Elianne Adams's Blog, page 33

Alpha Females ~ What they are made of!

We often read or hear about the super hot Alpha Males. There are articles written about the super strong, decisive, all encompassing male written all over the place, but what we don’t often hear and read about is the amazing Alpha Female! She’s out there too, and deserves some recognition!

I came across this article written by Heather Long, another great paranormal author, and thought I would share it with you guys. This is what she had to say…

On Writing #Wolves : Best Alpha Females


I can recite chapter and verse the number of “best” werewolf Alpha posts, of the best males or sexy heroes. Of course I can, I’m a romance author and paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. In the best shifter books, we love the sexy growl of a male who is driven to protect his mate and his pack. We love their loyalty, their need to keep those around them safe and their power in defense of their world. I love a strong hero, but strong heroes need to be complemented by their powerful heroines so let’s talk about the best wolf females.


Intelligence

The best wolf females are not only strong, they are intelligent. They know how to face off against the world and enhance their own personal best. While some wolf worlds are written as a man’s show, that they do all the fighting and the little women stay home and behave, the best wolf females aren’t competing in a ‘man’s’ world, but a wolf’s one.

One fantastic example of that is Elena Michaels from the Women of the Otherworld series. She’s that world’s only female werewolf, and it had been a real man’s world there with only their male offspring developing the wolf gene. Women usually didn’t survive the transformation until Elena. She didn’t let her ‘uniqueness’ go to her head, instead she made the best of what was to her a horrible situation. Her strength is not only in her ability to track, but in how she can utilize the strengths of the people around her.

Compassion

In addition to being as tough and protective as their male counterparts, the best wolf females are compassionate. They know how to care for those around them, even when their hearts have been trounced upon or they have suffered. Anna Cornick from the Alpha & Omega series is a woman of heart, she cared even when the level of abuse she experienced could have broken others. Her mate is the second most powerful wolf in the U.S. yet she not only handles him, she handles the wildest and maddest among them because her compassion seems without compare.

Survivors

Elena and Anna are both survivors, but Brenna Kincaid of the Psy/Changeling series also endured severe torture and more, she had her DNA messed with thanks to the events which launched the series. Brenna could have been broken forever, but she not only persevered, she fought to reclaim her independence not only from her losses but also from the fierce protectiveness of her siblings. Survivors do more than just live, they thrive.

Leaders

Beyond their compassion, strength, intelligence and ability to survive, female wolves are just as capable of defending their pack and leading it. It’s shown in all of the series mentioned but in so many others. It’s not a feminist movement, it’s a wolf one. It’s what Serafina Andre in theWolves of Willow Bend demonstrated as well as so many others. It’s all about pack and community. There is strength in numbers—there is strength in their females as well as their males.

Who is your favorite Alpha female?

I, for one, love a strong heroine in any story. I don’t want to read (most of the time) the story of a simpering woman. Her strength and courage has to match the leading man’s in order for her to be worthy of him–at least in my eyes she does.  What do you guys think?

Don’t forget to check out Heather Long‘s site for more great articles.  Also since we’re talking Alpha Heroes and Heroines, check out The Wolf Pack on FaceBook. you won’t be sorry.

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Interview with author, Renee George!

***this interview was originally posted by yours truly on www.pnrlovers.com***

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming bestselling author, Renee George. If you’re looking for something humorous, and mysterious, or something dark and sexy, you’ll be sure to find it in Renee’s back list.

If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for Renee, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

Welcome to PNRLovers, Renee.

Please tell us about yourself.

First the obligatory writer stuff. J I am a bestselling author of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, erotic romance, contemporary romance, mystery romance, and romantic comedies that highlight varying themes including traditional, ménage, gay and bisexual relationships. I have been a published author since 2005, and have written and published over 30 books in the past decade.

I have been married for twenty-five years, so over half my life, to the man I started dating the night I graduated from high school. This coming May will be our 30th date-aversary. J We have a grown son, who took two years off to find himself after high school, and now he’s almost 21 and he’s found himself living back and home and going to college. I have been a factory worker, a college student (several times over), I was in the Army during Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm. The military taught me something I’d never learned before, discipline and responsibility.  Also, the military is where I learned to love strong, black coffee. Believe, it was necessary! Still is. I have a nursing degree, and I worked in many different nursing jobs from 1992 to 2005, when my first story was contracted with a small online publisher. Also, it was the same year I received my English degree in creative writing.

I am often neurotic, happy, depressed, hopeful, and realistic. Usually not all at one time. J Luckily I have my BFFs Michele Bardsley and Dakota Cassidy to talk me off the ledge when I get to close to jumping off. They are my soul mates! I grew up very poor (seven people in a two bedroom 65X12 trailer kind of poor), but I have never used that as an excuse to be uninformed. I’m a social liberal, but because I grew up without means, I am often conservative when it comes to my pocket book. I like to see the best in people, because I believe that no situation was ever made worse by kindness. When someone gets rude with me, I try to remember that the way they’re behaving says more about them than me.  (I’m not saying it works all the time, because my feelings can get hurt! LOL).

I am a reader first, and I hope that shows in the way I tell stories. I don’t want anyone to be disappointed because they felt like I’d left something out or phone in. I am a slow writer, so I always feel like I need to apologize to fans for not getting books out more quickly, but I just can’t. (My life would be so much easier if I could!) I do love getting emails from fans of my books. It makes me entire day (sometimes my week!).

On a personal note, could you tell us a story (or some random fun facts) about you that we wouldn’t otherwise know?

Every time I meet Charlaine Harris I cry like a baby after she’s out of my presence. I don’t know why. It just happens. The first time was in Houston in 2007, when I rode 34 floors with her in an elevator. She hugged me, told me to keep writing, and she was very sweet. Soon as she was off to some interview and away from me, I started crying. The second time was in Oklahoma in 2008 when Michele and I took her to dinner before a book signing. It was raining, so when we arrived at the bookstore, I dropped her off in front of the Barnes & Noble then found a parking space. The minute I turned the engine off, I started crying. Again. *sigh* I have never had that kind of “fan girl” visceral reaction to another author. I just love her work so much (and not just the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries). I’d read a book by Charlaine Harris if she wrote it on a toilet paper roll. I’m sure you all have favorite authors that you feel the same way about!

We all know how time-consuming writing and publishing can be. How do your loved ones feel about your writing? Are they resentful, supportive… or a combination of the two?

My family is super supportive. My son’s old bedroom has been converted into my office. My husband and the man-child no to give me space and quiet when I’m on a hard deadline. I’m super grateful they aren’t the kind of people who think writers are hobbyist, and that all it takes to write a story is having some magical creative gene. When I’m writing, promoting, and everything else that goes with this business for ten to twelve hours every day, they understand that what I’m doing is work. I am a full-time work-from-home author. My husband is an executive for a manufacturing company, and he leaves the house Monday through Friday for his job. Guess who cleans the house most of time and without an attitude? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not me. He knows that I’m not being idle, laying around watching soap operas while eating bon-bons as the words just magically flow from my fingertips (by the way, that has never happened! I would love the magic.). Anyhow, I’m a lucky, lucky woman. And it’s why I plan to stay married to him for at least another 25 years. LOL (He’s stuck with me now!)

Considering the nature of romance writing, do you get any of your family or close friends read them? How do you feel about that? How do they?

My sister Robbin is one of my beta readers. She is an avid reader of romance and mysteries, and I know I can trust her to tell me when a story line doesn’t work. She is seven years older than me and is not afraid to get brutal. (Luckily, I can take it!). Whatever makes the writing stronger is a blessing in my book. Oh, and she loves my writing, so I feel great about her being a part of my writing life.

What inspires you to write? Is there a specific place, person or thing that makes the words flow from your soul to your keyboard?

I get inspired to tell stories, but not always to write. Sometimes I’ll think about a story so much, that I’m actually disappointed when I sit down to write it and the words aren’t already on the page. I love writing outside on my new screened in porch. I live in a rural area, and there is something about the trees, the breeze, and the animal noises that get me going. Now that it’s getting colder, I have to make do with the easy chair in my office. I’m not sure if there is a specific inspiration that gets the words flowing. Panic. Maybe. Yes, panic. Deadline panic forces the story out, because at that point there’s no other options. LOL

What is the one thing that you feel has most contributed to your success as an author?

Having great fans is #1. There is almost nothing better than word of mouth to grow your reach as an author. I love my fans. They are amazing. I am more appreciative for their support than they can possibly know. Every reader who buys a book, reviews it, and gives it a shout out on their blogs and in social media is contributing to that author’s ability to keep going and growing. Also, I think having a great support system of fellow professional authors who want the same thing from their business as I do is also a huge contributing factor. We come together to promote each other’s work and lift each other when we stumble. You can’t be an island and survive, at least not survive with your sanity intact. I am glad I have loyal, trustworthy people in my life who have my back. I try not to take it for granted.

How about the opposite? What has been the most detrimental thing that stood in your way as a writer? How did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle is me. I can sometimes let my depression dictate my behavior, and I have to convince myself to just keep going, knowing the bad feeling will pass. Beyond my own ability to sabotage myself, I believe the ever changing climate of this industry can be another detriment to success. Being popular as a writer means being able to constantly adjust to what’s trending, while still being able to keep true to your style of storytelling and your voice. I don’t always fall on trend, but I write books hoping that if they aren’t what’s selling today, maybe they’ll be the ones selling tomorrow. It’s scary because you can’t rely on a steady income. In July and August my sales went from really great to really awful, and my husband asked me, “What are you doing different?” My response: “Absolutely nothing.” In this age of digital publishing, you have to constantly look for new ways readers can find you.

Now for the silly… If you could choose Hollywood actors to play the lead roles in your latest release, who would you choose for the hero and heroine, and why?

I love this question!!! Okay, so I will pick Midnight Shift, it is an urban fantasy/ ménage/ thriller novel. The three main characters are Benoica Dilian, Trace Calder, and Ian Arent.

Benie – a total bad ass for sure would be played by (don’t hit me!) Jennifer Lawrence. She is strong and mighty. I love her so much.

Trace – an ex-soldier and telepathic werewolf, he would be played by Jensen Ackles. (Anyone who knows me knew that one was coming!). He is hot and sexy and serious and funny. All the things Trace is.

Ian – a young genius and new werewolf, he would be played by Dylan O’Brien. (Oh, yeah, I totally nailed that one!). LOL I am such a huge fan of his role as Stiles on Teen Wolf, and as Thomas in The Maze Runner movies. He is the right amount of sexy and nerd.

What’s coming down the line for Renee George? What can your fans look forward to in the months to come?

Just this month, Taming the Monster anthology released with my third Midnight Shifters series book, “A Door to Midnight.” In December, there are two Christmas anthologies, Alphas Unwrapped (featuring “Ravished by the Alpha”, the third book in The Cull series) and A Very Alpha Christmas featuring the fourth book in the Midnight Shifters world, “Midnight Before Christmas). 2016 will bring the next Peculiar Mysteries novel, “Thank You For Not Shifting” and more novels from the Midnight Shifters world, along with more books in my popular contemporary MM series, Cocktails. It’s going to be busy! But that isn’t anything new. J Readers can find out when my new releases come out by joining my newsletter.

Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or a recently released one?

“A Door to Midnight” (Midnight Shifter Book Three) featured in Taming the Monster anthology. Available for a limited time for 99 cents at most eTailers! Released October 13th, 2015.

Excerpt:

His palatial home sat on a thousand acres of land outside of Boonville, encapsulated by

dense woods. Despite its spectacular size, the mansion could not be seen from the rural road that led to his property. She’d taken a taxi to his place, and even in the sunlight, the mile-long driveway had been intimidating, choked by tall oaks and silver maples clawing their way toward the darkening sky.

Emily gulped hard, steeling her nerve to knock on the massive doors. She had a feeling that once she entered Tsavaras’s domain, she might never see the light of day again.

The knockers were large monster heads, one on each side, both at least a foot long and a foot wide. The one on the right had a peaceful expression, a calmness in the way its lips turned down, its eyes open wide, its eyebrows slightly angled up on the inside, while the one of the left had a narrowed brow, squinted eyes, and a snarling curl to its upper lip. The animals both had large brass rings in their mouths, with brass orbs the size of baseballs attached to the bottom of the rings.

Big brass balls. She would need to grow a pair to get through her months of servitude.

“I’ve made a deal with the devil, and he will be given his due.” She grabbed the knocker on the left as if to dare it to bite. If she was going to be brave, she was going to go all the way. The heavy brass clanged, creating a booming sound that chilled her blood. For a second, her heart seemed to freeze mid-beat. Marcus Tsavaras was a man, she reminded herself. Just a man…with a lot of money, and apparently, an old-world belief in indentured servitude.

The door didn’t make a sound, not even a creak or groan, when it swung open. A man stood just inside with his face half-hidden by a shoulder-length cascade of dark chocolate curls. She stepped forward, her stride faltering when the light from fading sun caught his face. A white gnarly scar ran down the right side off his face and neck. It had twisted branches at the edges that appeared to be growing toward the unmarred skin on the left, threatening to overtake his entire appearance. Most startling were his eyes, the color of gold leaf. He had to be wearing contacts. Nobody was born with that eye color.

He had to be more than six and a half feet tall. He wore loose pants and a tunic shirt, obscuring his form. Was it an effort to hide his body?

“I’m Emily,” she said, her voice shaky.

He smiled for a fleeting second, the unscarred side of his face looking almost youthful. “Welcome, Emily. I’m Ky.”

 “And I’m Zan,” she heard another man say from the darkness. He stepped from behind the right side of the door. His golden gaze, much like the man’s on the left, raked her from head to toe. His mouth quirked into a predatory grin. “You are quite lovely. This will be an interesting ninety days, don’t you agree?”

He bore a cruel immortal beauty usually reserved for the likes of Dorian Gray and Dracula—high sculpted cheekbones, deep-set eyes framed by thick dark lashes that brushed his skin when he blinked, plump lips, narrow, but berry ripe, and like the scarred man, he had gold leaf eyes. His red T-shirt clung to him like a second skin showing every cut of muscle and bulk beneath. His waist tapered to narrowed hips where the practically painted on slacks fight tightly over his thickly muscled thighs and a bulge at his groin that could only be described as daunting.

Emily licked her lips nervously. “Are you brothers?”

“Of a kind,” Ky said.

“Two sides of the same coin,” Zan added.

What did that mean? She clutched the handles of her suitcase, more nervous than ever.

“May I take your bags?” Emily noted Ky didn’t wait for her to answer as he stepped around to take the luggage. When he brushed against her, the fevered heat from his body invaded hers.  Before she could take another step, Zan held up his hand. “Do you enter freely, Emily Henley, and pledge to serve Marcus Tsavaras for the term of three months from this day, no more, no less?

“Yes.”

“Do you agree to keep all you see within this household private and in strict confidence during and after your service with Mr. Tsavaras?”

“Yes.” She’d already signed the scariest confidentiality agreement she’d ever seen when it had been messengered to her apartment.

“Do you understand that if you choose to leave before the ninety days is over, or if you reveal any details about your service to Mr. Tsavaras, your contract is forfeit, and your father’s debt will resume with interest?”

Jeez! Who would she tell? No one but Dad knew about her agreement with Tsavaras. For all his flaws, and since her mother’s death he’d exhibited many, she loved him more than any other soul on earth. He’d promised he would keep himself straight, and she hoped that was true.  She didn’t know if she had the heart to get him out of any more jams.

“Emily?”

“I agree. Threatening me isn’t necessary. I’ll take your boss’s secrets to the grave.” She crossed her chest. “Hope to die.”

Zan raised an eyebrow. “Good.” He made a flourishing gesture toward the interior. “You may enter.”

Emily followed him inside. Ky shut the door and walked behind her. The foyer’s floor was white marble, which offered a sharp contrast to the redwood wainscoting and vulgar aubergine color of the walls. Gold sconces lit the way to the opened tall doors at the other end, and a sudden gorge of fear rose in Emily. She turned, crashing into Ky’s chest.

His curls hid enough of his scars to make him almost handsome. “I’m sorry. You’re contract has started.” She shrunk back at the intensity in his eyes. “Do you understand, Emily?”

“Yes,” Emily said, swallowing hard. “I can’t leave.”

Where can our readers find you online or join your newsletter?

Join the Newsletter: http://madmimi.com/signups/99493/join

Join Renee’s Rebel Readers (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/reneesunusualsuspects/

Like “Midnight Shifters” fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/midnightshifters

Like “Renee George, Author” fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/authorreneegeorge

Follow Renee on Twitter: @reneegeorge2008

Website: http://www.romance-the-night.com/Renee_George

Instagram: author_renee_george

Series pages:

The Cull: www.ozarkshifters.com

Midnight Shifters: www.midnightshifters.com

Peculiar Mysteries: www.peculiarmysteries.com

The Lion Kings: www.lionkingshifters.com

Thank you so much for spending your time with us. I loved reading your answers and getting to know you better. Best of luck with your upcoming releases.

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Time for some fun!

I’m taking part in the upcoming Uncanny Quarry – A literary scavenger hunt! Oct 18 to 25, 2015.

This scavenger hunt will introduce you to new authors and amazing stories with chances to win loads of prizes. Who doesn’t like to win prizes??

Grand Prize – 20 ebooks, 1 paperback and $20 in Amazon gift cards.

Second Prize – 10 ebooks and $10 Amazon gift card.

Third Prize – 5 ebooks and $5 Amazon gift card.

Come join the hunt…

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Interview with Author, CE Black!

***This interview was originally posted by yours truly at www.pnrlovers.com***

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming CE Black, author of the Alpha Division series, and Enduring Kiss series.

If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for CE, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

Welcome to PNRLovers, CE.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A little about me, hmm. Well, I’m pretty boring actually. I’m a mom of two and the lucky wife of an amazing and supportive husband. I used to just say, I’m a stay at home mom. But I’ve spent so much time during the day, writing, catching up with readers, and learning ways to become a better writer that I’ve realized that all the hard work it takes to be an author shouldn’t be hidden. So now if asked I say, I am an author. You’d be surprised how hard that is to actually say out loud. But it gets easier every time.

I am an acknowledged coffee addict and love traveling with my family. My favorite place to go is anywhere near the Appalachian Mountains. I also have just become a recent fan of football. College and NFL. Just don’t tell the hubs what I’m staring at the whole game, and we’ll be friends forever. (Have you seen those guys from the back? Just saying.)

How many books have you written, and which one is your favorite? What makes that one special for you?

I think the total is eleven now. A mixture of novels, novellas, and short stories.

Picking a favorite is so hard! I think it’s a toss up between Cursed Desires and A Shifted Wedding, for different reasons. Cursed Desires was exciting to write because I love ghost stories, and I love the city I set the story around, Charleston SC. Putting the two together was natural, of course. It is one of the most haunted cities in the US. I’ve done a lot of ghost tours there, and each one was fantastic. I love the history as well. The story came about from my hubs and I’s own anniversary getaway, but you know, I had to spice up the story a bit more than what really happened. Letting my imagination go wild for that one was fun.

A Shifted Wedding was just pure enjoyment. I laughed almost the entire time I was writing it. I mean, can you not laugh at a bunch of Alpha men chasing their ladies around town, thinking they’re going to catch them doing something naughty, only the men are the ones that keep finding trouble? Men!

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you deal with it?

I do, sort of. I think it’s more of just too many distractions. If I focus, I’ll channel my characters again, but life can get in the way. If I am really having a hard time figuring out where to go next in the story, I like to take “naps.” I don’t actually sleep, well sometimes I can’t help it. Lying down in a quiet room, eyes closed, I envision my characters, the story, and what has happened already, then I let them play it out in my head. Then I know where to go. If it has to change later, so be it, but it brought my muse back out to play.

What does your writing space look like? Do you have a designated writing space, or do you write wherever and whenever the mood strikes?

Actually, right now, I write on my laptop at the kitchen table. I know… sounds sad, but we don’t have an office space set up. We’re currently getting ready to sell our home, and my number one request for the new house is an office or some sort of space just for me. So far, this is just fine. I have my computer, my coffee, music, a notebook and a pen. Not much else I need at the moment.

What is your favorite part about being an author? And your least favorite?

My favorite part is getting to live in my head for most of the day. To have a story playing continuously in my mind and getting to see that story come to life and into my hands is a wonderful feeling. My least favorite is the pressure. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when the next book needs to be released, but I haven’t finished it. Or trying to find a way to promote without looking like a spammer.

Do you ever write scenes based on personal experience?

I have. Every book is a piece of the author, and when you add even the tiniest bit of personal experience, the connection becomes deeper. Not all of my stories have anything personal in them, but there are a few that I would say helped me fight some personal demons.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Something you wish someone had told you when you first started out?

Number one, hire an editor. Doesn’t have to be an expensive one, but let someone else look over your story before you publish. When I started out, I knew nothing and no one. I wasn’t on social media, never heard of book groups or editors, cover artists, none of that. I had a book, and I wanted to get it out there. As I was googling how to publish my book, I ran across self publishing, and I thought, Perfect! But… I didn’t take the time to research more, to know that even though the story looked great to me, it wasn’t. And readers let me know. I feel like it’s a set back I’m still trying to overcome today.

Who are your favorite go-to authors? What are you reading now?

My favorite authors include, Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Nicholas Sparks, Maya Banks… to name a few. There are plenty more. I’ve learned a lot from these authors. I’ve learned about taking risks in my writing, how to allow a story to flow so a reader may enjoy it, and to never give up.

Right now, I’m reading Buffed by S.H Timmins. She’s a new author, and this is her second book. She writes romantic comedy. Very funny and promising.

And now for the silly… if you could bring one of your characters to life, who would it be, and why?

Oh wow! Which one…. Ah, I know! Bear! He’s the main character of my WIP, but he’s been in the other books in my Alpha Division series. He’s a reader and author’s favorite. He is large and in charge. HOT! Of course. Oh, and he is the sweetest character I have ever written. Such a beast of a man, looks like he would snap you in half if given the chance. But he’s just a big teddy bear inside. I’ve loved being inside that man’s head.

What’s coming down the pike from CE Black? Any new releases coming that we look forward to reading?

There are a couple. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to write a novella for a box set that will be up for pre-order in October. Gathering Darkness is a collection of erotic PNR titles that include authors: Mina Carter, Sharon Kay, Jenika Snow, Anna Zaires, Lili Saint Germain, R.E. Butler, Charlie Daye, Izzy Szyn, and myself. My story is Shifted Undercover. It’s a standalone spin off from my Alpha Division series. Basically, the idea came from staring at a plane as it flew overhead and thinking, why not a book where you take the movies Snakes on a Plane and combine it with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. But take out the snakes and add a werewolf. LOL

Also, I’m almost finished with my next novel in the Alpha Division series, Shifted Obsessions. Not sure of a release date yet, but I’m hoping it will be out by the end of this year.

Can you share a short excerpt from your newest release, or a sneak peek at something that’s coming soon?

Sure! Here is a little snippet from my upcoming release, Shifted Undercover – Gathering Darkness Box Set. Pre-order Oct.11th, 2015.

*Warning: adult language.

My cheek suddenly smashed against the wall again, and I sucked in a sharp breath through my nose, refusing to give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry out, even if my brain felt like it would be ripped out the back of my head at any moment.

The man sneered in my ear, smearing blood across my cheek. “You suck as a cop.”

“Not… a… cop…” I mumbled against the wall, trying not to gag.

“Yeah, right,” he scoffed. “Then what’s the gun and handcuffs for? Huh?” He shook my head angrily, as he pointed to the floor where they had spilled out of my bag.

“Protection,” I said. “Every girl needs to carry protection.”

Forcing my muscles to relax, I took a deep breath and rubbed my ass against his crotch. Risky move, I knew, but I wasn’t planning on going down. Especially in a tiny airplane bathroom.

My grinding hips against his jeans caused him to pull back out of instinct, his hand loosening in my hair just enough. “What the hell…”

The back of my head connected with his bleeding nose with a sickening crunch.

“Fuck!” he exclaimed, and fell backwards, freeing me.

Immediately, I dropped to my knee, grabbed the gun and pointed it at the perp, just as the door burst open, revealing an extremely pissed off Adam. His lips curled in a menacing snarl, showing sharp, white fangs.

What the hell? Hubby’s coming to play hero? I had the guy…

Wait!

My gaze shot back to his mouth.

Fangs? Why the hell does my husband have fangs?

 

Where can our readers find you online?

Just about everywhere? lol No, here are some links where you can find me.

Website: http://www.ceblack.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C.E.Blackbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEBlackbooks

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/C.E.-Black/e/B005T10UBE

Also I forgot to add that readers can grab a free book when they sign up for my newsletter. Here’s the link!  http://www.ceblack.org/#!free-book/c20tq

 

Thank you so much for the awesome interview. I enjoyed reading all your answers and even got a few chuckles out of them.  Good luck with your upcoming release!

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It’s almost here! I can’t wait.

Get your copy on Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, and Nook!

The post It’s almost here! I can’t wait. appeared first on .

Author interview with K.J. Coakley!

**This interview was first posted by yours truly at www.pnrlovers.com.** 

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing author K.J. Coakley. She has penned The Enmortals Series which is an Adult Paranormal Romance series, and the Desire’s Deception Series which is a Dark Erotic/BDSM Romance series.

If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for K.J., please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

Welcome, K.J.

Tel l us about yourself.

My name is Author K. J. Coakley and I currently reside in East Tennessee with my husband and two boys. I work full time as a Logistics Account Manager and write in any spare time that I can possibly find. I love to write stories about normal every day people tackling the impossible…and finding their HEA in the process. My books contain sexy alpha males and brazen heroines that we can all relate to on some level.

What, in your opinion, makes a good story? What ruins one for you?

I think a unique plot twist is what really sets a story apart for the rest in its perspective genre. With so many books hitting the market everyday it’s difficult to really make our book stand out from the crowd. But, if your characters are well developed, and the storyline flows seamlessly into an unexpected plot twist, that’s the golden ticket for me.

As far as ruining a book for me, it all boils down to bad editing. I can’t stand to read a book with poor editing. As an Indie author I think it’s even more imperative to ensure your books are properly edited prior to releasing them. A poorly edited novel will forever stand out in a readers mind and it’s not something they’re likely to ever forget.

Do you have any authors or mentors you look up to? Who, and why?

I have several author friends that I can go to for advice, in one regard or another. It all really depends on what my needs are. If it’s research or marketing advice, I tend to head to an author group to discuss whatever it is that I need. The Indie community is extremely tight knit, so it’s not difficult to find someone willing to help. All you have to do is ask. This truly is an amazingly supportive network we belong to.

How do you keep up with the constant changes in the world of writing and publishing? Do you try to keep up with the trends?

I don’t write fast enough to keep up with trends. LOL! Between my day job and my family, my books tend to have several months in between release dates. If I wrote based on trends they would have come and gone by the time I published. For me, it’s all about the characters. I write through the eyes of my characters as I live out their story in my head. As long as I don’t try to steer their story in a direction they’re not sending me, it tends to flow pretty smoothly. Some books may not sell as well because of a current trend or shift in markets, but as long as you keep your marketing geared toward pushing your backlist to the forefront so that new readers may find them, they’ll stand the test of time and eventually find their niche. In this economy it’s all about being diligent and patient.

If you could change one thing about you writing, what would it be?

I would love to write full time so that I could fulfill the voracious appetites of my readers. I can never write fast enough to keep them happy. But that’s not a bad problem to have so I’m not complaining.

Can you tell us about an absolute favorite scene that you’ve written? What makes that scene more special than the rest?

There’s always that one scene that stands out from the rest in each book that I write. They’re all special in their own right, but Desire’s Deception had a scene that really broke me down while writing it. I cried like a baby and for that reason alone it’s the most memorable for me. I won’t go into too much detail because it gives away a huge plot twist. So, you’ll just have to read the book to find out for yourself. (insert evil laugh)

Which one of your heroines is most like you personality wise, and how?

All of them. I don’t think that I could write a book that there wasn’t some piece of me in each character that I wrote about. Whether it’s their bitchy attitude, smartass comments, or witty sense of humor, they all possess traits that I admire or deem worthy of instilling in them.

And now for the silly… if you could cast any magic spell, what magic would you cast? What would you do or wish for?

I would cast a spell of happiness. The world could definitely use more of it.

What’s in the works for you right now? When can we expect to see it released to the world?

I am currently working on three books. Paradeigma (Enmortals Series), I’m expecting to release this one in late November. Desire’s Redemption (Desire’s Deception Series), I’m expecting to release this one in February. I also have a novella that I’m working on for an anthology that has yet to be announced.

Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or recently released one? 

 

Where can our readers find you online?

www.kjcoakley.com

www.facebook.com/authorkjcoakley

www.twitter.com/authorkjcoakley

 

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me today. Best of luck with your upcoming releases.

 

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Interview with author, Lori Whyte!

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Lori Whyte, author of the awesome His BBW to Hold, and Masquerade series, A Werewolf’s Curse series, and a brand new Mannix Dragon Shifters series. Of course, if you know me at all, you’ll know that my heart just started racing a little bit at the mention of a new dragon shifter series.

If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for Lori, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

Welcome to PNR Lovers, Lori!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

First, thank you so much for interviewing me today, Elianne! I’m excited to be here. Hmm… Where to start? I am a design consultant in my day job, which can be pretty hectic at times, so every opportunity to write is a blessing. I live in Alberta, Canada and I love it here. Although I don’t always say it, the Rocky Mountains and Calgary, a vibrant prairie city, both play a huge role in my stories. My very own alpha hero is Scottish, but don’t ask me to try out my Scottish accent. I suck at it. Apparently, if my life depended on me saying Edinburgh properly I would be doomed. I also have two cats. One adores me. The other… not so much (I suspect she is a familiar in disguise).

Have you always wanted to be a writer? How long have you been writing?

Absolutely! I can remember writing stories when I was a little girl and making my family listen to them. LOL. At some point in my teens, I was going to the local library to do research for a novel I wanted to write (it never got very far). I wrote my first novel-length story in 2000 and have been actively writing stories ever since. I think I have at least eight unpublished novels and countless half-finished projects lingering in the recesses of my computer. I figure those were where I learned how to craft a story. I published my first novel in 2013 (under an alter ego) and have been addicted to sharing my stories with others ever since. I can’t imagine not writing.

We know you write Paranormal romance. Do you now, or have you ever written any other genres? If so, which? What makes PNR different than other genres?

For the last year, I’ve focused on writing sexy contemporary shorts and paranormal romances, but I didn’t start there. My alter ego also has a few contemporary romance novels.

Interview with author Annie Nicholas!

This interview was originally post over at www.pnrlovers.com by yours truly.

Today I’m interviewing someone who is not only an amazing author, but also someone who has been an inspiration and great mentor to me personally. Without her, I never would have hit publish on my first book, much less with any of the subsequent books, so it’s with great pleasure that I welcome author Annie Nicholas.

If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for Annie, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

Tell us about yourself. When you’re not writing all the awesome words, what are you doing?

I was just reading the other questions and I have realized my life is chaos. LOL

Let’s see, I’m a mom of two very active boys (teen and pre-teen), on my days off from my evil day job I work as their taxi/cook/life counselor/referee. I’m also a wife to the most random and loving husband who co-pilots my other roles. At the evil day job, I am a nurse.

Before a book is published, it goes through rigorous rounds of edits. What does your editing process look like? How has it changed from when you first started out?

When I first started writing, I wrote my first draft in longhand then typed it into my computer. Over the years, I converted to typing my books directly into the computer but after a few books I found something was missing from them. Some piece of my soul, maybe? Blood, sweat, and tears that comes from longhand writing? So I’m back to writing my first draft in longhand. It might take me longer to write the book, but the stories are much, much better. Besides that, I do at least two rounds of edits on my own, read the book out loud, then send it to an editor for two more rounds. I know I’m done when I hate the book. LOL

How much of a hands on approach do you take in creating your covers? Do you do them yourself, or hire them out? If you hire them out, how much input do you have in the creative process?

For the majority of my covers, I’ve had very little input since they came publishers. I find the less restraints I place on my artists the better my covers appear. I have spent the last year learning how to make covers. Mostly so I can make own teasers and banners. I’ve taken this skill though and am making my own covers for my up-coming series Vanguard Elite. Soon to be revealed! But mostly, I hire artists.

Balancing a work life, a family life, and being an author can be like juggling with knives. How do you make it work? Is your family supportive of your writing career? Do you see yourself writing full time at some point in the future?

Juggling with knives is a great description. My family is very supportive, but need a physical reminder like a locked door as a reminder not to disturb me for every single minor emergency that occurs. Even then, I sometimes daydream of weekend writer retreats…

I make it work by creating myself a little office on my front porch. Staking a claim to the area and not allowing anyone else to infringe. We’ll see how long that last. This is the third office I’ve created. The other two were lost in hostel takeovers. AKA xbox system and fish tank.

I would love to be a full time writer but part of me knows I’d miss working with patients. I’d probably continue working as a nurse in some capacity.

Which of your stories did you enjoy writing the most? Why? Which caused you to bang your head against your keyboard?

My favorite books to write are the Lake City Stories. I love writing Pia. Her inner thoughts are so close to mine, except I have to have more filters in real life. LOL Each of those books were written in a month, which is very unusual for me.

The hardest book I’ve written was Release, third book in the Angler series. That one tore my soul apart. I couldn’t write for months after it. Anyone who read that book understands what I mean.

And now for the silly…if you had to choose, who would you say is your all-time favorite book boyfriend, and why? This can be from your own work, or someone else’s.

Dmitri, from Nalini Singh’s Archangel series. *drops mike* I love a dangerous man. It’s like she went into my head to pull out all my favorite things in a man. Now I have to go read his book again.

Do you have anything specific that you’d like to say to your readers?

…no…uh…what the? You know how to put a girl on the spot. Umm, new Angler books planned for 2016.

What’s in the works for you right now? When can we expect to see it released to the world?

I haven’t released any new books this year due to some medical issues. That doesn’t mean I stopped writing so starting in November I’ll most likely have a new book release every two months for a year. That’s if I don’t crash and burn off the promo train.

Vanguard Elite- three novellas (spin-off of Vanguards series)

Destined Mates- three novels (brand new series)

Angler- book four and five

Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or recently released one?

Sure, but you’ll have to forgive any mistakes. Hasn’t been to the editor’s yet.

Bootcamp of Misfit Wolves

Regular people died in military boot camp. How many would perish in a wolf shifter camp run by a vampire? Clare curled her legs under her butt and settled deeper into the couch as she watched the quiet omega across the room. Head held low, eyes downcast, she jumped whenever someone entered the room. Without a hunter to watch her back, the female wouldn’t survive the next few weeks. Who would send such a weak wolf to a place like this?

The manor was full of shifters from different packs. Double occupancy rooms, some tripled. The packs didn’t trust each other to allow their best fighters to leave their territories, but were curious enough to send their misfits. Each one was here to learn what the vampire had to offer. So far Clare had broken up three challenges and she’d only arrived yesterday.

Stupid fights as well. No electricity didn’t mix well with non-hunter wolves. The lack of video games and internet alone would break most of them. She pulled one male off the other over the last bowl of Fruit Loops. The lack of a hot meal might be the catalyst that would send Clare home with her tail between her legs. Wolves needed meat and one could only eat so many sandwiches. Wouldn’t that make her alpha father happy? He’d been against her attending from day one. Barefoot and pregnant had been her only future until this godsend of a training nightmare allowed her to escape.

The creepy vampire didn’t charge much to create werewolf fighters. She bet most of the alphas didn’t read the clause about him keeping the top five for himself. So be it. She’d be the best dang hunter of the group by the end, all five foot zero of her, if it meant freedom from her pack.

Where can we find you and your books?

Website- www.annienicholas.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/yt8Kv

Free Book Dowloads: http://annienicholas.webs.com/free-download-splashpage

 

Thank you so much for putting the juggling knives aside and speaking with me today. If anyone is unfamiliar with Annie’s work, I highly recommend her books. Give them a try, you won’t regret it.

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Interview with author Elle Thorne!

 

This interview was originally posted by yours truly at www.pnrlovers.com.

Today we welcome author Elle Thorne! I’m a huge fan of her work and am thrilled to have had the opportunity to speak with her more about her stories. If you’re not familiar with her work, you can check out her Shifters Forever series, her After Dark series, as well as a bunch of other great works.

 

Hi Elle, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hey there! Let’s see, first thanks for having me. I’ve always been a writer, though in the early days all I did was read. Reading and writing are my escapes. I’ve had a fairly diverse life, and enjoyed a variety of experiences while I worked on books, ideas, plots, and the craft of writing. That’s boring crap isn’t it? So here’s my background as it relates to non-writing. I’ve been in the military. I’ve owned a restaurant, I’ve sold memberships to a resort I didn’t know was never going to be built. I’ve been a marine operator. I’ve eaten at Rocky Mountain Oysters at a calf fry. I used to speak three languages. I think now I’m down to two and a half. Bored yet? Yeah, me too. Let’s move on.

Can you describe your style of writing for anyone who might not be familiar with your work? My style of writing?

Lean. I try not to use a bunch of words that deliver fluff. I keep my stories on point, my setting description minimal and let my readers use their imagination to help me fill in the blanks.

Book trailers are always fun to watch. Did you create your own, or hire it out?

Book trailers. I have two. One of my author friends, the awesome Emma Storm made a book cover featuring a boxed collection of shifter novels that will be coming out on September 1st. This trailer alone has convinced me I must have more trailers! As for the other trailer, one of my cover artists, Jennifer of J. M Rising Horse Creations was playing with the software one day and she made it. So I enjoy it. I guess I’d hire out because any time I spend oin creating trailers is time I don’t spend on writing. And writing is where my heart is.

http://pnrlovers.com/wp-content/uploads/trailer-1.mp4

Have you found the series trailer to be a useful promotional tool? How have you used it to your advantage?

See I couldn’t speak to that. I don’t promo much. I’m laid back.

Are you planning on attending any writer conventions in the next year? How about a reader’s convention?

I’m hoping to go to Vegas for the Romantic Times convention and to Ottawa for the Romancing the Capital.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I like to plot, but I find that I keep a fluid plot so I can follow the current where it lead me when the characters develop their own personalities.

Not all scenes are created equal. What scenes do you find easiest to write, and which make you groan?

Good question! Sexual tension are my favorites. First chaptes are my favorites, so are last chapters. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, by damn. I groan when I have to write a love scene and I’m soooo not in the mood. Like when girl-cramps take hold. How could I possibly write sex when all I want is chocolate and a heating pad!

And now for the silly… If you had to choose between living in one of your imaginary worlds, which one would you choose, and why? Who would be your hero?

The world I’d live in is the Shifters Forever world. Where in that specifically? In Sanctuary, the shifter retreat that’s attached to the After Dark night club. Yeah, I di that place.

What’s in the works for you right now? When can we expect to see it released to the world?

I’m currently split between three different spin offs in the Shifters Forever Series. The first book of Only After Dark just came out. It takes us to New Orleans, for a bit of elemental magic, bayou heat, and sultry heroines. The first book of the Shifters Forever After series is slated to be released in a month. This book will feature hot polar bears and curvy ladies in some hellacious predicaments in New York. And of course, we’re smack dab in the middle of the Never After Dark series which brings us the white tiger shifters in Europe—specifically Monaco this time!

Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or recently released one?

Surely! From the freshly released, with ink still wet on the pages, here’s a touch of Lezare Arceneaux the white tiger shifter who controls the New Orleans territory. I’ll keep it clean(ish).

…his hand dropped on her ass with a sharp tap.

That was her undoing. A crunching and stretching sound yielded to her shifting. Within seconds she was in her white tigress form, snarling and turning to face Lézare.

She stepped back. He’d shifted along with her. He was a huge white tiger, majestic, deep-chested and broad-shouldered. His eyes flashed a deep dark brown, a golden glow in their depths.

He snarled back and pushed on her to establish a sync, the way that shifters communicated, creating a link that allowed them to speak within their minds.

We weren’ done, chère.

She cocked her head, studied his tiger. My tigress was done.

He laughed in their synched link, a soft laugh, sexy and at the same time challenging. He stalked closer, though they were already in crowded quarters.

She swatted at him with her claws extended, semi-playful. She didn’t intend to hurt him, and she wasn’t sure she could anyway. His tiger was massive.

I like the fire in you. He put his head against her withers, just above her shoulders and opened his tiger’s mouth, gripping her neck. Shift back so I can make love to you, or I’ll mount you in your tigress form. And chère, I want to do so much more to you than that.

Natalya didn’t think she could have fallen more in love Lézare that she had, but she was wrong. His words, his actions, everything he was sent her to the next level. She shifted quickly, still in her clothing, and faced him. He was still in his tiger form, an incredible feline. She reached her hand out, buried her fingers in his fur and leaned close, letting that luxurious fur touch her face. Seconds later he’d shifted into his human form.

“Chère, I want you.” He picked her up, sat her on the seat…

Last but not least, where can our readers find all you great work?

www.ElleThorne.com

http://pnrlovers.com/wp-content/uploads/trailer-2.mp4

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Interview with Author Lily Marie!

***This interview was originally published by myself at www.pnrlovers.com.***

Welcome, Lily Marie! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions today.

If you have any questions, or would like to make a comment, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!

And remember, to subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar to the right to receive first hand news about special promotions and great deals in your inbox.

 

Tell us about yourself.

Hey there! My name is Lily Marie, and I write steamy romance. Everything from

paranormal to love in space – I love it all, and I love writing different types of characters, human and non-human.

Can you tells us a couple of random fun facts about you that we wouldn’t otherwise know?

Okay – I am a huge travel addict. England is my addiction, and I’ve traveled over there on my own almost every year from the past 18+ years. I am also an avid photographer, and have been since the 6th grade.

 

What advice would you give a novice writer to get them off on the right track when publishing romance?

Read in the sub genres you want to write – do your homework. Each one has its own rules and expectations, and you need to know them before you start writing. And write what you love to read, because your love for that type of romance will jump off the page.

Are you a goals oriented kind of author? If so, what kind of goals have you set for yourself for the next year? The next five?

I am – and my career is driven by goals I have for myself and the kind of stories I want to tell. In the next year, I want to expand my catalog of books, and explore several different sub genres I enjoy as a reader. The next five years – I’ll be doing the same: keep writing, keep publishing, and enjoy the wild ride.

What book series have you written?

I have 2 completed series so far: The Forbidden Series, which is PNR, and The Thief of Ishel, which is fantasy romance. I also have 2 in progress: The Hawkins Brothers, which is BBW billionare romance, and The T’An Chronicles, which is sci fi alien romance.

 

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula, or character maps?

I write a bit differently from most authors I know. I have been making up stories in my head since I was in first grade, and I do the same now. It plays out like a film, I write down a quick outline of where I want to go, and I’m off. I do simple character sheets if it’s for a series, so I can keep track of basics, and any changes I make to the character – like scars, injuries, etc. I do tend to beat my characters up. I also keep a timeline for each book, for continuity and timing of

scenes. My next goal is to take all my notes and put them into a series bible.

Tell us a bit about your writing day. How much time do you spend researching, writing and promoting? What has to happen for you to feel you’ve had a successful writing day?

I do a good bit of research as I’m writing the outline, then finish up when I’m done with my first draft. Depending on the day, I’ll write between 3-8 hours. The longer days are spread out, with breaks to clear my mind, and move around. Promoting is something I work on about once a week, a month in advance of the promotion. I like to have it scheduled early, so I have time to get ready for it, and have ad grouped together for the most exposure. For me, a successful writing day is writing hard and fast, until I literally run out of steam, and my brain says no more. Some of my most powerful and emotional work has come out of those sessions, so I try to do it as often as possible.

What, in your opinion, is going to go out of favor in the romance reader world over the next year? What do you think will be the next “big thing”?

I believe the next big thing is werebear shifters (which is already hitting hard and fast), and sci fi alien romance. As for what is going to go out of favor – I can’t really see any of the sub genres doing that, not completely. There are so many amazing romance readers, and as a romance reader, I love the variety I can find in one of my favorite genres.

And now for the silly… given the choice, which of your characters would you become, and why?

I love Anji Pearce from the T’An Chronicles – she’s feisty, strong, has a good heart, and a good head on her shoulders. Plus she gets to fall for one of the sexiest aliens I know.

What’s coming down the pike for Lily Marie? When can we expect to see it released to the world?

Alien Love, Book 2 of The T’’An Chronicles, is coming this month, as well as One Wedding, the final part of Marcus’ trilogy in The Hawkins Brothers. I am also co-writing the first of a series of BBW werebear shifter romances with Terra Wolf, and I am very excited about those. The first book, Wounds to Bear, will release on August 20.

Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or recently released one?

Sure! Here is a sneak peek at Alien Love:

 

So this is what dying feels like.

Anji Suun Pearce fought against the weights dragging her deeper into the water. Without the use of her hands, she knew it was a battle she wouldn’t win, but she refused to give up.

She took precious seconds to push each shoe off, then started kicking. She wasn’t making much progress, but at least she wasn’t sinking into the bottomless, watery depths. The next problem she had was the pressure on her lungs—and that little luxury she liked to call breathing. She’d need to do it soon, whether she was free of the water or not.

With renewed determination she kicked harder, her legs starting to cramp from the effort. She was going to die down here, without ever seeing Kiele again, touching him, knowing if he was all right—

No!

Her lungs wanted air, begged for air, and the pressure in her head from lack of oxygen left her dizzy. It was getting harder to focus, or remember why she fought so hard. The water was so cool on her skin, and she could simply float, rest for a minute, then—

God—focus, Anji.

She forced herself out of the growing stupor, though it became harder with each second she couldn’t breathe. Any time now, her lungs were going to mutiny, and suck in a big mouthful of water. Then Kiele would have no chance at all.

Movement froze her. Were there fish down here? Big enough to see her as lunch? That was all she needed. Stopping had her sinking again, even faster than before. She tried to kick, to get away from the fast approaching threat, and to keep from dropping even farther.

She screamed when the threat smacked into her, and did what she’d been fighting—she let water in.

 

***

 

Links:

Get the first scoop on new releases by signing up for my list here: http://lilymariewrites.wix.com/books#!new-release-sign-up/ckbv

Learn more about me here: http://lilymariewrites.com

You can find me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lilymariewrites

Join me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/lilymariewrites

 

Thanks again for answering all my questions, Lily. It’s been fun chatting. If any of our readers are looking for Lily’s books you can find them on Amazon!

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