Susanne Matthews's Blog, page 113

It’s All About The Writing!

Good morning!

Well, it isn’t spring yet, but the sun is shining on this first day of April, and considering the way the weather has been this year, I have to wonder if this is another of Mother Nature’s jokes–sunny today, but watch out tomorrow! 

Last week, I was invited to be part of a very special blog hop. I’ve done a few of these before, but this one is a bit different. It’s a reverse blog, one that links back to the previous one, and each blog touches on the same topic–writing. The talented Gina Henning  invited me to participate. One author chooses three, preferably four authors, to join the blog and adds their information to the end of the blog.

On the hop, each author answers the same four questions about their writing. When you check Gina’s blog, you can read her answers and then go back to the person who invited her to hop along. In theory, you can link back to the very person who started the blog in the first place. At the end of my blog, you’ll find the name of the four writers I’ve tagged. Come back tomorrow and link to them to learn all about their writing styles. So without further ado, here are my answers to the four questions. 

*1) What are you working on?

At the moment, I’m working on my latest romance/suspense novel which I’ve entitled, Hidden Assets. It’s a second chance at love with an amnesia twist. Here’s the pitch: Forensic accountant, Nancy Frost specializes in finding hidden assets, the money deadbeat dads hide in divorce cases. This time, her careful examination of the books opens a can of worms. U.S. Marshal, Neil Copeland still loves his ex-wife, Nancy. The last thing he expects to hear is that she’s been shot in a restaurant massacre. When Nancy awakes from a coma, she’s stuck six years in the past. Can Neil get a do-over and prove to Nancy they belong together? Will he be able to protect her from the person who needs her dead to protect his secret?  I’m hoping to get it finished by the end of next week. 

 *2) How does your work differ from others in the genre?

That’s a tough question to answer since I haven’t read every book in my genre. I haven’t even come close! I suppose I could say it’s because even I don’t know how things will turn out until the manuscript is complete. I create the characters, and they drive the story. I also like to add factoids to my stories, something people might not have known about before reading the book. I do description well, so many of my reviewers say reading my books are like watching a movie unfurl in their minds.  

 *3) Why do you write what you write?

Because I have to? Because the stories are bouncing around in my head demanding I let them out? The answer isn’t a simple one. Why do I write romance?  Because I believe everyone should have a happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean getting to it has to be easy. I’m old fashioned. I believe love is a powerful force, a gift bestowed on some of us and not others because some of us look for love in all the wrong places. I’m  a firm believer in soul mates and love at first sight. My husband and I have been happily married over 42 years. I knew he was the one the minute I met him. Has it all been sunshine and roses? Of course not. Nothing worth having comes easily in life. Love means sacrifice and compromise. But I don’t write love stories– I write romance–the falling in love stories. Every one of them is different and unique. Since I write different subgenres of romance, I have different motivation for the stories. For my historical romances for example, it’s a matter of loving history and wanting to convey some of that. Times were not simpler then—they were more difficult and fraught with danger. For my contemporary romances and suspense stories, I like to solve problems. I want to show people that even though bad things happen, we can and should rise above them.  My muse puts the ideas in my head and I write them down. I have a strong sense of morality that wends its way through my books. I don’t judge, but you can see me and my beliefs if you look for them. 

 Last question: 

*4) How does your writing process work?

I spent over thirty years as an English teacher. I taught about plot graphs and first draft, editing, you’ve got it. When I chose to make a serious stab at writing, everything I’d taught went out the window. I’m a pantser. I think of a title, create characters who fit the title, and sit down at the computer. Most of my main characters are named after significant people in my life. They get a kick out of being in a book, and I occasionally weave character traits that are theirs into the story. I’m an introvert. I don’t like being the center of attention unless it’s on my terms, so I watch and listen. If I see someone say or do something that I think is usable in a story, then I’ll reword it and write it down for later. If someone makes me angry, they’ll be the next victim—even with a name change.

Once I settle on a character, the occupation, the situation, I research it. The Internet is my friend. As I mentioned earlier, my latest heroine is a forensic accountant. I’ve had U.S. Marshals, fire investigators, newspaper reporters, concert pianist/spies, millionaire real estate developers, kindergarten teachers, artists, writers, bodyguards, and the list goes on. Each of my characters is researched not for their appearance, but for everything needed to create an identity. Their images form in my mind as I go along. Of course, if anyone is watching my browsing history, I could be in trouble. I know more about guns, arson, drugs, and bombs than I ever expected to. Since I’m a descriptive writer, I research locations where I want to set the story—real places I give fictitious names to in order to manipulate the environment. Finally, confident I have enough to begin, I start to write. One sentence, one paragraph, one page.  I tend to begin with character rather than situations, so, by the end of the first chapter, you and the charcter are one. I keep track of who’s head I’m in and the number of pages and words per chapter. I try to avoid head hopping, and do the best I can to have each character’s POV  appear in each chapter, but never in the same scene.  At the end of the second chapter you’ve had the opportunity to bond with the other character. I alternate point of view as the story moves along. By the time you’re one -third through the book, the problem is out in the open and you’re working your way, through the characters to the resolution. I do basic edits as I go along.

I write the way a bricklayer builds. First I put the bricks down and make sure they’re straight. Then I go back and align them in case I’ve got one out of place. Once I’m happy I add mortar, let it dry and then start the next row. I’ll write a couple of chapters and go back to the beginning and edit what I wrote to keep it in line with where the characters have decided to go. I may do this a dozen times until I get it the way I like it.

In my first novel, Fire Angel, I had three potential killers and didn’t decide who the lucky winner was until I was almost finished the book. Once it fell into place, I went back and made sure all the clues were there and the red herrings firmly in place.  In my current manuscript, I knew who the killer would be by the end of the first chapter. Each book is different, but they all end in happily ever after.

 

Now you know about my writing style. Check out my website to learn more about me:

Susanne Matthews

 

 

Now, watch for posts tomorrow from:

Meredith Daniels 

Melinda De Ross

Siren Allen

Misty Matthews:

 

 

Look Who Dropped By Today: Evie Knight

Happy Book Birthday! Reading is something everyone enjoys. It’s a chance to let our imaginations soar. Evie Knight’s book does just that. So, if you like things hot while you read, pick up your copy today. Be Warned: anal sex, sex toys

JUST RELEASED!

Gerard’s Quest by Evie Knight

In Bed with the Enemy, 2

About the Book: 

Gérard Laurent has spent the past five years searching for a lost family heirloom. He’s tired of all the clues leading him nowhere and just when he fears he’s run out of leads his lover’s archenemy presents him with a lead he can’t turn down.

Brokenhearted by his actions, Julianne is determined to make his life miserable any way she can. Revenge is bittersweet but she succeeds until the tables are turned. Gérard steals a kiss reawakening her feelings for him, only he still won’t apologize.

Julianne is ready to forget Gérard when a notorious art thief offers her a painting she fancies in exchange for Gérard’s amulet. It’ll be the ultimate payback if she accepts it.

Will love conquer all?

 

Buy Link: 

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/gerards-quest-by-evie-knight/

Excerpt from Gerard’s Quest:

No woman provoked him the way Julianne did. First she outbid Philipe, his dealer, and purchased the amulet Gérard sought. Then, she sold it to him, failing to disclose it was one of the imitations and not the authentic one he needed. Did she really think refunding him would solve the matter? She took a step toward the elevator but he tightened his hold on her, forcing her to remain where she stood.

Fury burned him inside out and the vein in his neck pulsed. “You’d do well in briefing your lawyer.” His voice hardened. “Because if you don’t stay the hell out of my way at auctions I won’t hesitate to sue your ass.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist, crushing her body to his, then closed his mouth on hers, punishing her with his kiss.

“Stop this,” Julianne said, not fighting him.

Gérard slid his hand up her back until he reached her neck. He lifted her off her feet by a few inches, and backed her to the wall. “Do you really want me to stop?” he asked, brushing his lips against hers as he spoke.

“Gérard…”

“Do you want me to stop?” He had no intention of stopping, just quite the opposite.

“N-No,” she whispered.

“You must stop pursuing the same items I want, Jules.” Gérard held her face, and he covered her mouth with his once more. Her lips were soft and warm, waking up every cell in his body. “Do you understand?” He dragged his hands down her front then cupped her breasts, his thumbs rubbing her nipples until the tips poked through her dress’s fabric.

Gérard broke the kiss and brushed his lips along her jaw. “Don’t defy me because you will lose.” He made his way to her earlobe. “It’s a promise,” he whispered. She’d go on a date with another man but he’d ensure she only thought of him, of his words.

“Do you miss me?” he asked, grazing her earlobe with his teeth.

“I-I.”

“Do you miss us, Jules?” His thumb and forefinger squeezed her nipple.

“Y-yes,” she said.

Gérard captured her mouth, his tongue breaking through the barrier of her lips, taking what belonged to him, demanding her surrender, and reminding her she would always be his.

 

Look Who Dropped By Today: Kristen Hope Mazzola

 

 

 

 

 

 

My special guest this morning is Kristen Hope Mazzola, author of Crashing Back Down. I’ve just started reading the book, and from what little I’ve read, I totally agree with the comments below.About Crashing Back Down, 

Mags McManus has just become a war widow in her mid-twenties. Her late husband, Randy, left for the Army right after their wedding. Instead of celebrating his homecoming and living in marital bliss with her soulmate, Mags finds herself living in constant agony. Dealing with the guilt of still living without Randy, are Randy’s best friends and parents. 

Rising from the ashes of this tragedy, Mags starts to learn how to love and trust again, finally being able to find happiness. But sometimes things really are too good to be true and again Mags learns how cruel the world can be as she crashes back down.

 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/17FHKO9

 Buy Links:

 Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/1jhxrow

Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1eeCw0t

Amazon (Canada): http://amzn.to/1eeCztj

Amazon (Australia): http://bit.ly/1hT7gcl

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1aAhtky

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/19dG5Q9

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1gZf0rU

CreateSpase: http://bit.ly/1b4rrQY

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1jIfl2b

About the Author:

You want to know more about me? Well, let’s see…
I am just an average twenty-something following my dreams.  I have a full time “day job” and by night I am author.  I guess you could say that writing is like my super power (I always wanted one of those).  I am the lover of wine, sushi, football and the ocean; that is when I am not wrapped up in the literary world.  
Please feel free to contact me to chat about my writing, books you think I’d like or just to shoot the, well you know.
A portion of all my royalties are donated to The Marcie Mazzola Foundation.

 

Author Social Media Links:

 Website: http://bit.ly/1dBeHku

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1fQ2eZI

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1gZdki8

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1jhxIbb

Tumblr: http://bit.ly/1bVZjMF

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/184qzve

 

 

Where Are You Spring?

It’s snowing again. March 22, and it’s snowing again! Isn’t that the most depressing thing you’ve ever heard? I love snow. I look forward to it for Christmas, but in March? Not so much. I took this photograph from my living room window last week. See the snow? See the beautiful blue sky? Well today, the snow’s as high, but the sky’s an uncompromising, miserable gray, and the snow is coming down heavily. We may get six to nine inches before it’s done this time.  When will it end? 

I’m a Canadian. I’ve heard the jokes about our super politeness. I’ve seen the commercials that have us go from summer to winter at the drop of a hat, but I’ve had it. We’re supposed to be rugged and hardy and used to this stuff, but seriously, enough is enough.  But, I think I have to accept some blame for Mother Nature’s confusion.

Didn’t I whine and complain it was too hot and too muggy last summer? Didn’t I hide in the air conditioned house rather than go out and bask in the heat? How many times did I say, “if only it were five or ten degrees cooler.”  No wonder Mother Nature’s confused! There was no satisfying me. 

This year I pledge not to complain about the heat. I won’t stay inside and  spend my days writing. I’m going out there to enjoy the sun. There are bound to be rainy days for work and storytelling. I’ll treasure the hot days and embrace the warm nights. I’ll remember each of the -40 degree days and the close to 100 inches of snow we had. This summer I swear, I won’t complain–well not as much.

So, as I watch the weather alert, I’m putting on my optimistic smile and planning to see grass for Easter. Come on, Mother Nature. You’ve got a month to get this mess cleaned up. 

 

Look Who Dropped By Today: Rachel Russell

I’m pleased to be today’s stop on YA author Rachel Russell’s Blog Tour for her latest novel, Harvester, released on March 17, 2014. At the end of the blog, you’ll find a link to the rafflecopter giveaway. You have a chance to win a beautiful white leather infinity bracelet or an e-copy of Harvester.

This novel is a fantasy set in a world that exists beneath us.  Here’s the premise of the book:

Sixteen-year-old Catalina has never seen the sky. As a mage, it’s illegal for her to leave the underground city she lives in. The sun and moon are only fantastical stories of a land far away. So when Catalina stumbles upon a tunnel leading to the surface, she can’t resist the temptation to see the surface world.

 But instead of enjoying a night beneath the stars for the first time, Catalina emerges upon the scene of a savage murderer harvesting faery body parts. She’s nearly his next victim, but is rescued by a grim boy named Will who has a troubling connection to the killer.

 Even more disquieting is Catalina’s criminal status upon returning home. Someone with political clout has framed her for the vicious slayings. Now on the run from the law, Catalina must uncover Will’s tie to the serial killing of faeries, as well as stop a bloodthirsty murderer to prove her innocence, or face a death sentence.

Review of Harvester

The one thing I’ve always loved about reading is the way books stimulate my imagination. Harvester did that for me in spades. This is more than just a fantasy novel. It has suspense, intrigue, ghosts, and romance. There are scenes that make you laugh, and others that bring tears to your eyes. It carries you to another realm where anything is possible.

Imagine never being able to see the stars, the moon, or the sun, to never feel the wind on your face, the icy-cold touch of a snowflake, or hear the pitter patter of rain. Such an existence to me would be the cruellest imprisonment possible, and yet that’s the world in which Catalina, the heroine in Harvester, lives. In the past, a war resulted in a separation of races–the Mundanes, humans, got the outside world, the Faeries got Otherworld, and the Mages carved out a world for themselves deep inside the Earth. None of the races get along, and staying out of one another’s turf is the best way to stay alive.

The mages in this story live in seven mage cities under the United States, governed by the High Council, which uses the Infinity symbol as their logo. As in every race, magical or not, you have good guys–those who follow the Sarifel Laws, and those who don’t and seek more power at all costs–mages like the Accursed, who become the dreaded Harvesters who kill faeries and collect their organs for their own nefarious purposes.. 

Catalina, an orphan who lives with her older brother, Evan, and her kitsune faery pet, Kit, is in trouble from the get-go. She’s caught by the marshals, the local law enforcement officers, trying to smuggle an illegal substance into the city. Strong-minded, independent, but committed to her friends and those she loves, she manages to get off with a fine and a warning, but Cat thinks with her heart, not her head. She rushes into things without taking time to consider the consequences. When Kit leads her to a secret andostium, a magical portal to another place, she blunders ahead, unaware of her destination, and finds herself in a cold, snowy place–she’s above ground!

She begins to revel in the glory of it all until she hears the sounds of struggling and stumbles on a horrific scene. Harvesters have killed a faery and hold another prisoner. Rushing to the faery woman’s defense isn’t one of Catalina’s smarter moves. Not only does she interfere in the harvesters’ business, she almost gets herself killed. Catalina’s magic is strong, but she’s still learning to control the entropy she uses to weave her spells. Kit attacks one of the harvesters, and is seriously injured. Things look bleak until another mage enters the scene, Will saves her, but she’s made a powerful enemy, one who’ll stop at nothing to get even. The evil mage gets away with his faery prisoner, and after using what magic he can to help Kit, Will collapses.  When he comes to, cradling her injured pet in one hand, and holding Will’s hand in the other, Catalina returns home. From that point on, the story gets even more exciting with enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep any reader enthralled. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I would recommend it to readers of all ages whether fantasy is their preferred genre or not. This book transcends the magic. Ms. Russell has an easy-to-read writing style, with a strong clear voice. She weaves the strands of friendship, frustration, and budding love with those of magic and mystery to create an incredible, pleasurable reading experience. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Russell’s books. 

Excerpt from Harvester. 

THE LAST PERSON CAUGHT smuggling medicine had disappeared, never to be heard from again, after Marshals whisked him away for interrogation. It wasn’t a reassuring thought to have as Catalina stood in line and gnawed on the inside of her cheek. With each step she took toward the Arch, the glass vial hidden within the inside pocket of her vest grew heavier. She’d trafficked medicine into the city before, but it always felt like the first time. She supposed there were just some things you never got used to. Knowing the Arch wasn’t designed to detect her precious cargo didn’t stop her palms from sweating or her stomach from flip-flopping.

“Next.” A scowling guard dressed in a black trench coat with a stiff, upturned collar waved her through with an exaggerated wave of his arm, as if she’d been dawdling.

Catalina sucked in a breath and stepped beneath the Arch. It wailed, shrill and loud, like a cat in pain. She startled, her eyes widening.

“Hands in the air!”

Oh no. No, no, no, Catalina thought. She held up shaking hands. My luck cannot be this crappy. She’d passed through the Arch dozens of times with the medicine on her and the alarm had never gone off before. Maybe it was a malfunction.

Another guard stepped over and passed a plain, black rod over her, starting at her head and traveling down. It glowed white when it neared her vest pocket.

Catalina’s stomach bottomed out. They’d updated their equipment. For once, the law was a step ahead of her.

The guard flipped open her vest and reached into the inside pocket, plucking out the vial. He held it up before his face, arching an eyebrow. Within the glass vial swirled clear liquid filled with glittering particles. The guard pulled out the stopper and sniffed.

Catalina caught a faint waft of honeysuckle flowers.

“It’s faery elixir, all right.” The guard put the stopper back on. “Take her to the interrogation room. The Marshal will want to speak with her.”

The other guard stepped behind Catalina and twisted her arms behind her back. She needed to get out of there. If she could buck her head back hard enough to break the guard’s nose, maybe—

Then metal pinched the tender skin of her wrists. She tried to wriggle her fingers. Her knuckles hit cool iron. He’d encased her hands in mitten handcuffs, the only sure way to keep a mage from weaving a spell. Catalina sighed. Now it really was too late.

“Come on.” The guard grabbed Catalina by the elbow and led her through a blue door off to the right.

Their booted steps echoed down a hallway with overhead lights so bright they whitewashed the walls and floor. Catalina squinted beneath the harsh glare. The guard led her to the end of the hallway and stopped in front of a dull door with black paint curling at the edges. Again, she was struck with the near-overpowering drive to bolt. She’d heard horror stories of Marshals using magic to strangle hearts near to bursting point till they got what information they wanted.

The hinges on the door whined as the guard opened it. An empty room with a table and two chairs lay beyond. A cold chill rushed down Catalina’s spine. Odd how such a sparse room could feel so menacing.

The guard shoved her into the room. “A Marshal will be with you shortly.”

Catalina stumbled into the room and whirled to face the guard, only to be met by the door slamming shut. A click came from the other side of the door as he locked it.

She turned and strode to the table. “Great. What the hell am I supposed to do now?”

You can add Harvester to your to-read list on Goodreads;

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18588776-harvester?from_search=true

Harvester is available from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Harvester%20Racjhel%20Russell

You can find more about Harvester on the Entranced site, 

http://www.entrancedpublishing.com

About the author:

 

About the Author:

Rachel is a YA author who likes dirty martinis and pickles on her pizza. Her stories tend to be either horror or fantasy, or a strange amalgamation of both genres. She works at Month9Books, LLC as both the Submissions Coordinator and an Editorial Assistant. When not reading or writing, Rachel is marathoning anime, becoming one with Twitter (@RachelxRussell), or playing make-believe with her two daughters.

 

You can find and contact Rachel here;

 Website: http://www.rachelrussellbooks.com/       

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Russell/144413508976741

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelxRussell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7304559.Rachel_Russell

 There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Harvester.

Here’s what you can win;

       One white leather infinity bracelet

        One e-copy of Harvester

Here is the link to the rafflecopter giveaway;

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzIwYWI3ZTRhNWFjMmY3YWUzZDMxOWFlNjVkNmIyOjQ1/

Want to follow  the rest of Rachael’s blog tour? Each stop is another chance to win!

Friday 21st March

Written In Ink – Guest Post

(http://writteninink.net)

 

Saturday 22nd March

A Daydreamer’s Thoughts – Tens List

(http://daydreamersthoughts.co.uk)

 

Sunday 23rd March

Dyadic Echoes – Interview and Excerpt

(http://dyadicechoes.com)

 

Monday 24th March

Georgeann Swiger – Guest Post

(http://georgeannswiger.wordpress.com)

 

Tuesday 25th March

The Nerd Herd Reads – Review and Dream Cast

(http://thenerdherdreads.blogspot.com)

 

Wednesday 26th March

Lady Amber’s Reviews – Review

(http://ambersupernatualandya.blogspot.com)

 

Thursday 27th March

The Rest Is Still Unwritten – Tens List

(http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unwritten.blogspot.com)

 

 

Friday 28th March

Kendra Leighton – Character Guest Post

(http://kendraleighton.com)

 

Saturday 29th March

Fictiffous – Tens List

(http://www.fictiffous.com)

 

Sunday 30th March

The Updates and Musings of Author D. M. Cain – Character Interview

(https://sites.google.com/site/dmcainauthor/home/blog)

 

Look Who Dropped By Today: Bethany-Kris

I’d like to welcome Canadian author Bethany-Kris today. Bethany is here to tell us about her latest book, The Arrangement, which is a contemporary erotic romance, not for the faint of heart. I’m about halfway through the book now, and it’s raised my blood pressure a time or two. I’m really enjoying the story and the complex characters. I can’t wait to see how the relationship with Anton and Vine develops–and if I add a little to my knowledge of knowledge of the steamier side of things, that’s okay too. 

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Release Date: March 17th, 2014

Length: 319 pages, estimated

 

When a Cosa Nostra girl and a Bratva boy meet…

  About The Arrangement:

Nothing will stop the Bratva mob boss from taking back what’s his, and once he has her, he’ll do anything to keep her…

Viviana “Vine” Carducci’s and Anton Avdonin’s marriage was decided more than two decades ago. The deal between leading mafia families has more on the line than anyone knew, even if the Bratva and Cosa Nostra shouldn’t mix. When Vine’s family is murdered and she’s left with nothing more than her grief to survive the mob world alone, she believes the arrangement won’t see the light of day.

Anton can’t allow the one woman he was supposed to love get away. At the possibility of her death, he steps in to save her with guns blazing, knowing exactly what it might cost him: everything. But it’s been nearly a decade since their last meeting, and he can’t help but wonder if the woman he took back is the same girl he fell for all those years before.

Protected and loved, Vine is unable to forget their shared moments a lifetime ago, or the future she knows they’re owed. When an old flame of Anton’s shows up to rip the veil off the carefully constructed secrets he’d been hiding, she learns that nothing about her life is as it seems. But, that’s nothing compared to the bomb about to blow. Can Vine see beyond the pain and blood to take what she always wanted? And just how far will the mob prince go to keep her safe?

In a world where violence, deceit, and greed reign, your life is not your own, and sometimes, love has to be arranged.

Excerpt from The Arrangement:

“Why all the safety precautions if you’re expecting me to live openly here?” she asked. “Doesn’t that defeat the purpose?”

Anton cocked a brow. “I’m hoping your uncle will be a lot less brazen if I’m not keeping you hidden.” He still hadn’t let go of her sides, those teasing thumbs of his rolling gently against the undersides of her breasts in tender motions. “Deny that you want this, too, Vine. You’ve always wanted me. You want this life because you were meant for it, and I have waited more than long enough to get you here living it with me.”

“You’re not giving me a choice. I’ve spent the last three years thinking that this arrangement was over, and then you come in with guns blazing and a house on lockdown, Anton. That’s … It’s not fair. You signed my death warrant doing this.”

Immediately, his hands left her skin. She wanted them back, but her pride wouldn’t allow her to admit that fact. “It was already signed.”

“What?”

Placing his hands to his knees, Anton shook his head and muttered, “He was already getting ready to put out a hit on you. That guard of yours was probably going to be the one to do it to get his in with the family. I was hoping to see you back in the states before I approached you myself, but Sonny didn’t give me the chance.”

No one likes to off a woman, Vine.

She couldn’t help but remember Sam saying that. Would he have done it?

“You can’t possibly know that for sure.”

The look he gave turned her stomach with fear. “I can and I do, Vine. There are men in that organization who are less trustworthy than a snake. Even their eyes and ears can be bought. I stepped in now because I needed to, not because I thought you were ready, or that you wanted me to.”

An ache settled in her chest. How was she supposed to trust him?

“Sonny wouldn’t kill me simply because I wanted to marry you, Anton. I’m not worth a damn thing to him alive, nothing more than a nuisance he has to look after.” Frustrated by his lack of expression, her bitterness rose.  “Dead I’m worth even less though, right?”

“Dead you’re worth nothing,” Anton admitted, hurting Viviana a little more. “That is exactly what your uncle wants to achieve. For secrets to remain hidden from his family and for his power to remain intact.”

That only left her more disturbed, emotions rolling from one thing to the next without ever landing on just one feeling. “Our families won’t merge now, regardless if we’re married or not. So you lied to me earlier when you said that’s what this was about. A marriage is only going to cause more issues. I’m worthless to the Bratva; you practically said so yourself.”

“No, you’re worth a great deal, especially if you’re married to me.”

But, why?

“You’re hiding something from me,” she realized, hurt that he was lying again, even if it was by omission. Viviana couldn’t decide which stung worse—that he didn’t trust her, or that he thought she didn’t deserve to know whatever it was. “What aren’t you saying?”

Anton looked stricken, fingers drumming a quick beat on his thighs. “I gave them my word. It was supposed to be them explaining this to you if they desired to—all the reasons and things that happened years ago. It’s not my story to tell, and I promised. My word is all I’m worth if you consider the way I live; without it, I have nothing.” Reaching out, he cupped a hand over her knee and ran it along the inside of her jittery leg. With his fingers moving so softly against her inner thigh, he pressed his fingertips close enough to her center to make Viviana throb with need. Murmuring, he said, “Can’t you try to trust me? Viviana, you know me … you do.”

She ignored his plea. “Who, Anton?” His fingers pressed harder at her words, grip tightening when Viviana refused to react to his motions. What she really wanted was more. So much more of his hands on her body, but she didn’t dare speak that out loud. “Was it my father, or Nicoli? Who?”

“I can’t answer that right now.” With that, he stood and held out a hand for her to take. “Come, I’ll get you back in bed for the evening. Let you rest and get the last of that sedative out of your system. I promise you’ll feel better in the morning.”

Too exhausted to argue, her palm met his. Anton’s lips touched down to Viviana’s fingers in a flutter of movement. She wouldn’t have noticed the quick kiss had she not felt the heat of his mouth brushing along her sensitive skin. She might as well have been sixteen and falling for him all over again.

Viviana couldn’t figure out if she was willing enough to let him do it. It didn’t help that she wasn’t all too sure if she knew this man anymore. Was he the same one she wanted all those years ago? Had his feelings remained the same nearly a decade later … was that even possible? Could someone want another that much?

What was even more frightening was that with his blue eyes watching, and his hand connected with hers, waiting, Anton still felt like hers.

Just like he always had.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon | iTunes | All Romance ebooks | Crimson Romance | Barnes & Noble

About Bethany-Kris:

Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to two young sons, two cats, and two dogs. Between a full-time job, playing children, snuggling animals, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.

Author Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethanykriswrites

Blog: www.bethanykris.blogspot.ca

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BethanyKris

 

What Springtime Activity Is Your Favorite?

Welcome to this stop on the Books To Go Now’s Spring Fling Blog Hop. 

It’s great to be part of this blog tour. At the end of the blog, please comment on this page for your chance to win an autographed paperback  copy of Fire Angel. Make sure you leave your email address so I can contact you an address.  If you reside outside Canada or the U.S., I’ll be glad to send you a digital copy instead. 

According to the calendar, spring starts on March 20, this year and I’ve only got one thing to say about that–has anyone given Mother Nature the date? At the moment, it’s a balmy -25 C, -13 for my American friends, and according to 14 day forecast, it isn’t going to rise much above 0 C, 32 F. In fact, the highs and lows are all expected to be below average for the duration. The national weather gurus predict we’ll have unseasonably cold weather right into May. I miss the heat! 

This has been the longest winter that I can remember. It started in November, and so far we’ve had 180 cm, 71 inches of snow, and there’s more in the forecast. We also had another 366 mm, 14 inches, of rain. This winter we had days where the temperature hovered around -40, at that temperature the Celsius and Fahrenheit scale meets. So, as I look out my window–it’s a beautiful, if cold, day, I turn my thoughts to spring –sure they do!

My favorite spring activity isn’t spring cleaning, but it does involve tidying. As soon as the ground is dry, which may not be until June given the amount of snow we still have, I love to go out and putter in the yard, cleaning out the flower beds for the spring and summer flowers to come. I enjoy watching the tiny plants force their way out of the ground. I love to see the buds on the trees and the blooms on the lilac bushes. Most of all, I like being outside after being cooped up inside so long. It’s great to see the song birds come back and get rid of the huge flocks of crows that haunt our trees in winter. They don’t call it a murder of crows without reason! 

I have a gorgeous yard surrounded by a vine that may look like crap at the moment, but turns into a solid green wall in spring and summer. My yard becomes a green grotto where I can sit and enjoy the sunny days and the starry nights. I try to have at least one moonlight scene in all of my books because I love sitting out on a warm spring/summer night, watching the fire in the outdoor firepit and enjoying a glass of wine or a cold beer. 

It may still be winter outside, but now, my thoughts are firmly fixed on spring. 

Follow other blogs in this blog hop by clicking on this link:

Don’t forget to comment to win a  paperback copy of Fire Angel digital copy of these books.

 

 

Just For The Weekend

My life has changed in a split second it seems. One day I was a retired school teacher with more time on my hands than I knew what to do with, the next, I’m a published author, without enough time in my day to accomplish everything I need to do. 

It absolutely amazes me to think how far I’ve come in such a short time. Last year at this time, I was all excited about the upcoming release of my first novel, Fire Angel, on April 29, 2013. This year, Crimson will release my latest book Just For The Weekend, on April 14, 2014. What a way to celebrate an anniversary! Unlike Fire Angel, Just For The Weekend is a contemporary romance–no evil villains in this one, although I have four of those to be released later in the spring and early summer.

The idea for this novel came from my husband’s fascination with Star Trek. It has long been his dream to attend a sci-fi convention, but the timing and cost, just haven’t worked out for us. Just after I sold Fire Angel, I was still part of a group of aspiring writers who had a monthly writing contest. No prizes involved but just a lot of help from like-minded budding authors. You’re given a theme, some words to use and voila! Write a 1,000 word story. I wrote a scene that appears in Just For The Weekend. I never submitted it. From the moment I started to write the scene I knew I wanted to do more with it. I played around with it off and on for the next few months and decided to try my hand with it at Harlequin’s SYTYCW. The first chapter was well-received by readers and writers, but didn’t make the cut. I’d finished the story as required and after some tweaking, I subbed it to Crimson. I’m glad I did.

My editor was wonderful and helped me polish the story to make it the best it could be. 

About Just For The Weekend:

Sometimes, you have to step out of the box.

Kindergarten teacher, Cleo James, needs a break. For the past three years, she’s put her life on hold to help her father deal with grief, but now she’s ready to move on. A weekend in Vegas at a sci-fi convention may be just the place to start. She’ll be costumed as an alien and no one will recognize her. What could go wrong? Things get complicated when she’s attracted to a conventioneer whom she believes is a gorgeous Chippendale dancer.  Can Cleo set her strict moral code aside and enjoy what promises to be a once upon a time weekend?

Multimillionaire real estate developer, Sam Mason has sworn off serious relationships. In Vegas to visit family and friends, he’s talked into attending a sci-fi convention for the night. Dressed as an alien, he’s confident he can elude the usual gold diggers looking to star in the role of Mrs. Sam Mason. When he spots a beautiful woman dressed as a green-skinned slave girl, he’s captivated by her and changes his plans to leave Vegas in the morning. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she’s unlike any woman he’s known. Fantastic sex and too much alcohol find him married to his alien siren, but before he can tell her the truth about himself and see if they can make their marriage work, the bride vanishes.  Finding her is going to be a challenge.

Look Who Dropped by Today: Anne Bikov

Wrapping up a week of guest posts we have  a spot on  the Welcome to the What Goes Around Book blitz.. Today author Anne Bikov will be talking to us about her new book, ‘What Goes Around’ and offering us a glimpse into her life. There is a giveaway at the end. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win. 

 

What Goes Around Book Blurb:

What if your loved ones kept ending up hurt, in danger, or even dead?

After Randie Duncan’s brother is killed in a suspicious industrial accident, leaving behind a pregnant fiancée, Randie leaves her dream life in NYC and comes home to Cullville, WA to mourn and heal with her sister, but has no intention of staying there permanently.

Following a painful break-up, Joe Baxter guards his heart carefully, but when well meaning friends match him up with Randie, he can’t fight his immediate attraction to her. As they grow closer, Randie finds herself debating the idea of returning to NYC, but Joe isn’t the only one who finds her magnetic. When a suspected stalker attacks her, things heat up. Joe believes the attacker may be the town’s troublemaker and mill owner’s son, Jared, who is paying too much attention to his late friend’s fiancée, but will he be able to prove it before someone else gets hurt?

  Excerpt from ‘What Goes Around’:

 Randie lifted her head and pulled back slightly, looking up into Joe’s eyes. She wanted him to kiss her and she wanted it to happen now, before the song was over. What she hadn’t expected was the effect his kiss would have on her entire body. When Randie looked up at Joe, he had a look of mixed emotion, confusion and interest, and then he did exactly what she was hoping he would do. He bent his head down to hers and softly kissed her lips, once and then again. When he pulled back, she wanted more. She looked from his eyes to his lips and back to his eyes again, and ran her thumb over his bottom lip. She grasped the nape of his neck, running her tongue quickly over her lower lip and opening her mouth just enough. He leaned in again, placing his hands on either side of her face, and when the kiss continued, deepening, he pulled her closer putting his right hand on her back and his left hand in her hair. As the intensity of the kiss grew, so did her body’s reaction. They were lost in the feel of the music and the kiss combined, pressing their bodies as close together as they possibly could until finally Joe stopped. He pulled his lips away and kept his eyes closed, as Randie relished in the effect. He leaned his forehead against hers, breathing deeply. He put his arms around her and, pulling her close, buried his face in her neck, lifting her feet just barely off the ground. After a moment, he lowered her, gave her one more quick kiss and then took her hand and led her off the dance floor.

 Meet the Characters

Joe is that perfect Hero that any woman could fall for. He’s a good wholesome man whose main focus was to marry his high-school sweetheart and raise a family in the small town where they grew up.  Unfortunately for him, she had other plans. He remained close to the buddies he had growing up, Ricky and Al.  Ricky and Al married their own sweethearts, and in a way, all three men were like brothers. In that way, Joe was never without family, his “brothers” and their wives and kids.

 Randie grew up with her older sister, Kay, and younger brother, Tyler. She grew up with dreams of moving to The Big Apple, having no desire to stay in the small town where she was raised. She managed her dream life for over six years. After four years away, her parents were killed in a devastating car accident. Though she came home to mourn, she went back and continued her life in New York, while her sister and her family, and her brother carried on with their lives back at home. Two years later, just before the story begins, her sister’s husband and their brother were both killed in an accident at the mill. This time Randie came home, uncertain of what her future may hold, her sole focus being to help her sister, Kay, figure out her future with her kids, and her diner

 What Goes Around is available now.

Buy links:

Amazon Kindle Link – http://tinyurl.com/nwdny2e

Amazon Paperback Link – http://tinyurl.com/lfghebe

Barnes & Nobles Nook Link – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-goes-around-anne-bikov/1117251771?ean=2940045349239&itm=1&usri=anne+bikov

Barnes & Nobles Paperback Link – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-goes-around-anne-bikov/1117251771?ean=9781494822170

Smashwords Link – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/367541

Goodreads Link – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18681357-what-goes-around

Google play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Anne_Bikov_What_Goes_Around?id=_D4sAgAAQBAJ

 A Little about Anne: 

Anne lives in the wilds of Northwest Ohio splitting her time between writing and her evil night job(no, it’s not what you think). When she’s not writing, she’s finding new TV shows to add to her already time-consuming line-up, exploring her newly discovered love of blended coffee drinks, and trying to coax her substantially less that vicious dog out from under the bed.

Follow Anne at: 

Website/Blog – http://www.annebikov.weebly.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/annebikovauthor

Twitter – www.twitter.com/AnneBikov

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/FPRBOOKS/author-anne-bikov/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7326445.Anne_Bikov

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

 Giveaway Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YTI1NzU4ZjBkYmQxYzJhYWNmZTg2NDlhMTE3NTljOjI=/

 Join the Facebook Event:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/257492017760074/?source=1

 

 

 

Lool Who Dropped by Today: Elle Marlow

Elle’s here to give you a sneak peek at her latest book,  One Hundred Horses.

About the book:

Grey Fox grew up listening to tales about a love so passionate and rare that it became worth more than all the horses upon the face of the Earth. He didn’t believe any of it until the day he found the rancher woman injured and near death after an attack by Brother Lion. Now before him the vision materialized. Yet he feels nothing but a warrior’s instinct to protect. How could he love so greatly? His hear

t died many moons ago…Sarah would do anything to escape. She could not possibly be the girl the Comanche predicted would come into their world and be the woman of this great love. But as time and suffering passed like petals on the wind, Sarah would come to realize that the only ties that bound her were the ones around her heart-and hope would grow that, Grey Fox might ride a hundred horses to carry her home.

Coming Soon!