Sharon Struth's Blog, page 11
July 12, 2013
Boomer Lit Friday Blog Hop
Starting the first Friday in July, I will participate in the Boomer Lit Friday Blog Hop. What does this mean? This summer a group of authors, whose novels could be considered “Boomer Fiction,” will post short excerpts from their work.
BOOMER FICTION means novels where the main characters ages are considered part of the baby boomer generation — folks born between 1946 and 1964.
If you’re 49 or older, you just might find a connection to the characters in these novels. And if you’re younger, take a peek anyway. Life experience brings a whole new dimension to the world of fiction.
THE HOURGLASS excerpts are below. To read excerpts from more great boomer lit, click on the link at the end…
READY TO GO TO THE HOP?
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW…
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July 5, 2013
Boomer Lit Friday Blog Hop
Ever hear of BOOMER LITERATURE? Join me at the BOOMER LIT FRIDAY BLOG HOP to learn more.
June 30, 2013
There May be Snow on the Roof, but There’s Still Fire in the Belly
Today, all the way from Brisbane, Australia, Noelle Clark joins me with some of her own musings about being middle-aged. My friend, and fellow Etopia Press author, has written the novel, Let Angels Fly. But before we get to her book, here are Noelle’s musings.
There may be snow on the roof, but there’s still fire down below
….By Noelle Clark
The only fifty shades of grey I’m interested in, are the ones that, every six weeks or so, I colour so I can’t see them. I’m not criticising EL James’ hugely successful novel – I just found that I couldn’t gel with the two main characters who were 20 and 29 respectively. I tried. All my work colleagues – younger than me – raved about it. Said it was hot, sexy. But I just couldn’t get past page 43.
I was very disappointed actually, as I really wanted to like it. I thought about all the wonderful books I normally read, and enjoyed. Then I took a look at my DVD collection. I just love romance movies, rom com, women’s fiction type movies. And I noticed that just about all my favourite books and movies had heroines and heroes about my age. It’s so easy to get caught up in a story about a broken marriage, older kids who cause heartache, meeting someone and falling love – after you’ve been hurt so hard before you swore you’d never go there again.
It was a light bulb moment for me. I knew then that many people, mostly women, want to read about people they can resonate with; ones who share the same ups and downs as them; ones who see through the darkness of sadness and despair and find a ‘happy ever after’.
It’s such a gift to be able to write stories that uplift people, help them find their own way in real life, give enjoyment, hope, and self-esteem.
So, in my books, I write about strong women who – for whatever reason – have found themselves alone, hurt, lacking confidence. Their heroes aren’t perfect – whatever that is. But they’re kind, honest, and care about her feelings. OK, so the fact the hero is also strong in character, attractive (to her), and jolly good in the bed department, is a bonus.
In ‘Let Angels Fly’, Abbie and Craig are both on their second time around. They form a bond based on trust and empathy. They face danger together, and nurse each other through rough times.
My newest book, ‘Rosamanti’, stars two very different people from Abbie and Craig. Sarah has been widowed and is tired, unable to find the spark in life that used to be there. Enter my Italian man, Pietro. He’s never been married. He’s not the successful lawyer he set out to be. But he’s warm, real, kind, funny – and he loves Sarah so much he nearly bursts.
I hear the terms ‘Matron Lit’ and ‘Boomer Lit’ occasionally. Personally, I don’t think those tags are the most flattering, however I suppose it does flag to potential readers that here is a book they might like.
I’m heartened by the movie industry – a place where once upon a time good looking women had a use by date. These days, the industry doesn’t seem to discriminate on having older women play roles where they fall in love, get their gear off, and have hot, unbridled sex. So why should books discriminate? Ask any 20 something year old if they love a good rom com or chick flick. If the story is good, the characters real and easy to relate to, then age doesn’t matter. In fact, I think people improve with age. Take a look at these actors – all favourites of 
mine, and I see every movie they make, because I like the way they portray ordinary humans. I also love the way they have a few wrinkles here and there, and Richard Gere’s white hair is so sophisticated.
So, I like my female characters to be mature in their outlook, show wisdom in their choices, to be brave and not naive, and most of all, to relish their womanhood. I like my men to be kind, gentle, strong and affectionate. Love and sex aren’t just for the twenty-something’s. It’s for us all – older, chubbier, past the first bloom of youth, whatever – because when someone falls in love, it transcends looks, age and social status.
BLURB for Let Angels Fly
Life can full of surprises the second time around.
Arriving in Cambodia to volunteer at an orphanage, Abbie finds a warm welcome with the owner of her hotel, the handsome Craig Nelson. Craig is everything her ex-husband wasn’t—warm, compassionate, and a generous humanitarian dedicated to helping the local people. But after raising a family and being devastated by the end of her bad marriage, the last thing Abbie needs is complications. She’s on her own for the first time in many years, and it’s time for her to spread her wings and fly free amid the people and culture that have always fascinated her.
But while exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Abbie overhears odd noises and sinister conversation that raise her hackles. Turning to the only person she thinks may be able to help—Craig—she realizes she’s witnessed tomb raiders—art thieves stealing frescoes to sell on the black market. Unable to let the pillaging of the beloved temple continue, Abbie goes back to investigate and finds evidence that proves her theory. And in the meantime, she finds herself falling for Craig.
Yet change isn’t easy for either of them. Both carry scars, and neither is ready to let go of the past. When Abbie is attacked in the market place, it’s clear her presence in the temple wasn’t overlooked. When Abbie agrees to help the police stage a sting operation to catch the thieves, things go from bad to worse. And Craig might be powerless to help…
LINKS
Website www.noelleclark.net
Blog http://www.noelleclarkauthor.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NoelleClark.Author
Twitter https://twitter.com/noelle_clark
Goodreads author page http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7046284.Noelle_Clark
BUY LINKS
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Let-Angels-Fly-ebook/dp/B00C75P05G/
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Let-Angels-Fly?store=book&keyword=Let+Angels+Fly
Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=let+angels+fly
All Romance Ebooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-letangelsfly-1152513-149.html
LINK TO BOOK TRAILER http://youtu.be/6UMVU37sobY
June 27, 2013
Author Interview: Contemporary Romance by AJ Nuest
AJ Nuest, who I met at Blue Ridge Literary Agency, never fails to bring a smile to my face. She joins us to talk about her latest release “She’s Got Dibs.” I 
had started to read this delightful romantic comedy while getting a pedicure and was laughing so hard that the staff at the salon kept suspiciously shifting their eyes at me, perhaps wondering just what in the heck I was hiding inside my Kindle! The story kept me delighted all the way through.
SHE’S GOT DIBS IS FREE ON AMAZON FROM JUNE 25-29TH. BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY!
AJ, thanks for joining us to today.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
How about a blurb and excerpt?
Blurb:
True love does not exist…or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted—twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David’s father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she’s unwittingly become a part of his parents’ plan to destroy his life-long dreams. Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal?
Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand—his generous heart and infectious smile are 
just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can’t have—a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams. His family’s far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything…but will the return of her ex-fiancé be their final undoing?
Excerpt:
“Dibs.” He extended his hand.
Frowning, she accepted his greeting. “Dibs on what?
“No.” He chuckled. “That’s my name. Or well, actually, my nickname. Either way, it’s what everyone calls me.”
“O-o-okay…” The guy definitely had the smolder covered…and those incredible ice-blue eyes. Yikes!
“And you are?”
“Oh, Tessa Adams.” She laughed.
“And everyone calls you…?”
Her frown returned. “Tessa.”
“Oh.” He scanned her face. “No nickname, huh?”
“Not that I recall at the moment.”
He pressed his full lips together as if restraining a smile, eyes twinkling with merriment, and handed her the notepad. “Here’s your confirmation number. The room’s at the Waldorf Towers over on Park.”
Two suites at the Waldorf? In this mess? What was he, a wizard? “Wow, great. Thanks so much for the help.”
“Glad to be of service.” He retrieved his briefcase and started down the corridor, abruptly stopped, and peered at her over the perfect slant of his shoulder. “And don’t worry, Tessa, I’ll think of a good nickname for you.”
She offered him a blank stare. “Hey, knock yourself out.”
Mischief danced along his lips before a grin broke free and he continued down the hallway.
“What a whack job,” she muttered.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Holy cow, I learned a TON while working on She’s Got Dibs, but I’m not sure I can list everything here. Not unless you want this post to go on for days. J This story was one of the very first manuscripts I ever wrote and, consequently, ended up being a labor of sheer grit and determination to complete. I’m not even kidding. I originally submitted it to my publisher wa-a-ay back in 2009. The editor who received it loved the original version, but requested rewrites because the word count was too high. I cut and resubmitted. Another request for more revisions came in, so I cut more and resubmitted a third time. I think in total I submitted five times before I was finally offered a contract. On the flip side of this is that during this three-year contracting struggle, I became an editor. So, as you can imagine, once the contract was signed and the actual edits began, I cut more, and then I cut more, then more…etc.,etc. My editor’s edits were never as extensive as mine. Not by a long shot. I would guess I rewrote this story a total of eight times before I was finally satisfied with it. In the end, my editor finally said, “I’m terrified to send this back to you for fear you’re gonna rewrite it again. It’s done, AJ. Leave it. You only get to read for minor tweaks.” LOL
So, I guess the lesson learned was “don’t give up” and, if you’re a perfectionist like me, find a good editor you trust.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
I always fall so deeply in love with my heroes. I know it might sound completely crazy, but I do. There isn’t one of them I love more or less than the next. In my opinion, they are all sigh-worthy in their own special way. Writing the character of Dibs was no different—I completely fell head over heels in love with that guy. However, I also faced a bit of a challenge in getting him across to the reader because in She’s Got Dibs the story is told completely from Tessa’s POV (heroine). So I had to be really careful how I crafted his character through her eyes. In the end, I loved how this “getting to know Dibs” worked out because the relationship mirrors real life. Person A doesn’t really know Person B until they’ve spent time together—and even then Person A might filter Person B’s behavior because of past hurts. To me, and hopefully to the reader, it’s very apparent exactly how Dibs feels about Tessa right from the onset of their relationship, even though she doesn’t see it because she’s dealing with things from her past. Crafting the story this way taught me a LOT about paying attention to a person’s mannerisms and body language. It was definitely a fun project from that perspective.
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
My intended audience is all lovers of Contemporary Romance. As for why they should read it? I’ve been told the story is full of witty dialogue, sizzling-hot steam and has a great emotional impact, but that’s kinda hard for me to judge. As the author (and an editor) all I see are the things I would have tweaked if I would have been allowed just one more round of edits (see previous comment from my editor). LOL
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I was gonna lie here and say, “Oh no! It’s perfect the way it is!” But I have a feeling none of your readers would buy that. I’m sure I would change things here and there, just because that’s the way I roll, but overall, I have to say I’m very happy with how the story turned out. One thing I KNOW I would change, however, is the length of time it took me to see this project through from start to finish. There was a long time I couldn’t work on the story because of other obligations, and this setback nearly did me in. Besides delaying the release of the book, I also lost my momentum. Let’s face it, when you’ve rewritten a story as many times as I rewrote this one, it’s hard to stay excited about the project in general. Add in nearly a year’s worth of lag time and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster. Again, this harkens back to how much work can be involved in crafting a story…as well as how much an author can learn in the process. It’s definitely been a long road on this one, but I’m thrilled with the release and can’t wait to see how the story is received!
She’s Got Dibs, won 1st Place in the Contemporary Category, Heartland Romance Authors, Show Me the Spark! Contest, 2010.
Author Bio: Award-winning author and editor, AJ Nuest, lives in a small farming community in NW Indiana with her loving husband, two beautiful children, and a bevy of spoiled pets. She and the cat are currently vying for dictatorship.
Here’s where to contact AJ on the web:
Website: http://ajnuest.com
Blog: http://ajbooks.blogspot.com
Email: ajnuest@yahoo.com
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuest
Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.nuest#!/pages/Tattered-Pages/259835887466
Twitter: @AJNuest
She’s Got Dibs Pinterest Page: http://pinterest.com/ajnuest/shes-got-dibs/
OTHER WORK BY AJ NEUST:
JEZEBEL’S WISH
Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she’s stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he’s completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can’t she?Here’s the buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Je
June 21, 2013
Mincing Words
Two years ago we took a trip to Germany where, for the first time, I meet some of my husband’s family. Although I attempted to learn the language from a CD leading up to my visit, the second I opened my mouth it became clear I’d learned nothing. So you can imagine my relief when I heard on the radio recently that on future visits, I’ll be spared having to deal with the longest word in the German language. Thanks to a change in European Union regulations, a word pertaining to law for regulating the labeling of beef has been put to rest by the government. The word,
Rindfleischetikettierungsueberwachungsaufgabenuebertragungsgesetz
…is now kaput!
Even the Germans are toasting over this one. You’re probably thinking that chances are beef production wouldn’t have come up in conversation during my trip abroad, anyway. Damn good thing because if I’d tried to pronounce it, I’d most likely have choked and sputtered to the ground.
The news story about its omission, however, did make me think about the words I choose when speaking. Nobody wants to sound like the pedantic, pseudo-intellectual from Midnight in Paris (wait, did I just sound…? never mind).
Another place where I try to be careful with the words I choose is my writing. So you can imagine my surprise when a few readers of my new release, The Hourglass, told me that while they were reading my book on their Kindles, they had to look up a word I’d used. It seems my use of “curmudgeon,” to describe a character had stopped more than one person.
Two well-known curmudgeons
Curmudgeons are people who can be difficult and ill-tempered at times. Not all the time. There are moments when a little curmudgeon lives inside me. At least when it comes to certain matters…like politics or the checkout line at the grocery store. Other than that, I’m super positive.
Curmudgeons can be lovable, but they’re quick to spot the negative in any situation, often providing insights into life that speak to the cynicism within all of us. (ah-hem, let he who has never felt cynical be the first to cast a stone).
Famous curmudgeons include Ernest Hemmingway, Woody Allen and Andy Rooney. A character in my novel, CJ Morrison, has curmudgeon “tendencies,” yet his redeeming qualities aren’t far behind. The heroine, Brenda McAllister, learns fast that there is a deep sensitive man beneath CJ’s surface. Not merely the grouchy exterior (hence the curmudgeon reference) she first stumbles upon. It really does take knowing a curmudgeon to love one.
I’m happy to keep the more unusual words in the English language alive with my writing. But for those of you worried about the removed German word, the country hasn’t gone completely insane. They’re keeping the word
Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitaenswitwe
…or as we say in English, Danube steamboat company captain.
Do you reach for big words in conversation? Got a word a day calendar that begs for attention?
June 14, 2013
Author Interview: Debbie Christiana Writes with Magic
Today I’m delighted to have fellow Connecticut/Lower NY RWA Chapter member Debbie Christiana join me. If you like all thing supernatural, then Debbie is your gal! Today she’s here to talk about her latest release, Solstice, a tale filled with modern day witches, a visit to the past and lots of action. When I read Debbie’s latest release, there was a moment I began to wonder 
if the author was capable of putting a spell on me. The research on her topic was impeccable.
Now, with a wave of my magic wand, let the interview begin…
Thank you, Sharon, for having me as your guest today
You’re welcome, Debbie. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I was an avid reader as a kid. From the start I loved mysteries. The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were my favorites. As I got a little older my tastes became a bit darker. I snuck my mother’s copy of The Exorcist into my room to read. I loved it and from then on anything paranormal/horror was my first love. It wasn’t until later in my teens did I find romance.
In between all my reading I would sit and think about different endings to the book I had just finished. Even if liked the ending, various scenarios would play out in my head. Most of them would have never worked but it got my mind working.
One day I loaded a single sheet of white paper into my Smith Corona typewriter and began to peck away at a story about ancient Egypt and mummies that came back to life. A tribute to the Abbott and Costello black and white films I would watch on Saturday mornings. I still have it under lock and key and it hasn’t, nor will it see the light of day anytime soon.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
![ApprovedSolstice_sm[3]](http://sharonstruth.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/approvedsolstice_sm3.jpg)
SOLSTICE is a paranormal romantic suspense. Sofia is a Strega, and Italian witch who must help Armend break a 250 year-old family curse on his head, that will claim him on his 30th birthday, the winter solstice. In order to do so, they must piece together two halves of a sonata Armend’s ancestor wrote for his forbidden love. Clues are scattered from New York City to the Catskills and as far as Sicily. Sofia and Armend fight against the calendar and an enemy who wants them both dead and the curse unbroken.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
I loved all my characters. I worked hard to give them all their own personalities, weaknesses and strength. I can tell you writing the antagonist/villain was one of my favorite things to do, especially since she was off her rocker. It allowed me to live out the dark side we all have hidden deep inside us. She did and said some outrageous things and it was so much fun to write.
Do you have advice for other writers?
I know everyone says don’t give up and that is true and very good advice. But the first thing you must do, before you even type your first word is grow skin at least three inches thick. From the start there will be people who don’t like what you write. And that’s okay and their absolute right. I don’t like everything I read. Your work becomes your baby and you are protective of it and the first bad critique, first rejection, first bad review stings and it stings bad. But you have to let it go and don’t take it personal.
SOLSTICE BLURB:
Time is running out for Armend Zogu. The 250-year old family curse on his head will claim him on his 30th birthday, the winter solstice.
Sofia Palmalosi is just the Strega who can save him. A descendant of a long line of powerful Italian witches, their magic was a gift bestowed on them by the Goddess Diana.
In order to break the curse, Sofia and Armend must piece together the sheet music from an old violin sonata that Armend’s ancestor wrote for his forbidden love.
Together Sofia and Armend embark on a journey from New York to Sicily and the ancient ruins of Diana’s temple and back to New York while fighting a battle of wits and magic with a psychopath who wants them both dead and the curse intact.
If the curse doesn’t kill Armend, breaking just might.
BUY LINKS FOR SOLSTICE:
http://www.debbiechristian.com/blog
Twitter: @DebChristiana
Facebook: Debbie Christiana, author
AUTHOR BIO:
Debbie Christiana would sit in her room as a little girl and write stories about ghosts, unexplained events and things that go bump in the night. She combined her love of the paranormal with her fascination of unusual love stories and decided to write paranormal romance. She has two novels published with Black Opal Books, TWIN FLAMES and SOLSTICE.
In 2012, she had two short stories published. The Land of the Rising Sun, was one of ten included in the anthology BITES: Ten Tales of Vampires and The Thirteen Steps is featured in BELTANE: Ten Tales of Witchcraft. Debbie is a member of RWA and the International Thriller Writers, Inc. She is the Secretary of her local RWA Chapter of Connecticut and Lower New York. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children
June 9, 2013
Author Interview: Joanne Stewart…Contemporary Romance Author
I’m thrilled to have fellow Blue Ridge Literary Agency author and fellow Etopia Author Joanne Stewart with me today. Joanne’s contemporary romances have real life characters with real life fears. Her stories have left her readers raving and asking for more. To think, it all started when she woke one day and couldn’t stop thinking about someone in a dream.
Thanks for joining me, Joanne.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I do, actually. It’s a memory that’s stuck with me. It started when my boys were little. My youngest couldn’t have been more than a year old (he’s 13 now). I had a dream one night. All I remembered about it was this one image, just a boy in a wheel chair. I couldn’t even see his face, but that image stuck with me for days afterward. It intrigued me and pulled at me, like it was telling me something. Something about that boy screamed that he had a story to tell. I couldn’t even tell you what made me finally decide to write it down, but I was intrigued enough by him that I wanted to. I had to.
I fell in love with the process of creating his story. Found a message board full of other writers where I posted snippets of my writing for critique. That message board no longer exists, but I discovered a little while ago that one of the members who taught me so much is now a Wild Rose Press author.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m in the process of writing a two book series. I’ve just started Book 2 while I send Book 1 through my critique partner. The series doesn’t have a title yet. Because I stink at titles. Lol It’s set in a small fictional town on Whidbey Island, in Washington state and it revolves around two brothers and an Italian restaurant. Book one is Luc, the oldest brother. He’s my chef. His book is an older woman, younger man story.
My tag line: A widowed wife is set up on a blind date with a local celebrity chef ten years her junior; neither is counting on the whirlwind affair that takes them both by storm.
And to be honest, I didn’t plan book 2. But in writing Luc’s book, I fell in love with this family and decided his brother Nic needed to have his own book. So, Book two is Nic’s story. He’s the baby brother and he runs management at the restaurant their family owns. This one so far has a woman on the run from an abusive ex. Nic will get to play the role of the protector. As of writing this, I’m only a couple chapters into it, but so far, it sounds like it’s going to be about a woman finding her own strength, to fight for herself and her daughter and the love that gives her the safe place in which to do it.
What was the hardest part of writing your book or any book?
My absolute biggest hurdle? Self-doubt. It cripples me and absolutely sucks the joy out of my writing. I’m a perfectionist by nature. I also have an anxiety disorder, which is where this all stems from. It means I over worry about absolutely everything (I drive my hubby and my sons nuts). There is so much about this business that breeds anxiety and stress. Our job revolves around making people like us, and we’re all competing against each other, so comparing yourself to someone else is part of the job description. And you know, my writing is different. It’s a mix of styles. I write sweet, but sensual, and my roots began in category, so you’ll find a lot of it in my stories. I like to take classic storylines, put in great characters, and add my own twists. So far, I don’t seem to write what’s popular, and that gets the doubt started. So my biggest hurdle is to stop listening to that nasty voice in my head and allow the hope room to grow. I’m my own worst enemy.
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
Who is my intended audience? Readers who like characters you could meet in real life, with real problems and real fears. Who like a good heart wrenching story. Cause I love a book that can make me cry, and that’s what I prefer to write—the characters who tug on my heartstrings. I love me a good angsty story. My heroes are a mix of alpha and beta. He’s strong, but he’s got a heart. And my heroines are more like Cinderella than the CEO of a company. She has real fears and doubts. She isn’t perfect and she’s not always feisty.
Why should readers read my books? Cause I’m awesome! Lol Okay, I don’t like tooting my own horn, so this is a hard question for me. I’d rather leave it up to the readers. You guys tells ME why someone who hasn’t ever read my books should try one. BUT, for the sake of the question…my books are always emotional. If you like a good emotional read, you might try one of mine. More than a few reviews have also said that they’re quick reads, that they make good beach reads.
About the author:
J.M. Stewart writes sweet and heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of passion. She’s a wife, a mother, a spiritualist, and lover of puppies, and happily addicted to coffee and chocolate. She lives in the Great Rainy Northwest with her husband of sixteen years and their two sons. She’s a hopeless romantic who believe everybody should have their happily-ever-after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her passion.
Blurb for Her Knight in Black Leather:
Cat Edwards has spent her life playing the wallflower in an effort to escape the repressive weight of her mother’s tarnished name. Dragged to a bar by her best friend in an effort to forget a broken heart, the shy bookworm is determined to be someone else for the night, but quickly gets in over her head. She discovers chivalry isn’t dead after all when a mysterious stranger comes to her rescue. He’s wearing black leather and a mischievous smile that promises to be exactly what she needs.
When his terminally ill father suffers a setback, Michael Brant returns to the town he swore ten years ago he’d never return to. He’s come back this time determined to make peace with the past, but being home brings up memories he doesn’t want to remember anymore. His first night in town, he’s captured by a damsel in distress. Cat’s beauty is made all the more alluring when he realizes she has no idea who he is. He can’t resist spending a single night in her arms. With her, he’s only a man, disconnected from his family’s name and the past that haunts him here.
As the town erupts with the news of his return, Michael’s dark past comes back to haunt him, putting Cat in danger. Someone is threatening her life and the life of her family. Desperate to keep history from repeating itself, Michael offers her his family’s name in order to keep her safe. When the lie spirals beyond their control, can they stop their hearts from becoming entangled as well?
Excerpt
“Follow my lead.” His voice flowed against her ear, rich and smooth and darkly sensual. The kind of voice she could well imagine whispering to her in the dark. It added to the stubble prickling her cheek and, for a moment, her mind twisted off in another direction, filling with naughty fantasies. Suddenly she was dying to see the face behind the voice.
Louder he said, “Miss me?”
Velvet soft lips brushed her earlobe as he spoke, combined with the deep, sensual quality of his voice and sent delicious shivers slipping down her spine. For a moment, Cat forgot to breathe, forgot what in the world she was supposed to be doing. Somewhere through the haze that took over her mind, his meaning finally occurred to her. Her body went limp with relief. She had the sudden urge to turn and hug the man. Chivalry hadn’t died with King Arthur after all.
“You’re late.” Playing her part, she straightened on her stool and reached back to twine her fingers with his. Soft, thick fingers that filled her overheated mind with visions of them sliding over her skin.
The clod’s hand finally released her thigh, and Cat swallowed a sigh of relief then spun to face her savior. “You were supposed to be here…”
Her train of thought derailed as she came face to face with the center of a broad chest. A thickly muscled chest barely contained by the black T-shirt covering it. Her heart skipped several beats as she followed the muscles upward, past even wider shoulders, until her gaze collided with a pair of dark brown eyes that made her breath catch.
Oh boy. She clamped her mouth shut and swallowed hard. A five o’clock shadow covered a strong, square jaw, giving him a rough and rugged edge. His thick, almost black, hair licked at the collar of his worn leather jacket, just long enough to be rebellious, and tousled by the wind. Her fingers itched to reach up and slide through his hair to see if it felt as soft as it seemed.
“Forgive me.” As he bent down to her eye level, his eyes burned into hers, a hidden meaning in the dark depths she couldn’t quite grasp. She couldn’t concentrate much past the fact his face was now a scant inch from hers. His soft, warm breath fanned her lips, and her gaze zeroed in on the mouth that had sent delicious sensations thrumming through her body barely a minute ago.
Before she could ponder what on earth he meant or come up with a proper response, he took their charade a step further.
He kissed her.
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June 8, 2013
The Liebster Award
My husband told me that in high school, he received the Von Steuben award for excellence in German. Well, today I’ve received the Liebster Award from fellow author, Dixie Lee Brown.
What exactly does that mean? It has nothing to be with my ability to speak German. It also can’t compete with an Academy Award, but it does mean I’m departing from my usual blog format and have been bestowed an honor by a fellow writer.
The Liebster Award, it’s a fun way to connect with other small or medium-sized blogs and to share random facts about yourself.
Thanks for nominating me, Dixie! I will have fun with these great questions then pass the torch to more fine authors.
Recipients must do the following:
List 11 random facts about myself.
Answer 11 questions posed by the blogger who nominated me.
Nominate 11 other blogs for the award and link to them.
Notify the bloggers that they are **awesome** and have won a shiny pink blogging logo.
Pose 11 new questions for my Liebster nominees.
Thank the blogger who nominated me and link back to their blog.
Let the fun being…11 random facts about me that you never wondered about (but now have answers):
At graduation, I received the award for “Outstanding Business Student.”
I ate a package of Smarties everyday while pregnant with my second daughter (she’s very smart, too).
As a child, I owned a guinea pig named Oscar.
Watching movies is my favorite past time. Any genre. It just needs to be good.
I love to paint room. For me, it’s meditative. Like basket weaving.
My desk is messy. I clean it to a shine once a month, then over the course of the month papers start to accumulate.
As a kid I couldn’t put down Nancy Drew books.
The car I learned to drive on was a 1966 3-speed red Mustang.
I’m a golfer.
I used to bring home stray animals a lot when I was growing up.
I met my husband at a Halloween party…the pirate and the flapper. Hmmm, great title for a romance novel.
And now, new questions from the person who nominated me…
1 If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Tuscany, Italy.
2) If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Without question, my weight.
3) Are you a dog or a cat person?
Woof. Sorry cats.
4) What’s your least favorite household chore?
I have to pick only one?
5) Are you a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty person?
My glass is so full, it sometimes runs over.
6) What’s your favorite flower?
The iris. They line my walkway for about a week each spring.
7) What is your fondest holiday memory from childhood?
The Christmas Santa brought a puppy.
8) What size shoes do you wear? What? Too personal?
9 1/2
9) What is the most recent book you’ve read?
I just finished a wonderful short story by a friend called Jingle (by Terri-Lynn Defino). A beautiful fairy tale that I can’t get out of my head.
10) When you go somewhere overnight, do you like to camp out or stay in a motel?
Hotel. A nice hotel.
11) Are you a morning person or a night person?
You’ll find me rearing to go at 7 a.m. most mornings, showered dressed and wide-eyed. Annoying, huh?
Now I’m happy to present my nominees for this prestigious award.
…drum roll please…
Nominees, just for YOU I’ve prepared NEW 11 questions to be answered…
Favorite sweet treat.
What historical figure would you most like to meet?
Why?
Most embarrassing moment
Most proud moment
What country would you most like to visit?
Favorite genre to read
Do you have a hobby?
Favorite food
Least favorite thing to eat
Night owl or “early to bed, early to rise” type?
Go forth and question, my fellow Liebster nominees!
June 3, 2013
6 Ways to Strengthen Your Author Platform by Jennifer Worick
6 Ways to Strengthen Your Author Platform by Jennifer Worick. Wonderfully put insights about author promo from Jennifer Worick.
May 31, 2013
Fear of Flying
Before the folks my age get too excited, this has nothing to do with the topics discussed in the Erica Jong novel of the 1970’s.
I simply hate to fly.
In fact, a total of four flights in the past seven days (a trip with a connection necessary in both directions) only confirmed what I already knew…I REALLY hate to fly. What’s important, though, is that I didn’t let it stop me from living my life.
In my latest release, THE HOURGLASS (Etopia Press), character CJ Morrison lives with fear. You’d never know it on the surface. He tackles physically reckless acts, like racecar driving and climbing Mount Everest. CJ’s innermost fears center around love; he’s afraid of hurting someone he loves again, so much that he denies himself the emotion altogether. This fear prevents CJ from living life to its fullest.
I’ve missed out on a lot in the past because of being afraid, yet on a recent trip to visit my daughter in the Pacific Northwest – Washington State – I forced my fears aside. I believed the flight would be the worst thing I had to conquer, but as we discussed a trip going over a place called Deception Pass, I realized my fear of heights would be making a noteworthy appearance, too.
I’d only seen pictures of the tall, narrow bridge going over the rough waters of Deception Pass, which connects Fidalgo Island with Whidbey Island. The pictures alone made my knees quiver.
I-5 Bridge Collapse Mt. Vernon, Washington
Upon our arrival, we got news which made my body tremble with well-founded real fears…another bridge nearby had collapsed. A bridge I’d been about to drive over to reach my daughter’s apartment an hour before the road gave way (thank you GPS for sending me a different way).
I was surrounded by islands and bridges for the next seven days! The Deception Pass Bridge was taller than the collapsed bridge, the waters below even more threatening. And we were going to drive over it?
The day of our road trip, we neared the Deception Pass Bridge. That’s when my daughter uttered words more terrifying to me than Linda Blair’s antics in the The Exorcist. “We can park and walk over this bridge,” she said calmly. “It’s cool.”
Walk? Driving over in the car was horrifying enough. I contemplated the height challenging walk, visualizing myself plunging 180 feet into the whirlpool below. At the risk of sounding neurotic (which I do), here’s a photo of the bridge:
Deception Pass Bridge
I’m proud to report that I not only sat calmly during my drive over the suspended roadway, but we parked and I walked all the way across and then back again…with only a little fanfare. Even as I type, though, there’s tenseness bottled up in my throat that didn’t exist before starting this piece. Still, the bottom-line is my fears didn’t stop me. They only nagged me a little. The result was a lovely vacation.
Sometimes we have to step up and face what we’re most afraid of this world. In The Hourglass, facing fears paves the way for both main characters to take advantage of all the joys life has to offer.
Have you stood nose-to-nose with your fears? Pushed them back and did something that made you proud?
