our first night together, I wasn't left any doubts. The chemistry between us is…*Dibs lifts a devilish eyebrow*…highly explosive? She's harboring a big hurt, though. One that can't be fixed until she's ready to let go of the past. Until then, I'm happy to wait. She's too special to let go.

OMG! That is just too sweet. I'm really rooting for you two. But I got to know...How would you like to see this situation resolved?

Ideally, I'd like to see Tessa believe in love again, but I also know that might be asking a lot. In her line of work as an event coordinator, she's seen a lot of relationships fail. This, coupled with what that jackass did to her, I'm not surprised she's a little gun shy. Who wouldn't be?

Sounds like some jackass needs an ass-whooping. lol! But you seem ready to take the next step. So, what's standing in your way?

I admit, there are a few obstacles, but it's nothing we can't handle. Admittedly, if my family wasn't so intrusive that would certainly be a big help. Foremost is probably Tessa's insistence to control everything. But, again, I can't say I blame her. She doesn't trust easy. Then again, neither do I. It's just one of many things we have in common.

Sounds like a match made in heaven to me. The question is, do you believe there's a happily ever after in the future?

I sure hope so, but that's sorta up to her. Once she gives me the green light, I'm all in. 

I hope you guys can make this relationship work. It sounds as if you were made for one another.

I'd love to talk some more, but AJ has some information she'd like to share. So, before we wrap this up, is there anything you'd like to add?

Only that it was a pleasure visiting with you today. Thanks for having me and I know AJ sends her thanks along as well. 

Any time, David.

Thanks AJ for sharing David with us. And now, I'd like to share some information and buy links from sister rose, AJ Nuest, author of She's Got Dibbs and creator of the very sexy, David Brenner.

Author bio:
Award-winning author and editor, AJ Nuest, lives in a small farming community in NW Indiana with her loving husband, two beautiful children, and a bevy of spoiled pets. She and the cat are currently vying for dictatorship.
Book blurb:
True love does not exist…or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted--twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David's father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she's unwittingly become a part of his parents' plan to destroy his life-long dreams. Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal? Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand--his generous heart and infectious smile are just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can't have--a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams. His family's far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything…but will the return of her ex-fiancé be their final undoing?
Excerpt:
"Dibs." He extended his hand.Frowning, she accepted his greeting. "Dibs on what?"No." He chuckled. "That's my name. Or well, actually, my nickname. Either way, it's what everyone calls me.""O-o-okay..." The guy definitely had the smolder covered...and those incredible ice-blue eyes. Yikes!"And you are?""Oh, Tessa Adams." She laughed."And everyone calls you...?"Her frown returned. "Tessa.""Oh." He scanned her face. "No nickname, huh?""Not that I recall at the moment."He pressed his full lips together as if restraining a smile, eyes twinkling with merriment, and handed her the notepad. "Here's your confirmation number. The room's at the Waldorf Towers over on Park."Two suites at the Waldorf? In this mess? What was he, a wizard? "Wow, great. Thanks so much for the help.""Glad to be of service." He retrieved his briefcase and started down the corridor, abruptly stopped, and peered at her over the perfect slant of his shoulder. "And don't worry, Tessa, I'll think of a good nickname for you."She offered him a blank stare. "Hey, knock yourself out."Mischief danced along his lips before a grin broke free and he continued down the hallway."What a whack job," she muttered.
Author links, webpages, fan pages, and book trailers.She's Got Dibs, won 1st Place in the Contemporary Category, Heartland Romance Authors, Show Me the Spark! Contest, 2010.Website:  http://ajnuest.comBlog:  http://ajbooks.blogspot.comEmail:  ajnuest@yahoo.comFaceBook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuestAuthor FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuest#!/pages/Tattered-Pages/259835887466Twitter:  @AJNuestShe's Got Dibs Pinterest Page:  http://pinterest.com/ajnuest/shes-got-dibs/

FREE Until Friday!!

My paranormal vampire Romance, Embrace the Darkness is FREE on Amazon from now until Friday April 26. So, get it while it's HOT.

http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Darkness-Series-ebook/dp/B00BK9V76G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366768264&sr=8-1&keywords=Embrace+the+Darkness+lilly+gayle

Snippet Sunday

Snippet Sunday

Well, don't know how long I'll stick to this, lol! But I'm participating in a Facebook/Twitter project. Snippet Sunday. Writer's post an eight sentence snippet from a book or WIP on his/her blog, add the blog link to the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/401643826588474/ and then Tweet the link and/or post it on his/her author Facebook page.

Got the idea?

If you're in the market for a new author or exciting book and mine doesn't appeal to you, go to the Facebook link above, check out the other author's pages, and see if you can find a snippet that sounds like a book you'd like to read.

The snippet below is from my paranormal romance, Embrace the Darkness, the second book in my Darkness Series.

Blurb: An experimental vaccine gives vampire Gerard Delaroche hope for the first time in two centuries--until two people are brutally murdered, and he suspects a conspiracy between vampires and mortals. To solve the crime, he must put his trust in a beautiful detective. But is former soldier and MP turned detective, Amber Buckley, a threat to his existence? Or the answer to his prayers?

Amber Buckley and her partner are assigned to do follow up interviews in the Lifeblood of America slayings. Amber believes she and Reid are just new eyes on a cold case. That is, until she meets Gerard Delaroche. Something about him teases long-buried memories Amber would rather not chase. However, the two join together, falling into more than resolution of a murder case. It seems Amber has some dark secrets of her own.

To find their way into the light, Amber and Gerard must first EMBRACE THE DARKNESS.
Setup: Gerard is about to confess he's a vampire.



“Go home, Delaroche. Let the police handle this. If
you have information you’d like to share, Detective
Sheridan and I will talk to you tomorrow.”

“But I need to talk to you now. Alone. Tonight.”
He stepped forward.

She slipped her hand back inside her jacket. Her
fingers never touched her Glock. Fear—or something
else—held her immobile.

A Down Under Character Interview

As part of an on-going feature of my blog, I'll sometimes interview characters in a Character Corner post. These interviews are uniquely different from my author interviews because they involve make-believe people who exist only in the pages of a novel and in the mind of the author who created them.  So, I'll have to interview the author rather than the actual character--since he or she doesn't really exist.  I only ask that the author dig deep to find that character and answer from his/her perspective.


My character today is Nick Hawke from the novel Affinity by New Zealand author LaVerne Clark. And trust me, this is a great book. I read it and fell in love with the characters and the concept of this paranormal love story. But be patient with LaVerne. It's almost midnight in her country when it's nearing 8:00 a.m. in NC.

And if anyone is interested, I'm also on LaVerne's blog today. Stop by if you get a chance. http://laverneclark.blogspot.com/


And now for the interview...

1. Love the new haircut, Nick. But I liked your curls too. *wink* So, where were you born?

I'm a Kiwi born and bred.

Definitely on my bucket list of places I want to visit some day.

2. Where do you live now and what do you do for a living?

I live in Auckland. I've heard it described as “The big little city” and I reckon that's spot-on. As a cop, I get my fair share of dealing with scum and low-lives, but the city is small enough that most of the citizens care about and look out for each other. I just need to remind myself of that fact some days. *Shakes head and scowls*

3. What's going on in your life right now?

*Straightens in chair, sighs heavily* I've been dealing with a domestic abuse situation at work, but it's not the first time I've dealt with this particular family. It drives me nuts. I just want to wipe the smirk off that asshole's face so bad, my palms sweat. *Quickly glances up and cringes* Ack, I'm sorry, Lilly. My mother taught me never to swear in front of a lady. She'd paddle my behind something good if she'd heard that.

No problem. Nick. Sometimes, a man just needs to swear. A woman too. lol!

4. Is there a special person in your life?

*Eyes soften* Special…good word. Yeah, I suppose you could call Jenna that.

5. How did you meet her?

Now that was an amazing story. *Leans forward, elbows to knees* It was the weirdest thing, impossible really. *Wry grin* Actually, I'm learning when it comes to Jenna, nothing is impossible. I was running off some frustrated energy when I came across an accident. A car had gone off the bridge over the estuary and a woman had dived in to save a boy trapped in it. She hadn't resurfaced. I thought I'd be bringing up bodies. I mean, who could survive being underwater for over ten minutes? Turns out, Jenna can. She captivated me from the first moment. She was all slicked back hair and whisky-colored eyes. She was all I could see, all I wanted to see.

She sounds amazing!

6. So, what's keeping you two apart?

She's hiding something from me. I can see the fear in her eyes and her reluctance to trust anyone and how she shuns the limelight. Little does she know that only makes me more determined to find out all her secrets.

7. How would you like to see this situation resolved?

I've no idea. I'm a man. But one thing for sure, I don't give up easily and a little bit of seduction never hurt anyone.

8. What obstacles stand in your way?

I'm pleased to say her dog loves me, so that's one obstacle out of the way. I just need to get her to trust me, but if she won't, I'll find a way to get her to open up. I'm looking forward to it.

9. Is there a happily ever after in your future?

God. I really hope so, but I don't know how yet. *grins* Watch this space - I'm working on it.

10. Any last comments before I turn this interview over to LaVerne.

Actually, yeah, I do. I'd love to know your readers' top tips in winning a woman's heart. I could do with all the help I can get! *Grin*

A man who helps with the laundry and dishes, and can make me laugh will win my heart every time. lol!

Author bio: I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander - not the flight-less bird or strange, hairy fruit!) writing stories of romance, fantasy and suspense. I'm a keen reader and love to relax with a good book when I'm not plotting murder and mayhem; or running around after my two children, rescued greyhound and husband. I love to hear from readers or writers alike, so feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Book blurb:
In the wrong hands, Jenna Thomas's legacy could be a curse--in her mind it already is.

As a child, a routine x-ray awakened an abnormality in Jenna's DNA giving her the ability to “call” creatures and take on their attributes. Labeled a freak since then, Jenna's learned to keep everyone at a distance. But all that changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning, and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman, witnesses part of the drama. Captivated by Jenna's exotic beauty, he decides to investigate, not sure what to believe. Jenna puts his cynicism to the test--even as the attraction between them grows.

As word of her extraordinary rescue spreads, a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to control Jenna's abilities draws near. With her feelings for Nick putting him in danger too, can Jenna risk everything to protect them both?

Excerpt:

“Back off everyone, give us room,” boomed Nick with authority. Everyone took a step back. An attractive woman holding a microphone stepped into the created space. Her phony smile flashed teeth like a shark. Circling, she came in for the kill, her cameraman capturing the moment.“Are you the lady who jumped in to save the boy? What made you do something so heroic? Witnesses say you were under for over ten minutes. How is this possible?”The questions fired at her like a volley of bullets. Jenna flinched as each one hit its mark. She couldn't answer honestly without sounding like a freak. So she said nothing, burying her head into Nick's chest. His arms tightened around her. The subtle turning of his body shielded her from all those eyes.He pitched his voice to address the crowd. “It's been a traumatic event for everyone involved, and as you can imagine, it's not over for us yet. We've no comment to make at this stage, so please, give us some time to come to terms with what's happened. Thank you.”“Could you at least give me a little snippet, Sergeant Hawke?” pouted the reporter, pushing her chest out and fluttering her lashes.Jenna's spine went rigid. A sick feeling of dread settled in the pit of her belly.Police. Nick is a policeman. Dear God, I'm in trouble. Her head pounded and her hands shook. His arm tightened when she tried to pull away, holding her firmly in place. Any other person she could have fobbed off. Now she understood his aura of authority, his all-seeing gaze and concern at the thought of a child left alone in her car. He would be relentless uncovering the truth.
Author links, webpages, fan pages, and book trailers.
Novel Natterings - my blog
Facebook
Twitter

Loch Ness Monster and Karen Nutt

I've always been fascinated with the Loch Ness Monster and so has my guest today, Karen Nutt. So, I'm just going to turn my blog over to her.

Karen?

I’ve always been fascinated with the folklore regarding the Loch Ness Monster and the legend of the Great Glen. I combined the two and added my own twist to create my story.

The Loch Ness Monster is not considered a mystical creature, but one of the most famous cryptid in the world. For a beast to be qualified as a cryptid, there must be some sort of evidence either in folklore or sightings. The first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to 565 AD by St. Columba. It wasn’t until 1975 that the beast had a more scientific name: Nessiteras Rhombopteryx. The public shortened the named to Nessie. So for those who didn’t know, the Loch Ness Monster was not always thought of as female. This gave me an idea. What if the Loch Ness Monster was actually male?

One legend of Loch Ness is recorded that the loch was once a Great Glen of rich pasture, plenty of corn, fish, deer and game. In the Glen there was a well that was blessed by the Druid Daly, who stated whoever drew water from the well must always replace its cover. A woman drawing the water from the well was told her child had fallen into the fire. She rushed home, forgetting to cover the well. The water from the well overflowed and flooded the whole glen. The people named the lake “The loch nis ann”, which means there is a lake now. I took this legend and ran with it, adding a curse, and a wee bit of magic to it. Whala… Magic
of the Loch was born.

So if you like tragic, powerful, and dangerous immortals, that are oddly civilized and romantic, you’ll fall in love with Alan MacLachlin.

Lilly, I want to thank you for having me here today and sharing a behind the scene look of Magic of the Loch.

One lucky commentor will receive a digital copy of Magic of the Loch.

Thanks so much for being here, Karen! And if anyone is interested, I'm over on Karen's blog today. Come visit at: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/

You can also visit Karen at:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenmichellenutt
http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Michelle-Nutt/e/B002BLLBPE/
https://twitter.com/KMNbooks
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13556132-magic-of-the-loch

About the Author:
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she’s not fighting demons, vampires or shape shifters, she creates book covers for Western Trail Blazers and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.

Visit the author at: http://www.kmnbooks.com
Stop by her blog for Monday interviews, chats and contests at:
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com

Good Friday

On the day Jesus was crucified, darkness covered the land for hours—symbolic of the dark deed committed
against Christ. Christians believe the darkness was a miracle, fulfilling a prophecy. Non-believers and the scientific world believe an eclipse is responsible for the darkness. But why can't it be both?

God doesn't perform magic. He uses the science and laws of physics he created to perform miracles. Otherwise, it would be an almost unbelievable coincidence that an eclipse just happened to occur on the day Jesus was crucified, thus fulfilling a prophecy.

God created science and He can manipulate it. And scientist and astronomers can use science to help solve biblical mysteries.

If the crucifixion eclipse was either, a solar or a lunar eclipse, then based on details of the gospel, the Crucifixion of Jesus occurred on  a Friday. "There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand." KJV: John 19:42.

Two different groups estimate the year of the Crucifixion as AD 33,  although, Sir Isaac Newton—a scientist—estimated the date to be  AD 34 based on the differences between the Biblical and Julian calendars and the crescent of the moon. Using an astronomical approach based on a lunar eclipse model consistent with Apostle Peter: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come" KJV Acts 2:20, then, Friday, April 3, AD 33 is the date of the Crucifixion.

Give or take a year in either direction, Christ died around the age of 33 on a Friday—a day Christians call Good Friday to commemorate His sacrifice. Good Friday precedes Easter Sunday, the day Christians commemorate His resurrection and God's promise of eternal life. Good Friday is observed during Holy Week and often coincides with the Jewish observance of Passover.

Passover commemorates the liberation of Jewish slaves in ancient Egypt and their birth as a nation under Moses's leadership. The book of Exodus tells how God helped the Children of Israel escape from slavery by inflicting ten plagues on Egypt, which forced the Pharaoh to release them. The tenth plague was the death of the first-born.

So that the plague would pass over Jewish homes, the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorframes with the blood of a slaughtered lamb. No firstborn in any home with this mark died. Today, the event is celebrated on Passover.

Although it's traditionally a Jewish holiday, Christians remember this day as well as Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter—all dates of significance during Holy Week.  And Easter is celebrated each year in the spring.

An explanation as to why we celebrate Easter on different days each year can be found on a previous blog post. http://lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-is-easter-again.html

A Secret Revealed

Embrace the Darkness, my paranormal romantic suspense and the sequel to Out of the Darkness is now available exclusively on Amazon until June 21, when the book will officially be released in both print and digital formats to ALL on-line retailers, including Barnes & Noble and my publisher, The Wild Rose Press.
In the meantime, I hope to offer excerpts from the book to entice readers into ordering it. Each of these excerpts (see previous two posts) include lines I borrowed from people I know in real life.

Today's "quote from real people" comes from friend, co-worker, and summertime beach buddy, Jennifer. Jennifer's "catch phrase" is the bold print in the excerpt below.

Set up: The heroine is ex-soldier turned detective Amber Buckley. She and her partner are investigating the Lifeblood of America murders. Two employees of the blood and tissue bank turned research facility were brutally murdered and another employee is missing. During the course of the investigation, Amber meets Gerard Delaroche, assistant CEO of the company--a vampire posing as a mortal with a light sensitivity disorder so he can more easily pass as human.

In this excerpt, Amber has already learned Gerard's dark secret and she's soon going to discover some hidden secrets in her own past when she meets a vampire, Nicolas, who's either protecting her or stalking her. But which is it?

Excerpt:

Her pulse quickened. “That’s how Timmons found
out. Isn’t it?”

“He wasn’t a colonel then,” Nicolas said, “but it
was the beginning of his obsession with vampires.”

Gerard had been kidnapped because of her mother.
She’d started this chain of events when she ignited
Timmons’ compulsion to create the perfect soldier. And
a vampire killed her to stop her from telling anyone
else. So much tragedy because her mother tried to do the right thing.

No good deed goes unpunished.