Mia Epsilon's Blog, page 9

NEW RELEASE

I have a new Release: THAT NIGHT. Please be aware this is a SHORT companion story to Wedding Belle Blues. It stands alone, but some feed back I've already received on Amazon tells me perhaps I should make that a bit clearer :) All that said, THAT NIGHT premiered in the top 100 at Amazon at #63 :)




http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=9&products_id=690&zenid=9a5ce0c7a01c65a69963c47a1aa9cf1a
PLUS:For this week ONLY and ONLY at the Breathless Press Site, my first two novels, WEDDING BELLE BLUES & TAKE A CHANCE ON ME are on SALE. So you can buy the whole series for less than $3!  http://www.breathlesspress.comSo check these out for amazing deals :)

COVER REVEAL

Another GREAT COVER Reveal, this one for Medieval Romance, coming SOON from JM Powers!!



A maiden, unable to recall who she is, must battle evil to regain the memory of her past and the hope of a future.    

J.M. Powers new bookhttp://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=17&products_id=687&zenid=7d26214e0873a54f75983228acb41683 

COMING IN NOVEMBER!!!!

Awaking in the forest, a young maiden recalls naught—including her name. Equally conflicting is her desire to both slap and kiss Sir Galeron, the knight who claims to have protected her while she was unconscious. Much to her chagrin, he dubs her "Ruby of the Forest", due to her red hair, and insists she find refuge at his home of Ramstone. Prickling at his demanding ways, but with no other option, she accepts his offer. And although his kiss flames her attraction even more, Galeron dashes it with a confession. The brute is trothed to another.
Ruby's journey is filled with laughter and weeping, daydreams and discovered abilities. But never does she feel complete. Her heart longs for a future that her past may destroy. Evil lurks, treading on each tidbit of memory she recovers. Will Ruby ever recall her past? And after an attack in the village that sparks a horrific nightmare, does she even want to?

"Ask me anything. Mayhap I can help." His deep voice broke the silence. How was he to help? "Pray tell, how did we come to share the forest?""I shall explain." He bent and picked up a twig, then proceeded to peel the bark off. With each curl he tossed aside, she grew more frustrated.'Twas better to allow mistrust. Stand strong. She gasped. Unexpected, the thought rang with such clarity, it seemed someone else had spoken. "Perchance you should be honest. Did you drug me? Spell me?"He tossed the twig aside. Though his eyes remained on her face, her whole body felt his scrutiny. "'Twould do you well to hold your tongue.""I am beginning to dislike you," she said, knowing full well the opposite was true. She truly wished her insides would cease…prickling? And her head. Damn, it ached so. Tingles and pain aside, she tried to focus. "Do you intend to explain or not?""I seek a means to tell you gently."With a slight shrug, she said, "No need for gentleness. You already tossed me about." She grinned despite the truth in her statement.He sighed. "It appears you are lost.""God's eyes, knight!" She shook her head. "You must be a great sorcerer to possess such insight.""Your tongue shall be your undoing. Best you still it."Twice he attempted to stifle her. She clenched her teeth. "Still it?" Galeron's jaw twitched and she wondered if he were quelling a smile. "I found you here in the woodlands. I did not hold you captive, drug you, or harm you." He blinked slowly. "Hold to that."She nodded. "Forgive—""Nay need. I understand. You now stand a day's ride from Ramstone. Have you heard of it?"He pushed off the tree and came to sit beside her, his thigh nearly touching her own. Nearly. It took a moment for her answer. "Nay, I do not recall Ramstone." The fact she did not recall much of anything choked off the rest of her response. "Odd," he said, more to himself than her.Sighing, she realized how badly her masquerade of bravery was faltering. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his hand come toward her. Surprised at the urge to lean into his touch, she remained still and allowed him to brush back the wisps of hair from her brow. His hand lowered in a fist, yet his voice was laced with tenderness."It pains me that I cannot give you answers." His gaze strayed from her face, lowering to her neck.Covering the neckline of her tunic with both hands, she glared at him. "Focus elsewhere." He sees me as a woman after all. She dashed the thought away. Almost."I intend nay disrespect. The bruising on your neck concerns me." Gently brushing her hand aside, he took a closer look. "Fingerprints."It took all she had not to cry out. Who harmed her?"When we discovered you, there was nay sign of anyone else."She glanced around. "We?""I sent my men home."She blinked. Then blinked again. "Your men.""My brother, a healer, assured me your wounds were not serious, so I decided to wait—"She put up her hand. "Why not leave me under the care of your healer? Or leave me in the nearest village?"He swallowed hard. "It matters not! Are you always so…so…inquisitive?"Ah, this man was not used to being questioned. She tried to ease his surly mood. "A shame your men were sent on their way. No one laid witness when I kicked you and bashed your comely face before you so unceremoniously dropped a maiden to the ground."He blew a long breath. "You insist on repeating that. Had you dressed appropriately, I would not have thought you a lad." His chuckle made her grin. "Although you certainly fight like a maiden."She swiped her hand through the air. "Carry on.""Carry on," he muttered. "I fear you shall interrupt again." He looked up through the trees, ignoring her huff. "We still had several days before reaching our destination when we found you. With that in mind, I postponed the journey and sent my men back to Ramstone.""I see." She studied the frayed edge of her tunic. "How long have I been here?""I watched over you a single night. How long you were here remains a mystery. I was only gone a short time for I needed to boil meat into a broth to sustain you. Had I known you were a maiden, I never would have left you alone."Her head snapped up. "Yet you would a lad? I am not defenseless simply because I am a female."Galeron's eyes hardened. "Aye, 'tis so. I returned to find you brandishing a dagger. I left it in case you awoke and felt unsafe, not to use against me."She ran her hands through the leaves and shrugged a silent apology, too stubborn to utter it out loud. "Fair one?"Damnation, she hated when he addressed her with those words, and yet it awoke something in her, for he said it with tenderness. She glared at his smiling face. "Why are you calling me that?" To her chagrin, what she'd meant as snide came out as quite curious.  He splayed his hands in question, "Would you prefer I call you lad?" Two furrows appeared on his brow at her silent glare. "Because, you have yet to give your name." Disarmed, she swallowed her spiteful attitude. "If I only could." She locked away her tears, her dismay, and did her best to keep her voice steady. "I hoped you would know…would say it by now. Sir Galeron, I…I recall naught before I saw you standing before me."Seeming to battle with her revelation, Galeron's expression flitted from stunned to confused. Then his gaze bore into her with such tenderness it nearly undid her. "Nay memory?" he finally whispered. She shook her head. He guided her head to his shoulder. Barely a moment passed before he released her, rose to his feet, and strode away. Unsure of why he left so abruptly, she frowned when he looked back."I regret I cannot ease your uncertainty." He stooped to gather twigs. "However, I am able to ease your hunger. After breaking our fast, we shall take leave."She dabbed her impending tears as soon as his back was turned."We should arrive at Ramstone by nightfall." "I am to stay at your home? What shall your wife think?""There is nay wife." He grabbed a branch and added it to his arms. "But there is plentiful family about."Holding the tree for support, she stood, waiting for the dizziness to subside before she followed. When he turned, she picked up a branch, embarrassed at how silly she looked traipsing on his heels. Gathering an armload of kindling, she stole glances at him, each time wondering how it would feel to remain in his arms. She piled the branches then watched him arrange them."Building a fire?" Hark, she was a fool."Nay, I am building an abode." And he solidified the fact."I want my own chamber then." Several paces away, she sat. Sunlight peeked through the forest canopy. She closed her eyes and raised her face to the warmth. Like a constant itch, she felt his gaze. She slowly peered through her lashes. Aye, he was staring—no—studying her face. Her gash. Her ugly face. She sighed and looked to the sky instead. "God's eyes," he muttered. She turned to him. Very well, if he finds a need to gawk, I shall give him a full view of my battered face. "Sir Galeron, what worries you so? Has my plight delayed your duties?" "Nay." He jammed the skinned carcasses on a sharpened branch."I heard your curse. Was it in frustration of not reaching your destination?" Oh, how she wished to smirk at his rudeness, but she kept her poise. "I was not delayed from anything that could not wait." Keeping his eyes shielded, he placed the meat across the spit before offering a weak smile. "I pray forgiveness for my curse reaching your ears."Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her unscathed cheek on her knees. "Curses are naught. I am simply thankful you helped me, Sir Galeron." Apparently he was too kind to mention her affliction. She hated the pity.  Seemingly distracted, he arranged kindling then retrieved a piece of hammered steel and flint from a pouch on his belt."I pray you can forgive my initial rudeness." When he didn't respond, she added, "Ah, I gather forgiveness shall come with time."Galeron struck the steel with a bit of flint. "I never held ill will. I understood the reason you lashed out." He blew on the kindling until it caught. "You are forgiven for bashing your head into mine as well.""Ha!" She rose and strode to the fire. Her gaze flitted over his body. He looked up, catching her stare, and alas, stared back. Heat crept up her neck, spreading to her face. Surely, 'twas the fire's heat causing her flush—she hoped he believed the same lie. Galeron grinned. His demeanor was infuriating. And endearing. And more confusing than her loss of memory.

J.M. POWERS AUTHOR BIOJ.M. Powers harbors an alter ego of a normal woman named Jeannie. (Her editor is still on the fence about the whole 'normal' thing.) Jeannie's proficient at research, gluten-free cooking, and embarrassing her teenagers by wearing skinny jeans to the grocery store. J.M., the author-ego, plunges so deep into her writing; she forgets life outside her creations still goes on. More often than not, J.M. answers with a glassy stare when her family asks what's for dinner. Despite the craziness between reality and the world of writing, life falls together without broken bones or hearts.

DOUBLE COVER REVEAL!!!!

 Honored and Pleased to Present a DOUBLE COVER REVEAL today from best selling author SAMANTHA HOLT! Stay up to date on buy links here:
www.samanthaholt.org.uk  Tempting His Mistress Coming November 10th
What could possibly induce at woman to follow in the footsteps of her mother and further sully her reputation by becoming a mistress?
Lilly Claremont is well used to being at the centre of gossip.  Being the illegitimate child of a rich businessman never failed to titillate the gossips and while she cared little about the wagging tongues she never intended to reinforce their opinions of her by ruining herself completely.
But it seems Lord Hawksley is determined to make the fascinating Lilly his mistress…
Evan has no doubt her bold tongue and beautiful body could keep him entertained for some time. Captivated by her, he must find a way to burn through his desire for her. He cannot marry a woman of such social standing so why not make her his mistress?
After the murder of her father, Lilly is searching for answers and they lead her directly to Lord Hawksley. But will they also lead her to his bed...?
Once Upon a Rake
Coming November 24th
In Victorian England, little Ellie Browning swiftly discovered happy endings did not exist, and rakes were simply rakes. When the man she had adored for years kissed her and left her heartbroken, she resolved to put any dreams of fairy tales aside.
Seven years later, the widowed Eleanor, Countess of Hawthorne, has returned to England after years of travelling with a few ideas in mind. Firstly, she will continue to be the refined, elegant woman she has learned to be—or at least she shall try her best—and secondly, she will make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate than her.  A fine opportunity presents itself when she discovers she is now a part owner of a cotton mill.
But the owner of the mill and the very same rake who had hurt her, has no desire to let a woman interfere with his business, let alone little Ellie Browning. After one of Lucian’s mills succumbed to fire, he’s fighting to save the other and continue his father’s legacy of fine business decisions and accruing wealth.
However, after a series of accidents, it becomes clear someone wishes the mill to close. But who, and why? Forced together to investigate the incidents, they must get past their shared history if they want to save the business.
If only the growing attraction between them did not prove such a distraction. With things heating up between them, it becomes clear that they are both at risk of getting burned...

COMING SOON from SHERI VELARDE

It's an honor today to present SHERI VELARDE (who also writes as KELLY RYAN) as a Guest Host. Her newest release LOOTED releases 10/18/14!!!



Well a big thank you to the lovely and very gracious Mia for letting me stop by today!! Thanks doll, you’re the best!
Today I thought I would write a little bit about writing and my biggest support of my writing, my wonderful fiancé William. It has been a difficult year for me health, day job, and personally and I don’t know if I would have kept writing if not for him. Writing is a pretty demanding profession, one that takes a lot of time and commitment and does not always have a huge payback in the beginning. There’s a lot of rejection that often comes with writing and without a personal cheerleader or two in your corner, well it can be daunting to continue at time, especially when the rest of your life keeps trying to get in the way.
Well this past year has been one of those years where it really took outside cheering to keep me going, enter William. From the moment we started dating he was always very encouraging of my writing. As times began to get tough and my confidence began to wane, he was the first one there to tell me I was a good writer and not to give up. When family, a terrible day job, and more threatened to get in the way, he helped me figure out more time to write and always encouraged me to keep going.
When I had to change editors at one house and rejection seemed to be my fate, he told me to just dust myself off and submit elsewhere. He always tells me not to give up and to keep pursuing my dream. In fact one of his dreams is to be the one who works outside the home and to allow me to write and make art full time. That would be such a dream come true for me, but something that I had never verbalized, but as it turns out it is his dream for me too.
School and work life permitting, William has even become one of my beta readers. Looted, is the first story of mine that he ever beta read for me. I bounced most of the ideas off of him too during the writing process. He thought that combining my love of mythology with a modern day art heist mystery would be a great idea. I must say that I agree with him as Looted is one of my favorite stories to date and it is the first in the series Gods Behaving Badly. And to think I was about to stop writing if not for my own personal cheerleader pushing me to keep at it. I just hope every writer is as lucky as I am in their cheering departments!




Blurb: Sophia longs for the days when she was worshipped as a goddess and celebrated for her glory. Now she hides in plain sight and does what she must to keep the lifestyle she is accustomed. She has never been close to discovery until one New York City Detective, Bruce Stoker, enters the picture. Now all that she is and has done could come out into the open and destroy everything. She should disappear, but there is something different about this man that draws her to him.
Detective Bruce Stoker has never had an unsolved case, but there is something different about these art heists. Money is taken, but art is given to museums. Strange. If he can find the beautiful woman who seems to be the common link, then everything should be simple. That is what he thought at least until he met the gorgeous suspect in question.

Excerpt
Bruce sat in the lounge. Another night, another expensive bar. He didn’t think his NYPD salary would take much more of this side investigation, but he knew that he was on the right track. Now he just needed to find his mystery beauty, then the real investigation could begin. He had sent out feelers to every host of the finer bars, restaurants and hotels in town, hoping to find a woman to match the description he had. Needless to say there were a lot of gorgeous women in Manhattan and he had spent more time and money than he cared to think about chasing models and actresses.
This was his last tip and his wallet thanked him. If this didn’t pan out, well then back to the drawing board. The fellows back at the station were already making fun of him for searching for a “Model Ring of Thieves,” but they all also knew his hunches always paid off. Could this be the first time he was actually wrong?
Suddenly he felt a hot tingle running down his spine, something more than his “spidey sense” the guys joked about. This was a first. His entire being seemed to be heating up from the inside. It was not unpleasant, but it certainly left him feeling confused. He turned around and saw her walking into the lounge. He had seen the best-looking women Manhattan had to offer over the past few weeks, but none of them could compare to this creature. As he stared, she turned toward him and gave a start, a look of surprise quickly passing over her face before she resumed her beautiful perfection. This was the woman he had been searching for.



Bio:
Sheri Velarde, who sometimes uses the pen name Kelly Ryan, lives in New Mexico and grew up with a fascination for all things that "go bump in the night", so it is no wonder that she turned to writing paranormal romance. In her spare time, she fancies herself a cryptozoologist and loves to paranormal related outings, searching for things that might not really exist. She is an avid exerciser and gets some of her best ideas while on runs. She also has a bit of a wild side, which only leads to inspiration for her writing.
Being an avid reader since an early age, she has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living.
She is constantly putting out new material, so it is best to keep up with her on her website.
Kelly/Sheri is a multi-published author; you can keep up to date with all things Kelly Ryan/Sheri Velarde at: www.sherivelarde.weebly.comor on Facebook at Sheri Velarde/Kelly Ryan.
Buy links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Looted-Weekend-Getaways-Book-126-ebook/dp/B00O4ILMX8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1412535163&sr=8-6&keywords=looted
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/looted
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-looted-1638247-149.html
Secret Cravings: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&products_id=953&zenid=u8qd49n44ibepogvtvpscipqh4
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/looted-sheri-velarde/1120452485?ean=2940046210903

NEW COVER REVEAL!!

THAT NIGHT, a short side story featuring the characters from 'Wedding Belle Blues' will release from Breathless Press on 11.14.14.

COVER REVEAL!!!!!!!

It's an honor to be a part of this COVER REVEAL. I've followed this story from its beginnings and can promise THIS Is the one you want to read for that delicious chill down your spine and mix of the creepy and the romantic. Yes, the two can indeed, coexist. And make you believe.

 

His Cemetery Doll There's a woman in the graveyard.
Conall Mackay never put stock in ghost stories. Not even after thirteen years serving as the cemetery keeper in the village of Whitetail Knoll. But things change. Now, his daughter is dreaming of a figure among the tombstones. The grounds are overrun by dark thorns almost faster than Con can clear them. White fog and gray ribbons creep up on him in the night, and a voiceless beauty beckons him from the darkest corners of the graves.
When the world he knows starts to unravel, Conall might finally be forced to believe.

Excerpt:
He hadn't slept long before he heard sounds from down in the kitchen below."Shyla!" he called gruffly. "Weren't you heading into town?"No answer came from below, but the sounds of pots clanging told him his daughter toyed about down there. Perhaps she'd decided not to leave him after all and taken it into her head to now re-organize the house, since he'd so clearly wanted her to stay out of the cemetery. With a low groan, Conall rolled out of bed and stepped out into the hall."Shyla!" he called again, coming to the head of the stairs. If she had stayed home, she could at least do it without making a lot of noise."Shyla, I—"He staggered then, as the hallway dimmed. Afternoon light flickered strangely, lightning cracking a dismal sky outside, and in the space of time afterward everything else darkened. Conall darted a glance around him as the house fell into shadow.From the top of the stairwell, he saw the first whispering tendrils of white fog.The heat of adrenaline shot through his limbs. Conall stumbled back into his bedroom, even as the fog pursued. His gaze shot to the window as the last gray light of day faded away and eerie darkness replaced it, like an eclipse sliding over the sun. More cold mists veiled the glass, dancing and floating. Trembling overtook him as he spun to find another escape.He froze, finding himself face-to-face with the broken mask of the cemetery doll."You—" he gasped. His breath came out white as the fog enveloped them both, leaving a space of mere inches between them, so he could still see her expressionless face. Gray ribbons wound and curled through the air around him."Who are you?" he asked.The doll stared up at him. He sensed her searching, looking into his eyes even though hers remained covered. She held him there with her unseen gaze, until her cool, cold hand came up to touch his bare chest.Conall let out a low breath. He closed his eyes, and a shudder of strange ease rippled through his body. The cool pads of her fingers ran down his sternum, to his navel. The silky ribbons brushed along his side.Then he noticed her other hand. She lifted it up, to her own chest, and she held something tightly in her fingers: Shyla's stuffed dog."I made that...for my daughter," he whispered. The woman with the broken mask tilted her head down toward the small toy, studying it. For a fraction of a second, her fingers appeared to tighten around it. She returned her gaze to him, then, and the toy fell from her grip into the fog, forgotten."Wait—" he said, but she brought her other hand up to his chest to join the first, and he recognized eagerness in the way she pressed her icy skin against his. Her face tilted to him, and then came her lips again, ivory and flawless."I—" Conall breathed. "I...don't understand..."Her fingers slid up, around his neck, but he pulled away."No, this...this can't real. I'm asleep. I must be."Gray ribbons danced, pulling him back to her, and she stroked his face. He sucked in a breath at her touch and found his own hand coming up to brush hers."You're so cold," he said. "Like stone...but..."Her cool touch thrilled him; it made his skin tingle and the heat of his own body sing. Her perfect flesh did, in fact, prove soft under his hands, as if the contact with his worn calluses infused cold ivory with yearning. She caressed his cheek, and Conall leaned into it. Before he could stop himself, he bowed his head to her and kissed her frozen lips.


Coming October 24thFrom Breathless Press

Pre-Order at http://tinyurl.com/llm3f26
Visit Brantwijn Serrah and Foreplay and Fangs Supernatural Romance:

AUTHOR OF THE WEEK: KIRSTEN S. BLACKETER

Our Author of the Week is KIRSTEN S. BLACKETER, best selling historical Romance Author of the series The Shadow Guardians. Welcome Kirsten!!!

 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. When did you first decide to become a writer? Why?
I never decided I wanted to be a writer. It was always in my blood. The drive to write has always been strong within me. I decided to dabble with creative writing when I was fifteen, but the decision to take my writing in a serious direction didn't hit me until I was twenty-five. I'd been to college, gotten married, and was living the dream as a stay at home mom of a two year old. I joined a local writer's group and my writing exploded, as did my realization that I needed to work on my craft. 
2. Do you find your unique life experiences add to or hinder your writing?
There are events from my life that have influenced my writing, yes. But predominantly my writing flows from a cavern deep within. A lonely place where my dreams, fantasies, and creativity mesh together. I know what I like as a reader, so I write those types of stories. Sometimes a tidbit of reality, an event from my life, makes its way into my stories, but most times those are nods to someone who deserves to be immortalized in my story. ;)
3. What is your most frightening experience? Would you use this in a story?
I haven't really had a truly frightening experience yet. Not one that I could deem paralyzing. But if I ever had one that made a distinct mark on me, then I would probably use some of the elements in a story. It gives the story more depth if you can accurately describe the pulse pounding fear in a way that makes the reader experience it as you did. Sometimes reality makes great writing fodder. 
4. What inspired your latest work?
I'm working on the third book in the Shadow Guardian's series. Angus was quite adamant he deserved to have his own story, so I oblige him.I also wrote a short story which will turn into a series of novellas that took root after I played a Japanese dating simulation game on my iPad. A choose your own adventure romance kind of thing. The characters took shape in my mind, and I ran with them. They are darker and more dangerous than most of my previous heroes. 
5. Which media sites are your favorites? Why?I’m addicted to Tumblr. It's a micro-blogging platform that focuses on visual rather than a ton of text. There's a variety of types of blogs that cater to whatever you enjoy. I've met some great people on that site and found some wonderful writing advice/inspiration there as well. 
6. How do you, as an author, handle promotion?I'm a wallflower. I'd rather be in the background than in the spotlight. Promotion is hard for me. I don't like to brag or pimp myself. I hate to sound like I'm tooting my own horn. If someone else wants to do it because they think I'm a great writer, then that's awesome. Go for it! 
7. Who are your favorite writers and why?I love Julia Quinn, Jo Beverley, Teresa Medeiros, and Tara Janzen. They all have unique ways of writing and distinct writer's voices. I'm not firmly locked into one specific sub-genre...like I'll only read historical. I prefer to let the story speak to me through the blurb. Each of these authors has books that spoke to me, and in turn, I became a loyal reader. I'll pick up their books without reading the backs, because I love their work in general. 
8. If you could visit any period of time in history which would it be and why?Oh man, that's a tough question. I'd love to see snippets of each time period, but I'd only like the trip to be temporary. I love my modern conveniences too much to give them up permanently. I've always been drawn to medieval, renaissance, and the Victorian eras. 
9. Is there a message you want readers to take from your novels?Don't be afraid to follow your heart. While it may be the last thing you want to do, your heart sometimes knows the truth before your brain does. 
10. What is your favorite holiday?I don't really have a favorite holiday. I'm drawn more to specific seasons than a specific holiday. I've always said I'm a non-traditionalist. I eat lasagna for Christmas and prime rib for Thanksgiving. Autumn is my favorite season though, if you were curious. I love the smells and the colors of the shifting season.
Author Bio:Stick her in the middle of a chaotic home with two children, a hyperactive dog, and a camouflage wearing husband, and she can cook and clean with the best of them.  But when the sun goes down and the children are nestled in bed fast asleep, she tucks away her pots and broom and like Cinderella she transforms.Her characters creep forth from the dark recesses of her mind taking their places in the castles and forests built from her words. No simpering heroines linger there with forlorn gazes turned to the horizon, waiting for their Prince Charming. They straighten their spine, arming themselves with blade and bow, prepared to do their part in defense of their honor and destiny. She breathes life into the women she believes our ancestors to be, showing how they lived and loved with passion and grace.Never bored by the tales still left to tell, she battles the ever sarcastic muse in her quest for romance.



Blurb for An Irresistible Shadow:Trust is more valuable than gold in a world where traitors conspire, and Lady Evelyn realizes that even shadows demand payment. 

Lady Evelyn Montgomery, only daughter of the Baron of Rayne, detests the thought of marriage. She will never allow a man to control her. Crushed by the constraints of propriety, she steals away from the safety of the keep and stumbles onto a plot designed to stir up trouble between England and Scotland. When a mysterious hooded man saves her, she fights her attraction to him as they join forces to hunt down a traitor and save her father. But can she save her heart? Gabriel is a Shadow Guardian. Hiding beneath his black cowl and blending into the night, he is sworn to protect the Baron's daughter. The spirited Lady Evelyn is far from the delicate flower he anticipated. She makes herself crystal clear, no man will possess her. Can he prove to her that love can be more than just possession? Or will the traitor they seek tear them apart forever?
Excerpt for An Irresistible Shadow:
Fear infused her body, Evelyn had been captured. The fear melted into anger. She thrashed in her captor's arms, twisting and kicking. His gloved hand tightened over her mouth and the other pinned her securely against his chest. 


"I mean you no harm," a velvet voice whispered in her ear. "I don't want to bind you, but I will." Evelyn's heel connected with the man's shin. He cursed. "Although you evidently mean to harm me." His voice was calm, suffused with amusement. He carried her to where their horses were tethered. Evelyn struggled to free herself, but he was much stronger. She was close enough to the keep to call for help, if he would only remove his hand from her mouth. He was all warm muscle against her back, a living, breathing stone wall. His breath caressed the fine hairs on her neck. When he stopped moving, she wedged her mouth open enough to fit her teeth around one of his fingers and bit down. Hard. "God's blood, woman! I'm trying to help you," he swore in his velvet whisper, then readjusted his hand over her mouth. So much for that idea. If she had to play along with the rogue, so be it. He held no weapon to her throat. Though his hold on her was firm, he did not cause her pain. His muscles flexed as he shifted her in his grasp. She was keenly aware of every part of him that touched her. Okay, so he had a weapon against her. Though she had yet to see his face, her body betrayed her with its reaction. Evelyn inhaled in an effort to regain her composure and breathed in his scent. It was fresh, earthy, and dangerously sinful. She groaned, embarrassed by her wicked thoughts. Her captor stilled, his breath quickening. "I will let you go," he murmured. "If you promise to behave." She nodded, relieved when he kept his word. Evelyn broke from his embrace and spun on him. "Who are you?" she hissed. "What do you want?" She scrutinized the shadowed man before her. He wore all black: boots, leggings, tunic, and cloak. The hood covering his head was positioned low purposefully to hide his face from scrutiny. The man proffered a sardonic bow, waving his arm with a flourish. "I am your humble servant, my lady." The humor in his voice made her wary of his intent. "How did you know I was here?" "I followed you," he answered. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Following her? The words of Sir Alexander echoed in her mind. She should have taken a guard. "Why did you not make your presence known?" "That would not have served my purpose, my lady," he replied as he leaned against a tree, melding into the shadows. Since he seemed more amused than disturbed by her questions, she asked another. "Why did you grab me?" she demanded, licking her dry lips. Formidable and mysterious, this man of the shadows aroused her curiosity. "Ensuring your safety. You're not as quiet as you think you are." Evelyn bristled. She was proud, unwilling to admit he was right. "Who do you think you are?" Her voice rose in pitch and fervor. "First, you follow me, then accost me, and finally insult me. You, sir, are playing a dangerous game. I should turn you over to the night watch." She poked him in the chest. "I don't need your help. I can take care of myself." Evelyn turned looking for her horse. "I can see that."

Buy Link: An Irresistible Shadow http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=17&products_id=478
A Shadow's Kiss (Book 2)http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=586

TUESDAY TEASER....(of a different sort)

Most Tuesday Teasers are for book promos. This one...is a bit different. This 'teaser' is a food one, using an old Southern tradition. Try this out :)

Old Fashioned North Carolina Southern Barbeque

First, let me say there's debate which type of meat works best: pork or beef. It's a matter of choice. I used pork in this one, but beef would work, as well. Spices are another thing which are individual to taste, so sub where you like.

THE MEAT: 2-5 lbs pork shoulder or roast, fat trimmed (this is important unless you like 'greasy')

1/2 cup water  (some use coke, ginger ale, apple juice, cider-- it's personal choice)

Slow Cooker ('crock pot')

Spices (I used: 1 tb black pepper, 1 tb garlic, 1 ts cayenne, 1 tb oregano & 1 tb rosemary)

Spray Slow Cooker with non stick spray. Add meat. Add spices to meat, then turn over and add spice to other side of meat. Pour water over the top. Cover and cook on LOW 10-12 hours until meat is 'soft' and shreds.

NOTE: Slow cooker times can vary GREATLY. Depends on their size, their age, etc. I cook this at night, and put the meat in around 7PM. When I got up around 5AM, the house smelled incredible but the meat wasn't 'shredding', so I left it another 2 hours and it was perfect.

Remove meat from slow cooker, trim away any fat, and shred with two forks.

SWEET CAROLINA SAUCEYes, I think my sauce SWEET not spicy or vinegar based.  Matter of taste. :) Though the vinegar based folks obviously have some screws loose...just sayin'.

This is just ONE of many versions. It's the one my Grandmother used, and I love it. With the cayenne in the meat, this sweet sauce gives a 'bite' that's not 'OMG WTH is this burning my lips, mouth and throat off'.



8 oz tomato paste (I make my own--4 roma tomatoes blended in a blender to liquid)

2 Tb brown sugar

2 Tb Honey

1 TB dark molasses

2 TB yellow mustard

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on MEDIUM HIGH heat until boils, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to LOW, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.

Pour sauce over shredded meat and mix well. Serve on any kinds of bun or bread (the 'Texas toast sort, toasted is AWESOME). Some add coleslaw, shredded lettuce, shredded broccoli, etc.

Simple and easy :)

RELEASE DAY!!!!

It's RELEASE DAY at Breathless Press and we have some FAB books out:



There's truly a book to fit every taste: From 'dark romance' to Elves to Anniversary presents to exotic locations. Pick one up TODAY!
PICTURE CREDIT: TORIE JAMES

NEW RELEASE!!!!

Today's Feature is a New Release from author SAMANTHA ALLARD. It's YA (Young Adult) so a FIRST here on the blog as a feature (and hopefully not the last). THANKS for being here today, Samantha. GOOD LUCK with your release!  http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=42&zenid=7b1d01e72a9cd74973f16cf48ed8bcbd

Thanks for having me on your blog today to talk about my first release under the name Samantha Allard. The Dark of the Moon started life as a short story series under the name Ella Grey. When I got the rights back the story was expanded and heavily revised. I believe it’s stronger for it. Rachel Valentine has always been one of my favourite characters, a snarky teenager who is willing to go above and beyond to save her brother and bring her family back together. Throw in wolves and a boy who annoys and intrigues her in equal measures and you get a story of accepting your past and growing as a person. 
 I’ll be taking part in a bigger blog tour next month, so keep an eye out for that to be in for a chance to win eBooks. Join my page on Facebook to keep updated. https://www.facebook.com/samanthaallard83


Excerpt I drop the box at my feet, then rummage through it. The book I need is wedged in deep.Thank God the nuns hadn't searched through any of the books I brought. I specifically chose the Stephen King, figuring it was the safest one. It took me ages to hollow it out. There's enough money in here that no one would notice the slight difference in weight. I flick through the wad of money, stopping when I catch sight of the fake ID, which adds a few years to my age. I use the blue rucksack stuffed into the box. I add the things I need inside. First the book, the money and ID still hidden away. A few items of clothes follow them, a skirt, a dress, T-shirts, and jeans. I'm looking forward to getting out of this stupid uniform. Hell, I'd burn it if I had time. Just leaving the cupboard, I notice a name on one of the boxes. Susan Towers. What had she told me about herself? Pausing at the door, I think.  Come on, Rachel, think. She said something about makeup. She's a makeup student. There might be something I can use in her box. I slide the box down. One quick search through it and then I'll go. I nearly jump when I brush my hand against something soft and brown. What the hell is that?A smile unfolds on my face when I realize what it is, hair. A wig. I fight against the urge to break out in a dance. This is perfect. I can definitely use this.
BioOnce upon a time, in a galaxy far away, passed the farthest star in the sky and where the horizon meets for its kiss with the land, Samantha battled evil drones. The drones were six feet tall, had three sets of hands, and it was best if you didn't mention the third eye. (They don't like it when you bring it up.) She wields words like a sword in her hand and cuts down her foes with the skill of a ballerina wearing flip-flops and juggling chainsaws. (She knows how to multitask.)Take a trip into her worlds (yep, plural) as she writes young adult with a touch of wolves and anything else that takes her fancy.

Buy Links:http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=42&zenid=7b1d01e72a9cd74973f16cf48ed8bcbdhttp://www.bookstrand.com/the-dark-of-the-moonhttps://www.omnilit.com/product-thedarkofthemoon-1634024-140.html