Vallory Vance's Blog, page 24

Today’s Hero – Dylan Bishop of Rainie’s Lake

Dylan and Rainie’s Turn to Talk
Rainie’s Lake by Brenda Woody & Steve Tindle

Thank you for joining us today as we chat with Dylan and Rainie on the porch at the cabin.  This is our first interview with characters and both let us know they wanted to chat! Now, we won’t allow them to give spoilers away, but we do hope you’ll come to love these two as we do. And we’re featuring a giveaway! Details below.

We’re sitting here enjoying the breathtaking view of the pine trees and the serene mountains. Dylan is making us coffee. He’s such the host! Rainie will be here soon. 

Later if you want to stretch your legs and walk about, you’ll probably find Rainie down by the lake. She wanders in the fog early mornings and before dusk. Be careful by the lake’s edge, the fog is thick and the water is freezing this time of year. The dock would be the safest place to stand and chat with her one on one.

Ah, here’s Dylan now with steaming mugs to go around. Thanks Dylan!

Brenda & Steve: Dylan, we hope you’re enjoying your vacation. Tell us a little bit about you and your job as an art instructor.

Dylan: You’re welcome and actually I am! Well, *chuckles* I’m really pretty boring. I love to fish so when I saw the ad for the cabin with the private dock, and the spectacular view, I knew this place was my destination. I teach at the local arts and design college within a few miles of my home. Every quarter, I have the pleasure of instructing very gifted students; about 15 to 20 in the class. I guess being one of the youngest instructors helps too. My students and I really connect.

Brenda & Steve: We did hear the fishing is good in these parts.What prompted this alone time?

Dylan: This vacation was long over due since I haven’t taken time for myself in four years. As you can see it’s a beautiful area for an artist to get the creative juices flowing. I hoped to find inspiration to put the brush to canvas and I did. *grins*

Brenda & Steve: We see the grin on your face. And here’s the reason! Hi Rainie, glad you could join us.

*Dylan stands and offers Rainie his chair*

Rainie: *smiles and sits, pulling the hood away from her head* Hi Brenda and Steve!

*Dylan rests his hand on her shoulder. Rainie places her hand over his, giving it a squeeze*

Brenda & Steve: Rainie, you’re from this area. Tell us a little bit about yourself and growing up here.

Rainie: I grow up in the next town. After I graduated from college, I returned and taught at the grammar school. My parents rented this cabin a few times when I was a little girl. I have wonderful memories of playing out by the dock and on the lake that I try to keep in the forefront of my mind because there’s a sad memory here too. *tightens her grip on Dylan’s hand*

Brenda & Steve:*sighs* We know there are good times and bad times here, so let’s keep the chat in a happy mode for now. Dylan, what was it about Rainie that drew you to her.

Dylan: *takes a lingering glance at Rainie* Her eyes captured me. They’re a beautiful green and get darker depending on her mood. Oh, and her smile which reaches her eyes first.  Ummm, her butt too; I loved watching her walk away but hoped she would always return. *winks at Rainie*

Brenda & Steve: That’s so sweet and romantic! Rainie, same question to you. What drew you to Dylan?

Rainie: *blushes* Dylan, you just had to add how much you liked my backside! Let’s see, he makes great coffee don’t you think! *laughs* His boyish good looks, sandy hair and his kindness.  I’ve never met a man as kind and giving as Dylan.

Brenda & Steve: Dylan, you did find your inspiration since you’ve been here. What are you going to paint?

Dylan: A portrait of Rainie, of course. I’ll hang it on the wall so if and when I return; she’ll always be in the cabin.

Brenda & Steve: (Brenda) *sniffs, noticing the sad look on Rainie’s face* Okay, I’m getting teary-eyed all over again. Rainie and Dylan, thank you for chatting with us today. We want to leave before the fog rolls in.

Rainie: *stands* Thank you Brenda and Steve. I need to take my walk near the lake. Dylan, we’ll work on the sketch later this evening? 

Dylan: *rises, takes Rainie’s hand and softly kisses her lips* Sure Rainie. Just a few more touches and I’ll be ready to paint. Bye Brenda and Steve, thanks for stopping by.

*Before walking towards their car, Brenda & Steve watch the intimate exchange between the lovers*

Taking a long over due vacation, Art Instructor, Dylan Bishop is eager to start his trip to the cabin in the mountains. When he saw the photo online with the rental ad, he knew this was his destination. Being drawn to the lake nestled behind the cabin with a private dock, Dylan hopes to regain his inspiration to paint.

His vacation takes an erotic turn when he meets Rainie Marks on a foggy morning by the dock. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. However, there is sadness and a mystery about her. Finding his inspiration, he sketches her one evening and unable to resist the passion that has sparked between them, Rainie and Dylan share a sensual night together.

When Rainie tells him the truth about her past and the lake, the mystery she hides unfolds. The key to everything is the lake. Will Dylan be able to help her put the past to rest?

~ A yummy erotic tale with paranormal features, I loved this book!~Adriana Kraft

~ This was an excellent story! Well-written with interesting characters, a great plot and wonderful descriptions. ~ Carol Conley, Voracious Reader

~ One of the best romance and mystery stories I ever read. ~Ray Sostre, After Dark Online

~ Woody and Tindle outshine themselves in this heartwarming story that will tug at your heartstrings. ~ Tonya Kinzer

Buy links:

Amazon
Smashwords
All Romance 
B&N

Now that you’ve met Rainie and Dylan from Rainie’s Lake, we’d like to share a bit about our future releases.

We’re currently working on Triangle of Secrets, Book Two featuring Morgan, Vivian and Kirk. For those of you that read Book One, you’ve met Morgan and Kirk is Scott’s dad. Vivian is an old flame of Kirk’s. Ummm, makes for an interesting triangle; wouldn’t you say?

Scarlett’s Cowboy will be released later in the year. We’ve had this book on the burner long enough. On our blog, you can read an excerpt under the tab ‘Works in Progress’.

Savannah Dream’s, an Erotic Paranormal.

Newlyweds Jaque and Trevor move to Savannah after they find the perfect colonial house to live and open their Bed & Breakfast. But after they move in strange things start happening. Trevor is haunted with torrid dreams. Jaque is trying her best to ignore all the activity.

When they hire a medium, they meet Savannah; a young girl haunting the house. Is Savannah a welcomed spirit or will it become dangerous to keep her around?

Savannah’s Dream will be the first installment in our Haunted B&B Series.

And we have an erotic time travel in notes. No title yet, but we’ll give you a teaser!

Assistant Curator Layla Massri is ecstatic when she is asked to display and maintain the Hellenistic Egyptian exhibit; her first event to oversee at the DallasMuseum. The most appealing ancient artifact is Cleopatra’s beautiful chaise lounge. Layla, being half-Egyptain herself, is drawn to lie upon the chaise one night after the museum closes.

And we’re bringing Dylan back as well as another character in Rainie’s Gift.

Vallory, thank you for having us on your blog today. We’ll gift an eBook copy of Rainie’s Lake to TWO lucky commenters (coupon from Smashwords – format winners’ choice).

About the Authors:

Brenda Woody & Steve Tindle is a couple writing Erotica and Erotic Romance. Their stories give readers the perspective of both male and female point of view. Not all of their stories have a happy ever after ending, but the sex scenes are hot! Brenda & Steve love to explore different writing styles in the Erotic genre. With dark fantasies, ménage relationships, deep sexual desires and a bit of paranormal, they write erotic that is passionate and spellbinding.

Connect with Brenda and Steve online: 

Pinterest
Facebook Fan page
Blogger

Two Heroes – John and Tal with Alexa Day

My book, Project NSA, really has two heroes – John March and Tal Crusoe. At first, I thought it would be difficult to schedule the two of them for one interview, since they both stay pretty busy. As it happens, the scheduling problem lies with me. I had to keep pushing my appointment with the two of them back until I finished working on their story. Now that it’s ready to submit, I’m finally able to sit down with the two of them for a couple of questions, but I had to do it here in my office.

John’s in pharmaceutical research; he’s got neuroscience in his bones. I hate to say that he’s tall, dark and handsome, but with that swimmer’s build, hair the color of mahogany and big brown eyes behind those glasses of his, well … the description fits. He got here right on time, looking very sharp in his sports jacket and slacks with a crease sharp enough to draw blood. He gave me a hand clearing off some places for us all to sit, and then we chatted for a while about cortisol, which is generated by stress and can contribute to weight gain – unless one controls it with supplements, green tea … or orgasms.

This is where Tal showed up. A few minutes late, but just in time to hear the word “orgasm.”

Tal used to play baseball when he was at UVa. Now he’s a personal trainer with a gym in Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. He looks like he just stepped off a box of Wheaties, blond and blue-eyed with a powerful, athletic shape under a painted-on T-shirt and weathered jeans. When he catches me and John in mid-conversation, he lets up a mischievous bedroom chuckle and asks, “Now, what are y’all talking about?”

It’d be easy to describe these two as the brains and the brawn, but I don’t think that’s fair. Tal’s been running his own business very successfully for years, and John … well, there’s more to John than meets the eye, and plenty meets the eye.

So what’s their story? John explains it better than I do.

JM: The project I’m working on right now is an oxytocin suppressant for women. It’s really very exciting.

AD: So what is oxytocin?

JM: Oxytocin is a bonding hormone. It causes women to feel connected to their sex partners.

AD: Why would you want to suppress that? Isn’t that good?

JM: Yes and no. You ever find yourself connected to someone and then when it’s all over, you’re like, ‘I can’t believe I was that involved with such a jackass’?

AD: Yeah, not talking about me.

JM: Sorry.

AD: I have heard about that happening, though.

JM: Right. So oxytocin is basically the reason women can’t have one-night-stands. Impulse – that’s what we’re calling it – suppresses oxytocin. So you – or whoever – could do whatever you wanted and walk away afterwards with no emotional side effects. If it works. We’re still testing it.

AD: What about men? Is there an oxytocin suppressant for men?

TC: I’ll take this one. We don’t need an oxytocin suppressant. Oxytocin makes the sex better for men. Keeps us playing the field. Right?

JM: That’s it exactly.

TC: See? I bet you thought I wasn’t paying attention.

AD: Wait, you said you were still testing it. How’s that coming?

JM: Well, I was having some trouble getting my test subjects to tell me what sex was like without the oxytocin bond. So … I kind of enlisted my best friend, Grace, to help me out.

AD: Help you how?

TC: Grace and I are fuck buddies. Basically, she takes some Impulse, and then she comes to … see me. Then she goes back to John.

JM: To report on the experience.

TC: You know, I know what your little plan really is. It’s not going to work. If you’re waiting for Grace to say, hey, I somehow want to stop having no strings attached sex with my buddy, you might want to get comfortable in that chair. Maybe have a snack.”

AD: This might seem like a dumb question, but John, why aren’t you doing what Tal’s doing?

TC: That’s not a dumb question. I asked it myself.

JM: Well, what I have told everyone who has asked me this so far is that my little plan is not really above board. If anybody catches me giving these pills to someone I know so that I can get better test data … well, that’s it for me. No more job. No more career.

TC: In for a penny, in for a pound, is what I say.

JM: You say a lot of things that don’t hold water in the grown up world, Tal.

AD: So you seriously don’t want to test out this product with Grace? Even if you know – really know – there would be no strings attached?

JM: Grace and I have been friends for a really long time. We’re best friends. We’re so close to each other now, and something like this might end that forever. It’s just not worth it to me. Our friendship is too important. Besides, Grace doesn’t want …. No. It’s just a bad idea.

AD: Gentlemen. Is there anything else we need to know about this?

JM: If the book sells, we’re going to donate some of the proceeds to get Tal a shirt that fits.

TC: Oh, ho, Einstein! Did you make a joke?

JM: I’m full of surprises, Tal.

TC: I know you are. These folks probably think you’re shy. A wallflower. They think butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth. I know better, though. You want to tell the good folks at home what else you have up your sleeve, or should I?

AD: Guys, the folks at home have to find out the hard way when the book comes out.

TC: All right. You’re the boss.

About the Author

Alexa Day writes interracial erotica and erotic romance. She’s on a mission to write an interracial romance novel in each of the romance subgenres (yes, including Regency). She won the Passionate Reads Pitch Contest in February 2011 with her pitch for Project NSA. (If you want, you can check out the first chapter at http://passionatereads.com/pitch-contest/project-nsa-by-alexa-day/.) She’s just finished Project NSA and is looking forward to submitting it, but she likes Tal Crusoe’s tight clothes just the way they are.

You can catch up to Alexa on her website, www.alexaday.net, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alexajday or on Twitter, where she is @alexajday.

I want to thank Alexa for stopping by and invite you all to check out her Romanticon photos on her site. She is having a blast!

Today’s Hero – Dalton Beck with Yvonne Harriott

Author’s Bio:

Yvonne Harriott is a member of Romance Writers of America. She has written two collections of short stories – a romantic collection entitled, “The Wedding and Other Short Romantic Stories” and “The Invitation and Other Short Stories – a dramatic collection. “Hide ‘N Seek” is her debut romantic suspense novel. The sequel, “Cat ‘N Mouse” was published at the end of August. Writing is her passion. Yvonne loves to travel. She has a sweet tooth, and simply can’t live without Lay’s potato chips!

Interview with Dalton Beck: My interview today is with Dalton Beck, CEO of Beck Security Systems. He’s been voted CEO of the Year by Security.com Magazine. That gets him on the front cover of the magazine and a full page article. And I got the honour of interviewing him. After the photo shoot, we walked back to his office. Not what I had expected for an executive office. It was the metal shelves and stacks of computer printouts that threw me.

DB: CEO of the Year, eh? (He sits directly across from me. I notice his shirt is unbuttoned at the neck. I can’t help but stare at the scars at the base of his neck, almost blending in with his chestnut brown skin.)

YH: Yes. (Quickly, I shift my eyes to meet his penetrating dark gaze and I swear my heart skipped a beat. He knows where I was staring. He doesn’t say anything. Perhaps he’s used to it.) Your resume is pretty impressive. You graduated from university with top honours, MBA. You’re one of the youngest CEOs that we’ve given this award to. You support numerous charities. Your track record is very impressive. A few years ago no one had ever heard of Beck Security Systems. Now your company is making waves in the security industry.

DB: Is there a question in there? (He smiles. The phone on the desk rings and he informs his assistant to hold his calls for the next twenty minutes.)

YH: (I laugh because I can’t help myself. I should get my act together and follow my notes instead of drooling over the man.) Why the security business? Your father is a chef and your stepmother is an interior designer. None of their skills rubbed off on you?

DB: Why not the security business, Ms. Harriott? (Okay…so his family was not up for discussion.)

YH:  Please call me, Yvonne.

DB:  Yvonne, the crime rate is increasing across the country at an alarming rate. (He quotes statistics and hands me a folder.) Our clients tell us they want to feel safe in their homes. (He leans forward resting his elbows on the desk and I swear the muscles rippled in his chest. Focus on his words not his body.) We provide top of the line security systems to all of our clients.

YH:  What about the rumour that the security systems your company has been installing are malfunctioning? I hear you’ve hired Brooks Investigations to troubleshoot the problem.

DB: I didn’t think your magazine participated in rumour, Ms. Harriott. (His eyes narrow. Suddenly I feel the cold chill of his dark gaze.)

YH: I thought you might want to address that.

DB: Nothing to address.

YH: (I glance down at my notes.) Describe your typical work day?

DB: There’s no such thing as a typical work day for me. My day begins at 5:00 am with an hour workout at the gym or on my treadmill at home, depending on what I have on the go that day. I’m in the office by 7:00 am. I pretty much work until I complete what I have on my agenda for that day. I’m on 24/7.

YH: When do you find time to play?

DB: Define play? (He smiles at me and I’m thinking red silk sheets.)

YH: What do you do to unwind? Come on, you’re successful and you seem to play hard. You really don’t expect me to believe you’re on “24/7”?

DB: I exercise to unwind. I travel when I find the time.

YH: What does your family think of your work schedule? (I’m fishing again.)

DB: My wife died in a boating accident a long time ago. Since then, I’ve devoted all my time to building my company. (His phone rings again. He picks it up and then checks his watch. He flicks a glance in my direction. My twenty minutes are definitely up.)

YH: That’s it for my questions. May I still get a tour of the building and meet some of your employees?

DB: Yes. Please see my assistant on your way out. I have asked her to assist you in that regard.

YH: Great. Thank you for your time, Mr. Beck.

DB: Ms. Harriott… (He gets up and walks me to the door. He raises an inquiring brow.)

YH: Yes. You can see a copy before it goes to print, but I get to choose the picture on the front cover of the magazine. (He smiles and we shake hands. I almost gasp as a tingle runs up my arm. I am a journalist and must keep my cool. When I finally turn and walk away he closes the door behind me.)

 Connect With Yvonne Online: 

Website: www.yvonneharriott.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yvonne.harriott
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritetorite
Hide ‘N Seek: http://amzn.to/PCWfgc
Amazon.com Author’s Page

Two Heroes – Blake and Drew

Suzanne Rock (SR): Hi everyone! Thank you so much for having me here today. I’d like to introduce you to two new characters in my new book, Pressure Point. Blake and Drew. *turns to men* How are we doing today boys?

Drew (D): Great. *puts arm around Blake*

Blake (B): Fantastic. *smiles at Drew*

SR: Good. Why don’t you start out by telling everyone a little about yourselves. Where do you work and what do you do?

B: We work at the Ecstasy Spa. It’s this spa for wealthy clientele. It’s unique in that it has two levels of membership. On the first level, customers get normal spa treatments by expert staff.

D: And on the second level, people pay a premium to get signature services from an elite team of staff members.

B: These services are more sexual in nature.

D: It’s all very hush, hush. You have to know someone to get in.

B: Or to work there.

SR: I take it that you are part of this elite group.

B: Yes. Drew and I work together to provide sexual services for our clients. You see, each staff member has a signature service to provide specific kinks that clients may be looking for. *glances at Drew* Our signature service is the Billionaire Businessmen looking to relieve some stress.

D: It’s for those who want a ménage service by two men used to being in control. We enjoy providing the service, but won’t be doing it for much longer.

SR: What do you mean?

D: This job is just temporary for us. While we both love pleasing women, we’re tired of the political games some staff members play and the endless list of rules we have to follow. It would be so much better to have a woman on a more permanent basis. Someone who could satisfy us both emotionally and physically without all of the red tape.

B: Soon.

SR: You must be referring to your coworker, Elsie.

B: Yes. We’ve had our eyes on her for a while, but wanted to become more established in our side business first.

SR: Side business? What’s that?

D: Real estate. Once we have enough money to leave the spa, we hope to proposition Elsie.

B: We want her to leave with is and work for us as our interior designer.

D: And become our sexual partner.

B: Yes. She would stage houses for us during the day and feed our sexual appetites at night. It would be the best of both worlds.

SR: What about love?

D: Love? *glances at Blake* We’re already in a relationship. I don’t want things to become overly complicated. Feelings could get hurt.

B: No. Love is love and sex is sex. Elsie is hot, but also practical. We get along great as friends. It’s perfect.

D: She won’t confuse sex with love like some women.

SR: I see. How do you think she’ll react to your proposal?

D: We don’t know. We plan to pay her more than she makes at the spa, so hopefully she’ll agree to the idea.

B: I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out her reaction.

SR: There you have it. I guess you’ll have to read Pressure Point to see Elsie’s reaction to the boys’ proposal. Although something tells me that things might not go quite as they planned.

D: Nonsense. Like we said, Elsie is practical. She’ll understand.

SR: Maybe. *waves flash drive with story in the air* maybe not. I’m the writer, remember?

B: *snorts* Don’t be ridiculous. Elsie isn’t overly emotional like that. *turns to Drew* Is she?

D: *shrugs* I don’t think so. *narrows gaze* You don’t think that this would affect our friendship, would it?

B: I-I never thought about that.

SR: *smiles* Well, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens, I guess. Thank you for spending some time with us today.

B: No problem.

D: Our pleasure.

SR: And for those of you who wish to learn more about Elsie, Drew  and Blake, I invite you to read Pressure Point, out now and available everywhere…

Price: $3.99

For more information, to read an excerpt, or for buy links, go here: www.suzannerock.com

Pressure Point Blurb:

When Blake and Drew ask Elise to have some fun with them at the Ecstasy Spa holiday party, she seizes the opportunity to forget about the pressures of her job and personal life. She has always had a crush on both men and knows that they are dating, so she expects nothing more than the one-night stand they offer her. Blake and Drew have other plans however. Together the men fulfill her every torrid dream, bringing her to heights she never thought possible. They want to make their fling more permanent, but doing so could cost them all their jobs. Should Elsie risk her livelihood for a chance to make her dreams come true?

All About Suzanne Rock:

A lifetime New Englander, Suzanne married her college sweetheart and has been with him for over twenty years. Every summer she drags her husband and two daughters to Maine on a quest for the perfect lobster dinner. Every fall she can be found down in Foxboro, Massachusetts cheering on her favorite football team. In between those trips, she’s a chauffeur, a maid, a chef, an event planner, a hairdresser, a wardrobe stylist, a tutor and a sometimes masseuse. To keep her sanity, she often drinks copious amounts of coffee and stares at the blank screen of her laptop, dreaming of great adventures. Sometimes she even writes them down for others to enjoy.

Today’s Hero – Falcon with Danita Minnis

Welcome to Danita Minnis!

Hello! I write paranormal romance for Liquid Silver Books. I am so excited to be here celebrating my debut novel Falcon’s Angel. Thank you, Vallory, for having my hero Falcon here today! We love to meet new readers.

I love many periods in history and write about them. In Falcon’s Angel, part of the love story is set in pre-revolutionary France. I had fun incorporating my love for the Enlightenment period, a very romantic era in history, into this story. The clothes rocked; corsets, décolletage –I wish those beautiful gowns were back in style. And who else besides me wants to see gorgeous British model David Gandy in breeches? Woot!

My hero Falcon travels back to this time period for a special assignment, one that could save his life and Angel’s. It is called the Enlightenment but it was also a very savage time in history. Superstition and persecution was still very much the thing. It wasn’t so far removed from a time when you might hear serious discussions of the ‘mark of the devil.’ For Falcon and Angel, it seemed like yesterday.

Danita Minnis

Romance Through the Ages

Falcon on Killing il Dragone

So how did I get here? Fighting devil-worshippers who don’t die?

It’s complicated, but I’ll do my best. You need to know what’s out there.

I left home at seventeen. My mother didn’t understand why. Looking back now, I guess I didn’t understand either. I told her I wanted to see the world. I ended up becoming a killer, one of the best seven countries has ever hired.

The thing is, I didn’t know I was born for this, killing il Dragone. But now I know I needed those years of killing to prepare for what would become the most important job of my life.

You might call it a personal vendetta, and you would be wrong. It is much more than that. They don’t just want me, Angel and the rest of the family. Yes, we are old enemies with scores of unpaid debts. You’ll learn more about those debts in another chapter of our lives. But know this; you have something they want as well – life. They need it to increase their numbers. They will come to you in disguise, make you feel safe, but that is an illusion. They will take your thoughts and actions and make them their own, and eventually they will take your life.

The best advice I have for you is do not accept their gift. It’s like taking out a loan that you won’t live long enough to re-pay.

In Angel’s case it was the Stradivarius, a link to the past, a homing device so that they could find her again and again. She’s got me now, and I’m killing them as fast as this life allows, trying to figure out how they stay dead.

In another time and place, their gift was the symbol of their master; dragon rubies. Exquisite hand-crafted jewels worked in the finest gold any decadent duke or lusty princess would kill for. Remember, once you accept the rubies, you cannot give them back. Il Dragone won’t take no for an answer.

If you find yourself in a situation, perhaps a lover is acting…strangely? Suddenly wants your life instead of your love? Call me, and consider it a favor. My partner Grange and I have only one mission now – kill il Dragone. Kill them all.

About Falcon’s Angel

Angelina wants to go unrecognized when she leaves her family’s Yorkshire estate to play in a symphony in Italy. When she starts running she has no idea just how much she is running from: a stolen Stradivarius, a birthright of mysterious powers and a past that got her killed over two hundred years ago.

Falcon wants the Stradivarius in her possession, and goes undercover to track down a thief. But he is not the only killer in search of the violin.

il Dragone, a devil-worshiping cult, wants revenge for a past only they can remember.

Angelina wants to go unrecognized when she leaves her family’s Yorkshire estate to play in a symphony in Italy. But the Stradivarius, a gift from her deceased instructor, opens a door to hatred that is centuries old.

Falcon’s Angel is a paranormal romance of a love that ended in tragedy in eighteenth century England. That love is tested in a fight of good versus evil some two hundred years later.

Falcon’s Angel is available from multiple retailers:

Liquid Silver Books
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Connect with Danita online:

Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Facebook Author Page
Danitaminnis.com
Networked Blogs
Google +
Goodreads
Pinterest
Stumbleupon
Shelfari

Curiosity Quill’s – A Minion’s First Page

It’s Week Two of the Curiosity Quill’s Blog Hop and the assignment this week is the first page.  I’m still fiddling with the query but wanted to post the first page since this has been written for a while (so this was easy!)

Hollywood had invaded the quiet neighborhood of Algiers Point, located a ferry’s ride across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter.  From her spot on the balcony, Portia could see the majestic steeple of St. Louis’ cathedral peeking over the horizon silhouetted against a  bright cloudless sky.  Double shotgun houses neatly lined the riverbank in an array of pastels from blues to pinks to yellows. It was a snapshot that hadn’t changed much since the early 1900s.

Except for the vans parked along the narrow streets each with the vivid logo from a different television station.  And the crowd of onlookers spilling beyond the restriction gates set up by the Algiers Point Commission to mingle with the cameramen and newscasters.  All were jostling for the best view of the star of last summer’s hit Midnight’s Kiss, Talia McCormick.  All were trampling the manicured foliage of historic Algiers Point.

Portia’s stomach flipped.  Danielle LeBlanc, current APC  President, would surely speak with Portia about this later.  The thought of speaking with Danielle, her perfectly coiffed eighty’s styled mushroom swinging about her thin angular face made Portia cringe and take another puff of her cigarette.

She never smoked while working.  Hollywood had done this to her. The people, the planning, the drama combining in a massive early morning headache and the need for just one before she could continue with the rest of the day.

Not that she wasn’t grateful, Midnight’s Kiss had provided amazing opportunities for her family.  Her sister, Jewel, was now an Oscar winning costume designer from a hit movie and had signed on as designer for the sequel Midnight’s Kiss: Renewal. The Andrade House Hotel had been chosen as the backdrop for key scenes in the first film and was slated for a more prominent showcasing in the upcoming production.  Portia was the event planner for Talia McCormick’s First Annual Midnight Ball for Literacy this evening.  It couldn’t get better than that.

Or worse. A cacophony of screeches, snarls and high-pitched whines erupted from her bedroom and demanded her attention. Portia took another quick puff and crushed the cigarette beneath her sneakered foot.  Taking a cleansing breath, she stepped inside.

Visit my fellow minions as they present their first pages by clicking here!

Today’s Hero – Clark Pinot with Nevea Lane

Justine Marshall is in a mood. Not that she doesn’t adore the fact that her best friend Topaz is was marrying the great love of her life; she’s ecstatic, but being alone while trying to plan the wedding to end all weddings has her in a funk and admittedly jealous. In an effort to keep her emotions from spilling into Topaz’s happy day, Justine comes up with one surefire solution: find a bed buddy. 

Clark Pinot has been trying to get Justine’s attention for months, which is the only reason he volunteered to go shopping with the guarded woman in the first place. When she comes to him with the ridiculous idea of being her “booty call,” he sees it as the one opportunity to prove he isn’t the Casanova she thinks he is and what he wants is much more than a tumble in the sack. Breaking down Justine’s defenses won’t be easy, but he’s determined to see them fall like the leaves in autumn.

Today, I chased down the elusive Clark Pinot…

Clark Pinot:   I’m not elusive…I’ve been busy running here and there.

Nevea Lane: Uh huh, I bet.   Would your running involve chasing after a certain someone?

CP: I’m a gentleman, Ms. Lane, and an retired military officer, I don’t chase.  I pursue.  (He crosses his arms and sits back).

NL: Alright then, would your running involve pursuing Justine Marshall?

CP: (His eyes light up at the mention of Justine.) Ms. Marshall is one remarkable woman. I’ve never met anyone like her.

NL: You mean a woman who doesn’t faint from your British accent or your violet eyes?

CP:  Not at all, although that was definitely an interesting way of putting it. From the first moment I met her, Ms. Marshall has made it a point to highlight my ‘issues’ as she has called them.

NL:  How did you two meet?

CP:   My best friend, Sebastian Rosser is marrying her best friend, Topaz Sinclair.  I decided to take an extended holiday to be here for Seb’s big day, and to pursue some other interests of mine.

NL: Are you always this vague, or is it just me?

CP:  My apologies, It’s hard for me to admit to adjust to being a retired intelligence officer.  Some things just don’t go away.  My main purpose for staying in America is to be closer to Sebastian.  He’s the brother I wish I had.  I grew up with three sister’s and a mother.  When Sebastian decided to move here, I dropped what I was doing to see him through it. 

NL:  That’s very noble of you.  (He nods).  So what were the other interests?

CP:  You aren’t going to let that slide are you?

NL : No.

CP : Didn’t think so.  Let me tell you a bit of a story.  When I first came to visit, Sebastian sent Topaz and Justine to pick me up from the airport.  The first thing I said to Justine was, “If I knew a woman such as yourself would be meeting me at the airport, I would have shaved.”  She rolled her eyes at me and said “You’re eyes belong on a woman.” She turned around and walked off.

NL: (snickering) I hope that wasn’t a pick up line.

CP : Honestly, no it wasn’t a line.  I was honestly stunned at her almond eyes and honest expression, I said the first thing that came to mind.  I’ve been in the dog house with her every since.

NL: What do you mean?

CP :  She seems to believe I’m a flirt, a womanizer.  I believe she calls me the London Lothario.

NL: A lothario?  Well is it true?

CP :  Not in the slightest.  I find women in general to be interesting creatures, but Justine…

NL: (after waiting) Justine what?

CP : Justine seems to think that finding women interesting means I like to sleep with all of them.

NL: Have you told her as much?

CP : I’ve tried to be subtle about it.  I’m a gentleman Ms. Lane, I don’t make it a habit to discuss my sexual appetite with a woman I’m pursuing. 

NL: So you are pursuing her?

CP : Yes, she just doesn’t seem to be interested. I get the feeling she doesn’t like me very much.

NL: Care for a bit of insight?

CP : By all means.

NL: Subtle isn’t going to cut it.  It could be she just thinks you flirt with every woman and she is no exception.

CP : She is the exception.

NL: Women like to believe that someone such as yourself wouldn’t be interested in them to keep their hearts safe Clark.  How old are you that you don’t see that?

CP : I’m 40, and what do you mean someone such as myself?

NL: Have you looked in a mirror lately?

CP : Pardon me?

NL:  Hello! You have a British accent, which is like ear candy to a woman.  You are extremely tall, dark and  don’t let Justine fool you, those violet eyes of yours are weapons.  Seriously you don’t see the problem and why a woman might keep you at arm’s distance.

CP : What does matter what shell I come in?  There is always more than skin deep qualities.

NL: Sounds like you got your work cut out for you.

Clark abruptly stands up and walks to the door

NL: Where are you going?

CP : I have a fascinating woman to pursue. 

NL: Good luck.

Will Clark be able to convince Justine that he isn’t the womanizer she thinks he is? Read the book to find out what happens in his pursuit. 

For your copy of Falling Leaves of Autumn, click here.

About the Author

Nevea Lane is an author of romance.  Her stories will have an element of real mixed with the unexpected and a dose of humor.  There is a world out there that is waiting to be explored by authors who love the thought of cultures, ideas and beliefs mingling and letting passion take them where they will.  Nevea is one of those explorers.   She likes to push the boundaries, and take you further than you would dare on your own.    Are you ready for a passion explosion?

Let her inhabit your imagination and enrich your senses with vivid tales of passion, love and lust.

Connect with Nevea online:

Blog:  http://nevealane.wordpress.com
Lulu Storefront: http://stores.lulu.com/nevealane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nevealane
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nevealane @nevealane
Yahoo! Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NeveaLaneWorkshop

Curiosity Quills – A Minion’s Query (Part 2)

This is the revision to my original query.  This one was a lot tougher to write and I’m just not happy with it, but I’m out of time!

 

Dear Agent,

Moments before the guests of an exclusive gala for Hollywood’s latest ingénue are danced into an authentic New Orleans second line for a late night in the French Quarter, the co-owner of the Andrade House Hotel finds that her unique gift of sight must be used to solve a murder.

Portia Andrade has known since her early teens that the scenes which played before her eyes like a movie were instances woven in the fabric of Time. Unfortunately, she couldn’t tell if the haunting depictions occurred hundreds of years ago or yesterday. As an adult, she has tried everything from meditation to medication to quell the visions. However when her feisty sister is the most likely suspect in the murder of the young actress found stabbed to death in the courtyard of the Andrade House Hotel, Portia draws upon her complete arsenal of weapons – her gift, the research skills of her current boyfriend and the investigative knowledge of her ex-husband – to keep her sister out of jail amid a media storm of bad press.

Upon an Oyster-Shelled Path, a completed 25,000 word novella introducing the Andrade House Mystery series as well as providing insight into the language and culture which makes New Orleans unique. This work can be included in an anthology or made available as a stand-alone title for readers of cozy mysteries looking for a culturally diverse amateur sleuth in an exciting setting.

Thank you for your consideration,

Vallory Vance

Interested in finding other minions like me, click here!

Introducing Felicia Tatum

About the Author

I’m a small town girl that lives in Tennessee. I read and write more than I watch TV and I prefer animals to most people. I love the color pink but wear a lot of black. I’m a vegetarian and love making Mexican food vegetarian friendly. I’m a mommy to the most amazing little girl in the world and the daughter of awesome parents. I’m a little sassy and overly ambitious. I want to go to Italy, yet I haven’t even been on a plane yet. Who am I you ask? I am Felicia.

How long have you been writing?

I have been a writer for as long as I can remember, though I never called myself one. I remember in 7th grade, I had a notebook that I was writing stories in. I kept a diary with detailed information on everything. I had a journal I kept on my computer later on. In 11th grade, I had to write a poem and match it up with a song, and I remember a classmate was amazed that I wrote it so fast. It was a turning point for me, someone noticing my writing and enjoying it. I’ve been working on my novel since May of this year.

I’m currently working on my first novel, The White Aura. The title actually came to me in the middle of writing it. You’ll have to read it to figure out why though. I’m currently revising, but I plan to share some of it on my blog when I’m finished. www.followyourdreamsalways.blogspot.com

 

Have you started another book yet?

Why yes, I have. Originally, The White Aura was going to be a two part novel, but after writing the first part, I decided to expand it into a full novel. So there will be a sequel to it and let me tell you, I’m even shocking myself with what’s happening!

If you could have a book signing anywhere in the world,

where would it be and why?

Well this one is easy, Europe! I have many friends over there and I’ve wanted to go since I was 12. London, Italy, all of those fabulously beautiful places. I’d want to meet all of my friends there too, though. I have met so many amazing people over the internet in the past few years. It would be a big party!

Connect with Felicia Online

Twitter: @sassybrunette55
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FeliciaTatumWriter

Curiosity Quills – A Minion’s Query

I’m participating in the Haunted Writing Clinic hosted by Curiosity Quills and this is my first submission, a query letter. We’ll see if I make it to the next round!

Dear Agent,

Set in New Orleans, Upon an Oyster-Shelled Path is a completed 25,000 word novella introducing the character of Portia Andrade and the Andrade House Mystery series. This work can be included in an anthology or made available as a stand-alone title for readers of cozy mysteries looking for a culturally diverse amateur sleuth in an exciting setting.

Moments before the end of an exclusive gala for Hollywood’s latest ingénue, co-owner of the Andrade House Hotel, Portia Andrade, finds that her unique gift of sight must be used to solve a murder when the young actress is found stabbed to death in the Andrade House courtyard and her feisty sister is the most likely suspect.

Portia Andrade has known since her early teens that the visions which played before her eyes like scenes from a movie were instances woven in the fabric of Time. However, she couldn’t tell if the depictions occurred hundreds of years ago or yesterday. In order to save her sister from an impending arrest for murder, she uses her full arsenal of weapons – her gift, the research skills of her current boyfriend and the investigative knowledge of her ex-husband – to keep her sister out of jail amid a media storm of bad press.

As a former event manager in and resident of New Orleans, I am able to provide the character of Portia Andrade with the knowledge needed to execute a successful function as well as provide insight into the  language and culture which makes New Orleans unique.

Thank you for your consideration,

Vallory Vance

Click here to visit the other blog hoppers in the this event!