Roxy Wilson's Blog, page 23

He’s So Into You is a Bestseller!

I am pleased to announce that my debut novella, He’s So Into You, has just hit Allromance.com Bestseller List! I never thought a Caribbean island girl would accomplish something as wonderful as this.

It’s a story of how two people, though overwhelmed by their circumstances, find the seeds of hope of a new beginning with each other.

Very soon, Jordan and Raina would be interviewed by the author of their story. Keep checking this space.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: African American romance novel, bestseller, contemporary romance, interracial romance

Melissa Blue’s Modern Fairy Tales

When we think about fairy tales, the first few that come to mind are Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. Today we’ll meet Melissa Blue, a multi-published author, who has a slightly different take on these traditional fairy tales, and this is evident in her latest series, A Modern Fairy Tale.

Let’s welcome Melissa who will tell us about her new series as well as why she self-publishes her stories.

Melissa, I’m a fan of your work and so it’s my pleasure to have you as my guest today. Let’s start the ball rolling. Tell us a little about yourself.

I started writing in 2004, a month after my son was born. At the time I was convinced that I would write romantic suspense. Turns out I wrote crappy romantic suspenses. I fell into contemporary romances and haven’t looked back. Too much.

If a movie is made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you? Who would be your love interest?

Jill Scott. Have you seen her perform live? OMG. That woman is electric. My life is a Jill Scott song. And, my love interest would be Idris Elba, because it’s Idris Elba.

What has being an author taught you about yourself?

That whole Pooh Bear quote is true. I’m braver than I believe. It takes a lot to stay in this business and not lose faith in what you do. Every time I’ve gotten knocked down I’ve gotten back up, rebuilt my foundation and come back stronger. I never would have thought I was capable of that when I started almost ten years ago.

Why self-publish?

Why not? Lol The truth of the matter is I had two books previously published that would have never seen the light of day again. I absolutely believed those books could do better with different covers, price point and a sort of clean slate on the publishing market. I’d heard how self-publishing could work and work well for unknown authors. I had nothing to lose. I gave it a try and I don’t regret making that choice for a moment.

Do you have any writing influences?

Everything influences my writing. There’s some authors who I want to be when I grow up: Nora Roberts, Brenda Jackson and a whole lot of others. Then, it’s the books I’m reading, the tv/movies I’m watching. What happened on a particular day when I first opened the WIP, or even while I was neck deep in a story. I live so that I can put it in my books. Nothing verbatim, mind you, but it’s all an inspiration and it all changes me.

Tell us about your Modern Fairy Tale series.

It’s a series tackling the concepts behind fairy tales and how my characters navigate through them in modern times. Did your eyes glaze over? Yeah. This series is also about three best friends (Emma, Abigail and Sasha) who find The One. Their heroes are not at all what they imagined, what they would ever describe as their dream guy, but each hero is exactly what they need.

So, Emma and Tobias are pretty much loosely based on Cinderella. Abigail and Drew are Beauty and the Beast. Sasha and Warren’s story is supposed to be about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but Warren is a writer. Thing in the last book in the series get muddled and I just couldn’t separate fairy tales out. They were all appro. And, because Warren isn’t at all what he appears.

Give us an idea about what to expect from you for the rest of 2013.

God wasn’t willing so the creek did rise. Right now, things are up in the air, but Double Trouble, which is Sasha’s story, will be out this year. When? No idea. The first book of a short story series will be making it’s way out in June. It’s called Bad Boy Next Door. It’s a sensual but sweet little romp. I really, really want to get Under His Kilt out, but that book is completely dirty so it will likely come out under a different name. This book made Weekend Lover blush. But, everything else I planned to do is up in the air.

Now on to your Modern Fairy Tales series:

Blurb for Double Dare:

First impressions are lasting impressions…

Pastry baker Emmaline Sharp is one business connection away from turning her bakery into something more than the dessert shop on the corner. She believes she’s found Mr. Right in café owner Tobias Merchant. His Caff-aholic brand of freshly brewed coffee makes him the perfect partner. When she accepts a dare that thrusts her naked self into Tobias’ waiting arms, she jeopardizes her entire future. Emma will have to convince him to give her another chance, and somehow she’ll just have to ignore the unexpected passion he ignites within her.

Tobias needs the connection with Emma’s bakery, Sweet Tooth, in order to liberate himself from the financial and emotional obligations of his past. Unfortunately, Emma’s reckless behavior leaves him doubting she can be level-headed and business savvy. Every one of his instincts tells him to walk away, but she’s a temptation he can’t seem to deny. He’s inexplicably drawn to the lightness in her, especially when he knows just how dark the world can be. Against his better judgment, Tobias ignores his instincts and proceeds to form a partnership with Emma.

When their relationship shifts from business to personal, will Emma and Tobias be able to conquer their demons and find their sweet reward before the deal turns sour?

Excerpt from Double Dare:

“Right,” he said.

She worried at the levelheaded way he agreed. The worry moved into the danger zone when she caught the ghost of a smile before he swiped caramel from one of the rejected desserts.

“Tell me,” Tobias demanded. Like he should be trusted with that degree of lust in his voice. “What do you taste?” He cleaned the caramel from his finger, his tongue not missing a beat.

Taking up the challenge, because it took the defeat out of his shoulders, she leaned into his space, flicking caramel onto her finger. Emma gave herself a moment before saying, “That doesn’t taste passionless. I don’t know what your problem is.”

“Really?”

She lapped at the caramel and watched his eyes go dark. “Really.”

The word brought him closer into her space. It wasn’t breaking a rule if he needed it broken, especially if every inch gave him that light back into his gaze and the abyss receded even more. Another swipe and the last of the caramel topping disappeared into his mouth.

He gave it second. “It’s completely without heart.”

“You,” Emma moved closer as she knew he wanted her to, so the space between them disappeared, “wouldn’t know heart if one was put in your chest beating.”

“Low blow,” he said, and she was practically in his lap now.

Head tilted, waiting for the kiss, she spoke quietly, “You wish.”

His caramel-drenched mouth crushed hers. She expected the kiss to be rough and demanding, instead it slowly stoked the sizzle into a fire. Tobias knew passion. If not in words, in a tongue sliding over hers, testing, tasting and tantalizing. She sighed when his free hand cupped the back of her head, bringing her closer and deepening the kiss.

Blurb for Twice Smitten:

Abigail Johnson would use three words to describe Drew Carter: lush, loafer and womanizer. When he struts into Adtivity, the advertisement company she works for, her world tilts on its head. He’s been hired as a consultant to help her ad account team go to the next level. She’s suddenly faced with a man who is a consummate professional, considerate and kind. It’s must be a farce, because he’s there to decide the fate of her career. When things heat up between them, she refuses to let those brief glimpses convince her to entangle herself in a relationship with him. Her career and heart is on the line.

Drew Carter is fully aware of Abigail’s trepidation. There’s no denying he hasn’t always been the kind of man a woman should trust, but no one woman has ever made him want the way Abigail has. Her stubbornness, loyalty and honesty appeals to his secret wish—to be open, unguarded and challenged by a woman. Abigail fulfills this unspoken need and he refuses to let her walk out of his life without giving them a chance.

It doesn’t take long for Abigail to suspect Drew just might be the one—the one. But can she trust him with her heart? The more she lets doubt rule her it just might be Drew’s heart that ends up broken.

Excerpt from Twice Smitten:

“I simply wanted to touch you,” Drew spoke softly.

The words almost did her in. She felt a subtle give in her frame. Her nipples puckered, and she tilted her head up without meaning to. This close, she felt the same pulsating need coursing through him too. If this were a game, he was playing for keeps. Fear lanced through her gut.

“You want me to believe you’re not all smiles and charm, Drew.” Huskiness threaded through her voice.

Irritation flashed in his gaze. She held on to his reaction for dear life. “These women you string along wouldn’t salivate over you the way they do without the façade, but then you show them something more. May not be on purpose. Just glimpses every now and then, but you do. It’s all a ploy.” Though she said it to him, the words were for herself. “So why should I believe this is real? It’s the timing and place. It’s you trying to seduce me like you do with every woman with a pulse.”

The weight of his forearm grew heavier on her back. “I’m not like that.” He slid his other hand up her arm to her chin.

“And I don’t string women along,” he said. “I don’t even go out with a woman who will get tripped up in loving me.” He ran his thumb along her jaw. “Some women see what they want to see in a man, be damned what’s really standing right in front of her.”

The touch was too intimate. The gaze too searching. The touch, the stare, made her ache for him in a way she never had before. Made her ache for him in a way Abigail knew she should never feel for him. Her heart thudded as he ran his thumb along the curve of her neck.

“We did this dance before, don’t you remember? And I chose Greg over you.” She forced her mouth into a smirk. The words rang with untruth, but it still drew blood.

His gaze darkened and a new line of tension stiffened his body. They had long since stopped swaying to the music, but he held her to him, and she hadn’t stepped back. The truth of the action settled between them.

“See, that’s the thing, Ms. Johnson.” He splayed his hand on her collarbone. “You could always see beneath the charm and smiles because we’re alike. There’s one important difference between us: I don’t lie to myself.”

Links to where Double Dare and Twice Smitten can be purchased:

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You can purchase Double Dare here:

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

You can purchase Twice Smitten here:

Smashwords

ARe

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Backlist:

See Megan Run, See Her Fall series

See Lynne Chased, See Her Fall series

How Much You Want to Bet?

Weekend Lover, Down With Cupid Shorts series

Down With Cupid, Down With Cupid Shorts series

Double Dare, A Modern Fairy Tale

Twice Smitten, A Modern Fairy Tale

Everything You Need, Palmer Island series

Everything He Dreamed, Palmer Island series

Follow Melissa:

on Twitter – https://twitter.com/mel_thegreat

on her blog – http://melthegreatest.blogspot.com

on her website – http://www.themelissablue.com

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: African American romance novels, erotic romance, fairy tales, multicultural romance, romance, sensual romance

Carol Preflatish, Author of Spring Forward, Fall Back in Love

My guest today is Carol Preflatish. She’s going to tell us about her latest release, and reveals what has surprised her about becoming a writer. So, let’s get started.

Carol, I’m delighted to have you here. Can you tell us how you decided to become an author?

Thank you. I’m excited to be here and meet your readers. Ever since elementary school, I’ve loved to write. In high school, I took both writing classes that were offered and, even though I didn’t major in English, I took every creative writing class they had. I actually started out writing some fan fiction in late 1999. I received some really good feedback from that and decided to give romantic suspense a shot. So, as my New Year’s resolution for 2000, I decided I was going to write a full-length book. It didn’t matter if it ever got published or not, I just wanted to write it and here I am five books later.

Is there anything your fans would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a licensed ham radio operator. My husband talked me into it over fifteen years ago. It was a way for us to communicate when we were apart before cell phones.

What’s on your bucket list?

I don’t really like the term “bucket list.” I prefer “To Do” list. The main things on it are travel. There are so many places I would like to visit. Number one on the list would be the New England states. I’m hoping that can be the destination of our next big vacation.

Is there anything about becoming a writer that has surprised you?

When I first started writing, I had no idea that I would have to do so much marketing. Dumb me thought the book would sell itself. Boy, do I know different now.

Plotter vs. Panster – Which one are you?

I’m a little of both. I usually start a book with a plot and a chapter outline. Once I’m into the book, the characters take over and the plot usually remains the same, but the chapter outline is out the window.

Here’s an opportunity to tell us in a few words your favorite:

Author: the late Robert B. Parker

Actor: There are so many, but I love Tom Selleck.

Actress: I don’t really have a favorite actress.

Band/singer: The Eagles

Movie/TV Show: it’s a tie between The Big Bang Theory and Castle

Color: Purple

Season: Winter

Drink: non-alcoholic would be iced tea; alcoholic is a margarita

Food: pizza

Animal/pet: I love both cats and dogs, but right now we have two cats

Sport: football

Would you like to share some juicy details about your book?

My book, a contemporary western novella, is called “Spring Forward, Fall Back in Love” and it’s about a girl who returns to her hometown eight years after high school. The last person Grace Taylor wanted to see was her old boyfriend, Andy Granger, but that’s exactly who was standing in front of her on the porch of the ranch. To make matters worse, he was her trail guide. When an unexpected spring storm strands them in a secluded mountain cabin, memories and old feelings emerge. Can Grace keep the secret she’d kept for eight years while at the same time keep Andy at a distance?

So you’ve finished this story. What can readers expect from you next? When?

I’ve completed about four chapters on my next book, which will be a contemporary romance that takes place in the horse region of Kentucky. A big city girl unexpectedly finds her true love in the country. Since I work a full time day job, I never know when I will get a book finished. I hope to have it out sometime next winter.

Excerpt:

“Tell us about your boyfriend, Grace,” Maria teased. “You did have a high school sweetheart, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes.”

“What did he look like?” Silvia inquired.

“He was just an average guy.”

Lucy’s drink was served and she took a gulp. “Next question, how old were you when you lost your virginity?”

As Grace opened her mouth, someone behind her spoke. “She was sixteen.”

She recognized that voice and turned to find Andy standing behind her.

“What are you doing here?”

“Grace, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Lucy said, standing.

“He’s not worth an introduction.” She turned back to the table.

“I’m Lucy Marlow and you are?” She extended her hand and took his.

“Andy Granger, Grace’s high school sweetheart.”

“And, apparently the man she lost her virginity to,” Lucy said, still holding his hand. “Would you like to join us? We’d love to hear stories about our Grace.”

“No, he wouldn’t.” Grace stared at Andy.

He apparently got the message. “No, I can’t. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.” He pulled away from Lucy’s grasp and walked back to the bar where he joined his buddies.

“Pity,” Lucy said, watching him walk away. “Grace, he’s hot as hell. Was he that good-looking as a teenager?”

“We parted on bad terms, so I’d just as soon not talk about him.”

“We understand,” Silvia said.

“Now wait a minute. So, you have no interest in him?” Lucy asked.

“None.”

“Then, you wouldn’t mind if I went over and talked to him?”

Grace knew that meant Lucy would do everything she could to get him into bed tonight. But, what could she do? She had no claim to him, and, as soon as this weekend was over, she didn’t plan on ever seeing him again. “Not at all. Talk to him all you want.”

That’s all Lucy needed to hear. She jumped up and sauntered over to the bar where Andy sat with his buddies.

“I can’t believe you let her do that,” Maria said. “You know what she has in mind.”

“I have no feelings for him.”

“That’s not how it looked when you heard his voice behind you just now.”

Grace looked over at Andy. Lucy already had her paws on him, rubbing his thigh, and his buddies looked like they were ready to pounce on her if given the chance. As she was turning her attention back to the table, she glanced at the door. “Look, James is here.”

Links to where the novella can be purchased:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Backlist:

Love, Lies, and Deceit

Saved by the Sheriff

A Kitchen Affair

Compromised

Follow Carol:

on Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/CarolPreflatish

on her blog – http://CarolPre.blogspot.com

on her website – http://CarolPre.webs.com

on her Amazon author page – https://www.amazon.com/author/carolpre

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: carol preflatish, contemporary romance, novella, second chance story, western romance

Upcoming SCP Release, He’s So Into You

I’m pleased to reveal the cover of my upcoming Secret Cravings Publishing release, my debut novella, He’s So Into You, which is scheduled to be released in June. I’m so impressed by what Dawné Dominique, the cover artist, has done. She seemed to have captured Raina’s essence, which is revealed through her smile. Even the way Jordan squints his eyes reflects his determination to make Raina his.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

You can find out more about He’s So Into You right here.

I can hardly wait to share Jordan and Raina’s story with the world, but at least for now, you have a visible reminder that it’s coming very, very soon.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: big women/rubenesque, erotic romance, interracial romance, multicultural romance, special love

Katy Evans – Author of Real

I feel real honored to have my guest, Katy Evans, with me today. This newbie author’s first book Real is on the New York Times bestselling list at #5 and the USA Today best selling list at #6 (as of last Wednesday). The number of positive reviews published in the three weeks since its release is almost 900 at amazon.com alone, and still climbing, even as we speak. Isn’t that amazing?

Katy, I’m delighted to have you here. Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you so much for having me! And about me, well, I’m a wife, mother, daughter, friend, writer, reader, lover of nature, puppies, chocolate, and trees.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Definitely chocolate, good movies, and good books. 

Can you tell us about how you decided to become an author?

I wanted to write since I was twelve and read Sweet Valley High, and then, when I progressed to read my first Julie Garwood romance! Her books touched me in so many ways, I couldn’t help but want to do the same to others with my stories.

Give us a brief overview of your previous works.

Real is actually my “real” – the first story I have tried to write and finish that wasn’t trying out for any contest or trying to get into any line or please any publisher’s requirements. It’s “it” for me.

What advice would you give to newbie authors?

Patience and persistence. Always know that only you can tell things your own way, so stop comparing yourself to others and let your own voice shine through.

What or who inspired you to write Real?

Remington. He’s been in my head for a long time, and when he appeared and hijacked my attempts at another book, he didn’t let go of me until I finished. Even now, as I work on the sequel, he still owns me! 

How long did you take to complete this book?

Real overpowered me like a fever does! I didn’t eat, sleep, or was able to do anything but write “Real” for 21 days. And then, once done, I started polishing it.

How much research did you do for writing Real?

Several books on various topics addressed in the story, however, all of the topics in it are some things that I’ve also had firsthand experience with, so it wasn’t hard to address them.

Does the apparent success of this book come as a surprise for you?

I think it’s both yes and no! No, because I absolutely love “Real”. I love Remy, Brooke, and the cast so much, I’d do anything for my book and believe in all of its messages and depth full heartedly. And yes, on the other hand, because I never expected to be able to reach so many readers. To know so many lives have been touched by Brooke and Remy’s beautiful love story, just like mine has been, makes me so happy, I have no words.

Why do you think this book seems deeply resonant for your readers?

I think there are so many aspects of it that readers identify with. Brooke’s normalcy and strength. Remington’s strength coupled with his vulnerability. Their love which is so instinctive and raw and pure. Their struggles. Brooke’s complete awareness of herself, and every inch of her soul mate, Remington, when they are together.

Tell us about the title. Why Real?

Remington gave me the title; it was all he wanted with Brooke.



If this story was made into a movie, whom would you cast as Remington/Remy and Brooke?

I think I see Chris Hemsworth, with darkened hair and other minor alterations, with Jennifer Lawrence.

Is this story a part of a series? What can readers expect from you next? When?

Yes, it’s part of a series that will consist of 5 books total. Three are of Remington and Brooke, and the next is of Melanie, followed by the last one, which is a surprise. I am working on both REMY, Remington’s Real in his POV, and MINE, the sequel to REAL, to release in summer 2013 before I follow up with a story for Melanie as well. Can’t wait to share all these with you!

Now, onto your story Real.

Blurb:

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Excerpt:

He comes into the room carried on the shoulders of four guys. My heart stutters. He’s got this big smile on his face, cocky Remy to the tenth power, high on his wins, and the women scream, high on him. “Remy! Remyyyy!”

“That’s right, who’s the man?” he shouts, and pounds his fists on his chest. I laugh, completely sucked in, mesmerized and enchanted by him. The aura he emanates makes him blaze like a sun tonight. If right now he says he can fly, I think we’d all believe him. Everyone present seems magnetized by him, helplessly gravitating to where he is. He spots me, and his smile softens and his eyes alight with a strange, hungry, and somehow glowing look. “Brooke.”

He hops down to his feet and beckons me forward, and the crowd parts to let me pass. He smiles at me, and his dancing blue eyes hold mine as he slowly walks forward and meets me halfway. He lifts me in his powerful arms and swings me around, and then he kisses me.

The instant he takes my lips, fireworks shoot off in my body.

All the pent-up desire of days and weeks adds up to this one moment when everything that I am, and everything that I want, is narrowed down to this. To me, pulling Remington Tate’s dark head closer to mine as I open my mouth and let him give me anything and everything he wants to.

His kiss spins my stomach into a wild swirl. He holds me tightly by the hips and deftly moves his lips as he rubs his tongue to mine. A rumble vibrates deep in his core as he gathers me closer and forces me to feel his erection, all while he angles his head and fucks my mouth like there’s no tomorrow.

People whoot loudly nearby, and when they tell him to “Go fuck that pussy!” Remy tears free. He breathes harshly through his nose as he drags his mouth to my ear, where he whispers, hot and gruff, “You’re mine tonight.”

A fevered moan escapes me. He cups my face in those big hands that make me feel fragile and tiny, and he hungrily recaptures my mouth. He takes it slowly this time, as if I’m precious and valuable. “Tonight you’re mine.”

He looks into my face again, his eyes seething with desire. I think I just nodded in agreement, but I’m too shaky to know for sure. A sweltering fever runs unleashed through me. My legs won’t stop trembling as every one of my cells scream in lust because I want him now. I want him now.

“Remy, I want you, take me!” a woman shouts, but he ignores her, ignores everything. But me.

His eyes dark and intent, he scrapes the sides of my face with the pads of his big, callused thumbs, then spreads his fingers wide over my scalp as he kisses me again, our mouths hot and wet as they blend, thirsty and anxious. I grip the soft gray of the t-shirt he wears in my fists, dying with sensations. I don’t even care who’s watching, am oblivious to the crude things they’re whistling. I hadn’t realized how much I want this, need this, until these shivers ripple through me and I’m in a flux under his insistent sexy mouth, the look in his eyes that makes me feel like I’m the only woman alive to him.

“Take her to your room, Tate!” someone yells. But he seems engrossed only in me, and me in him.

Holding me protectively in his strong arms, he brushes my hair back as his lips buzz along the bare curve between my neck and collar, his fingers sliding up my neck as he once again, like a chant, nuzzles my ear and tells me, “Mine. Tonight.”

Author Bio:

Katy Evans grew up with book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which, is hopefully, only the beginning…

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Follow Katy:

on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katy-Evans/521052267929550?fref=ts

on Twitter – https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

on her blog – http://www.katyevans.net/blog/

on her website – http://www.katyevans.net

Links to where Real can be purchased:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Real-ebook/dp/B00C9QORFW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1366502980&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/real-katy-evans/1115099256?ean=2940016489162

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/304281

Katy, thank you so much for visiting us today.

Thank you so much for having me, Roxy, and for helping me share “Real” with the world!! 

Filed under: Uncategorized

Tamara Hoffa

Today my lovely guest is Tamara Hoffa. Not only is she an author but also an editor at Secret Cravings Publishing. Tamara’s here to tell us a little bit about herself and to reveal the date of her new book Roping Love. Take a look at the book cover. It’s fantastic, isn’t it?

Tamara, I’m delighted to have you here. Can you tell us how you decided to become an author?

It’s funny, but I kind of just fell into it. I have always been an avid reader. A couple of years ago I started reviewing for a blog site. From there I started beta reading for a few authors. People kept telling me they liked my writing style and I should write a book. Frankly, I’d never written anything except angsty teenage poetry and essays for school. I didn’t think I could EVER write something as long as a novel. Then I saw an ad for a submissions contest for short stories, 5000-10,000 words. I thought, “I can maybe do that” so I gave it a try. And the rest is history!

What would your fans be surprised to learn about you?

LOL, probably a lot! I had gastric by-pass surgery in 2001. My son has Asperger’s Syndrome. I cook when I’m stressed. There are a few titbits for you.

Here’s an opportunity to tell us in a few words your favorite:

Author: One? Couldn’t possibly choose

Actor: John Wayne

Actress: Audrey Hepburn

Band/singer: Rascal Flatts

Movie/TV Show: NCIS

Novel: Again one?

Color: Green

Season: Fall

City: Chicago, my home town

Celebration/festival: I love them all!

Drink: Everyone who follows me knows this! Coffee!

Food: Chocolate

Quote: “One word

Frees us of all the weight and pain of life:

That word is love.”

― Sophocles

Animal/pet: Dogs! I have 5

Sport: I don’t like sports.

Tell us about the work you have published so far.

Heart of a Soldier is a short contemporary romance about a widow, Charlotte(Charlie) MacKenzie, whose son, Evan want to join the Army. Charlie is not happy about his decision and goes to meet his Army recruiter, Jameson Hunter… Let’s just say sparks fly!

Would you like to share some juicy details about your latest book?

Roping Love is another short, its contemporary/western. It’s the story of a pair of rodeo riders who lost their chance at love and find each other ten years later.

When will it be released?

April 29, 2013

So you’ve finished this story. What can readers expect from you next?

I have two novellas in the works. A contemporary called A Special Kind of Love. Single Mother Sharon Daily moves to a small town to start a new life and meets a new love. Tanner West, fire chief and cowboy (an Indian cowboy, lol) And my first paranormal romance, It has no title yet, but is the first book in a series we are calling Windy City Dragons. My BFF Beverly Ovalle and I are writing this series together. Dan Sullivan, one of the dragons who inadvertently started the Chicago fire as an adolescent is now a Chicago firefighter. He finally meets his mate, only she is hiding a secret that could be the end of them both.

Author Bio:

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 5 dogs and 1 cat. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandsons in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Contact Links:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamaraHoffa

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TamaraHoffa

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6537898.Tamara_Hoffa

Blog: http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/

Backlist:

Heart of a Soldier

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Captured by the Bodyguard by Dez Burke

Today I’m pleased to welcome Dez Burke to my blog. She’ll tell us a little about herself and her latest book, Captured by the Bodyguard. I must admit Captivated by the Soldier was her first book I read and since then I’ve read four more. I love her alpha heroes, but I’m convinced Cane Hutchinson is the hottest of them all.

Can you tell us how you decided to become an author?

Hi Roxy! Thank you so much for having me. I don’t know exactly when I decided to become an author, but started writing fiction as a young teen. My Mama worked long hours so I spent my summers at my Grandmother’s house. She loved to read Harlequin romances and even as a young girl I noticed the characters were always white. So, I would sneak off and write my own stories. Not quite the same as the ones I publish now though! My Grandma wouldn’t have been very happy with the steamy scenes.

How are you able to balance your family life with your writing?

It’s always a struggle! First and foremost I’m a Mother and a Daughter so my family comes first. If they need me, I put the writing aside for the moment. I’m not the best at setting boundaries so there are days when I seem to not find a single moment to write.

What do you do to kick back and have some fun?

My teenager daughter and I love to go to Walt Disney World. We try to go every couple of years and Magic Kingdom is still our favorite. We have it down to a science and can hit every ride by noon even at the park’s busiest times.

Is there anything your fans would be surprised to know about you?

They probably would be surprised to find out I’m a hummingbird nut! In the summer and fall, I hang at least 40 hummingbird feeders that have to be switched out with new ones every day or so. In September and October there are hundreds of hummingbirds in my yard and the numbers increase every year. I absolutely love them for the joy they bring!

You’ve written six books for the year, so far. How many more could we expect from you in 2013?

Hopefully at least four.

Positive reviews vs. Negative reviews – How do you react when you receive them?

I’m not going to lie. Reviews are a killer! Any writer who says bad reviews don’t bother them are either lying or don’t care about their readers. Bad reviews hurt, not only your feelings but also sales. I read every single review for my books, usually several times. Reviews are subjective to personal taste so I try to take that into account. Usually my negative reviews concern sex-there’s either too much or not enough! As for me, I would never in a million years leave a negative review for any book. The way I see it, it’s bad karma and if an author poured their hard work into the story then I’m not going to criticize them.

Describe your typical writing day.

Ha! Ha! You probably don’t want to know. My daily life is chaos with a teenage daughter and pets so there’s never a typical writing day. I’m not one of those writers who can sit down at a computer and force themselves to write for thirty minutes. My stories come to me in visual scenes so my best “writing” is done right before I go to sleep at night or in the car. Once I have a scene in my head then I grab a few minutes here and there to sit down and write it.

What challenges have you encountered/overcome as a writer so far?

Finding time alone to write is the most difficult challenge for me.

Two marines, a soldier, a body guard, and a football player are heroes in your books. Why did you choose them and what kind of hero should we expect in your next release?

All of my books contain strong, sexy alpha males. That’s the kind of man I’m personally attracted to so that’s what I like to write about. I can guarantee you’ll never find a metrosexual man with pedicures and scarves in my books! As for the next book, I haven’t decided yet. I would really like to include a cowboy/rancher type if I can only come up with a plot.

Which of your heroines is most like you?

Definitely Jada in Jamaica Nights. She’s carrying a few extra pounds and feels insecure about her body, especially nude. Jada is basically me.

Here’s an opportunity to tell us in a few words your favorite:

Author: I love so many different styles of writing and could never choose one favorite.

Actor: Bradley Cooper is sexy and cute.

Actress: Kerry Washington because I’m completely hooked on Scandal.

Band/singer: Bruno Mars

Movie/TV Show: Scandal

Season: Spring in the South

Celebration/festival: Christmas with my family.

Drink: Pina Colada in a fresh coconut, preferably on a Caribbean island

Food: Shrimp and grits, my Mama’s Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans on top and Coconut Cake

Quote: My favourite quote is one I heard often from my Grandmother in regards to men. “Don’t start what you don’t plan to keep up!” She was so right about that.

Animal/pet: Hummingbirds

Would you like to share some juicy details about your latest release Captured by the Bodyguard?

This might be considered a spoiler so don’t read this unless you’ve read the book. In the original draft there was a beautiful baby girl at the end.

Now onto your story, Captured by the Bodyguard.

Blurb:

Cane Hutchinson took one look at heiress Alexandra Duke and knew she’d be big trouble. He was an ex-Marine whose expertise as a bodyguard had him working with high-risk clients all over the world. Babysitting a billionaire’s princess was the last thing he wanted to be doing…

The last thing Alexandra wanted-or needed, was a bodyguard. But her father had worries for her safety after winning an important contract against an unscrupulous business rival. Being stuck with Cane 24/7 was bad enough; now she had to contend with an uncontrollable attraction for her handsome and virile bodyguard who looked like he belonged on the cover of GQ magazine. She was used to keeping people at a distance because of the fortune her father represented-but for how long could she keep her rising feelings for Cane at bay?

Excerpt:

Cane stepped out on the balcony his room shared with Alexandra’s, doing some last checks and catching the soft breeze. He found himself looking to the side at Alexandra’s windows – when he noticed her walk into her room and turn on the lights.

Outside was dark so he was sure she couldn’t see him. Cane paused as he realized he had a clear view through the big windows thanks to the open blinds. How many times had he warned her about closing the fucking blinds?

He bit down an angry sigh as she walked into her bathroom and he could hear sounds of her turning on the shower. Then she returned to the bedroom, sat in front of her dressing mirror and was soon taking off her jewelry.

Cane was about to walk back into his room when Alexandra stood, quickly unbuttoned her white jeans and wriggled out of the clinging fabric.

Suddenly, Cane’s brain misted over.

Alexandra was facing the mirror with her back to him which gave him the perfect view of her ass bared by the skimpy white lacy thong. Her fleshy orbs were ripe and smooth, and the most rounded bottom he’d ever seen. She kicked the jeans off her feet carelessly as she tugged her white shirt over her head. He had a glimpse of her incredibly tiny waist and a hint of side boob as she tossed the shirt on a nearby chair.

Fuck and double fuck! Cane knew he should move, walk away from the sight of Alexandra in just her bra and panties as she gathered up her springy curls into a band at the top of her crown. But Cane found himself rooted to the spot. This woman with the sexiest body he’d ever seen was no more than thirty feet away and giving him the most painful hard-on he’d ever had. Shit! She had flawlessly even-toned café au lait skin and the figure of a goddess; ample curves where he liked them yet slender in the middle coupled with long, toned legs he was twitching to place on either side of his head as he…

Something moved in the corner of his eye. Cane’s head snapped around but he could hardly see a thing. He swore under his breath; here he was acting like a rookie by staring into a lit room from his dark position which made it harder for his vision to adjust as he scanned the quiet, dim grounds around him. His mind raced.

Not wasting time to think further, he slammed a fist on the panic button just inside his room. And then he swiftly swung over the partition between their balconies and sped into Alexandra’s bedroom through her balcony entrance. His shoes made his movements silent and the young woman only became aware of him when he gripped her from behind, wrapping an arm around her waist as he swiftly backed her into the bathroom with him.

Links to where Captured by the Bodyguard can be purchased:

On Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Captured-Bodyguard-Interracial-Romance-ebook/dp/B00C7Z1WWQ

On Barnes and Noble.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/captured-by-the-bodyguard-dez-burke/1115049879

On AllRomanceEbooks.com

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-capturedbythebodyguardbwwminterracialromance-1152520-168.html

On Itunes:

All of Dez’s books and audio books can also be purchased from iTunes

Backlist:

Forbidden Love with the Marine

Claimed by the Marine

Captivated by the Soldier

Jamaica Nights

Seduced by the Football Player

Follow Dez:

on Twitter –@dezburke

on her blog –http://www.dezburke.blogspot.com

on Facebook- Dez Burke

Again, I’m delighted you stopped by.

The pleasure was all mine. Thank you again for inviting me.

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Meet Silence O’Shea…

I’m really delighted to have Silence O’Shea as my very first guest on this blog. I’ve read her debut novel, His Right Hand. It’s such a delightful read I was compelled to write a very brief review of it.

Silence, it’s a pleasure and privilege having you here. Tell us a little about yourself.

GREAT to be here! Well, I’d like to say I’m a neurosurgeon or a rocket scientist or a lion tamer…but I’ll have to be satisfied with small-town blue-collar worker. I live in a teeny-tiny northern town with my tolerant and supportive hubby and a small menagerie that fills that house with lots of puppy and kitty kisses.

What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

Well, I hope they’re surprised to know I’ve never written anything before. If a reader thinks I write like a more seasoned author, that would be just about the best compliment I could get.

If you could live anywhere in the world (except where you live currently) where would it be and why?

Dublin, Ireland, I think. It’s the homeland of both my husband’s ancestors and mine, plus it’s so beautiful and lushly green, the accent is to die for and, well…Guinness.

What aspect of your life prepared you for writing His Right Hand?

Very little, actually. Some might say I have no business even opening a Word doc. Lol! And I know everyone says write what you know, but I’d really rather write what I want to know. I’m keen on learning. But I’m certain some of my life experiences will pop up in future work.

So you’ve finished this story. What can readers expect from you next? When?

I’ve got several things in the works, though the one I’m currently focused on involves a troupe of male dancers and one very lucky lady. I’m working hard to have that one published in late May.

Now onto your story, His Right Hand.

Blurb:

Mike Jasper is a great catch on paper, but according to his dissatisfied exes, he’s sorely lacking in the bedroom.

Desperate for help, he turns to his longtime right-hand woman, Ellen. To Jasper’s surprise, she’s hiding a hot and horny vixen beneath those business suits, and his office quickly becomes a pleasure den. He’s learning more than ever dreamed possible…including lessons in love.

Excerpt:

“No wonder your relationships never last. No wonder the women always break up with you. At first I thought you just didn’t want to get tied down, but now…you really have no idea if you’re even doing anything wrong in bed. Wow.” She looked at him with pity now, and his anger returned.

As did the advice from Wade.

“Fine. Show me, then.”

Her face went blank in an instant. “What?”

“Show me how to treat a woman. You’re obviously an expert. If I’m so hopeless, I need to learn from the best. I’ll pay you for your time.”

Now her expression turned dark. “Are you actually asking me to prostitute myself?” Her stormy blue gaze promised new and unusual worlds of pain if he answered incorrectly.

“No. No! I mean—I just—God!” He ran a hand through his hair again. “Look, as much as I hate to admit it, Wade told me just this morning that perhaps I have something to learn about pleasing women. And Suzy called me plenty of choice names before she tossed my belongings out her window.”

He glanced up to find Ellen trying very hard not to laugh, her hand over her mouth.

“Cute,” he said sarcastically. “Anyway, when three different people offer similar opinions during the course of a single fucking morning, even I’m not thick enough not to admit maybe I could use some improvement.”

“Mr. Jasper, I’m not the right person to assist you.”

“Why not? You assist me with everything else. Are you dating someone?”

“No—”

“Do you find me repugnant?”

“Of course not. I—”

“Any religious objections I’m not aware of?”

“Mr. Jasper—”

“Ellen…please? We’ve worked together forever and you’re not likely to get emotionally entangled or spill my bedroom habits to the whole office. You’re smart, sensible, attractive and I trust you implicitly. From all accounts, I’m doing something wrong and I need help.”

Then he went for the jugular. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone.”

That did it. He could practically see the wind leaving her sails.

“Jesus,” she muttered. “I can’t believe I’m contemplating this.”

Jasper held his breath, too afraid to speak. Then he gave her what he hoped was his most pathetic, beseeching look and waited.

“Fine,” she said, standing and moving around the desk to stand in front of him. “Show me what you’ve got.”

Links to where you can purchase His Right Hand:

Amazon, B&N, Smashwords

Silence’s Contact Information:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/silence.oshea

Twitter – https://twitter.com/SilenceOShea

Thank you for stopping by, Silence. I wish you continued success and look forward to reading your next release.

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Silence O’Shea – The New Author on the Block

Have you ever seen someone who seems like the perfect suitor on paper but the reality is completely opposite?  That’s certainly the case with Mike Jasper.  He’s physically attractive (there’s no doubt about that) and wealthy. It seems as if he treats his lady friends rather well judging from the exquisite gifts he bestows on them (okay, so he doesn’t buy them himself, but at least he finances the purchases) and the exclusive places he takes them.  Perfect, isn’t he?  Wrong.  Jasper’s completely lacking in the – ahem – sex department.  It’s not that he has to get a prescription for those legendary blue pills because his equipment works fine; it’s just that he doesn’t know how to use it effectively.  In other words, he doesn’t know how to please the woman he’s with in the bedroom.  Seems as if Jasper needs a helping hand, don’t you think?

And that’s where Ellen comes in.  Jasper knows that desperate times call for desperate measures and so he asks Ellen, his right hand, for an unusual favor.  Not to buy gifts for his lady loves.  Not to assist him in the office.  Not to pick up his laundry.  After all, she’s been there and she’s done that.  Instead, he asks her to teach him the art of  making love and after only a brief hesitation she complies, just like a good assistant will.

His Right Hand is Silence O’Shea’s debut novel and through Jasper and Ellen she shows us a reversal of the natural scheme of things, at least in the world of romance fiction.  When all is said and done,  it’s a close look into a man who, for once, isn’t adept at lovemaking and who doesn’t have to tutor the inexperienced heroine.  This time the hero is the one who is schooled by his experienced assistant.  And though O’Shea tells the story solely from the hero’s point of view readers wouldn’t feel cheated one bit.

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Why I began writing romance stories?

I’ve got to admit the truth, I’ve been reading romance novels since I was a pre-teen.  But as I entered my twenties and thirties, my interest in romance novels faded as I began reading other genres, like mystery and suspense, biographies/autobiographies, poetry and so on.  Yet, even after reading hundreds and hundreds of books, I was never really interested in writing stories of my own.

It was only last year, though, one of my Facebook friends posted Professor Ralph Richard Banks’s‘ article, An Interracial Fix for Black Marriages (2011), which I read.  That article, for one reason or the other, resonated so much for me, I started watching past editions of talk shows on YouTube in which Professor Banks discussed his article/research.  And then it led me to reading several authors of multicultural/interracial romance stories like Lena Matthews, Mahalia Levey, Yvette Hines, Denise McCray, Minx Malone, Shara Azod, Vallory Vance, Marie Rochelle, Aliyah Burke, Serenity King, Koko Brown, Jennifer Willows, Tressie Lockwood, Delaney Diamond, Sienna Minx,  Erosa Knowles, Pepper Pace and Eve Vaughn just to mention a few. It’s interesting how each of these authors has a unique way of conveying the dynamics of interracial relationships.  Quite simply, they motivated me and within two months I penned an IR/MC romance and sent my completed manuscript to a few epublishers. Amazingly, it generated some interest.

And I continued reading romance stories, from contemporary to paranormal to multicultural/interracial to BDSM.  I couldn’t believe how much the genre had broaden over the years.  I discovered other mainstream authors whose works I admire.  Lynn Richards, Marie Carr, Marie Harte, Clarissa Yip, Heather Long, Evangeline Anderson and Sam Crescent are just a few of them.

And I continued writing romance stories.  My second manuscript, He’s So Into You, was also accepted, this time by Secret Cravings Publishing.  It’s scheduled to be released in June, 2013.  I never expected this opportunity to come my way, but it’s here and I’m gonna enjoy the moments for as long as they last.

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