Ranae Rose's Blog, page 27
February 1, 2012
The Likelihood of Being Rescued from Peril in Real Life - How I was Saved from a Falling Wall
In romance novels, it's common for the 'hero' to live up to his title by saving other(s) - often the heroine - from danger. My books are no exception - in Demon of Mine, Damon saves Elsie from a couple of murderous criminals, and in Lonely Alpha, Jack endeavors to protect Mandy from a rifle-wielding psycho. Books are often much more exciting than real life (who would read them if they weren't?), but sometimes actual people really do need a hero to rescue them from danger! Of course, it's not always as glamourous and dramatic as in a fictional story...
I thought about it, and I can recall one time in which another person saved me from something dangerous. I was in college, sitting through an American History lecture, studiously taking notes. I was sitting in the back row of the lecture hall, with the wall behind me. I don't know what they purpose of them was, but the block was was covered in these large paneled sections. As I sat there writing, one of the sections suddenly came loose, falling directly toward me. I didn't even realize what was happening, but just as it was about to hit me in the back of the head, the guy next to me jumped out of his seat and caught it, saving me from being squashed. I don't know how bad it would have been if it had hit me, but I had these visions of my head being smashed into the table and my pen dissapearing into my eye like that 'make a pencil dissapear' scene in The Dark Knight. At the very least, I would have had a very nasty bump on the back of my head, maybe even a broken nose.
I don't remember that guy's name, but I sure am glad he had such great reflexes. I have a feeling that if I'd been sitting next to anyone else, I probably would have been flattened by the falling wall. He was probably the largest/strongest person in the class, luckily for me.
What about you - any experiences being saved by a real-life hero? It doesn't have to be glamourous - falling lecture hall walls are perfectly acceptable. LOL
I thought about it, and I can recall one time in which another person saved me from something dangerous. I was in college, sitting through an American History lecture, studiously taking notes. I was sitting in the back row of the lecture hall, with the wall behind me. I don't know what they purpose of them was, but the block was was covered in these large paneled sections. As I sat there writing, one of the sections suddenly came loose, falling directly toward me. I didn't even realize what was happening, but just as it was about to hit me in the back of the head, the guy next to me jumped out of his seat and caught it, saving me from being squashed. I don't know how bad it would have been if it had hit me, but I had these visions of my head being smashed into the table and my pen dissapearing into my eye like that 'make a pencil dissapear' scene in The Dark Knight. At the very least, I would have had a very nasty bump on the back of my head, maybe even a broken nose.
I don't remember that guy's name, but I sure am glad he had such great reflexes. I have a feeling that if I'd been sitting next to anyone else, I probably would have been flattened by the falling wall. He was probably the largest/strongest person in the class, luckily for me.
What about you - any experiences being saved by a real-life hero? It doesn't have to be glamourous - falling lecture hall walls are perfectly acceptable. LOL
January 30, 2012
Highland Storm Releases Today
It's release day for Highland Storm. :) If you'd like to meet my historical Highland hero Alexander and his bonny lass Isla, check out the book's page at the publisher's site to read a free excerpt.
Highland heir Alexander Gordon is the answer to the disgraced Isla Forbes' prayers—but should she redeem herself by killing him to avenge her brother, or let him rescue her by becoming his wife?
A Gordon man ruined Isla Forbes' life. Blamed for her brother's death and desperate for escape from her father's abuse, she journeys to a saint's spring to plead for help. A fierce storm that sweeps across the highlands drives her into the arms of the striking Alexander Gordon, heir of Benstrath and half-brother to her own brother's murderer. It's obvious he's the answer to her prayers…but should she redeem herself by killing him to avenge her brother, or let him save her by loving him?
Available here in all ebook formats, including direct send to kindle.
Highland heir Alexander Gordon is the answer to the disgraced Isla Forbes' prayers—but should she redeem herself by killing him to avenge her brother, or let him rescue her by becoming his wife?
A Gordon man ruined Isla Forbes' life. Blamed for her brother's death and desperate for escape from her father's abuse, she journeys to a saint's spring to plead for help. A fierce storm that sweeps across the highlands drives her into the arms of the striking Alexander Gordon, heir of Benstrath and half-brother to her own brother's murderer. It's obvious he's the answer to her prayers…but should she redeem herself by killing him to avenge her brother, or let him save her by loving him?
Available here in all ebook formats, including direct send to kindle.
January 28, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - Highland Storm
"I didnae mean to doubt that ye've suffered," Alexander said, his eyes darting to her scar again, his gaze so heavy on the livid flesh that Isla imagined she could feel it, like a physical touch. "I only asked because if ye think my life will ease your troubles, then you're verra welcome to take it." Isla gaped at him, her teary eyes growing wider and wider as he unsheathed his dirk. He wielded it deliberately with his left hand while he seized the collar of his shirt with his right, holding it taut. She watched, spellbound, as he split the fabric slowly from his collarbone to his navel, baring his chest, which was slick with rainwater. He shifted his hold on the dirk, gripping the blade as he extended the hilt towards Isla.
Thanks for stopping by to check out the very first six I've shared from Highland Storm, which releases tomorrow. As anyone who knows me knows, heroes in kilts are my all-time favorites, so I've really been looking forward to sharing this with you all. :)
Thanks for stopping by to check out the very first six I've shared from Highland Storm, which releases tomorrow. As anyone who knows me knows, heroes in kilts are my all-time favorites, so I've really been looking forward to sharing this with you all. :)
January 27, 2012
Romantic Moment in History: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor & Jessie Walmisley Marry
1899 (exact date unknown)Celebrated British Composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor & Jessie Walmisley Marry
Samuel was a very talented composer who produced his most famous work, a musical called Hiawatha's Wedding Feast, at the age of 23. He married his former classmate, pianist Jessie Walmisley. Interracial marriages were very controversial during their time. Until a day before the wedding, Jessie's family was vehemently opposed to the marriage and did everything they could to try to prevent it. Samuel & Jessie didn't let that stop them, though. I think the fact that the couple was willing to face the cruelty of strangers and even their own family for the sake of their love is very romantic indeed.
The couple remained married until Samuel's death. They're pictured above with their two children.
January 25, 2012
Southern Accents and the Heroes Who Have Them
My hero Jack (Lonely Alpha) has a Southern accent (he's from Tennessee). It's one of the things I like about him.
But I wasn't always such a fan of Southern accents. In fact, when I first moved to the South, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about them. Maybe it was because I worked at restaurants and occassionally had trouble understanding people. But over time, I got used to it, and I can't remember the last time I couldn't make out what someone was saying. But for a while, while working as a hostess at a steak house, I found it kind of hilarious that so many people would ask for 'ass' in their drinks. They were saying 'ice', but to me, it sounded just like 'ass'. And then, the other staff would go out of their way to get me to say words with 'O' in them, because they found the way I pronounced those words highly amusing.
Nobody ever really thinks of themselves as having an accent, do they? I mean, other people might think of you that way, but I think most people just naturally assume that the way they speak is the natural way. Which never really makes much sense, because each language has its own set of diverse accents and dialects.
But nowadays, I do like Southern accents. Especially the one that are more drawling and easy than the twangy kinds. (There are different kinds - and maybe that description sounds weird to people who've never lived in the South. I don't know. But I think it would make sense to most who've lived here.)
Plus, if someone is really attractive (as the heroes in my books inevitably are), most people are probably going to think of their accent as attractive too.
I stopped caring about the ass/ice thing when I became acquainted with the deliciousness of iced tea. I don't care what you call it, it's amazing.
What about you? Do you like Southern accents - maybe you have a favorite hero who has one? Do you think of yourself as having an accent, and if so, what kind?
But I wasn't always such a fan of Southern accents. In fact, when I first moved to the South, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about them. Maybe it was because I worked at restaurants and occassionally had trouble understanding people. But over time, I got used to it, and I can't remember the last time I couldn't make out what someone was saying. But for a while, while working as a hostess at a steak house, I found it kind of hilarious that so many people would ask for 'ass' in their drinks. They were saying 'ice', but to me, it sounded just like 'ass'. And then, the other staff would go out of their way to get me to say words with 'O' in them, because they found the way I pronounced those words highly amusing.
Nobody ever really thinks of themselves as having an accent, do they? I mean, other people might think of you that way, but I think most people just naturally assume that the way they speak is the natural way. Which never really makes much sense, because each language has its own set of diverse accents and dialects.
But nowadays, I do like Southern accents. Especially the one that are more drawling and easy than the twangy kinds. (There are different kinds - and maybe that description sounds weird to people who've never lived in the South. I don't know. But I think it would make sense to most who've lived here.)
Plus, if someone is really attractive (as the heroes in my books inevitably are), most people are probably going to think of their accent as attractive too.
I stopped caring about the ass/ice thing when I became acquainted with the deliciousness of iced tea. I don't care what you call it, it's amazing.What about you? Do you like Southern accents - maybe you have a favorite hero who has one? Do you think of yourself as having an accent, and if so, what kind?
January 21, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - Lonely Alpha
It was crazy. She knew that, and yet, she wanted nothing more than to touch him. No, she wanted to do more than that. She wanted to climb onto him, stroke his cock to its full length and feel it slide inside her. She wanted to ride him until a fresh layer of sweat shone on her skin. She wanted him, bad.
Thanks for stopping by to read six from my brand new release. :) Last week, I introduced Jack as my best-smelling hero ever. LOL This week, I opted to share a decidedly naughty six. Hope you enjoyed!
Thanks for stopping by to read six from my brand new release. :) Last week, I introduced Jack as my best-smelling hero ever. LOL This week, I opted to share a decidedly naughty six. Hope you enjoyed!
January 19, 2012
Lonely Alpha Released Today
My sexy werewolf romance Lonely Alpha released today (1/19/2012), so silver bullets and sparks are flying at major ebook retailers everywhere.
When Mandy leaves the city behind and embarks on a retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains, she expects to spend the week alone with nature and a stack of novels. Instead, she ends up trapped on a remote mountain by a big game hunter who's hell-bent on bagging a werewolf. Lonely alpha wolf-shifter Jack, the last of the once-strong Half Moon Pack, is his target. Jack is determined to keep Mandy safe while hunting his hunter, but being around Jack brings out a wild side Mandy never knew she had. As silver bullets fly, so do sparks. If they can manage to defeat their attacker, Mandy will still have one problem to contend with: Jack is convinced that she's his mate.
Where to find it:
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
All Romance
Smashwords
More retailers coming soon...
When Mandy leaves the city behind and embarks on a retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains, she expects to spend the week alone with nature and a stack of novels. Instead, she ends up trapped on a remote mountain by a big game hunter who's hell-bent on bagging a werewolf. Lonely alpha wolf-shifter Jack, the last of the once-strong Half Moon Pack, is his target. Jack is determined to keep Mandy safe while hunting his hunter, but being around Jack brings out a wild side Mandy never knew she had. As silver bullets fly, so do sparks. If they can manage to defeat their attacker, Mandy will still have one problem to contend with: Jack is convinced that she's his mate.
Where to find it:
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
All Romance
Smashwords
More retailers coming soon...
January 18, 2012
The Power of a Short Story
Yesterday, I set out on a shopping expedition, thoroughly expecting to come home with some seriously awesome fashion finds. Several malls and shopping centers later, with very sore feet I returned home with nothing but a sports bra and neon-colored, floral-explosion flashbacks that had me wondering if I'd just relived the early 90's. I found solace in the internet, where after half an hour's browsing I found exactly what I wanted, and in colors much more flattering to my complexion than day-glow yellow and blinding fuschia. The internet gives us so many choices, and affords so much variety and convenience. And not just when it comes to clothing.
I'd like to leave certain fashion fads in my childhood years where they belong, along with 'eaten' cassette tapes.
A few years ago I thought of short stories as something to be found between the pages of magazines, or perhaps grouped together in the occasional anthology. With the emergence of the e-reader though (love my kindle!) I find good stories of all lengths at my fingertips, and I've been reading a variety of novels / novellas / short stories. A few years ago, I read virtually nothing but novels. But you know what? I like the diversity on my (virtual) bookshelves, and I think that short stories can be just as powerful as longer works.
In fact, I still vividly remember a short story that I read one day during my English class period in my junior year of high school. (It was a strange story. Wish I remembered the name or author.) For one normally really boring hour or so, I was able to escape my mundane English class and be caught up in a fictional world. I think that's the beauty of short stories - they're quick, engagingly paced (because at that length, they have to be) ready-made escapes.
And I know I'm not alone in my appreciation of short stories. My best-selling title (in several venues, and overall) is actually my short story, Party Girl. When I got the idea for a story about a party planner who gets (accidentally) roped into planning a bachelor party and falls for the host, I had no idea the little 47-page tale would become so popular.
Conclusion: short stories are here to stay. Recycled 90's fashion is hopefully not!
What do you think? With the popularity of ebooks, do you find yourself reading a wider variety of story lengths than when print dominated?
I'd like to leave certain fashion fads in my childhood years where they belong, along with 'eaten' cassette tapes.A few years ago I thought of short stories as something to be found between the pages of magazines, or perhaps grouped together in the occasional anthology. With the emergence of the e-reader though (love my kindle!) I find good stories of all lengths at my fingertips, and I've been reading a variety of novels / novellas / short stories. A few years ago, I read virtually nothing but novels. But you know what? I like the diversity on my (virtual) bookshelves, and I think that short stories can be just as powerful as longer works.
In fact, I still vividly remember a short story that I read one day during my English class period in my junior year of high school. (It was a strange story. Wish I remembered the name or author.) For one normally really boring hour or so, I was able to escape my mundane English class and be caught up in a fictional world. I think that's the beauty of short stories - they're quick, engagingly paced (because at that length, they have to be) ready-made escapes.
And I know I'm not alone in my appreciation of short stories. My best-selling title (in several venues, and overall) is actually my short story, Party Girl. When I got the idea for a story about a party planner who gets (accidentally) roped into planning a bachelor party and falls for the host, I had no idea the little 47-page tale would become so popular.
Conclusion: short stories are here to stay. Recycled 90's fashion is hopefully not!
What do you think? With the popularity of ebooks, do you find yourself reading a wider variety of story lengths than when print dominated?
January 17, 2012
When to Expect Lonely Alpha
Just a quick update - Lonely Alpha will hit virtual bookshelves this weekend.
When Mandy leaves the city behind and embarks on a retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains, she expects to spend the week alone with nature and a stack of novels. Instead, she ends up trapped on a remote mountain by a big game hunter who's hell-bent on bagging a werewolf. Lonely alpha wolf-shifter Jack, the last of the once-strong Half Moon Pack, is his target. Jack is determined to keep Mandy safe while hunting his hunter, but being around Jack brings out a wild side Mandy never knew she had. As silver bullets fly, so do sparks. If they can manage to defeat their attacker, Mandy will still have one problem to contend with: Jack is convinced that she's his mate.I'm really looking forward to sharing Jack and Mandy's story with readers. I'll tweet/share/blog the store links when Lonely Alpha is available. :)
When Mandy leaves the city behind and embarks on a retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains, she expects to spend the week alone with nature and a stack of novels. Instead, she ends up trapped on a remote mountain by a big game hunter who's hell-bent on bagging a werewolf. Lonely alpha wolf-shifter Jack, the last of the once-strong Half Moon Pack, is his target. Jack is determined to keep Mandy safe while hunting his hunter, but being around Jack brings out a wild side Mandy never knew she had. As silver bullets fly, so do sparks. If they can manage to defeat their attacker, Mandy will still have one problem to contend with: Jack is convinced that she's his mate.I'm really looking forward to sharing Jack and Mandy's story with readers. I'll tweet/share/blog the store links when Lonely Alpha is available. :)
January 14, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - Lonely Alpha
She jerked her wrists, and this time they slid from his grasp easily. Stumbling backward a few steps, she took deep, cleansing breaths, trying to rid her lungs of his rich scent. It was having a strange effect on her; that natural, woodsy perfume he'd acquired from his time alone in the mountains. He smelled like a man completely at home in the wild. It was a raw smell; primal and slightly intoxicating in its simplicity… "I'm an idiot," she mumbled under her breath, shaking her head and squeezing her eyes shut, trying to forget the way his hot body had felt against hers.
Thanks for stopping by. :) This is the first six I've shared from Lonely Alpha, which will be hitting virtual bookshelves everywhere super-soon. Hope you enjoyed! I'll definitely be posting more during the next few weeks.
Thanks for stopping by. :) This is the first six I've shared from Lonely Alpha, which will be hitting virtual bookshelves everywhere super-soon. Hope you enjoyed! I'll definitely be posting more during the next few weeks.
