Allison Cassatta's Blog, page 3
May 31, 2014
Author Spotlight - Jerry Sacher
#HTML8 {display: none;} #Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Jerry Sacher, author of Noble's Savior
Jerry Sacher
Tell us a little bit about how Noble's Savior came to life. What inspired the story? Noble's Savior came to life because of my love for history and especially this particular time period 1910-1920, and also at the suggestion of my publisher at Dreamspinner Press who felt that I should write Historic Romance. When I sat down and tried to who I should write about and what time period they should live in, I though about Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, and even New World Explorer's.
One day I was reading Tolstoy's War and Peace, and I thought to myself: The Napoleonic Wars? That was a possibility and in my mind I placed my two main character in that world, but in the end they had nothing to say. I looked for another time for them, and it was as if they wanted to become part of the Russian Revolution, and here they found a home, so I sat down and began writing. Sergei became a soldier in the Imperial Army, and Benjamin became the son of a British Diplomat. After the first chapter I realized that this couple had something to say, so I wanted to tell their love story, and Noble's Savior is the result Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I would have to say that Benjamin Carter is my favorite character. He's a strong man who knew about his sexuality even in a time when it was illegal and not talked about in public. He has respect for his parent's and it was on a mission for his father that he met Sergei, a wounded soldier in the Imperial Army. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I'm married to a great guy named Dean, and we currently live in Chicago near the lake with two cats, and in the future we're planning a move to Eugene, Oregon. I love books especially history and literature, and I'm currently working on two more books: a M/M romantic comedy and a novel about the Civil War set during Sherman's March from Atlanta to the Sea.
What made me decide to write? Hmm, I could say that it's because i love to read or that I've always wanted tow rite since I could pick up a pencil, which of course is the truth, but I decieded to write because every character has a story to tell. Before I write, I sketch biography of every one in the story, and it's the bringing of these people to life that give me the incentive to write. Any advice for aspiring authors? My advice to aspiring authors would be: Write every day, and keep going. I was told once by a published author that even if you devote fifteen minutes a day to writing, and only come up with a sentence or a paragraph, you'll have a novel by the end of the year. I found out that it was true when I did my first novel: The Saint of San Francisco. Closing remarks... I want to thank everyone for stopping by. Check out Noble's Savior and also my first two books The Saint of San Francisco Series 1 and 2.
Hope you enjoy reading them, and please stop by my pages with any question…God Bless you all….Jerry Sacher 2014
You can visit Jerry at Facebook, Twitter, on the website. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
To purge Benjamin of his desire to join the Army, his father, a senior British diplomat, entrusts him with a mission to Tsar Nicholas II's headquarters. On the way to Russia, Benjamin encounters Sergei Breselov, an officer in the Imperial Army, lying wounded in a field hospital. He persuades the authorities to let him escort Sergei to Petrograd, but their trip is halted when their train is attacked by deserting soldiers. Sergei and Benjamin must band together to survive and make their own way to the capitol. The handsome Sergei Breselov stirs something in Benjamin, and to his surprise, his feelings are returned. Despite the forbidden nature of their association, their bond tightens as Sergei heals, and they are again thrust into the thick of war as the revolution rages around them, threatening to topple the Russian court forever.
Jerry Sacher
Tell us a little bit about how Noble's Savior came to life. What inspired the story? Noble's Savior came to life because of my love for history and especially this particular time period 1910-1920, and also at the suggestion of my publisher at Dreamspinner Press who felt that I should write Historic Romance. When I sat down and tried to who I should write about and what time period they should live in, I though about Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, and even New World Explorer's.
One day I was reading Tolstoy's War and Peace, and I thought to myself: The Napoleonic Wars? That was a possibility and in my mind I placed my two main character in that world, but in the end they had nothing to say. I looked for another time for them, and it was as if they wanted to become part of the Russian Revolution, and here they found a home, so I sat down and began writing. Sergei became a soldier in the Imperial Army, and Benjamin became the son of a British Diplomat. After the first chapter I realized that this couple had something to say, so I wanted to tell their love story, and Noble's Savior is the result Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I would have to say that Benjamin Carter is my favorite character. He's a strong man who knew about his sexuality even in a time when it was illegal and not talked about in public. He has respect for his parent's and it was on a mission for his father that he met Sergei, a wounded soldier in the Imperial Army. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I'm married to a great guy named Dean, and we currently live in Chicago near the lake with two cats, and in the future we're planning a move to Eugene, Oregon. I love books especially history and literature, and I'm currently working on two more books: a M/M romantic comedy and a novel about the Civil War set during Sherman's March from Atlanta to the Sea.
What made me decide to write? Hmm, I could say that it's because i love to read or that I've always wanted tow rite since I could pick up a pencil, which of course is the truth, but I decieded to write because every character has a story to tell. Before I write, I sketch biography of every one in the story, and it's the bringing of these people to life that give me the incentive to write. Any advice for aspiring authors? My advice to aspiring authors would be: Write every day, and keep going. I was told once by a published author that even if you devote fifteen minutes a day to writing, and only come up with a sentence or a paragraph, you'll have a novel by the end of the year. I found out that it was true when I did my first novel: The Saint of San Francisco. Closing remarks... I want to thank everyone for stopping by. Check out Noble's Savior and also my first two books The Saint of San Francisco Series 1 and 2.
Hope you enjoy reading them, and please stop by my pages with any question…God Bless you all….Jerry Sacher 2014
You can visit Jerry at Facebook, Twitter, on the website. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Noble's Savior
Blurb:To purge Benjamin of his desire to join the Army, his father, a senior British diplomat, entrusts him with a mission to Tsar Nicholas II's headquarters. On the way to Russia, Benjamin encounters Sergei Breselov, an officer in the Imperial Army, lying wounded in a field hospital. He persuades the authorities to let him escort Sergei to Petrograd, but their trip is halted when their train is attacked by deserting soldiers. Sergei and Benjamin must band together to survive and make their own way to the capitol. The handsome Sergei Breselov stirs something in Benjamin, and to his surprise, his feelings are returned. Despite the forbidden nature of their association, their bond tightens as Sergei heals, and they are again thrust into the thick of war as the revolution rages around them, threatening to topple the Russian court forever.
May 14, 2014
Author Spotlight - Shira Anthony
#HTML8 {display: none;} #Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Shira Anthony, author of Mermen of Ea Series
Shira Anthony
Tell us a little bit about how Mermen of Ea Series came to life. What inspired the story? The Mermen of Ea series was inspired by a sail at the North Carolina coast where a pod of dolphins swam around our boat and a trip to Grenada, where my husband I got our open water scuba certification. I was writing a pirate romance - a captor/captive, simply story about a kidnapped slave (Taren) falling for his captor (Ian), the captain of a sailing ship. But after seeing the dolphins and spending nearly a week diving in the Caribbean, the main character in the original story, Taren, announced to me that he was a merman! And what could I do but write the story he wanted me to tell. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? That's such a difficult choice! I think I fall in love with nearly all the characters I write - risk of the profession. But there are certainly characters in the Mermen of Ea Series who I find particularly fun to write. Often these are the secondary characters. One of my favorite secondary characters in this story is Bastian, the quartermaster (something like a first officer aboard a pirate ship) of the Sea Witch. Bastian is young, in his early 20s, with fiery red hair, freckles, and a great personality. He's also got a few secrets of his own that come to light in the second book in the series. He's loving, kind, and fun, and he makes a great foil for his longtime captain (and captain of his heart), Rider. He becomes something like a brother to Taren, the main focus of the stories. He, like Taren, came to the Sea Witch as a slave, but he stayed and rose in her ranks. The quartermaster aboard pirate ships was, in some ways, more powerful even than the captain. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I've been writing stories and poetry since I was in grade school, but it wasn't until about five years ago that I decided to try to publish my stories. I found male/male romance when a good friend of mine suggested writing a story about a violinist and a conductor, which became the basis for "Prelude," one of my Blue Notes Series books. Once I started writing MM, I never looked back! Any advice for aspiring authors? Ask for criticism!!! And LISTEN to it! Those are two of the hardest things a writer has to do, but they are essential to improving your craft. Criticism stings, but it's a forest for the trees sort of thing when you spend so much time with a story. It's difficult to see a story's flaws when you're that close to it. Too often, writers either avoid getting beta readers, or they ask people they know won't really give them constructive criticism (because they don't really want to hear it), or they balk when the do get it. Ask writers who are as good as or better than you for their feedback on your stories. Then follow up with questions based on their feedback. And for heaven's sake, listen to your editors! Editors, like betas, are there to make you look good. Sure, there will be times you disagree with them, but if you're disagreeing all the time with their comments, you may want to look inward and see if you aren't fooling yourself about how your work holds up. I can't tell you how much better my books are because of my betas and my editors. I often add multiple chapters to completed, contracted stories based on editorial advice. Yes, I sometimes flinch when I see all the red lines in my manuscripts, but it's totally worth the pain in the end. Closing remarks... Thanks for hosting me today, Allison! I've got a great giveaway going to celebrate the release of "Into the Wind," the second Mermen of Ea Series book. You can link to the Rafflecopter widget here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp... There's an amazing grand prize for that giveaway - a handmade unisex Ea (mermen) tailflukes pendant, plus lots of other fun stuff like Dreamspinner Press gift certificates and books. Also, I'm offering up an ebook copy of the first book in the series, "Stealing the Wind," to one reader who comments on this post.
You can visit Shira at Facebook, Twitter, on her website or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
Since learning of his merman shifter heritage, Taren has begun building a life with Ian Dunaidh among the mainland Ea. But memories of his past life still haunt him, and as the threat of war with the hostile island merfolk looms ever closer, Taren fears he will lose Ian the same way he lost his beloved centuries before. Together they sail to the Gateway Islands in search of the fabled rune stone—a weapon of great power the Ea believe will protect them—and Odhrán, the pirate rumored to possess it. After humans attack the Phantom, Taren finds himself washed up on an island, faced with a mysterious boy named Brynn who promises to lead him to Odhrán. But Taren isn’t sure if he can trust Brynn, and Odhrán is rumored to enslave Ea to protect his stronghold. Taren will have to put his life on the line to find his way back to Ian and attempt to recover the stone. Even if he does find it, his troubles are far from over: he and Ian are being stalked by an enemy who wants them dead at all costs.
Shira Anthony
Tell us a little bit about how Mermen of Ea Series came to life. What inspired the story? The Mermen of Ea series was inspired by a sail at the North Carolina coast where a pod of dolphins swam around our boat and a trip to Grenada, where my husband I got our open water scuba certification. I was writing a pirate romance - a captor/captive, simply story about a kidnapped slave (Taren) falling for his captor (Ian), the captain of a sailing ship. But after seeing the dolphins and spending nearly a week diving in the Caribbean, the main character in the original story, Taren, announced to me that he was a merman! And what could I do but write the story he wanted me to tell. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? That's such a difficult choice! I think I fall in love with nearly all the characters I write - risk of the profession. But there are certainly characters in the Mermen of Ea Series who I find particularly fun to write. Often these are the secondary characters. One of my favorite secondary characters in this story is Bastian, the quartermaster (something like a first officer aboard a pirate ship) of the Sea Witch. Bastian is young, in his early 20s, with fiery red hair, freckles, and a great personality. He's also got a few secrets of his own that come to light in the second book in the series. He's loving, kind, and fun, and he makes a great foil for his longtime captain (and captain of his heart), Rider. He becomes something like a brother to Taren, the main focus of the stories. He, like Taren, came to the Sea Witch as a slave, but he stayed and rose in her ranks. The quartermaster aboard pirate ships was, in some ways, more powerful even than the captain. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I've been writing stories and poetry since I was in grade school, but it wasn't until about five years ago that I decided to try to publish my stories. I found male/male romance when a good friend of mine suggested writing a story about a violinist and a conductor, which became the basis for "Prelude," one of my Blue Notes Series books. Once I started writing MM, I never looked back! Any advice for aspiring authors? Ask for criticism!!! And LISTEN to it! Those are two of the hardest things a writer has to do, but they are essential to improving your craft. Criticism stings, but it's a forest for the trees sort of thing when you spend so much time with a story. It's difficult to see a story's flaws when you're that close to it. Too often, writers either avoid getting beta readers, or they ask people they know won't really give them constructive criticism (because they don't really want to hear it), or they balk when the do get it. Ask writers who are as good as or better than you for their feedback on your stories. Then follow up with questions based on their feedback. And for heaven's sake, listen to your editors! Editors, like betas, are there to make you look good. Sure, there will be times you disagree with them, but if you're disagreeing all the time with their comments, you may want to look inward and see if you aren't fooling yourself about how your work holds up. I can't tell you how much better my books are because of my betas and my editors. I often add multiple chapters to completed, contracted stories based on editorial advice. Yes, I sometimes flinch when I see all the red lines in my manuscripts, but it's totally worth the pain in the end. Closing remarks... Thanks for hosting me today, Allison! I've got a great giveaway going to celebrate the release of "Into the Wind," the second Mermen of Ea Series book. You can link to the Rafflecopter widget here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp... There's an amazing grand prize for that giveaway - a handmade unisex Ea (mermen) tailflukes pendant, plus lots of other fun stuff like Dreamspinner Press gift certificates and books. Also, I'm offering up an ebook copy of the first book in the series, "Stealing the Wind," to one reader who comments on this post.
You can visit Shira at Facebook, Twitter, on her website or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Mermen of Ea: Book Two
Blurb:Since learning of his merman shifter heritage, Taren has begun building a life with Ian Dunaidh among the mainland Ea. But memories of his past life still haunt him, and as the threat of war with the hostile island merfolk looms ever closer, Taren fears he will lose Ian the same way he lost his beloved centuries before. Together they sail to the Gateway Islands in search of the fabled rune stone—a weapon of great power the Ea believe will protect them—and Odhrán, the pirate rumored to possess it. After humans attack the Phantom, Taren finds himself washed up on an island, faced with a mysterious boy named Brynn who promises to lead him to Odhrán. But Taren isn’t sure if he can trust Brynn, and Odhrán is rumored to enslave Ea to protect his stronghold. Taren will have to put his life on the line to find his way back to Ian and attempt to recover the stone. Even if he does find it, his troubles are far from over: he and Ian are being stalked by an enemy who wants them dead at all costs.
April 30, 2014
Author Spotlight - Andrew Grey
#Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Andrew Grey, author of Stuck in Oz
Andrew Grey
Tell us a little bit about how Stuck in Oz came to life. What inspired the story? I was on a business trip top Kansas and spent a few hours in Wamego. Its a great small town and they have picked up the torch with an Oz theme. They even have a yellow brick road of sorts. It was fun and I had to write about it. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I love all of them, but I had the lost fun writing Jeremy. He's afraid, on the run of sorts, looking for a home and people to care for him and his younger brother Petey who always comes first. As I was writing the story I couldn't help feeling that he was deserved to find love... and maybe more. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am nearly 50 and a number of years ago I was very overweight and needed to get in shape. I joined a gym and started reading gay romance because nothing makes treadmill time go faster than sex. :) After reading them for a while I decided to try writing. I didn't tell anyone until I was half done with the first manuscript. After that I caught the bug and never looked back. Any advice for aspiring authors? Write what you love to read not what you think will sell. You are going to spend more time with the characters and story than anyone, so you need to love it. That will come through in the writing. Closing remarks... Writing is a solitary process and one of the greatest joys I get is meeting and talking to readers. A note or kind comment from a reader has made my day more than once. You are all special and I love each and every one of you.
You can visit Andrew on Facebook, on his website, or on twitter. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
Tales from Kansas When Jeremy and Petey’s mother died, their house was taken to pay the debts she left behind, leaving them homeless. Afraid Petey will be put in foster care, they have no one to turn to but their Uncle Milt, so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas. They arrive in the middle of a snowstorm and stop at the local diner to contact their uncle, where they meet Nate. Nate and his aunt help them contact Uncle Milt, and he agrees to help. Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly, but Jeremy runs when he’s made to believe their new home isn’t permanent. Nate goes after him, finds him, and convinces him that he’s wanted. However, just as Jeremy and Nate begin to trust each other, Petey’s estranged father appears and threatens to tear Jeremy’s new life and fledgling family apart.
Andrew Grey
Tell us a little bit about how Stuck in Oz came to life. What inspired the story? I was on a business trip top Kansas and spent a few hours in Wamego. Its a great small town and they have picked up the torch with an Oz theme. They even have a yellow brick road of sorts. It was fun and I had to write about it. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I love all of them, but I had the lost fun writing Jeremy. He's afraid, on the run of sorts, looking for a home and people to care for him and his younger brother Petey who always comes first. As I was writing the story I couldn't help feeling that he was deserved to find love... and maybe more. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am nearly 50 and a number of years ago I was very overweight and needed to get in shape. I joined a gym and started reading gay romance because nothing makes treadmill time go faster than sex. :) After reading them for a while I decided to try writing. I didn't tell anyone until I was half done with the first manuscript. After that I caught the bug and never looked back. Any advice for aspiring authors? Write what you love to read not what you think will sell. You are going to spend more time with the characters and story than anyone, so you need to love it. That will come through in the writing. Closing remarks... Writing is a solitary process and one of the greatest joys I get is meeting and talking to readers. A note or kind comment from a reader has made my day more than once. You are all special and I love each and every one of you.
You can visit Andrew on Facebook, on his website, or on twitter. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Stuck in Oz
Blurb:Tales from Kansas When Jeremy and Petey’s mother died, their house was taken to pay the debts she left behind, leaving them homeless. Afraid Petey will be put in foster care, they have no one to turn to but their Uncle Milt, so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas. They arrive in the middle of a snowstorm and stop at the local diner to contact their uncle, where they meet Nate. Nate and his aunt help them contact Uncle Milt, and he agrees to help. Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly, but Jeremy runs when he’s made to believe their new home isn’t permanent. Nate goes after him, finds him, and convinces him that he’s wanted. However, just as Jeremy and Nate begin to trust each other, Petey’s estranged father appears and threatens to tear Jeremy’s new life and fledgling family apart.
March 28, 2014
Author Spotlight - Raine O'Tierney
#Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Raine O'Tierney, author of Sweet Giordan, Please Remember
Raine O'Tierney
Tell us a little bit about how Sweet Giordan, Please Remember came to life. What inspired the story? The characters in Sweet Giordan are a spinoff of the first M/M I ever wrote (it has not yet seen the light of day, and definitely never will in its current incarnation). Shane was developed first, and Sweet Giordan, Please Remember was my attempt to give him an HEA. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? Chloe Devereaux, the sassy Southern surrogate mother of my MC, Giordan. I so enjoyed writing this character. I don't think this story would be anywhere near what it is without her, it might not even exist. She is funny and charming, but above everything else she is so full of grace and I just want to strive to be as compassionate and caring as she is. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am a library-lady by trade, dachshund enthusiast, exclamation point addict (!!!), proud gamer nerd, and generally all-around friendly person. I started writing in the third grade when a girl in my class shared a short story about bubblegum and I decided, in all my elementary school wisdom, that I could do it better. I started writing M/M in 2004 when I wanted to fill the world with Sweetness. Any advice for aspiring authors? Be lionhearted in all things. If you have a dream, be brave and pursue it! Closing remarks... Thank you so much for having me, Allison!
You can visit Raine at Facebook, Twitter, at her blog, on her website or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
Giordan Stone is lucky, all things considered. Sure, he spent five years in a coma only to wake with a right leg that's practically useless and no memories other than his name. But now he's under the care of sassy southern surrogate mother, Chloe Devereaux, spending his days painting and healing. Giordan wants for nothing at all... until he looks out the window one morning and sees Chloe's gorgeous son, Shane, standing there. Something very familiar stirs in Giordan. When he sketches, Giordan is able to go into an "art trance" where pieces of disjointed memory come back to him without time or place. More and more of these flashes are of Shane Devereaux and the intense, intimate experiences they shared together. Even though Shane keeps his distance now, Giordan is convinced his flashes are real. But he doesn't have the whole story. Giordan is determined to fill in his memory blanks and convince Shane his feelings are genuine.
Raine O'Tierney
Tell us a little bit about how Sweet Giordan, Please Remember came to life. What inspired the story? The characters in Sweet Giordan are a spinoff of the first M/M I ever wrote (it has not yet seen the light of day, and definitely never will in its current incarnation). Shane was developed first, and Sweet Giordan, Please Remember was my attempt to give him an HEA. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? Chloe Devereaux, the sassy Southern surrogate mother of my MC, Giordan. I so enjoyed writing this character. I don't think this story would be anywhere near what it is without her, it might not even exist. She is funny and charming, but above everything else she is so full of grace and I just want to strive to be as compassionate and caring as she is. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am a library-lady by trade, dachshund enthusiast, exclamation point addict (!!!), proud gamer nerd, and generally all-around friendly person. I started writing in the third grade when a girl in my class shared a short story about bubblegum and I decided, in all my elementary school wisdom, that I could do it better. I started writing M/M in 2004 when I wanted to fill the world with Sweetness. Any advice for aspiring authors? Be lionhearted in all things. If you have a dream, be brave and pursue it! Closing remarks... Thank you so much for having me, Allison!
You can visit Raine at Facebook, Twitter, at her blog, on her website or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sweet Giordan, Please Remember
Blurb:Giordan Stone is lucky, all things considered. Sure, he spent five years in a coma only to wake with a right leg that's practically useless and no memories other than his name. But now he's under the care of sassy southern surrogate mother, Chloe Devereaux, spending his days painting and healing. Giordan wants for nothing at all... until he looks out the window one morning and sees Chloe's gorgeous son, Shane, standing there. Something very familiar stirs in Giordan. When he sketches, Giordan is able to go into an "art trance" where pieces of disjointed memory come back to him without time or place. More and more of these flashes are of Shane Devereaux and the intense, intimate experiences they shared together. Even though Shane keeps his distance now, Giordan is convinced his flashes are real. But he doesn't have the whole story. Giordan is determined to fill in his memory blanks and convince Shane his feelings are genuine.
March 21, 2014
NEW RELEASES!
Heya, folks! I'm here to bring you not one, but two new releases--both co-authored, and very different.The first has been in Amazon's top ten list (gay and lesbian romance/literature) since it's release on March 15th, as well as All Romance Ebooks and Dreamspinner Press's best-seller lists.
Beast is a modern day MM retelling of the fairy tale classic Beauty and the Beast...
Ara Costas has it all--riches, power, and the kind of beauty that attracts all the right people. He's flying high and loves his life, until a serious car accident leaves him horribly scarred. Ara becomes an angry recluse, hiding away in his Chicago high-rise apartment, running his multimillion-dollar business from behind a computer screen.
Ilias Adams is a quiet farm boy who keeps his nose buried in books. A great education and stellar resume land him a job as Ara's assistant and liaison to the board of directors. Little did he know when he signed up for this dream job that he'd end up working for the world's moodiest, most uptight boss.
Ilias is scared of Ara at times, but he recognizes the challenge he faces when he meets Ara and sees the reason for the man's anger. Ara is guarded and suspicious, since he can't believe anyone can bear to look at him. Despite all this, Ilias is determined to turn the beast into a beauty again, at least on the inside, and tear down the walls Ara has so carefully constructed around him.
Buy It Now!Barnes and Noble
Amazon
All Romance EBooks
Dreamspinner Press
The second dropped today and is already flying off the virtual shelves. Remmy Duchene and I are back with another tale of two men, both stubborn in their own rights and unlikable at times, but good to their marrow when the time is right. Check out this steamy interracial romance from MLR Press
Lo... When they dance into your heart and falling can't be helped ...ve
Alexander Benton is used to getting what he wants. With his wealthy parents MIA most times, he is left to rule Juilliard and half of Manhattan with impunity. He hides his misery behind meaningless sex and condemning behavior.
Augusto Catalan grew up poor. To make a living, he dances at a local gay performance club and survives on the poverty line. His crappy New York apartment and simple life make him happy---except for the death of his lover, his brother being in a war zone and his life-long dream of getting into Juilliard slipping away with each passing day.
When Alex meets Augusto, he knows there is no way this ghetto boy is getting into his prestigious school. Then he sees Augusto dance.
Buy it now!MLR Press
All Romance EBooks
Amazon
Beast is a modern day MM retelling of the fairy tale classic Beauty and the Beast...
Ara Costas has it all--riches, power, and the kind of beauty that attracts all the right people. He's flying high and loves his life, until a serious car accident leaves him horribly scarred. Ara becomes an angry recluse, hiding away in his Chicago high-rise apartment, running his multimillion-dollar business from behind a computer screen.Ilias Adams is a quiet farm boy who keeps his nose buried in books. A great education and stellar resume land him a job as Ara's assistant and liaison to the board of directors. Little did he know when he signed up for this dream job that he'd end up working for the world's moodiest, most uptight boss.
Ilias is scared of Ara at times, but he recognizes the challenge he faces when he meets Ara and sees the reason for the man's anger. Ara is guarded and suspicious, since he can't believe anyone can bear to look at him. Despite all this, Ilias is determined to turn the beast into a beauty again, at least on the inside, and tear down the walls Ara has so carefully constructed around him.
Buy It Now!Barnes and Noble
Amazon
All Romance EBooks
Dreamspinner Press
The second dropped today and is already flying off the virtual shelves. Remmy Duchene and I are back with another tale of two men, both stubborn in their own rights and unlikable at times, but good to their marrow when the time is right. Check out this steamy interracial romance from MLR Press
Lo... When they dance into your heart and falling can't be helped ...ve
Alexander Benton is used to getting what he wants. With his wealthy parents MIA most times, he is left to rule Juilliard and half of Manhattan with impunity. He hides his misery behind meaningless sex and condemning behavior.
Augusto Catalan grew up poor. To make a living, he dances at a local gay performance club and survives on the poverty line. His crappy New York apartment and simple life make him happy---except for the death of his lover, his brother being in a war zone and his life-long dream of getting into Juilliard slipping away with each passing day.
When Alex meets Augusto, he knows there is no way this ghetto boy is getting into his prestigious school. Then he sees Augusto dance.
Buy it now!MLR Press
All Romance EBooks
Amazon
March 14, 2014
Author Spotlight - Jacob Z. Flores
#Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Jacob Z. Flores, author of When Love Gets Hairy
Jacob Z. Flores
Tell us a little bit about how When Love Gets Hairy came to life. What inspired the story? "When Love Gets Hairy" is actually the third book of The Provincetown Series, so I already had an idea of what I wanted to write for Nino, who was one of the characters in the first book "When Love Takes Over." Nino is a model with a perfect body and a cocky attitude. He basically thinks he's God's gift to gay men. He's used to getting everything he wants and snagging any man he sets his sights onto. So I wanted to write a story for Nino that completely challenged everything about him, not just himself but his ideals and his way of living. That's when I created Teddy, who as a pocket bear, is about as far away as you can get from being Nino's usual type. But that's where their differences end. Teddy is just as confident in himself and his body as Nino is, and when the two of them wake up in bed together after a party neither of them can remember, well, let's just say things definitely get hairy. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I think my favorite character in this book is Teddy's French bulldog, Louie. He's not your typical bulldog. The breed is usually quite friendly. Louie is anything but. He's not aggressive. He's just ornery and only likes Teddy. Everyone else could die as far as he is concerned. But when Louie meets Nino, he takes a shine to him, even though Nino tries his best to make Louie shoo. But Louie being Louie, he just doesn't listen to anybody. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I'm actually a super villain who is intent on taking over the world, and I'm using my books, which contain secret codes of world domination, to reach my minions who are scattered across the globe.
If only my life was that interesting.
There's really not too much to tell about me. I'm an English professor by day and father and author the rest of the time. I've always wanted to write. In fact, I started writing comic books as a child. It was just a passion that's always been inside me. Besides spending time with my daughter and loved ones, there's nothing else I enjoy doing more. Any advice for aspiring authors? Wow! There's a lot I've learned over the year and a half since I was first published. I think one of the most important bits of advice I can give is how important it is for authors to create their author brand. When I first started, I had no idea how important that was. But there are so many great authors out there, that each author has to find a way to differentiate him/herself from the pack. Each author needs to find what makes her/him unique and then use that persona to project to the world. Remember, authors aren't selling their books as much as they are selling the person who writes them. Books come and go, but the author remains consistent. Closing remarks... I want to thank Allison for hosting this giveaway and for having me on her blog. And I also want to thank everyone who stopped by today. ♥
You can visit Jacob at Facebook, Twitter, at his blog, or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
As vain as he is beautiful, Nino Santos happily lives life waiting for the next ferry full of fairies to bring him new conquests. As long as they aren't hirsute, he's all in. So he's shocked to wake up after a beach party he cannot remember with a hairy naked man lying next to him. Teddy Miller doesn't remember the "Bear Week" party either, much less the Abercrombie & Fitch model wannabe next to him. Teddy doesn't give two cents about appearances, but guys like Abercrombie don't return the favor. That's why he prefers men with extra fur and padding over carbon copy clones of perfection-a type of man Teddy is far too familiar with. When Nino and Teddy glimpse each other the next morning, it's loathing at first sight. Instead of exchanging phone numbers, they exchange insults and vow never to see each other again. In Provincetown, however, escaping a trick best forgotten isn't easy. Mutual friends and chance circumstances keep Nino and Teddy in each other's orbit. But are they fighting each other or the attraction growing between them? The answer lies amid Provincetown's windswept dunes and the night neither of them can recall.
Jacob Z. Flores
Tell us a little bit about how When Love Gets Hairy came to life. What inspired the story? "When Love Gets Hairy" is actually the third book of The Provincetown Series, so I already had an idea of what I wanted to write for Nino, who was one of the characters in the first book "When Love Takes Over." Nino is a model with a perfect body and a cocky attitude. He basically thinks he's God's gift to gay men. He's used to getting everything he wants and snagging any man he sets his sights onto. So I wanted to write a story for Nino that completely challenged everything about him, not just himself but his ideals and his way of living. That's when I created Teddy, who as a pocket bear, is about as far away as you can get from being Nino's usual type. But that's where their differences end. Teddy is just as confident in himself and his body as Nino is, and when the two of them wake up in bed together after a party neither of them can remember, well, let's just say things definitely get hairy. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I think my favorite character in this book is Teddy's French bulldog, Louie. He's not your typical bulldog. The breed is usually quite friendly. Louie is anything but. He's not aggressive. He's just ornery and only likes Teddy. Everyone else could die as far as he is concerned. But when Louie meets Nino, he takes a shine to him, even though Nino tries his best to make Louie shoo. But Louie being Louie, he just doesn't listen to anybody. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I'm actually a super villain who is intent on taking over the world, and I'm using my books, which contain secret codes of world domination, to reach my minions who are scattered across the globe.
If only my life was that interesting.
There's really not too much to tell about me. I'm an English professor by day and father and author the rest of the time. I've always wanted to write. In fact, I started writing comic books as a child. It was just a passion that's always been inside me. Besides spending time with my daughter and loved ones, there's nothing else I enjoy doing more. Any advice for aspiring authors? Wow! There's a lot I've learned over the year and a half since I was first published. I think one of the most important bits of advice I can give is how important it is for authors to create their author brand. When I first started, I had no idea how important that was. But there are so many great authors out there, that each author has to find a way to differentiate him/herself from the pack. Each author needs to find what makes her/him unique and then use that persona to project to the world. Remember, authors aren't selling their books as much as they are selling the person who writes them. Books come and go, but the author remains consistent. Closing remarks... I want to thank Allison for hosting this giveaway and for having me on her blog. And I also want to thank everyone who stopped by today. ♥
You can visit Jacob at Facebook, Twitter, at his blog, or at Goodreads. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When Love Gets Hairy
Blurb:As vain as he is beautiful, Nino Santos happily lives life waiting for the next ferry full of fairies to bring him new conquests. As long as they aren't hirsute, he's all in. So he's shocked to wake up after a beach party he cannot remember with a hairy naked man lying next to him. Teddy Miller doesn't remember the "Bear Week" party either, much less the Abercrombie & Fitch model wannabe next to him. Teddy doesn't give two cents about appearances, but guys like Abercrombie don't return the favor. That's why he prefers men with extra fur and padding over carbon copy clones of perfection-a type of man Teddy is far too familiar with. When Nino and Teddy glimpse each other the next morning, it's loathing at first sight. Instead of exchanging phone numbers, they exchange insults and vow never to see each other again. In Provincetown, however, escaping a trick best forgotten isn't easy. Mutual friends and chance circumstances keep Nino and Teddy in each other's orbit. But are they fighting each other or the attraction growing between them? The answer lies amid Provincetown's windswept dunes and the night neither of them can recall.
March 1, 2014
Author Spotlight - Brynn Stein
#Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Brynn Stein, author of Haunted
Brynn Stein
Tell us a little bit about how Haunted came to life. What inspired the story? "Haunted" started out life as a fan fiction written for a Christmas exchange. A friend of mine told me that since it was an AU (Alternate Universe) anyway, it was pretty much already an original fiction. She encouraged me to rework it as much as needed and then send it off to Dreamspinner to see if they liked it. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I absolutely love Jason. He's a ghost who was killed in his own bedroom, whose entire family either died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances. If anyone has a reason to be a hostile entity, I would think it would him. But he's not hostile at all. He's playful, with a wicked sense of humor, and works hard to be able to physically manifest to be able to be with his new found friend turned lover, Lenard. Jason loves 'life' and helps Lenard, who has just suffered through a messy divorce, learn to love it again as well. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I've always loved to write, as long as I could remember. I used to write stories to amuse myself or my mother when I was just a kid. As I got older, I started writing 'episodes' for my favorite TV shows long before I knew what fan fiction was. Once I found online fan fiction, I wrote practically every spare moment. I hadn't really thought of writing original fiction for actual publication until my friend suggested that I do that for "Haunted". Any advice for aspiring authors? Write! Write every chance you get...but write for yourself. Don't try to please others...because it's impossible to please everyone. Don't write to make money. Write a story that YOU are proud of...that YOU want to tell, and write simply because you love to write. Closing remarks... Thank you Allison for the opportunity to appear in your Spotlight. It's been a while since "Haunted" was published, so I'm doubly glad that you allowed me to promote it here again. I have another novel due to come out sometime this summer, called "Living Again". I would love to come back and give away a copy of that, too.
You can visit Brynn at Facebook, Twitter, at her blog, on Tribberr, or at Dreamspinner Press. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
When Lenard Blake is forced to leave his wife, he divorces not just her but her influential family, who makes it impossible for him to keep his job as a Denver police officer, never mind to find another one anywhere in Colorado. But a rural police force in Virginia has an opening, and the move could be just the change he needs, so Lenard buys a house based on an Internet ad. But when he arrives, he finds that the house looks nothing like the ad... and it's haunted as well. Lenard doesn't believe in the supernatural, but he decides to research his supposed ghost anyway. Soon he learns that fifteen years ago, Jason Miller was murdered in the house, and his entire family died under suspicious circumstances. As he makes friends with his ghostly companion, they join forces to try to solve the old murders. Along the way, they find there are some things that conquer even death.
Brynn Stein
Tell us a little bit about how Haunted came to life. What inspired the story? "Haunted" started out life as a fan fiction written for a Christmas exchange. A friend of mine told me that since it was an AU (Alternate Universe) anyway, it was pretty much already an original fiction. She encouraged me to rework it as much as needed and then send it off to Dreamspinner to see if they liked it. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I absolutely love Jason. He's a ghost who was killed in his own bedroom, whose entire family either died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances. If anyone has a reason to be a hostile entity, I would think it would him. But he's not hostile at all. He's playful, with a wicked sense of humor, and works hard to be able to physically manifest to be able to be with his new found friend turned lover, Lenard. Jason loves 'life' and helps Lenard, who has just suffered through a messy divorce, learn to love it again as well. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I've always loved to write, as long as I could remember. I used to write stories to amuse myself or my mother when I was just a kid. As I got older, I started writing 'episodes' for my favorite TV shows long before I knew what fan fiction was. Once I found online fan fiction, I wrote practically every spare moment. I hadn't really thought of writing original fiction for actual publication until my friend suggested that I do that for "Haunted". Any advice for aspiring authors? Write! Write every chance you get...but write for yourself. Don't try to please others...because it's impossible to please everyone. Don't write to make money. Write a story that YOU are proud of...that YOU want to tell, and write simply because you love to write. Closing remarks... Thank you Allison for the opportunity to appear in your Spotlight. It's been a while since "Haunted" was published, so I'm doubly glad that you allowed me to promote it here again. I have another novel due to come out sometime this summer, called "Living Again". I would love to come back and give away a copy of that, too.
You can visit Brynn at Facebook, Twitter, at her blog, on Tribberr, or at Dreamspinner Press. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Haunted
Blurb:When Lenard Blake is forced to leave his wife, he divorces not just her but her influential family, who makes it impossible for him to keep his job as a Denver police officer, never mind to find another one anywhere in Colorado. But a rural police force in Virginia has an opening, and the move could be just the change he needs, so Lenard buys a house based on an Internet ad. But when he arrives, he finds that the house looks nothing like the ad... and it's haunted as well. Lenard doesn't believe in the supernatural, but he decides to research his supposed ghost anyway. Soon he learns that fifteen years ago, Jason Miller was murdered in the house, and his entire family died under suspicious circumstances. As he makes friends with his ghostly companion, they join forces to try to solve the old murders. Along the way, they find there are some things that conquer even death.
February 14, 2014
Author Spotlight - Johanna Rae
#HTML8 {display: none;} #Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Johanna Rae, author of The Mercenary
Johanna Rae
Tell us a little bit about how The Mercenary came to life. What inspired the story? I am often inspired by locations. The initial concept for the Therian Secrets series was sparked by a visit to my hometown. (Much of the fictional town of Redcliffe is based on that town, though I have used a great deal of creative licence to perfect it to my needs and keep it unique).
Inspiration really does hit you when you least expect it. I was at the base of the cliffs at the Whakatane Heads, and gazed up thoughtfully. Having previously explored the top of those cliffs, I knew that many years ago before the settlers came to NZ, there was a Maori Pa up there. (A village). I thought about how there could be an entire community up there and you would never know from down at the beach where I was sitting. It made me think of all sorts of secrets and forbidden things that could lurk there… and I began to infuse that notion with my love for the paranormal. The more the idea grew in my mind the more I knew writing about it was a must, no longer a want. Characters began to emerge and the rest is history. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I don't think I could choose a favorite out of my Redcliffe gang. They all hold a piece of my soul and even the less popular characters have aspects that I find endearing. Part of the reason I don't have a favorite is that they're a very close knit bunch, much like a family. Everyone has their niche and they all add different things to the mix. While I stand firm in my claim that I love them all the same, Rufus Ramanui seems to reside in a part of my heart none of the others can touch. I do not love him more, but I feel his pain/trauma/suffering much deeper than I do any of the others. I have a soft spot for my gentle giant. He has a tough exterior, and is always strong, brave and unrelenting on the outside. Inside he is much more complex. He has old fashioned values so is a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, and goes to great lengths to take care of his disabled mother. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I have been a story teller from the time I was able to string sentences together. As a preschooler I made up little stories about my toys on a regular basis, and memorized all my favorite books. It didn't take long at school before I was able to start expressing myself with the written word, and I told my teacher at approximately five years old that when I grew up I was going to be a writer and an artist. I'm still both those things. I received awards in school for creative writing, though I did not have the courage to try to publish until my early thirties. The greatest joy for me is in sharing the stories with others, and knowing that someone else has enjoyed reading about the world I created as much as I enjoyed writing it. Any advice for aspiring authors? Write something every day, no matter how little, anything is better than nothing. Listen carefully to the criticisms of others who have read your work. Sometimes it is incredibly difficult to hear bad things about your work but this is your opportunity to build on what you have. Use those criticisms to expand and improve, or even recreate in an even better setting. Never give up at the first hurdle, sometimes being turned down doesn't mean that you have failed, just that you have chosen the wrong publisher/agent to view your work. Lastly, most writers write because it's ingrained in their very soul. They write because they must, not because of any conscious choice. Therefore, even if you get rejected, don't ever stop. Remember why you started in the first place, because it made you happy. Writing is a journey, and one that is constantly evolving. There is no right or wrong, just ways to improve. It's all a matter of individual perception. Closing remarks... I'm a big believer in paying it forward, in all aspects of life. As an author I try to adopt that approach too. I love to help promote other authors, especially indie authors and those from the smaller publishing firms. Since I know how much work is involved in promoting others, I am always very grateful when the privilege is extended to me. I would like to say a huge thank you To Allison for being a constant source of inspiration and being kind enough to host me here today.
You can visit Johanna at Facebook, at her blog, on Goodreads, or at Lazy Beagle Entertainment. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
When twenty-three-year-old Jodie Fletcher realizes shape-shifters are real--and that they're trying to kill he--she finds herself thrust into a life of danger and unimaginable intrigue. With both parents away, and her newly-single alcoholic brother Luke camped in the spare bedroom, Jodie feels like she's drowning in a world she doesn't understand. The only thing she can count on is the leopard who has taken it upon himself to protect her. She cannot ignore the raw emotion he awakens in her and longs for more. The leopard becomes not only her savior, but her escape. Mysterious and unpredictable, leopard shifter Danny Archer hides behind his dimpled smile and pretty boy facade. What's more, he has a second job the human population doesn't know about--the one that leads him to Jodie and Luke. Archer feels an instant connection with Jodie, and must find a way to balance his volatile lifestyle to include her. Luke Fletcher became an alcoholic long before his wife left him. Now he faces the brutal reality that the past has caught up with him. He made a series of bad choices while under the influence, which have placed his sister and his two young daughters in danger. Luke must try to find the man he used to be in order to survive the chaos he's inflicted. He knows he won't be able to live with himself if anything happens to his family.
Johanna Rae
Tell us a little bit about how The Mercenary came to life. What inspired the story? I am often inspired by locations. The initial concept for the Therian Secrets series was sparked by a visit to my hometown. (Much of the fictional town of Redcliffe is based on that town, though I have used a great deal of creative licence to perfect it to my needs and keep it unique).
Inspiration really does hit you when you least expect it. I was at the base of the cliffs at the Whakatane Heads, and gazed up thoughtfully. Having previously explored the top of those cliffs, I knew that many years ago before the settlers came to NZ, there was a Maori Pa up there. (A village). I thought about how there could be an entire community up there and you would never know from down at the beach where I was sitting. It made me think of all sorts of secrets and forbidden things that could lurk there… and I began to infuse that notion with my love for the paranormal. The more the idea grew in my mind the more I knew writing about it was a must, no longer a want. Characters began to emerge and the rest is history. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? I don't think I could choose a favorite out of my Redcliffe gang. They all hold a piece of my soul and even the less popular characters have aspects that I find endearing. Part of the reason I don't have a favorite is that they're a very close knit bunch, much like a family. Everyone has their niche and they all add different things to the mix. While I stand firm in my claim that I love them all the same, Rufus Ramanui seems to reside in a part of my heart none of the others can touch. I do not love him more, but I feel his pain/trauma/suffering much deeper than I do any of the others. I have a soft spot for my gentle giant. He has a tough exterior, and is always strong, brave and unrelenting on the outside. Inside he is much more complex. He has old fashioned values so is a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, and goes to great lengths to take care of his disabled mother. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I have been a story teller from the time I was able to string sentences together. As a preschooler I made up little stories about my toys on a regular basis, and memorized all my favorite books. It didn't take long at school before I was able to start expressing myself with the written word, and I told my teacher at approximately five years old that when I grew up I was going to be a writer and an artist. I'm still both those things. I received awards in school for creative writing, though I did not have the courage to try to publish until my early thirties. The greatest joy for me is in sharing the stories with others, and knowing that someone else has enjoyed reading about the world I created as much as I enjoyed writing it. Any advice for aspiring authors? Write something every day, no matter how little, anything is better than nothing. Listen carefully to the criticisms of others who have read your work. Sometimes it is incredibly difficult to hear bad things about your work but this is your opportunity to build on what you have. Use those criticisms to expand and improve, or even recreate in an even better setting. Never give up at the first hurdle, sometimes being turned down doesn't mean that you have failed, just that you have chosen the wrong publisher/agent to view your work. Lastly, most writers write because it's ingrained in their very soul. They write because they must, not because of any conscious choice. Therefore, even if you get rejected, don't ever stop. Remember why you started in the first place, because it made you happy. Writing is a journey, and one that is constantly evolving. There is no right or wrong, just ways to improve. It's all a matter of individual perception. Closing remarks... I'm a big believer in paying it forward, in all aspects of life. As an author I try to adopt that approach too. I love to help promote other authors, especially indie authors and those from the smaller publishing firms. Since I know how much work is involved in promoting others, I am always very grateful when the privilege is extended to me. I would like to say a huge thank you To Allison for being a constant source of inspiration and being kind enough to host me here today.
You can visit Johanna at Facebook, at her blog, on Goodreads, or at Lazy Beagle Entertainment. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Mercenary
Blurb:When twenty-three-year-old Jodie Fletcher realizes shape-shifters are real--and that they're trying to kill he--she finds herself thrust into a life of danger and unimaginable intrigue. With both parents away, and her newly-single alcoholic brother Luke camped in the spare bedroom, Jodie feels like she's drowning in a world she doesn't understand. The only thing she can count on is the leopard who has taken it upon himself to protect her. She cannot ignore the raw emotion he awakens in her and longs for more. The leopard becomes not only her savior, but her escape. Mysterious and unpredictable, leopard shifter Danny Archer hides behind his dimpled smile and pretty boy facade. What's more, he has a second job the human population doesn't know about--the one that leads him to Jodie and Luke. Archer feels an instant connection with Jodie, and must find a way to balance his volatile lifestyle to include her. Luke Fletcher became an alcoholic long before his wife left him. Now he faces the brutal reality that the past has caught up with him. He made a series of bad choices while under the influence, which have placed his sister and his two young daughters in danger. Luke must try to find the man he used to be in order to survive the chaos he's inflicted. He knows he won't be able to live with himself if anything happens to his family.
January 31, 2014
Author Spotlight - Caitlin Ricci
#HTML8 {display: none;} #Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Caitlin Ricci, author of Rescuing Jack
Caitlin Ricci
Tell us a little bit about how Rescuing Jack came to life. What inspired the story? Rescuing Jack was born originally from the question What if werewolves were a real part of everyday life? From that I started thinking about how a werewolf would live, what he would eat, and who his friends might be. I knew that I wanted a small town and slowly Rescuing Jack came to be. The trauma in this story was a surprise but once Jack walked in I knew that he belonged there. He fit into this little town and reflected it back. Pretty on the outside, hurting and torn open beneath his skin. If he feels real its because he's a reflection of the life experiences of someone I care about. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? Marius, the werewolf, is where this story started. I've been a supporter for animal adoption for years and I knew someday I would write about someone that worked in a shelter. Marius was an easy choice. He's a sweet werewolf and tries to brighten the lives of others through his gift of being able to tell which animals would suit them best. It is something that he enjoys doing and he is surrounded by friends that support him and have become his family. He matters in this town as more than just the local werewolf and that means a lot to him. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I was above my reading grade from the first time I was tested. I simply always loved to read. I carried a book with me wherever I went and more often than not when I was in trouble at school or home it was because I'd been reading when I wasn't supposed to be. Being grounded wasn't a big deal either since it was quiet time that I got to read in. My family moved around a lot when I was a child and so my books were the thing most constant in my life. I didn't form serious attachments to children my own age because I knew they'd be gone soon and so the characters were my best friends. It didn't take much for that love of reading to change into writing once someone suggested that I try writing out the way I wish things had been in key moments of my life. From then on the worlds in my head needed to be written. Any advice for aspiring authors? Keep writing. No matter what. Set time aside for yourself to write as often as you can. Make it a habit and set realistic goals for yourself. Don't say I'll write twelve novels this year. That's a great goal but its not immediate. Say that you'll write a thousand words today. Or five hundred. Make it realistic for you so that you can stick with it. It may not seem like much but those chunks add up. Always have a back up story going so that if you get blocked on one you can jump into the other. Set deadlines for yourself. Your story X will be finished by this date. Reward yourself when you hit those marks. Don't berate yourself when you don't. Don't take reviews too seriously. Yes, they help sell books but they are opinions and everyone is entitled to them. Bookmark your great reviews. Ignore the bad ones. And always trust your gut. Closing remarks... I hope you enjoy Rescuing Jack. Next to Marked by Grief, this is the most personal book I've written to date. It is heartbreaking but there is light and though it is about a werewolf and the man he loves, ultimately this book is about survival and learning to find yourself again after your world has been broken apart.
You can visit Caitlin at www.caitlinricci.com or email her at authorcaitlinricci@gmail.com. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
Werewolves are real. Marius enjoys the irony that everyone calls him a dog whisperer, not just because he's a werewolf, but for his work at the local animal shelter. He has a unique talent for pairing families with their perfect pets upon first meeting them. But he's still looking for acceptance and a forever family of his own. Then Jack comes into the rescue looking for a big, mean dog. To prevent Jack from making the wrong choice, Marius convinces him to adopt a needy spaniel mix instead. But when Marius learns Jack is tormented by horrible memories while at his apartment, he opens his home to the sweet, scared man. As their relationship grows, Jack feels comfortable telling Marius about the horrors he suffered. Marius hopes his steady presence, protection, and love can help Jack reclaim the pieces of himself broken on that terrible night.
Caitlin Ricci
Tell us a little bit about how Rescuing Jack came to life. What inspired the story? Rescuing Jack was born originally from the question What if werewolves were a real part of everyday life? From that I started thinking about how a werewolf would live, what he would eat, and who his friends might be. I knew that I wanted a small town and slowly Rescuing Jack came to be. The trauma in this story was a surprise but once Jack walked in I knew that he belonged there. He fit into this little town and reflected it back. Pretty on the outside, hurting and torn open beneath his skin. If he feels real its because he's a reflection of the life experiences of someone I care about. Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? Marius, the werewolf, is where this story started. I've been a supporter for animal adoption for years and I knew someday I would write about someone that worked in a shelter. Marius was an easy choice. He's a sweet werewolf and tries to brighten the lives of others through his gift of being able to tell which animals would suit them best. It is something that he enjoys doing and he is surrounded by friends that support him and have become his family. He matters in this town as more than just the local werewolf and that means a lot to him. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I was above my reading grade from the first time I was tested. I simply always loved to read. I carried a book with me wherever I went and more often than not when I was in trouble at school or home it was because I'd been reading when I wasn't supposed to be. Being grounded wasn't a big deal either since it was quiet time that I got to read in. My family moved around a lot when I was a child and so my books were the thing most constant in my life. I didn't form serious attachments to children my own age because I knew they'd be gone soon and so the characters were my best friends. It didn't take much for that love of reading to change into writing once someone suggested that I try writing out the way I wish things had been in key moments of my life. From then on the worlds in my head needed to be written. Any advice for aspiring authors? Keep writing. No matter what. Set time aside for yourself to write as often as you can. Make it a habit and set realistic goals for yourself. Don't say I'll write twelve novels this year. That's a great goal but its not immediate. Say that you'll write a thousand words today. Or five hundred. Make it realistic for you so that you can stick with it. It may not seem like much but those chunks add up. Always have a back up story going so that if you get blocked on one you can jump into the other. Set deadlines for yourself. Your story X will be finished by this date. Reward yourself when you hit those marks. Don't berate yourself when you don't. Don't take reviews too seriously. Yes, they help sell books but they are opinions and everyone is entitled to them. Bookmark your great reviews. Ignore the bad ones. And always trust your gut. Closing remarks... I hope you enjoy Rescuing Jack. Next to Marked by Grief, this is the most personal book I've written to date. It is heartbreaking but there is light and though it is about a werewolf and the man he loves, ultimately this book is about survival and learning to find yourself again after your world has been broken apart.
You can visit Caitlin at www.caitlinricci.com or email her at authorcaitlinricci@gmail.com. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
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Rescuing Jack
From Dreamspinner Press
Blurb:Werewolves are real. Marius enjoys the irony that everyone calls him a dog whisperer, not just because he's a werewolf, but for his work at the local animal shelter. He has a unique talent for pairing families with their perfect pets upon first meeting them. But he's still looking for acceptance and a forever family of his own. Then Jack comes into the rescue looking for a big, mean dog. To prevent Jack from making the wrong choice, Marius convinces him to adopt a needy spaniel mix instead. But when Marius learns Jack is tormented by horrible memories while at his apartment, he opens his home to the sweet, scared man. As their relationship grows, Jack feels comfortable telling Marius about the horrors he suffered. Marius hopes his steady presence, protection, and love can help Jack reclaim the pieces of himself broken on that terrible night.
January 15, 2014
Author Spotlight - Remmy Duchene
#HTML8 {display: none;} #Q {text-align: left; line-height:150%; font-style:italic;} #A {text-align: left; margin-left: 2em;} #Close {text-align: center; font-style:italic;} #Para {text-align: left; text-indent: 25px;} It is my pleasure to introduce Remmy Duchene, author of Cowboy Mine
Remmy Duchene
Tell us a little bit about how Cowboy Mine came to life. What inspired the story? Cowboy Mine was one of those books that you sit down one day and decide to just write and see what happens. Dusty was going to be a doctor until I was watching this guy ride a bull and figured it was meant to be! Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? In this book? Jake. Why? Well because he's all kinds of mix up. Nightmares, unrequited love--well unrequited in his mind anyways because he never once said anything to Dusty so is it really unrequited? Anywho, Jake has one of those tender spots in my heart for all the crap I put him through in the story. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am a simple person. What you see is pretty much what you get. I started writing MF because I've always had a love of reading and being obsessed with the idea of being able to create something other people could read. MM came about when my closest friends who beta'd for me wanted me to write them stuff they would love to read. Any advice for aspiring authors? Every author gets rejection - so don't take it too personally. Sometimes you're just not their cup of tea but sooner or later, you'll get in there. Oh and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Thanks for having me!
You can follow Remmy Duchene at www.remmyduchene.com, at remmyduchene.blogspot.com/, and on Twitter. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
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Blurb:
High school history teacher, Jake Salvatore has been in love with champion bull-rider Dusty Parker for years but has never found the courage to tell his friend how he feels. To enjoy some down time, Dusty comes back to his small hometown during his winter break, but Dusty's stay is anything but restful. An unexpected snowstorm strands Jake and Dusty together and despite the cold winter night things heat up. Jake has to face his shyness and his apprehensions from a traumatic childhood. Can Dusty convince his lover that their relationship is worth the work so that they can both experience the ride of their lives?
Remmy Duchene
Tell us a little bit about how Cowboy Mine came to life. What inspired the story? Cowboy Mine was one of those books that you sit down one day and decide to just write and see what happens. Dusty was going to be a doctor until I was watching this guy ride a bull and figured it was meant to be! Who is your favorite character and what makes them so memorable to you? In this book? Jake. Why? Well because he's all kinds of mix up. Nightmares, unrequited love--well unrequited in his mind anyways because he never once said anything to Dusty so is it really unrequited? Anywho, Jake has one of those tender spots in my heart for all the crap I put him through in the story. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write? I am a simple person. What you see is pretty much what you get. I started writing MF because I've always had a love of reading and being obsessed with the idea of being able to create something other people could read. MM came about when my closest friends who beta'd for me wanted me to write them stuff they would love to read. Any advice for aspiring authors? Every author gets rejection - so don't take it too personally. Sometimes you're just not their cup of tea but sooner or later, you'll get in there. Oh and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Thanks for having me!
You can follow Remmy Duchene at www.remmyduchene.com, at remmyduchene.blogspot.com/, and on Twitter. WIN THE BOOK NOW!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cowboy Mine
From Silver Publishing
Blurb:High school history teacher, Jake Salvatore has been in love with champion bull-rider Dusty Parker for years but has never found the courage to tell his friend how he feels. To enjoy some down time, Dusty comes back to his small hometown during his winter break, but Dusty's stay is anything but restful. An unexpected snowstorm strands Jake and Dusty together and despite the cold winter night things heat up. Jake has to face his shyness and his apprehensions from a traumatic childhood. Can Dusty convince his lover that their relationship is worth the work so that they can both experience the ride of their lives?
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