Shyla Colt's Blog, page 33

Month O'Love day 7 with C.R. Moss

Today the charismatic C.R. Moss has agreed to stop by and tell us a bit about herself, and her latest release from Decadent Publishing, Sunset Desires.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

My latest story, just recently released through Decadent Publishing (www.decadentpublishing.com), is called Sunset Desires. It's a part of Decadent's One Night Stand series and the first of four stories I have planned for DP and the 1NS series. The second book, Sunset Seduction, has been contracted and the other two still need to be written, but for now here's the blurb on Sunset Desires ~

A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She'll be someone he can't forget. He'll fulfill her ultimate fantasy.

Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it's not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she'd like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus.

Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen's profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he's the man who can make it come true.

But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires?

Sunset Seduction follows Gwen's cousin, Heather, and her date in a hotel room in Las Vegas.

2. What books have influenced your life the most?

The early works of Stephen King, like The Shining, Pet Sematary, Carrie and Christine, turned me on to writing and started me on writing horror and then in the early 90's I read Jude Deveraux's A Knight in Shining Armor which started me on romances and romance writing.

3. When you're not writing what are you doing?

I watch movies and television. I'll read. I'll crochet. Sometimes I'll play some on-line computer games. On the weekend nights we'll have people over to play cards/board games. On occasion I can be found out drinking with friends.

4. Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate all the way and the darker the better.

5. What inspires you?

Music has been known to inspire stories for me. I'll catch a line of lyric and it gets my mind going. Same with dialogue on television or between people in conversations I hear. News articles are known to get my creative juices going too.

6. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'd say I'm a combination of the two. When I have an idea for a story and my muse is chomping at the bit for me to write it, I'll do what's called an information dump where I'll outline the story through brief descriptions of scenes or dialogue or a combination of them. It's like a pre-first draft. Then I'll work off that draft while keeping my mind open and being flexible to any changes that might crop up. To say that's plotting just seems too rigid to me.

7. What's the best part of being a published author?

I can be my own boss and set my own hours. If I want to work during the day I can. If I want to work late at night into the wee hours of the morning I can. & I can work in my jammies and not have to worry about a bad hair day!

8. If one of your books was turned into a movie which actors would you pick to portray them?

For this question, I'm going to answer using Wild West Weekend, a contemporary erotic romance with cowboys story written with RM Sotera and available through Evernight Publishing (www.evernightpublishing.com). When we were writing the story we had particular people in mind that we based the characters' looks off of, except we liked how they looked in a particular year. That's why I included the dates, so if we were going to have the perfect cast we'd have to do some time traveling . Dakota Dougan = Rib Hillis (circa 2008). Catherine "Cassie" Harding = Vail Bloom (dark haired version; circa 2010). Damon Dougan = Keith Urban (circa 2002). Bristol Ashcombe = Sarah Brightman (circa 1990's). Marianne Star = Mischa Barton (blonde haired version; circa 2005). Miguel Garza = Eduardo Verastegui (circa 2006). Kent = Sam Elliott (circa 1980's). Hugh = Ben Mortley (circa 2008). Jake = Garrett Hedlund (circa 2005; long blond haired version). There will be some new characters in our next book, Wild West Hauntings – currently a WIP – two of them so far are: Marianne's sister, Rachel Star = Mila Kunis (circa 2007). & Dalton Dougan = Cameron Mathison (circa 2007).

9. Do you write to music? If so can you share a brief playlist ?

It depends upon what I'm writing. The original version of Wild West Weekend was written to a lot of alternative music but then when I joined with RM on it & re-worked my part of the book I listened to a lot of male sung country music. For Sunset Desires, I listened to Flamenco and Latin. Sometimes though I'll just listen to spa/new age music so there aren't any lyrics getting in my way.

10. What are you working on next?

I'm currently working on the next Wild West book and the next Sunset book. I'm also in the process of formatting a story called Tracked for release under my other pen name, Casey Moss.

C.R. Moss bio ~ An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities. For more about the woman behind the keyboard, visit: http://www.crmoss.net/Author.htm

You can also find her at ~

Blog: http://crmoss.blogspot.com/

Blog: http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crmoss

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crmoss

Thanks again to C.R. for stopping by, and helping us celebrate the Month O' Love. Be sure to check out her other releases, Sunset Seductions, and Wild West Weekend.

Month O' Love day 7 with C.R. Moss

Today the charismatic C.R. Moss has agreed to stop by and tell us a bit about herself, and her latest release from Decadent Publishing, Sunset Desires.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

My latest story, just recently released through Decadent Publishing (www.decadentpublishing.com), is called Sunset Desires. It's a part of Decadent's One Night Stand series and the first of four stories I have planned for DP and the 1NS series. The second book, Sunset Seduction, has been contracted and the other two still need to be written, but for now here's the blurb on Sunset Desires ~

A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She'll be someone he can't forget. He'll fulfill her ultimate fantasy.

Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it's not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she'd like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus.

Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen's profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he's the man who can make it come true.

But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires?

Sunset Seduction follows Gwen's cousin, Heather, and her date in a hotel room in Las Vegas.

2. What books have influenced your life the most?

The early works of Stephen King, like The Shining, Pet Sematary, Carrie and Christine, turned me on to writing and started me on writing horror and then in the early 90's I read Jude Deveraux's A Knight in Shining Armor which started me on romances and romance writing.

3. When you're not writing what are you doing?

I watch movies and television. I'll read. I'll crochet. Sometimes I'll play some on-line computer games. On the weekend nights we'll have people over to play cards/board games. On occasion I can be found out drinking with friends.

4. Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate all the way and the darker the better.

5. What inspires you?

Music has been known to inspire stories for me. I'll catch a line of lyric and it gets my mind going. Same with dialogue on television or between people in conversations I hear. News articles are known to get my creative juices going too.

6. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'd say I'm a combination of the two. When I have an idea for a story and my muse is chomping at the bit for me to write it, I'll do what's called an information dump where I'll outline the story through brief descriptions of scenes or dialogue or a combination of them. It's like a pre-first draft. Then I'll work off that draft while keeping my mind open and being flexible to any changes that might crop up. To say that's plotting just seems too rigid to me.

7. What's the best part of being a published author?

I can be my own boss and set my own hours. If I want to work during the day I can. If I want to work late at night into the wee hours of the morning I can. & I can work in my jammies and not have to worry about a bad hair day!

8. If one of your books was turned into a movie which actors would you pick to portray them?

For this question, I'm going to answer using Wild West Weekend, a contemporary erotic romance with cowboys story written with RM Sotera and available through Evernight Publishing (www.evernightpublishing.com). When we were writing the story we had particular people in mind that we based the characters' looks off of, except we liked how they looked in a particular year. That's why I included the dates, so if we were going to have the perfect cast we'd have to do some time traveling . Dakota Dougan = Rib Hillis (circa 2008). Catherine "Cassie" Harding = Vail Bloom (dark haired version; circa 2010). Damon Dougan = Keith Urban (circa 2002). Bristol Ashcombe = Sarah Brightman (circa 1990's). Marianne Star = Mischa Barton (blonde haired version; circa 2005). Miguel Garza = Eduardo Verastegui (circa 2006). Kent = Sam Elliott (circa 1980's). Hugh = Ben Mortley (circa 2008). Jake = Garrett Hedlund (circa 2005; long blond haired version). There will be some new characters in our next book, Wild West Hauntings – currently a WIP – two of them so far are: Marianne's sister, Rachel Star = Mila Kunis (circa 2007). & Dalton Dougan = Cameron Mathison (circa 2007).

9. Do you write to music? If so can you share a brief playlist ?

It depends upon what I'm writing. The original version of Wild West Weekend was written to a lot of alternative music but then when I joined with RM on it & re-worked my part of the book I listened to a lot of male sung country music. For Sunset Desires, I listened to Flamenco and Latin. Sometimes though I'll just listen to spa/new age music so there aren't any lyrics getting in my way.

10. What are you working on next?

I'm currently working on the next Wild West book and the next Sunset book. I'm also in the process of formatting a story called Tracked for release under my other pen name, Casey Moss.

C.R. Moss bio ~ An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities. For more about the woman behind the keyboard, visit: http://www.crmoss.net/Author.htm

You can also find her at ~

Blog: http://crmoss.blogspot.com/

Blog: http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crmoss

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crmoss

Thanks again to C.R. for stopping by, and helping us celebrate the Month O' Love. Be sure to check out her other releases, Sunset Seductions, and Wild West Weekend.

Month O'Love day 6th Getting real with Avril Ashton

We're kicking of this week with the Amazing, Avril Ashton, who agreed to stop by and share her take on V-day. Now I know you're all wondering what she has to say so I'll let her get started.

V-Day Musings

When the lovely Shy first brought up this darling idea, my immediate thought was to share with you loves a sensual moment from one of my books. Sure, there are more scorchers than sensual stuff happening in my dirty little mind, but I figure had to be at least one up in there. I pondered—yes—which book, what scene, and then something happened. I changed my mind.

Why give you the fictional when I've got the real thing?

I'm going to get personal people so brace yourself…no, really. Brace. I'm going to give you a very condensed version of how I met and fell in love with my Mr. Those of you who follow me on Twitter, kindly refrain from mentioning all the times I twitted about smothering him in his sleep with the pillow. This is a Valentine's Day story, damn it. Not Halloween.

Back in the day, when I was but a spring chicken, free as a bird and getting it in all over the place, I found myself alone on a Friday night. Not the norm for me. I had a little red book filled to the brim with names of folks guaranteed to curl toes, rattle bed springs and have you climbing walls. Yet, I was alone. I took myself out to the pizza joint down the street, dressed like I usually was for maximum effect. I got the expected catcalls but no one caught my interest, until I came out of the pizza place with my small pie and Sprite…yes, I remember it well. There were a group of guys standing outside the place, trying to get at me. I ignored them. Couldn't see faces, only shadows. One after the other tried and I ignored them, and then a voice said, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" and I stopped.

Why? Why that voice and not all the others? I had no idea who this person was, but I stopped and we walked back to my apartment, talking. Laughing. And when he pulled out his phone to call his kids, to wish them goodnight individually, I didn't run away. *I had a motto of no ex-wives and no kids*

His voice was the most intoxicating thing. Low and rough, buttery and whiskey smooth, all at the same bloody time. And when he regarded me those eyelids hanging low, I knew his game. He stayed in my mind all through the night and the next day I called up my best friend to gush. Oh, he was gonna get it. The next night he came back, took me to the roof of his building where we sat, wrapped up in each other and talked as we watched the clouds move across the sky. I kid you not. He had me at ease, relaxed, and all into him. Not an easy thing.

I liked him, but he had baggage and I kinda liked travelling light.

After we finally did the do, I hid from him for days. I was running scared, because I was feeling things I wasn't ready for. He called and called and I had my roommate give him excuse after excuse, but my best friend convinced me to give him a chance. I called him.

I moved in with him in a one room rental days later. We've been inseparable ever since.

He's my complete opposite. Where I'm quiet, he's loud. Where I barely talk, he goes a mile a minute. Where I'm a reader, he's a thinker. He's all about clean, I'm not. He's outgoing, I'm a hermit. I can list them all, but this would go on for days. Suffice it to say, it's a miracle we're still together. I've put him through a lot and he's down the same. Remember the baggage I talked about? Still around. It'll be ten years soon and I guess I'm reminiscing. They've been years of discovery and celebration, of life-changing moments, too. Loss and gains. Devastating losses and wonderful gains.

The little things remind me every day of what I have. What I want, what I need, they're all wrapped up in him. Tickles and pinches, wet kisses and the rest. The oddest things choke me up; like the way we never, ever call each other by name. It's babe. Always babe. I love it.

Love when he refers to me as his. While I belong to no one and don't need someone else to guarantee my happiness, I want to be his forever. Be his babe until the end of time. It's the ease at which he made my walls domino. Crash down. Shatter.

Sexy as hell.

I'm lucky. Just as he's lucky. I'm a total catch. Totally.

In our house, Valentine's Day is any day he brings me a muffin from work because he knows I like that. It's when he brings home two beers and my favorite ice cream. When he scratches my scalp and does homework with our daughter. When he calls me from work to talk about politics or something he saw on TV.

The little things.

We don't celebrate V-Day on February 14th, not really. It's every day and it's all good.

I hope y'all feel as honored as I do, because it's not often Ash gives us a glimpse into her personal life. Thank you so much for sharing Av. You have my hormonal self tearing up over here. Thanks for stopping by and talking with me.

http://avrilashton.webs.com

http://avril-ashton.blogspot.com

http://facebook.com/writeravrilashton

@AvrilAsh on Twitter

Check out her latest release Til Abandon

Month O' Love day 6th Getting real with Avril Ashton

We're kicking of this week with the Amazing, Avril Ashton, who agreed to stop by and share her take on V-day. Now I know you're all wondering what she has to say so I'll let her get started.

V-Day Musings

When the lovely Shy first brought up this darling idea, my immediate thought was to share with you loves a sensual moment from one of my books. Sure, there are more scorchers than sensual stuff happening in my dirty little mind, but I figure had to be at least one up in there. I pondered—yes—which book, what scene, and then something happened. I changed my mind.

Why give you the fictional when I've got the real thing?

I'm going to get personal people so brace yourself…no, really. Brace. I'm going to give you a very condensed version of how I met and fell in love with my Mr. Those of you who follow me on Twitter, kindly refrain from mentioning all the times I twitted about smothering him in his sleep with the pillow. This is a Valentine's Day story, damn it. Not Halloween.

Back in the day, when I was but a spring chicken, free as a bird and getting it in all over the place, I found myself alone on a Friday night. Not the norm for me. I had a little red book filled to the brim with names of folks guaranteed to curl toes, rattle bed springs and have you climbing walls. Yet, I was alone. I took myself out to the pizza joint down the street, dressed like I usually was for maximum effect. I got the expected catcalls but no one caught my interest, until I came out of the pizza place with my small pie and Sprite…yes, I remember it well. There were a group of guys standing outside the place, trying to get at me. I ignored them. Couldn't see faces, only shadows. One after the other tried and I ignored them, and then a voice said, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" and I stopped.

Why? Why that voice and not all the others? I had no idea who this person was, but I stopped and we walked back to my apartment, talking. Laughing. And when he pulled out his phone to call his kids, to wish them goodnight individually, I didn't run away. *I had a motto of no ex-wives and no kids*

His voice was the most intoxicating thing. Low and rough, buttery and whiskey smooth, all at the same bloody time. And when he regarded me those eyelids hanging low, I knew his game. He stayed in my mind all through the night and the next day I called up my best friend to gush. Oh, he was gonna get it. The next night he came back, took me to the roof of his building where we sat, wrapped up in each other and talked as we watched the clouds move across the sky. I kid you not. He had me at ease, relaxed, and all into him. Not an easy thing.

I liked him, but he had baggage and I kinda liked travelling light.

After we finally did the do, I hid from him for days. I was running scared, because I was feeling things I wasn't ready for. He called and called and I had my roommate give him excuse after excuse, but my best friend convinced me to give him a chance. I called him.

I moved in with him in a one room rental days later. We've been inseparable ever since.

He's my complete opposite. Where I'm quiet, he's loud. Where I barely talk, he goes a mile a minute. Where I'm a reader, he's a thinker. He's all about clean, I'm not. He's outgoing, I'm a hermit. I can list them all, but this would go on for days. Suffice it to say, it's a miracle we're still together. I've put him through a lot and he's down the same. Remember the baggage I talked about? Still around. It'll be ten years soon and I guess I'm reminiscing. They've been years of discovery and celebration, of life-changing moments, too. Loss and gains. Devastating losses and wonderful gains.

The little things remind me every day of what I have. What I want, what I need, they're all wrapped up in him. Tickles and pinches, wet kisses and the rest. The oddest things choke me up; like the way we never, ever call each other by name. It's babe. Always babe. I love it.

Love when he refers to me as his. While I belong to no one and don't need someone else to guarantee my happiness, I want to be his forever. Be his babe until the end of time. It's the ease at which he made my walls domino. Crash down. Shatter.

Sexy as hell.

I'm lucky. Just as he's lucky. I'm a total catch. Totally.

In our house, Valentine's Day is any day he brings me a muffin from work because he knows I like that. It's when he brings home two beers and my favorite ice cream. When he scratches my scalp and does homework with our daughter. When he calls me from work to talk about politics or something he saw on TV.

The little things.

We don't celebrate V-Day on February 14th, not really. It's every day and it's all good.

I hope y'all feel as honored as I do, because it's not often Ash gives us a glimpse into her personal life. Thank you so much for sharing Av. You have my hormonal self tearing up over here. Thanks for stopping by and talking with me.

http://avrilashton.webs.com

http://avril-ashton.blogspot.com

http://facebook.com/writeravrilashton

@AvrilAsh on Twitter

Check out her latest release Til Abandon

Month O'Love day 4: Author Spotlight with Empi Baryeh

Today I'm lucky enough to have author Empi Baryeh stop by and talk about her latest release Most Eligible Bachelor. This is the first day after Ms. Baryeh's first celebrate , so let's help her celebrate in style by showing her some love on the blog. Along with taking the tme to chat, Ms. B has offered up a copy of this sensational read for one of you lucky commenters. Empi will announce the winner on Feb. 11th so get those fingers typing! Now with out further adieu, here's the lady of the hour.

Hi Shyla, and thanks for having me on your site. Today is particularly significant in my blog tour because it's the first day after I became a published author! You're going to have to forgive me if I break into some over-excited jiggle; I'm still basking in the spotlight of searching my name on Amazon and coming up with results!

However, I'll try to keep myself in check as I talk briefly about my book and why I write multicultural sweet and tender romance.

Most Eligible Bachelor about Chantelle Sah, a magazine columnist who's been burned by love, and Lord McKenzie, a wealthy playboy, who's never been in love before—until Chantelle, that is. My heroine is low on trust where men are concerned, but she meets my hero and finds herself unable to keep her heart safe from falling in love again. Throw into the mix is the little fact of the hero holding on to a secret that could be fatal for both their hearts, and you know there's going to be some trouble brewing before a happily-ever-after can be achieved.

The story is a sweet romance that packs enough heat to satisfy readers who want a little sizzle with their romance.

Why do I write this kind of romance? Well, it's a well-documented fact that romance writers tend to also be readers, and for me, it made sense to write the kinds of stories I like to read. I'm also thrilled to be able to write stories set in Africa with African heroes and heroines and to be able to share that with the world. I this aspect of my stories adds a special flavour to the stories, and will provide a bit of a cultural adventure for readers who are unfamiliar with the setting.

So, without further ado, here's a sneak peek at Most Eligible Bachelor.

Blurb

Magazine columnist Chantelle Sah doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day—not since her fiancé's betrayal three years ago—and after botching her first assignment as a feature writer, she's more than willing to put in a hard day's work this Valentine's Day; even if it means going on a date with gorgeous construction Tycoon, Lord McKenzie, and opening herself to an onslaught of all things love.

When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, it isn't just work he has on his mind. But even he couldn't have predicted the magnetic attraction between them when they meet, nor the evening ending with more than an interview. Now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn't a mistake. Can he win her love without revealing a secret from their night of passion, which could prove fatal for both their hearts?

Excerpt – The First Kiss

He seemed amused by her lack of a response as he took her hand and led her back to the dance floor. The music had turned slow.

She hesitated. Slow music meant being in his arms, their bodies touching. She shouldn't do this. Yet for some ridiculous reason, she wanted – needed, even – the closeness, to feel like a woman again. Just for a moment. Even if she was certifiably insane for wanting all this in the arms of Lord McKenzie.

He pulled her gently, bringing her body flush against his. A tremor rushed through her. His warm breath on her face sent tiny tingles running over her skin. Heat radiated to her from each part of his body touching hers, his powerful thighs, lean hips and firm abdomen, his hand, pressed firmly on the small of her back.

When was the last time she'd been this close to a man? Her breath quickened as raw need surged through her. Far too long. Not since Martin.

Tears stung her eyes as the familiar loneliness accompanying Valentine's Day closed in. Old love songs always got to her. She turned away from his watchful gaze, focusing on other couples huddled close together on the dance floor. Yearning pierced her heart. She gave herself a mental shake. She couldn't entertain such thoughts. Once she did, there would be no salvation.

As if sensing her distress, Lord pulled her closer, his hold tightening around her. Every thought flittered out of her mind as soon as their gazes locked, and she began to drown in the deep pools of his dark eyes.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Chantelle."

Was it stupid that she liked the way her name sounded on his tongue? She opened her mouth to say something – about how Valentine's Day had been commercialized to the point of triviality, an occasion for errant lovers to feel better about neglecting their significant others, a day to buy enough credit for another year, one day to make the unloved feel even less loved – anything to hide how hard it was to hear those words, but nothing came out.

His face hovered just inches away. Her heart stutter-stepped; her breath snagged. Without explanation, she wanted to know the taste of his lips. She wanted to erase it all from her mind, her pain, his reputation. She wanted to simply believe he really was just the most eligible bachelor in town, and he had her in his arms.

He smiled, really smiled, not the movie star grins he'd been flashing earlier. His gaze emitted pure heat wrapped around a hint of sadness. What in the world could make a man with his looks and popularity melancholic? Surely Lord McKenzie didn't have the same kinds of problems as mere mortals.

His fingers feathered her cheek, sending another wave of tremors through her. When his hand reached her chin, he lifted her face. Her mind barely registered what was happening before the space between them vanished. His searing kiss was nothing she could have imagined. It scorched her, inside and out. A soft moan escaped her throat before she could stop it. She melted into him, curling her fingers around his nape.

When he pulled away, her breath came in fast, shallow bursts. In stunned reflex, her fingers came to her lips, which felt swollen, having not been used for this purpose in a while. Weak-kneed and aroused, she sensed she only remained standing because of his strong arms around her.

One of the couples dancing bumped into them, jerking her back to reality.

Shoot. This evening would be more difficult than she could have guessed. How was she supposed to conduct a professional interview when she'd just kissed the interviewee, and now her mind insisted on dancing around words like ravished?

***

I hope you enjoyed that excerpt and you've marked you calendar to get your very own copy at:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/mo... (15% off for the first 2 weeks)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Most-Eligible-B...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Most-Eligible...

All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/most-eligib...

***

Where else to find me online:

My blog: http://empibaryeh.wordpress.com

My website: http://empibaryeh.webs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/empibaryeh

Twitter: @empibaryeh

Thanks again for stopping by and sharing this exciting moment with me. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a free copy of Most Eligible Bachelor. Enjoy your weekend!

Empi

Month O' Love day 4: Author Spotlight with Empi Baryeh

Today I'm lucky enough to have author Empi Baryeh stop by and talk about her latest release Most Eligible Bachelor. This is the first day after Ms. Baryeh's first celebrate , so let's help her celebrate in style by showing her some love on the blog. Along with taking the tme to chat, Ms. B has offered up a copy of this sensational read for one of you lucky commenters. Empi will announce the winner on Feb. 12th so get those fingers typing! Now with out further adieu, here's the lady of the hour.

Hi Shyla, and thanks for having me on your site. Today is particularly significant in my blog tour because it's the first day after I became a published author! You're going to have to forgive me if I break into some over-excited jiggle; I'm still basking in the spotlight of searching my name on Amazon and coming up with results!

However, I'll try to keep myself in check as I talk briefly about my book and why I write multicultural sweet and tender romance.

Most Eligible Bachelor about Chantelle Sah, a magazine columnist who's been burned by love, and Lord McKenzie, a wealthy playboy, who's never been in love before—until Chantelle, that is. My heroine is low on trust where men are concerned, but she meets my hero and finds herself unable to keep her heart safe from falling in love again. Throw into the mix is the little fact of the hero holding on to a secret that could be fatal for both their hearts, and you know there's going to be some trouble brewing before a happily-ever-after can be achieved.

The story is a sweet romance that packs enough heat to satisfy readers who want a little sizzle with their romance.

Why do I write this kind of romance? Well, it's a well-documented fact that romance writers tend to also be readers, and for me, it made sense to write the kinds of stories I like to read. I'm also thrilled to be able to write stories set in Africa with African heroes and heroines and to be able to share that with the world. I this aspect of my stories adds a special flavour to the stories, and will provide a bit of a cultural adventure for readers who are unfamiliar with the setting.

So, without further ado, here's a sneak peek at Most Eligible Bachelor.

Blurb

Magazine columnist Chantelle Sah doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day—not since her fiancé's betrayal three years ago—and after botching her first assignment as a feature writer, she's more than willing to put in a hard day's work this Valentine's Day; even if it means going on a date with gorgeous construction Tycoon, Lord McKenzie, and opening herself to an onslaught of all things love.

When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, it isn't just work he has on his mind. But even he couldn't have predicted the magnetic attraction between them when they meet, nor the evening ending with more than an interview. Now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn't a mistake. Can he win her love without revealing a secret from their night of passion, which could prove fatal for both their hearts?

Excerpt – The First Kiss

He seemed amused by her lack of a response as he took her hand and led her back to the dance floor. The music had turned slow.

She hesitated. Slow music meant being in his arms, their bodies touching. She shouldn't do this. Yet for some ridiculous reason, she wanted – needed, even – the closeness, to feel like a woman again. Just for a moment. Even if she was certifiably insane for wanting all this in the arms of Lord McKenzie.

He pulled her gently, bringing her body flush against his. A tremor rushed through her. His warm breath on her face sent tiny tingles running over her skin. Heat radiated to her from each part of his body touching hers, his powerful thighs, lean hips and firm abdomen, his hand, pressed firmly on the small of her back.

When was the last time she'd been this close to a man? Her breath quickened as raw need surged through her. Far too long. Not since Martin.

Tears stung her eyes as the familiar loneliness accompanying Valentine's Day closed in. Old love songs always got to her. She turned away from his watchful gaze, focusing on other couples huddled close together on the dance floor. Yearning pierced her heart. She gave herself a mental shake. She couldn't entertain such thoughts. Once she did, there would be no salvation.

As if sensing her distress, Lord pulled her closer, his hold tightening around her. Every thought flittered out of her mind as soon as their gazes locked, and she began to drown in the deep pools of his dark eyes.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Chantelle."

Was it stupid that she liked the way her name sounded on his tongue? She opened her mouth to say something – about how Valentine's Day had been commercialized to the point of triviality, an occasion for errant lovers to feel better about neglecting their significant others, a day to buy enough credit for another year, one day to make the unloved feel even less loved – anything to hide how hard it was to hear those words, but nothing came out.

His face hovered just inches away. Her heart stutter-stepped; her breath snagged. Without explanation, she wanted to know the taste of his lips. She wanted to erase it all from her mind, her pain, his reputation. She wanted to simply believe he really was just the most eligible bachelor in town, and he had her in his arms.

He smiled, really smiled, not the movie star grins he'd been flashing earlier. His gaze emitted pure heat wrapped around a hint of sadness. What in the world could make a man with his looks and popularity melancholic? Surely Lord McKenzie didn't have the same kinds of problems as mere mortals.

His fingers feathered her cheek, sending another wave of tremors through her. When his hand reached her chin, he lifted her face. Her mind barely registered what was happening before the space between them vanished. His searing kiss was nothing she could have imagined. It scorched her, inside and out. A soft moan escaped her throat before she could stop it. She melted into him, curling her fingers around his nape.

When he pulled away, her breath came in fast, shallow bursts. In stunned reflex, her fingers came to her lips, which felt swollen, having not been used for this purpose in a while. Weak-kneed and aroused, she sensed she only remained standing because of his strong arms around her.

One of the couples dancing bumped into them, jerking her back to reality.

Shoot. This evening would be more difficult than she could have guessed. How was she supposed to conduct a professional interview when she'd just kissed the interviewee, and now her mind insisted on dancing around words like ravished?

***

I hope you enjoyed that excerpt and you've marked you calendar to get your very own copy at:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/mo... (15% off for the first 2 weeks)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Most-Eligible-B...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Most-Eligible...

All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/most-eligib...

***

Where else to find me online:

My blog: http://empibaryeh.wordpress.com

My website: http://empibaryeh.webs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/empibaryeh

Twitter: @empibaryeh

Thanks again for stopping by and sharing this exciting moment with me. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a free copy of Most Eligible Bachelor. Enjoy your weekend!

Empi

Month O'Love day 1 with London St. James!

Hello All! As promised, the lovely London St. James is here to do an interview. She's also doing a giveaway for one lucky reader who comments on this post! The winner will be selected Friday the 3rd so get to typing!

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

I'm finishing up final round edits for Eternal, book 4 and the final book in The Heart Of Winter series. This series is a contemporary romance with a twist. You will need to read the series to find out what the "twist" is. But here is a blurb to give you a little bit about the last story.

Romance writer Winter Wells has found her new life with Hollywood Hottie Cayden Cain a blessing and a curse. He is the blessing, his career is the curse, yet even with all the restraints of his fame, she loves him, and knows he has always been her destiny. But even destiny and unbreakable love may not be enough when Winter finds herself involved in an unprecedented web of strange events, battling ghosts from her past which threaten to harm Cayden, dodging bloodsucking paparazzi, and wound in a string of lies that are about to break with devastating consequences. Winter is faced with a choice she always knew would be enviable, but is she strong enough to do what needs to be done? And can the fairy tale of their relationship beat out the odds of their reality and really come true?

2. When you're not writing what are you doing?

Oh, you know… taking exotic trips to foreign lands, meeting handsome rogues, and getting full body massages while sipping on those fancy fruity umbrella drinks. LOL. In truth, I try to spend as much time as I can with my friends and family. And then there are all of those super exciting things in life like laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills. Wow, that's glamorous I know, but in my writing down time I do catch up on all the necessary things.

3. Chocolate or vanilla?

Mmmm. CHOCOLATE.

4. What inspires you?

I suppose I have a longer list than most when it comes to inspiration. Music is inspiring. I love music of all genres. Movies. Books, of course. But I also find inspiration in nature, art, people, places.

5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'm not much of a plotter. I have all of these ideas, people, and places swimming around in my head, so I set down, start to type, and let the story and characters unfold and take me where they want to go. To me, plotting out a story line keeps me boxed in. I like the surprises of writing and not knowing where or how the characters are going to end their story.

6. What's the best part of being a published author?

Having a fan email me and tell me what they loved about a particular story or character. When they let me know something or someone touched their heart, well, that makes me feel pretty darn good.

7. Do you write to music? If so can you share a brief playlist?

Yes, I do write to music. Here is the playlist I used when writing Crimson Sin, a short story in the Halloween Anthology, Midnight Seduction, Published by Evernight Publishing. Wounded By Core. Monster by Skillet. Savin' Me by Nickelback. Down With The Sickness by Disturbed. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain by Godsmack. Stricken by Disturbed, and Hate Me by Blue October

8. Do you have any writing quirks?

Yep. While I listen to music when I write, I like quiet when I edit. I also need to read out loud when I edit to "hear" what needs to be fixed, moved, deleted, etc. So if you are around my house when I'm editing, prepare yourself for narration.

9. What are three things your reader doesn't' know about you?

Hmm. Let me see… Okay, well, I can play the piano, the flute, and the saxophone. So that is one thing. Two, I'm afraid of heights. And three, I'm a huge Ghost Hunter fan. (Grant and Jason, if you ever need a romance writer to tag along on one of your ghost hunts, I'm the gal )

10. What are you working on next?

I working on an erotic piece called La Bonne Soeur which is French for (The Good Sister). The inspiration for this book came from a quote. "We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us." Francois Rabelais.

Here's a taste:

While Trinity Lane Winslow feared everything, and lived her life vicariously through others, she dreamed of the impossible. To be the kind of woman who turned men's heads, and become the woman who Reid Addison noticed. What scared her the most? She would forever be a ghost where he was concerned, living her life on the peripherals.

Reid Addison feared nothing, except perhaps how the mousey little blonde daughter of his housekeeper made him feel. Even though Trinity Winslow wasn't his type, there was something about her. She had the ability to get past his defenses, and that fact terrified him.

Lord Ashton Archer had nothing to fear. Heir to a ducal dynasty, women fawning all over him, anything a man could want, and all obtained by the snap of his fingertips. He only lacked one thing. A woman who truly made him burn.

By a twist of fate the three of them find their way into the same illicit world of the infamous Madam Jacqueline Claudette Rousseau. But will they find what each of them truly desire? Or will they always long for the forbidden?

I'm not sure, but it may well turn out to be a two book series.

I want to thank Ms. St. James for stopping by and chatting with me! As always its' been a pleasure. Now for a taste of the novel she's giving away to the lucky winner.

Enchanted Blurb:

Can love withstand the test of time?

Winter never truly understood love, nor did she have time for men until she met Austin Wells Carlyle. He was the man who would rock her world to its foundations. He would test her notions, give her something to believe in, and change her misguided thoughts regarding happily ever after. Strangely, she was going to allow him be the one thing she never believed in—her soul mate.

Note: Enchanted is book 1 in a continuing 4 part series, The Heart Of Winter.

Month O' Love day 1 with London St. James!

Hello All! As promised, the lovely London St. James is here to do an interview. She's also doing a giveaway for one lucky reader who comments on this post! The winner will be selected Friday the 3rd so get to typing!

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

I'm finishing up final round edits for Eternal, book 4 and the final book in The Heart Of Winter series. This series is a contemporary romance with a twist. You will need to read the series to find out what the "twist" is. But here is a blurb to give you a little bit about the last story.

Romance writer Winter Wells has found her new life with Hollywood Hottie Cayden Cain a blessing and a curse. He is the blessing, his career is the curse, yet even with all the restraints of his fame, she loves him, and knows he has always been her destiny. But even destiny and unbreakable love may not be enough when Winter finds herself involved in an unprecedented web of strange events, battling ghosts from her past which threaten to harm Cayden, dodging bloodsucking paparazzi, and wound in a string of lies that are about to break with devastating consequences. Winter is faced with a choice she always knew would be enviable, but is she strong enough to do what needs to be done? And can the fairy tale of their relationship beat out the odds of their reality and really come true?

2. When you're not writing what are you doing?

Oh, you know… taking exotic trips to foreign lands, meeting handsome rogues, and getting full body massages while sipping on those fancy fruity umbrella drinks. LOL. In truth, I try to spend as much time as I can with my friends and family. And then there are all of those super exciting things in life like laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills. Wow, that's glamorous I know, but in my writing down time I do catch up on all the necessary things.

3. Chocolate or vanilla?

Mmmm. CHOCOLATE.

4. What inspires you?

I suppose I have a longer list than most when it comes to inspiration. Music is inspiring. I love music of all genres. Movies. Books, of course. But I also find inspiration in nature, art, people, places.

5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'm not much of a plotter. I have all of these ideas, people, and places swimming around in my head, so I set down, start to type, and let the story and characters unfold and take me where they want to go. To me, plotting out a story line keeps me boxed in. I like the surprises of writing and not knowing where or how the characters are going to end their story.

6. What's the best part of being a published author?

Having a fan email me and tell me what they loved about a particular story or character. When they let me know something or someone touched their heart, well, that makes me feel pretty darn good.

7. Do you write to music? If so can you share a brief playlist?

Yes, I do write to music. Here is the playlist I used when writing Crimson Sin, a short story in the Halloween Anthology, Midnight Seduction, Published by Evernight Publishing. Wounded By Core. Monster by Skillet. Savin' Me by Nickelback. Down With The Sickness by Disturbed. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain by Godsmack. Stricken by Disturbed, and Hate Me by Blue October

8. Do you have any writing quirks?

Yep. While I listen to music when I write, I like quiet when I edit. I also need to read out loud when I edit to "hear" what needs to be fixed, moved, deleted, etc. So if you are around my house when I'm editing, prepare yourself for narration.

9. What are three things your reader doesn't' know about you?

Hmm. Let me see… Okay, well, I can play the piano, the flute, and the saxophone. So that is one thing. Two, I'm afraid of heights. And three, I'm a huge Ghost Hunter fan. (Grant and Jason, if you ever need a romance writer to tag along on one of your ghost hunts, I'm the gal )

10. What are you working on next?

I working on an erotic piece called La Bonne Soeur which is French for (The Good Sister). The inspiration for this book came from a quote. "We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us." Francois Rabelais.

Here's a taste:

While Trinity Lane Winslow feared everything, and lived her life vicariously through others, she dreamed of the impossible. To be the kind of woman who turned men's heads, and become the woman who Reid Addison noticed. What scared her the most? She would forever be a ghost where he was concerned, living her life on the peripherals.

Reid Addison feared nothing, except perhaps how the mousey little blonde daughter of his housekeeper made him feel. Even though Trinity Winslow wasn't his type, there was something about her. She had the ability to get past his defenses, and that fact terrified him.

Lord Ashton Archer had nothing to fear. Heir to a ducal dynasty, women fawning all over him, anything a man could want, and all obtained by the snap of his fingertips. He only lacked one thing. A woman who truly made him burn.

By a twist of fate the three of them find their way into the same illicit world of the infamous Madam Jacqueline Claudette Rousseau. But will they find what each of them truly desire? Or will they always long for the forbidden?

I'm not sure, but it may well turn out to be a two book series.

I want to thank Ms. St. James for stopping by and chatting with me! As always its' been a pleasure. Now for a taste of the novel she's giving away to the lucky winner.

Enchanted Blurb:

Can love withstand the test of time?

Winter never truly understood love, nor did she have time for men until she met Austin Wells Carlyle. He was the man who would rock her world to its foundations. He would test her notions, give her something to believe in, and change her misguided thoughts regarding happily ever after. Strangely, she was going to allow him be the one thing she never believed in—her soul mate.

Note: Enchanted is book 1 in a continuing 4 part series, The Heart Of Winter.

Month O'Love kicks off tomorrow!

Prepare for a Valentine's Day explosion!! Yours truly has been hard at work the past few weeks working on something special I've dubbed February the MONTH O' Love, and almost every day will feature a different author. You'll learn about new books, get a chance to win prizes, and hopefully find yourselves quite entertained. In addition to the daily visits, I'm also participating in a blog hop for the TO BE READ Pile.

The blog hop begins on Feb 9th, and ends on Feb. 14th, so mark your calendars. I'll talk more on this one later.

Tomorrow we'll be kicking things off with an interview given by the lovely London St. James! So be sure to stop by.

Month O' Love kicks off tomorrow!

Prepare for a Valentine's Day explosion!! Yours truly has been hard at work the past few weeks working on something special I've dubbed February the MONTH O' Love, and almost every day will feature a different author. You'll learn about new books, get a chance to win prizes, and hopefully find yourselves quite entertained. In addition to the daily visits, I'm also participating in a blog hop for the TO BE READ Pile.

The blog hop begins on Feb 9th, and ends on Feb. 14th, so mark your calendars. I'll talk more on this one later.

Tomorrow we'll be kicking things off with an interview given by the lovely London St. James! So be sure to stop by.