Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 69
March 22, 2012
Marissa Dobson's "Snowy Fate"

Find out what SNOWY FATE will bring! Click image for more info.
Okay, guys. Best behavior today! Sizzling PR's Marissa Dobson is here with a new interview and a copy of her book SNOWY FATE to give away. Not only is Marissa an author, but she's also a publicist (mine, in fact!) and with Sizzling PR she offers some of the most affordable book tours around. I hope you'll skedaddle over to Sizzling PR after you've properly stalked Marissa, but first let's meet her, shall we? (And if you want to know how to win a copy of her book, stick around through the end of the interview and I'll scoop you.)
Welcome, Marissa! Before we talk about SNOWY FATE, you've got to give me a lesson on time management. How in the world do you manage to write, tour, AND run Sizzling Hot Books and Sizzling PR?
Between you and me my husband got me a clone. J No honestly, some days I don't know how I do it. The mornings are normally devoted to Sizzling PR, then I write until lunch time, after that it is whatever needs done. For Sizzling Hot Books, I normally work on that a few times a week and schedule a few days of reviews so I won't have to worry so much about it. I have a number of wonderful reviewers there that help when I need it. With Sizzling PR I have an amazing assistant, Lacey Wolfe, who helps handle things also. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to do it.
I need to remember that through gritted teeth when the universe doesn't seem to want me to write! LOL. You're a full time author with two college degrees. What did you study? What made you decide to take the leap to writing full time?
My degrees are in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies, I also have a certificate in Child Day Care Management from my days working in Day Cares. I wanted a degree to fall back on in case something happened but my husband never wanted me to use it. He likes having me home. Plus with him being a Special Education teacher what job could I have that I could take the summer off with my degrees.
Oh, wow! What an awesome collection of educational merits. (I'm thinking criminal justice might come in handy for suspense. Hmmm…LOL.) Can you introduce our readers to SNOWY FATE? Tell us about the book.
Snowy Fate was one of the stories that wasn't really planned, it just happened. I was supposed to work on something else but I couldn't figure out where I wanted to go with it. Instead of writing I was daydreaming out the window watching it snow and Snowy Fate was born.
Blurb:
Fate always knows when you're ready for love.
The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn't want to be—her father's house—with a naked man.
Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn's father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life than what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.
How could anyone not love the part about the naked man? LOL. I love how the story just came to you. Let's have some fun with it. What's the first sentence?
Looking out the window, the snow was coming down with such force Aspyn Layton couldn't even see her rented Trailblazer that she left in the driveway a few hours before.
Oooh, that sounds utterly romantic! What's your favorite line in the book?
"The better question is who are you and what are you doing here?" he asked as he shook the wet snow off his naked body.
*I mean come on picture that in your mind. Yum.*
Yes, indeed! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!
Live for the moment. Do something wild. You're in a new place, even if only for a short while.
That's great advice outside of the pages of your book, too! *grin* Which scene of SNOWY FATE was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The parts where it talks about Aspyn father leaving the family. I wanted readers to understand that he did it to protect his child not to hurt her.
Wow, that would be a tough thing to write. It must be emotional for you as the author to convey that. Which scene of SNOWY FATE would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
I would love to experience the scene where Damon shifts in front of her. It would have been amazing to watch.
Definitely no arguments there. That would most definitely be amazing! What are you currently working on?
Currently I have a few things in the works. I have a few upcoming releases: Winterbloom, the first book in a new mutli-author series at Ruby Lioness Press will be coming out in April. Also the next two books in the Live series will be coming soon, I believe April and May. This will follow the first book, Live and Learn.
I'm also writing another book for the Clearwater, multi-author series, and working on another paranormal series idea to pitch to my editor.
Wow. You certainly do find a way to make things happen, Marissa. That's incredible! Let's take another look at SNOWY FATE. (Readers, remember you have a chance to win this one! Stay with us to find out how).

Fate always knows when you're ready for love.
The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn't want to be—her father's house—with a naked man.
Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn's father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life then what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.
MORE INFO & BUY @ RUBY LIONESS PRESS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, I now reside about an hour from Washington, D.C.I am a lady who likes to keep busy, and am always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, I believe you are never done learning.
Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave me the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read I have always had my nose in a book. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started writing down the stories I came up with.
I am blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is my other half and allows me to stay home and pursue my writing. My writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.
I am the owner of Sizzling Hot Book's and Sizzling PR, and the co-owner of Ruby Lioness Press.
I love to hear from readers, you can email me at marissa@marissadobson.com Or visit me at http://www.marissadobson.com/
CONNECT @ WEBSITE | BLOG | RUBY LIONESS PRESS | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
**Giveaway**
If you'd like to win a copy of Marissa's paranormal shifter romance, SNOWY FATE, pleases leave a comment with your email address. And just for kicks, let us know how you juggle things when life gets crazy. Do you triage? Does something always come first, no matter what else is going on? Share how you handle those moments of overload. ;c) (Not required to enter the giveaway, but fun!)
Marissa, thank you so much for dropping in today. It's a pleasure to have you here, and with any luck some of our readers will discover Sizzling PR and make you even busier, LOL! Readers, I'm glad you found your way here today and hope you'll say hello (but if not, hey, we understand busy! LOL). Have a fantastic day, everyone!
Sizzling PR's book tours are some of the most reasonably priced you'll find. A 30-stop tour is just $30US and includes promotion! For more information on other tour length options and services, please click here.








March 20, 2012
Nana Malone's Suspenseful "Reluctant Protector"

There's no room for reluctance when it comes to grabbing your copy of Nana Malone's exciting new romantic suspense! Click image.
You all know I'm a sucker for romantic suspense, and I love Nana Malone already. She's got a great sense of humor and a fantastic back story of her own, which naturally I had to ask about, LOL. I think you guys are going to really enjoy this interview, so grab something cold (or hot!) and settle back in your chairs for a few moments with an awesome guest. Shall we?
Welcome, Nana! I saw in your bio your book started with a borrowed tattered romantic suspense you read in Ghana. Now *that* is a romantic, book-worthy start to a writing career! What about that book grabbed you? Do you remember what book it was?
HAHA, I'll have to keep that in mind for a beginning in an upcoming book. I've wanted to work on a book set in Ghana lately. Alas, I don't remember the name of the book, but it was one of those Mills and Boons Greek Billionaire types.
I'll begin by saying that I was thirteen at the time and led a way sheltered life. And had yet to learn about plucking eyebrows, so boys and love where nowhere on the horizon. Lol.
It was a summer of discovery. In my grandparent's house, they had shelves of books my grandfather used to encourage me wholeheartedly to read. The most risqué being Mario Puzo Fools Die. When my cousin gave me the book, it was more my speed. It gave me access to love and relationships that I could only see from my parents. I devoured it in a couple of hours and a love of romance was born. At that age, I cared more about the fairy tail aspect of love than the love scenes. That changed as I got older
I remember getting a Harlequin every week at the grocery store and I just devoured them. Reading your story takes me right back to those old days and early feelings. *grin* You're here to promote RELUCTANT PROTECTOR. I LOVE the title! What can you tell us about the book?
Thank You! That title this one was easy to come up with. The title for Forsaken Protector was harder for me.
For five years, Cassie Reeser has been her brother's personal lab rat. Peter's experiments have made her a stronger, faster, better human. And she's not the only one. For five years, escape has eluded her. Until now.
Seth Adams is used to sifting through lies to find the truth. As a former war correspondent he knows what evils lurk in the world. When he finds Cassie hiding out in his car trunk, her story sounds like a fantastical dream. But, before long, he witnesses firsthand the evil she's running from.
That sounds truly intense! You definitely have my attention. ;c) How does the book tie into The Protectors Series? Will readers meet the same characters or see similar plot lines, or is there another connection?
This is the first in the Protector series so it starts the whole story arc at the beginning. In each book, There will be some cameos from previous characters, but the story will focus on the couple of the book. In the sequel to Reluctant Protector, we'll see Cassie and Seth with some changes in their lives. It's been pretty fun writing it.
I adore those cameos. It's just a great way to catch up with favorite characters from earlier books. On a slightly different note, you've gotten some fantastic reviews for this book. What have you heard from readers that means the most to you?
I had my first reader email ever about a month ago. She just said that she really liked my work and I was just so excited to get that email. I think I cried. You never know when you write something if you're on track or not or if anyone will read it.
Then I got another Facebook reader just mention that she really likes my suspense/paranormal stuff and it gave me the motivation to keep going with the series. Pretty much any comment from an actual reader makes a huge difference. Even if it's negative. It let's you know what you can keep in mind for the future.
Isn't it just amazing how much a single comment from a reader can mean to an author? (Readers, y'all paying attention? LOL!) Okay, now that I'm heckling our readers, let's give them a scoop. What might we be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of RELUCTANT PROTECTOR?
That I had a completely different ending to the book, not one month before I released it. I wanted to go in a different direction, then the ending that's there popped into my head.
Wow, one month? Yowza! I love how it just came to you, though. Those "aha" moments are almost as priceless as reader love. *grin* Let's have some fun with RELUCTANT PROTECTOR. What's the first sentence?
"Frigid cold settled into Cassie Reeser's bones."
Such great atmosphere in just a few words! What's your favorite line in the book?
"I usually wait until a woman cooks dinner for me before I shoot someone for her."
LMAO! I LOVE it! Which scene of RELUCTANT PROTECTOR was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The ending. I had a couple ideas for where I wanted to take the series, but had a hard time deciding.
It sounds like the ending ultimately decided for you! (I think that's so awesome.) Which scene of RELUCTANT PROTECTOR would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
Erm….Well, I'd love to wake up with superpowers without any of the burning and pain, lol. So Seth's scene when they wake up in the hotel after they'd just … . Form Cassie's POV probably. I think her powers are way cooler.
That's such a tease for those of us not in the know. (Nice job! LOL.) What are you currently working on?
My next book, Sexy in Stilettos is due out on April 3rd. It's a sexy fun contemporary. After that, I'm working on the sequel to RP called Forsaken Protector, due out this summer. And I'm also working on the sequel to Sexy in Stilettoes now.
You sound incredibly busy! Let's take a closer look at RELUCTANT PROTECTOR while you put your feet up for a minute. ;c) (I insist!)

For five years, Cassie Reeser has been her brother's personal lab rat. Peter's experiments have made her a stronger, faster, better human. And she's not the only one – he's been experimenting on others as well. For five years, escape has eluded her. Until now. When she finds out he plans to sell her as a human weapon she knows it's now or never. To make her escape she'll sacrifice family bonds and leave behind the one person who's ever helped her. Cassie's learned to shrink from kindness and to never trust anyone. She knows the day Peter finally captures her will be the day she dies. To elude her brother and save the others, she'll have to risk her body and her heart. What she doesn't expect is a chance at a normal life.
Seth Adams is used to sifting through lies to find the truth. As a former war correspondent he knows what evils lurk in the world. When he finds Cassie hiding out in his car trunk, her story sounds like a fantastical dream. But, before long, he witnesses firsthand what she's talking about when they're attacked by a group of Peter's soldiers. As a result, he goes through his own transformation into a super human and realizes the extent of what Cassie is running from. Cassie might not think she needs his protection, but he'll die before he lets her brother have her back.
MORE INFO & BUY @ AMAZON

Nana's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is. Though, until that ninja job comes through, you'll find her acting out scenes for hubby and puppy while catching up on her favorite reality television shows in sunny San Diego.
CONNECT @ WEBSITE | BLOG | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Nana, I'd like to thank you for joining me today. I hope you'll come back to talk about those new releases when they hit the shelves! (And that's a gorgeous photo, btw.) Readers, thanks for being here. As always, your comments are welcome and I look forward to chatting with you all. ;c)








March 19, 2012
Donna Del Oro:: Thematic Sub-Texts in Your Novel: How They Enrich
To learn more about BODYGUARD OF LIES, please click the image above.
Today we have an amazingly insightful guest blog from author Donna Del Oro. Whether you're a reader or an author, I think you're going to love this post. Donna, welcome, and take it away!
THEMATIC SUB-TEXTS IN YOUR NOVEL: HOW THEY ENRICH — Donna Del Oro
How can you improve and deepen your basic story idea? Besides plot and characterization, how can themes, both major and minor, enrich a work of fiction?
Think about the stories you read as a child. We were taught to draw the "moral of the story" in almost every case. Think about the American Literature classics you've read. For example, For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. In addition to their stories of war, greed, love and hardship, the great universal themes of literature were imbedded, either consciously or subconsciously by the authors. Their primary objective, no doubt, was to write a compelling story that many—even millions of readers—might enjoy. However, secondary to their objective was the expression of their outlook or philosophy of life. A truth about the human condition.
There are several important themes in For Whom the Bell Tolls: The harsh reality of war and how it kills the individual; That a special love can still survive the horrors of war; That courage and grace under immense stress and danger are the ideals of the average man. Hemingway was a proponent of SHOW, DON'T TELL. He was one of the first American novelists to reveal his characters through mainly action and dialogue. Since his dialogue was sparse, revelations via action was his stock in trade.
His main character, an American journalist who volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, is a reflective man whose survival in the war depends more on his ability to run, shoot and hide than his ability to write. While aware of the deep significance of what's going on around him, he knows in the circumstances of the war, his individuality is lost. If he is to survive, he must act like a soldier, one of many, rather than an individual. After all, the "bell tolls for thee." Death is sudden and random. So he acts and speaks, runs, shoots, makes love—when he can—and shows us through his actions how resigned he is to his fate.
The way I plan and plot my books are neither as a plotser or pantser, in the current writers' colloquialism. It's simply the way I think creatively. Rather than begin with characters or setting or a conflict idea, I begin with a dominant theme. The conflicts and characters grow from that thematic starting point.
Before I began to write my first book, OPERATION FAMILIA, I knew what my themes were: Family is important and helps to determine one's identity and self-worth; Know thyself; To thine ownself be true (to paraphrase the old Bard). My main character, Dina Salazar struggles in her quest to find herself—even changes her name—but ultimately, by risking her very life, proves to herself that the search is all important. Moreover, she proves to her family that she's not a "desgraciada" but a woman of true worth. Which bears out another theme of the book: Only through tests of character is one's true identity revealed. Dina's forbearance, patience and compassion are tested in addition to her courage throughout the story, and the climax of the book—when she enters a Mexican drug cartel's lair–is the final test. Rescuing her Mexican cousins becomes for Dina a true test of her self-worth and her identity.
In my romantic thriller, A BODYGUARD OF LIES, I began with the basic theme of retribution and justice. Though justice is blind, she has a long memory. So FBI analyst Jake Bernstein believes as he is called to go undercover and investigate a naturalized American grandmother suspected of war crimes during World War II. That he is Jewish-American is part of his identity, and losing all of his grandfather's German family during the Holocaust adds to his deep need for ultimate justice. However, he is a 21sst Century American male, first and foremost, a former Navy SEAL, a conservative male with a condo and stock portfolio. Balance and objectivity are his mottos in life. His undercover assignment becomes an unexpected test of those very mottos. Can he remain objective when the target's lovely granddaughter has captured his heart, or at least his libido? Does justice really matter after sixty-five years? He has a difficult time believing that old, wrinkled and frail Mary McCoy Snider was really a ruthless Nazi spy, code named Hummingbird. That she conspired to murder the real Mary McCoy and take her place in Churchill's War Office seems ludicrous to him. The reader knows differently, though.
Ultimately, Jake must decide whether justice prevails or whether the passage of time and the change of circumstance rule over human nature. He faces a crisis of conscience that shocks him, for he's always viewed himself as a black-and-white kind of man with a righteous zeal.
For me as an author, these universal themes are my guiding lights, the beacons that direct me as I write and develop the characters and conflicts. Everything in the story generates from those themes. This is where the story begins for me.
Whatever works is the general rule of thumb. For me this is what works.
[image error]BODYGUARD OF LIES | about the book
A BODYGUARD OF LIES (release: Jan. 13th) has a dual setting, a contemporary one and a WWII/London setting. It's a blend of romance, mystery and WWII espionage. I researched it while in England, Ireland and Germany in 2009. The story involves a Jewish-American FBI analyst, who's recruited by MI-5 to go undercover and investigate a naturalized American grandmother. The elderly woman is suspected by MI-5 of being a notorious Nazi spy never caught by the Allies during the war, who caused the deaths of thousands and is wanted for war crimes. Jake Bernstein runs into a series of unexpected obstacles and complications: This spy knows a secret that could endanger the royal family; the old woman has a beautiful granddaughter who threatens to derail his investigation; a neo-Nazi group in Ireland known as the Celtic Wolves; and a clever, cagey old woman who's not as weak as she looks.

Donna Del Oro spent her childhood in two places, Silicon Valley, CA and the countryside of East Texas, as her father tried several job opportunities. Finally settling in Silicon Valley, she grew up in a bilingual, bicultural world–Spanish on her mother's side and English on her father's. Comfortable in both worlds, she decided upon retiring from teaching to write about her Hispanic side. Four women's fiction books resulted and a series about professional singers, their careers and love lives. Retired and devoting much of her abundant free time to exercise, writing, singing and her grandson, Donna has finally reached a point in life that totally satisfies her. Life is good and she has no complaints, just a lot of gratitude for her many blessings. Website
Donna, I'm thrilled to have you as a guest today! I enjoyed your blog and wish you all the best with your book, which has a fantastic cover, I might add. ;c) Readers, what did you think of Donna's post? Your comments are welcome!








Tide of Lies: Exclusive Sneak Peek & Chance to Win Familiar Light
With any luck, TIDE OF LIES releases two weeks from today. (SQUEEE!) And what's even better than my excitement is *yours* — for that, I am utterly thrilled and appreciative beyond words. Today, to celebrate YOU, my readers, I'm going to post the opening scene of TIDE OF LIES, and with it a chance to win FAMILIAR LIGHT, a romantic thriller novella that leads straight to the LIES. If you're interested in FAMILIAR LIGHT (which you can score in your choice of a Nook, Kindle, or PDF format), just let me know in the comments section. ENJOY!
TIDE OF LIES -opening scene
Another one.
Holden Whitlow could have done without that grim utterance from his sergeant re-entering his life. He exhaled, wishing the hot summer sun would dissolve some of the unease weighing him down. But the scorching rays cutting through the windshield only left him hot and sticky, prompting his sunglasses to slide down his nose and his shirt to plaster against his back. The discomfort, however, didn't best the miserable prospect of walking onto a crime scene and confronting the fourth murder victim of his short career.
Two years ago, a stalker turned murderer and took three local women as victims. The cases remained unsolved. Holden had been sopping wet behind the ears at the time, but his inexperience landed him a top-notch partner in Greg Martin, the lead detective who since retired. Although the whole Barrier Shoals PD had at some point worked the stalker case—Martin even checking in from his living room—guilt led Holden to carry the weight of the unsolved murders solo. It dug deep under his skin, and whether or not his cold case had just been set ablaze, the heat was on.
He wasn't a math guy, but oh-for-four rang in his ears like nails on a chalkboard.
This murderer wouldn't get away.
Spying the convenience store marking the crime scene, Holden steered his Crown Vic into the lot and parked on the far edge, intending to close the last sixty feet on foot. There was no reason to hurry or risk driving over evidence. The girl was dead.
Holden's partner had beat him there, a faux pas the older detective would never let Holden live down. Detective John "Bear" Barrett surveyed the surroundings, fingers splayed on his hips, one hand in the vicinity of his badge and the other in close quarters with a Glock. "You're late," he said, not bothering to look up as Holden neared.
Holden snorted. "I thought you were on vacation."
"Was. I came back for the show."
"I'm sure our vic appreciates your dedication to the cause," Holden said, not feeling the edge of his own humor. He cast a cursory glance around the defunct Quik-Stop. Dented gas pumps stretched in a forlorn line, islands in a sea of broken glass. Thin lines of grass snaked over the lot, marking cracks in the pavement. Holden smelled the stench of abandonment, felt the pulse of death. "Where's the body?"
"Hospital."
Holden consulted his phone for the time. A quarter hour had passed since the call. A couple of techs had their noses to the pavement, plucking at the scattered, nearly microscopic debris of the abandoned lot with tweezers, but the coroner, David Frankel, was nowhere in sight. Short of disavowing protocol and shoving the body in his trunk, there was no way he could clear a scene in fifteen minutes. "The morgue? Already?"
Bear knelt, balancing on the balls of his feet, and cocked his head, studying the ground. Shifting his sunglasses away from his eyes, he raised an arm and motioned over a young woman from forensics. "Make sure you catch this trail," he said, pointing first to his feet, then in a line toward the building. Without waiting for her response, he righted himself and returned the shades to his nose. "I said hospital, Whitlow. Not morgue. Considering the victim is still breathing—but barely—I don't think she'd take kindly to a tour of the basement."
"She's alive?"
Bear paced the twenty feet to the painted brick corner of the store. A metal door on the side was slightly ajar, the word "JON" displayed with crooked stuck-on letters. He nudged open the door wider with his foot. Seconds later, his head jerked to the side as if the stench had reached out and slapped him.
Laughing, Holden edged closer. "I could have told you not to breathe, Detective." He pulled a penlight from his pocket and directed it inside the stall, pressing his mouth in a thin line to suppress his gag reflex. Questionable patches in various shades of brown smeared the floors, and the toilet held what appeared to be a solid mass of waste he didn't care to investigate. His quick sweep of the room came to an abrupt end at the sink, where dark crimson marred the already stained porcelain. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" Holden asked, glancing to Bear, who had joined him in the doorway.
"Looks like blood to me." Bear shook his head. "I'd sure hate to be the guy sopping up DNA out of that sh*t hole."
Holden scratched the back of his neck, surveying the handful of officers and forensic techs scattered over the scene. "I can't imagine why anyone would want to go in there, criminal or otherwise." That particular restroom had never been golden. When he was at the tender, scheming age of fourteen, he and his buddy Bridger Jansen used to buy cigarettes from an elderly—and half blind—cashier and hide in the bathroom to smoke. Fully functioning, it hadn't smelled much better than it did now.
Bear covered his nose and mouth with his forearm. "Well, someone wanted in, and recently," he said, his voice muffled. "See a rookie due for a hazing?"
With a rueful glance through the open doorway, Holden shook his head. "That's why I don't work forensics."
"Yeah," Bear said, walking away from the building. "Someone else does the grunt work, and we get the glory. Cushy job, huh?"
Glory. Not much of that in three unsolved murders. Holden joined Bear by the curb where he stood—his foot propped on the concrete—and shook off a squirrely sense of déjà vu. No. This one was different. "She's alive, you say?"
"Catch up, Whitlow. Unconscious when they found her, but breathing. Who told you she was dead?"
Holden mentally wheeled back through the phone call from his sergeant. He hadn't specifically said the woman was dead, but the implication had been there. Another one. "The victim, where was she?" Only a few rushed footprints disturbed the grime and . . . stuff on the bathroom floor. The victim couldn't have been there in a state of failing consciousness, which begged the questions: Where had the blood come from? Whose blood was in the bathroom . . . and how did it get there?
Pointing to a cluster of uniforms, Bear said, "Victim was balled up over there on the pavement. Kid in the jeans called it in. Said he thought he saw her breathing but was afraid to get too close. Didn't want the breeze blowing his DNA on her or something."
Holden followed Bear's gesture, pegging the kid at the other end of it for about fifteen. He was tall and scrawny, with the height of a man but none of the bulk. Head down and sans his shoes, he toed the end of a skateboard, causing it to clack against the pavement. Long blond bangs obscured his face. "Did he see anything?"
"A lump out of the corner of his eye. He was cruising down the sidewalk when he noticed her. He came over to investigate. When he realized the object was human, he freaked and dialed 9-1-1 from his cell phone. Or that's his story, anyway."
Holden's jaw clenched. He didn't like getting his information secondhand. Bear had a good eight years of police experience over him, though, and his work was meticulous. Whatever information he had would be good. "You don't believe him?"
"It's the scene of the crime, Whitlow. I don't believe anyone yet."
Holden set his jaw. "Do you have a reason—?"
Bear grinned, and then leaned closer. "Between you and me, he's about to piss himself. Did I mention the kid was bleeding? Nice little gash on his hand. I bet my badge that blood in the bathroom is his."
"Yeah," Holden grumbled. "Empty wager. You just like toying with me."
"I'm a high stakes man." Bear grinned and cocked his head toward the restroom. "What do you want to bet he stepped in something?"
That would certainly explain why the boy was standing there in his socks. Nothing to ruin an afternoon like having your shoes hijacked as evidence. Holden tried to imagine how that excuse would have flown with his own mother, fast deciding it wouldn't. He hoped the kid was as innocent as he looked. Holden turned to Bear. "Hey, how did you get here so fast? You're making me look bad."
"Eh. My wife dragged me to the gallery around the corner for some watercolor exhibit. I drew the line at an hour-long session on interpretation, so she cut me loose to grab some coffee. I was right across the street when the call came." He held up a paper cup in mock salute.
Holden hadn't even noticed Bear's car was absent. Some detective. "I don't guess you saw anything?"
"Nope, not a thing. Everything was quiet until the sirens started blaring. I got here about the time the ambulance did. Cramer was the first uniform on the scene, but not by much. I watched him pull in. It's pretty quiet around here—especially for a Saturday afternoon."
That it was, especially for tourist season. A quaint resort town alongside the Atlantic Ocean, Barrier Shoals usually hosted tourists from May through September, and this morning shouldn't have been an exception. But other than a small crowd drawn by the police presence the lonely corner now felt . . . dead.
Holden winced at the thought.
Bear crossed his arms and fixed his sunglass-covered stare on Holden. "You've still got your head in your a*s over those murders a few years back."
"No . . . yeah." Holden blew a sharp breath and planted his hands on his head. "Hell, Barrett, I don't know. It's hard sitting on a case you never solved. The guilt doesn't go away just because you close the file."
"Wouldn't know about that. My closure rate is pristine."
Holden rolled his eyes, dropping his hands to his hips. "If you're so smart, work the cold case. You find the guy."
"In due time, partner. We've got a hot one, so how about we stick to the living victims for now?" Bear's cell phone chirped. He consulted the screen, and then held up a finger signaling he needed a minute. Lifting the device to his ear, he said, "Barrett."
Turning to allow Bear a modicum of privacy, Holden rolled his shoulders and cocked his head, popping his neck. He was off his game, unable to shake the discord that arrived on the heels of the initial call. Another one. Clearly, Holden wasn't the only one haunted by the past. His sergeant's tone had carried the same wariness now lumped in Holden's chest. The question was, why?
What was it about this call that had set off eerie alarm bells in both their minds? The vic wasn't dead. Nothing about this scene seemed remotely connected to the others—and yet . . . Barrier Shoals was a small town. Most of the crime he handled was the minor break-ins and purse snatchings that seemed to plague the tourist season. A murder. An assault. These were rare. Rare enough to raise the sergeant's hackles. And after all the dead ends he'd been finding lately, Holden was on edge as well.
Behind him, Bear cleared his throat. "You want to go talk to the vic? I can handle things here."
Holden turned, looking at Bear in surprise. "Me? It's not like you to give up a bedside encounter with a woman."
Bear dropped his cell phone in his pocket and shrugged, his self-proclaimed lady-killing grin in a lazy sprawl across his face. "You have a point there, but I'm not into sloppy seconds."
The dig worked. Holden froze. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You got me, Whitlow, but our vic is awake. Seems the lovely Julia Cohen is asking for you by name."
##
I'd love to know what you think! Your comments are welcome, and if you'd like a copy of FAMILIAR LIGHT, please let me know. I've got a couple to give away. ;c) For more on TIDE OF LIES, please check out my recent Six Sentence Sunday posts.
I'd like to congratulate taterbug78(at)etc, this week's gift card winner. If you'd like to enter my weekly gift card giveaway ($10 to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or B&N, winner's choice), simply subscribe by **email** using the subscription box at the top of the sidebar to your left. You will be automatically entered every week so long as you remain a subscriber.








March 17, 2012
03.18.12 #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 snippet, Holden has just woken to find himself tangled with Julia, and a glance at the clock tells him the party is over. ;c)
He should be up, grappling for distance and chastising himself for sleeping with his crime victim, but his days of trying to convince himself he could keep that distance were over. She changed his sense of being, her presence silencing a restless whisper he'd long carried—whether he'd put thought to it or not, he'd spent his entire adult life looking for the kind of connection he'd once shared with Jules. His first and only sexual bender, their relationship lacked easy comparison. But now he realized the sense of ease he felt with her was more than sex; it was the "click" from which clichés were made. And he was the schmuck with hearts circling his head . . . and a goading feeling she'd bolt. He just didn't know when, or why it hadn't happened yet.
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.








March 16, 2012
Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop: March 17th – 22nd

Click image to try your luck with more than 250 other giveaways for book lovers!
Leaping Leprechauns! It's time for the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop, which is sponsored by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer, Books Complete Me, and Author Cindy Thomas. And since today just might be your *lucky* day, you get to choose your prize!
WHAT YOU CAN WIN
Your choice of any of my published books in either PDF or Nook/Kindle gift formats. (See titles below). **BONUS** If you win and are also an **email subscriber** to my blog, you will also receive a $5 gift certificate to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Noble Romance (winner's choice). You MUST be an **email subscriber** at the time of the random drawing to take place at the close of the hop. To subscribe, please use the email subscription box at the top of the left hand sidebar. You must confirm your subscription to be eligible. *All email subscribers are automatically entered in each of my weekly gift card giveaways. For full details and privacy info, click here.
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, simply leave a comment with your email address. To be eligible for the gift card bonus, you must subscribe to my blog **by email** using the subscription box at the top of the left hand sidebar AND confirm your subscription. I'd also greatly appreciate your "likes" on Facebook – the like boxes are in the sidebar to your left if you'd be so inclined. (Liking does not increase your chance of winning.)
AVAILABLE TITLES
For more information on each book, click the cover image or click here to go to my website.
Click here to rejoin the hop, and thanks for visiting!








March 15, 2012
Exciting News About an Upcoming Release!

An upcoming FREE READ! Custom cover design by For the Muse Designs.
There are a lot of crossroads in the journey of an author, and I'm coming upon a big one. (No, I don't know what makes a crossroads big. I suppose they look like any other intersection, but stay with me here, wouldya?) My newest "plot"–and latest news–involves the lovely cover you see to your right. It will soon be attached to a … ready? … FREE READ!
Yep, STAY THE NIGHT will be a novella-length (or longer) sensual romantic suspense and if my characters get unruly there's no telling how long they'll keep us (author and reader) tied up. But regardless, the story will be absolutely FREE. It's but a small way to thank you all for sticking with me as I find my way down this winding road of authoring, but I'm so, so happy to do it.
You can expect to see STAY THE NIGHT early this summer, after LAST CALL hits the shelves in both print and electronic versions. (SQUEEE!) If you missed the scoop on LAST CALL, here's the blurb.
LAST CALL | blurb
An accidental witness to a murder-for-hire, ex-cop Rhys Clark becomes the target of ruthless killer—one determined to silence her at any cost. Playing dead seems to be the most likely way to stay alive, but when her protection comes in the form of mega-sexy former adversary Nick Massey, Rhys can think of a few fates worse than death.
Nick Massey may have walked away from his troubles, but he never got past wanting Rhys. Once paired undercover, they'd been nothing but fireworks until a botched assignment ended her career, sending his into a tailspin. Now a mysterious client is willing to pay Nick anything to keep Rhys safe, but it isn't until fate takes a critical turn that he realizes the devastating truth: he's been her greatest threat all along.
Romantic suspense coming soon to For the Muse Publishing
Finally, we're a little over two weeks from the release of TIDE OF LIES and for a limited time only the prequel FAMILIAR LIGHT is on sale for just $1.50! You can certainly read (and hopefully enjoy) TIDE without first catching the events of FAMILIAR LIGHT, but for $1.50 I hope you'll indulge in the whole story. ;c) You can get the special sale price at Noble Romance or All Romance Ebooks, where FAMILIAR LIGHT sits (at press time) on the best seller list for thrillers. (A point that is, fittingly, a THRILL. *grin*)
So, in summary, here's what you have to look forward to. (Pardon my presumption of favored anticipation, but I'm going to assume if you're still reading there's an iota of interest, LOL.)
TIDE OF LIES (romantic suspense coming April 2 to Noble Romance)
LAST CALL (romantic suspense coming late spring to FTMP)
STAY THE NIGHT (*Free read* romantic suspense coming this summer to FTMP)
That's all, folks! Thanks so much for joining me for my big announcement, and I hope to see you back tomorrow for a new blog hop and a chance to win one of my books! (And then, uh, some other days after that. *grin*)
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March 14, 2012
Spotlight: Jordan K. Rose with "Perpetual Light" … & a Chance to Win it!

To learn more about Jordan K. Rose and PERPETUAL LIGHT, please click image.
Today it's my pleasure to introduce you to PERPETUAL LIGHT by Jordan K. Rose. Everyone who leaves a comment with their email address will be entered to win an e-copy of the book, and after you see this I bet you're going to want it!
PERPETUAL LIGHT | Jordan K. Rose
Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you've sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.
After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.
Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she's failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren't their only obstacles.
Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.
Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?
PERPETUAL LIGHT | excerpt
"L'amore e una guida cieca, e quelli che le seguano multo spesso si smarriscono."
~Anonymous.
Love is a blind guide and those who follow him often lose their way.
The blackness surrounded me, silent and cold. Suspended in its grip, I waited to be released, waited to be set free to accomplish what was expected. I listened to the blissful quiet, knowing soon enough chaos would surround me and my destiny would claim me.
Soon I'd awaken and be forced to find a way to complete the impossible.
My mind spun through the events of the last several weeks–Elizabeth, Peter's arrival, seeing Vittorio, Samuel's attack… The confrontation with Samuel remained so vivid to me I could smell his odor. The putrid-acidy stench lingered around me, reminding me of how he had killed Lenny and planned to take me.
My eyes opened.
No longer hooked to any machines, I stretched out on the bed, rolling my ankles and wrists. Each joint ached from lack of use, but, at the very least, I'd be able to walk out of here on my own.
A cold wall of air moved into the room, carrying with it a feeling of doom. The sudden realization that I was not alone hit me.
"Who's there?" I bolted upright, inspecting the shadows.
"Hello, Lucia." Samuel's voice slithered from the corner of the room. The venomous sound prickled in my ears. He spoke my name like it was a dirty word. He moved into the moonlight, and his eyes flashed red.
"How did you get in here?" My heart pounded. I remembered the feeling of his cold mouth against my skin. I don't want to die.
"The window, of course." He motioned to the opening behind him. The thin layer of snow coating the windowsill shimmered in the moonlight.
His heels clicked on the floor as he approached the bed. "I smell your fear, Lucia." He cocked his head to the side. His mouth dropped open as he scented the air and fangs glinted in the pale light. "It appears your guards are busy elsewhere. They must have thought your nurse would keep you safe. She was tasty, but not nearly as tasty as you're going to be."
I followed the wave of his hand to the body slumped on the floor. Linda's head flipped back on to her shoulders, barely connected to her neck, her eyes wide, horror forever frozen within them, her mouth warped to a permanent scream. Tear tracks ran through her once perfect makeup, leaving black mascara streaming down her cheeks. She had seen her demise coming and been unable escape it. Blood ran from her neck down her white uniform to pool in her lap. I bit back a scream, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing my guilt, but I knew she'd died because of me, because I'd avoided him for so long.
I inched to the edge of the bed.
"All these years." He grinned as he surveyed me, his body swaying, almost trance-like. "Your eyes are brighter this time." He crept closer. A strange energy, like dark excitement, hummed around him.
I lowered one foot to the floor.
He raised his arms toward the darkened ceiling. "The light continues to shine." His voice reverberated around us, and he laughed. "Not for much longer, I'm afraid. You've had a good run, but we all know that everything must come to an end." He dropped his arms, straightened his shirt, and leapt the last few feet to my bedside.
"What do you want?" I demanded, stumbling off the bed to face him.
He stood opposite me, the bed between us. "What do I want? You don't know? That part hasn't come to you? That's funny. I always thought it was one of your first memories. Guess not. Hmm. I wonder what that means." He paused, eyeing me. Then he smiled. "You still don't know all the details. You don't know your own destiny." He chuckled. "You have to start over each time, don't you? That's it. That's what makes your knowledge so limited, short-sighted even."
He turned his back and sat on the edge of the bed, silent.
I took a weakened step backward, praying my legs would hold out long enough for me to escape.
He turned around quickly. "You remember Vittorio, don't you?"
I froze, but didn't say a word.
He frowned. "You do. I feel your…love, I guess you'd call it, for him." He scratched his face, his thumb digging at the cleft in his chin. The sound of his nails scraping stubble filled the silence. "Can your bond with Vittorio be the problem? Is Kerina's child what's been getting in the way all these years? It can't be, can it?"
I silently shuffled toward the door.
"How could I not see it? How, in all these years, did I not realize that he was the difference? He was the one? I should have taken the burden from you, killed him myself. Careless. I was careless," he hissed as he launched himself across the room at me.
I spun for the door, reaching for the handle, but, just as my fingers scraped the metal knob, an ironclad grip jerked me backward. His arms encased my waist and chest. I screamed and drove my nails into his skin, thrashing to break his hold.
He bent me over the bed. "Where do you think you're going? We have unfinished business."

After trying her hand at many, many things- from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk.
A few short years later she's entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back.
Jordan's a member of Rhode Island Romance Writers, as well as RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters.
Her first book, Perpetual Light, releases in February of 2012 from Crescent Moon Press.
Find Jordan on her website at www.jordankrose.com.
Follow her tweets on https://twitter.com/#!/jordankrose
Friend her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jordankrose
March 13, 2012
"Getting Ahead" with Emily Cale
Click image for more on GETTING AHEAD!
Today's guest is an exceptionally fun author with a wild rodeo contemporary romance *and* a gift card giveaway. I highly recommend you guys check out her links when we're finished, but don't go anywhere yet. Why? Because you're definitely going to want to get to know Emily and her work. Stick with us to the end to find out how you can get your hands on that gift card, but first, get your hands on Emily herself! (Um, not literally.)
Welcome, Emily, and congratulations on the release of GETTING AHEAD. Before we dive into the story, I have to say I love your "unofficial " bio. Your sense of humor *really* shines. ;c) You say you went from creative writing to grad school on a course of study that has *nothing* to do with creative writing. I'd love to know what you're pursuing, but since you didn't mention it I'll just ask this: what made you take a different direction?
I'm studying epidemiology (public health) at the moment. After I finished college, I knew I wanted to go on to do something, but I knew it wasn't writing (at least in terms of schooling). I learned so much in my creative writing program, but I hate all the crap that goes along with it. Since I thought there was no way I could ever make a career out of writing, I chose something completely different. Now I get to do both.
That's pretty darn cool if you ask me! And what an interesting field of study. (As a suspense writer myself, the "public health" plot wheels are turning already! I bet there's some inspiration to be had there, LOL.) GETTING AHEAD is the first of a Rodeo Stars series from Breathless Press. What made you decide to write about the wild west?
I was born and raised in Wyoming. Even though I've been away for many years now, I still feel like the West is a huge part of me.
I visited Wyoming several years ago and I've yet to forget that vast, carefree feeling. It's AMAZING! And I bet GETTING AHEAD is as well. ;c) Can you tell our readers a bit about the story?
Getting Ahead is about a barrel racer, Amber, who is trying to put her life back together after an accident. She's completely focused on training and fearful of anything that might get in the way of her climb to the top. While training, she meets Colt, a ranch owner who understands that pain she's been through. He spend his time trying to help her overcome her fears of riding and hoping she'll see she can have her competitive life and a love life.
That's a powerful storyline. What about the series? How will subsequent titles fit together?
They all are going to feature main characters who are involved in rodeo in some way. I have a couple character cross-overs planned, but nothing I'm willing to share. Yet.
I'm loving this series already! ;c) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of GETTING AHEAD?
They might be surprised to know that Colt is based on a real person I know. Not so much his back story, but his general attitude and personality. I won't say who, but if he ever read the book, he'd probably recognize himself.
Oh, that would be fun, recognizing yourself in a book. (Well, says me, as I'm not in any books of which I'm aware, LOL). Let's have some fun with GETTING AHEAD. What's the first sentence?
"She certainly didn't look like any woman he'd seen on the ranch before."
Sounds like she caught his attention. *waggles eyebrows* What's your favorite line in the book?
"Well, I'm happy to be your last choice for nightly entertainment."
*Last* choice — I LOVE it! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!
"Well then, your highness." He removed his hat and bowed toward her as he backed away. After a few feet, he righted himself, then turned around, rolling his eyes as he did.
Now that sounds like some good readin'! I love a character with a sense of humor (and a sarcastic streak!) Which scene of GETTING AHEAD was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The first scene. It took me numerous attempts to get a handle on who my characters were and how to actually get them together. Somewhere on my hard drive are at least four different versions of that chapter that didn't work out quite right.
The first scene is always my nemesis — I know exactly what you're talking about. On the flip side, which scene of GETTING AHEAD would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
Hmm…I would have to say the skinny dipping scene. It is currently very warm where I am and I would welcome the opportunity to cool off in a creek.
Oh, that sounds fantastic! What are you currently working on?
My problem is that I have ADD when it comes to working on things. I'm wrapping up the second book in this series at the moment and working on a couple of contemporaries.
I'm sure your readers are thrilled with your *issues* LOL! Let's take a closer look at the featured book, shall we?

Colton is exactly the kind of distraction Amber doesn't want, but he might be exactly what she needs to get back on track.
Recovering from a bad fall during competition, Amber McDonald decides to spend her last week of training before her next rodeo at a Colorado ranch, away from any and all distractions. It'd be the perfect arrangement—if only her fear wasn't stopping her from getting back on her horse.
Then Colt Riley steps in. He's sexy and seems to have incredible insight into her situation, but he's everything she's been trying to stay away from.
Colt knows exactly what Amber is going through…because he's been there before. Forced to give up his riding career after an accident, he sets his mind to helping her get back on track. All that's easier said than done, especially when she discovers his hidden past. Will his efforts be enough to help her get ahead?
MORE INFO & BUY @ BREATHLESS PRESS | AMAZON | ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS
EMILY CALE | bio & linkage
Emily Cale spent the majority of her childhood as a visitor to the worlds of her favorite authors. With encouragement from her English teachers, she put pen to paper and began imagining her own stories. Preferring the fascinating lives of her characters, she majored in creative writing. When not lost in a manuscript or a good book, she enjoys crocheting, rock climbing, and playing board games. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and a very spoiled cat.
**GIVEAWAY**
I'm going to let Emily tell you about her giveaway in her own words. Emily?
Ask me a question in the comments and I'll try to answer all of them plus pick one random winner to receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card.
Is that cool or what? I can't wait to see what questions you guys come up with! I'm really looking forward to this, and I'd like to thank you all so much for being here. Emily, thanks for such a generous offer and for spending part of your day with us!








March 12, 2012
Stephanie Queen is "Playing the Game" … & You Can Win!
Score a copy of PLAYING THE GAME by clicking the image above!
It's rare I actually mention a giveaway in the title of a post, but my guest tempted me with the title of her book … and I bet she'll tempt YOU with her generous giveaway! She's quite the character herself (and I mean that in the best possible way) so you might want to brace yourself, because she fits *right* in around here. On that note, those of you not fleeing in terror (ahem), please meet Queen Stephanie … uh, Queen.
Welcome, Stephanie, and congratulations on the release of PLAYING THE GAME. Before we get into it, I'd like to decree (as part of your Queendom for the day) that everyone here go read your bio. Hilarious. Did I catch there you are a teacher? Is that in the literal sense, or did you get philosophical on me?
Sure. I teach by my queenly example. But also, once upon a time, I was a math teacher. That was before I realized how many of my students were better at math than I was.
LOL! I love math, but my kids do not. Which makes me not like math so much. ;c) PLAYING THE GAME is a marriage (so to speak) of romance and sports. Can you introduce our readers to the story?
There's two games going on, but the game of seduction takes center court over basketball when Roxanne and Barry try to out-cool each other, pretending not to care as they get sucked into a very emotionally involved relationship. He's trying to stay on top of his game while she's driving him to distraction—and then tragedy hits.
Ooooh, nice hook! How does it tie in with the rest of the series? Do you revisit the same characters?
The "Playing" series features stories of sports and romance in Boston and the New England area. I'm a fan of cameo appearances of characters from all my books and love to criss-cross my fictional worlds. Not sure what the royal therapist would say about that…
Not sure about your therapist, LOL, but as a reader, I love seeing some "old friends" pop up in new stories. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of PLAYING THE GAME?
The research doctor character is based on a kind and brilliant man who I once knew and greatly admired. Alas, his Kingdom is long-gone.
Aw. *sniffles* Let's have some fun with PLAYING THE GAME. What's the first sentence?
"Damn it," Roxanne muttered.
That sounds like how I start most of my days, LOL! (My toddler likes to wake me by throwing her diaper at me, but I digress.) What's your favorite line in the book?
"She was really starting to dislike this guy."
(Caveat: that's the first "favorite line" I found. I assure you, there's more.)
LOL! I've always figured I'd go nuts having to answer that question for that *very* reason
. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that's it. Three!
"Double damn. My nipple is showing!" This time she forgot to keep her comment under her breath.
I happen to think this poor woman has fabulous issues. ;c) Which scene of PLAYING THE GAME was most difficult for you to write? Why?
After writing the courtroom scene where the charge of murder against Roxanne is heard, I had dreams reminiscent of the Hemmingwayesque "troubled drunk writer" cliche. Roxanne suffers blistering humiliation before a decision is made on her fate. She's stripped of everything until she realizes there's only one thing left that she cares about. The painful emotional intensity is hard to write because you must experience it with the character to be sure it's coming across on the page. It took two weeks of chocolate therapy, but now I'm fine, albeit heavier.
I put poor Roxanne through a lot—I wouldn't be surprised if she really started to dislike me.
Chocolate therapy? I'm in. Chocolate, rum, and … oh, is this thing on? Ahem. Seriously, that sounds pretty intense (for both of you). What are you currently working on?
THE HOT SHOTS is in the works and set to be released this summer as book two of the romantic comedy mystery series, The Scotland Yard Exchange Program. It's a fun series of stories where Scotland Yard types mix it up with the Boston Police Department to solve crime while someone falls madly in love.
The teaser for PLAYING THE GAME:
[image error]Playing the Game: About more than a ball.
Can a woman bring down a legend by distracting him from his game?
Since her disastrous marriage ended, Roxanne Monet has sworn off serious relationships with men. She has more important things to worry about, like no money, no job and accusations that she murdered her wealthy husband. But when she meets superstar Barry Dennis and he challenges her to a game of seduction, she decides to play ball. When the game turns serious, she unintentionally exposes the legend to be a flawed man.
Barry Dennis picked the wrong woman to play games with when he decides to flirt with the enigmatic Roxanne. Being the best takes all he has. He can't afford to let anything or anyone interfere with his first and only priority–Basketball. But as the attraction between them heats up, he finds himself losing sight of his life's game plan.
While the sports world's microscope is trained on Barry's game and the media hounds Roxanne about her husband's mysterious death, the stakes are ratcheted up even higher when Barry's young daughter, Lindy is injured. Roxanne gives Lindy the attention she needs while Barry struggles to cope with the demands of his new priorities.
Can Roxanne rely on Barry to do more than play ball? She takes the risk and gives him the last thing she owns–her heart.

Five things about Stephanie Queen:
First of all, I have a cat. Named Kitty. Kitty is a legitimate name for a cat. Don't judge.
Second, I do not wear a crown to the grocery store. I leave it in the limo with my driver and dash inside with dark glasses.
Third, I have a hard time taking interviews seriously.
Fourth, my novel, Playing the Game, is not as lighthearted as I generally write—it's a departure. But it's about one of my other passions – sports.
Fifth, I'm a jockette.
STALK @ WEBSITE | AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
**Giveaway**
I'm going to throw out one more for that list and say Stephanie is quite *generous* … ya know why? Because she's giving away a **$10 Amazon gift card** to one lucky reader. To enter, simply comment *with your email address.* For entertainment points (which have no bearing whatsoever on your odds of winning), let us know which sport *must* be allowed in your personal kingdom. (If you're not a sports person, lifting chocolate counts. So does eating cheesecake.)
Stephanie, I'm thrilled you were able to join me today. Look … we're all doing the wave in your honor! (I'm the one at the end. The anchor. With the cheesecake.) And my kingdom, for the record, demands NFL football. So, readers, how about yours?







