Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 68

04.01.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Can't wait for this one? Check out FAMILIAR LIGHT (on sale for $1.50!) to get the early scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the LIES! Last week, Holden discovered Julia's secret. This six picks up after a rather heated discussion which ended with Holden walking out of the apartment, furious. Moments later, the door opens. Unable to look at who she assumes is Holden, Julia makes an offer (nothing sexual, LOL) in attempt to soothe things over. The response that follows is the last thing she expected.

(Note: Whitlow is Holden's last name).

"Well, sweetheart, we've only just met. And if I'm not mistaken, you're a little tied up with Whitlow, but if you insist I can meet you in the back bedroom. I'd prefer we get acquainted before I commit."

At the first chords of the unfamiliar voice, Julia snapped her attention to the man in the doorway. Faint with panic, she took a step back, realizing then she wore nothing more than her panties and Holden's shirt.

Ever so casually, like he hadn't a care in the world—and it wasn't scarcely past sunrise—the man helped himself to a beer from Holden's fridge.

TIDE OF LIES – romantic suspense coming April 2, 2012 to Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

03.31.2012 #SweetSat Samples: Unforgiven

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her ... and this time he's got a gun. UNFORGIVEN ... click image.

Congratulations to dayleb(at)etc, this week's gift card winner! If you'd like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner's choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You'll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.

Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they're thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime.

In this sample, Riley is reflecting on her relationship with her brother Colt, who asked her to stop seeing Gage after a devastating accident for which Gage was blamed. Riley stood up for Gage, effectively keeping him out of jail, but she also asked him to stay out of her life so she could help Colt heal, both physically and emotionally. But when Colt found out she defended Gage, Colt cut all ties with Riley and refused to see her again.

The ache in her heart over her falling out with Colt was an old and profound one. Seeing him again would rip that wound open, and she wasn't ready to start over. Not unless they reconciled, but walking through the door with Gage—the reason Colt kicked her out of his life to begin with—didn't leave much room for hope in that regard. She sank lower in the seat, the weight of her sorrow pressing hard on her heart.

"Hey, I really am sorry about what happened between you guys." Gage's voice was soft, the change in tone catching her off guard.

"Him throwing me out of his life? His choice." Bitterness crept into her words, but the anxiety of seeing him—of actually laying eyes on her brother, once her best friend—bubbled close to the surface, hot and hard.

"But it was because of me."

"No need to be sorry, Gage. I did the right thing. The almighty 'they' accused you of something you didn't do."

He swore a soft oath she barely heard over the wind through the open windows. Litany aside, he steered into the parking lot of the rehab facility and took a spot in the back, under a large tree. The shade didn't keep the heat from shimmering in waves off the asphalt, but it was a nice thought.

"What?" she asked.

"I need to tell you something."

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.

UNFORGIVEN

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he's got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage's former lover, Riley. He and she didn't part ways on good terms, and he's not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he's got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options:  trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Imari Jade in "Strange Packaging"

Click image to uncover the thrilling story behind Imari Jade's STRANGE PACKAGING.

Welcome to Friday! We're kicking off the weekend with a truly original, fresh plot from my fellow Noble author Imari Jade. Her romance STRANGE PACKAGING is an attention-grabbing story with an important theme from which we can all learn, but it's so much more. Take a peek inside this engaging tale . . . I bet you'll like what you see.

Welcome, Imari! While reading your bio, I was struck by one point. You wrote your first holiday novel in TEN DAYS? That's amazing! How in the world did you do that? How many hours a day did you put into writing to finish so quickly?

I don't think I slept during that time.  Normally I write my books in long hand and then type them, but if I remember correctly I was on a short deadline so I had to type the book directly into the program. Lucky for me, at the time I typed about 100wpm, and before I knew it I had written and edited the book. Looking back at it now I think I must have had fewer disturbances in my life.

I am so impressed. I seriously wish I could write (know what I want to write, that is) as quickly as I can type. I think you're my hero! You're here to promote STRANGE PACKAGING. Can you introduce our readers to the story?

Strange Packaging is my first Young Adult novel. It's about a half American/half Korean singer by the name of Micha West who has been recruited by a Korean entertainment manager and brought to Korea to be a part of an up and coming pop group, Revolution.  Despite what manager Hyun-Gi Rahn says, the current leader of the group,  arrogant and spoiled Ran-Hanuel doesn't think his group needs a fourth male singer, since Hyun-Gi originally went to America to recruit a female lead. Micha is about the right height and has the perfect look for the group, but if Revolution was going to take on a new member it had to be a girl so they could compete against the rival band Sensei, who was rocking the crowd with their female lead singer Sun-Jae Na. And he doesn't really know if Micha can even sing. Micha finally gets a chance to audition for Revolution and knocks the three male members off their feet with his deep sultry voice.

This is such a fresh, original story idea—I love it! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of STRANGE PACKAGING?

Big spoiler.  After a bit of inspection, the members of Revolution discover that Micha West is actually a young lady named Michaella West who likes to dress like a boy. Hyun-Gi gets the last laugh and didn't tell Ran-Hanuel that Micha was a girl just to see if he could tell the difference. The theme of the story is be comfortable in your own skin. Micha likes to wear jeans, sports jerseys and boots because she is comfortable in it. It isn't a problem in the beginning until Ran-Hanuel takes Micha shopping in a big mall in Seoul and the fans think he's out on a date with a guy. It doesn't make matters any easier that Micha doesn't try to clear up the misunderstanding.  So, besides trying to win a million dollar singing competition against Sensei, Ran-Hanuel must try to clear up his image and keep the other two male members of the group, Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul from dating Micha. Hyun-Gi transforms Micha into a beautiful Diva for her debut. Everyone likes her new look, except for Micha.

I love the theme and how it ties in with her not liking her new Diva look. Very clever! Let's have some fun with STRANGE PACKAGING. What's the first sentence?

"This better be worth it," Hyun-Gi Rahn, manager of Elegance Entertainment said to the talent scout, Narm Seung as she followed him up the stairs to seats in a local high school auditorium in Los Angeles.

Great set up! That line immediately draws in your reader (says a reader, LOL.) What's your favorite line in the book?

Hyun-Gi has just discovered that Micha is a girl. And as a manager she's always looking for a new fresh face and a way to make money.

A gender-bender, Hyun Gi thought as she sat back down and tried to hide her smile. This is positively fantastic.

LOL! That sounds right on the money, too. ;c) How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

He chuckled and hiked the towel back up around his waist. "Why are you blushing? It's just a little pubic hair, and it's not like we're not wearing the same equipment."

Oh my gosh! I laughed out loud! Which scene of STRANGE PACKAGING was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The beginning scene was the most difficult to write because I had to try not to use words like, he or she, because I didn't want the sex of Micha revealed until a pivotal point in the scene. I wanted Hyun-Gi to like Micha for her voice, and not because she was a female singer. The first time Hyun-Gi saw Micha she couldn't really tell because Micha wore men clothing, had long chin-length hair that covered most of her face and had a deep voice.

That would be an incredibly tricky thing to write, and I'm impressed you managed to do it so well. ;c) Which scene of STRANGE PACKAGING would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

There is a scene where Ran-Hanuel first discovers that he might be in love with Micha and the confusion he feels when he discovers that he might love Micha in her dude persona rather than the girly Michaella. It is written in Micha's POV, but I'd love to be Ran-Hanuel at this moment.

Girls bolted to the stage and tried to get at her. Someone grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stage left exit just as the crowd of women stormed the stage.

"You are so grounded when you get home, girly-boy."

It's Ran-Hanuel. What is he doing here?

"How many times have I told you not to dress like a boy?"

Micha didn't have time to argue since the stampeding girls were close on their heels and taking pictures of them in their flight. "What are you doing here?" Micha asked as he dragged her toward the side exit.

"Checking out the competition and saving your ass," he replied. He opened the door, pushed her through and then came out of the door behind her. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"In-Soo invited me," she said trying to catch her breath as she ran with him toward his black sports car.

The crowd broke through the exit door as soon as they were safely inside the car. Camera flashes went off in their faces.

"It's Ran-Hanuel from Revolution," someone shouted. The announcement made the girls go wilder.

"Is that his boyfriend?" Another someone asked.

Ran-Hanuel started the engine and drove the car out of the spot before someone foolishly tried to hop on or block their way. "Hyun-Gi is going to kill both of us once those pictures hit the Internet," he told her angrily. "And just when I thought I had everything straightened out."

He referred to the pictures of him and Sun-Jae circulating around the Net and the local entertainment rags.

"I'm sorry," Micha said, really meaning it. She didn't plan to have him ostracized by the media again.

"Sorry is not going to help," Ran-Hanuel said as they drove toward the Interstate. She'd never seen him this angry before.

Her cell phone rang. Micha reached into her pocket and pulled it out. It was In-Soo. "Yes, I'm all-right. I'm on my way home. Okay, bye." She disconnected the call.

"Can I see your phone?" Ran-Hanuel asked.

Micha handed it to him.

Ran-Hanuel opened his window and tossed her cell phone out. "I don't ever want you talking to him again."

"Are you crazy? That phone cost me a fortune."

"Tough," he said as he continued to drive. "I want you to stay away from him."

"But…"

"But nothing. Look what he's done. Did the two of you plan this little disaster?"

"No."

"Then he planned it on his own, knowing what kind of chaos it would incite."

True. It had caused a royal mess and In-Soo had been responsible. "Why do you think he would do such a thing?" Micha asked.

"Maybe he's pissed off at me," Ran-Hanuel said.

"You were quite rude to him the other night when he brought me home."

"He knew I was in the audience and maybe he wanted to get back at me for that."

"Maybe," Micha said, half knowing it was true and half hoping it wasn't.

"From now on I don't want you see you in this type of get up again. You are a girl and you will dress like a girl." He eyed her again. "I think you take delight in torturing me."

"I do not," Micha argued. "I told you I'm more comfortable dressing this way."

"Well, I would prefer you naked than like this."

Micha gawked. What did he mean by that?

"Those jeans are riding so low on your hips I can actually see the swells of your behind. I am not gay and I don't appreciate being publically humiliated by a confused gender bender."

His words cut deeply. "I am not confused. I know I'm a girl but I don't think I need to show tit to prove it."

Ran-Hanuel pulled the car over on the dark deserted highway and got out. He walked around to the passenger side, pulled her out of the car and shoved her against it roughly.

"Ouch," Micha cried out. "What is wrong with you?"

"I'm mad," Ran-Hanuel said as he pushed his body up against hers. He swept the cap from her head and buried his fingers into her tresses. "Why does the sight of you all dressed up like one of the fellows turn me on?" He lowered his head and began kissing her passionately.

Micha melted into his arms as he pressed his body into hers. Heat rose up from his pores and traveled into hers as his mouth and tongue assaulted her lips. The feelings that surged through her were strange and not necessarily welcomed. Her head grew light and airy. Was she about to faint? Oh God don't let me faint.

Ran-Hanuel stopped kissing her and angrily pushed her aside. "Get back into the damn car before I do something I will be sorry for." He left her, walked around to the driver's side and climbed back in.

Micha got back into the car quickly and fastened her seat belt.

Ran-Hanuel didn't say anything else to her as they drove home, which Micha was thankful for.

You bring forth such an interesting dynamic here. I love how he's attracted to this "guy" side of her—it adds such dimension! What are you currently working on? 

I'm currently working on Book 2 of the series. The story starts up with Revolution about to go on tour. And I'm juggling two new Young Adult manuscripts. One is a paranormal about vampires and the other is more an adventure manuscript about  teens being trained as assassins.

I'm also working on a romantic manuscript set in a New York in the Garment District. It's a love story about two fashion designers who after having a one-night stand discover that they're expecting. Major problems…she doesn't have any maternal skills, and he's a notorious womanizer.

I'm also doing a follow up book to my Christmas release, "Snowy Carolina," entitled "The Heart of a Mountain Man."

My current upcoming release isn't a Young Adult book. It's Book 4 in my Asian Pretty Boy series, entitled, "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." Sorry, it's adults only. Book 5 has also been written, but I'm editing it at the moment.

Wow, Imari, you are incredibly busy! I can't wait to see what the future holds for your career. ;c) Let's take a closer look at STRANGE PACKAGING.

STRANGE PACKAGING | blurb & links

Eighteen year old Micha West's life suddenly takes a turn for the best when she wins a high school talent show. With less than two weeks left before she'd be on her own with no job and a place to stay because she'd be too old for foster care, Micha signs a recording contract with Hyun-Gi Rahn, a Korean talent manager. Maybe she should have read the fine print more closely, and then she would have known she'd have to pack up her life and move to Seoul, Korea. What's an American born Korean to do in such a strange place?

MORE INFO AND BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

IMARI JADE | bio & links

Romance writer Imari Jade lives in Marrero, Louisiana where she works as a financial analyst. Her hobbies are reading and watching Japanese anime, dramas and manga. She doesn't drive, she's afraid to fly, and gets most of her writing done on public transit to and from work. The New Orleans born Virgo is single and loving it.  She loves Korean Pop music, especially the groups JYJ, B2ST, MBLAQ and TVXQ. Her dream is to one day travel to South Korea and meet her idols.

Imari currently writes for several publishers, to include Sugar and Spice Press, Phaze, Eternal Press, Siren-Bookstand, Melange Books, Total E-Bound, Passion in Print and Wild Horse Press. "Strange Packaging," is her first young adult book with Noble Romance Publishing and she looks forward to a happy and harmonious relationship with them. She is currently working on the second book in this delightful humorous romantic series.

FOLLOW @ WEBSITE | BLOG | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Imari, this is such a fascinating story and I'm so pleased to be able to present it to my readers today. I'd like to thank you for being here with us. Readers, my thanks extends to you as well, and I hope you enjoyed this visit with Imari. Please say hello before you head off into your wild (or restful, lol) weekend. Have a good one!

Patricia Yager Delagrange: "Moon Over Alcatraz" & G|veaway

Immerse yourself in the intense MOON OVER ALCATRAZ. Click image for more info.

Today's guest, Patricia Yager Delagrange, is here with her powerful story MOON OVER ALCATRAZ. I've enjoyed getting to know Patricia and I think you will as well. She's brought a copy of her book to give away, so I hope you'll stick around after the close our of chat today to find out how you can win. (You'll also learn a little something about adult dot-to-dots that's totally worth knowing. *grin*)

Welcome Patricia! Before we talk about your book, I have to ask about your horse! Maximus is the *perfect* name for one of those glorious Friesians! What drew you to the breed, and what type of riding do you do? 

I was ready to buy a horse after several disastrous leasing situations and originally I was searching for a black Quarter Horse but wasn't finding them on the West Coast where I live.  I accidentally saw an ad for riding Friesians at Black Sterling Friesians in Sonoma, California, about an hour from my home.  My family and I went to look at them and we accidentally took our checkbook with us.  Friesians have a "presence" that I think a lot of horses don't have.  That's probably why they're always featured in movies like Alexander.  Because my favorite movie and actor is Russell Crowe in Gladiator, I named my horse Maximus.  I ride English and go on trail rides almost once a week with my sister-in-law who owns a Missouri Foxtrotter.

Oh, wow. I've had Quarter Horses half my life and I've adored every one, but I think you're right. Friesians just know they're regal! (By the way, my husband "accidentally" buys boats and I don't know if I believe either one of you, LOL!) Your bio also mentions a affinity for "dot to dot for adults." Does this refer to an x-rated version? (LOL! Sorry, I had to ask!)

No, definitely not.  It's the same dot-to-dot that we all did as kids, but these are created by an adult, David Kalvitis, and they're extremely intricate with sometimes up to 1,000 connected dots that can take fifteen minutes to complete.  The pictures are very detailed.  I think he has about six books published and I have all of them.  When I complete all six, I re-purchase new ones and start all over.

I had no idea they even existed! I think that's one of the most unique hobbies I've ever heard of, which is ironic since they're such a childhood icon. (Well, they used to be. Although I assume there's an electronic version out there somewhere, LOL.) On to your book, MOON OVER ALCATRAZ features an extremely powerful plot. Can you tell our readers about it?

I've always found it intriguing and impossible to imagine how a family deals with the death of a child.  So much so that I wanted to write about it.  I had to dig pretty deep to portray the characters' emotions since I have never experienced this myself.

I have six children and the thought of losing one makes me sick. I can't imagine the strength and depth of emotion required of you. How did you personally connect with your characters as they face such a devastating loss?

Being a mom made it easier to get behind what Brandy and Weston were feeling after their child died.  You always hear about moms acting like "mother bears with their cubs".  It's true.  As Bruno Mars said, "I would take a bullet for them".

It had to be such an intense experience. Which of your characters do you feel experiences the greatest emotional growth? Why?

Definitely Brandy.  After overcoming her depression from having lost her first child, she has to deal with a spouse who doesn't want to commit to working on their marriage, then she finds herself single and pregnant.  She knows she's strong enough to work through what life has thrown at her, but it's hard.

 No questioning that. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ? 

That Cecilia, Brandy's next door neighbor and best friend, is modeled after a friend I once had who, for some reason I've never found out, dumped me as a friend and would never tell me why.  I wanted to honor our friendship by making her an integral part of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ.

What an incredibly selfless gesture—I have serious respect for that. ;c) Let's have some fun with MOON OVER ALCATRAZ.  What's the first sentence?

"Breathe, Brandy, breathe."

Great hook – I definitely want to read more! What's your favorite line in the book? 

After Brandy signs a copy of her book for Carol, the woman with whom her husband had an affair, Carol reads the inscription out loud, "Congratulations to the perfect couple".

Ouch! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

Weston opened the front door of our house on Lauren Drive just a few blocks away from the hospital and I stepped through the threshold. Every chair, each pillow in the front room, looked as if it had been reupholstered in drab, lifeless material. Walls, knickknacks, rugs took on an alien quality. I was seeing them for the first time with a new pair of eyes, filtered through a veil of tragedy and disappointment.

Wow. Incredible job of portraying the shroud of devastation for her. Which scene of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The scene where Brandy admits she slept with Edward and knows she's hurt Weston then he turns around and admits to her that he's committed the same transgression with Carol.  I had to make it real without being unbelievable.

What a heartbreaking mess for those two. Which scene of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

From Edward's POV, when Edward wakes up from the coma.  That would be so cool.  Not that I'd want to go through what he did getting shot, but to suddenly find yourself in a hospital bed, alive, after such a tragedy, would be really exciting.

I think I felt that way when I woke up after surgery. (I'm a bit of a dramatist. I really thought I wouldn't make it.) As for Edward, what a thrilling moment–a true second chance! And speaking of new beginnings, what's in the works for you?

I'm editing my fourth novel, BRENDA'S WISH.  It's about a divorced woman and her son who get caught in the middle of her ex-husband's murder.  He's a San Francisco cop who was abusive to Brenda during their marriage and it looks like either Brenda or her son Farrell shot him.

 You write some insanely deep and emotional plots, Patricia. Amazing! Let's take a closer look at MOON OVER ALCATRAZ.

MOON OVER ALCATRAZ | blurb & links

Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty.  But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.

MORE INFO & BUY @ MUSA | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

PATRICIA YAGER DELAGRANGE | bio & links

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area in the small city of Alameda, I went to St. Mary's College, studied at the University of Madrid my junior year, and got my B.A. in Spanish at U.C. Santa Barbara.  I then went on to get my Master's degree in Education at Oregon State University.  I came back to Alameda and am married with two teenage children, one boy and one girl, and share our home with two very large chocolate labs.

FOLLOW @ WEBSITE | BLOG  | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

**GIVEAWAY**

If you'd like a chance to win an e-copy of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ, simply leave a comment with your email address. For fun, let us know if you've ever ridden a horse, or if you'd ever want to. (Not required, but hey, what have you got against fun? LOL!)

I've had horses over half my life, but my coolest ride ever was the mule ride down into the Grand Canyon. As an experienced rider I got to be second in line behind the leader, whose mule was on his second trip ever and got a little crazy. I ended up leading the ride for a while, which was *awe*some.

I'd like to thank you all for being here today. Patricia, it's a pleasure (and next time my husband wants to add a boat to our fleet, I'm totally asking for another horse, LOL). I wish you all the best with MOON OVER ALCATRAZ, and I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

 

Chris Karlsen's "Golden Chariot" Interview and G|veaway

Immerse yourself in an amazing world of discovery and intrigue ... click image.

You guys wouldn't believe what Chris had to go through to be here today. We had one technological glitch after another, but Chris rocked it and made it happen. She's here to tell us about her new book, GOLDEN CHARIOT, and I'm betting you won't often see an author who has had such *amazing* research opportunities! I think you're going to love this interview, and when we're finished stick around because you could win a *Kindle* copy of your very own.

Welcome back, Chris! I'm thrilled to have you here again. Today we're talking about your new release GOLDEN CHARIOT. The blurb sounds *fantastic*. . . can you introduce our readers to the story?

Charlotte Dashiell, the heroine, is determined to prove her controversial historical theory. A shipwreck off the coast of Turkey may hold the proof. After obtaining a spot on the recovery team, she becomes a person of interest in the murder of a Turkish government agent. Atakan Vadim, the hero, is the agent sent to investigate her, while they work together on the recovery project.

I'm sold already. That sounds like a story of many layers of intigue, and I *love* that! You've traveled extensively, and one of your trips directly influenced the plot of this story. Can you tell us how?

I made several trips to Turkey, which included two to the ruins of Troy. Turkey's history fascinates me, especially the Trojan War. I decided to give Charlotte a theory about the war and a romantic ideal of some of the characters from the Iliad, Homer's Trojan War Epic Poem.

Wow! Hard to follow that question with this one (I feel like you've already answered it, LOL) but I'll give it a shot. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of GOLDEN CHARIOT?

I think they'll enjoy the growth of the hero and heroine's relationship as they work the wreck. I hope they like the way the history and handling of relics is woven into the plot through them. I believe Atakan's many sides will sneak up and surprise the reader.

I *adore* the way you've mixed in the history, so I'm rather salivating over the whole mix, lol. Let's have some fun with GOLDEN CHARIOT. What's the first sentence?

Charlotte snapped awake at the explosion of sound.

A definite attention grabber! What's your favorite line in the book?

(Atakan speaking to Charlotte during a heated exchange)

 "We were a civilization with art, and culture, and written language while you were still adding slabs to your Stonehenge and dancing around bonfires."

.

LMAO! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

Excerpt of Charlotte explaining to Atakan her feelings at Troy.

"When I visited the ruins of Troy, I stood on top of one of the great sloping walls. A cold wind blew off the Dardanelles. I tried to imagine the wind bringing in an enemy fleet….sails on ships of war as far as the eye could see."
.

Such great atmosphere there. *wistful sigh* Which scene of GOLDEN CHARIOT was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The scene on the hill where Charlotte explains her theory to Atakan. It's a radical theory and I had to come up with a compelling and logical reason for her in a way that would justify her pursuit of proof.

I can see how that could be difficult, but I bet you handled it beautifully. ;c) Which scene of GOLDEN CHARIOT would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

The climax, but to describe it would be a spoiler. So, I'll go with my second favorite scene. Her first dive to this particular shipwreck. Her feelings upon seeing it and in her POV.

What an incredible experience that must be (and a great hook!) Before we take a closer look at GOLDEN CHARIOT, can you tell us what you're currently working on?  

Book 3 of my paranormal romance series, "Knights in Time," It's called, "Knight Blindness." It is a time travel where a medieval knight, a character from book 2, "Journey in Time," comes forward to the present day.

That sounds like a great plot! And speaking of those, let's scope out the featured title.

THE GOLDEN CHARIOT | blurb & links
The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her hight controversial theory about the Trojan War.
 .
Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft–after they murder her.
.
MORE INFO & BUY @ AMAZON | PUBLISHER
.
.CHRIS KARLSEN | bio & links
I'm a retired police detective.  My father was a history professor and my mother was and is an avid reader. I grew up with a love of history and books. After I retired, I finally had the time to pursue writing, something I longed to do since I was a teen.I've traveled extensively wanting to see the places I read about. I'm an animal lover. My husband and I live with four rescue dogs and have one rescue Thoroughbred.

LINKS @ WEBSITE | PUBLISHER | AUTHOR | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

 **GIVEAWAY**

As promised, there's a kindle copy of GOLDEN CHARIOT up for grabs! (If you don't have a kindle, NO worries. Kindle for PC is a free download that will allow you to read to your heart's content–grab it here.) To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. For fun (though not required), tell us the most exotic place you've ever been, or the one to which you'd most like to go. Winner will be chosen at random and announced here.

I'd like to thank you all for being here, and Chris, I'm honored you decided to return (and in light of what you went through to be here, your presence is doubly appreciated, lol). Readers, I can't wait to read your answers! Lay 'em on us, and have a fantastic day, everyone!

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst with "The Marriage Bargain"

A BARGAIN you can't miss! To learn more about Jennifer's USA Today bestseller, click image.

I'm so excited to welcome today's guest, Jennifer Probst, who has not only spent time at the top of Barnes & Noble's best selling chart, but is now a *USA Today* best seller. Is that incredible or what? Stay with us today and you'll find out how *she* found out, plus learn what's next for Jennifer and her new series. But first, let's learn more about her bestselling title, THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN. Welcome, Jennifer!

First off, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for allowing me to visit her blog today. I had a great time with her thoughtful questions!

Aw, thank you! I guess, then, you know by now I stalked your bio and your list of career paths is amazing. I love what you said about trying new things out through your characters—I feel the exact same way! Which of your characters has given you the wildest adventure throughout your writing career?

Good, because in all my clips I say stalking is highly encouraged here! Oh, this is so hard, because each time I write a book, I become so immersed in my characters and their occupations! A few stick out in my mind. When I wrote my first book, Heart of Steel, my hero was the CEO of a finance company, and I had a blast researching and imagining the stress and lifestyle he needed to lead in order to be successful.  Then I wrote about a vineyard owner in a book that hasn't seen the light yet (maybe one day!) and I became completely drawn into the tight social circles of the wineries and vineyards. Finally, I just finished the sequel to The Marriage Bargain called The Marriage Trap, and Maggie is a photographer who shoots designer underwear for men. Must admit I'm having the most wild ride with her right now – she's a hellion!

Oh, dear. I don't doubt that for one moment! What a great career path she chose! LOL. As for THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN, just looking at the blurb, I'm lovin' it already. Can you introduce our readers to the story?

Sigh. I love this book. It's fun, sexy, with lots of heart. At least, that was my intent! You'll meet Alexa who is an open hearted, free spirited soul desperate to save her family home. She has a past with Nick – he was her best friend's brother and they grew up together – and he was also the first one to break her heart. Flash forward years later, and he needs a wife in order to save his architectural firm. Problem is, Nick doesn't believe in love. He doesn't believe in anything. They set up a marriage of convenience with firm rules in play. When they're forced together on a daily basis, slowly you see Nick become unraveled as Alexa teaches him about love. But it's a long road, filled with tons of snappy dialogue and sexual tension, and real life obstacles.  I had so much fun writing this book and the characters haunted me for months afterward, making it extremely hard to write anything else!

Oh, WOW. They're engaging me already, and that's pretty good to do through a third party (you), LOL. And clearly I'm not the only one, as I do believe some congratulations are in order. How, exactly, did you feel when you learned  it was #1 on the Barnes & Noble best seller list? (I think I'd still be dizzy from the cartwheels.)

Thank you so much!  And I was dizzy – but at first it wasn't from cartwheels – it was from the wicked virus that struck my family household! The book launched to good sales, and a few days later I came down with the virus and literally stayed in bed for two days.  Finally, I crawled to my computer while my husband yelled at me for being a workaholic, and saw my email had exploded. My book was climbing up the list and had hit #1! So, as the room spun around me, I asked my husband if I was hallucinating! Fortunately, I wasn't, so it's been an amazing journey from there. In the past week, I must add that I got the most wonderful news a writer can hear. The Marriage Bargain hit the USA Today bestselling list! This has been a dream of mine since I was young, so I've been doing some major celebrating!

WOW! That's incredible – BIG congrats to you! I'm sorry about the virus part, but boy does that ever make it memorable, LOL! Hopefully there will be many more such moments in your future, as THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN is Book One in the Marriage to a Billionaire Series. What can readers look for in the rest of the titles? How are they related?

In The Marriage Bargain, I introduced Alexa's best friend Maggie and the sexy Count. The sequel is called The Marriage Trap, and it details their story. Maggie is a completely different personality than Alexa so it was a blast exploring her personality and their relationship. The bulk of the story takes place in Bergamo, Italy, where you will meet Michael's family and hopefully have lots of laughs along the way. Each one in the series will revolve around a marriage between the characters – but they will be done in a unique, individual way to keep the theme fresh and fun. The third one I have planned is called The Marriage Mistake and it will follow one of Michael's sisters.

That sounds fantastic! I've always wanted to go to Italy, and THE MARRIAGE TRAP sounds like a great alternative. (*glares at husband for refusing to fly*) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN?

The humor and byplay between Alexa and Nick. Readers have told me they laughed out loud at some of their ridiculous fights which seem transcended from their childhood past.

Oooh, I LOVE it! That kind of history is bound to make for some entertaining moments, and it sounds as if that's certainly the case here! *grin* Let's have some fun with THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN. What's the first sentence?

She needed a man.

Oh, yes, honey, you do! LOL. What's your favorite line in the book?

He was in love with his wife. (There's plenty of great lines, but the simplicity and power of Nick's realization always resonates with me.)

That's a truly excellent line considering the premise of the book. I love it! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

His fists clenched and he let out a roar, which the dogs must have liked because they all started to howl at the same time and bounced around his feet in a whirl of fuzz and tails and paws.

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? You're insane—you need to be locked up in the loony bin. Lie to me, wreck my house, then compare me to a children's villain, all because you can't be a normal person and take responsibility and apologize?"

Yowza! LOL! And I LOVE the howling dogs! *grin* Which scene of THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The beginning. In my first draft, I had a lot more detail when we met Alexa and Maggie, but it dragged down the story so I had to cut a lot of it. It was difficult because I needed to balance the story and the mood of my characters quickly in order to pull the reader in. That is why I always believe the beginning of any book is the hardest, and I revise numerous times to get the feel right.

I always have the most trouble with my opening scene. (Now I feel legit benchmarking myself next to a *USA Today bestselling author* < Which scene of THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

Umm, this one's easy! The scene where Nick and Alexa finally take all that sexual tension and let it explode! The tenderness he finally shows her, and her sheer vulnerability in this scene makes me sigh in longing each time I read it. And of course, I want to be Alexa! I'm madly in love with Nick (shhhh, don't tell my hubby!)

Oh, my yum. That sounds DELICIOUS. (And your lurid secret is safe with me, LOL.) What are you currently working on?

I'm editing the Marriage Trap which should be out in a few months, and then will begin working on The Marriage Mistake for the series. I also have another erotic series with Decadent for their 1Night Stand. The Steele brothers are dealers in Vegas and they work with a matchmaking business to be set up with a woman for the night. This of course, turns into more, with unique obstacles for each of the brothers. It starts with Catch Me, and Play Me will be out March 30th. The stories are short and hot for lovers of the erotic romance genre.

I'm a big fan of the 1NS series—I've had the honor of hosting a lot of their authors and the stories all look fantastic, as will yours by the sound of it. It sounds like your career is absolutely exploding, Jennifer, and I can't tell you how awesome it is to have you here to talk about it. Let's take a closer look at THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN.

THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN | blurb & linkage

A marriage in name only…

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.

Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn't believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father's corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister's childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he's offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn't be that hard to follow, right?

Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans…

MORE INFO & BUY@ Barnes and Noble | Amazon

JENNIFER PROBST | bio & linkage

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn't stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master's in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons, one 4 and one 6, keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

Her publications with Red Sage include "Masquerade" Secrets Volume 11,  The Tantric Principle, and Sex, Lies and Contracts. Her 1NightStand series include Catch Me and Play Me in The Steele Brothers series with Decadent, and her #1 Barnes and Noble bestseller, The Marriage Bargain, from Lori Wilde's Indulgence line at Entangled. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story about a shelter dog, "A Life Worth Living." All of her books are available at her website or Amazon.

STALK JENNIFER @ WEBSITE & BLOG | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Anyone else feeling thoroughly wooed by Jennifer? I know I am. As far as my readerly aspirations, she's found her way to my TBR list while my writerly side is totally inspired by her success. (Meanwhile, my inner editor is trying to decide if wooed is a word. It looks funny, LOL.) Jennifer, I'm truly honored to be a part of your tour. Thanks so much for being here! Readers, give her a warm welcome. (And no one tell her husband *anything* mkay? LOL!)

FOR MORE FROM JENNIFER PROBST, CLICK BOOK COVER IMAGES BELOW

      

The Highlight Reel: March 2012

It's time for the monthly roundup! (Did time fly or WHAT?) If you want to see what you missed last month, click "Monthly Highlights" in the category listing on the sidebar to your left. If you want to know what's up now, you're in the right place. Shall we?

TIDE OF LIES Cover Reveal

If you were here with me yesterday for Six Sentence Sunday, you were among the first to see the cover for my April 2 release, TIDE OF LIES. If you aren't familiar with the story, here's the blurb:

A devastating secret. A shocking betrayal. A deadly obsession.

Haunted by three unsolved murders, Detective Holden Whitlow is stunned when his cold case takes a heated turn. Julia Cohen, his ex-lover, is back in town, and in the face of a brutal attack she's ready to run. No matter how tightly she holds her secrets, for Holden, turning away from the woman he's spent a decade trying to forget isn't any more an option than walking away from his job . . . even when it threatens to cost Julia her life.

Julia is still reeling from a past she can't bear to face. When she becomes the target of a killer, fate throws her back into Holden's arms, but she's yet to recover from a truth that has stripped her of everything—and everyone—she loves. Will she tell him the secret that will destroy him, or will her lie destroy them both?

If you missed last Monday's giveaway of FAMILIAR LIGHT, the story leading to the LIES, no worries! I'll have a few copies coming soon. Why not subscribe to my blog so you won't miss your next chance? Subscribing is the *only* way to qualify for my weekly gift card giveaway, plus you'll be among the first to learn about other giveaways and blog hops. Join me?

HAWTHORNE is Now Available in Paperback!

Yes, you read that right! HAWTHORNE is now in print and available from Amazon. The new format came with a slight cover redesign to represent the new digs, and I'm really excited to offer giveaways of the paperback version. Interested? Don't go far! Details are forthcoming, but as for the book, you can check it out right now by clicking here. And if you're not familiar with the story, there are 24 reviews on Amazon to help with the introduction. Check it out!

FAMILIAR LIGHT Price Slashed!

In advance of the April 2 release of TIDE OF LIES, my novella FAMILIAR LIGHT is now available for just $1.50! This price is exclusive to Noble Romance, where you'll find all the popular e-formats including PDF, EPUB, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Mobi4Kindle, and MobiPocket.

What the heck does FAMILIAR LIGHT have to do with TIDE OF LIES, you ask? While TIDE OF LIES is a standalone novel, the story actually begins in FAMILIAR LIGHT with a love rekindled and an obsession turned deadly. The twist at the end leads right into TIDE OF LIES, which picks up with Holden's story as an old love and a long-buried secret devastate him . . . and that's all before the final showdown!

This Just In: Book Reviews

[image error]**HAWTHORNE earns a Recommended Read Award from Two Lips Reviews!** This is an honor bestowed on less than 3% of all books reviewed by Two Lips, so I'm kind of beaming over here. This is just a small snippet of what they had to say about the story.

"It's a story of literary merit, and I highly recommend Hawthorne to those who love a tale that will haunt them even after they put it down." (read the full 5-star review)

The good news doesn't stop there! The following reviews have come in since February's highlight reel:

02.29.2012 "Unforgiven will definitely be an unforgotten book in my library. … The plot flows and the characters are flawless." The Writing World on UNFORGIVEN (read the full review)

03-21-2012 "I am so impressed that Ms. Ballance could put together such a wonderfully suspenseful, sensuous read in a short story." Sandy W. on FAMILIAR LIGHT (read the full review)

03-25-2012 "This story will stick with you because it is a beautifully written sweet romance." Tifferz Book Review on HAWTHORNE (read the full review)

03.17.2012 "Sarah is able to inject intrigue and suspense throughout every page of her story" Simplistic Halloz Books on FAMILIAR LIGHT (read the full review)

03.23.2012 "Sarah Ballance is a good storyteller." Lilac Wolf and Stuff on HAWTHORNE (read the full review) *Note: this is a negative review*

02.29.2012 "Hawthorne was a haunting love story, told with some lavish and beautiful description, that placed me deep in the story with Emma and Noah almost immediately." Tazzie Book Reviews (read the full review)

02.27.2012 "I thought the characters were very believable and I found myself completely immersed in the story." Love to Read Romance on HAWTHORNE (read the full review)

To see a full listing of all of my reviews, check out the Reviews tab on my blog. With each book title, you'll also find ratings (if left by the reviewer) and links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads reader reviews.

Giveaways and Winners

In March alone, I've given away **$25** worth of gift cards and a number of ebooks. How can you be the next to score? I'm glad you asked! The easiest way to win is to subscribe to my blog **by email** in the box at the top of the left hand side bar and you'll be automatically entered in my weekly gift card giveaways. (For full details, click here.) I also participate in a number of blog hops, and when they're open to entries you'll find the graphics in the side bar. Be sure to check back often for a shot at the good stuff!

Coming Up Next

TIDE OF LIES is due to release from Noble Romance on April 2. For a sneak peek, check out the Six Sentence Sunday posts on my blog by clicking here.

Easy Stalking Guide (AKA Linkage)

Are you following me? Am I following you? (Are we going in circles?) Let's connect!

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN PAGE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Comments? Questions?

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on my blog, please don't hesitate to ask! I can't say I don't bite (just ask my husband), but I *can* say I don't bite well from a distance. ;c)

03.25.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Can't wait for this one? Check out FAMILIAR LIGHT (on sale for $1.50!) to get the early scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the LIES! In this "morning after" six, Holden has just discovered Julia's secret . . . and he didn't find out from her. The opening line is Julia's.

"You know."

It wasn't even a question, and her voice might not have registered at all if not for the relief therein. Not trusting himself to speak, he looked up from the phone to see her hugging herself through one of his t-shirts. Betrayal ran through his blood, hot and brittle, and for once not a drop detoured to his groin. The only thing lingering in that particular region was remorse, the hours of lovemaking from the night before now seething inside him.

He opened his mouth to speak and snapped it shut again.

TIDE OF LIES – romantic suspense coming April 2, 2012 to Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

03.24.2012 #SweetSat Samples: Unforgiven

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her ... and this time he's got a gun. UNFORGIVEN ... click image.

Congratulations to sacredmoon1(at)etc, this week's gift card winner! If you'd like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner's choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You'll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.

Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they're thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime. In my last sample, they'd rented a cheap hotel room for the purpose of cleaning up after the fire.

They grabbed lunch and ate in the truck before going back into the motel. There, she showered and changed, grateful on second thought for the general filth of the room. Gage didn't say as much, but she'd bet not even he would throw her down and have his way with her on a comforter that might literally be crawling with someone else's DNA. But he did look at her with a sweetness and intensity she just couldn't ignore.

So many things were right with them—too many to resist.

It gave her plenty to think about.

"What happens when this is over?" she asked an hour later. They were back in the truck and headed for Tehcotah, the bed in the room they'd rented for less than three hours left untouched. She hoped he'd understand she was asking about the state of their relationship without her having to spell it out. She'd spent too long trying to get him out of her head to say the words aloud. Not yet, anyway.

"I can't say I haven't thought of it. Home seems a long way off, though."

"Yeah, it does." And it wasn't a matter of counting miles . . . it was one of counting bodies. Her parents, Dawson, Billy—everything she had was under a shroud of loss. Would she ever sit in her living room again and not think of Gage greeting her with a revolver? Of his breath on her skin or the feel of him between her thighs after far too many months without? Or of Dawson or Billy? "I'm not sure home will ever feel like home again."

Gage reached for her. "I never had a home until yours, and I didn't even live there. My father was a drunk. My mom checked out a long time before Billy and I were ready to raise ourselves, but she didn't leave us with a choice. I never felt like anyone cared until . . . well, you and your parents." He drew her hand to his lips. A wicked grin accompanied the chivalrous kiss, and the contrast thrilled her. It also lightened the mood considerably, but her thoughts were quick to circle back around. His words had triggered something inside her.

She'd been empty far too long. With a ripple of emotion, she realized what she'd been missing.

Gage was home.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.

UNFORGIVEN

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he's got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage's former lover, Riley. He and she didn't part ways on good terms, and he's not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he's got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options:  trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

*Debut Release Day* for Christine Warner with Some Like it in Handcuffs!

SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS ... do you? Find out by scoring a copy of Christine Warner's debut release! Click image for details.

Today I am THRILLED to bring you my good friend Christine Warner, who is here to celebrate RELEASE DAY for her DEBUT NOVEL! I'd like to think she just really likes me and that's why I get to host the party, but maybe she just wants to get me over with so she can enjoy the newfound revelry of being a *published author!* ;c)  Whatever the reason, I hope you'll welcome her and make her release day a smashing success.

Christine, I believe huge, HUGE congratulations are in order, as you have officially joined the ranks of published authors (and in style, I might add, as you've already scored a rather prestigious contract with Lori Wilde's Indulgence line with Entangled!) SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS is your debut release. (SQUEEE!) Give us a glimpse of how it happened for you. What was your first thought when you got the news?

I worked on Some Like in Handcuffs for close to a year.  I learned a lot writing this story and I ended up deleting, adding, switching scenes to polish it up and get it ready to send out.  Well, when I first sent out the story to around five agents, I got five lovely rejections.  After I applied a few more things I learned I sent it out to The Wild Rose Press.  A few months went by and I'd actually resigned myself to the fact that if I heard back from them it'd probably be a rejection too.  Again, I was bummed, because I really like this story and the characters.

I was actually talking to my sister about just filing the story away and revisiting it later, when I got an email from The Wild Rose Press offering me a contract.  Let's just say a few screams, yells, and jumping up and down followed.  Scared my dogs and cats and then I burned up the phone lines.  LOL

Oh, yeah. It's bad (or good!) when you run off the dog. (I think cats, on the other hand, practice disdain. But I digress.) Sounds like an epic moment, and the first of many, no doubt. *grin*  Your story features a kick-butt heroine in a world full of testosterone, one man in particular. *Wink* Can you tell our readers a little bit about the book and the dynamics between the hero and heroine?

Sunny Kennedy is a private investigator who is inexperienced in her profession and in matters of the heart.  Judson Blackwolf is a seasoned detective who is leery about getting involved with the sexy daughter of his captain.  Together they learn they have to overcome their differences and prejudices against each other to solve a cold case, and manage it all while they control their growing attraction.

Oh, that sounds yummy. I love that taste of the forbidden in there. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS?

Character-wise, I think that readers will be surprised that though Sunny is sarcastic and prideful, deep down she's a softy and truly wants to do the right thing and help others.

In regards to plot,  I think some readers will be surprised that this story is actually a sexy, light-hearted romantic suspense with humorous elements (at least I hope you'll find parts humorous…lol).

I've seen your blog. I don't think you could stifle your humorous side long enough to write an entire book, LOL! Okay, let's have some fun with SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS. What's the first sentence?

"Take it easy. It's not like I'm going anywhere." Sunny jerked her arms back hoping to slow the pace of the large-framed detective who continued to drag her from the bar with unwavering force.

Okay, I cheated and gave you the first paragraph…hehehe…I'm so bad J

I'll let you live, because that just sounds yummy. Unwavering force? Ooooh, my! What's your favorite line in the book?

Oh, that's a rough choice.  Hmm….I'm going to cheat again.  I'm giving you a favorite little paragraph from the book…hope that's okay J

"Get a cotton swab and clean out the wax." She rested her palms on the counter and met his gaze across the bar. "I'm. Not. Leaving."

I like that little passage because it shows Sunny's spunk, sass and determination.

As intense as things are in these excerpts, these two are bound to be HOT together. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!

Okay, this time I'll follow the rules…lol

Sunny glared through the side window in the backseat, sulking all the way to her apartment. How dare Judson think he could use strong man tactics without her objection. On the other hand, his caveman attitude had excited her sending flames coursing through her body to spots she hadn't even known could get heated.

Yep, hot. I can't wait to read this one, Christine! Which scene of SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The ending chapter was tough.  I think mainly because I had worked on the story for so long, made so many changes…additions, deletions, switches…that I really felt connected to my story and characters and it was sad to say goodbye L

I can relate to that. (And oh, how I wish I could not! LOL.) Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

There's a scene in the book that I had a fun time writing and it just struck my funny bone.  It's in the last chapter and is a scene where Sunny is walking along the sidewalk, after she'd made a decision.  A weight had been lifted from her shoulder, only to be replaced by a group of 3 cop cars surrounding her to take her into the precinct.  I won't give you any more details than that.  Her character is sassy and fun and I liked how the scene happened and her reaction.  And I'd definitely want to experience it in her POV.

Nothing like life to give you a sucker punch when you're finally feeling carefree, huh? Life, or your author, that is. LOL! What are you currently working on? 

I have several new projects in the works.  I'm in the process of finishing up 2 manuscripts, one is a sequel to Some Like it in Handcuffs, featuring Sunny's brother Derek.  The title is Some Like it on the Run.

I also have a second book coming out this year with The Wild Rose Press titled Two-Timing the Boss and another book tentatively titled Blind Date Billionaire coming out with Entangled Publishing, The Indulgence Line with Lori Wilde.  I don't have a release date yet for either, but feel free to visit my blog or follow me on facebook and twitter to stay tuned J

I love how you threw that in there. And I am so, so proud of you for that accomplishment. What a huge compliment to your writing skills! And speaking of accomplishments, let's learn a bit more about your debut release. ;c)

SOME LIKE IT IN HANDCUFFS | blurb & links

Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn't the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she's off the case.

Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain's sexy daughter doesn't thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor's daughter. Once the case is over, he's moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.

But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Jud soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.

Available in print and digital format @ THE WILD ROSE PRESS | AMAZON | B&N

CHRISTINE WARNER | bio & linkage

Christine Warner is living her dream in rural Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic.  A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities.  She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website at christine-warner.com.

And you can find me at:

My blog/website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to keep up on what I have coming up: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

I love to hear from readers and other authors J

Christine, I can't tell you how happy I am to be a part of your debut release. It will be the first of many, many successes for you, no doubt. (SQUEEE again!) Readers, thank you for being here for Christine's first day as a published author. As always, your comments are welcome and I hope your day is as *fan*tastic as Christine's is bound to be. ;c)