Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 198

Interview with Michel Vaillancourt

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi there!  Thanks for having me, as it were.  I'm 42 years old, tall, dark hair, blue eyes, "clearly Libra" at times, married to a wonderful friend and bright light in my world.  I'm into almost anything, music-wise.  I've been a sucker for romance since I first noticed girls, and my first book just hit the virtual shelves.  I get a kick out of medieval and steampunk costumes.
Tell us a bit about your book.
Its a steampunk-themed airship pirate adventure romance set in the spring and summer of 1888.  The hero of the story is a fellow named Hans Sauder.  He's on his way to University in Stockholm when the passenger ship he's on gets captured by pirates.  The heroine, Annika Nadezhda, is in charge of the pirate boarding party and knocks him out.Things get complicated for them after that.  They wind up all over Europe and into Egypt leaving a trail of pillaged merchant ships behind them.  Hans figures out how to be a pirate against his will, and Annika tries to figure out why the heck he's not making hay, as it were.Things get deadly for them and the rest of the crew when they undertake a dangerous mission into the skies of the Russian Empire.
Is this part of a series?
Yes.  First book.  I'm well into writing Book 2, tentatively titled "The Sauder Diaries – A Bloodier Rose"
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?
Writing a pair of strong, independent, sexy female lead characters.  I have a lot of women as friends, but I ultimately am a guy writing a female character.  To make it a bit more difficult, the setting is the height of the Victorian Era, which makes it even more of a challenge to make these ladies compelling and believable.
What was your favorite part?
There is a scene where Hans and Annika finally actually -talk- to each other alone about what she thinks is going on with him, and what he thinks is going on with his life as a pirate, and they both find out they're both way off base.  After that, it would be the skinny-dipping scene at the lake near Brussels.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess (Make up your own fun scale here)
With 1 as "Re-freezes The Arctic" and "11" as "Melts Greenland Instantly", its probably a 5-ish.  The heroine spends a lot of her time frustrated with the hero.
Who is your favorite romance author?
I have two.  Danielle Steele, and Anne McCaffrey.Yeah, I can hear you saying "but Anne McCaffrey wrote fantasy/ fiction".  You're right, she did.  However, every story of hers I've personally ever read had a strong female character with a very clear romantic liaison.  They were stories where neither the man or the woman were involved from a position of weakness, but rather emerging as equals that had plenty to offer each other in a way that raised the two of them up.  I enjoy that in a romance.  Call me old school.
What is your favorite romance book or series?
Currently it is Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Seize the Night".  Yeah, you're right, that's about as far from Steele, and McCaffrey as you can get.  Call me complicated.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*
I think you just stumped me.  Yeah, you know, I can't think of a character from a book that comes to mind as a favorite.  Sorry.From a movie ... hmmm.  -Maybe- Yelena from "xXx";  I loved her look, loved her moxy, loved her wit.  A good start would be a dance club in the Czech Republic with Orbital playing live.
Boxers or Briefs?
That depends on the setting, the lady and the clothes.  My vanity sometimes out weighs my desire for comfort, as demonstrated by the earring, shoulder-length hair and tattoo.
What is next for you?
Finish Book 2 of "The Sauder Diaries"...  after that, I've gotten a couple of fan requests to "get to watch Arrietta", the Chief Engineer, in what ever it is she was doing when she was "off camera" playing James Bond.  That will likely be a set of three short stories.
What were your first impressions of each other?              Hans Sauder -            "She is an officer, and this has all the makings of a huge mistake written ALL over it."Annika Nadezhda -            "... well, damn.  I wonder if I can keep him?"
What are your favorite parts about each other?               Hans Sauder -            "Her fire.  That little Russian witch won't give up when she decides there is something she wants to do or have.  The rest of the world is just going to get out of her way."Annika Nadezhda -            "Beyond how he looks with his shirt off, in a pair of cotton pants?  His mind;  between his smarts, his education, and his dedication to his ideals, he's got everything it takes to be a legend in this life of ours."
What's next for you?
             Hans Sauder -            "That is a complicated question.  After that little to-do with my brother, it is clear that yet again what I thought I knew was wrong.  I think I will spend some time learning more about myself and my place in the world.  I am hoping that includes Annika."      Annika Nadezhda -            "I am in charge of more than fifty of the most infamous and feared Gunner-Marines in piratedom.  I got where I am by blood, sweat and tears.  I earned it.  I am staying right where I am, sword and pistol in hand.  If Hans decides to be part of that, I would be a very happy woman.  If not...  well, that would not make me happy, but it is his loss."

Excerpt:



They rented a self-propelled carriage and left the city together.  They had taken a few minutes to impinge upon Chief Bridges' good nature by making off with a few things out of the galley.  On the way, Hans drove and Annika directed.  Yet again, she knew of a secluded spot outside the city's limits where they could go and do as they pleased with little risk of seeing anyone else.The sun was bright, and the sky was clear save for the odd white cotton-ball cloud.  It felt very good to both of them to be sitting side by side on the bench seat, motoring along through the tree-branch tunnel that was the country road they were on.  After about twenty minutes of distance along the lane, Annika pointed out a turn off that led them for a few minutes more until they reached an ages-old cherry grove sitting beside a meadow. A beautiful pond that fed a babbling brook that made its way out of sight through the meadow.Hans looked around and then shook his head in amazement.  "How is it," he asked incredulously, "that you manage to find out about these places?"She smiled at him.  "I have my sources," she said with a laugh."Do tell.  Picnic first?"She nodded at him and together they took the basket, wine bottle and two fire blankets down to the shaded area of the trees, but still with a clear view of the water.  Sandwiches, cheese and wine composed the menu.They re-corked the bottle at half, Annika commenting that until she was sure he could shoot straight sober, there was no way he was firing the Lemat half drunk.  They both had a good laugh at the mutual mental image that sprang to mind.  They talked for a brief while, stretched out on the blanket together, enjoying the warm breeze and sun.  The breeze was rich with the smells of meadow, grove, and pond while the air was alive with the sounds of early summer in the country.  Their lips met and their hands sought each other.  After a few fiery moments, Annika pulled back.She was sitting astride his hips, still fully clothed, less her corset which had been tossed aside a few moments earlier.  She bit her bottom lip in concentration before she spoke.  "I cannot believe I am about to say this," she said through gritted teeth.  "Be sure this is what you want, because in a few more minutes you are going to have me so wound up I will not be happy if you change your mind."

About Michel:
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In brief about me, I am forty-two years old, currently living in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.  My day job is CEO & Alpha-Geek for a video conference hosting company.  I'm married, I have a son and I have been reading and writing for most of my life.  I have been involved in Steampunk for two years and a fan of adventure stories since I was twelve.


You can find out more about me at http://about.me/michel.vaillancourt


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The Sauder Diaries take place in an alternate-history Earth, in the year 1888.  The Crimean War ended as a stalemate with a ceasefire being signed in Paris, not a surrender.  Europe is divided along the Allied and Russian Imperial borders by the Scorchlands, and by the pop-culture of the times, large sections of "civilized Europe" cannot be traveled due to bandits, renegade armies, and rogue mad science experiments.


It is against this backdrop that the story of Hans Sauder is told.  Hans is the son of a German industrialist, on his way to University to study engineering and airship systems design. En route his passenger airship is attacked by an infamous pirate crew, the legendary Bloody Rose.  Hans is taken prisoner and given the choice of joining the crew as an engineer, or taking his chances with parachuting into the wilds of Europe.


Thus begins the "diaries", detailing his travels — the reader is first treated to Hans' impressions of events and then gets to see what really happened.


Hans and his new crew-mates are hunted by the airship navies of Allied Europe, chased into hiding in Egypt, board merchant ships over Germany, and visit hidden black market trade centers.  Things really get rough when they are hired to undertake a dangerous mission in the skies of the Russian Empire.


As the story unfolds, Hans' new life is further complicated by the romantic advances of the leader of the ship's gunner-marines, a ruthless and no-nonsense woman with a chip on her shoulder.  As well, Hans is perpetually dogged by a deep conflict between his sense of morals and duty to his family, and the challenges and adventure of this new life he has discovered.


The Community Fan Page for "The Sauder Diaries: By Any Other Name" can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/the.sauder.d...


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Blog Page  ... http://michelrvaillancourt.com/  Book Page  ... http://michelrvaillancourt.com/about-... Diaries Community Page ... https://www.facebook.com/the.sauder.d... ID  ... MichelV69KindleGraph Signatures  ... http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/Mi... Amazon Author Page ... http://www.amazon.com/Michel-R.-Vaill...
And only lucky person will win a copy of Michel's book "The Sauder Diaries - By Any Other Name". Be sure to leave your email address as well!

A Taste for a Mate: Six Sentence Sunday - #23

A Taste for a Mate . It will be out Feb 6th! Whoot!


"If you want to explain to a group of hungry wolves where their food went, go for it. But I'm not Little Red Riding Hood on the way to grandmother's house and I will not ask 'What big teeth you have' and give you my food."  Standing next to her, Jasper kissed the top of her head and held her close. "You know it's not food I want, my Willow," he murmured in her ear, sending goose bumps down her arms.            "You know we don't have time for that."                  "That's not what you said this morning when you took me in hand to teach me a lesson about laundry." 


Thanks for coming and be sure to check out the other sixers here!

Book Spotlight: Reclaimed by Diane Alberts

Reclaimed by Diane Alberts



After moving to England, Sabrina tumbles into an unknown world when she meets the man of her dreams, literally. As a writer, her overactive imagination makes her believe the impossible, but recovering from shock, she wonders how Isaac could appear in her nightmares—when she's never met him in real life. Until now.
The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn.
While embarking on a dangerous and passionate affair, a bitter enemy appears from Isaac's past that will stop at nothing to remove Sabrina from his arms. Permanently. In order to establish a foreseeable and solid future, she must first deal with tumultuous occurrences. Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed, Sabrina fights for her newfound love…and her life.




Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, and a bird. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. She has been writing since she was in elementary school, but only recently fulfilled her dreams of being published in 2011. Enjoys dyeing yarn and knitting in her "spare" time.


Website / Facebook / Twitter Excerpt:A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina's house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin."Well, I had a lovely evening." He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes."Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or…." She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.God, she sounded like such an idiot.Nightcap?Who the heck said nightcap anymore?"While I'd love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?""No, not too soon at all. I'd love to see you tomorrow."She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. "You can call me,and we'll firm up a time. Good night."She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch."I didn't think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong." When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She'd somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

Its a St. Patricks's Day BlogHop Sign Up

Happy New Year everyone!

I know - March seems so far away, but I want to make sure we get organized! It actually does take that long LOL. Our New Year Hop went so well I was shocked! And now I want to get us going with a hop in March. There are tons of hops in Feb - I'm going to a few - but I want to get us going on something a little more green LOL.

What is a Blog Hop?

Well, on March 16th, by 5AM EST, the authors and reviewers involved will post a blog on what they do on St. Patrick's Day - or why they wear green.

Each author gives away something - like a book, gift card, swag or other goodies.

And if we raise enough money through donations, we can give away a grand prize like we did before with the Kindle and Amazon GC.

On their post they can promote the books they just released - because come on, that's the point right? LOL They also will have the blog graphic I made. If you sign up - you can steal this pic and put it on your website and link it to this post so others will sign up. I will also be mailing everything to y'all as well.

At the end of your post you'll put in the linky code that I will send out in emails. This code will give everyone's site and make it easy to hop.

So come on up and sign up for the St. Patrick's Day Blog Hop. At some point I will start sending out an email with more info and asking if we want a grand prize. I think grand prizes are amazing and bring in TONS of readers.

But come on and sign up - its a blast and totally worth it! Thanks so much for making the last hop amazing and I hope this one is "hopping" LOL!!! Tell your friends - the more the merrier!

Interview with Kate Davies

I have author Kate Davis on the blog today! And she's giving away a copy of her book, Take a Chance on Me to a luck person who comments with their email address from now until Saturday!
Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.·        Thanks for having me! And a little about me? Let's see … I write contemporary romance, and have just hit double digits with my tenth release, Take A Chance On Me. I like chocolate, technology, red wine, twitter, fangirling over actors both foreign and domestic, my husband, my kids, Disney theme parks, and reading. Not necessarily in that order.
Tell us a bit about your book.·         Take A Chance On Me is a sexy contemporary romance, set in a little town near Seattle, Washington. Tom Cameron is a former cop-turned-school-security guard who finds his professional and personal lives turned upside down when Jessica Martin takes a long term sub position in his building.
Is this part of a series?·         No, it's a stand-alone book. For now! J
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?·         Writing it was easy – it was the rewriting that was the challenge!
What was your favorite part?·         The make out scene on the ferry boat. Public displays of affection on mass transit – rowr!
Rate your story in terms of steaminess ·         I'd give this book a three-chili-pepper rating on the spice-o-meter.
Who is your favorite romance author?·         Oh, good Lord, only one? That's like asking me my favorite child! I love JoAnn Ross, Suzanne Brockmann, Lucy Monroe, all of my fellow Naughty Nines… the list goes on and on!
What is your favorite romance book or series?·         Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*·         I adore Sam from the aforementioned Troubleshooters series. I'd probably get all dolled up for dinner out, then we'd end up under sniper fire or something and he'd have to rescue me. And of course after the danger had passed, we'd have all that built up adrenaline running through our veins… *fans self*
Boxers or Briefs?·         Boxer-briefs. ;)
What is next for you?·         I've got a few works-in-progress that are moving along, and a couple of projects awaiting editorial decisions. Hoping to have more news soon!


What were your first impressions of each other?
·         Tom – I thought she was a student. Little embarrassing discovering she was the new long-term sub – AFTER marching her down to my office for a detention slip.·         Jessica – (rolls eyes) Yeah, I look young. But not THAT young. And I thought Tom was cute but totally uptight. Not my type at all.
What are your favorite parts about each other?
·         Tom – Her enthusiasm and unfailing positive attitude.·         Jessica – His dedication to kids and making the world a better place. Oh, and his ass. (shrugs) What? It's really nice.
What's next for you?
·         Tom – keep working with kids. ·         Jessica – teaching!
BLURBAccept no substitute…for love.  The Lady Doth Protest Too Much
Jessica Martin is determined to earn a permanent teaching position at Summit High School. That means hard work, dedication, and even volunteering extra time to direct the school's Shakespeare play. Which leaves no room for romance—especially with a co-worker. She didn't factor in the school's sexy security officer and the delicious fantasies he inspires.
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Former cop Tom Cameron likes his job. Or he did, until the new substitute busted his orderly life right open. Now, he can't seem to avoid her—deserted hallways, empty theaters, classrooms after dark—but he's got too many skeletons in his closet to risk his heart again. Asking her out to distract her from the play's, well, drama is a friendly gesture. Nothing more.
The Course Of True Love Never Did Run Smooth
Their chemistry could melt down the science lab, and before long they're burning up the sheets off-campus. And uncovering raw emotions—a stark reminder that love isn't in their curricula. When a troubled student goes over the edge, though, the need to stop a tragedy brings them right back where they started—face to face with fate.
Warning: This book contains sexy encounters in classrooms, inappropriate use of school facilities, backstage shenanigans, and illicit activities on a ferryboat.
EXCERPT"This is totally amazing!"

Tom smiled as he watched Jessica lean against the thick green railing, a chill wind rushing through her tousled red-brown hair. She spread her arms wide, bracing herself against the railing of the small deck overlooking the front of the ferry.
Below, white-capped waves crashed against the edge of the car deck, leaving puddles on the walkways and riming the safety ropes with salt.

She turned around, laughing with delight. "You were absolutely right. This is exactly what I needed."

He flashed a cocky smile. "Told you so."

"I think it's what we both needed," she said. "It's wonderful to set the stress and pressure aside for a few hours."

"Glad you enjoyed it." Tom squinted into the distance. "We're about fifteen minutes from docking."

Jessica sighed. "Then back to reality. Thanks again, Tom."

"You still have a couple of minutes. Sure you don't want to do the whole Titanic thing? I promise I won't let you fall off the front of the boat."

Jessica rolled her eyes at him. "I'm feeling better, but I'm not exactly king-of-the-world material. And I don't think there are any icebergs in Puget Sound."

Tom nodded. "It's cold, but it's not that cold." He reached out and pulled her coat collar closer together, tucking the fringes of her scarf around her neck to block out the wind.

She stilled, her eyes darkening as she stared at him. Tom's grip tightened on her coat, his fingers clutching the fabric. Slowly, deliberately, he lowered his head to hers.

Their previous kisses had been spontaneous combustion. This one was a steamy, languid dip in the Olympic Hot Springs. He tasted her lips slowly, placing soft nibbling kisses from corner to corner. Angling his head, he pressed his mouth against hers and swept his tongue across her lower lip.

Her mouth opened on a sigh and he moved forward, noting with pleasure the exact point where the chill of the outdoor air gave way to the heat of Jessica's mouth. His ears tingled and his cheeks were close to numb from the winter wind howling across the small ferry deck. But inside, he would swear he was running one hell of a fever.

She was close, so close, but with all the layers of clothing between them she might as well have been against the opposite rail. Tom groaned, gripping her lapel as he continued the kiss, his overactive imagination helpfully supplying a reminder of the sweet curves buried under all that winter wool. Thank God he was bundled up just as tightly, or she would be getting a very clear picture of how much he was enjoying this repeat performance.

Suddenly, the ferry gave a pitching roll, shuddering as it lifted above the waves and heaved down again. They stumbled apart, both clinging tightly to the other's coat and breathing heavily.

Through sheer force of will, Tom unclenched his fingers and released Jessica's now-wrinkled charcoal gray winter coat. He ran a hand through his wind-tossed hair, sucking in a deep breath. The air was thick with exhaust from the ferry engines, combined with the tang of salt spray and impending rain. And overlaying it all was the crisp citrus scent of Jessica.

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his chest. He watched as a shuddering sigh traveled the length of her spine. Even through his winter layers he could feel the heat of her breath as it puffed against his solar plexus. A shiver wrapped around his midsection.

She mumbled something into his coat, but the combination of rushing wind and rumbling ferry engines drowned out any chance of hearing it. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, leading her back toward the relative warmth and bright lights of the main cabin.

But before they could go inside, she grabbed the lapel of his coat and dragged him past the doorway into the darkened alcove under the stairs to the upper deck.

"What are you—?" His statement was cut off when she wrapped one hand around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss.

She began talking between kisses, her words almost lost in the feverish embrace. "I. Don't. Want. To. Stop."

AUTHOR BIOFrom food to fiction, Kate likes things spicy. Her award-winning, sexy contemporary romances are available in both e-format and print. When she isn't writing about strong, passionate men and women finding their happily-ever-afters, she spends her time playing with the kids and hanging with her hero husband. (How's that for alliteration?) You can find her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kate_davies, on Facebook at Kate Davies Romance, on her blog at www.kate-davies.blogspot.com, or at her website at www.kate-davies.com. Amazon
Samhain (best price!)
Barnes and Noble
And she's giving away a copy of her book, Take a Chance on Me to a luck person who comments with their email address from now until Saturday!

New Year BlogHop!!! GrandPrize - a Kindle Fire!!!

Happy New Year everyone!


Tell me, what's your favorite or most memorable new year's memory? For those of you who do and leave your email address, you'll be entered to win a $10 Amazon GC from my site. Also you will be entered to win one of the Grand Prizes. A KINDLE FIRE to one winner and an $80 Amazon GC to a second winner !!!



Today we're doing an amazing blog hop to celebrate the new year. But what makes the new year special to me? Well, its the fact that I usually stay at home with my hubby and hang out and do nothing. I love that. We spend time together.

But one of the memories that sticks with me is when we reached the new millennium. I was 13 and living with my folks in the Azores, the islands of the coast of Portugal on an Air Force Base. Because of the whole Y2K (remember that? LOL) thing the base was worried about a few things. So my father was ordered to stay at base readiness to help sound the alarm for casualties. Odd I know. I didn't know what it meant at the time, but Dad said that he wanted us with him.

Now the base on the island was pretty small, so some of the builidings had two purposes. So base rediness was also - ready for it - the morgue. O_o Yep. I spent my new year in a morgue, that my father swears to this day was empty, welcoming in the new millenium.

Tell me, what's your favorite or most memorable new year's memory? For those of you who do and leave your email address, you'll be entered to win a $10 Amazon GC from my site. Also you will be entered to win one of the Grand Prizes. A KINDLE FIRE to one winner and an $80 Amazon GC to a second winner !!!







The contest ends at midnight so be sure to enter and try and win!!! Be sure to follow the links to the other 65 authors. They are also giving away things and with each entry on their site, you are entered one more time for the two grand prizes!!! Good luck!

You can find An Alpha's Path at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

An Alpha's Path :

Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she's to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she's to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie's analytical mind goes into overdrive.

Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?

Story within a Story with Lisa Mondello

The Story Behind The Knight and Maggie's Baby by Lisa Mondello
I want to thank Carrie Ann for having me on the blog today and for letting you all into my world of ideas.  Yes, ideas come from everywhere and sometimes it's scary to think of how a book actually got started.  I'm writing a screenplay right now that was inspired by Romantic Times reviews and music piped into a restaurant bathroom.  But that story is for another blog post… Today I'm going to give you the story behind the story for The Knight and Maggie's Baby, book 3 in my Fate with a Helping Hand series.
Most people who know me know that I'm a huge Elton John fan.  This goes way back to when I was 10 and bought my first 45, Bennie and the Jets/Harmony.  I wore out that 45 and all my early vinyl Elton John records.  I've also ruined the chances of my kids ever being fans because they had to endure endless hours of listening to all my Elton John albums throughout their growing years.  Where other nice mommies play Barney and The Magic School Bus music in the car, I played Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Songs from the West Coast and everything in between.  Yes, I could have chosen The Lion King soundtrack.  But we watched the movie every day in the house and already had that covered.  So, now that I've established my obsession with Elton John, you'll know where I'm coming from when I explain the inspiration for The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
I should mention that even though The Knight and Maggie's Baby is a new release, published in September 2011, it was written in 2000.  Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his service to music and his charitable services.  Most people know the huge and amazing contribution Elton John has made to the music industry.  Not everyone is aware of his dedication to his charity, Elton John Aids Foundation, a charity devoted to bringing Aids awareness and relief to people suffering from HIV and Aids.
Okay, so Lisa, how does this relate to The Knight and Maggie's Baby?
Jonah Wallace, the hero in The Knight and Maggie's Baby, has everything a man could ever want and has the money to get anything he doesn't have.  Except the love he never had as a child growing up.  Driven by a need to help provide a safe home for runaways and trouble kids, Jonah, a man who "has more money than the Queen" dedicates his life to the Haven House Foundation and is knighted for his good work.  (You're already seeing where this came from, right?  Sometimes my interests don't stray far.) In order for him to inherit his fortune, his grandfather insists he needs to take a wife for 1 year. Driven to desperation and under time pressure, he marries a pregnant coffee shop owner after she helps him out of a jam when his hired bride-to-be walks out on him the day of their wedding. The love she gives, and his love for her and her baby, will change his life in ways he can't even imagine.
I loved writing this story.  I laughed and cried throughout.  And I love the 3 generations of women that I introduce as such an integral part of Maggie's life, her mom, her grandmother and her baby girl.
I took inspiration for the coffee shop location and the 3 story tenement house that Maggie grew up in from the apartment I had in Allston many years ago and the area where the Boston rock band I used to manage in the 80s used to play gigs.  In fact, having lived in Massachusetts my whole life, all the stories in the Fate with a Helping Hand series were set in places where I've lived and spent a great deal of time.
So that's the inspiration behind The Knight and Maggie's Baby.  Contrary to what my kids may say, I listen to more than just Elton John music.  In fact, Florence and the Machine is blasting through my headphones as I type.  (Don't you just love Florence?)  But I definitely have a major soft spot for Elton!
The Knight and Maggie's Baby is Book 3 in my Fate with a Helping Hand series.  Book 1 is All I Want for Christmas is You.  Book 2 is The Marriage Contract.  I will be giving away a copy of any of those books to one lucky commenter today. So don't be shy.  I love hearing from readers!
Lisa
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Excerpt from The Knight and Maggie's Baby
"Don't you think you're rushing things just a tad?" She lifted her hand and pinched her index finger and thumb together for emphasis.

"I'll admit my proposal is a bit abrupt," he stammered.

"A bit?"

"We've only known each other--"

"Forty-five minutes tops," she blurted out. "Are you out of your mind?"

Her tone was incredulous. And he really didn't blame Maggie if she thought he was nuts. He felt nuts. Desperate, too. But he found himself defending his proposal.

"Quite possibly. But you see, that's exactly my point. I have a bit of a time-crunch here, and it seems as though--"

Maggie folded her arms across her chest. "How silly of me.  Here I thought you were sweeping me off my feet."

He shook his head with a chuckle. "I do sound mad, don't I?"

"Recognition is the first step toward recovery."

Something rumbled up from deep inside him. Jonah laughed at himself, this disastrous day, and the absurd situation he'd been forced into by his grandfather. It felt good to laugh. That in itself was incredibly surprising, considering he hadn't managed to do much laughing at all since he'd learned of the impending plans for Wiltshire.

He peered at Maggie through moisture filled eyes. She wasn't laughing. But she was incredibly beautiful. Her sapphire eyes sparkled when she teased him. There were small freckles sprinkled across her nose that looked adorable with the sun shining on her creamy skin.

When she looked at him the way she was right now, it didn't seem like such a crazy idea to marry her. At least not for the reasons he was proposing. He hadn't given it a second thought. And yet, now he realized just how ridiculous he looked from her eyes.

"I'm not making a pass at you. Truly, I'm not."

"You just asked me to marry you."

"I'm asking for your help."

"Again?"

His lips tilted up to one side. "Again."

Maggie took two steps down the stairs until they were both standing at eye level. "Forget the phone call, the nice air conditioned ride in the limo, the coffee, the pie—"

"Which by the way was truly inspiring," he interjected. "If I didn't already tell you that."

"You did. You don't even know me. You're asking a total stranger to marry you."

He shrugged. "I know that. But I know you make me laugh."

"So that's all it takes for a happy marriage? Bet we could make a killing with that book."

"I sound delusional," he said. "Even to my own ears, which is pretty scary."

He was delusional. He'd just asked a woman he didn't even know to marry him! And the fact that he was truly considering it was entirely grandfather's doing.

Balancing Strong Heroines with Strong Heroes

Please welcome Guest Blogger Janine Ashbless.


Janine will be giving away a PDF copy of her previous fantasy/erotic romance novella, "The King's Viper" to one randomly drawn commenter. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.



Balancing Strong Heroines with Strong Heroes:
The female protagonists I write are always strong-willed. They have to be, given what I put them through! Princesses, tree-surgeons, priestesses, retail assistants ... it makes no difference. They never go with the flow. Sometimes this comes out as a blatant disregard for social convention or a wilful determination not to take the easy path through life. Sometimes, despite shyness and self-effacement, it'll come out in a bloody-minded determination to endure anything for the sake of the one she loves. Sometimes my heroines succumb to their own flaws and screw up, and then they take responsibility and rise to the challenge of setting things right again. Some of them are hot tempered and rash. Some are far-sighted and analytical. Some of them are, frankly, not entirely sane.
In Heart of Flame I have two heroines who take parallel journeys. Ahleme – young and cosseted and terribly romantic – is kidnapped by a djinni who really doesn't understand human women but knows he wants this one to be the mother of his sons. He's a being of pure magic and devastating force – how does a helpless young woman put up resistance to that? In this instance, the djinni's overwhelming power has to be balanced by the heroine's wit, resilience and growing emotional wisdom.  
In the meantime Taqla the Sorceress sets out to find the abducted girl. Taqla's the most prickly, defensive heroine I've written. When she was very young her father did something abominable to her mother and she knows she cannot trust men. She lives behind a protective facade – disguising herself as male, because she lives in a world where women have no power; pretending to be ordinary because sorcerers get executed. But she falls in love with handsome merchant-traveller Rafiq, and for his sake (and totally against her better judgment) she joins him in a quest to rescue the abducted Ahleme. Even though she tells herself she can never reveal her true feelings or self, and though he intends to marry the girl. Because Rafiq can't succeed without her.
No wonder she gets herself into a bit of state.
I've noticed that more than one of my heroines loses it, in a moment of emotional turmoil, and physically attacks the hero - who has to be man enough, at this point, to soak it up. Since he's physically stronger, it would not do for him to childishly lose his temper and lash out. Nor can he laugh it off in a fit of 1970s-style condescension – he has to take the heroine's anguish seriously. And to understand what it is she is raging against, which is never just him, but the cruelty and injustice of the world. He has to acknowledge that. In conflict, both let their guard down and learn more about their true feelings and about each other.
So yeah, it's all about balance. But not peaceful balance. More like the balance of two warriors who battle it out until they both realise they are perfectly matched.
xxxJanine Ashbless

Author Bio:

Janine Ashbless is a multi-published author of erotic romance and erotica. Her first book was published in 2000 by Black Lace and she currently writes for Samhain and Ellora's Cave among others. She's always used elements of fantasy, mythology and folklore in her writing, with occasional forays into horror.
Janine loves goatee beards, ancient ruins, minotaurs, trees, mummies, having her cake and eating it, holidaying in countries with really bad public sewerage, and any movie or TV series featuring men in very few clothes beating hell out of each other. She's a roleplaying geek and can still sometimes be found running round in the woods hitting other geeks with a rubber sword. It is unlikely she will grow up anytime soon.
 Janine lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two rescued greyhounds, and is trying hard to overcome her addiction to semicolons.
Links:
Samhain webpage for book:    http://store.samhainpublishing.com/he... www.janineashbless.blogspot.comwebsite: www.janineashbless.comfacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janine-... janine.ashbless@yahoo.com

Book Blurb:

And on the One-Thousand-and-Second night, Scheherazade told this story…  By day, Taqla uses her forbidden sorcery to move freely about the city of Damascus in the guise of an old sage. Her true identity known only by her faithful servant woman, Taqla is content with the comfortable, if restrictive, life that keeps her safe from the control of any man. Until she lays eyes on a handsome merchant-traveler. Suddenly her magical disguise doesn't rest so easily on her shoulders.
When long-time widower, Rafiq, hears that the Amir's beautiful daughter has been kidnapped by a scheming djinni—and that she will be given in marriage to her rescuer—he seeks the help of "Umar the Wise" to ensure he will be that man. Yet as he and the disguised Taqla set off, he senses that his prickly male companion is hiding something.
In a moment of dire peril, all of Taqla's secrets are stripped bare—her fears, her sorcery and, worst of all, her love for Rafiq. Yet the princess's life hangs in the balance, and there is no running away or turning back. Even though passion may yet betray them all...
Warning: Scary monsters and creepy ruins in the desert—check. Pagan gods that demand blood-sacrifices—double check. A handsome hero who looks good in a robe and even better out of it—oh yeah. Check, check and check. That's worth a heroine dropping a veil or two.
Excerpt: 
"What manner of painting?" the Amir asked."Ah," said the artist. "The boast of this scroll is that upon it are depicted all the most beautiful things that exist in the world, without exception.""Then it must include the Great Mosque here in Dimashq," said Jamil with a little smile, "and my own daughter.""So it must." The artist lifted the scroll over his head and let it unfurl all the way to his feet. "Vizier?" The Amir was too dignified a person to get up and squint at a picture himself, so his highest official did the honors for him. He bent and peered at the middle ground, his brows furrowed."Where do you start? There is so much detail—cities, bridges, people. Oh—there! Yes, there it is!" He pointed at the scroll. "It's the Great Mosque of Al-Walid! I see the minarets and the shrine of the head of John the Baptist! Such detail! You can even see the mosaics on the inner walls!" His expression of pleasure warped. "That isn't possible. You could not paint such fine detail. And the trees there, the water—they're moving!""The picture is magical," said the artist, as if the vizier were a simpleton. "Is it safe?" Jamil asked, frowning."It is only a picture, oh father of wisdom. Do you not wish to see if your daughter is depicted among the most beautiful things in the world?"Jamil's frown deepened."I will," Ahleme said quickly. She itched to see the marvelous painting, and that it might include her made it irresistible.  She sprang to her feet.
Janine will be giving away a PDF copy of her previous fantasy/erotic romance novella, "The King's Viper" to one randomly drawn commenter. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.

Six Sentence Sunday - #23

Happy New Year All!

From my WIP, book 3 in the Redwood Pack Series, Trinity Bound. Book 1 in the series, An Alpha's Path , is now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.


Trinity Bound is my first m/m/f and not my last. Enjoy!





Reed finally made it to them and placed his hand on her cheek and the other on Josh's shoulder. With her arm still on Josh's, the three of them gasped. A spark of electricity, magic or just connection flowed through them.Reed lowered his hands while they all looked at each other for answers. What was that? Are they going to talk about it?




Thanks for coming. You can find the other Six Sunday folk by clicking the Logo!




And don't forget on Jan 4th - Wednesday - I'm hosting a New Year Blog Hop! We're giving away a Kindle Fire AND a $80 Amazon GC. Plus over 65 Authors each giving away MORE prizes! Whoot!

Updates, Excerpts and New Titles

Hi All!

I'm in edit and plotting mode, working on A Taste for a Mate and Trinity Bound at the same time. Yeah, I know. I'm crazy. I thought I'd give everyone a snippet of A Taste for a Mate. It's still in edits so most likely has typos and bad grammar - but it'll change LOL.


So after I do some edits on A Taste for a Mate, I get to finish the home stretch on Trinity Bound. I'm getting excited about finishing it and scared all the same.


And in case you missed it - here is my brand new website: http://www.carrieannryan.com/. It's been taking up my time as well, but I'm getting back to the writing.


After I get through the draft of Trinity Bound, I'm starting a brand new series, Dante's Circle. Its not part of the Redwood Pack series, but its a paranormal as well.
The first book, Dust of My Wings, will be about Shade and Lily. I won't tell you anything but Shade is - you guessed it - and Angel. *sigh*
As usual, when I make a character in my head, I search for a picture that suits them. These aren't exact and won't be on the cover, but are still hot LOL
Here is Shade. :-) 
Here is Lily. 









After Dust of my Wings, I will be alternating between series. So I'm going back to the Redwood boys and writing book 4. My crit partner and I just came up with a title - Enforcer's Redemption. I won't say anything else about it, other than its Adam's story. Here are their inspirations:
Adam 

and Bay 

Now an Excerpt from A Taste for a Mate, book 2 in the Redwood Pack series. Out in Feb.
Incorporating one's self into a Pack of werewolves should come easy to anyone. Right? A snort escaped Willow before she could stop it. Though she had a leg up on others in meeting new people because of her past, she still was at a loss in some respects. Her parents died in a car crash when she was a little girl. She'd been sleeping in the back seat when a drunk driver hit him head on. Willow could still smell the scent of burned hair and blood. Could still hear the crunch of metal against metal. She could barely remember what they looked like. Jasper help alleviate that. His face was the one that let her sleep at night.But what did she have to give back? Was she even worth it?A 24 year old college dropout, she possessed little options in providing a true help to the Pack. Relegated to a protection detail from outside harm that could befell her while Jasper's keen eye was elsewhere, Willow was learning the art of being a Pack member. Laughter rumbled in her chest at the irony."What's so funny?" Reed, her new brother-in-law, current bodyguard, and Pack artist asked. With a paintbrush in his hand, another brush behind his ear, and numerous splotches of colors from his current project, he looked the typical struggling artisan. Lanky, with the build of a swimmer, his body held power and strength to fight any attack. Though, anyone who faced him might laugh at the red smear on the tip of his nose."Nothing, just thinking. Here, let me get that." She reached for a clean towel behind him before rubbing his nose with it. They both collapsed in laughter as the red merely spread across his face and the towel. "Great job Wil. Before I may have looked like Rudolf, now I look like a clown bent on revenge." Gasping for breath, Willow dampened the cloth with more water, but Reed held her wrist. 
And in case you missed it, the Redwood Pack series started off with An Alpha's Path.  You can find it on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she's to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she's to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie's analytical mind goes into overdrive.Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?