Lorraine Nelson's Blog, page 22
June 15, 2012
New Release! Her Unlikely Bodyguard
Yay!!! It’s here!!!
Her Unlikely Bodyguard released today through Breathless Press. This is my first foray into the world of romantic suspense without my cowboys, but I hope you all enjoy it just the same. 
Blurb:
A stalker who wants revenge…a past flame rekindled…Jemma Leigh’s summer just got interesting.
***
Jemma Leigh Harding has drawn the attention of an unknown stalker and returns to her hometown of Somerville, a safe haven—or so she thinks—on the east coast of Canada.
Theodore Garrity is the last person she expects to see, considering how easily he walked away from her after graduation to join the army.
Their past history involves secrets Jemma Leigh is hesitant to share. When it becomes clear the stalker has followed her home, Teddy becomes her unlikely bodyguard. Will the terror and past hurts separate them forever? Or will love blaze a fresh path for their future?
Ready for an excerpt?
Jemma Leigh returned to her research and left the men in the kitchen. A short while later, she heard careful footfalls as Ted made his way up the stairs to join her. “You finished with guard duty for now?”
“Could be that I came up here to do some hands-on bodyguard work.”
“Oooh, I’m liking the sound of that, Teddy Bear.” She loved it when they bantered back and forth like this, sexual innuendos abounding.
“And I’m becoming addicted to your charms, Jemma Love.”
“Addicted speaks of something you crave over and over again. I’m loving the sound of that. Well, let’s see about putting a little of my charm to work, shall we?” she suggested as she rose and went to meet him where he stood just inside the door.
“This is madness,” he said between hot, smothering, impassioned kisses. “We should have our ever-lovin’ heads examined.”
“Later. We have more pressing issues right now,” she declared as she pressed herself against him, the ridge of his erection pushing into the soft, tender skin of her belly. Standing back out of the way, she could see his shaft straining the seams of his jeans as it grew hard and ready for her.
“Too many clothes,” he announced as he danced her inside then closed and locked the door.
As the lock snicked into place, Jemma Leigh started to undo her blouse, but his hands stilled hers as he requested, “Let me.”
Every button released meant the slightest touch of his fingers as they brushed against her skin. Oh, sweet torment! His hands glided sensuously over her upper body as he guided the blouse over her shoulders and down her arms, letting it tangle at the cuffs, effectively trapping her hands behind her as his gaze continued a slow, carnal investigation of its own. Bypassing her bra, he swept his hands over her curves to rest at the juncture of her thighs. He grabbed her mound through her jeans and rubbed, gently at first, then harder, and harder still, until she was twisting and moaning, grinding her pelvis against the pressure of his hand, seeking some relief from the erotic torture he’d created.
Suddenly, he withdrew his hand, causing her to whimper in protest at being denied such pleasant sensations. Then she felt his hands at her waist, undoing the fastenings of her jeans, sliding inside to caress her hips as he worked the fabric down over her curves, baring all except the brief patch of curls hiding her pussy from view.
Running a finger along the inside edge of her thong while the other hand teased the valley between her butt cheeks, he had her body humming at a fevered pitch. Then her eyes shot open as he left her standing there, semi-nude and bereft of his touch, but he’d only put enough space between them to rid himself of his clothes, watching her all the while with an intensity that caused his eyes to resemble rich, malted chocolate.
He stood proud and erect in all his manly glory, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him as he strode to the bed, pulling back the covers before returning for her. He swept away the rest of her clothing as he kissed her senseless. Then he picked her up and cradled her in his arms to carry her across the room, laying her down gently before lowering his body to rest beside her.
“You know, this is only the second time we’ve made love in a bed,” he stated as he lay on his side facing her, his head propped on one hand while the other rested leisurely at her waist.
“Yes, I’m well aware of that, so let’s get on with it,” she teased. Taking his hand and moving it to her breast, she thrilled to his touch as he rubbed and massaged first one, then the other. She delighted in his sudden gasp as she took him firmly in hand to stroke the solid length of him.
As usual, I’ll be giving one lucky commenter the chance to win a copy at the end of my blog tour, which started yesterday. So follow along and have fun! The more stops you comment on, the better your chances to win! *Sorry, I’m late posting the tour info, but I’ve been away, no internet access. 
Winner will be announced on June 30th.
Blog Tour Schedule
Date
Host/Hostess
Blog url
June 14th
Lee Brazil
http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.ca/
15th
Lorraine Nelson
http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
15th
Tara Chevrestt
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.ca/
17th
Krista Ames
http://www.apassionforromance.blogspo...
18th
Meg Varhalmi
http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.ca/
19th
Isabella Olivia Ellis
isabellaoliviaellis.blogspot.com
20th
Romy Sommers
http://minxesofromance.blogspot.ca/
21st
W Lynn Chantale
http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecision...
22nd
Doris O’Connor
http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/
23rd
Laura Horwitz
http://www.laurabhorwitz.com/roadnott...
16-23 rd
Kassanna Dwight
http://www.flavorfullove.com/
Her Unlikely Bodyguard now available at:
http://www.breathlesspress.com/her-unlikely-bodyguard
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-herunlikelybodyguard-830483-149.html
http://www.bookstrand.com/her-unlikely-bodyguard
June 13, 2012
Spotlight on Laura Horwitz, aka Lola Drake!!!
It is my pleasure to introduce another fabulous Evernight author. Please welcome Laura Horwitz and her flirty nemesis Lola Drake.
Blurb:
Ousted from Olympus until he can restore true love to the world, Eros stumbles upon a match made in heaven – if they can survive hell first.
Juliet doesn’t have much in common with her namesake. Her career-centric life sorely lacks romance. Then one night everything changes when she witnesses a gang shooting, and she ends up a victim herself.
FBI Agent Jake Parker has known Juliet for years, but only as the baby sister of his best friend. He still imagines her as the awkward teenager she used to be. When Jake must protect Juliet from the gang determined to eliminate the only witness who can testify against them, he discovers that he’s not the only one who’s changed in the last ten years.
As sparks fly and the danger mounts, Juliet and Jake must decide what they’re willing to risk in the pursuit of what’s possibly true love’s kiss.
Ready for more? Here’s an excerpt that’s going to leave you wanting to find out what happens next.
While the area typically swarmed with tourists and locals alike during the day, at night darkness consumed this desolate end of the boardwalk, giving it a quietly sinister air. Strange shadows fell from the outdoor gym equipment, crisscrossed by the lines in the fence surrounding it. Steel shutters covered the entrances to most of the stores, many marked by graffiti. Gentle singing drew her gaze to a homeless man huddled over a garbage can searching for scraps. He had a pretty good voice, but the soft sound amid the surrounding emptiness only served to enhance the disturbing sensation that washed over her.
As her fight with Brad replayed in her mind, Juliet walked practically alongside a small group of men before she consciously noticed them. With her footsteps muffled by the soft sand, they hadn’t spotted her either.
The gunshot changed all that.
Her head whipped towards the sound. What she had assumed were a group of men talking coalesced into four Latinos holding guns on two African-American boys quivering before them. A third lay dead on the sand, blood pooling under his head in a puddle that appeared almost black. The hole in his forehead looked like movie makeup. It couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be real.
One of the remaining boys, who looked young enough to still be in high school, sobbed openly as he pleaded for his life. His companion remained stoic, staring down the leader of the Latino group and, in a final moment of defiance, spitting at him. The leader fired, shooting him and his friend again and again. The shots echoed across the buildings, but no one emerged to investigate. A faint trail of smoke drifted up from the barrel as he at last lowered his gun to his side.
That final movement shook Juliet out of her frozen stupor and she let out an involuntary scream. Jerking his head around at the distinct noise, the leader’s gaze fell upon her, his eyes narrowing. Juliet couldn’t understand what they shouted at her in Spanish, but instinct kicked in and her legs started moving faster than they ever had before. Gunshots rang out behind her and she felt a bullet whiz by her ear. Pain exploded through her right arm and fire blazed across her hip. Still, she kept running, stumbling on the sand, her lungs burning, knowing she would die if she stopped. At last her feet touched the cool cement of the boardwalk, allowing her to pick up speed as she sprinted back toward Venice Boulevard and the safety of a crowd.
The gang continued to gain on her. Her vision started to blur and her legs felt like rubber, her steps beginning to falter as she grew weaker. Blood dripped down her arm, soaking through her blouse. At last, with her pursuers practically on her heels, she turned onto Venice Boulevard and slammed straight into that pudgy, bald man she’d seen at the bar.
“Help me,” she begged, collapsing against him. Nearby someone screamed. A crowd began to gather as darkness enfolded Juliet and she slipped into unconsciousness.
And now for an interview with a bit of a twist. 
Lola Drake agreed to sit down with her alter-ego, Laura Horwitz, to have a somewhat schizophrenic interview about her new book, “Pursuit of a Kiss.”
Laura Horwitz: What decided you on writing?
Lola Drake: I’ve actually been writing since I was eight-years-old when I came up with a story about a magical pumpkin, although my parents say it started long before that. Apparently when I played with my Barbie dolls I ignored the clothes and instead made up elaborate backstories for all of the characters. So I never consciously decided to be a writer, it’s just all I’ve ever wanted to be
LH: That’s so funny, I was the same way as a kid! I guess your career chooses you sometimes. What draws you to the romance genre?
LD: Whenever I’m upset or having a stressful day, I love pouring a glass of wine and curling up with a great romance. The happy endings always make me smile. For my own writing, I tend to prefer romantic suspense, since I like to discuss actual world and social issues but sugarcoat them inside a romance to make it easier for people to read about them.
LH: I write about social issues too, but primarily in creative non-fiction and the occasional novel. How do you incorporate these issues into a romance?
LD: Well, for instance, I got the idea for “Pursuit of a Kiss” after reading about a local gang shooting. I know LA has gangs, but since I don’t come across them on a regular basis it’s easy to forget about this pervasive problem. Of course, many people – myself included – prefer to read happy topics rather than depressing ones when picking up a book, so I find romantic suspense allows me to explore issues like gangs while still giving the audience a happy ending.
LH: What comes first, characters, location or plot?
LD: I tend to think of the plot first, most of the time. As I mentioned for “Pursuit of a Kiss,” I had the idea of writing a suspense novel centered around a gang shooting. Then I decided the heroine would witness this shooting, and the hero therefore had to be someone who could help protect her. The story evolved from there. Every so often I get an idea for a setting or character and build on that, but generally I think of the overall story first.
LH: Me too! It’s funny, we have a lot in common.
LD: Yeah, seriously! It’s uncanny.
LH: Do you ever have trouble getting into the ‘writing zone’?
LD: Of course. I think all writers have days when the words simply won’t come. Most days I try to make myself write anyway, even if I only get through a page or two that have to be cut and rewritten later. Other days it’s really easy to procrastinate, like I’ll suddenly decide I must do laundry, clean my apartment, or go to the beach. J
LH: If you had to describe yourself, what three words best suit you?
LD: To borrow from one of my favorite movies, Romancing the Stone, I’m a hopeful romantic. If that counts as a single term, then I’d say I’m also easy-going and passionate.
LH: If someone else described you, what three words would they use? *evil grin*
LD: An ex-boyfriend actually got in touch yesterday to congratulate me on the book, and gave me one of the nicest descriptions of myself I’ve ever heard: “sweet, angelic, conversationalist, fun, smart, sexy, and mischievous.” Since he’s somewhat biased, however, I think most of my friends would say I’m emotional, loyal, and (if I’m allowed to use multiple words) someone who makes really bad decisions when it comes to men. But I guess that’s why I’m drawn to romance – the heroine can make mistakes and still find a guy who adores her above all others in the end.
Favorites:
Desktop or Laptop? Laptop
Dessert? Just about anything chocolate, but I love chocolate lava cakes and chocolate mousse.
Holiday? Does my birthday count?
Movie? Princess Bride
Shopping or Baking? Shopping
Vacation Spot? Tough call, since it depends on my mood. If I have to choose I’d say Hawaii for relaxing, Paris or Rome for atmosphere and sight-seeing.
LH: Do you think you’ll try your hand at different genres in the future? If so, which ones?
LD: Since you created me to be the face of our romance genre books, I think I’ll leave the other genres we love to you.
LH: What pearls of wisdom would you like to impart to aspiring writers?
LD: Never give up, no matter what anyone tells you. A well-known screenwriter once said to me that to be successful it’s 1% talent and 99% perseverance. Most people give up. Don’t be one of them.
Pursuit of a Kiss releases today through Evernight Publishing. http://www.evernightpublishing.com/pursuit-of-a-kiss-by-lola-drake/
Remember to take advantage of Evernight’s New Release promotion…15% off for the first 2 weeks.
Where can you be found:
www.loladrake.com or www.laurabhorwitz.com
Please comment on this blog post for a chance to win a free copy of Pursuit of a Kiss.
June 6, 2012
Her Unlikely Bodyguard – Character Interview
As you know, if you’ve been following my posts, Her Unlikely Bodyguard releases next Friday, June 15th, from Breathless Press. Yay!!! Part of the promotion had me working up my first ever character interview, which was posted on the BP Facebook page this past Monday. I had a great time writing this up and hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.
Teddy’s Most Embarrassing Moment:
LN: That would be when Jemma Leigh saved his hide. *Chuckles*
TG: Damn! I’ll never live that down.
LN: Nope! Some bodyguard you are!
TG: Hey! It all worked out.
LN: Yeah, thanks to me.
Finish this sentence: When Teddy’s in the laundry room…
LN: He’s looking for clean socks.
TG: No, I’m doing laundry.
LN: No way! Not one scene in that entire book had you doing the laundry.
TG: Well, you couldn’t be there all the time. And I did help bring clothes in off the line. At least you managed to record all the important stuff.
LN: *Smirking* Probably more than you realize.
Favorite Toy:
TG: I don’t play with toys.
LN: You treat that big brute of a truck you drive like a toy.
TG: I do not.
LN: You do! And instead of playing around with your gears, you should watch where you’re going.
TG: I do watch! That was an accident.
LN: Uh, huh. Tell that to Jemma Leigh.
Favorite Drink:
TG: Jemma Leigh’s lemonade.
LN: Hmmm, can’t argue with you there.
TG: Well, that’s a first!
Favorite Car:
TG: That would be my Dodge Ram 4×4.
LN: That’s not a car! They asked for your favorite car.
TG: My favorite car, if I ever feel I need one, is a Jaguar.
LN: Oh, flashy.
TG: Gotta keep up appearances.
Favorite Scent:
LN: Oh! I’ve got this one…lilacs.
TG: Women! There’s more to life than flowers.
LN: Maybe so, but they asked for my favorite scent. *sniff, sniff* It certainly isn’t whatever cologne you’re wearing.
TG: This happens to be a very subtle scent, and besides, Jemma Leigh likes it.
LN: Hmmm, gotta have a talk with that girl.
Favorite Movie:
TG: Anything with Sylvester Stallone in it.
LN: *snort* That’s a favorite actor, not movie.
TG: Woman, do you have to question everything I say?
LN: Why not? You gave me a hard enough time, butting in when I was trying to write your story.
TG: I had to make sure you got it right.
LN: Ha! Give me a break, will ya? I wrote you into this world. I can erase you right back out.
TG: *Superior grin* No one else wanted to work with you, so you’re stuck.
LN: There are many more where you came from, buddy.
TG: But none fit the bill as good as I do, and besides, it’s a done deal. Our book releases in nine days.
LN: Our? I hate to admit it, but it is one of my better works.
TG: Guess my charm won you over.
LN: Could be that Jemma Leigh’s plight did.
TG: At least we survived it.
LN: Yes! I so love a happy ending.
Now for some of my favorite lines from the book:
1/ ”I thought you’d left,” Jemma Leigh stated, her fingers beating a nervous tattoo on the arms of the wheelchair.
“Free country, last time I checked, and I don’t take orders easily,” he answered. “It goes against the grain.”
“So does your presence,” she said. She turned the wheelchair and tried to ignore him as best she could, but, oh my aching heart! Ignoring him was much harder to do now than it had been years ago.
2/ “Just how do you propose to get me up into this thing?”
“You have two choices, Jemma Leigh. First, you can behave yourself and let me lift you onto the seat in the cab or, secondly, I will lower the tailgate long enough to lift chair and all into the back of the truck. Of course, even with the braking system in place on the chair, you’d be jostled around, and it wouldn’t be too good for your busted ankle, but I’d get you home like I promised.”
3/ Jemma Leigh caught on to how his body was reacting to the forced intimacy.
“Nice to know I can still get a rise out of you, Teddy.”
“Great to know you still pucker up for me so nicely, too,” he said, looking pointedly at her pert breasts where her nipples protruded against the thin, summery material of the blouse she was wearing.
Blurb:
A stalker who wants revenge…a past flame rekindled…Jemma Leigh’s summer just got interesting.
***
Jemma Leigh Harding has drawn the attention of an unknown stalker and returns to her hometown of Somerville, a safe haven—or so she thinks—on the east coast of Canada.
Theodore Garrity is the last person she expects to see, considering how easily he walked away from her after graduation to join the army.
Their past history involves secrets Jemma Leigh is hesitant to share. When it becomes clear the stalker has followed her home, Teddy becomes her unlikely bodyguard. Will the terror and past hurts separate them forever? Or will love blaze a fresh path for their future?
So, that’s it for now folks. What did you think?
May 27, 2012
New Contract, New Cover, & A Print Book!
Life has been truly busy this past week and totally exciting!
I have new cover art for Love on the Rocks, releasing August 10th through Breathless Press. Mina Carter, the graphic artist, did a terrific job. She even found a picture of one of my favorite places, The Rocks at Hopewell Cape, a local tourist attraction, the spot where this story begins…and ends. Isn’t this a gorgeous cover?!!!
I am so excited to announce that Zakia and the Cowboy is now available in print! Yeehaw!!! My very first print book!!! How cool is that!
Zakia and the Cowboy won its silver star at ARe within 3 days of release. It went on to become a Featured Title there for 3 weeks! It gained a lot of recognition as Book of the Month for December at the TBR Pile review site and was up for Book of the Year. It had the most votes, but, all things considered, another book won. Thank you, my friends, for making this book so popular. Love you all!
Available at:
https://www.createspace.com/3831841
Bad Boy Blake sold to Ruby Lioness Press on proposal and is coming along nicely, as is Book 5 in my Thunder Creek Ranch series, Cameron’s Quest. Hope to submit both within the next couple of weeks.
And to top off the week, I just signed three new contracts. My Hudson Ranch Trilogy was picked up by Ruby Lioness Press on proposal. Benjamin, Gabriel, and Nathan will be moving to Clearwater, WY, as part of the Clearwater series. I have some major writing to do in the next few months.
I’ve started booking my blog tours for five new releases coming out June 15th, July 13th, August 10th, September 7th, and November 2nd. If you’re interested in hosting me on your blog, please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you with the dates needed.
Until I see you again, happy writing and reading!
May 25, 2012
Review – Sinful Urges by Sonia Hightower
Today I had the opportunity to download Sinful Urges free at Amazon. The blurb had me curious, so I opened it and started reading. Wow! I never realized a confessional could be so explicit.
Tara Chevrestt, writing as Sonia Hightower, packed a powerful punch in this tale of adultery and absolution. The characters were real. The anguish they were going through for their lustful thoughts was also very real. I was drawn into their world from the first page and couldn’t stop reading.
Ms. Chevrestt writes about real life issues. Adultery being one of many. It happens. This book shows the ramifications of sinning. How adultery, or thoughts of committing it, can have serious repercussions. I won’t reveal any spoilers here, but the surprise twist at the end had me in tears.
Thank you, Tara/Sonia,for such an interesting read. Well done!
Blurb:
Follow the confessions of Juan and Maria as they fall prey to lust at first sight. Can they stop themselves before it’s too late, or will they become victims of their own sinful urges?
A new neighbor sends Juan running to confession to rid himself of the lustful thoughts he experiences. Each confession becomes more erotic, more sinful than the last. Can Juan stop himself, or will he give in to the desire that threatens his very faith?
The man across the street causes Maria to question her own morals. When she seeks out a priest for confession, she weaves a tale of exotic kisses and stolen moments. How can Maria find sanctuary in her prayers when her body demands she finds solace in her neighbor’s arms?
Still available free at: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Urges-ebook/dp/B0075N6DFQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337894437&sr=1-1
Next up for me is Afterburn. 
Blurb:
Their love burns hot, but will it stay fueled?
Crystal is an enlisted mechanic with a tragic past. Grant is an officer and a pilot with a broken heart. When faced with a difficult decision, will Crystal choose wisely or lose the best thing that ever happened to her?
The love between them burns hot, but their relationship won’t stay fueled if they can’t beat the obstacles that stand in their way. Besides breaking the fraternization rules, Grant and Crystal have the difference of race between them…but can they prove to the rest of the world, and to each other, that love is color blind?
Afterburn is about overcoming one’s past, not judging others, learning to forgive, and what it’s like to be a woman in a “man’s world.”
Tara’s Author page at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Chevrestt/e/B0052Z4JDM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=e5bf493004393101d494ffca864e428b!/tara.chevrestt
Blog: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.ca/2012/05/meme-time-power-of-four.html
May 22, 2012
Meme Time: The Power of Four
Meme Time: The Power of Four was created to start something fun in updating our blogs. It also gives our readers a chance to get to know us better. Here’s just a bit about me. I copy and pasted the list, put it my own answers, and now I shall tag four other people.
Four Places I have worked/Jobs I have had
Asurion Canada
Eastern Bakeries
Blue Cross of Atlantic Canada
Seaway Midwest
Four Places I Have Lived:
Salisbury, NB
Moncton, NB
Redcliff, AB
Mississauga, ON
Four Movies I Could Watch Again and Again:
Gone With the Wind
Dirty Dancing
Armegeddon
Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte
Four Television Shows I Watch (Don’t really watch that much TV)
CSI
House
Criminal Minds
The Mentalist
Four Authors I Enjoy:
Danielle Steel
Nora Roberts
John Grisham
Mary Higgins Clark
Four Places I Have Travelled To:
Banff National Park, AB
Calais, ME
Anne of Green Gables, PEI
Niagra Falls, ON
Four Websites I Visit Daily:
Goodreads
Amazon
All Romance Ebooks
Four of My Favorite Foods:
Chicken Caesar Salad
Barbequed anything
Subway’s Breakfast Mega Wrap
Donair Pizza
Four Places I’d Rather Be:
A spa getting a total body makeover
Sunbathing on the deck of a cruise ship
On a sunny beach anywhere
In a cabin in the mountains, as long as it has internet.
Four People I Want to Tag:
Empi Baryeh
Ju Dimello
Alexandra O’Hurley
London Saint James
If you’ve been tagged, make your own list and link back to this post. Have fun with it and happy Sunday.
April 29, 2012
New Contract!!!
Hi, folks!
This has been a fantastic weekend!
Bad Boy Blake, my contemporary romantic suspense, has found a home.
Just signed a contract with Ruby Lioness Press.
They are fairly new to the publishing world…a small publisher with big ideas and I’m happy to be part of their team. Marissa Dobson heads it up and is backed by marketing and review experience.
She’s constantly on the look-out for new and exciting books. If you have a manuscript wasting away on your hard drive, send it in. It just may be what she’s looking for.
http://rubylionesspress.com/submissions/
April 26, 2012
New Release from Tara Chevrestt and BP!!!
It’s my pleasure to welcome back Tara Chevrestt as she releases another inspiring book. Today, she informs us of some of the trials and tribulations she’s endured as a hearing impaired person. But first, I’d like to post a brief review.
Deaf Isn’t Dumb is a powerfully written memoir that will challenge you on several fronts. We can recognize most people with handicaps because they are in a wheelchair, or walk with a cane, or maybe a seeing eye dog. But not all handicaps are noticeable. Weak hearts, weak lungs, chronic pain, and deafness are only a few of these disabilities. How we handle ourselves in our interactions with these people can do one of two things…cut them to the quick, or reinforce their self-esteem.
Handicapped doesn’t mean stupid. It doesn’t mean the handicapped are any less human than others. They live and breathe, laugh and hurt, the same as everyone else. Why then, do they have to suffer ridicule at each and every stage of their lives?
The simple answer is that a lot of people don’t know what to say or think when confronted with the handicapped. Another truth, a sad one, is that ridiculing others makes some people feel superior. But at what expense? None of us has the right to hurt others. If you don’t know what to say, at least nod and smile. You just might make someone’s day perfect. If you belong to the latter group, then I feel sorry for you. Your insecurities will be your downfall.
Well done, Tara! To put yourself out there, to share pieces of your life with us, took guts. Your book really made me think and I thank you.
Now for the interview! *evil grin*
Welcome, Tara. What decided you on writing?
I was searching for a historical novel about the Van Buren sisters after learning about them at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Not finding one, I wrote one myself. LOL ( Ride for Rights )
Your books are classified in several genres…Romance, Historical, Comedy, and Erotic. Why are you drawn to this type of story?
It’s kinda odd. I just write what comes to mind. Dog Tails was penned because I had this story idea involving my Peke, and after I penned it, the other two dogs were sad, kept giving me mournful looks…and so they had to have their stories penned too. Dog Tails was born.
I read all kinds of things, so I guess it’s natural I would write all kinds of things too.
Your books touch on such things as bullying, women’s rights, and deafness, to name a few. Where do the ideas come from?
My own life. School bullying was a huge issue in my childhood. I’ve noticed not many parents actually sit down and talk to their kids about it. I wish they would. Women’s rights are something I feel strongly about. I worked eleven years in a male dominated profession so I know we haven’t quite “made it” yet. Deafness is strongly misunderstood, and so I set out to educate people on it with both A Facebook Affair and Deaf Isn’t Dumb.
Do you ever have trouble getting into the ‘writing zone’?
Yes, I do. Sometimes, the words just aren’t there. They get buried under stress over promotion or sales or just life in general.
My characters ‘speak’ to me as I write their story. Do yours? If so, what’s it like to have them breathing down your neck? J
No, but they get into my dreams! I dream about them and the story lines in the dreams make no sense at all. But there has been an odd occasion when I’ll wake up and say, “I need to add this!” Usually though, I dream about them right after a ms is complete! I wonder if it’s my sub conscious worrying that I didn’t do a good job.
If you had to describe yourself, what three words best suit you?
Stubborn, opinionated, determined.
If someone else (other than your significant other) described you, what three words would they use? *evil grin*
Ornery, blunt, rude.
What pearls of wisdom would you like to impart to aspiring writers?
I always say, “Write what you love.” I think if you don’t love what you’re writing, it will show.
Now for the novel .
Deaf Isn’t Dumb releases today through Breathless Press. I love the cover!
What prompted you to write this particular story? How long did it take?
I address the reason in my post here, but I will say it took a year. Even after the first draft, it took so long to finally get it published, I added to it throughout the year. I’m not dead yet, and so my life story continued. LOL
I wrote this book because my coworkers kept telling me to. When you’re standing around an airplane’s wing drilling holes all day, you get to talking with your coworkers. It makes the time go by a lot faster. There were always tons of curious questions about my hearing loss. I answered the best I could and sometimes, imparted a story or two.
I was told I needed to write them down and tell the world, to make others understand what it’s like for people like me, the misunderstandings, the labels of “dumb” and “rude”, the discrimination I face. And I thought, if I can put myself out there, I just may teach someone something, and if someone learns something, it may very change how they are treating the deaf/hearing impaired around them. So, I “grew a pair” and wrote it.
In the course of my life, I’ve had friends and coworkers tell me that I changed their view of deaf people…helped them to understand some things. I hope Deaf Isn’t Dumb helps me reach more.
I want people to know that deaf isn’t dumb. Deaf isn’t rude. Deaf people love, live, and work just as well as everyone else. And most of all, we feel. When you misjudge us, misunderstand us, act like we’re stupid, we hurt.
Can you share the blurb?
Sure!
You’re stupid. You’re retarded. You shouldn’t have this job. These words lit a fire of determination in one deaf woman who set out to prove to the aviation world…and the world in general that deaf isn’t dumb.
Deaf Isn’t Dumb is a motivational story of a young woman, Tara, who faces the challenges of growing up “hearing impaired” in a hearing world. Follow her as she recounts everything from childhood bullies to work related restrictions, and funny misunderstandings from mispronounced words to fear of Federal Air Marshals. In this tale, straight from the heart, learn that simply because one is deaf—contrary to popular misconception—it doesn’t mean they are dumb.
Excerpt:
Cash, Check, or Visa?
My first real job was in a lingerie store. By real job, I mean the first place that hired me and kept me on longer than a month. The first place that was not intimidated or put off by the fact I was hearing impaired and could not answer the telephone. The first place that was willing to work with me.
I was a sales associate. Ladies, and sometimes their men, would come into the store, walk around, finger the lacy, sheer, silky, and just plain naughty garments hanging from the racks. They’d titter or place their hands in front of their gasping mouths while I ran around arranging dressing rooms or putting garments away. I said many a silent prayer that the garments in question were uncontaminated. Occasionally, I helped someone find an outfit in their size or in their lover’s size. When their selections were complete, I would wrap the little G-strings or chemises in hot pink tissue paper, place a little sticker on the package, and ask the customer, “Cash, check, or Visa?”
I felt very important asking this question. I dressed to the nines every day for this job, donning high heels and business dresses. This was my first real job, and despite the fact it was minimum wage, it was important to me. I asked this question every time I rang up a customer and felt proud of myself. I was an adult now. I was asking these people how they planned on giving me money. A transaction was in progress, money had to be handled, and I was the one the business counted on to do it and do it right.
Every now and then however, this question resulted in a funny look from the customer. I assumed the client was worried about their finances, debating how to pay, pondering how to explain such an outlandish and unnecessary bill to the husband. It was not my concern.
One year into my employment, the store manager announced she was getting married. This was a very likable woman, a kind and caring boss. Naturally, every single employee wanted to attend her wedding. The wedding was on a Saturday and during store hours. Someone was going to have to work that night and, most likely, work alone. I bravely volunteered. I had just graduated high school and had an insane fantasy that maybe if I proved myself, I could get promoted to assistant manager or at least gain more work hours. It was agreed among all my coworkers that for that one night, I would woman the store alone.
So it was a Saturday night and I was wearing my best two-piece, a light blue skirt with a matching jacket and two-inch high heels that made an awful racket on the hard floors. You could probably hear me coming a mile away. Click, slap, click, slap went my shoes. “Cash, check, or Visa,” went my perky self as I rang up one client after another.
Approximately one hour before closing, my then boyfriend showed up to help me get out of there. We had a date when I got off work. The store was full of people, and bras and panties were all over the place. Everywhere but their designated locations, that was.
I looked at my frowning boyfriend as I rang up yet another client and told him to help me. “Go put those bras back in their bins.”
He didn’t look pleased, but he didn’t want me stuck in the store until midnight either, so he did as I said. He was picking up bras and panties left and right, straightening up hangers in disarray, and I was running around talking to customers, attempting to find sizes they requested in this or that camisole while also eyeing the clock.
As my boyfriend was attempting to fix up a pile of garters on a table next to the checkout counter, a very attractive woman plopped down a black teddy in front of me. I offered her my fake ear-to-ear smile especially reserved for customers that wait until the last five minutes of store hours to make their purchases, and proceeded to wrap her black teddy in the hot pink tissue paper, slapping a sticker onto the whole thing, and throwing it in a bag as I asked her, “Cash, check, or Visa?”
The woman arched a brow at me, but dutifully handed over her credit card. My boyfriend was staring at me over a hundred red and blue garters, his eyebrows forming one line across his forehead. I offered my fake smile to both of them this time and did the cashier routine before handing the woman her receipt and bag. Finally, the store was clear of clients and I could clean up, count the money, and go on my date. With a sigh of relief, I lowered the gate as the woman left the store and locked it. I kicked off my high heels and ran to the register to begin my duties.
“What did you ask that woman?” My boyfriend’s head popped up as he picked up a hangerless slip from off of the floor.
“Huh?” I asked him. “Cash, check, or Visa? Don’t you ask that over in your store?” I was referring to his job as a sale’s assistant in a store directly across the mall hall.
He grew very embarrassed, if the look on his face was anything to go by, and he cleared his throat a few times. “It’s cash, check or vee-sa,” he said.
If it was possible for an entire body to blush with embarrassment, I did so right then. I realized that for an entire year, I had been asking customers left and right, approximately twenty- five to thirty times a day, if they wished to pay with cash, check or “vie-sas.” The funny looks had nothing to do with their dwindling bank accounts. The moment I had dreaded my entire life had finally occurred: I was talking funny.
Where can you be found:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877
Purchase Links:
http://www.breathlesspress.com/deaf-isnt-dumb
April 17, 2012
Spotlight on Nichole Severn!!!
Today it’s my pleasure to introduce you to another fabulous Evernight author. Nichole writes romantic Thrillers and her stories will leave you thirsting for more. Welcome, Nichole!
Guest Post by Nichole Severn – My fascination with serial killers
Hello readers! First, I want to thank Lorraine for letting me guest post. Second, thanks for stopping by! My name is Nichole Severn and I write suspense and romance, and sometimes stories in between. Below you’ll find excerpts from my pubbed books – one is suspense and the other a romance, but both feature serial killers.
My fascination for serial killers started around the time I entered college. Abnormal Psych always held my attention. I love everything about the brain; how it functions, what areas of the brain do what, how it can fail and the consequences of failing. However, I wasn’t confident enough to go for a medical degree so I finished my degree in psychology instead. Friends and family find it odd that I search out the most gruesome stories, that I want to know what happens when the brain snaps, but it’s not the blood or loss of life that interests me.
In the way of serial killers, I focus on the why. How could a person take so many lives? I wanted to answer this question so badly, I started researching. Someone is considered a serial killer after two or more kills in as little as a month. Usually this occurs because of emotional, financial, or for the thrill so I investigated the reasons. A couple of characters came of it, too. In fact, I started writing because of these fantastic displays of disregard for human life.
Adelaide(my protagonist in Let Me Out) came out of that research. Her reasons were a mixture. Kidnapped, forced to kill others, and schizophrenic, Adelaide had emotional reasons and loved the thrill. Every time she kills, her urges quiet and she’ll do anything to stop. My antagonist from White Trash Beautiful, however, does it for the money and the thrill. Anders Stark works for the Camino Family (the mob) and is very prideful. Insult him…lose your life. He enjoys torture a bit too much, not to interrogate, but to punish.
Not all serial killers are the same, not all have sociopathic characteristics or want to kill. My writing, and the research that goes into my writing, gives me the ability to dig deeper into the emotions and motivations of someone with these tendencies. To learn more about my serial killers and the reasons they do what they do, check out Let Me Out (March 1, 2012) and White Trash Beautiful (April 13, 2012) and look for more soon!
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and my website.
Blurb and Excerpt for Let Me Out (Coming
March 1, 2012
)
For a psychopath, murder is addictive.
With every remorseful drop of blood spilled, the violent whispers in her head are silenced, but to Adelaide Banvard’s disappointment, only for a short amount of time. Used as an assassin, the schizophrenic monster inside her head grows stronger the longer Christian Wren, the man who hired her, takes advantage of her demons. Knowing this life will have her behind bars or six feet under, Adelaide wants out by any means necessary in order to save her sanity and her life.
For a federal agent, revenge is even sweeter.
ATF Agent Marcus Grant has declared war on Wren after the death of a fellow agent and forces his way into the weapon manufacturer’s entourage to seek his revenge as an undercover bodyguard. Fully aware that men like Wren never risk getting their hands dirty, Marcus sets his sights on the first woman who has captivated him in a long time, Wren’s personal bodyguard, Adelaide Banvard.
Adelaide realizes the man who can put her behind bars for life is the opportunity she needs to overcome her bloodthirsty desires, but can a mute psychopath convince Marcus she’s not the killer he’s after?
Excerpt:
Her arms shook with the weight of her body as she pushed herself from the bed and padded lightly toward the bedroom door. Keeping her eyes on Marcus’ form, she slowly opened it, hoping the hinges had been greased enough to let her free without incident. He would try to stop her and she couldn’t let him. Clarity, unlike anything she’d experienced before, pounded at her temples, urged her to take action. Not even her delusion needed to manipulate her further. She’d made her decision more than ten years ago.
She eased the door closed behind her, careful with every movement she made toward the stairs. The hardwood floor creaked under her weight, but she kept moving. The farther she could distance herself from him, the better chance she had of escape.
Silence.
Do you honestly believe he could stop us now? the monster asked. I’m growing stronger. Soon, nobody will be able to stop me. It stared directly into Adelaide’s eyes, willing its message to be heard clearly. Including you.
She couldn’t respond, only hoped she had enough strength to live through what she had planned for tonight.
Time to hunt.
Purchase Links:
Autographed Books
Blurb for White Trash Beautiful (April 13, 2012 from
Evernight)
Trey Aston is hiding from the mob.
Desperate to save life, she sells her body in order to make the monthly payments her father owes the mob, but when Trey discovers he hasn’t been making the payments, she’s forced to turn to the one man she hoped never to see again for help.
Deputy Luke Johnson refuses to acknowledge his high school sweetheart is a prostitute and is determined to make Trey see it for herself. Until she starts treating him as a client. His ability to know right from wrong is challenged and he isn’t the only one who’s noticed. The force doesn’t have his back where Trey is concerned, leaving him to fight against them for a criminal.
The Camino Family is out to make her pay, but what really has Trey on edge is the fact that she’s fallen for the deputy who wants her behind bars.
Excerpt:
Rough hands ripped Trey Aston from the car. She laced her hands behind her head as she’d been instructed with indifference. She’d been through all of this before. There were no surprises left for tonight. “Hi, Tucker,” she said with a smile.
Officer Tucker smiled back, but left her for his partner to question. In clipped tones, he ordered her john to get out of the driver’s seat.
“We weren’t doing anything!” her client shouted, but wouldn’t move without zipping up his pants first.
Big mistake.
He didn’t have a chance to move before one of Parkvista’s finest threw him face down onto the pavement. Tucker had the cuffs around her john’s wrists before the man could even get his breath back.
She barely gave him a glance as the red and blue lights crossed her vision, their movement almost hypnotic. She should have been more careful, should have known the gas station wasn’t a good place to take care of business. Wisps of frigid North Dakota air swept under her ragged, black, leather skirt and under the wife beater tank top. A shiver ran down her spine. It sure as hell hadn’t been the snow that brought her back. The whiskey did nothing to keep her warm.
“Trey, what the hell are you doing here?” Tucker’s partner asked. In a town occupied by less than two thousand citizens, everyone’s voice sounded familiar, but this one had a history of sending heat straight between her legs.
Trey tried to keep her breathing even as Officer Luke Johnson confronted her. Every memory of him flashed across her mind when he settled in front of her, and the officer’s uniform only made it worse. She’d ripped those buttons off countless times during their days together, ran her hands over each abdominal muscle. Now, it seemed she’d never have that chance again. Cops and prostitutes didn’t exactly make perfect couples.
She couldn’t answer save for a curse that escaped her lips. He knew exactly what she’d been doing. Her hair most likely told the whole story along with the fact that her skirt had hiked itself up around her waist. Heat began to rise up her neck in frustration. She’d worked hard to avoid him. Now, however, she had nowhere to run. Trey’s heartbeat sped, her eyes darting left and right for a way out.
“Where are your condoms?”
Available at:
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/white-trash-beautiful-by-nichole-severn/
Nichole is offering a free copy of White Trash Beautiful to one lucky commenter. Hurry to get your name in the draw! Winner will be announced tomorrow, April 18th!
April 15, 2012
Blog Tour Winners!!!
Sorry for the delay folks. I know I promised to post these by the 10th, but I’ve been bogged down with edits, accounting, income taxes, and life in general. So here are the winners:
My blog…Tammy Ramey
London’s…Adonis
Shannan’s…Joanne B
Ju’s…Dawne
Alyssa’s…Tasha Turner
Tory’s…bn100
Thank you all for participating. I’m busy writing the next book in the Thunder Creek Ranch series, Cameron’s Quest. Hope to see you again with my next release.
Until then, happy reading!
