Mindy MacKay's Blog, page 2
March 5, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Sarah Ballance
1. Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be?
Howdy? Oh, yum, that sounds like cowboy talk to me! Oh, *ahem,* I'm Sarah and I like cowboys (my hubby wears cowboy boots – I'm totally talking about him). I started writing fiction a couple of years ago after I told someone I couldn't do it, and my first novel was picked up by the first publisher I queried. I still don't know how that happened, but I'll take it. *grin* My hubby and I have been married for 13 "long, long" years (says him) and we have six adorable children – five on purpose, with the sixth getting it out there early that she doesn't listen. (She totally ignored my tubal ligation and got here anyway.) On that note, I have to say if I was an animal I'd be a lizard. That's what my husband called me for "regrowing missing body parts."
2. Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb.
There's almost nothing about the plot I can reveal outside of the blurb that won't be a spoiler, LOL. But I will say the setting of RUN TO YOU is home to me. We don't live on the islands, but we can hop in the boat and be there in minutes. My H and I spent a lot of time out there when we were dating, and it means a lot to have so many great compliments from reviewers on the "feel" of the beach in the book because it is so special to me. One reviewer referred to my description as "atmospheric" – I love that!
3. What was your inspiration for this story?
I actually wrote a blog post about this very topic (you can read it here). The short version is this: My H and I went for a walk on the beach. It was pitch black and we were on the edge of a storm – the wind kicking, sand blasting, waves boiling, foam flying. I was TERRIFIED. I just KNEW someone could walk up behind us and kill us and we'd never hear them coming. That fear – still tangible two years later – is what brought the story to life. As afraid as I was at the time, looking back on it makes it downright hilarious.
4. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser?
I probably answer this question differently every time I'm asked it, LOL, because I don't know how to define myself. I start with a 5-10 sentence summary of I think will happen, and usually by the end of the first chapter I've changed it twice. I definitely lean toward panster, but I at least try to start with a plot.
5. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it?
My first two books required very little research – just a random Google now and then. I'm working on one now where I was so clueless I didn't even know what to Google, so I hit my H up for preliminary information. Frankly, I'm shocked we're still married after that experience. (You can read about it here). Another WIP – currently on hold until I finish the marriage killing ms – comes from local knowledge of history, but I found a fantastic book on ebay to help with the details. There was only one and it was marked down that day. Talk about perfect timing!
6. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why?
I'd have to choose Mattie from RUN TO YOU. She was a bit lost in a world she didn't love, and when she meets Wyatt she finds herself at peace. It's unexpected and not a perfect fit, but that feeling is just amazing. Many heroines lose their innocence … Mattie FINDS hers.
7. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…?
Readers everywhere will throw sharp, pointy objects at their computers, but I HAVE to say Mattie's BFF Hutch. He's a total pig, but he's hilarious. I think it would be impossible to be bored around him, so he's my top pick for elevator companion.
8. What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Keeping my facts legit. I wanted the pieces to fit, of course, but wanted them to do so with good sense and accuracy. I'm sort of easing into those waters one toe at a time. ;c)
9. Why romantic suspense? Do you write any other subgenres of romance?
My first book, DOWN IN FLAMES, was a contemporary romance. When I started it, it was just to prove a point to myself and I had no idea it would take me anywhere (least of all to publication). I made the switch to romantic suspense because I love the elements of risk and danger. I like writing the bad guy, and I'm a total math brain. I LOVE math, so weaving the clues into the plot just entertains me to no end.
10. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general?
I grabbed CRIME SCENE AT CARDWELL RANCH (B.J. Daniels, Harlequin Intrigue) as a free download and it changed my life. That book made me fall in love with romantic suspense. I think the shorter length was less intimating to me as a wanna-be suspense writer than those big hardcovers in the book stores, and B.J. Daniels is just fantastic. That book was my turning point.
11. Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception?
Let me duck under a table, because I don't know what you're talking about and I suspect that is the WRONG answer.
12. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world?
Interesting factoid about RUN TO YOU. Not long after I finished editing the story, the exact crime happened on a local beach. EVERY detail was the same but one: the real life victim survived. Considering I've never known that to happen around here EVER, it freaked me out to say the least. I even saved the link to the news story – gruesome keepsake, I admit, but definitely one for the books.
Thanks so much for having me here today. You asked quite a few questions I've never been asked before. MUCH FUN!
RUN TO YOU BLURB: Mattie James can't pinpoint exactly when she lost control of her life, but the moment she decided to take it back made the front page of the local paper. Desperate to dodge the fallout— and the tabloids—she jumps at the chance to spend an off-season week in a tiny resort community by the sea. Making the trip with her ex-lover is a complication she can live with; coming face to face with a dead woman is not.
The last thing Sheriff Wyatt Reed expected to find on the storm-ravaged beach was a beautiful blonde with a jealous sidekick, but one look at Mattie left him wanting more. Their first date takes an ominous turn when he gets the call that a woman was found murdered. With a killer on the loose and a troubling lack of suspects or motive, Wyatt has to put his feelings aside to focus on the case. But his vow not to become personally involved is shattered when he discovers Mattie's life is on the line, and this time the truth leaves her with a deadly choice . . . and nowhere to run.
BUY LINKS: Multiple e-formats or Kindle
February 25, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Leanne Dyck
Hey everyone! Today, a few hours off schedule but today nonetheless, we welcome fabulous Canadian author Leanne Dyck, here to talk about The Sweater Curse and her short story contest. Stop by, leave a comment, and be sure to enter her contest!
Take it away, Leanne!
1. Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be?
Hi Mindy,
Greetings from sunny Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
Writing is a solitary sport, but I'm a team player. I bat for the Crime Writers of Canada, kick for the Victoria Writers Society and am in goal for the Mayne Island Writers' Group.
When I'm not writing I'm knitting. I was a knitwear designer for approximately nine years. In fact, I changed careers the day The Sweater Curse was published.
2. Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb.
Something you won't find in the blurb, eh? Well, how about this. The Sweater Curse could serve as your introduction to the rich Icelandic-Canadian culture.
3. What was your inspiration for this story?
Most of my stories are inspired by my life—The Sweater Curse is no exception.
4. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser?
I'm a very flexible plotter.
5. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it?
I'm prepared to do as much, or as little research as required. Research resources that I've used include web-based material, books and friends and family.
The Sweater Curse required that I do some research on Icelandic folklore. I found Nelson S. Gerrard's book The Icelandic Heritage very helpful.
6. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why?
I feel I have most in common with the lead character Gwen Bjarnson. Why would I want to be her? Well, let's see she's a lot better looking, has a more affluent background and is far younger than I am.
7. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…?
Definitely, I would choose Jaron Cardew—my perfect man. He'd entertain me while keeping me claim and would ensure that we were rescued.
8. What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Writing the synopsis.
9. Why romantic suspense? Do you write any other subgenres of romance?
The Sweater Curse is a lower case 'r' romance, upper case 's' suspense.
Currently, I'm writing a young adult adventure that has elements of romance.
10. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general?
One book in particular gave me hope when I had run dry. Joline Godfrey's Our Wildest Dreams: Women Entrepreneurs Making Money, Having Fun, Doing Good
I'm inspired, encouraged and informed by my fellow authors. Two writing books that have been especially helpful are Stephen King's On Writing and Nancy Lamb's The Art and Craft of Storytelling.
11. Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception?
Shutter Island
12. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world?
I'm running a short story contest
Here's the scope…
Write a short story (500 words or less) about your favourite sweater. Send entries to leanne@oknitting.com The story will be published on the popular Sweater Curse blog (over 5, 000 page views since October, 2010). One lucky contributor will win a copy of the thriller The Sweater Curse. Enter today. Contest ends on March 20, 2011 Visit http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com for details.
Blurb:
Aspiring knitwear designer Gwen Bjarnson is stuck in Purgatory. To escape, she must re-examine her life, journey though her past and right a wrong.
But which wrong?
Young and in love, she works to establish her career, except fate has different plans. One rash act and she loses everything. Never resting, always seeking, and yearning for what she can no longer have, Gwen faces the truth: if she remains, others are destined to die.
How will she solve the mystery before it is too late?
Blog: http://sweatercursed.blogstop.com
Website: www.oknitting.com
Buy Links:
Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=The+Sweater+Curse&osCsid=t3kaqh806hb9bgc1kg566kn80
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/36891
February 17, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Bri Clark
Hokeydokes. So. Today we welcome Bri Clark, who's here to entertain us with her musings on romantic suspense, noir, and her compelling (and possibly neverending) story. Take it away, Bri.
Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be? Hello thanks for having me this is my official bio…. Bri Clark is a real example of redemption and renewal. Growing penniless in the South, Bri learned street smarts while caring for her brother in a broken home. She watched her mother work several jobs to care for their small family. Once her brother could fend for himself, Bri moved on to a series of bad choices including leaving school and living on her own. Rebelliousness was a strong understatement to describe those formative years. As a teenager, her wakeup call came from a fight with brass knuckles and a judge that gave her a choice of shaping up or spending time in jail. She took that opportunity and found a way to moved up from the streets. She ended up co-owning an extremely successful construction business. She lived the high life until the real estate crash when she lost everything. She moved west and found herself living with her husband and four kids in a 900 square foot apartment. She now fills her time, writing, blogging, leading a group of frugal shoppers and sharing her southern culture. Her unique background gives her writing a raw sensibility. She understands what it takes to overcome life's obstacles. She often tells friends, "I can do poor. I'm good at poor. It's prosperity that I'm not used to." Bri and her husband Chris live in Boise. Bri is known as the Belle of Boise for her true southern accent, bold demeanor and hospitable nature. If I was an animal…I'd be a liger…it's a cross between a tiger and a lion bread for their skills and magic. Sorry…LOL quoting Napoleon Dynamite aka my son.
1. Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb. This is just the beginning for Lucien and Aisleen. Their story will continue into a series of shorts then go into a novel called The Awakening.
2. What was your inspiration for this story? I was working on my novel The Awakening and in it; Lucien and Aisleen were secondary but key characters. In a world building exercise, they just rather took on a story of their own.
3. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser? I'm a planster. I start out with character of plot building ideas but never finish them. The muse will grab me then I'll just dive into writing the story.
4. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it? I do mainly fiction so my worlds are kind of character driven and the research isn't as needed. However, for my novel Glazier I had to research a lot about the UK and their speech. Did you know that each area has different speech patterns kind of, like how the US has accents? I looked online of course but the best two forms of research came from reading novels with British males and watching the show Lie to Me. Love that show.
5. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why? Aisleen. She is sweet, lovely, and so completely empathetic to everyone. Unlike me, I am selfish, boastful, and downright cocky.
6. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…? Probably Colin Stryker. He is in Glazier. He's a physician with the ability to create weapons as well. Extremely intelligent, handsome with a German accent. He would be the most entertaining and soothing for the situation. Of course, I would want to avoid his wife Shae when we got out. She carries a gun and is very possessive.
7. What was the hardest part of writing this book? I don't know if I will ever finish Aisleen and Lucien's story.
8. Why romantic suspense? Do you write any other subgenres of romance? Everything I write has two consistent elements—romance and suspense. I do write fantasy and paranormal as well. I'm dipping into doing some Noir thrillers as well.
9. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general? I'm very religious and I love the scriptures. Those are books I read every day. They remind me to serve others. I'm so completely slammed with my writing career now and I flourish under pressure but I always make time for others, especially those in our profession.
10. Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception? Haven't seen any of those…so I'm going to stay silent.
11. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world. Cover art, social media and a great editor is necessary for any successful author.
Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.
After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It's there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien
buy links.....http://www.astraeapress.com/index.html#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=2626120
trailer link....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOjAG1U34EE
February 12, 2011
Soulgame playlist
It's that time again chickadees. All my zombies and Purge survivors, turn up the volume.1. Ke$ha - Hungover
1. Various artists - Gloomy Sunday (I like the Emilie Autumn version myself)
1. The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black
1. The Charlatans - Blackened Blue Eyes
1. Paramore - Let The Flames Begin
1. Green Day - Know Your Enemy
1. Garbage - Medication
1. Flyleaf - Justice and Mercy
1. Krypteria - Get The Hell Out Of My Way
1. Garbage - #1 Crush
1. Krypteria - I Just Drowned In Your Eyes
1. My Chemical Romance - Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back
1. Within Temptation - The Truth Beneath The Rose
1. Styx - Cold War
February 10, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Kiki Howell
Hey everyone! Today welcome Kiki Howell, author of Torn Asunder.1. Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be? Hi! My name is Kiki Howell, and I am an author of paranormal, erotic romances. While my stories are mystical, in real life I am also a Certified Feng Shui practionioner that lets me work my own sort of magic in homes.
2. Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb. The constant fight to try to be together as their world continues to try to tear them apart creates a myriad of spells both for love and for survival. Writing it, I found my novel, Torn Asunder, to contain some of the most intense magic I have written outside of my short novel, A Modern Day Witch Hunt.
3. What was your inspiration for this story? Actually it was more of a challenge to myself to write a historical set in my favorite period, Regency England.
4. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser? Plotter, definitely from outlines of chapters to story boards.
5. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it? I love the library and shopping online for books. I tend to spend a bit too much time in the research as I love it!
6. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why? Oh, definitely my heroine Aubrey. I want her magical skills and her passion for life and her loyalty to those she loves.
7. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…? Well, then I guess I would have to go with one of my heroes! LOL But, I'm not telling which one ;)
8. What was the hardest part of writing this book? I rewrote it many, many times from a short story to a novella to a novel. I kept taking ending and making them conflicts.
9. Why romantic suspense? Do you write any other subgenres of romance? Actually I think the suspense just came about on its own from the mixing of my many genres. I write in many subgenres from historical to paranormal to erotic romance.
10. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general? I do a lot of research in Wiccan books and they have opened my eyes to such a simplistic, natural way to observe and appreciate life.
11. Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception? Inception
12. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world?
February 'The Month of Romance' Sale
The Healing Spell $0.99
Rituals $1.99 Ebook
A Modern Day Witch Hunt $2.49 Ebook / $7.99 Print
Torn Asunder $3.49 Ebook / $9.99 Print
Bloodlust & Redemption $3.99 Print
The Healing Spell & Other Stories $ 1.49Ebook / $6.99 Print
Look for ebook sale prices also at Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, Smashwords
As always, Bloodlust & Redemption Ebook is available free at All Romance Ebooks and Smashwords ; Sexual Magick is available free at Smashwords
Also, check out my Etsy Store for February Bundles!
Along with the interview questions, please also include a blurb, buy-link, and blog-sized cover art. Thanks muchly for your punctuality!
Kiki Howell spins a wonderful tale of passion, magic, betrayal, and a love that conquers all. Enjoy." ~ NY Times Bestselling Author, Hannah Howell
Blurb: Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland. Edmund goes after her only to be hit by Aubrey's confusion and anger when she magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation.
However, it is when Edmund's lust mysteriously turns him back into a man that the couple are forced to deal with a family secret and untold of powers. Now, Edmund must learn to shift himself into the beast in order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic.
Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.
Genres: Historical (Regency), Paranormal (Witches & Shifters), Erotic, Romantic Suspense
Adult Content Warnings: Explicit Graphic Language, Violence
You can purchase Torn asunder in eBook and Trade Paperback online at retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, Smashwords, and Excessica Publishing .
Author Website http://www.kikihowell.com
Praise for Torn Asunder:
Kiki Howell I feel has a major hit on her hands with Torn Asunder. I was so glued to this book that I was up til 4AM reading it, and mind you, I had to be up at 7AM to see my kiddies off to school....lol. I was just so captivated… In between all the chaos our couple must endure is the most breath taking love story. Their hearts and minds are linked for all time by an unforeseen connection that real couples only dream of. On a scale of 1-10 I give this book a 10 and encourage everyone 18 and over to get a copy of this book and fall under Aubrey and Emund's spell. It is so worth the ride. ~5 out of 5 Stars, Review by Raquel Vega-Grieder for Sinfully Tasty Reads
"Torn Asunder is what a Regency novel should be. Prior to this book, I have never had a historical romance keep my interest for more than a chapter or two. Kiki Howell has written a historical novel that sings. Her love for the time period is reflected in every part of the story, from the vivid characters to the clear imagery of her settings. I give Torn Asunder five of five hearts." ~D. Alexx Miller, Book Reviewer for Romance in the Backseat
February 5, 2011
Q&A with Mindy MacKay, which doesn't actually rhyme, since the pronunciation of my last name is Mack-Eye, but OH WELL.
SandyG265 asks, "Is Kiera based on someone you know in real life?"
Good question. I like to think I've made her a sympathetic protagonist, but no, she's not based on anyone. She and I share the same...cough...aesthetic sensibilities, but other than that, she has no basis in the real world.
Jolene Allcock and Family ask, "Where did you get your ideas for your books? Did you pull anything from your day to day life?"
Yes. Just last year, I was caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and got infected while trying to save my lover's life.
Well, no, not really. Several scenes from the series were lifted from my life almost directly, but those have since been deleted because they're not nearly as interesting as what I can just pull out of the infinite.
Honestly, in the sliding scale of pantser versus plotter, I'm a plotter in spades. I spend so much time planning and deliberating every subtle strategic move my characters make that I forget where the inspiration came from in the first place. Though the few times when I can pinpoint the origin of an idea, it's usually some political current event or a piece of really old, public-domain literature.
Sadangel asks, "Does Kiera feel she is strong enough to make the tough decision, or does she feel that she needs someone to help her decide which way to go?"
That is a really, really good question and I'm glad you asked that because it's the cliffhanger question that ends Soulgame. Ultimately, she comes to the decision that she believes is moral, but you'll have to wait until the next book to figure out whether she's really making her own choices or if she's being influenced by an outside source which I can't name right now due to spoiler risk.
Tore asks, "What made you decide to become a writer?"
...Actually, I didn't decide to be a writer. I plan to go into biology. The writering profession more or less chose me. And for that matter, I have yet to meet a writer who actually, consciously "decided" to become a writer. But maybe that's because I don't hang out with the business-people side of the writering world, but the side that doesn't try to tamper with or control the output of its subconscious soul.
Meredith asks, "Why zombies? I don't see the attraction."
You're not supposed to. My zombies are not for amorous activities. My zombies are meant to scare, frighten, shock, and terrorize you. There's no attraction involved. I've got actual thinking characters for that, although those can be pretty terrorizing too.
Look, just, general rule here: don't touch my zombies, and my zombies won't touch you.
And, finally, donnas asks, "Vampires, Shifters, Zombies, Angels - who wins the final ultimate battle?"
Okay. Who said anything about vampires or angels, because they're not in this series at all.
Now that that's out in the open, the main battle of this series isn't something that can be won by one faction/species/race or another. The conflict is man v. self, so really the question you should be asking is, does Kiera's conscience win, or do her id and ego take over?
And for that, you'll have to stick around for the rest of the series.
February 3, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Jerri Drennen
Hi y'all! Today I'm joined by Jerri Drennen, author of Untouched. She's here with an interview and excerpt, and if that hotsmexy cover hasn't reeled you in by now, I don't know what to say to get you to stick around and shoot her a howdy. Anyway!
1.Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be?
I'm Jerri Drennen. I'm a wife and mother and I love to go to yard sales. If I could be any animal, I think I'd be a cat. They are crazy critters.
2.Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb.
Both Travis and Madeline are running away from something. You'll have to read the book to find out what that is.
3.What was your inspiration for this story?
Well, my husband is a Mason and he is into watching anything Knights Templar. I guess it wore off on me. I used the mystery of where they disappeared to, along with their missing treasures, as a way to get my hero and heroine together.
4.Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser?
Panster for sure.
5.When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it?
It depends on the book. My current Wip I've done a lot. Untouched I have to do quite a bit as well, but usually I do a little along the way when I need to.
6.If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why?
I guess Mattie since she has a lot of me in her.
7.And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…?
Definitely Galen, who is the hero of the second book in my jungle series.
8.What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The love scenes are always hard for me.
9.Why romantic suspense?
I love the thrill of throwing two people into a bad situation and see how they use their heads to get out alive.
Do you write any other subgenres of romance?
Right now I'm writing a paranormal romantic suspense but I've written contemporary romance, time-travel and action-adventure romance.
10.What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general?
That's hard. I think every book I've read has influenced me in some way. At least has given me the desire to write.
11.Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception?
I'd have to say The Departed. Not a huge Leonardo DiCaprio fan. Inception was hold for me to follow.
12.Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world?
Just that I live and breathe writing.
Untouched
Blurb
Botanist Madeline Wentworth is relieved to be heading into the Amazon, far from the university and the vicious rumors circulating about her failed love affair. But on arriving in Peru, her team finds their guide dead with a small puncture wound to his neck. Waiting to replace him is Travis Kane, Amazon guide, treasure hunter, and superhunk. Mattie is instantly attracted but uncomfortably suspicious. When a member of her team falls ill and a similar puncture wound is found on his body, her suspicions deepen.
Travis has stuck with being a jungle guide for over ten years despite a run of unsavory clients. The rain forest is full of hidden ruins and undiscovered treasure, and he's determined to find his share. But when his grandfather dies, leaving a letter boasting of Templar gold, he's sure it's nothing more than an old man's delusion. Everything changes when he finds his grandfather's map. With high hopes, he leads Mattie's team into the rain forest and finds himself overwhelmed by the beautiful blonde. When the group is attacked and has to fight its way out of the jungle, Travis discovers something more precious than gold--the love of a woman who's made him want to be a better man.
Excerpt
Travis waited until the last of the crew turned in for the night then breathed a sigh of relief. Now it was his chance to take a dip in the pool, wash away the day's dirt and sweat from his body.
He glanced at the makeshift clothesline where they'd hung their wet clothes after changing. For a good two hours the team had swam and then washed their garments.
The whole time, his attention had been on Mattie. She stared at him as if she'd wanted to eat him up, her gaze so intense that it'd almost made him lose control and dive in after her. The woman was magnificent with water glistening on her skin, the sunlight magnifying every droplet. She'd looked like a mythical water nymph. On that image alone, a man could masturbate for weeks.
Travis stripped the clothes from his body and waded into the cool water, determined to lose that picture before his swim was over.
He had to get a few hours sleep tonight or he'd have a hard time staying awake tomorrow.
For what seemed like an hour, he swam, gliding fluidly on the surface of the water, hoping it'd tire him out.
A splashing sound from the edge of the pool put him on alert.
He treaded water, his gaze darting around the pool, then coming to land on Mattie, whose barely-clothed body skimmed through the water, the moonlight casting a glow around her as if she were a ghost.
Travis sucked in a breath, caught up in her movement as she closed in on him.
What the hell was she doing? He had only so much control, and it was being seriously diminished by the look in her eyes.
As she neared, he struggled to breathe. "What do you want, Mattie?"
"I couldn't sleep." The words came out in a seductive whisper, and his cock throbbed under the cool water.
Christ Almighty.
How was he going to fight his desire when everything she did turned him on?
"You're going to be worn out if you don't get some rest." Was he telling her or himself that?
"You haven't been sleeping either, have you?" She inched closer to him.
If not for the water swirling around him, he'd have gone up in flames. "I'm used to not getting much rest in the jungle."
She smiled, then dunked her head under the water and resurfaced.
As if in a trance, Travis watched her hands glide down her long blonde tresses, wringing out the water, the droplets on her face shining in the moonlight. He was lost in her eyes--lost in one particular drop of water on her plump bottom lip. Never in his life had he wanted to kiss a woman so badly. He could almost feel her mouth fused on his--taste the cool water on her lips.
This was insane.
She was on the move again, skimming through the water, her intent clear. She wanted him to kiss her, and more. How could he resist the open seduction, especially with his body screaming to stop thinking and start kissing?
When her toes curled around his beneath the water, an electric current shot up his leg, spreading out to every appendage, causing one in particular to go rigid.
She reached a wet hand out and traced the line of his bottom lip. "You have a beautiful mouth." It was said so low he wondered if she'd meant to say it aloud.
This whole thing was getting out of control fast. He either had to stop her now or kiss her until she passed out.
Her index finger dipped into his mouth.
Shit.
Review
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Now available on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Untouched-ebook...
January 27, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Elaina Lee
Today Elaina Lee, author of Written in Blood, joins us. Leave her a comment and help her feel welcome!
1. Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be? Hello, I'm Elaina Lee and thanks for having me here today! I love being out in nature, but hate yard work. I plan on having a garden this year, and it will be entirely in five gallon buckets (to make it easier to weed). J An animal, oh this one is always so hard! Probably a horse, because they're intelligent, powerful and respected by humans without being feared.
2. Tell us a bit about your book--something you wouldn't find in the blurb. Oh come on now, the blurb was so hard to write, I like to show it off, LOL! So this is going to be raw and dirty J. Well, my heroines life quickly begins to spiral out of control as she fears her ex-husband is stalking her and she begins to fall-in-lust with the one man she can't sleep with. Period. My hero struggles with feelings of desire for a single woman, something that hasn't happened to him in a long time. He fears what it may mean for him and how he's supposed to handle the change, which will not only affect his personal life, but his professional as well.
3. What was your inspiration for this story? So many authors have their heroine's classify the hero as villains. I read one story where the heroine went on this rant about how much of a villain (literally) the hero was. How evil, perverted and sinfully corrupted he was. He was NOT, by the way. So I wondered what it would be like to write a hero who was borderline a villain and what kind of woman would be able to handle such a man.
4. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser? I used to be a plotter, but life is so busy now, I plot scene's ahead, not entire novels. So I guess I'm a converted panster J
5. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it? Oh a lot. I have a library in my house. I have to set up a new bookmark folder just to keep track of all the online material I find to help me learn my next subject. I usually though, purchase a handful of books and break out the highlighter. What can I say, I'm old-fashioned. *grin*
6. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why? Hmmm, at this point I'm not sure I'd want to be any of my characters, LOL! Even the lighthearted ones in my comedies have had hard lives that I don't envy or would want any part of. I'm really good at torturing my characters, in their past and their present.
7. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…? Oh, that would be Alek. Just so I could stare at him…. sigh.
8. What was the hardest part of writing this book? The action scene's. Action is harder to write than sex because of how fast it is. You have to get quick movements down in a way that they read fast yet convey enough to not leave the reader going, "What the heck is she/he doing?!"
9. Why romantic suspense? Do you write any other subgenres of romance? I love the angst of romantic suspense. The adrenaline rush you get from your characters as they struggle to survive. I'm so horrible, I know! Oddly, I'm writing a Southern romantic comedy right now, LOL! But believe me, I'll be ready for my alpha male hero and strong heroine after this story is done.
10. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general? Unless they're bad, which gives me this rabid desire to write, books don't really influence my writing. I admire the authors who weave good tales and usually the best ones leave me unable to write period, I'm so in awe of their talent.
11. Quick! The Departed, Shutter Island, or Inception? I haven't seen any of those! LOL! I do love movies, but for some reason, none of those flicks have graced my TV screen. Now ask me which favorite movie by Christian Bale and I might have an answer (or three) for you *wink*.
12. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world? Nope, this was an excellent interview, so a shouted THANK YOU is all I'd like to do.
Blurb:
Lyndi Crisdean is assigned one of the hardest cases in her career as a defense attorney. A serial murder case. Investigating is Alek Trevian, the lead investigator for the district attorney, and a handsome and supremely dangerous man. Lyndi finds herself in over her head when she chooses desire for Alek over common sense. If they're caught, Lyndi will lose everything she's worked for. Circumstances beyond her control pull her toward Alek, for he turns out to be the only one who can help when threats start to mount against her.
Lyndi may be the key Alek needs to bring down a murderous cult running loose in his city. When her beach house is broken into and a man begins to tail Lyndi, Alek can't help but reason Lyndi may be next on the cult's hitlist. The question is, will he discover the identity of the cult, keep her safe, and still win the case against the serial killer she's defending, all while losing a battle against the strong, untamable desire she alone ignites within him?
BUY LINKS - You can find it on Amazon, Bookstrand, All Romance and of course my publishers site, Noble Romance
Website information - www.elainalee.com and elaina-lee.blogspot.com
January 20, 2011
All Things Romantic Suspense: Veronica Lynch
Today I welcome Veronica Lynch, author of Those Who Wait. Let's get this party started!
1. Howdy! Please introduce yourself, tell us an interesting fact about you, and if you were an animal, what would it be? I am a retired OR nurse/medical malpractice investigator, former victim advocate. If I were an animal I would be a lioness because it wouldn't be much of a stretch. You try working with fast handed surgeons, misogynistic obstetricians, and less than interested police officers. See how long you last before your claws come out. Oops, got a little snarky there. Sorry. Five Hail Mary's for me.
2. Tell us a bit about your book—We are speaking of Those Who Wait, a short novella, released in September 2010 through Decadent Publishing. A hoot of a story, based on real events and real people, myself included.
3. What was your inspiration for this story? I always wanted to tell a story about a victim advocate and a cop, but I didn't want to get into the emotional baggage this type of work brings with it. I didn't want to relive all the heartache and frustration. Decadent offered me a chance to write something quick, fun and short. It worked. Plus, I got to write about the man of my dreams and turn him into the hero he deserved to be.
4. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser? BTSOOM which is nurse-speak for I-don't-have-the-slightest-idea.
5. When diving into a new work, how much research do you do and how do you go about doing it? Depending on the story idea which I must must have before I begin any new project, I often will develop my characters first, then get into the research. As to how I research, it depends. Some I've done online [like school bullying]; others I've gone to the location. I've spent many memorable weekends in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, the setting for one of my earliest books. As an insurance investigator, I traveled the length of upstate New York so many of the locations are permanently tattooed in my brain, but that makes developing settings easy. I've made rounds with an equine vet, spent an afternoon with a police mounted patrol unit, interrogated a physician who works for Doctors Without Borders over lunch, read more books on genocide than I care to list.
6. If you could be one character from your book, who would it be and why? I would be Megan Muldoon so I could have a chance to go back and have a do-over with her job. This time out, I be more emotionally balanced, show an improved sense of humor and a greater appreciation for the law enforcement side of handling violence against women.
7. And if you had to be stuck in an elevator for 42 hours with one of your characters…? In a heartbeat I'd want to be stuck with Keenan Rossi. Can we be certain the elevator is stuck and we won't be interuppted? That's important to the fantasy. Not that he'd last that long because I'd wear him out, but one can always fantasize.
8. What was the hardest part of writing this book? The editor kept asking for more pages. I gave her what I was capable of giving but then had to stop. This story was designed to be short and quick, not some long drawn out pain-filled emotional wringer.
9. Why romantic suspense? Why not? Do you write any other sub genres of romance? I've tried several times. My fingers and brain refused to cooperate.
10. What books have most influenced your writing or your outlook on life in general? Carolina Moon and Divine Evil by Nora Roberts. Samantha Power's A Problem From Hell. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
11. Quick! The Departed, if this was the cop movie set in Boston with Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, one of the Baldwins, Leo D, and Mark Wahlberg . . . I wept. Leo deserved an Oscar nod. You could see the emotional deterioration on his face; he did not need to speak. He broke my heart—and I really don't care for his movies. If I'm describing a different movie, I'm sorry. I don't get out much.
12. Anything I didn't ask you about that you want to shout out to the world? Yeah, thanks, Mindy. Support your local domestic violence shelter by giving your time and support, gently used clothes and household goods or toys for little ones. Our children are our most precious resource; growing up with violence warps that resource and eventually destroys it.
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thank you so much for allowing me to be a guest at your blog. This was fun!
----Purchase Veronica's book at www.DecadentPublishing.com
Excerpt:
"Crime Victim Services," she murmured into the receiver. "How may I help you?"
The caller's voice was low, husky, and exquisitely male. "Do you know the difference between a barracuda and a victim advocate?"
Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe two. "Lip gloss."
"Well damn," Investigator Keenan Rossi muttered. "You already heard it."
"An oldie but a goodie, pal."
"Aren't we all. How you doin' on this gorgeous February day, gorgeous?"
Bringing the face of the handsome sheriff's detective to mind took no great effort. After several moments of imagining twinkling eyes and a dimpled grin, she said, "Not too bad. How's by you?"
"Lemme tell you, cara. If I was any better, I'd scare myself."
January 16, 2011
Reviewed: Blood Crimes by Dave Zeltserman
Author: Dave Zeltserman
Genre: Crime/Paranormal horror
Purchase at: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Crimes-Bo...
The basic gist: Vampire Jim travels across the country with his human girlfriend Carol, the two of them surviving through theft and luring predators for Jim's dinner. Hot on their heels is Jim's coldhearted ex, Serena, who is in turn kept watch over by Metcalf, a sociopathic killer who conducts experiments on his own kind in the hopes of easing the inconveniences that come with vampirism. Intense chases, drug wars, and violent battles abound.
My thoughts:
Whoa.
WHOA.
Okay. Let's see if I can explain this. Take today's typical vampire fiction, shove it into Bedlam House and whip it with a cat-o'-ninetails to force it to breed with your grittiest crime thriller. That's what you'll get when you open up this book.
Blood Crimes is fast. It's visceral. It's definitely not your fourteen-year-old sister's dreamy vampire fantasy. This book grabs you by the guttiwuts, wrenches hard, and doesn't let go.
But don't get me wrong, this isn't your run-of-the-mill shock literature. Zeltserman weaves a disturbing noir with a passionate craftsman's hand over his characters. He handles point-of-view in a way so you sympathize with the vantage point--and not just when he's switching between Jim and Carol. Frighteningly enough, he managed to get me behind the motives of the sociopathic, amoral Metcalf as well. You definitely know who the villains are, but at times it can become difficult not to like them because they're so dang cool!
All in all, I give this book a 5 over 5. It'll have you speedreading through it, and, by the ending, desperately wondering what happens in the next book!
