Sage Marlowe's Blog, page 14
July 22, 2013
Release Day Special: Stripped Bare by Susan MacNicol
Hi all,
I'm super-thrilled to host today's guest and her new release. In fact, I'm so thrilled that at the time you read this, I'm probably hiding in a quiet corner to read that book. But before you get to peek at it, here's the interview with the author, the wonderful Susan MacNicol!
The business ones
Please give us a short introduction about yourself
An obsessive, driven, stubborn, pain in the arse, creative, loyal, quirky, humorous individual. The key word being ‘individual’. I don’t like labels. I think everyone should be exactly who they want to be in life -no hiding, no shame and no pressure to be something they’re not. And stuff anyone who thinks otherwise. I think that sums me up admirably.
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write contemporary romance /suspense. Most of my books have an element of intrigue, danger and violence. I started out writing M/F romance with gay characters in them and now find myself totally drawn to writing solely M/M. It’s become a bit of an addiction, caused in no small part by your books, Sage. (I think I own most of them now.) I started reading M/M when I did some research for an erotic crime thriller I’ve written called Born Human. I have a bisexual serial killer in this one and needed to see ‘eh-hem’ how things worked. So what started out as ‘research’ (stop rolling those eyes, everyone, it really did) turned into a real desire to continue reading these books and finally to write my own. (I’ve since been told by a fellow author that if I continue with more of my ‘research ‘online, I might go blind. I’ll chance it.) Ah, research... *nods* No worries, you won't go blind... ~Sage
Tell us about Stripped Bare, which has just released today
Stripped Bare is my first M/M romance. It tells the story of the irrepressible Shane Templar, escort and master hacker, who meets the sexy but brooding and reserved solicitor, Matthew Langer. They’re bought together by a shared event and there is a definite spark. Or flare rather…
It’s what I call ‘techno sexy’, contemporary, set in London, with elements of passion, romance and violence that brings heart break and an awareness that love is not something to be thrown away because sometimes you could lose it forever. It is pretty sexy, someone in the M/M writing game even called it ‘dirty’ and I like that description….
Do you need a special setting to write in or do you have a ceremony to get you in the mood? What does it look like?
I’d like to say I have a bevy of half-naked men parading around bringing me everything my heart desires, from chocolate to wine to a comfy, elasticated pair of jeans to wear when I over indulge. But that would be a lie. Instead I sit on my couch, in the lounge, with my laptop. I have a study but I prefer to work amongst the chaos and frenetic activity of my family – husband, two grown kids, one kid’s boyfriend, and a hyper active dog. If I retired to the study each night when I got home to write, my family would never see me. At least this way I can interact a little, even thought my daughter has a saying ‘don’t poke the bear’ when I’m writing. But I do try and be a little sociable.
Describe your feelings when you learnt that your first book was accepted for publication
I was gob smacked. I honestly submitted Cassandra by Starlight in April last year not really thinking it would get anywhere. I’ve never written a full novel before and have only dabbled at writing until coming up with the inspiration for this one. So when Chris Keeslar, Editor in Chief at Boroughs Publishing Group, emailed me back on my hopeful query as to whether they were considering it, and said ‘Yes’ I was truly astounded. My editor, Jill Limber, then sent me a very politely worded email saying they would take it on, but it needed a lot of ‘work’ on my formatting and I just said ‘I’ll do anything you want.’ Family and I broke out the champagne. I couldn’t announce it on any social networking sites because I didn’t have any then. And just over a year later, here I am.
Has the release of your first book changed anything in your personal life? If so, what?
It’s changed the way I feel about social networking. Before I had something to promote, I pooh-poohed the whole thing, thinking it was a crock of nonsense. Now I think very differently. It’s a gem if used wisely. I’ve come into contact and met some incredible people and done things I would never have dreamed of. Some online buddies have become actual real friends. I’ve been interviewed by local newspapers. I’ve been on a radio show. I’ve done book plate signing at libraries. I sometimes get a free beer in the local pub because the lady owner loves my books. Life is truly good.
Where do you find inspiration?
For my first book it was a random event in my home town that sparked off the idea of a suicide flinging himself off a motorway bridge and injuring a woman in the car travelling underneath. For the rest, I don’t really know. The ideas just come to me. I gnaw at it like a bone then come up with the story and the characters. I’m very random. A book I’ve just submitted to a publisher, called ‘Waiting for Rain’ features pole dancing, farms, haystacks and sheep and my next one will have penguins and Genies in it. I don’t have a bloody clue where it all comes from.
Who is your favourite character and why?
My favourite character has to be Bennett Saville from my debut novel Cassandra by Starlight. He was my first. He was inspired by my personal fan crush, Benedict Cumberbatch, a fact for which I show no shame. Everyone knows I’m crazy about the guy. I wanted a Cumberbatch but he wouldn’t have me, so instead I created my own version so I could do what I like with him. Sorry, I meant to him…Bennett is sarcastic, sexy, intelligent, witty, sophisticated and pretty tough. I just love his wicked sense of humour.
A favourite line from one of your books.
This is from Cassandra by Starlight, the story of Bennett and Cassie.
“Ah. A Chihuahua. Is it true that Chihuahuas love sunbathing?” asked Bennett with genuine interest. “I read about one once that was so fond of the sun it used to have regular sessions booked at a tanning salon.”
Your favourite drink and food when writing – tea, coffee, Coke.
I’m a fan of savoury so a pork pie, sausage roll or packet of crisps is my kind of writing comfort food.
The nosy ones
How much of the real “you” is in your stories?
There is a lot of me in Cassie. She’s modelled on me and some of the experiences that she had, I’ve had. The car accident, the shattered femur, the Wicca, the views she has. There are a couple of others too but I’m not telling. You’ll have to guess.
Who is your least favourite of the characters you’ve written? Why?
It would have to be Bennett’s stalker, Laura Mancini. She was a real crazy bitch, a nasty bit of work and I was glad when she got her come-uppance.
The steamiest scene from your books
The first time Bennett and Cassie make love after their date was fairly hot and then there was the one scene in the theatre when Bennett tricks Cassie into wearing a certain dress he had his eye on. Stripped Bare has some fairly scorching ones too which made me hot writing them.
Favourite comfort food?
Sausage rolls, pies, crisps, pizza. I’ll do anything for them.
A person you admire
They’re all men and they’ve all been victims of sexual abuse. They’ve been courageous in coming forward and telling their stories. So James Landrith, Stephen Hill and Joe Leistman are all good choices. I’m involved with certain groups and causes and fighting for male sexual abuse victims to be heard is one of them. I’m currently co-writing an auto biography with Joe based on his life story. He dictates the material, I transcribe and try and form into a cohesive whole. He was abused for three years by a Scoutmaster when he was thirteen. If you know anything about the Boy Scout Perversion Files scandal in the US, then you’ll have an idea of just how wide spread this was.
If you could ask any person in the world one question of your choice, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I could be all predictable here and say I’d ask Benedict Cumberbatch to come home with me, but perhaps I should choose someone else. Eminem perhaps on how he got where was, as he’s a source of fascination to me, both his music and his life.
I never would've expected you to ask Benedict to... Anyway, let's look at
The fast ones
Favourite colour? Purple
Favourite pet? Polar bear. I want one.
So does my daughter. Maybe you can have shared custody of one... ~S
Dog or cat? Dog
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Quickie or candles? Candles
Hunky or chunky? Hunky. Chunky is for chocolate.
Suit & tie or jeans & boots? Suit and tie, but if it’s just the jeans and boots, and he has a really good torso, I might have difficulty deciding…
Walk in the park or chat over cocktails? Chat over cocktails
Thanks for the interview, Sue. Let's look at your book now! (Well, I have been looking already, but it's time to introduce it to the visitors)
Stripped Bare
Though two years past, Matthew Langer is still getting over the death of a loved one. He's steered clear of serious relationships, but when he meets the irascible, dirty mouthed and tempestuous Shane Templar that decision has never been harder. Shane is sexy, warm and funny, and Matthew finds himself trying like hell not to care about him. Especially when Shane, with his quick wit and hacking skills, is quick to stand up for justice and avenge wrongs. Then Shane strikes at the wrong target, and Matthew realises just how far gone he already is. At the threat of losing for good yet another man who’s broken through his armour, Matthew finds his heart stripped bare. He must face the demons of his soul or a future without love.
Buy link: http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/stripped-bare
More books by Susan: http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/susan-mac-nicol
About the author:
Born in England, then parents left to go and live in Johannesburg, SA when I was eight. I lived there for close on thirty years, got married, had kids then in Dec 2000 we relocated back to England. I live in a county called Essex, just outside London, in a rural area. There's a really beautiful old Norman church across the road, which has very loud bells which chime every hour every night every day of the year....
I work in the beautiful city of Cambridge doing boring 'compliance' stuff, and spend all my time at home writing and networking. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America and Romance Novelists Association in the UK.
Susan's website: www.susanmacnicol.com Blog http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com
I'm super-thrilled to host today's guest and her new release. In fact, I'm so thrilled that at the time you read this, I'm probably hiding in a quiet corner to read that book. But before you get to peek at it, here's the interview with the author, the wonderful Susan MacNicol!
The business ones
Please give us a short introduction about yourself
An obsessive, driven, stubborn, pain in the arse, creative, loyal, quirky, humorous individual. The key word being ‘individual’. I don’t like labels. I think everyone should be exactly who they want to be in life -no hiding, no shame and no pressure to be something they’re not. And stuff anyone who thinks otherwise. I think that sums me up admirably.
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write contemporary romance /suspense. Most of my books have an element of intrigue, danger and violence. I started out writing M/F romance with gay characters in them and now find myself totally drawn to writing solely M/M. It’s become a bit of an addiction, caused in no small part by your books, Sage. (I think I own most of them now.) I started reading M/M when I did some research for an erotic crime thriller I’ve written called Born Human. I have a bisexual serial killer in this one and needed to see ‘eh-hem’ how things worked. So what started out as ‘research’ (stop rolling those eyes, everyone, it really did) turned into a real desire to continue reading these books and finally to write my own. (I’ve since been told by a fellow author that if I continue with more of my ‘research ‘online, I might go blind. I’ll chance it.) Ah, research... *nods* No worries, you won't go blind... ~Sage
Tell us about Stripped Bare, which has just released today
Stripped Bare is my first M/M romance. It tells the story of the irrepressible Shane Templar, escort and master hacker, who meets the sexy but brooding and reserved solicitor, Matthew Langer. They’re bought together by a shared event and there is a definite spark. Or flare rather…
It’s what I call ‘techno sexy’, contemporary, set in London, with elements of passion, romance and violence that brings heart break and an awareness that love is not something to be thrown away because sometimes you could lose it forever. It is pretty sexy, someone in the M/M writing game even called it ‘dirty’ and I like that description….
Do you need a special setting to write in or do you have a ceremony to get you in the mood? What does it look like?
I’d like to say I have a bevy of half-naked men parading around bringing me everything my heart desires, from chocolate to wine to a comfy, elasticated pair of jeans to wear when I over indulge. But that would be a lie. Instead I sit on my couch, in the lounge, with my laptop. I have a study but I prefer to work amongst the chaos and frenetic activity of my family – husband, two grown kids, one kid’s boyfriend, and a hyper active dog. If I retired to the study each night when I got home to write, my family would never see me. At least this way I can interact a little, even thought my daughter has a saying ‘don’t poke the bear’ when I’m writing. But I do try and be a little sociable.
Describe your feelings when you learnt that your first book was accepted for publication
I was gob smacked. I honestly submitted Cassandra by Starlight in April last year not really thinking it would get anywhere. I’ve never written a full novel before and have only dabbled at writing until coming up with the inspiration for this one. So when Chris Keeslar, Editor in Chief at Boroughs Publishing Group, emailed me back on my hopeful query as to whether they were considering it, and said ‘Yes’ I was truly astounded. My editor, Jill Limber, then sent me a very politely worded email saying they would take it on, but it needed a lot of ‘work’ on my formatting and I just said ‘I’ll do anything you want.’ Family and I broke out the champagne. I couldn’t announce it on any social networking sites because I didn’t have any then. And just over a year later, here I am.
Has the release of your first book changed anything in your personal life? If so, what?
It’s changed the way I feel about social networking. Before I had something to promote, I pooh-poohed the whole thing, thinking it was a crock of nonsense. Now I think very differently. It’s a gem if used wisely. I’ve come into contact and met some incredible people and done things I would never have dreamed of. Some online buddies have become actual real friends. I’ve been interviewed by local newspapers. I’ve been on a radio show. I’ve done book plate signing at libraries. I sometimes get a free beer in the local pub because the lady owner loves my books. Life is truly good.
Where do you find inspiration?
For my first book it was a random event in my home town that sparked off the idea of a suicide flinging himself off a motorway bridge and injuring a woman in the car travelling underneath. For the rest, I don’t really know. The ideas just come to me. I gnaw at it like a bone then come up with the story and the characters. I’m very random. A book I’ve just submitted to a publisher, called ‘Waiting for Rain’ features pole dancing, farms, haystacks and sheep and my next one will have penguins and Genies in it. I don’t have a bloody clue where it all comes from.
Who is your favourite character and why?
My favourite character has to be Bennett Saville from my debut novel Cassandra by Starlight. He was my first. He was inspired by my personal fan crush, Benedict Cumberbatch, a fact for which I show no shame. Everyone knows I’m crazy about the guy. I wanted a Cumberbatch but he wouldn’t have me, so instead I created my own version so I could do what I like with him. Sorry, I meant to him…Bennett is sarcastic, sexy, intelligent, witty, sophisticated and pretty tough. I just love his wicked sense of humour.
A favourite line from one of your books.
This is from Cassandra by Starlight, the story of Bennett and Cassie.
“Ah. A Chihuahua. Is it true that Chihuahuas love sunbathing?” asked Bennett with genuine interest. “I read about one once that was so fond of the sun it used to have regular sessions booked at a tanning salon.”
Your favourite drink and food when writing – tea, coffee, Coke.
I’m a fan of savoury so a pork pie, sausage roll or packet of crisps is my kind of writing comfort food.
The nosy ones
How much of the real “you” is in your stories?
There is a lot of me in Cassie. She’s modelled on me and some of the experiences that she had, I’ve had. The car accident, the shattered femur, the Wicca, the views she has. There are a couple of others too but I’m not telling. You’ll have to guess.
Who is your least favourite of the characters you’ve written? Why?
It would have to be Bennett’s stalker, Laura Mancini. She was a real crazy bitch, a nasty bit of work and I was glad when she got her come-uppance.
The steamiest scene from your books
The first time Bennett and Cassie make love after their date was fairly hot and then there was the one scene in the theatre when Bennett tricks Cassie into wearing a certain dress he had his eye on. Stripped Bare has some fairly scorching ones too which made me hot writing them.
Favourite comfort food?
Sausage rolls, pies, crisps, pizza. I’ll do anything for them.
A person you admire
They’re all men and they’ve all been victims of sexual abuse. They’ve been courageous in coming forward and telling their stories. So James Landrith, Stephen Hill and Joe Leistman are all good choices. I’m involved with certain groups and causes and fighting for male sexual abuse victims to be heard is one of them. I’m currently co-writing an auto biography with Joe based on his life story. He dictates the material, I transcribe and try and form into a cohesive whole. He was abused for three years by a Scoutmaster when he was thirteen. If you know anything about the Boy Scout Perversion Files scandal in the US, then you’ll have an idea of just how wide spread this was.
If you could ask any person in the world one question of your choice, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I could be all predictable here and say I’d ask Benedict Cumberbatch to come home with me, but perhaps I should choose someone else. Eminem perhaps on how he got where was, as he’s a source of fascination to me, both his music and his life.
I never would've expected you to ask Benedict to... Anyway, let's look at
The fast ones
Favourite colour? Purple
Favourite pet? Polar bear. I want one.
So does my daughter. Maybe you can have shared custody of one... ~S
Dog or cat? Dog
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Quickie or candles? Candles
Hunky or chunky? Hunky. Chunky is for chocolate.
Suit & tie or jeans & boots? Suit and tie, but if it’s just the jeans and boots, and he has a really good torso, I might have difficulty deciding…
Walk in the park or chat over cocktails? Chat over cocktails
Thanks for the interview, Sue. Let's look at your book now! (Well, I have been looking already, but it's time to introduce it to the visitors)
Stripped Bare
Though two years past, Matthew Langer is still getting over the death of a loved one. He's steered clear of serious relationships, but when he meets the irascible, dirty mouthed and tempestuous Shane Templar that decision has never been harder. Shane is sexy, warm and funny, and Matthew finds himself trying like hell not to care about him. Especially when Shane, with his quick wit and hacking skills, is quick to stand up for justice and avenge wrongs. Then Shane strikes at the wrong target, and Matthew realises just how far gone he already is. At the threat of losing for good yet another man who’s broken through his armour, Matthew finds his heart stripped bare. He must face the demons of his soul or a future without love. Buy link: http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/stripped-bare
More books by Susan: http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/susan-mac-nicol
About the author:
Born in England, then parents left to go and live in Johannesburg, SA when I was eight. I lived there for close on thirty years, got married, had kids then in Dec 2000 we relocated back to England. I live in a county called Essex, just outside London, in a rural area. There's a really beautiful old Norman church across the road, which has very loud bells which chime every hour every night every day of the year....
I work in the beautiful city of Cambridge doing boring 'compliance' stuff, and spend all my time at home writing and networking. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America and Romance Novelists Association in the UK.
Susan's website: www.susanmacnicol.com Blog http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com
July 21, 2013
Sage is Out: Getting Comfy with Elin Gregory
Hi all,
I was out again last week and got so comfy in Elin Gregory's interview chair that I promptly forgot to post the link, so here you go: http://elingregory.wordpress.com/2013...
I was out again last week and got so comfy in Elin Gregory's interview chair that I promptly forgot to post the link, so here you go: http://elingregory.wordpress.com/2013...
July 19, 2013
Release Day: Stockholm Syndrome
Hello my lovelies,
Ah, the glamorous life of an author... Stockholm Syndrome has released today, and guess what I did to celebrate? I spent the day outside in the garden, cutting grass and trees in the blazing sunshine. Now I'm slightly sun burnt, knackered and in desperate need of a shower, but still thrilled that my nineteenth book has finally seen the light of this beautiful summer's day. I hope you love it as much as I do - here it is:
We don’t get to choose who we fall in love with—and sometimes we fall too far…
Daniel Eames is a bodyguard. Usually assigned to protecting politicians, he has fallen out of his boss’s good books after getting too close to his last charge’s son but when rising Hollywood star and Academy Award nominee Bryan McTiernan receives peculiar letters and requires the best possible protection, Dan is put on the job.While he agrees that the letters are more than harmless fan mail, he finds it impossible to narrow down his suspicions and Bryan isn’t helping by alternately seducing and irritating the hell out of him. Against his better judgement, Dan falls for Bryan’s manipulations, but the more he gets to glimpse behind the façade of the young actor, the more he realises that something in Bryan’s past has a strong hold over him. While both Dan and Bryan are aware of this, neither sees the full extent of his fixation.With the help of Gabe, a fellow bodyguard and friend, Dan pursues different theories and even hires a private investigator to learn about Bryan’s well-hidden past. What he discovers has the potential to destroy more than just a promising career and in the end, Bryan has to make a choice—allow for his past fixation to take him hostage again or run away and into Dan’s open arms?
Buy link: Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product....
(Stockholm Syndrome will be available from the distributors (Amazon, B&N, ARe...) on August 16th, but you can get it now at a 10% discount)
Ah, the glamorous life of an author... Stockholm Syndrome has released today, and guess what I did to celebrate? I spent the day outside in the garden, cutting grass and trees in the blazing sunshine. Now I'm slightly sun burnt, knackered and in desperate need of a shower, but still thrilled that my nineteenth book has finally seen the light of this beautiful summer's day. I hope you love it as much as I do - here it is:
We don’t get to choose who we fall in love with—and sometimes we fall too far…
Daniel Eames is a bodyguard. Usually assigned to protecting politicians, he has fallen out of his boss’s good books after getting too close to his last charge’s son but when rising Hollywood star and Academy Award nominee Bryan McTiernan receives peculiar letters and requires the best possible protection, Dan is put on the job.While he agrees that the letters are more than harmless fan mail, he finds it impossible to narrow down his suspicions and Bryan isn’t helping by alternately seducing and irritating the hell out of him. Against his better judgement, Dan falls for Bryan’s manipulations, but the more he gets to glimpse behind the façade of the young actor, the more he realises that something in Bryan’s past has a strong hold over him. While both Dan and Bryan are aware of this, neither sees the full extent of his fixation.With the help of Gabe, a fellow bodyguard and friend, Dan pursues different theories and even hires a private investigator to learn about Bryan’s well-hidden past. What he discovers has the potential to destroy more than just a promising career and in the end, Bryan has to make a choice—allow for his past fixation to take him hostage again or run away and into Dan’s open arms?
Buy link: Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product....
(Stockholm Syndrome will be available from the distributors (Amazon, B&N, ARe...) on August 16th, but you can get it now at a 10% discount)
July 16, 2013
Sage is Out: Spotlight @ Total-E-Bound
Hi all,
I'm under the spotlight at Total-E-Bound for the rest of the month, so come on over and find out some outrageously naughty details! http://www.total-e-bound.com/aspotlig...?
I'm under the spotlight at Total-E-Bound for the rest of the month, so come on over and find out some outrageously naughty details! http://www.total-e-bound.com/aspotlig...?
July 15, 2013
Special Guest: C.A. Szarek
Hi all,
Today's Special Guest C.A. Szarek lives where Yours Truly would love to be - watch out, dear, you might have a house guest sooner than you can say "Transatlantic flight". What do you think? I'm easy to keep and will write stories for food... Ahem, sorry, I got a bit distracted. Welcome, C.A. Please take a seat, make yourself comfortable and have some coffee. Time to start with
The business ones
Please give us a short introduction about yourself
I’m originally from Ohio, but I have been in Texas since 2002. I love it down here. I work with kids at both my non-writing jobs.
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write a little of everything: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and the occasional YA.
I’ve always been into fantasy. Grew up reading the greats, Anne McCaffrey is my fave, and the genre will always be close to my heart.
That being said, I always wanted to be a cop and have been in to “Police stuff.” I never did becoming a police officer, but I have a Law Enforcement background, and I actually work in a court.
I adore paranormal because it’s a mix of both, sorta. *grin*
And YA, well, I work with kids, and sometimes a good story they can read will pop into my head.
Maybe someday day I will be published in all the genres I write.
Tell us about your latest release
Collision Force is near and dear to my heart. It’s my first venture into the world of Romantic Suspense, but it’s sucked me in and I am very happy I will have more stories to tell in this little slice of Texas, a small city called Antioch, that I created.
CF is about Andi and Cole. She’s a detective, he’s FBI and they have to work a case together. They don’t like each other much at the start, so it was fun getting them together. The arrogant hot boys are always the hardest to fall!
Do you need a special setting to write in or do you have a ceremony to get you in the mood? What does it look like?
Not specifically. I mean, I can write anywhere if I have to. My fave place is my recliner, with my laptop. I don’t have a ceremony. Just make sure I write every day.
Describe your feelings when you learnt that your first book was accepted for publication.
Total elation. I had had so many rejections, I almost expected it when I opened emails. I couldn’t believe I actually found someone who WANTED my book. It was great. And it hasn’t changed. Every contact offer is the same! AWESOME!
Where do you find inspiration?
Anywhere really. It could be TV, radio, even talking to friends. Sometimes I’m looking for it, and sometimes it *just happens* That’s fun!
The nosy ones
How much of the real “you” is in your stories?
When you start off writing, I think we, as authors, always put ourselves in our books, even if we don’t mean to. That being said, the heroine of Sword’s Call (King’s Riders Book One), my first book is kinda the cooler version of me.
I suppose there’s a lot of me in Andi, the heroine of Collision Force, too, but I think she’s stronger than me. We have the same dry sense of humour and smartass tendencies, though.
Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Who was it?
LOL! YES! Too many boys to name. But I suppose Butch, one of JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood boys is my fave.
Who is your least favourite of the characters you’ve written? Why?
Luca Marchetti, the villain of the book I just finished is a vile vile creature. That being said, he was super easy to write. I slipped right into his head. Um…that’s scary.
The steamiest scene from your books
Ummm…Welllllll, I can’t show it to you, but I can tell you. It’s a shower sex scene in the book I just finished, Chance Collision (Crossing Forces Book Two) Dayum it’s hot. I am proud of myself for it. I think it’s the best sex I have written to date.
There’s also a VERY hot wall sex scene in Collision Force but I’m not naming the chapter. I don’t want people to skip ahead. Hehehe.
Favourite comfort food?
CHOCOLATE!
The fast ones
Favourite colour? Blue
Favourite pet? My baby boy, lab mix, Tazer.
Dog or cat? Both
Coffee or tea? COFFEEEEEEEEEEE
Quickie or candles? Both
Hunky or chunky? Both
Suit & tie or jeans & boots? Jeans and boots! (I almost said both!)
Walk in the park or chat over cocktails? Walk in the park
Thank you so much for the interview, C.A. Seeing as you work in court I may reconsider crashing at your house... Let's take a look at your book which incidentally has two of my favourite character names in it:
~~~~
Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One)
Bad boy FBI agent and feisty widowed police detective collide pursuing a human trafficker in small town Texas on their way to true love. Bad boy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.
Cole doesn’t do small towns and doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.
Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs is a cocky FBI agent who sees her as no more than a tagalong.
Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.
Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she’d left behind when her husband died. Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.
Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardise their case and their hearts?
Excerpt:
“Goodnight, Cole.” Obviously, she didn’t want to talk to him about anything, let alone his overdue apology.
“So, that’s it? You’re not going to accept my apology?”
“Not tonight. I’m tired, and we have a long day tomorrow.” She turned to go.
“Andi, wait.” Why was he calling her back? He could respect that she was still upset with him—she had every right to be. He’d gone a bit overboard with some of the things he’d said.
Keeping Cass’ phone call from her had been unnecessary from the start. He hadn’t needed to carry it on in the car after they’d left the warehouse. It’d only served to get her so pissed off at him she’d barely uttered a word all day. So much for getting somewhere on the case.
Andi glanced over her shoulder and Cole grabbed her wrist. He yanked her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.
He hadn’t intended to kiss her but as her soft, warm lips caressed his, Cole couldn’t have changed his mind even if he’d wanted to. Her curves hit his chest with enough impact that should have jarred him back into his head, but he was lost and overheated immediately. He wrapped her in a tight embrace and kissed her harder.
She fought him, but his mouth was demanding over hers, and Andi opened for him, melting against him, surrendering to him. She slipped her arms around his neck and Cole bit back a groan. Her taste, sweeter than he’d imagined, was like ripe berries. He needed more.
Andi whimpered against his mouth, her tongue dancing with his. His cock stood at attention, straining against his zipper. He moaned as her body melded to his, breasts to chest, hips to hips. Cole had to have her.
As he walked them back towards the couch, she pushed hard against his chest, breaking the kiss and shoving him away from her. They both panted hard.
“Don’t…don’t ever do that…again,” she stammered, the gorgeous swell of her breasts lifting and pulling her shirt taut as her chest heaved. He could see peaked nipples. His erection throbbed and he struggled for coherent thought.
Cole dragged his gaze to her face. Blue eyes wide, cheeks rosy, freckles noticeable, her lips swollen from his. Though she’d been appealing before, how she stood before him now blew that out of the water. She was gorgeous.
He needed to say something. Anything. Apologise? He wasn’t sorry in the least. Speechless just about covered it.
She trembled and rubbed her arm. It took all he was made of not to pull her back to him and kiss her again.
There was no chance to answer. Andi turned on her heel and fled down the hall, slipping into the room farthest away from the living room. She didn’t even pause to look at him as she slammed the door.
He winced. What the hell should he make of what had happened? He stared down the hallway for a moment, his heart pounding. Never in his life, not even when he was a teenager, had one kiss stirred him to the point that Andi’s had. Then she’d run from him. His body shook with unfulfilled need.
Cole couldn’t blame her, really. No way should he have given in to the urge to kiss her. But he had the sinking suspicion he would have to do it again—and more. He wouldn’t be able not to. And hell, she’d kissed him back.
The voice of reason chided that he didn’t get involved with women he worked with, but his cock certainly disagreed. He ignored them both and dragged his hand over his face. The morning would bring complications.
Cole sighed and glanced at the couch. It looked comfortable, but would he be able to sleep?
~~~~Here's where you can grab a copy: TEB|Amazon|Amazon UK|Amazon CA|Barnes & Noble|ARe|OmniLit
About the author:
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing.
She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.
Sword's Call (King’s Riders Book One) is C.A.'s first book, and published by Gypsy Shadow Publishing. C.A. Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1), published by Total-E-Bound Publishing and was released June 28, 2013.
Where to find C.A.:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarek
Website: www.caszarek.com
Blog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com
Twitter: @caszarek
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815085.C_A_Szarek
Email: ca@caszarek.com
July 11, 2013
Sage is Out: Interview at Female First
Hi all,
While the lovely Ashe Barker has taken over my blog today with the release day special of her book Darkening, I'm out for an interview at Female First - If you've read my bio and wondered about a thing or two, you might just find some answers here: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/fa...
While the lovely Ashe Barker has taken over my blog today with the release day special of her book Darkening, I'm out for an interview at Female First - If you've read my bio and wondered about a thing or two, you might just find some answers here: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/fa...
Release Day Feature: Darkening by Ashe Barker
Hi all,
I'm delighted to host the lovely Ashe Barker today. She's a new member of the Total-E-Bound family, so please give her a warm welcome. Here's her first book, Darkening, which releases today.
Darkeningby Ashe Barker
Who knows where pain ends and pleasure begins?
The chance of a new life out in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors sounds too good to be true to shy musician Eva Byrne. Stifled and smothered within the cocoon of her brilliant academic career, Eva yearns for something different. Something real and exciting. Something she can feel.
Excitement. Passion. Pleasure. She finds that sexy, enigmatic Nathan Darke can provide all these and more when she moves into his home as violin tutor to his young daughter. But Eva’s sensual encounters with her demanding, domineering new employer quickly evoke her deepest fears, as he introduces her to the trauma of submission and marks her with his particularly dark brand of love.
But will Eva’s natural curiosity and thirst for new experiences be enough to withstand the sting of Nathan Darke’s exquisite touch? Will simple surrender be enough as he challenges her every inhibition, taking her on an erotic journey of self-discovery and liberation?
Excerpt
I feel the hard table beneath my shoulder blades as I writhe under his skilled lips, his expert tongue and teeth, desperate for more. And he knows what he is about—he knows what I need and he has more for me. Opening his mouth wider, he takes more of my breast in and sucks hard, first one side then the other. He slides his free hand, palm up, between my shoulders and the table to raise me up, giving him easier access with his mouth, his tongue, his teeth. Gently grazing my now helplessly sensitised nipples with his teeth, he suckles me relentlessly, nipping slightly harder, just enough to hurt, maybe—I’m not sure where pain ends and pleasure begins now. What does it matter, anyway? He can do whatever he wants to me as long as he doesn’t stop.
He is no longer holding my wrists—he has no need to because I’m lying boneless under him, spread across his kitchen table, pleading wordlessly for…for what? More? Less? The ecstatic pleasure tinged with a hint of pain is so intense now that I can only moan, ride the waves of sensation pulsing from my breasts out through my fingers and toes, each wave bigger, heavier, more compelling than the one before until I am writhing with need.
“I can’t. Please, it’s too much…” Is that me? Or someone else whimpering nearby?
“Yes, you can, you are. Don’t fight it, sweetheart, come for me. Now. Come now.” His words—insistent, soft and low, seductive—are breathed into my ear before he returns to my breasts, nibbling and sucking mercilessly, building the tension, increasing the sensations coursing through every part of me, winding me tighter and tighter until I burst, screaming out loud as fireworks explode in my head, my groin, everywhere as the earth shifts beneath me. My inner core clenches violently, the wetness surely flooding across the table. I feel I am falling, floating as the tension is released and I hear myself moan in delighted satisfaction, drifting back down towards reality.
Me, the girl who can’t bear to be touched. Somehow—God only knows how it happened—I have just spent the last ten minutes spread out half naked on Nathan Darke’s kitchen table, his hands and mouth all over me until I totally lost control, and he watched me thrashing about in the throes of my very first orgasm, right in front of him. Christ! How wonderful, how intimate. How unlike me. And he’s achieved all this without so much as a button of his coming undone.
Raising his head to look into my eyes, which I’m sure must be still glazed from the enormity of what has just happened to me, he smiles tenderly, if that’s possible. He drops a light kiss on my lips, then stands and, still holding my gaze, he lifts the hem of my miniskirt to slide his left hand underneath, bracing his right hand flat on the table beside my head as he leans over me, his face inches from mine. He might be intending to kiss me again. Please.
Instead, after tugging down my opaque tights and briefs, he slides his fingers between my dripping folds to touch me, gently parting my lips and running his fingertips around the entrance to my vagina. It never occurs to me to protest. I think I might melt.
“Ah, honey, you are so wet, so ready for me,” he whispers, his eyes never leaving mine as he slips first one finger, then two inside me. I gasp and tilt my hips forward, parting my thighs instinctively to let him in. I can’t believe I’m doing this, that I’m letting him touch me like this.
“I want to fuck you. You know that, don’t you?” I can’t think of any sensible response to that apart from spreading my legs farther, but he apparently, incredibly, wants to talk! “Don’t you?” he repeats, sliding his fingers inside me to stretch and stroke the walls of my vagina. “Answer me, Miss Byrne.”
“Yes,” I manage to whisper, closing my eyes to savour the intense pleasure he is rekindling, the delicious helplessness as my body responds again, more powerfully still, to this even more intense stimulation.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you, Miss Byrne.” His voice is still quiet, but an edge of firmness has crept in too. He slides his wonderful, clever fingers out of my vagina, right out until only the tips are still there, gently circling my entrance, so lightly that I can hardly feel him anymore, before he plunges them back inside me, hard and fast. “Do I have your attention, Miss Byrne?” he asks softly as I jerk under him.
“Yes,” I whisper again, opening my eyes obediently. “What are you doing?”
“Am I hurting you?” His tone is low, gentle, the words whispered into my ear.
“No. No, that feels fabulous…”
“Mmmm, I think so too, Miss Byrne. You’re so hot and wet and tight, and I want to put my cock inside you, here…” A further deep and fast thrust with his fingers, to make sure I get his point. I do. I definitely do. “Deep and hard and fast, until you scream. I like it that you scream when I make you come. I want to fuck you until you can’t stand. With your permission, of course. Is that okay with you, Miss Byrne?”
God, yes, absolutely…
Buy Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2236
Contact Links—
You can find Ashe on http://ashebarker.com/
And on Total-e-Bound’s website http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=302
And on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ashe.barker.9
And on twitter https://twitter.com/ashebarker
Another excellent review for Fantasy for Sale
One of the best ways for a writer to wake up is being greeted with a lovely review. This one certainly put a smile on my face, not because of the four hearts, but because of what reviewer Thommie wrote. Here are my favourite bits (you can read the complete review on MM Good Book Reviews):
"Well I’ve come to love Sage’s work what with him being so freaking erotic and sensual, it’s practically hooking and intoxicating reading anything written by him.
So I was not surprised when this one was yet again hot as hell, sensual and sexy and arousing to the point where you simply want to scream. I was surprised with the plot though... You get to really care for Cam and pine for him in a most delightful way, and his true self makes you even shed a tear or two. Loved him...The two of them really did give me a wild ride, jumping from hot and sexy scenes to sad and melancholy ones and then again to steaming hot and breath catching. I loved this book, I enjoyed it immensely, and as always, it had a depth that makes the difference from others. Strongly recommended."
Thank you, Thommie!
"Well I’ve come to love Sage’s work what with him being so freaking erotic and sensual, it’s practically hooking and intoxicating reading anything written by him.
So I was not surprised when this one was yet again hot as hell, sensual and sexy and arousing to the point where you simply want to scream. I was surprised with the plot though... You get to really care for Cam and pine for him in a most delightful way, and his true self makes you even shed a tear or two. Loved him...The two of them really did give me a wild ride, jumping from hot and sexy scenes to sad and melancholy ones and then again to steaming hot and breath catching. I loved this book, I enjoyed it immensely, and as always, it had a depth that makes the difference from others. Strongly recommended."
Thank you, Thommie!
July 9, 2013
Special Guest: Avril Ashton
Hi all,
I've finally found a special guest who will help me drain my coffee supplies! Please welcome Avril Ashton, who is here today to tell us a bit about herself and her latest release, A Sinner Born.
Hello Avril, thank you for being here today. Here's your first cup of coffee while we look at
The business ones
Please give us a short introduction about yourself:
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y with a tolerant spousal equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing the plot points of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Addicted to cake, the ID Channel and the UFC, Avril writes Erotic and GLBT Romance for Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, eXtasy Books, Secret Cravings Publishing and Total-e-Bound.
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write erotic romance, GLBT, Paranormal, and I/R. It’s my favourite to ad so it’s a natural step.
Do you need a special setting to write in or do you have a ceremony to get you in the mood? What does it look like?
I’m not fussy. I just need coffee and music to get in my zone.
Describe your feelings when you learnt that your first book was accepted for publication.
Disbelief. Elation. Fear.
Has the release of your first book changed anything in your personal life? If so, what?
Ha. Not really.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around me. In music, on TV. Reading my fellow authors’’ work sparks the creative juices in me. Anything and everything works.
Your favourite drink and food when writing.
Coffee.
Coffee - what a surprise, heehee. Let's see if we have more in common. Here are
The nosy ones
How much of the real “you” is in your stories?
Not much. Maybe the curse words. I curse way too damn much.
Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Who was it?
Nah.
What’s the silliest error in a book you’ve submitted?
Thankfully, it’s mostly a missing word here or there, or incorrect punctuation. I’ve got awesome beta readers who catch all my craziness before I hit the “submit” button.
Who is your least favourite of the characters you’ve written? Why?
I don’t have a least favourite, just some characters that irked the hell outta me for one reason or the other. Come to think of it, that’s every character I’ve ever written.
The steamiest scene from your books.
Well. I do pride myself on writing the most fire-hot of sex scenes. Steam tends to be tame in comparison. I’d say Make Me Sweat, one of my IR m/f titles is pretty heavy on the fire, but you’ll have to read it to figure out why ;-)
Favourite comfort food?
Any food is comfort food for me. I’m a foodie.
A person you admire:
My little sister. She’s awesome and her strength humbles me.
The fast ones
Favourite colour? Red
Favourite pet? None
Dog or cat? Neither
Coffee or tea? Coffee. I live for it.
Quickie or candles? Quickie with candles. Can be done, thank you.
Hunky or chunky? Hunky?
Suit & tie or jeans & boots? Jeans and boots, but I got nothing against the suit and tie.
Walk in the park or chat over cocktails? Not a drinker so walk.
Thank you for the interview, Avril! Let's take a look at your new book now.
A Sinner Born (Book three in the Brooklyn Sinners series)
One man buried in secrets. Another still grieving the love he lost. Their worlds collide in a battle between memories, old and new, while trust hangs by a fragile thread.
Syren Rua is at war. He battles painful childhood demons and his intense need for the first person who makes him feel. As Faro, Syren makes deals with the worst while taking the steps necessary to bring his family’s killer to justice. He isn’t one to indulge in selfish needs, but he’ll make the time in this instance. Syren has been watching Kane Ashby, craving the grieving man for his own. He’s always stayed away from temptation, but that’s about to change.
Kane isn’t over the death of his long-time partner. He’s certainly not ready for a relationship, sexual or otherwise, but Syren isn’t a man who takes no for an answer. The unpredictable Syren offers nothing but secrets and brings with him memories so dark, they could wipe out any chance the two might ever have. Syren brings Kane’s heart back to life. But it is also Syren who could inflict the most damage.
Inside Scoop: One of our heroes has a panty fetish. And it’s hot. This book also contains brief references to rape and child abuse.
A Romantica® gay/lesbian erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
http://www.ellorascave.com/a-sinner-born.html
AUTHOR LINKS
Visit: http://www.avrilashton.com
Friend Avril on: http://www.facebook.com/writeravrilashton
http://www.twitter.com/#!/AvrilAsh
http://avrilashton.tumblr.com/
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/author/avrilashton
ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Avril+Ashton
I've finally found a special guest who will help me drain my coffee supplies! Please welcome Avril Ashton, who is here today to tell us a bit about herself and her latest release, A Sinner Born.
Hello Avril, thank you for being here today. Here's your first cup of coffee while we look at
The business ones
Please give us a short introduction about yourself:
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y with a tolerant spousal equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing the plot points of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Addicted to cake, the ID Channel and the UFC, Avril writes Erotic and GLBT Romance for Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, eXtasy Books, Secret Cravings Publishing and Total-e-Bound.
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write erotic romance, GLBT, Paranormal, and I/R. It’s my favourite to ad so it’s a natural step.
Do you need a special setting to write in or do you have a ceremony to get you in the mood? What does it look like?
I’m not fussy. I just need coffee and music to get in my zone.
Describe your feelings when you learnt that your first book was accepted for publication.
Disbelief. Elation. Fear.
Has the release of your first book changed anything in your personal life? If so, what?
Ha. Not really.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around me. In music, on TV. Reading my fellow authors’’ work sparks the creative juices in me. Anything and everything works.
Your favourite drink and food when writing.
Coffee.
Coffee - what a surprise, heehee. Let's see if we have more in common. Here are
The nosy ones
How much of the real “you” is in your stories?
Not much. Maybe the curse words. I curse way too damn much.
Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Who was it?
Nah.
What’s the silliest error in a book you’ve submitted?
Thankfully, it’s mostly a missing word here or there, or incorrect punctuation. I’ve got awesome beta readers who catch all my craziness before I hit the “submit” button.
Who is your least favourite of the characters you’ve written? Why?
I don’t have a least favourite, just some characters that irked the hell outta me for one reason or the other. Come to think of it, that’s every character I’ve ever written.
The steamiest scene from your books.
Well. I do pride myself on writing the most fire-hot of sex scenes. Steam tends to be tame in comparison. I’d say Make Me Sweat, one of my IR m/f titles is pretty heavy on the fire, but you’ll have to read it to figure out why ;-)
Favourite comfort food?
Any food is comfort food for me. I’m a foodie.
A person you admire:
My little sister. She’s awesome and her strength humbles me.
The fast ones
Favourite colour? Red
Favourite pet? None
Dog or cat? Neither
Coffee or tea? Coffee. I live for it.
Quickie or candles? Quickie with candles. Can be done, thank you.
Hunky or chunky? Hunky?
Suit & tie or jeans & boots? Jeans and boots, but I got nothing against the suit and tie.
Walk in the park or chat over cocktails? Not a drinker so walk.
Thank you for the interview, Avril! Let's take a look at your new book now.
A Sinner Born (Book three in the Brooklyn Sinners series)
One man buried in secrets. Another still grieving the love he lost. Their worlds collide in a battle between memories, old and new, while trust hangs by a fragile thread. Syren Rua is at war. He battles painful childhood demons and his intense need for the first person who makes him feel. As Faro, Syren makes deals with the worst while taking the steps necessary to bring his family’s killer to justice. He isn’t one to indulge in selfish needs, but he’ll make the time in this instance. Syren has been watching Kane Ashby, craving the grieving man for his own. He’s always stayed away from temptation, but that’s about to change.
Kane isn’t over the death of his long-time partner. He’s certainly not ready for a relationship, sexual or otherwise, but Syren isn’t a man who takes no for an answer. The unpredictable Syren offers nothing but secrets and brings with him memories so dark, they could wipe out any chance the two might ever have. Syren brings Kane’s heart back to life. But it is also Syren who could inflict the most damage.
Inside Scoop: One of our heroes has a panty fetish. And it’s hot. This book also contains brief references to rape and child abuse.
A Romantica® gay/lesbian erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
http://www.ellorascave.com/a-sinner-born.html
AUTHOR LINKS
Visit: http://www.avrilashton.com
Friend Avril on: http://www.facebook.com/writeravrilashton
http://www.twitter.com/#!/AvrilAsh
http://avrilashton.tumblr.com/
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/author/avrilashton
ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Avril+Ashton
July 6, 2013
Sage is Out: Sinfully Sweet with Jess Buffet
Here's to prove how scatterbrained I've been lately - I totally forgot to tell you all that I'm spending this week at the lovely Jess Buffet's blog. She made me sit down for an interview. One of the questions was "leather or lace?" and here's where you can find my answer: http://sinfullysweetromances.blogspot.com/2013/07/featured-author-sage-marlowe.html
