Patricia Green's Blog, page 13
August 11, 2015
Guest: Lisa Carlisle and Darkness Rising
USA Today bestselling author, Lisa Carlisle, is my guest today. She’s introducing her latest book, Darkness Rising. It’s part of her Chateau Seductions series, holding the “0.5” spot, which means it’s a bit of a spin-off prequel. Its focus is on a favorite character, Antoine. Read the following to learn more about this wonderful story. You definitely don’t want to miss this one.
Antoine Chevalier harbors a secret. Born a gargoyle shifter, he wants nothing more than to cultivate his art. His hard work pays off the night he completes his greatest sculpture. But the excitement of his accomplishment doesn’t last.
He’s drawn the eye of the wrong group—a coven of vampires. Antoine wakes into darkness, changed. Shattered. His dream of becoming a renowned sculptor is destroyed.
One question remains—how will he ever survive an eternity of darkness alone?
Darkness Rising is part 0.5 of the Chateau Seductions series by USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Readers have requested more on the dark and mysterious Antoine. In this short story, Antoine tells his tale, which continues in the series with Dark Velvet. Dark Velvet is written from Savannah’s perspective as a newcomer to an art colony who is intrigued by the proprietor.
Here’s an exciting excerpt.
Chapter One
Darkness Awakened
Paris, Late 1800s
At last, the sculpture was complete. Antoine studied the finished marble piece of a nude woman reclining with a grotesque figure crouched beside her. Beauty and monstrosity together, the contrast was exactly what he’d aimed to achieve. Others would view it as art, but he and his kind would see it as symbolic of their dual nature.
He examined the artwork with a critical eye one last time before cleaning up his work area in the salon. He’d applied many last touches over several days, but now he was confident it was finished. Tomorrow, he’d scrutinize it one last time before presenting it to his instructor, Rodin, and his colleagues for critique.
He strolled up the winding, cobblestone streets to reach his tiny studio on the other side of the hill in Montmartre. Moving here was the right decision; it had a bohemian mindset, attracting artists, writers, and poets. Perhaps he’d stop for a celebratory drink.
“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be perched on Notre Dame with the rest of your hideous lot?”
As Antoine spun to face the male speaking, icy shivers raced up his spine. Whoever it was knew his true nature.
The scent of the undead hit his sensitive nostrils with an unwelcome sting. Even in human form, he’d recognize the unique odor of those who feasted on human blood. His kind had fought against them for centuries, before they’d established a truce.
Swishing sounds surrounded him followed by dull thuds of creatures landing on the pavement around him. Over a half a dozen vampires faced him with exposed fangs and red eyes flashing with venom. He was vastly outnumbered.
Mérde.
Their attack was instantaneous. Too quick for him to shift into his stronger gargoyle form. He fought back, bracing his arms against the attackers, but his human body left him at a great disadvantage. It allowed him to blend in with the world of men, especially the art world he so admired, but without his full strength.
Hands threw aside the arm he’d used to shield himself, and a female sank her sharp fangs into his neck. Without his tougher gargoyle hide, they pierced his soft, flesh without resistance. Sharp bolts of pain rushed to the site where she’d pierced him.
“No,” he roared and threw the vampire off of him with a rush of adrenaline, but a male vampire immediately sank down on him, puncturing the other side of his neck. Antoine fought them with all his strength, but they pinned him to the ground and held down his limbs. They penetrated his flesh at various points over his body—neck, chest, upper thighs—covering him like insatiable, bloodthirsty bats sucking out of his life force. The female was back, laughing, before clamping on his neck again.
“Get off me,” he cried, lashing against the attack, but it was futile. “Monsters!”
Terror faded as something far more sensual took hold. He fought against it, knowing it was some sort of vampire magic to lull the victims into submission, but too much flowed into his bloodstream. The pain at the sites where he’d been bitten vanished, replaced by pleasurable sensations that shot straight to his groin.
A different kind of awareness dawned, one entirely unexpected. Despite her flashing red eyes, the female vampire was captivating with flowing black hair and pale skin. The blood dripping from her full red lips excited him.
Buy this sexy book here:
Only 99 cents!
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Read more about the series here.
You can connect with Lisa in the following ways.
Lisa Carlisle
USA Today Bestselling Author of Romance and Suspense
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Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Amazon – Pinterest
August 9, 2015
Character Inspiration: My Vacation in Rio, Romantek
Hi, everyone. It’s not my usual practice to share character inspiration photos, mainly because my photos are often gleaned from the ‘net, and I can’t post them, only use them in the non-public side of the book. However, these are stock photos, and I do have the right to use them on my blog, so it just seemed natural to share them with you.
Character 1: Sergio Corvino, Chairman of the Board, Romantek Corporation. He’s about 38 years old, of Italian heritage, and very successful in his career as a tech entrepreneur. He’s entering the Romantek dreaming gel in order to prove Romantek’s “Soma-gen” process of rejuvenation is safe and effective. Unlike the guy in this photo, his tattoo is on his right shoulder and upper arm, and depicts clocks and rocket ships, with black stylized swirls, and small red flowers for accents. I have a photo of it, but it’s copyrighted.
Character 2: Amber Tachibara, Assistant Chief of Cyber-Security, Romantek Corporation. She’s 35 years old, half-Japanese, half-Caucasian, good at her job. She’s filling in while Rex Boyd (you might remember him as Captain Rex Masters from Charlotte & the Pirate) is otherwise occupied with his wife, Charlotte, who is giving birth. Her goal in the story is to save Sergio from a suspected cyber-terrorist.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these characters before they become larger-than-life on the pages of the next Romantek book, My Vacation in Rio: Romantek Book 4. It will be interesting to see what the cover artist does with these characters.
August 6, 2015
The Book Gourmet – August 6, 2015
First Course – The Amuse Bouche
Taglines as Tasty Tidbits
A Simple Misunderstanding (by Kathryn R. Blake) – She thought her husband was the man of her dreams, until he became the sadist of her nightmares.
Shadows of Magnolia (by Jerri Hines) – Somewhere between love and tomorrow is forever!
Second Course – The Appetizer
How do you feel about true confessions? Well, I have one for you. No, I’m not confessing anything, but many of my colleagues are in their new book, Confessions of a Spanking Author (ebook). (Also in paperback.) Find confessions about spanking experiences from: Bethany Burke, Breanna Hayse, Sir John Hayse, Alta Hensley, Maren Smith, Tabitha Black, Bella Bryce, Sue Lyndon, Renee Rose, Joannie Kay, Devlin O’Neill, Dinah McLeod, Patty Devlin, Keith Anderson, Ashlynn Kenzie, and April Hill. Get the inside scoop and pick up a copy today. You know you wanna read all their juicy stories.
Third Course — The Entrée
Charlotte & the Pirate: Romantek Book 2 is the Romantek book you’ll want to read before book 4 comes out. I introduced the Romantek control room and the evil villain, Esharveer Jaggi, who’s trying to bring down Romantek and harm their customers.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ from Marybeth:
“Charlotte has a large scar on her face from an accident she was in as a child. Her parents died in the accident and she went to her aunt to live. The scar came to define her. She was bitter and angry about it. When her aunt dies, she leaves her enough money for her to have a dream vacation with Romantek. She only wants to go because the immersion of her body in the gel that sustains her while she is dreaming rejuvenates her body and she is hoping that it will fix her scar.
“When she arrives in her dream, she finds out that she is in a pirate dream. She meets the captain, Rex Masters. Rex is actually an employee of Romantek who is hoping to foil the plot of a disgruntled employee of ruining a rich woman’s dream. He is attracted to Charlotte and, of course, spankings ensue.
“Patricia Green always writes a good story and I enjoyed this one. There is an excellent plot and a good ending. There are some pretty intense spankings. Always a plus in a spanking book! But, really, this isn’t a spanking book. It is a romance that just happens to have spanking.” ~Marybeth from Amazon. Direct link: http://goo.gl/1XE6O3
Thank you, Marybeth!
Fourth Course — The Dessert
You might have noticed that the Work In Progress Meter on my website doesn’t include “Spike and the Socialites” anymore. I put that book on hold, in favor of something I think more represents my career as it grows. The new book is as yet untitled, but it is in progress. I’m doing research on it now, including interviewing some interesting and colorful people. I rarely switch to different books once I’ve started on one, but, in this case, I felt it was necessary. I tend to be a linear thinker and finish one book before starting on another. Not so in this case, though I won’t be working on two books simultaneously. I’ve never done that. The new book will be a detective/crime erotic romance novel, in the gritty noir style. A bit like Striker but without spanking. Once I come up with a title, I’ll let you know.
August 4, 2015
Guest: Jerri Hines Brings Her Southern Legacy
Friend and colleague Jerri Hines has been busy of late, penning her new serial set of historical romance novels: Southern Legacy. It consists of four books, all attached to each other — not a series, because the books do not stand alone, but a serial in the great tradition of Charles Dickens and Henry James. Although Jerri isn’t writing her stories for magazine publication, we all have access to them on Amazon — no subscription required.
The four books are as follows:
Belle of Charleston, Book One
In a world of pageantry and show, the Montgomery family accepts the way of life that has been antebellum Charleston for over a hundred years. Two cousins, the handsome and debonair, Wade Montgomery and the bold and brooding Cullen Smythe, were born to be brothers. Raised as Southern gentlemen, their character could never be questioned–loyalty, honor, duty to one’s country, God and family. It was the tie that binds until…their bond is threatened, not only by the cry for secession but by a woman–Josephine Buchanan Wright.
Josephine Buchanan Wright is a dutiful, southern belle. Her future seems fated to the two Montgomery cousins…until all she has placed her faith in falls apart. As her life spirals out of control, she tries desperately to cling to the honor and duty that has been instilled in her. But how can she do so when all she has known is no more?
Shadows of Magnolia, Book Two
Somewhere between love and tomorrow is forever!Josephine Buchanan Wright is forced apart from the man she loves. She has chosen the path of honor and duty, denying her heart its desire. Unaware of a growing threat against her, she strives to make her dying father’s wish a reality.Cullen Smythe returns to Philadelphia and tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart…forget her and make a life for himself–alone. But fate has other plans for once more Josephine enters his world.
Can their love be rekindled against the forces against them? Love and betrayal; jealousy and violence–all with a war looming on the horizon, bidding brother against brother.
Born To Be Brothers, Book Three
Each has chosen a different path, Tied by the bond of brothers!
The tie that bound the cousins, Cullen Smythe and Wade Montgomery, together has been strained…stretched to the breaking point and there is nothing Josephine can do. The bond once shared, once so strong, has been lost in the turmoil surrounding their lives…none larger than the war that looms on the horizon. The war will force the brothers to choose sides. Each will defend their beliefs and loyalties with courage and valor, but each will stand against each other. The world that once was will be no more.
THE SUN RISES ~ The dramatic conclusion to the absorbing, tantalizing saga— Southern Legacy!
The Sun Rises, Book Four. (The Sun Rises is going to be released October 19, 2015.)
From the ashes of war, can an ember of love still burn?
The final chapter of this sweeping tale finds Josephine Wright Montgomery reeling from the devastation and loss around her. Stunned, she has never felt so helpless and alone. The life she has known is gone forever. Through her courage and strength, she is determined to hold onto Magnolia Bluff, but there is more working against her than the war raging.
US Navy Lieutenant Cullen Smythe has distinguished himself with his bravery and valor in the hard fought campaigns at New Orleans and Mobile. Time and battles have done little to expunge the demons that haunt him. Nevertheless when he receives news he has long feared, he has no choice. He follows his heart back to Josephine…but will it be too late?
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
This is a serial! The books may have cliffhangers and hooks to make you want to continue to the next book. Do not begin if you don’t want to become addicted to the series! Southern Legacy will consist of four books– Belle of Charleston, Shadows of Magnolia, Born to Be Brothers and The Sun Rises.
Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon–here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country’s most turbulent times–Southern Legacy Series.
How about an excerpt? Here’s one from Belle of Charleston.
Cullen fell into step behind Jo as she walked down the steps.
“You didn’t send for Wade?” he asked.
Jo paused and looked back at him. His face was void of emotion, but his actions told more than words. Her answer held importance to him.
“I came only to say goodbye to a dear friend. It seems that Miss Hazel held to Wade’s word more than I.”
“You have no intention of disrupting Wade’s wedding?”
Her eyes flamed. “Why do you insist it is my intention? Do you not think I have some pride? Wade lied to me. He made promises he could not keep. I want nothing more to do with him…ever!”
She briefly thought of running from him, but it would be a useless gesture. Why did he keep pressing her so? The answer, though, appeared to please him that she had not sought out Wade.
“Come, let us talk.” He extended his arm. “Tell me, how is it that your mammy lives close to you?”
Given no choice, she accepted and walked down the dirt road with him. “The farm is hers. It was payment from Papa. Miss Hazel said it was perfect, being between her two babies.”
“You confuse me, Miss Wright.”
“Miss Hazel considers me hers as well as her son. Heyward, Wade’s man, is her son. Miss Hazel came to Papa when her master lost money gambling to Papa, but Papa couldn’t free Heyward. He had already been sold to you Montgomerys. Papa was quite upset that you Montgomerys wouldn’t sell him.”
“Your father freed your mammy?”
“Papa hates slavery, Lieutenant Smythe. Miss Hazel was never a slave to Daddy. I told you it is the same with Gillie. She is my companion.”
“Miss Wright, it is not my intention to dispute your claims, but this farm is owned by your father, not Miss Hazel. Though I admire your stance on slavery, I would ascertain that neither Miss Hazel nor your companion are free.”
“Then you have been misinformed.” Jo halted and pulled back her arm. Her nerves frayed. She could take no more. “Why…why, Lieutenant, do you feel the need to bait me? If you believe you know the answer, why ask me? Why…why do you feel the need to interfere with my life?”
“My actions are intended to help, not harm.”
“You feel guilt because of Wade? Well, I release you from any guilt you may feel. I am leaving…I am going to find Papa…I want nothing more to do with any Montgomery…,” she lashed out, frowning with suspicion. “You…come bounding into Miss Hazel’s, with Andrew of all people.”
“Andrew came because he thought he might reason with you. Nothing more.”
“You should know better than I that he hates me.”
“Why would you say such a thing? His foot? You believe he blames you for his limp? It would be foolish to do so, to blame another for one’s own actions. It was an accident. Nothing more.”
“Were you not angry with me that day also? Do not lie to me. I remember well your words and your eyes…you frightened me. You were so irritated with me.”
His tense expression eased…softened. “I suppose to a child it might have seemed so. You have my heartfelt apology for my actions. I had thought you acted recklessly, endangering others. I had not recognized the circumstance until much later.”
“Since you returned, I have dreamed of it often…of you rescuing me…of Andrew agonizing in pain. I meant no harm to anyone. I wanted only to save Gillie…”
“Miss Wright, if Andrew holds resentment about his accident, it is not you he holds responsible.”
She glanced askance at him. “What do you want from me?”
“Miss Wright, you must be aware that I have presented myself to your grandfather. I have asked for your hand. It does not bode well to discover that the woman I have offered for is running away.”
“Do not distort the offer. You did so—”
“I did so with the utmost sincerity and seriousness. I am not in the habit of offering for a woman’s hand, since I have never done so before you. Do not take it lightly.”
She could tell he was most serious. “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You must realize that only a couple of weeks ago I believed I was to marry your cousin…I…”
“You believe yourself in love with him,” Cullen said with a sudden smile that told her he thought he had her at an advantage. “Tell me then why I do not believe that you even know what love is. My cousin has a reputation for accumulating hearts. Most females cannot see behind his smile.
“Granted, you fascinated him more than any other. Do you want to know what I believe? I believe that marriage scared him and he sought an escape.”
Temper flashed again. “You believe I was no more than a diversion.”
“I believe he convinced himself you were more.”
“That is why you have offered to sacrifice yourself. To fall on your sword to save your family face.”
He stepped closer. She retreated a step and readied herself to bolt, but he didn’t permit it. He caught her arm and pivoted her around abruptly.
“Miss Wright, you have the most annoying way of antagonizing me.”
His arms wrapped about her and pulled her into an embrace. She had no time to protest. His lips were upon hers. She made no resistance, being taken by complete surprise. Her frigid response thawed in the warmth of his arms.
Her body reacted in a way most worrisome. Tentative. Curious. Then with a primitive instinct. The war between her mind and body was lost. Her lips softened under his and he ravished her mouth. Shock tensed through her. Every fiber of her being was encompassed by this man.
Slowly, she realized his lips had released hers. The world once more became reality. Her eyes opened to find him studying her face.
“If I am to fall upon a sword, I will do so willingly,” he whispered so close she felt his breath against her. “Now tell me what you had planned, Josephine.”
About Jerri Hines, in her own words:
I’m a Southern gal that has lived the last thirty years near Boston with my Yankee husband. The funny thing is that as a Southerner I know I’m Southern; he hasn’t a clue he’s a Yankee. I believe in love and the power it holds. It is the reason I write romances. My fascination for history has inspired many of my books including the Winds of Betrayal and Tide of Charleston Series both set during the American Revolution. Coming soon, I will release a Civil War saga, the Southern Legacy Series beginning with Belle of Charleston.
I, also, write under the pen name Colleen Connally. Secret Lives, a historical romance series, is riddled with romantic suspense and a touch of paranormal. Fragmented, Book One Boston’s Crimes of Passion, marks my first contemporary suspense thriller.
I am also a supporter of Home For Little Wanderers in Boston and the Alzheimer’s Association.
You can reach Jerri here:
Twitter at @jhines340
Facebook: Southern Legacy Fanpage https://www.facebook.com/southernlegacyseries
August 1, 2015
Improve Your Fiction, Learn How
Hi, everyone.
I’m going to be teaching a writing class through Savvy Authors’ mentoring program, August 17 – October 18, 2015. I am just finishing up this course with them, and it went so well, we agreed that I should do it again. The scope of the “lessons” is basically soup to nuts, and includes the following modules:
Lesson 1 – Setting Goals
Lesson 2 – Learning the Tropes
Lesson 3 – Character Profiles
Lesson 4 – Point of View
Lesson 5 – Plotting
Lesson 6 – Great Openings
Lesson 7 – Writing the First Draft: Tips & Tricks
Lesson 8 – Word Choice and Sentence Construction
Lesson 9 – The First Round of Editing
Week 10 – 2nd/Final Round of Self-Editing
Lesson 11 – The Synopsis & The Pitch
Week 12 – Media Kits
With additional discussions on:
Writing “To the Market” vs. Literary Fiction
Parsing Amazon-speak
Series
Finding a New Publisher or Agent
We can talk about anything you need to know and don’t have to stick to this lesson plan exclusively. The idea is to give you personalized attention to solve your writing problems.
If you’re a reader who wants to become a writer, this is a good place to start. If you’re a reader who knows a writer who’s struggling, send her/him my way. Or if you’re a writer who needs a little TLC, come on over and tell me your woes.
This is not a free class. It has a significant price tag, but how many twelve-week writing classes do you know of with personalized attention, a comprehensive syllabus, and only three students? This isn’t like a “boot camp” either. The lessons are fluid and the process is more laid back. There’s homework, but it’s not onerous at all; no one is going to ask you to draft a whole book during the course, but if you want to, nothing will impede you.
Here’s where you sign up: http://ce.savvyauthors.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Calendar.eventDetail&eventId=2574
There are only three spots available, and the class starts in less than three weeks, so sign up soon or miss your opportunity. I won’t be teaching this class another time in 2015, and my schedule isn’t set for 2016.
I hope to help you or your friends soon.
July 30, 2015
The Book Gourmet – July 30, 2015
First Course – The Amuse Bouche
Tag lines to tickle your reading taste buds.
River and Sky, and Sky’s Limit, River’s Reward
(a two book paperback set by Courage Knight): Can two desperate, lonely people forge a meaningful life together? Or would they have been better off if they had never met?
Sink or Swim (by Stacy Drumtra Juba): How do you change the channel when reality TV turns to murder?
Second Course – The Appetizer
How many Elaine Raco Chase books do you have? I have them all! Her style is urbane, funny, sexy, and romantic. I’d like to recommend one for you to start with, Double Occupancy. It takes a vacation to Mexico and revs it up to scorching hot! You can find it on Amazon both as a Kindle ebook and also in audio format.
Here’s the synopsis:
All Casey Reynolds wanted was peace and quiet and a long vacation from covering the crime beat in Boston. That’s why she agreed to borrowing a villa in Mexico to rest, be alone and work on her novel.
But then he showed up — Travis Craig. He said he was offered the villa to recover from a serious illness. He had just lost his teaching job and had no money to leave.
She agreed with his plan to share the house — but on her terms. Soon rest and relaxation were a thing of the past when their double occupancy proved too erotic to control.
You can read more about it, including excerpts, on the Double Occupancy Amazon page.
Third Course – The Entrée
“I absolutely loved this story!
Every once in a while I find a book that I literally cannot put down. Even when I take a quick break from reading, I still think about the characters. What’s going to happen next? What if…? Why…?
The first book in the Romantek series was just that! I eagerly anticipated each new scene, pouring through the chapters; disappointed when I had to put it down for real life activities. …” ~Katherine Dean, excerpted from a review on Amazon.com. Read the whole review here.
Read the first Romantek book and find out all about this unique and sexy time in the future, when your dreams become virtual reality.
Fourth Course – The Dessert
As promised last week, the blurb for My Vacation in Rio: Romantek Book 4.
Romantek Corporation creates dreams for its customers–dreams of exotic, historic places and events more fabulous than a time machine. As part of their dreaming apparatus, they’re releasing a new product on the market, Soma-gen. The Soma-gen process is part of the dreaming technology, helping cells regenerate and scrubbing out impurities and annoying genetic problems like receding hairlines. Romantek’s Chairman of the Board is a perfect volunteer for a high-profile test. He’s fit, old enough to have begun feeling the effects of age, and a person used to taking risks. Sergio Corvino is excited to experience his Romantek dream at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in the year 2000. Everyone is eager to see how his real body fares as a result of Soma-gen.
Amber Tachibara will also be experiencing the vacation in Rio with Sergio. He doesn’t know it, but she’s been sent as a bodyguard. There have been problems with cyber-terrorists in the past, and Romantek isn’t taking any chances with their Chairman. Tachibara is tough on the job, but submissive in intimate situations. Her discovery of that side of her surprises both people concerned.
When a cyber-terrorist shows up in Rio, can Amber keep Sergio safe? Things can get deadly fast in a dream. Will Amber and Sergio survive their vacation in Rio?
This book sits with its publisher, Blushing Books, waiting for its turn to be released. Stay tuned!
July 28, 2015
Guest: Ashley Fontainne Brings Whispered Pain (but it’s a good kind of pain)
I’ve been wanting to bring Ashley Fontainne over for a visit. Having been on her radio program gave me an excellent opportunity to get to know her better. She’s a lovely, creative person, who writes some nail-biting thrillers. Her books are beautiful to look at and enthralling to read. Please allow me to introduce her latest, Whispered Pain. This is gonna give you shivers.
Ashley: The story of Angie Benson was originally a flash fiction piece (less than 1200 words) and was part of a horror anthology last year. I knew the minute I started it needed to be expanded, so I did!
Whispered Pain – the real nightmare started after the accident.
Here is the synopsis, taken directly from the opening chapter:
I am no longer among the living. At least, I don’t think I am. I don’t remember my name, my age, or even my sex. I don’t feel. I can’t smell. I hear, but sounds don’t register emotional responses anymore. I see, but it’s all in muted gray. No vibrant colors.
No sense of time, space, awareness. I just…float. Like a weightless cloud drifting through the limitless universe. I don’t know where I am or how I arrived at this point. Ebony nothingness has swallowed me whole.
Can you help me? Will you help me? I need to know. Want to know. Have to know.
Who am I?
Where am I?
How do I escape this black void?
Help.
Please, help me.
This book is amazing. You know you need it. You can find it here:
Whispered Pain will be exclusively in electronic format. It is available for pre-order with the following retailers (simply click on the link):
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
iTunes
A bit about Ashley:
Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is an avid reader of mostly the classics. Ashley became a fan of the written word in her youth, starting with the Nancy Drew mystery series. Stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within us are her favorite reads.
Her muse for penning the Eviscerating the Snake series was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Ashley’s love for this book is what sparked her desire to write her debut novel, Accountable to None, the first book in the trilogy. With a modern setting to the tale, Ashley delves into just what lengths a person is willing to go when they seek personal justice for heinous acts perpetrated upon them. The second novel in the series, Zero Balance. focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end? How far will the tendrils of revenge expand? Adjusting Journal Entries answered that question: far and wide.
Her short thriller entitled Number Seventy-Five, touches upon the sometimes dangerous world of online dating. Number Seventy-Five took home the BRONZE medal in fiction/suspense at the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards contest and is currently in production for a feature film.
Her paranormal thriller entitled The Lie, won the GOLD medal in the 2013 Illumination Book Awards for fiction/suspense and is also in production for a feature film entitled Foreseen.
Ashley’s decided to delve into the paranormal with a Southern Gothic horror/suspense novel, Growl, which released in January of 2015. The suspenseful mystery Empty Shell, released in September of 2014. Ashley will be teaming up with Lillian Hansen (Ashley calls her mom!) to pen a three-part murder mystery/suspense series entitled The Magnolia Series. The first book, Blood Ties, is due out the Summer of 2015.
Ashley also hosts The WriteStuff, a popular BlogTalk Radio show, each Friday night at 10 p.m. CST.
And here’s where you can connect with her:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ashley.fontainne.3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleyFontainne/
Website: www.ashleyfontainne.com
July 23, 2015
The Book Gourmet – July 23, 2015
Welcome back to The Book Gourmet feature. It’s a little chatter and yammer about books, both mine and those of my colleagues. I hope you’ll tune in for this brief but fun series every Thursday.
First Course – The Amuse Bouche
Tag lines that get your attention.
Irish Fling (by Valerie Douglas): Will a chance encounter turn into love?
Acting Lessons (by Kathryn R. Blake): He’d taught her how to act in college, now he intended to teach her how to behave.
Second Course – The Appetizer
Have you read any of the tender and sassy Waldorf Manor books by Bella Bryce? Well, I’m here to tell you, all five books in the series come from the heart and mind of one of the sweetest women I have the pleasure to know (albeit only online). Bella is a bit of a love bug, and is known for her generous hugs and cuddles.
There are five books in the Waldorf Manor series:
And, Unfailing Love.
All have excellent reviews and die hard fans. Take a look and see what you think. (Note: these are not erotic books.)
Third Course – The Entrée
This is more spilled wine than entrée, I’m afraid. On my birthday, this past Tuesday, I gave myself permission to cancel the “Sonata’s Moon” project. The books, originally written more than 10 years ago, were just in too bad of shape to be resurrected. I made some calculations and realized I could write one or two more brand new books in the time it was going to take me to re-edit “Sonata’s Moon” and self-publish it. The story was fun, the characters romantic, but, let’s just say, cleaning up the messes I made in 2002 was like carving concrete with a teaspoon. There is always a chance I’ll revisit the books and decide that the torture would be worth it, but at this point, I’m going forward to work on newer material which is so much better written, fresh, and in line with today’s standards and reader interests. RIP “Sonata’s Moon”.
Fourth Course – The Dessert
I’m working on the post-beta editing phase for “My Vacation in Rio: Romantek.” This editing is much smoother since I didn’t start with stupid mistakes. And I love the way the plot moves along in this story, giving some more backstage details about the Romantek situation room, as well as providing the exotic backdrop of Rio de Janeiro at the turn of the millennium. Readers of previous Romantek books might ask, what happened to Esharveer Jaggi, Romantek’s greatest enemy? Remember, he escaped with major injuries in Charlotte & the Pirate. He’s back for this book, but will he escape again? Anything can happen; this is Romantek! I’ll share a blurb with you next week if I can come up with a good one between now and then.
Thanks for joining me here this week!
July 20, 2015
Guest: Rebecca Airies Brings Tangled Bliss
Rebecca Airies is a multi-published author of erotic romance. Her books sweep you off your feet and tantalize your imagination. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Rebecca with her new book, Tangled Bliss.
Here’s a teaser.
Chelsea Ash healed plants, but she can’t fix her own problems. Alexander Woods, a gorgeous, new deputy in town and her boyfriend, refuses talk about part of his past, leaving her wondering what he’s hiding. On top of that, a stalker is sending her creepy gifts and stealing her sense of safety.
Alexander is building a new life in Alden Glen. He wants a home after years of hunting the tainted. Chelsea is sexy, sweet and the sensual hunger explodes between them. He’s not walking away from her. Even as they untangle the mess of their relationship, the stalker escalates his attacks. Alex will have to use all his skills to protect Chelsea and claim the future he’s always wanted.
Content Note: This book contains scorching sex scenes and adult language. It’s intended for Adults 18 and over.
You’ll want to read this romantic excerpt as well. I love kisses like this.
“Come on, Chelsea. Let’s get you inside.” Alex opened her car door.
She’d been so lost in her thoughts about his yard that she hadn’t even realized he’d gotten out of the car. With a sigh, she turned and let him help her out of the car. She strolled along the path to the side entrance along with Alex. The side entrance opened into his large kitchen.
She’d dreamed of kitchen like this. Dark gray granite topped the counters. What really made her envious though was the cabinet space. All those gorgeous light oak cupboards and she knew for a fact most of them were empty.
He locked the door behind them. She continued pacing forward. Alex snagged her wrist before she moved out of reach. She glanced back at him. His eyes glittered with hunger and tension.
His hand tightened. He tugged her close. She stepped willingly up to him. His arms wrapped around her, strong and secure. She leaned into him and savored the solid press of his body. With a sigh, she relaxed into the sanctuary offered in his embrace.
He held her tight against him for a moment, before he lifted her off her feet and kissed her. One of his arms slipped under her ass, holding her up as his other hand skimmed up and down her back.
Her mouth opened to the thrust of his tongue against her lips. She delighted in the touch. Her body heated. She wanted him right here.
And here’s where you can buy this lovely, erotic, fantasy romance.
A bit about Rebecca:
Rebecca Airies writes paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi/futuristic romance. She loves reading, writing, crafting, a good cup of tea, chocolate and snuggly kitties. She’s been writing stories since she was in her teens, at first trying to get over that elusive hump and finish a story. She loves creating new worlds, especially anything paranormal and fantasy related. You can usually find her working on multiple WIP at a time and she likes nothing more than losing herself in those worlds and characters.
Her website: www.rebeccaairies.net
Or visit her blog http://rebeccaslair.blogspot.com
Check out her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaAirie...
Pinterest page for Tangled Bliss: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccaairi...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaAiries
July 16, 2015
The Book Gourmet – July 16, 2015
First Course – The Amuse Bouche
I don’t know why these are called “tag lines” instead of “teasers,” but they’re great no matter what you name them.
Following His Heart (by Donna Fasano): Something most peculiar draws Landon to the ocean–and to Sara.
Caught in a Trap (by Elaine Raco Chase): He set a trap of his own.
Second Course – The Appetizer
Cara Bristol has a new book: Stolen Moments. It’s a hilarious romantic comedy, which is short but packs a punch. You won’t believe what Mary Sue gets into.
The synopsis:
Is it crazy to be jealous of a fictional character?
While Mary Sue is proud of her construction-worker husband Billy’s new-found success as an author of spanking novels, she also finds herself resentful of Beverly Golightly, the fictional heroine who gets everything Mary Sue wants: her man’s undivided attention, lots of hot loving, and many delicious spankings.
But is Mary Sue’s jealousy any crazier than the plan she hatches to recapture her husband’s attention?
Third Course – The Entrée
“I’m a big fan of Patricia Green and I loved this excellent book. It had everything I love even though it was somewhat of a departure from the spanking romance. It did have spanking and romance but that was just a bonus. It was an intense murder mystery and how Striker and his new partner work the crime scene that was like I imagined, a real well done police investigation. It was obviously researched very well and it was exciting and fun to read, sort of an updated Mike Hammer.” ~Laurel (from her five star review on Amazon.com)
Striker an erotic detective romance by Patricia Green.
Fourth Course – The Dessert
The first draft of “My Vacation in Rio: Romantek” is done as of yesterday afternoon. There are many edits to be made over the next couple of weeks, and multiple readings to polish it, but I love how it flowed. It was one of the easier books I’ve written (and out of more than 30 books, that’s saying something). It was “easy” because it had been rattling around in my brain since 2014, and I guess my subconscious was working on it all that time.
It includes Carnival in Rio at the turn of the millennium, crazy costumes, an evil villain returning, a handsome Chairman of the Board, a sparky Cyber Security bodyguard, death, a mole, lots of romance, spanking, and a happy ever after ending. That’s a lot to fit into forty thousand words, but it’s all in there and in detail.
I’ll keep you posted on its progress through publication at Blushing Books.
