Krista Ames's Blog, page 130

Author, author...

...read all about it !!


Today we have a guest post and this author is sharing a recipe and her newest book release!!!

I love recipes :)


Please welcome:      Wendi Zwaduk


I got this from the Neelys and it's called Green Beans and Bacon.  I know.  Super hard title.  But it's REALLY good - even if I'm bad and leave off the pecans!  And since it's the season to share and watch the leaves...and eat yummy food, here's

Green Beans and Bacon !!

Total Time:  35 min.
Prep:  15 min.
Cook:  20 min.
Yield:  6 to 8 servings
Level:  Easy

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
Kosher salt
1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Toss the green beans into a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until bright green in color and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.  Drain the beans and shock in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.  Drain the beans again and pat dry.

Cook the bacon in a large, heavy saute pan until crisp, about 5 minutes.  Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.  Spoon off the excess bacon grease, leaving 2 tablespoons in the pan.  Add the onion to the pan and saute until soft and very tender, 4 to 5 minutes.  Sprinkle in the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute until just fragrant, about 1 more minute.  Add the reserved green beans and the pecans and cook until heated through, 5 to 6 minutes more.  Return the bacon to the pan, pour in the lemon juice and toss.  Season with salt and pepper.





And now a little about my latest release,
One More Night!

Fear can blind.  Will love show the way in the dark?  All it takes is one more night...

Three years ago, Jenna ran away from what should have been the best night of her life.  Letting her fear and shame get in the way of true happiness has haunted her ever since.  it's time to move on and put the past behind her.  A date through the 1Night Stand service is the perfect opportunity to start living life again.

When the love of his life slipped through his fingers, Drake hated to let her go.  A near-death accident prevented him from going after her.  But after three years of recovery and waiting, he's ready to take back what's his, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep her from running again.

Can Madame Eve work a miracle or will love lose out to pride and fear?

Available now from Decadent Publishing and Amazon.



Want to know more about Wendi Zwaduk?  Here you go:


I always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I earned a BA in education at Kent State University and currently hold a Masters in Education with Nova Southeastern University.   
I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals.  I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Total-E-Bound, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Come join me for this fantastic journey!   If you like my work, tell your friends and email me.  I love hearing from readers!Site:  http://wendizwaduk.com/Blog:  http://wendizwaduk.blogspot.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendiZwadukFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/wendi.zwadukFan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendi-Zwaduk/195277927167481?ref=tn_tnmn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/wendizwadukGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3495446.Wendi_ZwadukOn Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/wendizwaduk/ On Google+ : https://plus.google.com/115637543946745656739/posts

On Romance Novel Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/wendizwaduk Newsletter sign up:  http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj 
 Wendi, thank you so much for being with us today and sharing that recipe!!! I am definitely going to be making that and i'm totally with you about leaving the pecans off :)And...how about One More Night... love the sound of that book and can't wait to buy my copy !!! Thanks again for being here and please come back and visit us anytime !!! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista

Author, author...

...read all about it !

Today we have a guest blog :)




Naughty Little Bedtime Stories by Tamaria Soana
The idea for Naughty Little Bedtime Stories came from a writing exercise I used to do to sharpen my sexy scene writing skills. I would look for a steamy image and write around a thousand words describing it. An author friend suggested I lengthen a few and Naughty Little Bedtime Stories was born. Writing NLBS (Naughty Little Bedtime Stories) was both fun and challenging. When you’re working with 12 heroes and heroines things can be a bit chaotic.  The two hardest stories to write were Spicing Things Upthe ménage (M/M/F), I never wrote M/M before, and the story Giving In, this was my first attempt at writing light bondage. My favorite story in the book is was Last Call. It’s a May/December. In my younger years I was a bartender /cocktail waitress, so it was fun to write this heroine as a bartender falling for an older man. Naughty Little Bedtime Stories is meant to fun little escape. I thought even adults needed a good bedtime story! Also when writing NLBS I found myself stretching my wings and writing ‘outside’ my box so-to-speak. There is a light bondage story called Giving In and a ménage (M/M/F) called Spicing Things Up. Writing both was a new experience for me. I’ve always wanted to write a BDSM scene but never thought I could pull it off. I enjoy reading the lighter BDSM stories that are romanced based. My heroine in Giving In has some past ghosts to deal with. My hero wants her to give up some control so he can give pleasure beyond anything she’s experienced before. This short story was hard for me to write, but I’m a little more comfortable with the topic now and maybe I’ll even stretch my wings further someday! As for Spicing Things Up, that was a whole different story. This was my first ménage writing experience and my first M/M. To say this was difficult for me is a HUGE understatement. I re-wrote this story many times until I was happy with it. Writing the threesome scenes were easier than writing the M/M ones to say the least. Naughty Little Bedtime Stories is meant to fun little escape. I thought even adults needed a good bedtime story!
Bedtime stories that will heat up your night.

Naughty Little Bedtime Stories contains twelve short stories that will arouse your senses.  You'll find stories that contain light bondage, food play, menage (m/m/f), and other erotic events.  Each story has a different setting and couple who explore all things naughty in and out of the bedroom.


Content Warning:  adult language, graphic sexual situations

Excerpts

EXCERPT FROM Strawberries and Whipped Cream

We ate dinner, drank some wine, and talked about our week.  Maybe tonight I would finally p  After cleaning up, I refilled our glasses.

Did you get something for dessert?  Emma asked.

I smiled.  "Yes, I did.  Why don't you go into the living room and make yourself comfortable while I get it ready."

Okay.  Are you sure you don't need help?

I'm sure.


After she left the kitchen, I gathered the bowl of strawberries and can whipped cream from the fridge.  I walked in the room to find her on the couch, sipping her wine.  I sat down next to her and placed the food on the coffee table. 

"I  love strawberries, but why the can of whipped cream?"  she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

 Close your eyes.  No peeking, I whispered in her ear.  

 I took a strawberry and traced her bottom lip with it.  She opened her mouth slightly, and I allowed her to take a small bite.  A low  moan escaped her lips, and my dick twitched in response.  I began to feed her another piece of fruit.  My cock was getting harder by the minute as I watched her lips wrap around the strawberries.

"I want to feed one" she said as she opened her eyes. 

"I have a better idea.  Close your eyes" I said in a deep voice.

Emma sighed and closed her eyes.  I picked up a strawberry and touched her bottom lip with it, and she opened her mouth to take it in.  I leaned in and bit the other end, letting our lips meet and eliciting a faint squeal from her.  

"Would you like some whipped cream?"  I asked her as I grabbed the can and shook it. 

"Yes," she whispered.

I squirted some whipped cream on her bottom lip.  She seductively licked them while looking at me lustfully.  I groaned, shifted to adjust myself, and placed my lips on hers.  She wrapped her arms around me and the kiss deepened.  Our tongues rubbed against each other.  She tasted like whipped cream.  Pulling away I placed kisses down her neck and made my way to her chest.  I lifted her shirt over her head.  She was wearing a pink lace bra.

"Beautiful," I whispered as I reached around her and unhooked her bra.  I slid the strapsoff her arms, placing more kisses on her neck. 
"Lay back," I told her as I took my shirt off.

 I unbuttoned her jeans and slowly unzipped them.  She lifted herself up as I slid them down her amazing legs and threw them on the floor.  She was a sight to behold in just a pair of pink boy shorts.

"Do you trust me?"  I asked.



EXCERPT FROM Instant Attraction

We walked out of the restaurant and down the hall into the main lobby of the hotel, my eyes scanning for any photographers.  I really didn't want my face all over the tabloids tomorrow.

"I had a great time meeting you today.  So, what now?   Slade asked as he looked deep into my eyes.


"I don't know," I whispered.  I didn't want the afternoon to end.

"I don't want to leave you just yet, Jewel," he whispered in a sexy tone.

I bit my bottom lip and started to fidget.  "Then don't."  I took a deep breath, trying to figure out everything that was racing through my head.  "Would you like to come to my suite for a drink, maybe?"  I couldn't believe I'd just asked him that, but I knew what I wanted, and at the moment it was him.

"I thought you'd never ask."

We stepped in the elevator and the doors closed.  We were alone.  Before I could process what I was doing, I was kissing him.  The simple kiss set all the nerves in my body on fire.  The elevator stopped and I pulled away as the doors opened.

"This is my floor," I said breathlessly.

We walked into the hallway in silence.  The tension between us was so strong.  We reached my suite and I swiped my card to open the door.  I could feel his gaze on me, it was making me nervous and turning me on at the same time.  My stomach was in knots as I walked in, but not that bad kind of knots, the I-want-to-jump-him kind of knots.  He was making me crazy.  I truly just wanted to go with what I was feeling.  I was so attracted to him.  As soon as the door shut Slade pushed me against the wall and started kissing me.

 "Jewel, you are so alluring," he said as he kissed my neck.

"Slade," I moaned.  Icould feel how hard he was as he pressed harder into me.

"I want you," he said as his hand grazed my breast.  "Do you want me?"

"Yes!"  My heart was pounding in my chest as I led him to the bed.  His urgent lips were on mine.  He unzipped my sundress and it fell to the floor, leaving me in only a black lace bra and thong.

"So sexy," he whispered in my ear as he kissed my neck.



EXCERPT FROM The Great Outdoors 


Once I knew it was safe, I took off on my horse. I looked back to see that Kristen was in hot pursuit. I enjoyed the feeling of an all-out run with this amazing creature under me. I tugged on the reins and slowed as we came to the opening of the meadow. I dismounted and watched Kristen slow her horse to a stop and dismount with ease and grace.
 
“This place is beautiful,” she said as she looked around the meadow.
 
“I found it a few years ago. I used to come here for some peace and quiet,” I responded as I laid out the blanket. “Sit, let’s have lunch, then we can walk around and explore,” I said as I gave her one of my panty-dropping smirks. I knew how to push her buttons.
 
“Explore?” She had a twinkle in her eye. “Why, cowboy, what do you have in mind?” she asked in her best southern drawl.
 
“Let’s eat first.” I unloaded the picnic basket and laid out the food.
 
It was a beautiful Texas afternoon. We talked and joked as we lay on the blanket, feeding each other grapes and cheese. I could have stayed there forever with her. We finished our lunch and cleaned up. I pulled her toward me and planted a hard, passionate kiss on her lips. She moaned and I took the moment to slide my tongue in her mouth and against hers. Our hands roamed up and down each other’s bodies.
 
Suddenly, she pulled away and took off running. “Catch me if you can!” she goaded me.

I let her get a head start.  I watched as she unbuttoned her shirt, slid it off, and discarded it.  My girl was naughty!  Her bra came off next and she tossed it to the side.  She turned and looked at me, tipped her cowboy hat, smirked, and ran like hell deeper into the meadow.  
Beachwalk Press Buy Link 
Naughty Little Bedtime Stories Book Trailer
 


http://youtu.be/7ko2TZ0FTz0

Author Bio


Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun.  She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a 'happily ever after'.  Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to.  In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn't until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.
She's married anda stay-at-home mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York.  Cuddling up with a good book underan electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk
show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.
Website   Facebook   Twitter
Thanks for sharing with us today Tamaria!!  These stories are sure to keep a body warm on a cool night!!

Readers, here's the link again...

Beachwalk Press Buy Link


Until next time, happy reading !!

Krista

 
 

...read all about it !Today we have Author Andrew Katz!We...

...read all about it !

Today we have Author Andrew Katz!


Welcome Andrew, can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a twenty year old semi-college student out of the Philadelphia area. Writing only recently became my passion as I started out in September of 2011, but I’ve always been an avid reader. “Descendants” will be my first novel, but I also have a short story out in the anthology “Dark Light” edited by S.J Davis and published by the wonderful Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing.

What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?

I’ve never really had one of those definite career dreams. Just like every other child I had aspirations to do this and that, but they were only phases and nothing ever really stuck. Unfortunately, that sort of carried on through life and I couldn’t find a real direction. Luckily writing has changed all that. It is my passion, outlet, and favorite hobby, and I couldn’t even dream of doing anything else.
 
When did you first start writing?
I started writing in early September of 2011 sort of on a whim. Lying in bed one night, bored, having just finished the book I had been reading, after hearing me complain of said boredom, a friend suggested I try writing something. I wrote the first page of my novel that night and brought it to my father to look at. He didn’t believe I’d actually written it which I took as a huge positive, and it all spiraled on from there.
 
What is a typical writing day like for you?

It’s really more or less just like every other day. I’m a very streaky writer. I can’t just randomly sit down and start writing, so I keep a small moleskin notepad in my back pocket at all times to jot down ideas. Once those are good and formulated I’ll sit down with my laptop to write and hopefully produce some good work.
 
Do you have a specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write? Not really. I’m so sporadic and ADD that I just do whatever strikes me when I write. Sometimes I lay down, other times I sit, and I actually have written standing over my kitchen table several times. The only real constant in my writing routine is music. I really can’t focus without it, but even that’s random. My itunes is full of everything from Taylor Swift to System of a Down, so my musical choice depends on how I’m feeling that day.

 
 
What is your favorite part of writing?  Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?Definitely dialogue. Partly because it gives me an excuse to talk to my imaginary friends, but mostly because it lets me feel witty and creative. There’s nothing better to me than a nice sarcastic comment, and that carries through to my writing. As for dislikes, I’m not a huge fan of editing. It’s not so much the tedium of it as it is my own compulsiveness and I often find myself re-writing things five or six times before I can accept, or hopefully, like them.

 
What is your favorite length of book to write?  (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?There’s no real favorite length for me. I haven’t been writing for very long, but I’ve done a few short stories and am working on a second full length novel. The cool thing is that they just seem to unfold into the length that they’re meant to be. That’s one of the things I love about a good story, it just seems to do the work for you.

 
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
They are WAY more supportive than I’d ever dreamed of, and it’s amazing.
 
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
I’ve actually recently taken to calling my to-be-read pile “the vault” as it had to be moved into an empty wardrobe. I blame my local Barnes & Noble and the buy two get one free sale they’ve been having on classics.
 For fun, I have a few personal questions, 
Favorite 5
1)  Favorite Holiday: I just googled obscure holidays, and it’s got to be April 26. Hug an Australian day!
2)  Favorite Drink: Probably boring old water.
3)  Favorite Author: I’ll go with Jim Butcher, but it’s a tough call.
4)  Favorite Book: Just finished “The Picture of Dorian Gray” it was incredible.
5)  Favorite Animal: KOALA BEAR!!!!
And for a bonus:  What is a typical mood for you?  And is your mood different when you’re writing?
Usually I’m just pretty relaxed and immature, and writing doesn’t change that very much.
 
Where can our readers find you?? 
Email: andrewkatzauthor@gmail.comFacebook: Facebook.com/AndrewKatz.Author

 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Check out my first full length novel, “Descendants”, as well as the awesome #1 best selling anthology “Dark Light” featuring a short story about Godric Patronar (the same protagonist as “Descendants)
 
Excerpt:
       I was kneeling before the throne, being reprimanded… again. The King was going on and on about the importance of responsibility in our darkening world and how it was the job of those with power to maintain the peace.
       “Not to potentially wipe out an entire race.”

       “Look you weren’t there; you have less than no idea just how badly they deserved it.”
       I had just come back from possibly – key word, possibly – killing the last of the gnomes of North America.
       “You acted irresponsibly and foolishly. I can honestly say I expected better from you,” said the King in that stupid I know better than you tone of his.


       “All right, Dad.” I put as much ice into my voice as I could manage while speaking to my father (don’t worry we’ll get to that). “When you go to investigate a kidnapping and find     twelve gnomes sacrificing an eleven-year-old girl trying to grant their females renewed fertility; with three similar corpses in the room, you can come lecture me.”

       “Did you at least save the girl?” he asked me sardonically.
       “Of course I saved the freaking girl. What kind of Knight would I be if I couldn’t save one measly damsel in distress?”
      

Andrew, thanks so much for taking the time to visit with us today. Congrats to you and your new release Descende

Readers, make sure you get this great new book !!

Until next time, happy reading!

Krista


 

Author, author... Karen Stivali

...read all about her !

Please help me welcome

            Author

   Karen Stivali



What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
 
The initial inspiration to become a writer came in first grade when my teacher assigned a paragraph about a picture and I handed in a seven page story. Although I never stopped writing I didn’t actually get serious about it until a couple of years ago. The inspiration at that point came from an encouraging friend who loved a piece of fan fiction I’d written for her as a birthday gift. She asked me to write more so I decided to write a story that had been stuck in my head for nearly a decade. I wrote it, sending her each chapter as it was written, thinking she was probably the only person who’d ever read it. That book is my novel Meant To Be, which is now available from Turquoise Morning Press. It also spawned a sequel, Holding On, that comes out in November, and a prequel that appears in the Foreign Affairs anthology. Since I remembered how much I love to write I haven’t been able to stop, and I hope I never do.
 
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
 
Most of my novels are set in modern times and in locations I’ve either lived or extensively visited, so I don’t usually have to do a ton of research. If I’m mentioning something I’m not too sure about (a train route, an illness, the technical details of a profession) I’ll not only Google it to death I’ll also try to find an expert on Twitter so I can talk to an experienced person and make sure I’m getting the intricacies correct. I’ve also taken a few fun field trips to certain towns or restaurants to double check my memory.
 
Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
 
My primary writing place is my kitchen desk. It’s cluttered and small and messy, but it’s in the kitchen which is the hub of my household. I like to be in the middle of things and able to multi-task. Most days I’m cooking and baking and answering phone calls and chatting with various family members in between rounds of writing. I don’t require seclusion or a perfect environment to write, I just need the ideas and my laptop.
 
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
 
I’ve always been fascinated by relationships and the way people interact, so I naturally gravitate toward books that have richly developed characters and a lot of dialogue and/or internal thought. And I’m a sucker for a love story. I’m not a fan of the stereotypical alpha-male, though, so I tend to genre hop in what I read and what I write. I go more for quirky, unique characters. This definitely influences not only my choice in reading material but also the characters I create. I try to write books I’d like to read but versions I haven’t seen yet. I like flawed, damaged characters that heal in the course of the story. The imperfections in people’s personalities and lives are what make them interesting. Perfection isn’t as perfect as it’s cracked up to be.
 
Also, given that I favor relationship stories and love stories, I tend to like books that include sex. Nothing frustrates me more than books that are all about how in love the two characters are and how they’ve gone through so much to be together, and then when the big moment comes and they finally make love for the first time the author fades to black. Gah! It’s enough to make me throw the book across the room, which makes me extra careful not to purchase books like that on my Kindle (much more breakable than a paperback). That is, however, the reason why all of my stories, whether they’re erotic romance, contemporary romance, or women’s fiction (with strong romantic elements)have open-door sex scenes. I wouldn’t tell you about a fabulous restaurant I dined at, describe the décor, the waiter, the menu and the flatware and then not tell you what the food tasted like, so if I’m telling you a love story  I can guarantee you’re going to hear the intimate details of the sex the characters have.
 
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??  And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
 
The vast majority of my writing is done on my laptop. I’ve actually never owned a desktop computer. That said, there have been scenes from pretty much everything I’ve written that have come to me at inopportune moments---while I’m putting on makeup in the morning, while I’m in line at the store, while waiting in the dentist’s office---so then I write on whatever’s handy. More than one scene has been penned on the back of an old receipt or a paper napkin. Given that this happens fairly often you’d think I’d be more prepared and would have pen and paper with me at all times. You’d be wrong. More often I wind up using a crayon or eyeliner or whatever else is handy. When I “see” a scene in my head it plays out like a movie, and if I don’t write it down, I’ll forget the nuances. I’ll use whatever I have to if it insures that I don’t forget the idea.
 
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
 
Wait, we’re allowed time off from the trials of writing?? Why wasn’t I told this?? Seriously, though, when I need a break from whatever is stressing me I usually turn to baking. I find it relaxing and it makes the house smell good. Plus it tastes good and has a way of making whoever’s had to put up with frazzled-writer-Karen a little more open to forgiving me. Nothing says “sorry I’ve been acting like a lunatic” better than a fresh batch of cookies or brownies.
 
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
 
Anyone who follows me on Twitter probably already knows more than they want to about me. I have a tendency to Tweet whatever pops into my head. I’m also the kind of person who will answer most any question someone asks. I may not offer the info outright, but if you specifically ask me I’ll more than likely tell you. Uh-oh. Now people are going to ask me a ton of bizarre personal questions…. Oh well. That’s okay.I’m open enough to answer most of them and stubborn enough not to answer the ones I really don’t want to answer.
 
 
For fun, I have a few personal questions,  
  Your Favorite 5
 
1) Favorite color – garnet red (I love jewel tones, don’t care for pastels)
2) Favorite dessert – chocolate truffle loaf (with caramel sauce and crème anglaise)
3) Favorite Season – autumn (I love the colors the leaves turn, the crisp air and the smell of fireplaces)
4) Favorite sad song- Cat’s In The Cradle (makes me cry every time I hear it. Every. Time.)
5) Favorite Romantic movie – The Notebook or Jerry Maguire (There are actually tons more. I love romantic movies, especially when there’s a really difficult complication and the couple has to fight to be together. Makes the payoff so enjoyable. *sigh*)
 
And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
 
My ideal romantic vacation is any kind of getaway with the man I love. For me romance is not about where you are, it’s about who you’re there with and how being with that person makes you feel.
 
 
 
Where can our readers find you?? 
Email:Karen@karenstivali.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenstivali
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenstivali
Website/blog: http://karenstivali.com
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Stivali/e...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
TRR: http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypa...
Manic: http://www.manicreaders.com/KarenStiv...
  
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
 
My first full length novel, Meant To Be, released from Turquoise morning press two weeks ago. It’s available digitally now and will be out in trade paperback in a few weeks.    The sequel, Holding On, will be released on 11/26/12.
     
Here’s a peek at the blurb and cover for Meant To Be:
 
Sometimes you’re already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one.
When NYU professor Daniel Gardner’s career-obsessed wife convinces him to move to the suburbs, he hopes it’s a first step toward starting the family he longs to have. Instead of domestic bliss he finds his neighbor, Marienne Valeti. She loves her freelance design job, but must contend with a growing sense of isolation created by her husband’s indifference. A penchant for good books, bad movies, and Marienne’s to-die-for brownies sparks a powerful bond between them. Passion simmers, but they resist its lure, surrendering only in the seclusion of their minds. Their friendship helps them weather every hardship, from divorce to widowhood, leaving them both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.
 
Want a little excerpt? Here you go!
 
Marienne watched as Daniel grabbed a bottle of Coke out of her fridge.
He unscrewed the cap and took a drink. “It’s quite difficult to understand American slang when English isn’t your native tongue.”
He continued speaking but Marienne’s mind was caught on the words native tongue. Or, more specifically, tongue. More precisely still, Daniel’s tongue. She’d always loved the sound of his voice, the expressiveness of his choice of words, but sometimes she just enjoyed watching his mouth. This was one of those times. She studied his tongue as it moved to form his words, as it licked his lips when he paused to think, as it pressed against the Coke bottle when he drank. Heat prickled through her.
Is it hot in here or is it him? She was unable to focus on the thought as once again she was mesmerized. Now it was curved upward, pressing against the back of his top teeth as he looked at her, eyes narrowed.
“Are you all right?” he asked. The concern in his voice caught her attention as did the puzzled look on his face.
“What?” She no longer remembered what they’d been discussing.
“You’re not listening to a word I say, and that’s not like you. I’ve been speaking total gibberish and you didn’t even react. Are you okay? You’re all flushed.”
She tried to think of a way to explain to her best friend that she’d been too busy obsessing to concentrate. He’s divorced. Frank’s gone. Maybe I should. Her heart galloped.
He leaned over and felt her forehead. She held her breath, dizzy from his touch. She wanted to scoot forward and kiss him, hard, on the lips, but didn’t dare to move. Thoughts of the kiss, and his tongue, flashed through her mind.
“You’re really warm.” His hand trailed to her cheek, flipping over so he could assess her with the back of his fingers. They felt cool and silky along the contours of her face and she pressed against them.
His brow furrowed. “You’ve got a fever.”
What? Her hand flew to her forehead. “Shit,” she said, as even she could feel the burning warmth.
He grabbed a glass from her cupboard and held it beneath the ice dispenser. The crystal chunks tumbled into it. “You must have finally caught whatever Ella had last weekend.” He filled it with water and handed it to her.
“Oh, God. You’re right.” Ella had come home sick from preschool three days ago and that was the standard grace period Marienne usually got before catching things from her daughter. She rested her head on the kitchen table.
****
Daniel smiled at Marienne’s whining; she was acting like Ella.
“Drink your water.” He opened another cabinet and reached for the Tylenol. He shook out two and returned the bottle to the top shelf.
“Here.” He rubbed his knuckles against the top of her hand. “Take these.”
She groaned.           
“Take them.” He nudged a second time. Heat radiated from her skin. Enticing. Alluring. He shuddered, trying to shake the thoughts from his mind. “Come on now, be a good girl.”
She sat up and scowled. He smiled and dropped the tablets into her upturned hand. The backs of his fingers grazed her palm and a tingling flush rippled through him.
She stared at him, eyes defiant, then popped the pills into her mouth and took a sip of water. She flipped her head back and swallowed hard, an action that caused Daniel to gulp as well. He wanted nothing more than to swoop down and kiss her with total abandon, to feel her overheated body, to be immersed inside her.
He said the only words he could think: “Let’s get you up to bed.”
 
Here are some buy links for Meant To Be:
 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Meant-To-Be-ebook/dp/B0092GWS0S/ref=la_B005KWSFGO_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1346196986&sr=1-5
AllRomanceEbooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-meanttobe-923889-148.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meant-to-be-karen-stivali/1112675856?ean=2940015227789

Publisher's site:
Turquoise Morning Press: http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/meant-to-be-by-karen-stivali
 
 
Author Bio:                 
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.
Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details. 

 
One more thing before we let you leave us today…do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
 
 
There’s a recipe from my real life that’s featured so heavily in Meant To Be I think I have to give you that one. It’s for the best ever chewy chocolate brownies.
Here’s the page on my blog that features the recipe and a yummy-looking photo!
http://karenstivali.com/the-ultimate-...
 
Anyone who likes this recipe should scroll through the other recipe posts because a lot of my favorite recipes are there (including a homemade caramel sauce that makes an awesome topping for these brownies).    Karen, thank you so so much for stopping by today and sharing your new release and your upcoming one.  We're very excited for you and super anxious to read both of these books.  I also greatly appreciate the recipe link.  I'll be checking that out myself :) Readers,make sure you hop on over to any of the sites listed above and get Meant to Be.   Until next time, happy reading !!   Krista

Finally Friday...

Oh my gosh, we finally made it to Friday....WOOHOO!!!!

Today we have a great author and fellow Fiction Witch with one of her backlist titles from Turquoise Morning Press.

Please help me welcome.....




Coming to Climax

by

Bobbye Terry

Margaret Palmer returns to Climax, Virginia, a deceptively quiet country town where Southern charm hides long-buried secrets and evil lurks just beneath the surface of the daily routine. Frustrated and frightened, Margaret knows she will have to face Blue Moon, the only true love she ever had, and his adopted daughter, Carolina. More alarmingly, she may be forced to reveal a long-hidden secret—she’s Carolina’s biological mother. But, will her disclosure no longer matter when a psychotic serial killer eliminating residents, spirals out of control, determined that Blue will be his last victim?

Released: September 6, 2011
Category: Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: 80,000 words, Novel
Price: $3.99 ebook

Available now at TMP Bookstore . Amazon . Smashwords. . All Romance Ebooks/OmniLit  Bookstrand    Barnes and Noble


Author Bio: A native Virginian, Bobbye Terry now resides in the cotton fields of West Texas with a Chocolate Lab that has a sock fetish. Bobbye is a multi-published author of romantic comedy, fantasy and suspense. Now, writing solo, except for a possible collaboration on special projects, she continues to write with extensive humor, even in suspense, where southern charm meets macabre reality.

Learn more about Bobbye's books by visiting www.BobbyeTerry.Blogspot.com.

Author, author... Sheri Fredricks

...read all about her !




Today we have a spotlight on  

     Sheri Fredricks

          and her release....

       Remedy maker



Man by day, Centaur by night, Rhycious is a remedy maker who needs his own healing.
 
He's the royal physician, famous for his cures. War and posttraumatic stress disorder has broken his spirit, preventing him from finding true happiness. Then a direct order from the queen to investigate an uprising forces him out of his secluded cabin at the edge of the forest.
 
Patience is an optimistic, good-natured Wood Nymph who works as a mediator to ensure harmony within the Nymph sector.
 
Environmental pollution in the aquifer stream that feeds the taproot tree of her heart is slowly killing her. Resigned to the fact she will not live long, she sets out to discover the mysterious disappearance of her sister. Experience has taught her to deny herself the love of a male, but the gruff Centaur is different. He doesn't push his expectations on her, only his healing nature.
 
When Rhycious loses his grip on reality, he believes his inability to control his disorder will drive Patience away. Nevertheless, desire flares, and Patience draws him close. Kidnapping and betrayal turn their mythic joint venture into a deadly bout.
 
Will their love endure when survival hinges on trusting each other?     Excerpt: Confidence settled within him after making a decision on the next step to fulfill his ruler’s wishes. He leaned toward the radio, flipped the switch, and let the music roll over him while he set about making coffee in the stovetop percolator.  The twenty-first century was by far his favorite time to live. Natural cure innovations abounded, and the music jammed. Nodding in time to the deep bass thump, Kid Rock rapped out his wish to be a cowboy. Rhy tapped his toe on the wooden floor and swung his shoulders to the steady rhythm.  A little coffee, some discussion and bargaining, and I’m good to go.  Patience took hesitant steps out of the bedroom with bare feet. She cleared her throat. “Good morning.”  Gods.  Sleep creased her face, and her hair lay mussed and wild about her shoulders. Heat coiled low in his belly; his scrotum tightened inside his pants.  He was in deep shit.  In his waking mind, the plan seemed so easy. None of the sexy details were filled in. Now, with her standing in front of him looking like she’d been tumbled hard in the sack, all he could think of was . . . getting hard in the sack!  Fuck.  No! Not that word.  Glorious brown hair, liberally streaked with auburn, floated in waves over her shoulders and cascaded down her back. He watched her like a slow motion movie. She lifted her hands and pushed the heap away from her face, her breasts jiggling with maddening temptation.  “Hey there.” He grabbed open the lower door of the cold box and hid behind it, adjusting himself through his jeans. Guileless, her innocent eyes held no condemnation for his Centaur breeding.  Patience was born decades after the last arrow flew in hatred. Her people had committed horrendous crimes, but he had murdered as well. He was the villain here, not her. The proof stood right before his eyes, looking so damn beautiful—a felony on two legs.      Buy Links:               ebook:  http://www.amazon.com/Remedy-Maker-ebook/dp/B008S29WT2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348116691&sr=8-2&keywords=Remedy+Maker                print:  http://www.amazon.com/Remedy-Maker-Sheri-Fredricks/dp/1479195103/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348116691&sr=8-1&keywords=Remedy+Maker       About our Author:              Always on the hunt for the uncommon things in life, author Sheri Fredricks thrives on creating adventures in her mythological kingdom for her readers.   A former engineering secretary, Sheri lives on the beautiful central coast of California. "I wanted to move away from inflexible right angles and create an unboxed world with no boundaries." A voracious reader since her early years, Sheri found her brain crowded with stories and characters of her own. "Ultimately," she says, "my husband encouraged me to write them all down."   Sheri loves to spend time at home. A computer hutch keeps her focused on creating stories, but the panoramic view of life on a ranch will call her outside to play in the sun. Website: www.sherifredricks.com                                     Blogsite: www.sherifredricks.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/SheriFredricksTwitter: http://twitter.com/Sheri_FredricksGoogle+: http://gplus.to/Sheri Fredricks   

Author, author...

...read all about it !


   Hi Parker, great to have you here with us today, can you tell us a little about yourself?   I’m originally a mid-western girl, but I’ve lived in just about every region of the United States. I currently live in the South with my husband of 18 years and our boxer. We have two beautiful kids who are off building lives of their own. I have a thing for ice cream and I love old musicals. In my “real” life I own a business and am in my first year of grad school. I live for those moments at my laptop – the Martins are much more fun than my classes! (shhh, don’t tell my professors I said that).   What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?   I’ve always loved to read and make up my own stories. Even as a little girl I would write plays and perform them for my family. Everything inspired me – rainbows, my grandfather’s hayloft, a stray pinecone in the back yard. All it took was a “how’d that get there?” and I was off and running.   It was my step-mom who was the first to recognize my love for writing. She handed me my first romance novel and said, “You could do that.” And she’s never given up on me. I hear her words echo in my head whenever I sit down to write so, I’d say it is she who initially inspired me.   What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?   I do whatever is necessary to get the details right, and sometimes that mean extensive research. I’ve done site visits, spoken with experts in certain fields and done exhaustive Internet searches. As the author, it’s my responsibility to get the facts right.   Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?   Honestly, most of my writing is currently done sitting cross-legged in bed with my laptop balanced on my lap. It’s not great for my back, but it’s the quietest place in my house. I’m having one of our rooms converted to an office so hope to be writing at an actual desk within a week or so.   As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?   Romance novels are my first love. I cut my teeth on historical romance novels, but I love them all – paranormal, contemporary, erotic – you name it. And I read a lot. It keeps me sharp, keeps the creativity flowing. This definitely has an influence over what I write. I write what I love to read.   What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??  And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?   I write on a laptop. I have a great writing software (Scrivener) that I use. However, I also carry a journal with me in case I have ideas and no way to pull out the computer.   I’m a visual person, so drawing things out on a whiteboard or storyboarding in my journal isn’t unusual for me. I tend to plan on paper first, but I’m not a heavy plotter. I have a general idea of how things are going to go from an overall story perspective. I map out scenes, and then run with it.   When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?   I don’t get a lot of “free” time, but I do carve out time every day to read for pleasure. It may be midnight, but it’s necessary for me to keep my sanity! I also love to cook – which usually coincides with hanging out with my kids or friends. Other than that, I’d be sleeping. I take it when I can get it! J   Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??   Hmm. Something nobody knows? When I was young, I had a huge crush on Huey Lewis. LOL! My secret is out!     For fun, I have a few personal questions,     Your Favorite 5   1) Favorite color – Sapphire Blue 2) Favorite dessert – Ice cream! 3) Favorite Season - Spring 4) Favorite sad song- My Immortal by Evanescence – whew, chilling. 5) Favorite Romantic movie – Pillow Talk   And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??   My ideal romantic vacation would include a private strip of beach with water so clear you could see the bottom. The beach house would have a staff to take care of meals, but otherwise would allow us our privacy. Warm days and cool evenings. No phones. No television. No computer. Just me, a journal and pencil, a bathing suit (maybe) and a super sexy alpha male…ahem…I mean my husband. *Sigh* Sounds like heaven.   Where can our readers find you??   Email: parker@parkerkincade.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/parkerkincadeFacebook: www.facebook.com/parkerkincade Website/blog:www.parkerkincade.com                 www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475101...    Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?     My current release, One Night Stand , just won first place in the Erotic Romance category of the Golden Claddagh contest, sponsored by RWA Special Interest Chapter, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. I’m very excited! It also was named a finalist in RWA/Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight Contest! Romance in Review says: “…hot and spicy romance...packed with family drama, mystery, and suspense.
…writing is outstanding…hooked from start to finish. This book is a perfect example of what I love in erotic romantic suspense.”  (http://romanceinreview.com/2012/08/24/one-night-stand-martin-family-by-parker-kincade/) A night of incredible sex.  A passion neither can deny.   Amanda Martin has the worst taste in men. After being cheated on not once, but twice, she’s lost all faith in men…and in herself. Determined to regain her confidence, Amanda decides to have a one-night stand. No relationship, no promises, no threat of being hurt again…just sex. What she doesn’t anticipate is meeting a handsome-as-sin stranger who will give her pleasure unlike any she’s ever known.      Joe Sterling has spent his life avoiding relationships, his former job as a military sniper not allowing for such commitments. Now he’s come home to Texas, to let go of the past and to prove he is more than the killer he’s been trained to be. When Amanda’s life is threatened, Joe’s killer instinct is tested while Amanda struggles to protect her heart. Will they succumb to their overwhelming desire for each other, or lose it all by letting the past dictate their future?   One Night Stand is available at: Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/one-night-stand-p693.php Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-Stand-Martin-Family-ebook/dp/B0090P6FG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347377807&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+kincade ARe:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-onenightstand-918200-149.html Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-night-stand-parker-kincade/1112692871?ean=9781595789648  
Parker Kincade has been writing since she was a little girl. Her love affair with romance novels began as a teen and she dreamed of writing her own. She is thrilled to be living her dream.        Parker lives in the South with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.     One last thing before we let you leave us today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.  This is not my original recipe, but I have altered it quite a bit so feel safe sharing. It is a family favorite! FYI, when I cook for my brood, it takes a lot of food to feed them. This recipe is cooked in a 6-quart crock-pot and feeds 7-8. I usually serve with corn bread. Enjoy!!  Crock Pot Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew  2 ½ lbs pork loin, cut into 1 inch cubes4-5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes 2 cans of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilis - I use the mild), with juice 2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juice 1 clove of garlic, minced ½ cup orange juice 3 scallions, chopped 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp cumin Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours. YUM!!  Oh Parker this sounds positively scrumptious!!!!  Thanks for sharing with us a little about yourself and your new release One Night Stand . Please come back and visit us again! Until next time, happy reading! Krista  

Author, author...

...read all about it !


Today we have the pleasure of being the next blog stop for
Kerry Adrienne

Hi Kerry, welcome to A Passion For Romance. 


What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?  I always drew and wrote, but I think the first time I really got excited about constructing a world was when I started reading Arthur C Clarke’s books.




What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get? I research a lot. I love history and I try to keep things as true to the current research as possible. The biggest deviation from that is that I want my heroes clean and bathed. No stinky heroes and no bad teeth!

 

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
 I have a fabulous studio that doubles as my writing space, my costuming space, my music room, and my art space. On one wall, I painted a silhouette of the NYC skyline. I have lyrics and quotes in vinyl lettering on my walls. I have lots of fun lighting, origami, and even a disco ball. It is a great space. Often cluttered, but it is mine. J



As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?   I read so much in my job as editor for Entangled, that my free reading time is limited. I often read friend’s books, and try to sneak in a few books for fun. I absolutely think that everything a writer reads and does influences their writing.
 

What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??  And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse? I prefer writing at my desk. I used to plot a story to the nth degree. In the last couple of years, I have learned to let go and write—just let the story take me wherever it goes. Sure, I have a general idea—but no more uber-plotting.

 
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?  
I sew, paint, draw, play guitar…


 For fun, I have a few personal questions,  
Your Favorite 5
1) Favorite color - purple2) Favorite dessert – banana pudding3) Favorite Season - fall4) Favorite sad song- “When September Ends” by Green Day5) Favorite Romantic movie – “Gone with the Wind”

And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation?? 
A roadtrip around Europe—hitting the back roads in a convertible and just driving and seeing the sights. J

 Where can our readers find you??   Email: vail@mindspring.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kerryadrienne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KerryAdrienne/216668511686869
Website/blog: www.kerryadrienne.com


 Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Senator, Mine and Druid, Mine. 

Eleanor’s romantic tour of Italy shatters when her long-time boyfriend dumps her in Pompeii. Hoping an evening with a handsome Roman might save her trip, she contacts Madame Eve at 1Night Stand, then goes out to explore, buying a small golden signet in a mysterious antiquities shop near the Forum.

Darius, a hard-working Senator in Ancient Rome, is puzzled by the Sibyl’s words: You will not find love in your lifetime. Following her directions, he spots Eleanor, a barbarian wearing his stolen senator’s ring.

A night spent together may be just what they both need to break down the columns of time that stand between them.

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=511&osCsid=egi07imug0mdesqtbg8hrur3m7



~  ~  ~  ~   
Anya’s wish for a normal date—away from the old man she is caretaker for—comes true in unexpected ways when she finds herself whisked to an ancient Irish stone circle on solstice eve.

Carrick’s decision to follow the path to become an Ovate druid has not come lightly, and he plans to spend the solstice eve in meditation unless fairies or evil spirits disrupt the circle. When a feisty girl walks right up to the fire, more than sparks fly.

They each seek healing and a connection, but the darkness of summer is short, and once the solstice sun breaks through the circle at dawn, the magic of the night will be over. Even Madame Eve can’t stop the day from rising.http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=567&osCsid=egi07imug0mdesqtbg8hrur3m7



One last thing before we let you go.  Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.


My family loves macaroni and cheese—the homemade kind that you cook in the oven. One of my favorite ways to make it is to put sliced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Feta cheese on top and broil it for a few minutes. I’ve also added chopped spinach—but my kids don’t like that.



Yum Kerry, that Mac & Cheese sounds delicous, my hubby would love it. 

Thanks for being with us today and sharing Senator Mine and Druid Mine, both 1NS books with Decadent Publishing.  I seriously love the 1NS books and can't wait to read both of these!  Hope you can stop by again and visit with your next release :)

Until next time, happy reading!!

Krista
 

Author, author...

...read all about it !!



Today we have a character interview with the Hero in

 Lillian Grant'sGo with the Flo




I expected to be interviewing Florence Spring the heroine of Go With The Flo, so I am a bit taken aback when Nelson Tyler saunters in.  He casts his eye around the room before taking off his leather jacket, tossing it on an empty chair, and then sliding onto the sofa. After placing his left ankle on his right knee he grins.   Q. Where’s Florence?   A. She’s tied up.   Q. You mean busy?   His shit eating grin leaves me in no doubt about the answer, but I wait anyway.   A. Tied up as in with rope and my best pair of handcuffs. It’s the only way I can be sure she’s safe.   Q. You think talking to me would put her in danger?   A. She wasn’t plannin’ on comin’. I’m just doin’ as she asked.   Q. She asked you to tie her up and come in her place?   He let out a loud sigh.   A.    No, she told me to come and do the interview while she went off to investigate what’s happenin’ at the Malones. You know what she’s like. She’s got it in her head that Mr. Malone is traffickin’ human slaves so she wants to snoop around. I did her a favor when I tied her up.   Q.  Ah, protecting her from herself again. You do that a lot don’t you?   A.  It’s what friends do. Squirt needs someone to keep her out of trouble. She can be a    bit flighty. I’d never let anythin’ happen to her.   Q. She’s more than a friend though isn’t she? Didn’t you mind about her going off looking for her missing ex boyfriend?   A.  She’s not my prisoner. She does what she wants and Eddie Cain is nothin’ to her. Just a case of a missing person she wanted to solve. If I minded I wouldn’t have helped. Besides that’s all in the past now.   Q. And his flashing?   A.  Never saw it myself but I don’t think I have anythin’ to worry about. Rumor has it he doesn’t have a whole lot to brag about.   He glances at his watch.  “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go.”   Q.  To untie Florence?   His chuckle is pure verbal foreplay.   A.    What would be the fun in that?   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  When Florence notices her eccentric ex-boyfriend, Eddie, isn't putting on his usual show in the front window on Friday night, she decides to investigate. She asks her best friend, Nelson Tyler, to help but he seems more interested in seducing Florence than in finding her personal flasher. Florence has no idea when she embarks on the adventure she will accidentally shoot an undercover policeman, or that her actions will lead to Nelson's kidnapping. Now with two men missing she has no choice but to continue and thwart the plans of a psychotic soon-to-be divorcee. She needs to rescue Nelson because life without him is unbearable, especially since she's discovered his long sensitive fingers are far more erotic than scissorhands.Show More Show Less  http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/excerpts/gowiththeflo.htm 
 Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/Go-With-the-Flo-ebook/dp/B008U94OOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347886447&sr=8-1&keywords=go+with+the+flo http://www.lsbooks.com/go-with-the-flo-p259.php    About our author : Lillian Grant  Born and bred in the UK, my whole life was turned on its head when, at the tender age of eighteen, I met and fell instantly in love with my darling husband. I knew the minute I met him I was going to marry him and, fortunately, he came to the same conclusion less than six months later.

My husband has shown me the world, starting by bringing me to Australia. The country we now call home, and where we have raised our two boys. It didn't take me long to turn native, becoming a citizen and dropping the British accent. However, our wanderlust didn't stop there, we have moved from state to state always ready for a new adventure. We have also visited many destinations around the world.

My stories reflect my love for travel and exotic locations, along with my quirky British sense of humor. Well, you can't give up all of your heritage now can you? Show More   http://www.lilliangrant.com/ Email: lilliangrnt@gmail.com
Facebook
Follow me on Twitter    Show More Until next time, happy reading ! Krista  Show Less

Author, author...

...read all about it !

Today we have a guest post  from :) Kacey Hammell and her characters from Awakenings

 
Kacey: Good morning! Thanks for stopping by Krista’s site to visit with myself, Alicia & Cole, from Awakenings. While writing this story, these characters kept me on my toes endlessly. When I wasn’t cursing them, I was crying, slamming the laptop shut. It was a crazy time. Alicia and I argued constantly, still do, and we don’t always see eye to eye.  And on top of all that, these are two very stubborn, volatile and aggressive characters…
coughing interrupts
Cole: Hey, excuse me, Kacey but we’re not that bad.
Alicia: Well she has a few things right, Cole. You’re stubborn, aggressive.
Cole: I could say the same about you, thank you very much.
I watch the two of them glare at one another. A smirk covers Cole’s lips and I see the twinkle in his eye.
 
Kacey: Listen you two, I’m just tellin’ it like it is. Admit it, your story was all that and more. Alicia a bit more difficult, obviously.
Alicia raises a brow at me.
Alicia: Only one woman can rule the story.
 
Kacey: Considering I’m the author, don’t you think it should have been me?
Alicia: Considering I was the one you had kidnapped, held prisoner at knifepoint, naked and bound to a chair…and don’t get me started on what happened to Hannah.
 
Kacey: Things just evolved. It wasn’t my fault.
Alicia: Ever hear of a delete button?
Cole: Ladies, ladies. To your corners. Look, our story has been written. It’s in the hands of readers, everything turned out for the best.
Alicia glares at Cole.
Alicia: You always stick up for Kacey.
I roll my eyes. I’ve heard this so many times.
 
Kacey: Cole understands the way this all works. You don’t obviously.
Alicia: Look, I’m just saying that I had some really life-altering horrors happen to me, and decisions that made me reevaluate my life. It wasn’t easy.
 
Kacey: True, and I am sorry for all you endured, but look what you have now. *points to Cole*  A finer man you can’t find anywhere. *I pray none of my other heroes read this*  Besides, we’re never given more challenges than we can handle.
Alicia: Possibly.
Cole: You know she’s right, love, now come on. Let’s not bore Krista and readers with your never-ending argument. It’s getting old.  Kacey, good to see you.
I smile at him, totally besotted. Damn he’s a fine man.
 
Kacey: Thank you, good to see you. Have you both been well?
Alicia: We’ve been just fine. Things have been really good actually. *she smiles at the love of her life*
 
Kacey: Settled in after everything that happened?
Cole: It’s been hard with some things. Lots of changes. Hannah…
He trails off. I understand his heartache and hate myself for it. Sometimes things just happen as they’re supposed to but I still feel guilty for what Hannah went through. What she struggles with even now.
 
Kacey: How is she?
Alicia glares my way.
Alicia: She’s fine, coping. Hell of a thing for her to live with. Worse than what I faced.
I hang my head. Maybe time to lighten the mood.
 
Kacey: So, readers want to hear about your everyday life. I’m just going to randomly throw out some questions all right? Just say the first thing that comes to mind. These are fun and fast.
Cole slides his arm around Alicia’s shoulders.
Cole: Sounds good. Let’s do it.
 
Kacey: Alicia, do you prefer Cole in boxers or briefs?
Alicia: Nothing at all.
My eyes widen but understand. Him naked would be just what the doctor ordered. *sigh*
 
Kacey: Cole, what is sexier on Alicia…boxers and tank or teddy?
Cole: While I concur on her ‘nothing’ response, I have to say she just looks sexy every minute of every day.
The room feels warm. Alicia busses his cheek. I die a bit of envy inside. Lucky bitch. She has no idea what she has.
 
Kacey: Quiet dinner at home or night on the town?
Cole: Dinner at home…no interruptions.
Alicia: I agree
 
Kacey: Do you make much time for TV? If so, what are you watching?
Alicia: We don’t watch a lot of tv but do enjoy NCIS, Rookie Blue, Blue Bloods
I smile. Spoken like a cop.
Cole: Oh don’t forget, Dancing with the Stars.
Alicia glares at him. Hmm, interesting. The tough chick likes a girlie show. I let it slide.
 
Kacey: Where’s your dream vacation?
Alicia: Scotland
Cole: Hawaii
I look from one to the other. Neither looks ready to back down. So, not everything in their lives is hunky-dory.
 
Kacey: Sounds like a couple great places for you to travel to. Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
When neither answers, I clear my throat. They gaze into one another eyes, heat, sparks and love filter around the room.
Cole & Alicia: Whipped cream.
I roll my eyes.  That one was too easy, I should have remembered.
 
Kacey: Summer or fall wedding?
Both sit up straight, shifting, and eyes wide. Hmm, perhaps another short story pushing them to the edge might be in order for these two. It worked for Bella & Brady (Tied Down)
Cole: We haven't really discussed it. It will happen…
Alicia: Just not yet. Things are still changing in my life, ya know.
 
Kacey: I get it. I’ll let you off the hook…for now. I have kids to get settled for bed. But last question, if you had the chance to change anything about your relationship – just something about the decision(s) you made – would you?
Cole: Yes, I would.
Alicia gapes at him.
Alicia: What?
Cole: I would have looked harder for you after that first night together. I wouldn’t have waited so long, would have figured out a way to find you.
I tear up. This is why this man is one of my fave heroes.
Alicia sniffles.
Alicia: I wish we would have gotten together sooner too. I know things happen for a reason but I do wish we had more time together.
 
Kacey: Thank you both. I know how hard it is for either of you to open up.
Cole: I’d do anything for you, K.
Alicia scowls.
Alicia: Yeah, well, I’m sure you’ll put us through more messes and drive me crazy soon enough. When is the next book?
Kacey: Well, Ethan’s story is Wild Thunder…he too has a lot to work through.
Alicia: Hey, if you hurt him in any way…
Kacey: I would never do that. Give it a rest. You might be partners, but his story is his own.
Cole: Let it go, Ali. She’s right.
Alicia: I swear, don’t hurt Etahn, he’s been hurt enough.
Cole rises.
Cole: Time to go. Kacey, *he kisses my cheek* I hope to see you soon.
Alicia: No, I want to stay and talk to her about this. She’s hard on all of us…
 
I sit back, smiling, knowing that Alicia’s bark is worse than her bite.  She didn’t say anything about Bella & Brady’s last visit, in Tied Down. Hmm, perhaps her cousin hadn’t told her about it yet. And I have nothing to fear with Ethan. In Wild Thunder, he finds exactly what he needs…he just has to work for it a little hard in the end…
 
 
 
 
AWAKENINGS
In the Arms of the Law, Book 2
Available Sept 12 at Decadent Publishing
Contemporary Erotic Romance/Romantic Suspense
 
With her old flame back in her life, and on the trail of a killer, Detective Alicia Knowles is forced to face the past as she tries to make decisions about her future…
 
Detective Alicia Knowles once believed there was good in everyone. Not anymore. After a harrowing experience, her life had changed and she was a very different woman. Now more dangerous, she moves through the darkness of her once sunny world, unsure what to do with her pent up feelings of fear and anger.
Even her new boss, Cole Douglass, makes her feel out of control. One night, years ago, he made her feel things she'd never felt with any other man. This time it can only be business between them.
With her latest case, however, temperatures flare.
Their passion is rekindled as the search is on for a missing child and a murderer on the run. Can Alicia protect her heart from the most dangerous power of all…love?
 
Purchasing info: Direct link  –     http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=618&osCsid=g8dcffusbfn42om59p3agq7c21   My page at DP – http://www.decadentpublishing.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=152&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414
 
 
Excerpt: © Kacey Hammell
 
If only she’d never left him the next morning….
Had never decided not to leave her number….
Things might be different. For them both.
But at the time, she hadn’t been ready to grab onto forever yet. Deep down, she knew he’d want absolutely everything. But they’d lived in different cities then. And she hadn’t been ready.
She’d been a woman who wanted everything he had to offer—home, garden, passion, and family. Within Cole’s arms, she’d find an endless supply of heated moments every day. But he’d scared her, how much he made her feel. And how quickly the desire to be with him forever had risen within her.
And now, she was tainted. Life had intervened and shown her exactly how evil it could be. She couldn’t risk the dangers that came with her job, of not knowing if one day it would all end.
At the touch of his hands on her shoulders, Alicia opened her eyes to see their reflection in the glass. She committed the image to memory. She’d hold onto it for the rest of her life and remember it in the years to come, when she was alone and aching, that she’d held a piece of bliss for just a few moments.
She turned around. Their chests brushed, and she gave him a half-smile. “I know Hannah might not blame me, but I do. A few more moments, it’s all we would have needed. I’d change it if I could.” When Cole opened his mouth, she placed her fingers on his lips to silence him. “I can’t, but I vow to do whatever it takes to catch this son-of-a-bitch.”
Alicia tried to convey the sincerity of her promise as she stared into his eyes. For Hannah, and this man, she’d do whatever she could to bring peace to their family once more.
“I know you would. But you can’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We’ll get him.” He raised his hand to her cheek and pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen over her face. Her breath quickened at the light touch. Her body stilled.
The air crackled with electricity. She was sure he could feel it, too; the tension rolled off his body like waves in the ocean. To walk away would be the best thing to do, but for the life of her, Alicia couldn’t get her feet to move.
“You know what, Ali?” His voice was soft and powerfully seductive. “You know what I remember most about our night together?”
Alicia’s hand clasped his wrist, below where his fingers rested lightly on her cheek. She wanted to fall into his arms, burn beneath his touch again. They’d never talked about it and she was curious to know what he remembered.
She remembered it all.
Every touch and sigh. She basked in the memory of every kiss and every pleasure.
Through many a cold and lonely night, she cherished the memories of Cole’s hard body pressed against hers, pushing her against the mattress—and the wall and the bathroom counter. She marveled at how he’d made her feel like more of a woman in one night than she’d felt in all her adult years.
Her voice hoarse and scratchy, she whispered, “What do you remember?”
“Our fire.”
When his mouth claimed hers, her body ignited with long-repressed emotions. Hunger, mind-blowing hunger, rattled through her. It was so hard to breathe.
 
 
 
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 Kacey, what a great interview !!!  Thanks so much for bringing Cole and Alicia to visit today.  I'm totally hooked and I have got to read more about these two!  I notice you have Ethan's story coming next so I hope you'll bring them in for a visit when the time comes and we'd also love to hear from Bella & Brady.
 Readers, you know what you NEED to do...  follow this link for your copy today !!! Until next time, happy reading !! Krista