Vallory Vance's Blog, page 26

Cooking with Passion

I was excited to learn that my recipe was included in the Passionate Cooks cookbook which will be available as a free download from AllRomance /Omni Lit. In a few weeks, you can get your copy and try out some dishes by your favorite romance authors. (I’ve had a sneak peek and the recipes are great.)

My entry is Second Chance Tortillas. This is a hearty breakfast that can carry you through a busy morning of errands and your shift as mommy chauffeur without having to refuel until a late lunch. Usually though as I’m gathering my ingredients, my mind is far from the grocery store and the cleaners.

The romantic in me is envisioning a couple waking up late on a chilly morning. Maybe he would pull out that never worn pair of green plaid pajamas that had lain in the drawer for months. Bottoms for him and top for her.

Just something she’d bought when the weather had turned cold one day. Was it last year? Already?

“Are you hungry?” He would ask.

She would only nod, not yet ready to test the strength of her voice.

“I’ll make something.” He would scramble out to the kitchen, thankful that she hadn’t looked at him for too long. What would he say?

She would follow close behind while he assembled his items and tackled the chore of cooking like he was preparing for battle. She would bite back the urge to tell him how to do it right and concentrate on the empty pitcher before her.

Perhaps, she would reach for the rest of the champagne from last night and a bottle of orange juice. Brush against him as he reached for the lone pepper.

“Oh, sorry.” They would chime in unison.

“I thought we could have mimosas like we did when went to San Francisco. Remember?”

He would smile, nodding. He remembered.

There would be a sip of the libation and then he would swipe a crumb from her mouth.

Her hand would meet his as she helped. “Is it gone?” Their fingers would stay intertwined.

And it’s game over for these two. No matter how they lost sight of what was important, they’ve ended up where they began.

But that’s just me…

Happy Reading, Writing and Cooking this week!

Today’s Hero – Adam with MaryLynn Blast

No Remorse Blurb: Due to her unusual birth, Amber has abilities no other

werewolf has ever possessed. On the run since childhood, the lone wolf avoids

contact with other werewolves at all cost, continually moving, constantly

looking over her shoulder and always alone. Everything changes when Amber saves

a werewolf from the mere brink of death, Blake, the only werewolf to ever

protect her. Love blossoms, but not without tribulations when Amber realizes

she must help her new pack rescue a member who is being held hostage by a rival

pack. Warring with emotions of going from lone wolf to the pack leader’s mate,

Amber must decide if she is willing to risk Blake’s life to know true family

and friendship despite the fact that the Council is hell bent on locating her

and will stop at nothing until she is found. Will Amber’s special abilities be

enough to keep everyone safe?

No Remorse by MaryLynn Bast

Interview with Adam

I invited Adam from No Remorse to speak with me and surprisingly I got two for one. Adam brought a friend and I must say; I have never seen a man so big. I don’t mean weight wise either. This man had to duck his head to get through the door of my office and I swear his shoulders were so broad he had to turn slightly to make it through. I couldn’t help thinking he must pay a fortune for the custom made clothing he wore so well.

I stood and walked forward inviting them both to sit down. When I took in his size I then worried the larger man might break my brand new leather arm chair. I know they heard me breathe a sigh of relief when he shook his head, declining my offer to sit. Leaning beside the door, I watched him cross one ankle over the other and his massive arms across his chest. You’ve heard the old cliché ‘I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley’? Well, that one definitely applied to this guy, although, he was extremely good looking. His piercing blue eyes and from what I could tell, light brown hair judging by his military style haircut. I caught myself wishing I could see his smile. But no such luck, he just leaned there with a straight face, his eyes focused intensely on me.

Then I realized I had been staring and looked over at who I assumed was Adam. I had never laid eyes on either of these men until this very moment. But I had heard quite a bit about Adam and so far he was living up to the vision of him in my mind. When he smiled as he extended his hand towards mine and he said hello in the drop dead sexy voice of his, I knew without a doubt I could be hooked easily by this one. On the phone he had sounded just as delicious as he looked.

A silly grin on my face, I grasped his warm strong hand and felt a tingle of excitement run up my arm. Adam was nowhere near the size of the mountain by the door, but had the same air of confidence about him. His eyes were blue as well, but pale, a really dreamy color, if you ask me. His hair a darker shade of brown, I could easily run my fingers through to feel the softness.  I couldn’t help but wonder if they were all as good looking as these two were.

Adam sat down in the chair and indicated with a shake of his head back towards the door. “That’s Marcello, my trusty sidekick.”

I couldn’t help but smile and glanced at Marcello, but he made no facial movement whatsoever. The thought crossed my mind that he didn’t approve of Adam being there and that really made me want to get him to loosen up and do an interview with me too. From the look of him though, I knew that wasn’t happening. Leaving it alone, I turned to Adam while I settled in my chair behind the desk. Glad I had dressed up, that’s for sure. Tugging at my shirt I noticed Adams eyes dart quickly to my cleavage and saw a tiny lift on the right side of his mouth.

“Thank you both, Adam, Marcello for coming.” I picked up the pen, poised and ready to jot down the answers to the questions I had already written on my yellow pad.

“Thank you for having us here.” Adam sat with one leg crossed over the other. His long fingers tapped a muffled rhythm on the arm of the chair.

I had to force my attention back to my questions. Taking a deep breath I began. “I would like to start out by asking how you know Blake and Amber.” I looked him in the eyes and he answered immediately with a charming smile.

“I actually met Blake a couple months before I met Amber.” Adam paused for the slightest moment as if preparing his thoughts and I wondered if he was choosing his words carefully, not wanting to disclose something accidently. The reporter in me picked up on that immediately; he didn’t appear to be nervous though. “I met Blake when he saved my life after I took a good ass kicking.” A sheepish, toothless grin crossed his face. “I met Amber when I was sent to the shelter.”

Now that threw me. I didn’t know there were shelters for their kind. “What do you mean, shelter?”

“Moonlight Shelter is a place where we are sent when there is no one to care for us, or the others just don’t want us around for one reason or another.” Adam glanced down at his lap, then back up at me.

“So in other words it’s an orphanage?” My pen scratched furiously as I took notes, scribing word for word what he was telling me. I underlined Moonlight Shelter because I would be following up on that one.

“Yes, it’s a type of orphanage so to speak, only they don’t turn you out after you turn of age. Moonlight is somewhat of a safe haven for anyone who doesn’t have a place to go.”

“Is just anyone allowed at Moonlight?” I watched his face for a reaction.

“The answer to your real question is yes. They do accept humans, but only if they are already aware of our existence. They would accept you there if you needed to go into hiding for some reason.” Adam spoke softly, his eyes never leaving my face when he added, “As long as you’re not running from the law.”

I already knew the answers to some of my questions. For the purpose of the interview I had to get Adam to tell me what I needed to hear, so I prodded him even though I sensed he was a bit uncomfortable. “I understand that it’s hard for you to speak so openly about this. Your, uh, people have always been so secretive.”

Adam cleared his throat. With elbows on his knees, he leaned forward and clasped his hands together while his chin rested casually on the tip of the forefingers and he stared at me. “Yes, it is very difficult for us to open up to outsiders. You are aware of what we are and for whatever reason I have been instructed to cooperate, so I will answer your questions.” He smiled to take the harshness out of his words. Lifting his hands up, spreading them apart he leaned back in the chair. “I’m all yours, I’ll tell you what I can.”

Adam began talking after that and I don’t know how he did it, but he answered every question I had without me having to ask. Although there were times I thought I was going to have to prod him a bit. Eventually he told me what I wanted to know, and then some.

“I know you’re waiting for me to say the word. So yes, I turn into a werewolf every full moon. We have what is called a Full Moon Phase which lasts up to five days. It’s never exact. After the initial change with the full moon, we can change whenever we want during the phase. Younger wolves have a hard time controlling the change, but that is where the pack comes in handy and guides them. Yes, there are wolves that have eaten humans. However, we try to refrain from doing so.” Adam scooted down in the seat and got more comfortable.

I wished Marcello would sit as well because it was a little intimidating having him standing by the door as if on guard. But he didn’t budge when I offered again while he shook his head like before. The look that crossed his face when I motioned towards the chair made me wonder if he had read my mind about not breaking my new chair, but that couldn’t be because werewolves can’t read minds.

Adam continued with this story. “My father worked for the ranch Blake lives and works at as well. My mother passed away when I was younger, so I don’t remember her, so I live with my dad. I found out quite by accident about werewolves as I was still a human at the time.  One night I happen to see the shift and I have to tell you. It scared the hell out of me.”

His eyes stared into mine; I think he was waiting to see if I would give any indication of being shocked at what he was telling me. I made sure to keep my face clear of all emotion as he continued.

“When Blake saved my life, he and I became really good friends and that is when I met Amber, who happens to be one of the most beautiful women.”

A grin spread across his face when his eyes met mine before glancing over his shoulder at Marcello who still hadn’t moved, not one inch, Adam shook his head, his smile widening.

I wondered if they were communicating telepathically like I heard they could do.

“I was there only a couple weeks before Amber got into major fight with Stacy and ended up fleeing the school.” I must have frowned at the word, because Adam explained. “The younger people call it school, because they have teachers on staff. We didn’t leave the grounds. After the incident with Amber, I didn’t see her again until she helped Blake at his accident.”

I nodded my head. I remembered hearing the buzz in the were world about how Blake had almost died.

“So, let’s get to the main reason we are here.” I didn’t blink when Adam’s eyes flashed at me. I was aware of the ways werewolves liked to try to trick people into thinking they had seen something, but not really seeing anything at all.

“Werewolves are born into packs, like Amber, that have strong ties with the Council. Because of her special birth she has abilities that not even I comprehend and she is still learning what she can do.” Adam released a sigh; he was finally getting to the part that I wanted to know about.

“Humans can be changed into wolves. There is a process called the Blood Ritual where the entire pack drinks a drop of blood from the inductee. This also happens when someone joins another pack. But there are other ways too. As in my case, I was out later than I should have been. The neighboring pack bit me. Instead of just killing me, the bastard left me there to bleed to death. Somehow Blake found me in time and finished what had been started, he turned me. You see, when a werewolf bites you, it is not always a guarantee that you will be turned. If he bites you in the right spot, you will bleed out, but you will not be infected with the virus that runs through our veins. Just piercing the skin and making the human bleed doesn’t do jack but cause a lot of pain.”

Then finally, he got to the point, the reason for the interview and told me what I was really after. “To be turned, the wolves tooth must pierce a main vein. The virus grabs onto the blood cells, once it reaches the heart there is no going back. The virus takes a couple days to take over completely as it overpowers and mutates the cells. The process is very painful. You will feel like you are boiling from the inside out. Your lungs become so tight you can barely breathe; your heart racing so hard you just want to die. You know that if it beats just one beat longer you are going to. Then the heart stops for a brief moment. The human dies and the wolf is born. However, this does not always happen naturally. There are cases where the human’s heart dies, but the wolf does not come through. Unless there is someone there to help start the heart, they may die as was in my case. I owe Blake my life, he saved my life twice. Well, more than that actually since we met, but that’s another story.” He paused then, a slight frown on his brow. “I would tell you more about Blake and Amber, but I don’t have that kind of time.”

Adam’s answers had only served to make me want to know more and I didn’t want the interview to end.

Adam glanced at the clock on the wall and scooted to the edge of his seat.

The burning question in my mind was about his other ability. I opened my mouth to ask when a brilliant smile slid across his lips again.

“Be patient love, I’m getting to it.” I heard a snort from the doorway, the first noise Marcello had made and it startled me because I had actually forgotten about him standing there. Adam grinned and continued. “Yes, I have special abilities and no it is not a werewolf’s natural ability nor was I born with it.” He paused for the dramatic affect. “I get visions, don’t always know when or where they will happen, but they always come true.”  Again he paused.

I knew he would continue so I remained silent.

“We don’t talk about being a werewolf because most humans don’t understand. They try to kill or experiment on us to find out why we shift. We usually hide to change and yes, we do have our weaknesses, but if I told you, I would have to kill you.”

I swear his eyes flashed black then yellow when he said that.

“But the one thing I can say is that as a pack, we do communicate telepathically and our bonds are never truly severed.”

Adams eyes stared deep into mine, like he was trying to get into my head. Apparently he already had since he continually answered my questions without me having to ask. But for the life of me, I had no idea how he could hear my thoughts since I am not a werewolf. From what I did know, they were not able to read minds, but apparently this one could. The implications quickly sunk in and I wanted to crawl under my desk in embarrassment. My mind instantly went back to my thoughts on Marcello breaking my chair if he sat in it. Again, the grin crossed his face and I knew then that he was definitely reading my thoughts once more.

“I have to go now, but we will talk again.”

My fingers had begun to cramp from holding the pen too tight and writing so fast. When I heard him say this I paused, glancing back up at him. The thought of talking to him again was exciting and I looked forward to hearing more about his abilities.

“When we do, I will tell you how Blake and I met Seriana, but not now, I can’t give you any details on her, so wipe that thought right out of your head. She will be with me when we talk next and if she wants you to know, she will tell you.”

Damn, I realized that if he could read my mind, then he had heard my thoughts on how good looking he was and the naughty things that could be done to that scrumptious body of his. Adam gave a hot, sexy chuckle and I smiled then stood as he did. His hand clasped mine and held on for a moment longer than he had when we met and a warm tingling feeling spread through me. I don’t know if he did something to cause that or if it was because I was attracted to him, but either way it felt good. With a grin on his face he walked past Marcello and punched him none too lightly in the arm, pushed the door open and walked out. Marcello nodded his head to me, silently turned and followed Adam out the door.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Marcello could even speak and why he had tagged along, maybe he was guarding Adam for some reason? Hmmmm, there was something to think about, and another thing for me to look into. This had definitely turned out to be an interesting interview.

No Remorse is available through Amazon in the following formats:

Ebook:  http://www.amazon.com/Remorse-Book-Heart-Wolf-ebook/dp/B007P6CT9M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338893794&sr=1-1

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/No-Remorse-Heart-Wolf-1/dp/1470042223/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338893904&sr=1-2

View the Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTAozXT4r2o

About the Author: MaryLynn Bast moved to Las Vegas in 2010 from Texas, where she grew up. She works as a consultant with a contractor for the US Military, traveling from base to base across the US and around the world. Whenever possible, MaryLynn enjoys spending time with her husband, children and friends. In her free time she writes paranormal fantasies, loves to read and travel.

 C onnect with MaryLynn online:

Website: http://heartofawolfseries.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/MaryLynnBast
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MaryLynn-Bast-Heart-of-a-Wolf-Series/290060734343947
http://www.facebook.com/groups/276906255723856/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MaryLynnBast

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783675.MaryLynn_Bast

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/MaryLynn-Bast/e/B008DU8RWC

MaryLynn also gave us a great pic of the live model used to represent Adam in Werewolf Bound (Thanks MaryLynn!)

Today’s Hero – Jared Prophet with Tyler Robbins

Tyler: I am so thrilled to be here and even more excited to bring along a dear friend of mine, Jared Prophet, one of the heroes from my latest novel, Beyond Honor. For those of you I haven’t met yet, allow me share a little about myself then we’ll put Jared in the hot seat.

Tyler Robbins is the pen name I use for my special line of GLBT stories.

“Beyond Honor” was the first novel of this genre for me, and I must say, has become my most sought after story.

As a young widow with four kids, writing became my outlet to get in touch with the inner “me”. After years of being a wife and mother, I was suddenly just Robin (Robin Badillo, for those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet). Times were difficult and change was in order.

Three years after launching this new chapter in my life, I introduced my pen name, and as Tyler, I’ve definitely been a very busy lady.

I’m so happy to be here today and hope you’ll help me welcome Jared Prophet.

Tyler: Thanks for taking time out to visit with me today, Jared. It’s been a busy couple of months for all of us since your story released June 1st. First off, I’m dying to know how you and Michael are doing.

Jared: Nice to see you again, too, Tyler. Michael is great. He’s still caring for the soldiers and their families over at the base clinic. I’m trying to keep busy, too. I just landed a spot as a medic or paramedic for all of you civilians, for our local hospital district. Keeping busy helps the time fly when Michael and I can’t be together.

Tyler: So things are pretty good between you two?

Jared: *smiles widely … Things couldn’t be better.

Tyler: I’m so glad to hear that. The bird’s eye view of your tumultuous beginning had me on pins and needles, so knowing all is well in the land of love makes it all worth it.

Jared: To be honest, I gave Mike a tough time in the beginning. I had some stuff I was working through, but when you have a man like him in your corner…well let’s just say, he left me no choice but to man up and face reality.

Tyler: How’s it been going now that you’re officially “out” of the military and “out” as a gay man?

Jared: *chuckles… I miss living on base and training new medics, but coming home to Michael every night makes up for it. I should probably say that although I was worried I would have had it bad as an openly gay, enlisted man, I missed a lot of what others have experienced since I decided not to re-up just as I came to terms with my sexuality. Michael has taken some hits for it, but it hasn’t been anything we can’t handle. As for being out of the proverbial closet in my personal life, well it is what it is. I’ve lost some friends, but I’ve gained some new friends, or should I say real friends. Michael and I can manage if we stick together and surround ourselves with people who love us.

Tyler: I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that. I know from getting to know the two of you that you’re quite passionate about your feelings for each other and for those people you care most about.

Jared: Passionate is a term I’ve come to embrace, especially where Michael is concerned. *rubs his jaw and grins wickedly. What can I say, I love him and we care about our friends and family very much.

Tyler: I saw that twinkle on your eye. I take it you were thinking about Michael?

Jared: I’m always thinking about Michael. I owe him so much. Not only did he get me through one of the toughest moments of my life, he’s been my rock. Finding a man like that is rare.

Tyler: Well to be fair, I’m sure Michael feels the same about you.

Jared: Maybe. I mean, yeah, he loves me, but I don’t think I’ve been as good for him as he’s been for me. He knew me before I even knew myself. Does that sound weird? Our friend, Alana, tells me all the time that I’m Michael’s knight in shining armor, but to me, he’s the one who rode in and saved me, not the other way around. Do you think I’ll lose my man card for saying that? *cheeks flush red as the grin grows wider

Tyler: Actually, as a woman and although impartial for obvious reasons, I gotta say that you’re rockin’ the man card quite nicely. Who says a happily ever after story can’t have two heroes?

Jared: Good point. I like the sound of that.

Tyler: So, what are your future plans? Are you guys planning to take the relationship a step farther?

Jared: Just between you and me, if I were going to take the plunge and make our relationship official, I would. As it stands now, that’s not possible in Texas. I will say that if Michael would like a small ceremony, I’d be willing to put a ring on his finger.

Tyler: Holy crap! I hope I’m not hearing about this before Michael.

Jared: No, in fact we’ve talked about it. All that’s standing in our way is timing. If our schedules weren’t so crazy and we didn’t have the thought of him being deployed looming over our heads, we would have already done it. We really just need the circumstances to fall into place and it would be a done deal.

Tyler: Well when that does happen, and I’m sure it will, I hope I’ll be invited.

Jared: We couldn’t imagine a wedding without you. I may even need you to help me with my vows. *winks

Tyler: I think I could rise to that occasion.

Jared: I’m sure between you and Alana, everything would end up perfectly planned.

Tyler: Who knows, you and Alana could plan a double wedding. Then Joel and Michael would be the two luckiest guys on the planet.

Jared: *nodding… I’ll tell her you said that. She’ll be all over this in a heartbeat.

Tyler: It would be the perfect end to the perfect story…or perhaps the perfect beginning to another one.

Jared: Ahh! I can see the twinkle in your eyes. I know that look.

Tyler: If anyone knows that look, it would be you, Jared.

Jared: Now, you have me wondering what the future holds for Alana and Joel.

Tyler: Well we’ll just have to wait and see won’t we.

Jared: *laughs and shakes his head. You’re always up to something.

Tyler: Usually. *Giggles

Listen, I know you and Michael have plans tonight and you really have to get out of here, but I wanted to thank you again for visiting with us today. Please send Michael my love and tell Alana I’ll be in touch.

Jared: You’re very welcome, but I should be thanking you for sharing mine and Michael’s story with everyone.

Tyler: Jared, it was my pleasure.

* * * *

Beyond Honor is available in digital ebook format as well as print from the following locations on the web.

Buy Link: Evernight Publishing

Print Copy: https://www.createspace.com/3964040

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Honor-ebook/dp/B0087TXAU8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1345674385&sr=8-1

AUHTOR BIO: TYLER ROBBINS

Tyler Robbins is the pen name of author Robin Badillo, who lives in a small Texas town and is the mother of four nearly grown kids, two boys and two girls.

Tyler enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and pushes the envelope on the stories she writes every chance she gets. She hopes her readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she’s taking.

Always the optimist, Tyler is a firm believer that grey hair is merely God’s graffiti!

 Connect with Tyler online:

Website /Blog: http://www.tylerrobbins.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.tyler.robbins
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Robin_Badillo
Keep up with Tyler Robbins and Robin Badillo from Robin’s personal Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robin.badillo

 

Today’s Hero – Abdulla with Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar

Questions with a Qatari: Abdulla from Love Comes Later

By Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar

For the Hero Worship week, hosted by Vallory V on her blog, the assignment was for all the writers to interview a character from a book they’ve written. Here we have 5 minutes and 5 questions with the protagonist from my latest release, Abdulla.

MR: You must get this a lot but, um, where exactly is Qatar?

Abdulla: (laughs). It’s a country the size of Rhode Island, on the top of Saudi Arabia and across from Iran.

MR: So do women have to–?

Abdulla: You don’t have to cover your hair, can drive, and go to as much school as you can test into. You can even drink the tap water if you want to. Perfectly safe.

MR: Wow. So that’s not the Middle East I hear about on CNN.

Abdulla: If that’s where you get your news, you’ve probably got a few other misconceptions about the world.

MR: If women have so many rights in Qatar, then why do they still have to marry their cousins in arranged marriages?

Abdulla: This has to do with society and family trying to protect women and men by assuming that those closest to them know best what they would need in a long-term relationship like marriage. The fact is marriage practices on the whole in Qatar are undergoing a major shift as more and more young people are getting divorced months after their very expensive weddings.

MR: Did you have an arranged marriage?

Abdulla: I had two of them in fact. I’m on my third now. And she’s not Qatari.

MR: Now that’s a story I want to hear!

Abdulla: You’ll have to read the book.

Love Comes Later Book Blurb

Hind is granted a temporary reprieve from her impending marriage to Abdulla, her cousin. Little does anyone suspect that the presence of Sangita, her Indian roommate, may shake a carefully constructed future. Torn between loyalties to Hind and a growing attraction to Abdulla, Sangita must choose between friendship and a burgeoning love.

A modern quest for the right to pursue love and happiness, even when it comes in an unconventional package, LOVE COMES LATER explores similarities between the South Asian and Arab cultures while exposing how cultural expectations affect both men and women. Identities are tested and boundaries questioned against the shifting backdrops of Doha, Qatar and London, England.

Love Comes Later is available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Later-ebook/dp/B008I4JJES

Author Bio:  Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar is a South Asian American who has lived in Qatar since 2005. Moving to the Arabian Desert was fortuitous in many ways since this is where she met her husband, had a baby, and made the transition from writing as a hobby to a full time passion.  She has since published five e-books including a mom-ior for first time mothers, Mommy But Still Me, a guide for aspiring writers, So You Want to Sell a Million Copies, a short story collection, Coloured and Other Stories, and a novel about women’s friendships, Saving Peace. Most recently, From Dunes to Dior, is a collection of essays related to her experiences as a female South Asian American living in the Arabian Gulf. After she joined the e-book revolution, she dreams in plotlines. Learn more about her work on her website at www.mohanalakshmi.com or follow her latest on Twitter: @moha_doha.

 

Connect with the lovely Mohanalakshmi online: 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/moha_doha
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themohadoha
Pintrest: www.pintrest.com/mohadoha
YouTube: www.youtube.com/themohadoha
Website: www.mohanalakshmi.com

Today’s Hero – Koen Smith with Deneice Tarbox

Author Bio:  Deneice Tarbox is the author of Healing Inc. and Finding Love for a Cynic, an interracial romantic suspense novel and interracial romance novella.  She has been writing seriously for about a year and is currently working on her third book, a sequel to Healing Inc.  She plans to venture into fantasy in the near future.  Her motto: normal is boring /laugh or wear a straitjacket.

Interview with Koen Smith:  Today I have the opportunity to talk with Koen Smith, an up and coming public relations representative in the greater Los Angeles area.  Since it is within walking distance of my office, he graciously agreed to meet me at Soul of the Matter, one of the few multicultural publishing firms in the country.  I just arrived at the office he has borrowed for said purpose, and I’m waiting patiently as he dutifully texts on his smartphone.   I can’t help but notice that he’s very well put together in a gray suit that brings out the unusual green of his eyes.

KS:  Sorry about that.  Seems I have my work cut out for me these days. (He’s holding the phone up and smiling broadly as he apologizes.)

DT:  Oh no problem.  (I have to confess; even though we’ve conversed over the phone his accent still throws me.  And, okay, those have to be contacts he’s wearing.  No one has eyes that green.  I can’t keep from staring as he rises to his full height.  He’s got to be at least six feet tall.)

KS:  (He gestures to two comfortable looking seats.)  Shall we?

DT:  Long day?

KS:  They all are lately.

DT:  (That color really does wonders for his eyes.  Dammit!  You’re harping on the eyes again.  Look away, homegirl. Look away! Wait a minute; does anyone even say that anymore? Moving on.) Which brings me to my first question; Rumor has it you’re suddenly in high demand in the L.A. area.  Care to confirm or deny?

KS:  (He chuckles.) I guess that’s about right.

DT:  But you’ve been in L.A. for a while now.  What do you think is the cause of this sudden peak in interest?

KS:  Well… I don’t think there was any single contributing factor.

DT:  Oh, really?  You don’t think what you’re doing for Soul of the Matter, particularly one Ms. Delona Raes, has anything to do with it?  (I can’t help but notice how his eyes lit up at the mention of her name.  I wonder if he knows he just did that.  Hmmm, there just might be more to this story than I thought.)

KS:  Soul of the Matter was my first contract. (Other than the new gleam in his eye his face remains passive.)

DT:  Is Ms. Raes as difficult to work with as they say?

KS:  I’m not sure who ‘they’ are, but I have nothing but the utmost respect for Ms. Raes.  Given the fact that what she does and says has been repeatedly taken out of context since arriving in L.A., I’d say she does very well.  Not everyone would have acted as graciously as she has in light of such a challenge.  This line of questioning wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain rejection letter, would it?  (His beautifully arched eyebrow shoots toward his chaotic, chestnut colored hairline with this last statement.)

DT: (Well damn.  Talk about calling a sister out.) Okay then.  Perhaps we should stick to questions about you.  Where in the world did you get that accent from?  (Whew.  He’s laughing.)

KS:  I was born and raised in Australia, but my mom and dad are from Norway and South Africa respectively.

DT:  I see.  Do you plan on returning to your land of origin any time soon?

KS:  Only if my business fails, and I don’t see that happening in the foreseeable future.

DT:  I agree.  How have you managed to stay so fit throughout all these long hours?  (Yeah, I went there.)

KS:  (He smiles.) I love to sail.  It can be physically demanding at times.  I also manage to go for a swim daily.

DT:  Interesting.  One last question before I go.  Do you think you could talk Ms. Raes into taking another look at my last submission?

KS:  Uh, no.

DT:  (Oh well, can’t blame a girl for trying.) Thank you for your time.

Finding Love for a Cynic is available at:

Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Love-Cynic-ebook/dp/B008GFSBG6

Barnes&Noble.com:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-love-for-a-cynic-deneice-p-tarbox/1111949356

Smashwords.com:    https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/177820

You can follow Deneice on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/DeneiceTarbox

A Fable Retold by Tiffany Rose

A Fable Retold

There have been retellings of classic fairy tales and fables for several years now. I remember my husband and I buying a copy of Politically Correct Fairy Tales in the ’90s and laughing out loud over the stories. Turning the same tales into erotic fantasies, a’la Taming of Sleeping Beauty or involving a new twist on several mythologies, such as the TV show Once Upon a Time – one of my favorites at the moment – isn’t new.

What is important about these retellings is if authors are going to take a familiar story and twist it in some way, it needs to be different than someone else has done it in the past. This is what I tried to do with my novella, Freya’s Journey.

Freya’s Journey originally started as a short story I was planning to submit to an anthology. One thing led to another and I didn’t finish the story in time to submit it. Once life calmed down and I was able to work on it again, I decided to self-publish it myself and begin a series of erotic fables and fairy tales. The series will eventually include well-known stories such as Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, but I still plan to include lesser known stories from various world mythologies, such as the Freya story, simply because I enjoy mythology and always wonder “what if?” I think about how I can twist the known story into something different, something new, but still have remnants of the old within. And, of course, there needs to be a passionate romance between the main characters.

Before I wrote Freya’s Journey, I read several versions of the myth. Freya is a Norse goddess and I wasn’t as familiar with her as I was with the stories of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. That is one reason I chose Freya’s story instead of Aphrodite, a more well-known goddess of love.

I used a lot of the information I learned in different versions, trying to show aspects of Freya’s character and how I saw her. One version of the myth describes her as a warrior queen, one of the Valkries, and it’s that aspect of I showcase in her desire to be on this journey alone. She is a confident woman, secure in her identity as a goddess, even as she is vulnerable to her femininity. I portray this vulnerability as a physical need for sex. As the goddess of love and sex, it seemed obvious to me that she would feel these needs and desires much stronger than a human female.

Freya also accepts love – physical and emotional – from all genders. She has no embarrassment or guilt over her many lovers. As in most myths, the gods and goddesses have spouses but are not held to be monogamous. It’s accepted in her marriage with Od – he will go his way, she will go hers, but when they are together, magic will happen.

Freya, the Norse goddess of love and beauty, Queen of the Valkries, is tired of waiting for her husband, Od, the Sun, to return to her bower. Desiring his touch, she decides to find him on her own.

Freya’s journey is hampered by her need for physical pleasure daily. To assuage her desires, she seeks out her consort and step-brother, Frey, both for his knowledge of how to pleasure her and for information.

As her journey continues and she grows needful of a lover’s touch once again, she meets a band of dwarven brothers who offer her the necklace Brisingamen and several days of sexual fulfillment.

Freya finally reaches her beloved Od, only to find him captured by the dangerous mountain giants, the Jotuun. Believing her to be a worshiper of Od and unaware of her true identity, the giants allow Freya to see him. Once together, the lovers must find a way to escape before their captors discover her true identity and kill them both.

To Purchase Freya’s Journey:

Amazon – http://amzn.to/Lboxdo

Barnes and Noble – http://bit.ly/L8x6pA

Smashwords – http://bit.ly/KvRe89

All Romance Ebooks – http://bit.ly/MemtTb

Tiffany Rose Author Bio:

Tiffany Rose is a romantic at heart, which is why romance is a very strong element in her writing, especially her erotic writing, because love makes great sex even better. Because she believes so strongly in a romantic relationship, she’s made a public promise to her readers to stay true to the romantic relationships within an erotic framework. She currently lives in Alabama

Today’s Hero – Dario with Susan Buchanan

Here, exclusively for Amazon readers, is Susan Buchanan on…

Sign of the Times

I always wanted to write a novel with characters based around the signs of the zodiac, their personality traits, jobs etc. I took a year off work to finish it, as I had been writing it for 6 years in my spare time and was only half way through. Writing a novel with 12 key characters was a mammoth challenge, but I loved it. I hope you do too. I love to travel and some of the places in the novel, are places I have been to. When I read, I love to read books about foreign parts that I have visited – it immerses me more in the story. I wanted to do the same in my own novel. I love reading, always have – romantic fiction, crime, contemporary drama, pretty much everything.

  Holly, the ‘main’ character of the twelve zodiac character signs in Sign of the Times, meets Dario when her car breaks down late at night in Italy. Today we are meeting Dario, to get to know a bit more about the man who has our heroine all aflutter.

Susan: Hi Dario and thanks for joining us this morning.  (Dario smiles, thanks us for inviting him and rests his lean but muscular, tanned arms on his chair, his wide smile revealing beautiful, white, even teeth. He moves his dark floppy hair out of his eyes and listens attentively as we begin)

Your family has been in this area of Tuscany for some time. Tell us a little about your heritage?

Dario: My family has lived in Rosetto for more than two hundred years. I have a large family, but I am the heir to the vineyards and the olive groves, which are my family’s main businesses.

Susan: Can you describe the place where you live?

Dario: I am not sure if you mean the town or my home, so I will describe both. Rosetto is a village which was much fought over during the unification of Italy in the 19th century. It has deep historical significance. My family is the largest landowner in the area.  The village itself is a sleepy one, with old men playing chess in the street, sipping grappa at lunchtime and children playing games that have been passed on from one generation to the next. You will see the women haggling on market day with the stall owners. This area of Tuscany is particularly known for its food – you should visit.

My home is, I suppose you British would say, a stately home. It dates from 1792.  My family has always lived here. We have extensive gardens, a small lake, and the architecture is Siennese. We have fourteen bedrooms, nine bathrooms, three, I think you say, drawing rooms, two kitchens, two dining rooms, a study, a library, an office and another three reception rooms. It is comfortable and useful for when we have family to stay.

Susan: Can you share with us the details of the women in your life, past and present?

(Dario’s eyes momentarily darken, then he sighs) It is true what they say, money doesn’t buy happiness. I was married once, many years ago, but my wife died.  I loved her very much and it took me a long time to get over it, if indeed you ever do get over it. Let’s just say it hurts a little less every day, but I still think about her often. (He pauses before continuing)

After that, I had many women foisted upon me, some possibly because they liked me or found me attractive, but more often than not these women were vacuous and just wanted someone to pay for their lifestyle. There has been no –one important. Well, not until very recently. I met a Scottish girl, but it couldn’t go anywhere…

Susan: What are your passions?

Dario: Wine – of course, with my family history and business, it has to be.  I have been all over the world to taste and test the finest wines and work out what our next move will be at our vineyards. I have been to Napa and Sonoma in California, the vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand and the Franschhoek Valley in South Africa. And of course I have been all over Europe.

I also love literature, particularly the classics and not just in Italian. But my favourites are Boccaccio’s Decamerone; Dante’s Divina Commedia  (of course); Lampedusa’s Il Gattopardo  (The Leopard)is my favourite); Macchiavelli, even if he was odious, he could teach us a thing or two about statesmanship and Il Principe (The Prince) does just that. I also like the more modern novels, for example Leonardo Sciascia’s detective series, particularly A Ciascuno il Suo (To Each His Own). And I love your Shakespeare and Kipling.

Making love – I may not be with the right woman yet, but when I am, I will make love to her every day.

Susan: Can you give us five adjectives to describe yourself?

Dario: Hmm, if you mean physically, I would have to say, tall and dark. If you mean personality or character, then loyal, determined, but also laidback – I am Italian after all!

Susan: What would you like to achieve in life?

Dario: I am very lucky already, as I don’t want for anything financially and I have a wonderful family and amazing network of friends. My businesses are very successful and long may that continue. But I would like to meet someone, the right person, the right available person, to settle down with.

Susan: Would you like to have children?

Dario: I love children and am grateful to have many nieces and nephews who visit me often. I would love to eventually have my own family.  If I am lucky enough to meet the right woman, and convince her to be my wife, I would like at least four children.

Susan: Describe your ideal woman?

Dario: I’ve already found her, but she isn’t available. Scottish, with a love for the Italian language, petite, with long, curly dark hair, amazing eyes, beautiful smile and a wonderful personality. Life can be very cruel.

Susan: What’s next for you?

Dario: I will continue to grow my businesses and perhaps concentrate more on the olive growing side of the estate.

I also need to decide what to do about my feelings for the person I just recently met who has inspired me and made me feel more alive than I have in years.

Susan: If you were stranded on a desert island, name 5 things, 1 has to be a person,  that you’d like to take with you.

Dario: Well, let’s see. Wine of course.

Books.  At least those I mentioned earlier and as many more as I could possibly carry.

Pasta – I can’t do without my primo – our first course in Italy is always pasta.

Photographs – of my family and friends, if I really do have to be apart from them, at least that would offer some comfort

Person  – since this is a rhetorical question, that’s easy – Holly Jameson, the Scottish girl I met recently.

Susan: Well, that’s the end of the interview. Thanks so much, Dario, for agreeing to talk with us today.

Dario: You’re welcome. It has been my pleasure.

To read more about Dario and Holly, Sign of the Times is available through the following sites:

Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/GKqZGd
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc

Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her partner, Tony. Sign of the Times is her first novel, published Mar 2012. Her second novel is expected to be released late 2012.

Online Connections

Twitter: @susan_buchanan
Facebook – www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author
Blog – www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk

Introducing The Dark Sentinels – Sable

Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…

Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.

 Who Are The Dark Sentinels?

They lived millions of years ago, fatalities of fear and prejudice. Now, answers to a prayer for survival, they are among us again. Other shifters were nearly extinct, murdered by the thousands at mostly human hands. Capable of shifting at will, without the aid of the moon’s phases, they were born to protect them. Bigger, stronger, faster, and longer living, with highly developed preternatural abilities, they are prized outsiders among their packs. Prized for their ability to protect, yet destined to live as outsiders because of the very differences necessary to prevent the pack’s extinction.

Born to stand at the crossroads between pack-members and their slaughterers, Sentinels quickly learn that they are on their own – a different species. Born human, only two are born to each pack, male and female alphas, brother and sister. Pack members deny them mating privileges within the pack based on fear. No female wants to bear a sentinel because their lives are constantly at risk. When danger comes to the pack, they are on the front line, considered expendable.

When they reach mating age, they leave the pack for a time to find a mate – another sentinel. What happens when a sentinel develops feelings for a human? What happens when malevolent scientists learn how to strengthen humans by using sentinel blood?  As you can imagine, with their feral nature barely beneath the surface, Dark Sentinel passions run high. Touch, affection, and loyalty are necessary for their survival, and they are willing to go to extraordinary measures, risk everything, and break every rule for love.

Available at the following:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008L87H0O
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sable-dawn-rasberry/1112104981?ean=2940014596732

Watch YouTube “Dark Sentinels” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A-On9pi8HU&feature=youtube_gdata

Connect With Dariel Raye online:

Blog: http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com
Blog: http://www.darkparanormalromanceseries.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8640181-dariel-raye
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@Pendarielraye

Coming Soon – The Dark Sentinels (Book Two) – Torin

Today’s Hero – Ethan Holden with Vallory Vance

Interviewer’s Note: Ethan Holden is the first man to appear on the Vallory V Blog and I’m super-excited! I’m a huge music fan and just knowing that he has played back up to some of my favorites like B.B. King and Esmeralda Spalding is a little overwhelming, but the musician’s lounge at Calliope’s is helping with the jitters. I imagined something dark and smoky, but it’s clean and comfortable. Very Zen.

EH: Hope you didn’t have to wait long. (He relaxes down onto the sofa in front of my chair, long legs and arms filling up the small space)

VV: (I lose my voice for a moment. He has a great smile that sparkles up to his eyes but I recover quickly.) Umm…Let’s get right down to what the readers want to know.

EH: (He chuckles and then tilts his head slightly to the right and his bright green eyes drift up to mine.) What do you want to know?

VV: (Lena was right if he could bottle that look, he’d be a very rich man. And why does he have to have to drag his words through that merry little half-grin and leave me fighting the urge to giggle?) Uhhh…

EH: Excuse, me. (Holds up hand and takes out his phone. A broad smile breaks across his face as he taps a few keys.) My munchkin. She always texts me after a show. (He holds the phone out for me to see a beautiful little girl with sandy brown curly hair and a big toothy grin.)

VV: Aww, she’s so cute (Good, I’m back with my feet on the ground).

EH: Yeah, she’s daddy’s angel. There’ll be one more… (He types in a few keys. The broad smile changes to a small grin and then he utters something indistinctly in a low groan that makes me feel as if I should leave the room.)

VV: Uhh…Is that one from Lena? (As he is slowly typing, I think he’s forgotten that I’m here.)

EH: (This time he’s the one stumbling back into the conversation.) Sorry. Sorry. Yeah, where were we?

VV: Let’s talk about you and Lena… and Russian models. (OMG, I can’t believe I said it. I am pulling off a fabulous Barbara Walters, complete with the practiced look of concern and the lean-in.)

EH: I’d rather not. That was a difficult period in over lives and Lena and I have moved on.

VV: (Well, damn. What do you say to that? I fumble through my cards. Ok, this is promising.) What do you think of Lena’s new wardrobe?

EH: She looks good in whatever she wears. She’s a beautiful woman.

VV: But do you like it? I mean the skirts and dresses are a lot shorter than she used to wear and she is getting a lot more attention than she did in the ponytail and sweatshirts.

EH: (He rubs his hand under his chin.) Yeah, a lot of looks…I thought this was supposed to be about the concert with Oswald and Hamilton College?

VV: It is. This is just a little background information to make it interesting. Lena calls you E any significance to that as a nickname?

EH: (He starts laughing and his head drops back onto the couch) Well, the first few times we…ya know…she couldn’t say my whole na… (He stops and clears his throat and I have to catch myself from falling off the chair.) It’s just a nickname. Is this almost over?

VV: Almost. (Note to self: Call Lena later.) As the two co-hosts for this concert, how do you and Lena work together?

EH: (He relaxes again.) Very well. We like the same music. She’s organized and I provide the flair. This is going to be a great show.

VV: And what do you two do to relax?

EH: We both work and we have a two-year old but we’ll usually have a night or two a week to have dinner together or listen to music.

VV: And I heard you are a pretty masseuse.

EH: Darling, I’m the best. (There’s that look again and I’m mesmerized.)

VV: I bet you are… (Crud! Barbara Walters, I’m not! I try to sink into the floor as Ethan stands and stands up.)

EH: Well, I hope you got everything you needed. (We shake hands.)

VV: Sure, it was very nice…. (He is not listening. The phone is pressed to his ear and a low “Hey baby” flows through the air. Girl, I’d be calling too. She never stood a chance.)

Music For Her Soul - Single mom Lena Spencer is showing her sexy side for the first time in a life that has revolved around an aggressive pursuit of her PhD and learning to live without her daughter’s father, Ethan Holden. Returning to town after a ten month tour with the single goal in mind to reclaim Lena’s heart, Ethan gives his greatest performances–musical and otherwise.

Where to purchase your copy of Music For Her Soul:

Amazon: Kindle Editions
Nook: Nooks Books
All Romance: Multiple Formats
Amira Press: Multiple Formats
Smashwords: Multiple Formats

Happy Reading ~ Val

Upcoming Hero Worship Week – September 2012

I’m very excited about the next few days on the Vallory V Blog. I’ve met some wonderful women who are interviewing some of their favorite heroes from their stories in a variety of genres.

We will have:

Vallory Vance – Ethan Holden nearly tells us the significance of Lena’s nickname for him. (September 8, 2012)

Dariel Raye – Sable explains the origins of the ancient race of shapeshifters known as The Dark Sentinels. (September 9, 2012)

Deneice Tarbox – Koen Smith dazzles his interviewer but she does keep on point about her submission to the publishing company he represents. You go, Deneice! (September 12, 2012)

Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar – Abdulla talks about Qatari society, arranged marriages and romance. (September 13, 2012)

Tyler Robbins – Jared Prophet, hottie and all around sweetie, will surely melt the heart of boys and girls alike. (September 14, 2012)

There’ll be a few surprises along the way so make sure you check everyday starting on September 8, 2012 and ending on September 15, 2012.

Happy Writing!