Eden Ashe's Blog, page 13
January 13, 2014
Playlist for Resisting The Hero by Cindi Madsen
January 11, 2014
Sunday Funday with Cd Brennan!
January 1, 2014
COVER REVEAL! Betrayal by Jenna Jaxon
Good Gawd, check out this cover and blurb. Nothing like a gut-punch of I NEED THIS BOOK to start off the new year, right?
Special thanks to Jenna Jaxon for stopping by and letting me reveal this gorgeous cover. OH, MAKE SURE YOU COMMENT. JENNA IS GIVING AWAY TWO COPIES OF BETROTHAL TO COMMENTORS!
So without furthur ado, here’s Miss Jaxon:
Betrayal is set to release on January 31, 2014.
Blurb for Betrayal:
After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.
A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?
Excerpt
Alyse’s heart lurched at the sight of Thomas. She rose, trembling, and murmured, “Your Highness,” but looked expectantly at Lord Braeton.
His eyes met hers, distant and cool. Puzzled, she turned her attention to the princess, who was herding her other women toward the door to her bedchamber.
“Lady Maurya, Lady Anne, Margaret,” the princess beckoned them. “Lord Braeton would have a moment with Lady Alyse. Would you attend me, please?” Princess Joanna passed Alyse, caressing her arm as she led the confused women through the door.
At the touch, Alyse sought the princess’s eyes. Fear gripped her heart at the pity she saw there.
“Thomas.” Alyse curtsied quickly then blurted out the fear she had fought almost since Geoffrey had left. “Is my lord well? Have you news for me?” Thanks to Anne and Margaret’s thoughtless comments, she had become convinced Geoffrey had fallen ill with Sir Robert’s ailment and now himself hovered between life and death.
Avoiding her eyes, Thomas answered briefly. “Aye, my lady. When I left him, Geoffrey was well enough.”
While relieved at his words, a shadow still lay on her heart. If Geoffrey was not ill, why had Thomas’s manner changed? What had summoned this aloof stranger? He was withholding something from her.
“And Sir Roland?”
He hesitated, searching her eyes then looking away. He fisted his hands. “Sir Roland is…has…”
Alyse could stand it no longer. She crossed to stand directly before Thomas, laid a cold hand upon his arm, and gripped it. “Tell me.”
The fact that there was something he could not bring himself to tell her filled her with terror. He said Geoffrey was well enough when he left. What about now?
Before she could question him further, he drew out a folded piece of parchment, sealed with blue wax and stamped with a signet ring bearing Geoffrey’s family crest. She stared at it.
“Geoffrey bade me place this in your hand and no other, my lady.” Thomas thrust the missive toward her.
Alyse compelled herself to hold her hand out .
He sighed. “He also bade me be at your service, lady, had you need of anything.” He gave the parchment into her hand. As he did so, she looked into his eyes and recognized the same pity she had seen in Princess Joanna’s.
Panic made her arms weak and her fingers numb. She forced her shaking hands to break the seal. Alyse unfolded the letter and slowly read the scratched and blurry words.
* * * *
In her bedchamber, Princess Joanna waited with Maurya, Anne, and Margaret. The women’s faces had changed from puzzlement to fear. Joanna looked from one maid to another, trying to hide her despondency. So many prayers had not been answered today.
Anne finally summoned the courage to ask, “Your Highness, what has happened?” She choked back tears. “I meant no harm, earlier. Indeed,” she crossed herself, “I wish Sir Roland and Sir Geoffrey long life.” She turned stricken eyes toward Joanna and whispered, “Is Sir Geoffrey—”
She got no further before a wrenching wail of anguish shattered the hushed room, as though the very walls echoed the sound. The four women stood rooted to the floor at the almost inhuman shriek of grief.
The sound cut off abruptly, and in the eerie silence that followed, they heard the soft thud of a body hitting the floor.
Author Bio:
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She is currently working to release Betrayal at the end of January and finishing revisions to her fifth full length novel, To Woo A Wicked Widow, set in Regency England and the first book in her five part series, The Widow’s Club.
Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.
She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
Links:
Blog: http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570
Twitter: @Jenna_Jaxon
Betrothal at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Betrothal-Time-Enough-Jenna-Jaxon-ebook/dp/B00CF6UZFW/ref=sr_sp-atf_image_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388123132&sr=1-2&keywords=betrothal
December 29, 2013
Sunday-Monday Funday with Michelle Witvliet
I know this is late. I apologize. While headaches are normal for me, today was a massive migraine day, and my meds just weren’t cutting it.
Anyway, enough about me. Today I have the awesomely fantastic Michelle Witvliet again! This time, she’s–ah–connected us with Riggs and Piper, her hero and heroine from the wonderful romantic suspense Breaking Protocol. Just look at this cover, it’s gorgeous, right? 
So….
This is what happened when I contacted Michelle for our interview. Enjoy!!
Eden: Thank you for visiting Sunday Funday! So tell me a little bit about Breaking Protocol and characters.
Michelle: I wandered off my familiar writing path when I tackled the romantic suspense genre with Breaking Protocol. I know this sounds corny and trite, but the lead characters, Piper and Riggs, really did come to me while I was napping. The only problem was it wasn’t easy getting them to open up. Undercover operatives tend to be very secretive about what they do and it took me a long time to gain their trust. I had to put their story aside for many, many months while they did their spy thing before they took a break and let me finish it.
Eden: How far off the path did you wander while writing this story?
Michelle: All my other novels are set in my home state of Indiana, specifically northwest Indiana. I opened Breaking Protocol in Colombia, South America, moved the hero and heroine to a small, private island off the coast of Nicaragua for a few days before eventually sending them back to the U.S.
Eden: Tell me a little bit about the hero and heroine. Did your Carina cover artist depict your characters how you envisioned them?
Michelle: Amazingly so! I was thrilled with the cover. It brought my vision of Piper and Riggs into focus.
Eden: What makes your characters different?
Michelle: They surprised me with some of their behavior. They have secrets they’re reluctant to reveal, even to one another.
Eden: What fascinated you about these characters and made you want to tell their story?
Michelle: They are physically and emotionally flawed individuals. Piper can’t let go of a tragic past and Riggs lives with an uncertain future. They make mistakes and possess behavioral quirks that some might find annoying, but I hope that’s also what makes them memorable. They are who they are.
Eden: They sound fascinating. I hope they’ll be joining us today?
Michelle: Not in person, I’m afraid. They’re out of the country, but we’ve arranged for them to join us via video conference.
Once the satellite link is made, Michelle turns the laptop screen toward Eden and introduces Carter Riggs and Piper Jordan. They are dressed in formal eveningwear. Carter has on an exquisitely tailored black tuxedo and Piper, wearing a figure-hugging, off-the-shoulder cocktail dress in a dazzling cobalt blue, is putting on diamond teardrop earrings as she situates herself next to Carter. They make a stunningly handsome couple.
Eden: Gee…folks, I hope you didn’t get dressed up just for me. We’re a rather informal bunch around here.
Piper (laughing softly): All I can say is we’re on our way to a formal dinner party.
Eden: Well, you both look wonderful wherever you’re going—or doing when you get there.
Piper: It’s fun getting all dressed up.
Carter (under his breath): This from a woman whose preferred attire is nothing at all.
Piper gives Riggs a hard nudge with her elbow.
Carter: Just saying…
Eden: Carter, when did you know Piper was the one?
Carter: Deep down, I’ve always known I’ve loved her, long before I was willing to admit it let alone allow myself to act upon it. As her supervisor, there were protocols that needed to be followed.
Piper: And all it took was a hurricane, a couple of explosions, and a bout of amnesia to get him to finally tell me he loved me.
Eden: What about you, Piper? What was it about Carter that caught your eye?
Piper: Absolutely everything about him fascinated me from the first day I met him.
CarterL: Even when I yell at you for doing something you shouldn’t?
Piper: Especially when you yell at me. Misbehaving was often the only way I could reach you on some personal level, Mr. Always-by-the-book.
Carter casts a smoldering glance in Piper’s direction. Smiling gently, Piper returns the heated gaze and lovingly caresses his cheek as she leans in and kisses him.
Eden (clearing her throat and fanning her face): Oh, my…
Michelle: All right, you two. Knock it off! This is a G-rated forum.
Without breaking their increasingly passionate lip lock, Piper reaches down and the computer screen goes suddenly black.
Michelle (obviously annoyed): See what I mean about their behavior. I never know what they’re going to do next.
Eden: Oh, I’m sure we all know what they’re about to do next this time. What do you think is their secret for keeping that spark alive?
Michelle: They learned how fragile life and love can be. They take nothing for granted and cherish every precious moment they have together.
Eden sighs and almost melts: Which is why I love them, and am so glad the world gets to share in their story. Eden grins at Michelle and holds up a bottle of wine Thanks for stopping by and letting me into your brain again. Now let’s go drink this before we have to share it.
Description
Covert operative Piper Jordan’s first solo assignment came at just the right time. Her attraction to her off-limits boss, Carter Riggs, was making work problematic, but gathering intel on a South American cartel wasn’t exactly her idea of a break. Before her cover is blown, Piper cuts the mission short, and now she’s on the run.
No woman gets under his skin the way Piper does, but company policy forbids fraternization–and life in the navy taught Riggs to follow the rules. When the agency loses contact with Piper, Riggs insists on leading the rescue mission to the Colombian rain forest, and it’s clear that months apart have only fanned the flames between them.
But things aren’t just heating up between agent and boss. It turns out Riggs wasn’t the only one searching for Piper. Someone wants her dead–and they’re resolved to find out who. When Piper’s accused of turning traitor, everything is on the line–their jobs, their reputations, and their lives.
75,000 words
December 22, 2013
Sunday Funday with Eden Ashe
Yes, yes, yes, I’m hosting myself this week. In my defense, it’s getting close to digital release day, so I’m excited…and a little nervous.
I’ve told you all before what a monster pain in my backside Daniel Ashborne is, but what I’ve maybe forgotten to tell everyone is that where his Shelby is concerned, he has a huge–HUGE–soft spot. I mean, it’s amazing. He wages war and risks everything just to be able to keep her for the rest of time.
So today, I thought it would be fun to show you a little bit of that softness.
Eden: Hey, Daniel. Thanks for dropping all your kingly duties and hanging out with me for a few today. How’s it going, war-wise?
Daniel drags a hand down his face and looks tired: You should know. You’re the one keeping us at the brink for your fairy tales and love stories.
Eden raises a brow: I am, but we’ve talked about this. Do you not remember the list of commands you gave me to ensure the safety of those you care about?
Daniel snorts out a laugh then: Yeah, I do. Speaking of those demands, where’s my hellion?
Shelby appears then, and everything about Daniel just goes soft. A smile even crinkles the corner of his silver eyes as he bends almost double to brush his lips against hers: There you are, princess.
Shelby kisses his chin and grins: Don’t act like you don’t know exactly where I was and what I was doing. She turns in his arms to face Eden: Go ahead. Ask your questions. Daniel will cooperate.
Eden tries not to snort: That’s kind of him. So, Daniel, while remembering to keep this PG-13 in case my mother reads this, what’s your favorite thing about Shelby?
Daniel wraps his arm around Shelby: Her strength and her temper and her heart. I may be the dragon king, but don’t think for a second that Shelby won’t take down anyone who threatens me. Her temper is all fierce hellcat, and ryuu, I love it.
Eden smiles and glances at Shelby: And what about you? What is it about Daniel that made you decide HIM. I want HIM. Other than his manly bits, of course.
Shelby: He’s huge. He’s the freaking dragon king, and yet every time I looked at him, I had this insane urge to protect him. He was so busy fighting for his people, giving up everything he wanted or needed to keep them healthy and safe, that he forgot to live. I realized he didn’t just need my protection, he needed me to love him.
Eden beams at them: Thanks, both of you. I have to admit, you two surprised me.
Daniel hooks his arm around Shelby’s neck and raises a brow at Eden: We’re out of here. Oh, and before I forget, I updated my list of demands for the rest of the series. Don’t mess with me on this, Ashe, I mean it.
They vanish before Eden can remind them that she is the author. She sighs instead, then just grins. Like I’m going to go easy on anyone. Where’s the fun in that?
So, that’s my pain in the butt characters. Word of advice, if you ever decide to create a fictional king, be aware that he will take over your brain and come with his own voice. Anyway, thanks for stopping by!
~Eden
December 18, 2013
January Blog Tour Schedule
I bit the bullet and hired a blog tour company for the release of The Dragon’s Heart. I was in over my head, getting grumpier by the second the more I tried to figure out where to start, and my husband was muttering the dreaded ‘D’ word under his breath when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.
So I hired Bewitching Book Tours. 
Here’s the schedule! 
Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
http://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspo...
Darkest Cravings
http://darkestcravings.blogspot.com
Eclipse Reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
Author Karen Swart
http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com
Books to Light Your Fire
http://bookstolightyourfire.blogspot.com
Extaordinaryreads
Sapphyria’s Steamy Books
saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com
Melissa Stevens
The Book Review
http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
January 7 Guest blog
Books to Light Your Fire
http://bookstolightyourfire.blogspot.com
January 8 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
January 9 Interview
Diane’s Book Blog
http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot...
January 10 Guest blog
Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind –
http://nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/
January 10 Spotlight and review
Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
http://wowfromthescarfprincess.blogsp...
January 13 Interview and review
Diaries of 2 Thick Chicks Blog
http://diariesof2thickchicks.blogspot...
January 14 Interview
Pembroke Sinclair.
www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
January 15 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
January 16 Interview(two to choose from)
Darkest Cravings
http://darkestcravings.blogspot.com
January 17 Character Interview
Author Karen Swart
http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com
January 17 Spotlight
Fang Freakin’ Tastic Reviews
http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
January 20 Guest blog
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
January 21 Spotlight
Eclipse Reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
January 22 Guest Post
Mythical Books
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
proposed topic: Dragons – from monsters to hot, faithful lovers
January 23 Guest blog
Lia’s Book Haven
www.liasbookhaven.wordpress.com
January 24 Spotlight
Inner Goddess
www.Innergoddessforum.com
January 27 Spotlight
Share My Destiny
http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
January 28 review
Mousehead & Tales
http://www.mouseheadandtales.weebly.com
January 29 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
www.lisasworldofbooks.net
January 30 Spotlight and review
Ramblings of a Book Lunatic
http://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com
January 31 Spotlight and review
Darker Passions
February 3 Guest blog
Deep In The Heart Romance
http://www.deepintheheartromance.com/
February 3 interview and review
The Wormhole
February 3 Spotlight
Paranormal Romance and Beyond
http://ashlynnelaynne.blogspot.com/
February 4 Spotlight and review
Shut Up & Read
http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
February 4 Spotlight and review
The Book Review
http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
February 4 review
Victoria’s Gossip
December 15, 2013
Sunday Funday with Michelle Witvliet
Welcome back! I am having so much fun with these interviews, you have no idea. I love getting to know characters outside their stories, and since Michelle and I are crit sisters, I’ve been wanting to know more about Jennifer forever. So when I found out the first novel in Jennifer’s series, Medium Rare: Dead Man Talking was going to be free soon, for a limited time, I was ready to drag Michelle kicking and screaming to join in the fun on Sunday Funday if I had to. 
How AWESOME is that cover?
Anyway, onto the interview we go!
Author Michelle Witvliet and her female protagonist Jennifer Flagg have agreed to meet with Eden Ashe at a nearby Starbucks. They arrive at almost the same time and enter together. It is winter and the trio is bundled in heavy coats, scarves and gloves. The only piece of typical winter wear Jennifer refuses to wear is a hat. She doesn’t do hats. Hats are evil. Hats can screw up even the best of hair days, and a good hair day is worth the risk of hyperthermia in Jen’s opinion. With foaming lattes in hand, they find a quiet corner and make themselves comfortable. Eden gets right down to business.
Eden: Thank you for visiting Sunday Funday! So tell me a little bit about Medium Rare: Dead Man Talking and the characters. Where did the story come from?
Michelle: When I decided I wanted to chronicle the exploits of a paranormal character in an ongoing series, I immediately thought of Jennifer here. In spite of her flawed abilities, she’s always surprising me in other ways. I think that’s what makes a strong foundation for a memorable character. I’ve taken normal, everyday people and placed them in anything but normal situations.
Eden: What exactly is Jennifer’s paranormal ability?
Michelle: Jennifer is a medium. She’s talked to the dearly departed since puberty…
Jennifer: Yeah, like cramps and zits weren’t enough to deal with.”
Michelle: Jennifer comes from a long line of extraordinary women with paranormal abilities.
Jennifer (rolling vivid green eyes): Yep, it skipped right over my two older sisters and landed on me much like Dorothy’s house on the Wicked Witch. Bam! One minute I was a normal, smart-mouthed twelve-year-old and the next I was having a conversation with the recently deceased ninety-five-year-old Jeremiah Gooch in parlor B at the Hague and Hackett Funeral Home over on Main.
Michelle: I think Jen has learned to deal with her limited abilities amazing well.
Jennifer snorts: You make it sound like I have a choice in the matter. These people just show up without warning, annoy the crap out of me for a few days, and then move on.
Michelle (patting Jen’s knee): You do the best you can with what you have to work with.
Jennifer (snorting and twisting a curly lock of her hair): The same could be said for this unruly red hair of mine.
Eden clears her throat: Can you tell me a little about some of the other characters?
Michelle: There’s Danny and Tony…
Jennifer (interrupting again with a vague smile): Danny’s my sometimes boyfriend. He’s a detective in the town where we live. Did I mention he’s sexy as hell? And Tony, well, he was the most recent dead guy in my life. Because he’s the only deceased visitor I’ve ever had with a body still attached—a very nice, half-dressed body, I should add—I needed Olivia Ryan’s help with Tony—professionally, that is. She’s my mentor in all things paranormal since my grandmother died.
Eden: Any chance we can meet these sexy men in your life?
Jennifer: I asked Dan to meet me here, but Tony, well, he can’t make it.
Michelle (whispering to Eden): Jen doesn’t like to talk about Tony since he’s moved on.
Jennifer: Tony was special. We had a connection I never had with any of the others.
Michelle (laughing): You can say that again!
Jennifer: Let’s not go there. You know that’s not a topic we discuss when Danny’s around.
As if on cue, Danny Prince walks in. He’s blond and blue-eyed and, in typical detective fashion, he scans the café until he spots his intended target. He gazes at Jen like she’s the only woman in the room as he gives his order to the barista.
Eden (leaning toward Michelle): Jennifer’s right—he is sexy as hell.
Jennifer (slightly smug): Told you.
Moments later, coffee in hand, Dan joins them. He gives Jen a quick peck on the top of her head and takes the seat next to her.
Eden: So, Dan, while remembering to keep this PG-13 in case my mother reads this, what’s your favorite thing about Jennifer?
Dan (smiling): The very things I love about her are often the same things that drive me crazy.
Jennifer (nodding in solemn agreement): That’s true enough. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers. It’s not easy keeping the relationship fresh and exciting—but I try.
Dan (throwing an arm around Jennifer and hugging her): That she does! It’s never dull with Jen around.
Eden (turning to Michelle): So, now that Medium Rare: Dead Man Talking is finished and on the shelves, what’s next?
Michelle: Like I said, this is an ongoing series. I’m working on Jennifer’s next adventure.
Jennifer (clearly agitated): Yeah, right, adventure… You should see what she’s done to me in the next book. She’s put me in a—
Michelle (cutting Jennifer off): That’s quite enough, Jennifer. You don’t want to give too much away. You seem to forget who is in charge here.
Jennifer: The sad part is she really believes that.
Jennifer and Danny chuckle in unison and share a knowing smile.
Eden: Thank you so much for visiting me and allowing me to drag your characters out in this weather! Is there anything else you want to add before I let you get back to documenting Jennifer’s next paranormal experience?
Michelle: I and my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, would like to thank your readers with an early Christmas present by offering Medium Rare: Dead Man Talking as a free read on Amazon starting on December 17th. They can find me at www.facebook.com/AuthorMichelleWitvliet I’m trying to build my fan base and I’d really appreciate a LIKE. Only a few more and I’ll be giving away a $25 dollar Amazon gift certificate to one Lucky Liker!
See? Can you blame me for dragging them out into this weather? They’re awesome! Thanks for dropping by again, and be sure to stop by Michelle’s facebook page, and show her some love in the comments here!
December 7, 2013
Sunday Funday with Joanne Wadsworth
Welcome back to Sunday Funday! Over on our Sizzle and Sass facebook page a few days ago, we got into a discussion about the hottest careers romance heroes can have. Now, if you’ve been paying attention at all, you know I like my big badasses. Warriors, bodyguards, firefighters…yum.
Which makes this week’s guest, Joanne Wadsworth even more kinds of awesome. Her new release, Witness Pursuit, is the first in her Bodyguards series, and honestly, I can’t wait to read these books.
So, I asked Joanne to tell me a little bit about this book, and this is what she said: WITNESS PURSUIT is the story of Lydia and Tyler, and is set on board a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific. Lydia is an eye witness on the run, a young woman who finds her path colliding with the bodyguard who once saved her life.
A year after Tyler was shot protecting Lydia, her handler decides to get her further from the killer’s reach by placing her on board Tyler’s super-yacht during his family’s vacation. Lydia detests the thought of being close enough to endanger the one man who nearly died protecting her, but she has no choice. Her only consolation is that Tyler suffered memory loss from that time, and doesn’t recall her. Tyler though feels an incomprehensible attraction to her, along with an incredible drive to protect. He also has no intention of letting Lydia get away from him a second time, whether he understands why or not.
Within Witness Pursuit, expect the relationship between Lydia and Tyler to be intense and all-consuming, along with a journey which is never quite as it seems. Lydia’s bodyguard has certainly just begun his pursuit, and she may have underestimated his abilities.
I mean…WOW, right? I can’t even tease ya’ll and draw this out, because this interview is just too fun.
Eden: Thank you for visiting Sunday Funday! So tell me a little bit about Witness Pursuit and your characters. Where did the story come from?
Joanne: Thanks for having Lydia, Tyler and me over. Early on in my writing career, I wrote a story involving Lydia’s family. She was one of the secondary characters and I just adored her. She was so feisty and fun. She met Tyler in that story, and sparks flew, only it wasn’t their book and I had to keep tamping them down. That was the moment I decided she had to have her own story, and thus, Witness Pursuit was born.
Eden, intrigued: I love when characters kind of take over a story. It drives me crazy, but I love it. Anyway, back to you. Can you tell me a little about the characters?
Joanne: Lydia is a caregiver and adores children, only while on the job, she witnessed the brutal hit-and-run of a powerful man’s son. The killer fled the scene, and law enforcement stepped in and assigned her a bodyguard. That was Tyler. He remained with her for ten days, and was in the process of rotating with another bodyguard when the killer returned. Tyler jumped in front of her, taking the deadly bullets meant for her. Lydia was whisked away by security, and it was a year later before the two met again. Only this time, Tyler had no recall from the shooting, and Lydia, now more determined than ever, had no intention of dragging him back into her case.
Eden leans forward: What about these characters fascinated you, and made you want to tell their story?
Joanne: Tyler had amnesia and that provided a powerhouse of intrigue to build on. He was incredibly suspicious of Lydia and couldn’t figure out how she’d managed to accompany them on his family’s super-yacht without notice or security clearance, as his nephew’s caregiver. He was attracted to her beyond reason, and his instinct to protect her even more so. How could a writer not tell that story? Mystery and mayhem just waiting to explode.
Eden bobs her head in a nod: There’s NOT a way you couldn’t write it. So…can I meet them?
Tyler: Hi Eden. Thanks for having us over. When Joanne said we were invited over for Sunday Funday, I couldn’t get over here fast enough.
Lydia: Hi from me too, Eden. Oh, look at those dragons at the top of your blog. How cool. And I love that you’re a writer too. Writers are my favorite people.
Tyler: *coughs loudly* Excuse me, but aren’t bodyguards your favorite people?
Lydia: C’mon, writers are the greatest. Joanne’s got one wicked imagination that just can’t be held back. Imagine if we’d never met her, if we’d never experienced any of those twists and turns and heart-pounding moments in our story.
Tyler: Well, you’ve got me there. I would have missed out on meeting you if Joanne hadn’t been around. *turns and stares at Joanne* Not that I cared for the amnesia you dumped on me. We need to have a word about that.
Joanne: Um, sorry, except your memory loss was a crucial element. Anyway you’re a bodyguard. *claps him on the shoulder* You handled that little bit of memory loss like a champ. It barely even put you off your stride.
Eden, trying not to smile about not being the only author to get yelled at by her characters: So…Tyler. While remembering to keep this PG-13 in case my mother reads this, what’s your favorite thing about Lydia?
Tyler: She’s incredibly strong. She’s smart, funny, caring, sexy as hell. The one issue I have though, is she cares more for my wellbeing than her own. That’s something I’m going to have to train out of her.
Eden: Lydia, same question. What was it about Tyler that drew you in, and made you decide HIM. I want HIM? Other than his manly bits, of course.
Lydia: Oh, I love his manly bits. We shouldn’t really just gloss over those. He’s got this incredible— Nah, just teasing. *grinning* Most of all I’m drawn to his strengths. He’s clever, shrewd, cool under fire, and has the tightest abs you’ve ever seen. Just take one look at the cover of our book and you’ll see what I mean. Hot. Hot. Hot. *flaps a hand in front of her face* Sorry, it seems I couldn’t gloss over. Hope your mother doesn’t mind.
Eden: So, now that the book is over, do you like the way things worked out?
Lydia: Most definitely. I’m so glad Joanne adores a happy ending, even though she also adored making us jump through hoop after hoop to get there.
Tyler: The ending was a shock for me. Joanne knows how to throw a spanner in the works and whip up several surprises along the way. I’m not going to complain though, not when I got the girl. *squeezes Lydia’s hand* I certainly have several surprises of my own for Lydia once I get her home, and I don’t intend to gloss over any of them.
Eden beams at them, because they’re sweet together: You two have been awesome. Thank you so much for visiting me. Is there anything else you’d like to add about Witness Pursuit before I let you get back to your lives?
Lydia: If there’s one thing I can add, it’s that our story is book one in Joanne’s Bodyguards Series. I know because it’s my twin sister’s story is next, and Saria is a firecracker. My handler, Ben Hammers, has no idea what turmoil she’s going to put him through. I can’t wait for their story to come out.
Eden: Oooh, I love that! Joanne, they are so much fun. Thank you so much for visiting me, and allowing me to drag your characters out to play! Is there anything else you want to add before I let you get back to your life?
Joanne: I just want to say thanks for having us over, and next time, let’s get together on Tyler’s super-yacht. He and Lydia love the Fijian islands, so let’s catch up there.
Eden snorts: I’m. So. There.
Well, what did I tell you? Awesome, right? A sexy bodyguard who isn’t afraid to show how much he loves his woman? What’s NOT to love? Here’s the trailer:
So that’s it for this week’s Sunday Funday. Thank you for stopping by, and don’t forget to leave a comment and show Joanne some love. She deserves it! ~Eden
You can find her, here:
AUTHOR WEBSITE & BLOG: http://www.joannewadsworth.com
AMAZON PAGE (For books): http://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Wadswort...
BARNES & NOBLE PAGE (For books): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/joann...
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/joannewadswor...
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/JoanneWadsworth
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
EXCERPT(Excerpt)
WITNESS PURSUIT
Down the super-yacht’s hallway, Lydia walked toward Tyler then slowed as her gaze dropped to her case in his hands. “What am I going to do with you?” She shook her head, tut-tutting under her breath.
“You’d already packed.” He slid a hand around her waist and led her to his room. “I’m simply moving your belongings from one room to another, and I’ll show you exactly what you can do with me.” He closed his bedroom door and flicked the lock.
She set her hands on her hips. “Ah, is that to keep me in, or others out?”
“Both.” He dumped her bag beside his drawers and unzipped it. “What did Saria say?”
“We had a long talk, and she said yes. She’ll let me go through re-identification first, and follow as soon as she sits her finals. They’re in just a few weeks.” She stepped up to him. “Ben will place my application tomorrow, although he said it might take a few days for all the arrangements to be made. He told me to hold tight and wait.”
Gritting his teeth, he opened his bottom drawer and piled her clothing in. “He approved of it all, this fast?” He’d have words with Ben. She should be with him.
“Of course. It was his idea to start with.” She gripped his arm. “I never said I’d move in with you, and now you’re unpacking for me?”
“Lee.” He dragged her into his arms. “I want you here, no matter the length of time.” He lifted her and laid her on his bed. Stealthily, he moved in to lie over top.
“I know you do. Oh, do you feel that? The ship’s moving.” Cranking her head to the side, she peered out the windows where the lights of the resort flickered.
“We’re sailing to the far side of the island. There’s a quiet cove, and it’ll be the safest place for you.”
“I hadn’t forgotten.” She slid her hand down his chest and played her fingers over the ridges of his abs under his shirt. “As long as we’re all safe, I can deal with it, for a short while.”
He lowered his forehead to hers. “Since you insist on going through re-identification, I need to be able to track you once you go under. I’m giving you fair warning now.”
“Ah, excuse me. That sounds highly illegal. The whole point of re-identification is so no one can find me.”
“Yes, but I’m not a threat to you, and only you and I will know what I’ve done.”
“And what will that be? Ex-act-ly?”
“By track, I mean I’ll place under your skin a very small tagged chip. It’s like a GPS system, but it’ll have a direct signal to me.”
“And…” Her gaze narrowed.
He rubbed his cheek against hers. “I’ll be able to check in with you, no matter where you are in the world. We can hardly have an exclusive relationship without there being some form of relationship.”
“Sooo, you’re asking me to go against the rules of re-identification?” She gave him a look that said she wasn’t going to agree.
“You’re very stubborn, but I happen to be twice as bad. Whether you agree or not, I’m going ahead with it.”
No one would take her from him. Not ever again.
He’d make certain of it.
(Bio)
JOANNE WADSWORTH
Where Romance Meets Fantasy and Adventure…
Reading romance books captivated Joanne Wadsworth as a teenager, particularly when she tucked herself into bed at night and continued to dream those stories as she slept. She’d visualize the direction, taking the hero and heroine on an adventure unparalleled to what she’d read. Today she is devoted to writing romance, bringing her imagination to life within the lines of young adult, contemporary, and historical Highlander.
Born in New Zealand, Joanne works both as a writer and a financial controller, all while keeping up with her four energetic children and dreamy husband.
November 24, 2013
Sunday Funday with Gemma Brocato!
Welcome back wonderful, wonderful followers. This week we’re taking a break from werewolves, and checking in with another Lyrical sister Gemma Brocato and her characters from Cooking Up Love.
First off, let me tell you, I’m not sure who I adore more, Gemma or this book and her characters. It was an absolute pleasure to dive in with her–and she didn’t even laugh too hard at any of my silly questions. Total bonus points, right? 
Anyway, this is what Miss Gemma had to say when I asked her to tell me a little about Cooking Up Love:
Cooking Up Love is the first in a series based on the five senses. I kicked the series off with taste, because I do love to cook. I’d like to think my sense of adventure in the kitchen is akin to Jemima George, the heroine in the book. Jem has a job and a life she loves. She’s only come to Granite Pointe Massachusetts for her Aunt’s funeral and to sell the café she inherited. Jack Kerrigan is the contractor hired to freshen up the café to sell it quickly. A co-worker accidentally (or maybe on purpose) butt dials Jem, and Jem realizes that said co-worker is having bathroom sex in a nightclub… with Jem’s boyfriend. Imagine how quickly Jem’s world turns upside down. But contractor Jack proves very handy at picking up the pieces. Toss in a cast of characters, including a creepy attorney (who thinks he’s Fabio), Jack’s brazen ex-wife, his brilliant family, five-year-old twins who say the darnedest things, a teenage soon-to-be-dad and you have a recipe for romance.
Eden, smiling at Gemma: Thank you for visiting Sunday Funday! So tell me, where did the story come from?
Gemma: Thanks for inviting Jack and Jem to come along with me. I like to blame the Real Housewives of every city for the story. Those women fascinate me, their ability to party and fight in unparalleled. I’d like to hang out with a couple of them for a few days. So when Jem’s boss, Margo Tremont, a reality TV personality, started whispering Jem’s story in my ear, I just had to write it. That’s when I quit my job as a full-time writer to be a writer full-time.
Eden: That’s awesome. Can you tell me a little about the characters?
Gemma: Jem has always enjoyed cooking, even as a young girl. She’d trade homemade cookies for piano lessons. Until she discovered she was ever going to play Carnegie Hall. Then she focused on cooking. There’s something about mixing up a little love along with the food. Jem has a few trust issues, starting with her relationship with her parents. Her boyfriend’s cheating ways don’t help matters. And did I mention she suffers from claustrophobia? Jack played college football and was good enough to go pro, but chose to return to his home town and be a builder. He is a staunchly loyal man who loves his family and knows Jem will fit right in, if he can get her to trust him.
Eden: What about these characters fascinated you, and made you want to tell their story?
Gemma: I’m a loyal person myself and you could say I’m a bit too trusting. The wounds Jack and Jem carry with them, those things that have shaped them into the strong, determined individuals they’ve become, were very intriguing to me. Plus, they bet me I couldn’t do their story justice. I can’t resist a challenge. Jem will be baking my Christmas cookies this year and Jack will be remodeling my bathroom.
Eden, intrigued They sound fascinating. Can I meet them?
Jack, waving: Hi Eden. Thanks for having us today. [He flashes his teasing grin] Did Gemma tell you how long it took her to write our story. It was getting a little crowded in her brain. Even I got claustrophobic. Poor Jem, she didn’t think she’d ever get us out.
Jem, tsking her tongue at Jack: Jack, it wasn’t that long. Really, it only took Gemma four months perfect it. But Christmas fell right in the middle of it. You know how she gets about Christmas. It was a bit shiny and glittery in her brain in November and December.
Eden waves back, grinning: So…Jack. While remembering to keep this PG-13 in case my mother reads this, what’s your favorite thing about Jem?
I really love her curly hair. She almost always has it in a ponytail, especially when she’s working in the kitchen. The minute I walk in the door at the end of the day, I have to set it free. Oh, the other thing I really love is how strong she is in tense situations. Like the day we got locked in the pantry together. [He reaches for her hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it] Her complete dislike of tiny spaces reared its ugly head, but she didn’t give in to it.
Eden, smiling, because it’s impossible not to smile at him: Jem, same question. What was it about Jack that drew you in, and made you decide HIM. I want HIM? Other than his manly bits, of course.
Jem gazes adoringly at Jack I love his creativity. He thinks I was strong in that pantry, but the truth is, he’s got skills when it comes to distracting me.
Eden: So, now that the book is over, how are the two of you behaving for Miss Gemma? And how do you feel about your love story being out in the world, for everyone to read?
Jack, leaning forward, bracing his elbows on his knees: We behave well most of the time. Until Jem insists on wearing her Yankees ball cap. She’s cute as a bug in it, but the Yankees? I gave her a Red Sox hat during the series this fall, but she won’t wear it. [Sends a dimpled smile over his shoulder at Jem] I’ll wear her down though. Right after I teach her how to play baseball.
Jem: Hey! [She playfully taps his shoulder] I know how to play baseball almost as well as I play darts. [grins widely] Jack didn’t tell you I can clean up the floor with him in darts.
Jack: The night she proved that was wicked fun.
Jem: It was the first time I met Jack’s sister, Pippa. Now we’re such fast friends. And while I’m glad Gemma has shared our love story with the world, I’m delighted that she’s focusing the light on Pip next.
Jack returns her grin until she sighs at the sight of his dimples: Honestly though, we are behaving. No more environmental baddies hanging out, no more ‘accidental’ run ins with my ex-wife.
Jem snorts then blushes: Can you believe she told someone that Jack would toss me like a salad in his haste to get back to her? As if!
Eden You two have been awesome. Thank you so much for visiting me. Is there anything else you’d like to add about Cooking Up Love before I let you get back to your lives?
Jem: I love the way Gemma told our story, even the uncomfortable part where I had to explain the lengths I go to so I can avoid being in small spaces. I won’t tell you what she did to me at the end of the book, but it was a little mean. Thank God Jack was there to end her torment of me. I think she liked writing that scene a little too much. [Jack nods vigorously in agreement, but stays silent]
Eden beams: Gemma, they are so much fun. Thank you so much for visiting me, and allowing me to drag these characters out to play! Is there anything else you want to add before I let you get back to your life?
Gemma: Only that I have really enjoyed getting acquainted with the residents of Granite Pointe and with Jack’s family. It’s a lovely town and home to four of the five stories in the series. Only Noah, Jack’s older brother lives in a different state, so I’m saving his story for last. I hope you’ll invite me to come next spring and let me introduce you to Jack’s sister Pippa and her family. Thanks so much for having us today.
Eden: Absolutely my pleasure!
So, for the record, after reading Cooking Up Love, I am most DEFINITELY excited to read Pippa’s story, and can’t wait to have Jack’s sister join us!
Excerpt: Jem sighed and gestured to herself. “Look at me! Jack, I’m a mess. Suddenly, I’m living in an upside-down world. I liked my life in New York, and now I’ve willingly traded it for operating a business I have no real experience at, in a town whose entire population is roughly equivalent to the number of residents on the city block where I use to live. I don’t know anyone here, except for you. And Sam. And, I don’t know you all that well.” She folded her arms across her rib cage and gazed at the ground. “I never thought I’d be the kind of woman a man would use and cheat on. What pisses me off is how he made me feel when I ended it. Now, instead of riding into the sunset with the man I thought I’d share my life with, in the city I called home, all I’m left with is doubt.”
“Jem–”
“I don’t trust–”
“Me?” he asked softly.
She lifted her head sharply, surprised by the hurt in his voice. How could he think that? She had more faith in him than in herself. She shook her head vehemently, eager to make him understand. “No! Me. I don’t trust me. And you don’t want that. You don’t want me.”
“As you said, you don’t know me well enough. How can you possibly know what I do or don’t want?” He stepped toward her.
She took a step back, maintaining their distance. “Let’s just say you shouldn’t want me. Wanting me comes complete with my neuroses. I hate small spaces and feeling like I’m trapped. I’m ‘freakishly’ tall–Phil’s words, not mine, built more like a boy than a woman worth touching. I no longer trust myself when it comes to making relationship decisions. Honestly, I don’t know when or if I ever will. For now, we should just stick to business. It’s safer for me. It’s safer for everyone.”
Panic clouded her vision and she wished her words back in her mouth. God, what was she doing? Was she really pushing away this wonderful, charming and sinfully gorgeous man? Shivers raced through her at the knowledge that she might be more damaged than she thought.
Her regret about her feelings had to be obvious, but she prayed the resolve she felt was as unmistakable. Phil’s infidelity and harsh words had shaken her normal self-confidence. She hadn’t lied when she told Jack she didn’t trust herself.
She dragged her eyes away from his and whispered, “You should be grateful. Hell, you should be running out the door, thanking the gods you escaped involvement with someone as messed up as me. I’m not going to change my mind. Please make this easy on both of us, Jack. Walk away.”
His challenging look told her he thought she was wrong; his grip on the kitchen chair in front of him turned his knuckles white. Looking across the barrier of the table, determination clearly readable in the set of his lips and tension in his shoulders, Jem knew she hadn’t convinced him.
He glanced away and rolled his shoulders. “Everyone has issues to deal with, Jem. I’ve found it’s easier if you share with someone, and deal with them together. As far as Phil’s ridiculous judgment that you’re too tall and built like a boy, the man’s a douchebag. I say we fit. You fit perfectly in my arms. I’ve never been attracted to any boy the way I’m attracted to you.”
He laughed. “Yeah, that didn’t come out quite the way I meant it. I can be whatever you need me to be: contractor, friend…lover, I hope. When you get to know me better, you’ll know how patient, how determined I can be.” He closed his toolbox and pulled on his jacket as he spoke. “For now, I’ll settle for business associate, and hopefully, friend. I don’t know you, but I like you. And this might be an understatement, but I’m attracted to you. More than attracted.” He glanced over his shoulder at her a last time as he walked through the kitchen door. “And this, between us, this attraction…this heat? It’s a long way from over.”
Author bio:
About Gemma Brocato
Gemma’s favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a ’round tuit,’ and a fortune from a fortune cookie that said she was a lover of words; some day she’d write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to ‘Dear Author’, were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
Connect with Gemma on Facebook, Twitter and on the web, here: www.gemmabrocato.com
Buy Links
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-Love-Gemma-Brocato-ebook/dp/B00G36CD0K/
Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cooking-up-love-3
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cooking-up-love-gemma-brocato/1117213296
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cooking-up-love/id688219548?mt=11
Thanks for joining us for another fun adventure, and don’t forget to show Gemma some love in the comments. And seriously, READ THE BOOK! You won’t be sorry.
~Eden
November 17, 2013
Sunday Funday with Amy Lee Burgess Part TWO!
Hi peeps! Welcome to part two of my interview with Liam and Stanzie of the Wolf Within series by the fabulous Amy Lee Burgess! I know you came back just to see how much more information we were able to dig out of the characters, and we’ll get to that, trust me, but first off, I have to share the Content Warning from Scratch the Surface, book two of The Wolf Within series:
WARNING: Strong language, sexual situations, and a lot of graphic shoe description. (That sound you hear is me giggle-snorting.)
So, before we get down to the final few questions, have you checked out Amy’s website yet? She’s helpfully listed the books in order, which I appreciate SO MUCH in an author, because I hate having to double check release dates to make sure I’m reading in order. So go here. Amy Lee Burgess. Go now. Check it out. We’ll wait.
Okay, now back to the goodies. When we left off, Liam Murphy was warning Amy to keep Stanzie safe, which just made me all gooey. Then, they took it up a notch.
Me, waving: Hey, guys, awesome to meet you! So, Murphy, since you’re the hero, and I always end up having to remind the heroes to keep it PG-13, what’s your favorite thing about Stanzie? Remember, my mother may read this.
Murphy: Yeah, I know guys are visual and all that, but my favorite thing about Stanzie has nothing to do with her body – gorgeous that it is – or that one thing she does to me with her – Ha! Gotcha! You thought I was gonna go there, didn’t you? Seriously, what I love most about Stanzie is her heart. She is the most compassionate, caring person I ever met. She wants the whole world to be happy and if she can help you, she will. She’ll drop everything and come racing to your side. Pack are pretty generous, kind-hearted people with a real sense of community, but Stanzie brings a raw realness to it that makes me fall in love with her over and over. Plus, you know, that thing she does with her – okay, I’ll stop.
Me (impressed with Murphy’s self control) turning to Stanzie: Stanzie! It’s so lovely to meet you. Same question, because it’s fun. What about Liam drew you in? Other than his manly bits, of course.
Stanzie: My favorite thing about Murphy? It’s him. The whole package. Being with him. Getting to wake up with him every morning. Having him listen to me when I talk to him. He’s patient and has helped me confront my fears. I don’t know how I managed to exist without him all the years before I met him. He’s that important. That special. Before I met him, people were always telling me the things I couldn’t do or I shouldn’t do. Murphy’s not like that. He tells me I can do anything. He doesn’t want me to be quiet or to let the others do the hard stuff. He tells me I can be the person who makes the difference if that’s what I want. And mostly that’s what I want. What I’ve always wanted. Only I didn’t believe I could until him. Plus, there’s this thing he does with his tongue where – okay. I will attempt to exercise some self-control and not babble out our intimate secrets. (Pause.) Whew. The impulse has passed. Well, the impulse to tell you about it is gone, but now I have the insatiable urge to actually have him do it to me. Can we go now?
Murphy: I’m right behind you!
Stanzie: Kinda not exactly where I want you, but it’s a start! Bye everyone!
Me, waving goodbye
Ah…yeah, I don’t envy Amy the wickedness she’s going to have going on in her head for the foreseeable future, but I have to say, the love these two feel for each other even in this short interview kills me.
Anyway, I hope you had as much fun with Amy and her characters as I did, and are as intrigued and desperate to read more of them. I just started Beneath the Skin, and I can tell you, I am LOVING IT. Here’s the Amazon link for Scratch the Surface, book two. Oh, and make sure you comment and show Amy some love for being so brave and not thinking I was (too) crazy when I asked if I could interview her characters!
Love you all!
~Eden
